State Sen. Dave Argall surprised the crowd at last year's Big Benefit Concert at the Tamaqua Community Art Center, playing his trusty high school saxophone after literally decades of storage. The sax and the senator didn't miss a beat, drawing rave reviews from the crowd.

The Big Benefit Concert is the art center's largest fundraising event, now in its third year. This year's event will be held from 7-9 p.m. Fridayat the art center, 125 Pine St., Tamaqua.A repurposed 1900s-era church, the center features huge rooms, which are challenging to heat and cool, providing an inclusive, educational, safe venue where anyone can participate, appreciate, create and learn more about the fine and performing arts. Managers estimate it costs $8,000 a month to keep the center running, and that doesn't count projected improvements, such as an elevator to provide handicap access to the second floor, where "The Stitch" Performing Arts Hall is located.Center coordinator Leona Rega says the benefit is "a major player in keeping the center open and functional. These funds pay the overhead - the utilities such as heat, light, water and more. We're grateful for all of our benefit performers, who give of their time and talent to keep us going. We're also grateful for our financial supporters and to the community for all they do for us during the year."Argall had so much fun last year, he has volunteered to take the stage at this year's event. "Redz Vision," featuring Miles Coursen, Traci Wehbe, John Nigrelli and Rich Stern, will again serve as the house band. Also scheduled to perform are St. Luke's Miners Campus President Bill Moyer, Tamaqua Borough Councilman Micah Gursky, Tamaqua Mayor Chris Morrison, 13-year-old Laura Williams and Amanda Miller, a nurse at St. Luke's.There will also be a bonus performer, Tamaqua Area School Board President Larry Wittig. His part in the event will be the evening's big surprise.Refreshments will be provided by Macaluso's Restaurant and Cocktail Bar at the Lantern Lodge in Nesquehoning; Galen Glen Vineyard and Winery of Andreas; Blue Lizard Vineyard and Winery of Andreas; and Pamkakes of Tamaqua.Individual ticket prices for theater seating are $100 per person, while pub tables have already sold out. All proceeds benefit the art center, a 501c3 nonprofit organization.Sponsor packages are also available.For tickets, sponsorships or more information, call 570-668-1192.