WINDHAM – Singer-songwriter Jonathan Edwards is scheduled to perform at the North Windham Union Church (723 Roosevelt Trail) at 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 11, with a portion of the proceeds to benefit Windham Neighbors Helping Neighbors’ fuel fund.

The acoustic folk-rock artist’s concert is the ninth concert in the “Music With a Mission” series sponsored by the church, said Dr. Richard Nickerson, minister of music for the church and music director at Windham High School. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

Edwards is best known for “Sunshine,” his 1971 hit. He has recorded 15 solo albums and performed throughout North America and Europe, collaborating with artists like Emmylou Harris, Jimmy Buffet, Tom Chapin, Christine Lavin, B.B. King and the Allman Brothers Band.

Growing up in Minnesota, Edwards began his music career playing by ear on the piano and guitar, he said in a phone interview on Monday. When he moved to Boston, he quickly became an integral part of the music scene there.

Forty-five years later, Edwards continues to play throughout the country. Oct. 11 will be Edwards’ first time performing in Windham, he said, after the church reached out to him about playing for Music with a Mission to benefit Windham Neighbors Helping Neighbors, a group of volunteers who provide emergency, one-time fuel assistance to people in need throughout the community.

“I do as many attention-raising benefits as I can throughout the course of the year,” Edwards said.

“I understand, and I am fully aware that Maine is a pretty hard-hit state for poverty and hunger,” said Edwards, who lives in Portland and is active in raising awareness for hunger issues.

“This is a place that needs a lot of fuel,” he said. “Alternative fuels are way down the road, so meanwhile, we [need] oil.”

He said he is excited to be able to perform at the North Windham church, primarily because it’s for such a worthy cause.

“I am really grateful and thankful that I have the chance to try to make a difference, to try to raise awareness about causes that people might otherwise not be aware of,” Edwards said. “I am really glad that my name and music help to bring people in and unite them around a cause.”

According to Edwards, inspirations for his songs are found in daily life, and the “challenges we are up against in terms of climate, existence and war. All these things are part of the life that I think about, things I am involved in, things I embrace.”

Since its inception about a year ago, “Music with a Mission” concerts have raised nearly $6,000 for church expenses and local nonprofits, said Nickerson. He anticipates a large turnout for the Oct. 11 benefit concert.

“Jonathan Edwards is the biggest name we’ve had and most exciting concert of the year,” Nickerson said. “We are excited to be bringing someone of his caliber, and we are looking forward to a sold-out crowd.”

The concerts “are a way to bring people to the church for non-church-related events and a way to give back to the community,” he said.

More information about the upcoming concert can be found at www.mwamconcerts.com or by calling 892-7149.

A CLOSER LOOK

Singer-songwriter Jonathan Edwards will perform in the ninth installment of the ongoing Music with a Mission concert series at 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 11, at North Windham Union Church, 723 Roosevelt Trail. Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door. Tickets may be purchased online at www.mwamconcerts.com. The box office opens at 6:15 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

Jonathan Edwards will bring his singing talents to North Windham next weekend to raise money for the Windham Neighbors Helping Neighbors fuel fund.