Turlock native and popular Christian singer Phil King will put on a benefit concert tonight to raise funds for the Turlock Gospel Mission – a non-profit organization that is dedicated to helping the homeless in Turlock. The Christian band Leeland will also perform.

Born and raised in Turlock, King has always had a passion for music. During his teenage years at Pitman High School, it was not uncommon to see King singing the national anthem at both football and basketball games. While living in Turlock, King also played a myriad of shows at House of Java and the War Memorial.

After signing a record deal, King moved to Tennessee to begin his music career. Since then, he released his first album in 2012 and has been traveling to cities throughout the United States to put on concerts.

“It’s an honor the open door that this music thing gives me to speak into peoples lives and encourage them,” said King. “Part of how I got to where I’m at today is because people did that to me, and eventually I listened.”

With a blend of soulful down-home blues, pop influences and deep lyrics, King said that he draws his influence musically from Jonny Lang, Stevie Wonder, Michael McDonald, and One Republic. But when it comes to lyrics, King keeps it no secret that his music is about worship at its core.

“Lyrically speaking my music is totally worship,” said King. “I’m pretty up front about that. I could have chosen to go other routes with my songwriting, but any good songwriter will tell you that the most powerful songs are the ones that are about the things which are most alive and real to us…and for me that’s Jesus.”

The free concert will be held at 7 p.m. tonight at Monte Vista Chapel, located at 1619 E. Monte Vista Avenue in Turlock. For more information, call (209) 634-4935.