NERD HQ’S INAUGURAL ‘MUSIC IS MEDICINE’ BENEFIT CONCERT RAISES MORE THAN $100,000 FOR MENTAL HEALTH

Zachary Levi and special guest Rumer Willis headline a packed night at SLC’s historic Capitol Theatre, raising enough to fund more than 500 therapy sessions

SALT LAKE CITY, UT, UNITED STATES, October 14, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Nerd HQ’s inaugural “Music Is Medicine” benefit concert brought a packed house to Salt Lake City’s legendary Capitol Theatre on September 23 for an unforgettable evening of music, laughter and generosity – raising more than $100,000 to help provide mental health services and therapy to people who otherwise could not afford them. The funds raised will help provide more than 500 therapy sessions to people in need nationwide.

Actor and Nerd HQ founder Zachary Levi took center stage for the one-night-only event, performing a variety of show tunes and classics, accompanied by a 17-piece band and orchestra expertly directed by Shaun Barrowes. Levi mixed music with personal stories, conversation and humor throughout the evening, while special musical guest Rumer Willis joined him on stage for several numbers. Together, the two revisited Levi’s Disney roots with a duet of the beloved “I See the Light” from Tangled, then brought the house down with a powerful rendition of “Suddenly Seymour” from Little Shop of Horrors.

“I love music. I love comedy. I love people. And I love being able to use music and comedy to help people. That’s what Music is Medicine was all about. I was so grateful for the opportunity to entertain people while raising money to help people heal.” — Zachary Levi, Founder, Nerd HQ

With the orchestra level filled and guests extending into the mezzanine, the evening became more than a concert. Nerd HQ Executive Director Eric Artell joined Levi on stage for the night’s fundraising focus, inviting supporters to publicly commit to helping fund the organization’s work and demonstrating the immediate impact one room of people could make together.

Music With a Mission

The concert was a celebration of music with a purpose: helping remove one of the most significant barriers to mental health care – cost.

Data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, published by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), highlights that roughly 42% of adults who reported an unmet need for mental health services cited cost or lack of insurance coverage as the primary reason they did not receive care. For countless individuals and families, the desire to seek help is there, but the financial resources simply are not.

Nerd HQ is working to change that reality. Through its fundraising initiatives and partnership with TimelyCare, the nonprofit has already funded more than 2,500 therapy sessions, helping over 1,000 individuals across the United States access the care and support they need.

“Music Is Medicine” represents another significant step forward in that mission, turning an extraordinary night of entertainment into hundreds of additional opportunities for people to receive mental health care.

While the concert has concluded, the fundraising effort continues. Those inspired by the evening, or who simply want to help make mental health care more accessible, can contribute directly at https://nerdhq.org/donateconcert. Every contribution helps Nerd HQ bring therapy within reach for more people who need it.

Community Partners Making a Difference

The evening was made possible in large part by presenting sponsor Balance of Nature. Katrine Howard addressed the audience from the stage, speaking about the shared commitment of Balance of Nature and Nerd HQ to helping people live healthier, fuller lives.

“Mental health is an essential part of our overall well-being, and sometimes the right connection at the right moment can make all the difference. We are grateful to support Nerd HQ as they create more opportunities for people to find meaningful care, connection, and hope when they need it most.” – Katrine Howard, President of the Office of the Founder, Balance of Nature

Lex Howard, President and CEO of Balance of Nature added:

“Balance of Nature was proud to support Nerd HQ’s ‘Music is Medicine’ event and the important work they are doing to make a positive difference in mental health. At Balance of Nature, we believe that true health is about more than just the physical; it includes the chemical and spiritual aspects of our lives as well. Supporting an event that brings people together through music, connection, and a shared desire to help others aligns closely with our values. We were grateful to be part of such a meaningful evening and to support Nerd HQ in the impact they are making in the lives of others”.

Nerd HQ also thanks its supporting sponsors The Recipe Critic, Goldbacks and The XRoom for helping make the inaugural event possible.

The evening’s fundraising was further supported by a silent auction featuring unique memorabilia, exclusive experiences and special packages generously donated by supporters of the cause.

Following the concert, Platinum ticket holders enjoyed an intimate Q&A with Levi, followed by a reception and photo opportunity, bringing an already memorable evening to a personal close.

The success of the inaugural “Music Is Medicine” benefit concert demonstrated the power of bringing entertainment, community and generosity together around a shared purpose. With more than $100,000 raised and hundreds of additional therapy sessions made possible, the evening was a powerful reminder that music can do more than entertain – it can help change lives.

About Nerd HQ

Nerd HQ is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded by actor Zachary Levi and dedicated to making mental health care accessible to individuals who otherwise could not afford it. Through fundraising, community events and partnerships, Nerd HQ works to remove financial barriers to therapy while promoting mental health awareness, education and open conversations about emotional well-being. To date, Nerd HQ has funded more than 2,500 therapy sessions, helping over 1,000 people nationwide.

To learn more or support the mission, visit https://nerdhq.org.

Eric Artell, Executive Director
Nerd HQ
eric@nerdhq.org
Visit us on social media:
LinkedIn
Instagram
Facebook
YouTube