The Austin Area Commission for the Arts is dedicated not only to supporting local arts groups, but local nonprofit groups as well.

We will be presenting two events that fit in those categories this week at the Historic Paramount Theatre.

Desperate Tears, a budding nonprofit focused on suicide prevention and awareness in southern Minnesota, will bring the Anthem of Angels tour to the Paramount at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Christian rock band Seventh Day Slumber will be headlining the concert, and will feature Manic Overdrive and Ilia.

This concert has a special connection for Desperate Tears because Seventh Day Slumber frontman Joseph Rojas also struggled with depression and suicide. Through music and his religious beliefs, Rojas found salvation from the depths of a cocaine-fueled suicide attempt.

According to Desperate Tears founder Shelley LeTendre, these bands not only offer great music, but an uplifting message that everyone should hear.

From a nationally-known rock band we will switch gears on Sunday, April 22, and present the local barbershop chorus, Forte Milers.

They will be presenting their annual concert “I Believe in Music.” Along with the Forte Milers Barbershop Chorus, the show will feature two other Barbershop choruses from the area, including the Harmony Junction Barbershop Chorus from Albert Lea and the Zumbro Valley Sweet Adelines Chorus from Rochester.

The three choruses will sing a variety of familiar songs in the distinctive four-part Barbershop harmony style. Tickets for both of these events are available online at www.paramounttheatre.org or at the Paramount Box Office.

Box office hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday.