Jim Anderson knows exactly how beneficial arts programs in local high schools can be.

It’s kind of what got him started down the road that he currently walks as a rockabilly tribute artist that specializes in the music of Elvis Presley.

It wasn’t until he got involved in performances at East Union that Anderson – a retired police officer and a Sierra High School parent volunteer – finally got bit by the performance bug that would drive him to pursue his passion for more than two decades.

And on Thursday he’s going to put his smooth voice and flashy style on display for the Sierra High School band and choir programs at a fundraiser inside of the school’s cafeteria at 7 p.m. The $5 tickets will benefit both programs.

“It’s funny you know – the first time I ever sang was at East Union and I got put into this variety show and we had to perform over at Manteca High and all I could think was, ‘there’s no way I can do this,’” Anderson said. “I told them that I can sing country and I can sing Elvis and they said to go with Elvis. And when I came out the place went nutty. I thought they were yelling at something else, but right then I realized the excitement that comes with (performing).”

“It’s important to have those opportunities.”

Anderson and his band, The Rebels, will join the Sierra High choir and band on the makeshift stage for both individual and group performances. He said he was approached by Sierra High School band director Rick Hammarstrom who asked if he’d be willing to come perform again at their fundraiser after belting out a couple of sings in the past.

He couldn’t say no.

“When you go to football games and other sports they have the snack bar to raise money and other things that they do but the band doesn’t really have that opportunity,” Anderson said. “This is a chance to help those programs that I know are going to help these kids as they finish their high school careers and decide whether or not they make music or entertainment a part of their lives.

“It gives them exposure to something and it’s a good cause and I’m honored to be able to participate with them.”

Anderson, who had dual knee replacement surgeries last year after years of performing with injuries – requiring braces, medication and marathon icing sessions after imitating Presley’s trademark dance moves before a crowd – said he’s back and better than ever and the high-energy performances are the standard by which he and by the band want to be judged.

As a former law enforcement officer Anderson said that he knows that people have all kinds of things that go on in their lives, and if they can sit down and take in the rockabilly and country and rock-and-roll style he’ll display for them for even an hour, that’s an hour that may take their mind off of the things aren’t necessarily going right with the day.

“It’s all about the smiles. I saw a lot of things in law enforcement and a lot of negative stuff and when I perform I’m doing it for that smile – so can people can have a good time,” he said. “It’s a style of music that has been carried on through a lot of generations, and it’s all about having a good time and enjoying it. If I can do that for somebody – make them smile – then I’ve done my job.”

The fundraiser, which will feature performances by the Sierra High School band, choir, Anderson and his band and then all of three of them together, will take place at the cafeteria at Sierra High School on Thursday, Nov. 12,  at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the $5 tickets can be purchased at the door or by visiting www.jimandersonandtherebels.com.