Five for Fighting brings a 'unique' show to Monterey, joined by an all-star string quartet.

John Ondrasik just chuckles at one of the most common admissions he hears. As hits such as “Superman (It’s Not Easy),” “100 Years,” “The Riddle” and others dominated playlists, many listeners assumed Five for Fighting was the name of his band.

Five for Fighting—Ondrasik’s stage name—has a rock band. But for his visit to Monterey, he is bringing a string quartet instead.

“This allows more intimacy—and not just with the music,” he says. For arena shows, the band cranks up the guitars. With the quartet, Ondrasik takes the performance in a different direction, telling stories, showing videos and adding songs to his set list that are arranged for string. “It adds an emotional wave you don’t get with a rock show.”

His chart-topping songs take on a different vibe, as well. “It’s a unique show,” Ondrasik observes.

One of the videos is likely to be of “Can One Man Save the World.” The song was recorded in Kyiv, part of Ondrasik’s humanitarian work. Over the past several years, Five for Fighting has released songs from a humanistic perspective, capturing the trials and resilience of victims.

“A lot of these folks feel voiceless,” he says. “One person can’t change the world, but maybe one person can inspire another. That’s what the song is about. We all have a role to play, we all have the ability to express ourselves.”

But, he adds, “I hope I never have to write another one of those songs.”

Ondrasik says he is blessed to have “a few songs” that allows him to support humanitarian causes. His catalog includes two platinum albums, America Town and The Battle for Everything, as well as a string of hits such as “Chances” and “World” that top one billion streams.

Songs like “Superman (It’s Not Easy)” and “100 Years” have entered a musical stratosphere. There is an emotional appeal in each that is universal.

“Those songs were like Post-It notes to myself: Appreciate the moment,” he says. “What kind of world do we want? Everyone has thought that. I think that’s why those songs have lasted.”

Joining him on stage at Golden State Theatre will be Katie Kresek, who has a Tony Award, and Melissa Tong on violin, along with Broadway performers Chris Cardona (viola) and Peter Sachon (cello).

The concert will cover the hits—and more.

“What a beautiful theater you have,” Ondrasik says. “We’re excited.”

8pm Saturday, Oct. 25. Golden State Theatre, 417 Alvarado St., Monterey. (831) 649-1070, goldenstatetheatre.com.