Singer/songwriter Sam Glaser will be in Tucson to celebrate a local friend, his own father, and fathers everywhere this Father’s Day. The acclaimed Jewish pop musician will perform at a fundraiser suggested by his friend Michael Deitch on Sunday, June 20 at 1 p.m. at Congregation Anshei Israel.
Deitch, a CAI congregant, has been named one of five Tucson “Fathers of the Year” by the city’s Father’s Day Council. Glaser will perform at the council’s gala on June 19 (see www.fdctucson.org), singing tunes such as one he wrote about his own father, “He Is Still My Daddy.”
When Deitch asked Glaser to also commemorate Father’s Day with a benefit concert for CAI, he agreed. Moment Magazine has cited the Los Angeles-based Glaser as one of the top 10 Jewish performers in the United States. He has brought his trademark pop music to an average of 50 cities a year since 1995, to the White House and Broadway, Dodger Stadium, and numerous synagogues and Jewish Community Centers. Glaser has also performed internationally, and at Jewish national conventions ranging from Union of Reform Judaism Biennial, to the Orthodox Union and Cantors Assembly.
Glaser has more than 20 CDs to his credit, including the award-winning children’s releases “Soap Soup”and “Kol Bamidbar,” and his newest CD, “Hallel,” which brings together his eight-piece band, strings, adult and children’s choirs and an array of guest vocalists.
Deitch developed a friendship via e-mail with Glaser after his last CAI concert two years ago. Glaser came to Tucson and entertained at Deitch’s son Noah’s Bar Mitzvah on June 21, 2009. In March, Deitch had a business meeting in his hometown of Chattanooga, Tenn., and also visited his family. The clincher for planning the trip, however, was discovering that he’d also be able to attend another Glaser concert with his 11-year-old son Benjamin while visiting Tennessee.
Tickets for the CAI concert are $18; seniors, $15; and children/ students under 18, $10. A dessert reception will follow the concert for those who purchase family ticket packages or sponsorships. For more information, contact Barb at 745-5550, ext. 242.
