Jan. 28 concert will help launch Lorien Place resident Eric Komar’s new compact disc and raise money for brain cancer research.
By: John Patten
Lorien Place resident Eric Komar said his Jan. 28 concert at Temple Beth-El will be a way for him to give back to the temple community.
The concert will not only help launch Mr. Komar’s new compact disc, "Two Life," but will help raise money for brain cancer research.
"I knew I wanted to celebrate the release of the CD, and because the temple community has considered me like family, I wanted to give back by making the concert a combination," Mr. Komar said.
So a portion of the proceeds from the event will be donated to The Meghan Rose Bradley Foundation, created in memory of Meghan Bradley of Hillsborough, who died in 2004 at the age of 16 after battling brain cancer.
Mr. Komar teaches Hebrew and music at Temple Beth-El, and counted Meghan among his students.
"I had Meghan since she was a little girl," he said. "She was always very enthusiastic, always smiling.
"She always had a good attitude about life and family unfortunately her life was cut short," he added.
Dave Sandler, Temple Beth-El’s president, noted Mr. Komar’s students have been inspired not only by his music, but also by his involvement in the community.
"Eric has been a tremendous source of inspiration for our students here," Mr. Sandler said. "His music connects with the students and families at our temple.
"It is quite a testament to his spirit and principles that he is donating a portion of the concert proceeds to The Meghan Rose Bradley Foundation," Mr. Sandler said. "It should be a great concert, with great music, and for a very special cause."
Mr. Komar describes his music as analogous to Ccontemporary Christian music only with Jewish themes. Although his main musical influences are jazz guitarists George Benson and Joe Pass, he grew up listening to Top 40 groups like the Eagles and Steely Dan.
"There was always contemporary music in my house growing up a lot of what’s on the classic rock stations now," he said.
"Two Life" is Mr. Komar’s second CD, following 2003 "Notes From the Underground," both of which were produced by Josh Nelson, a leading producer in contemporary Jewish music. Two songs penned by Mr. Komar on the earlier CD the peace anthem "Lo Yisa Goi" and "L’cha Adonai" are featured in various publications by Transcontinental Music.
Mr. Komar has been focusing on his musical career for the last five years after ditching an academic pursuit, studying for a Ph.D. in linguistics.
"I decided after many years in academia to ‘bite the bullet’ and pursue a career in music," he said. "So far, with a lot of perseverance and support of my family, it’s worked."
Mr. Komar is earning a solid following for his work in addition to regularly performing and teaching Jewish music at synagogues, JCCs and Hillels nationwide, he is a regular performer at The Coalition for the Advancement of Jewish Education (CAJE) and the Union for Reform Judaism’s Biennial conventions.
At the conventions, he’s shared the stage with the leading artists of contemporary Jewish music, including Steve Dropkin and Joe Black.
His musical journey really began at 17, when he won the North American Federation of Temple Youth (NFTY) Song Competition with "Shalom L’Yisrael" (available on "NFTY: 50 Years in the Making," Transcontinental Music).
The Meghan Rose Bradley Foundation’s mission is threefold: To raise public awareness of pediatric brain cancer through education and advocacy; to raise funds for pediatric brain cancer research; to provide scholarships for area school students for outstanding achievements.
Brain cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among young adults, according to the Journal of the American Medical Association. For further information or to make contributions to the foundation, contact Ileen or Bob Bradley at [email protected].
Tickets to the 1:30 p.m. concert may be purchased in advance by calling 369-3654. Advanced ticket prices are $10 for adults; $5 for seniors and children under 13. Tickets may also be purchased at the door for $12 for adults; $5 for seniors and children under 13.