Thank You Notes

An all-star lineup of musicians who have backed performers such as Earth, Wind and Fire, Eric Clapton, Kenny G and Joe Cocker will be part of a 21-piece ensemble performing Sunday at Cal State Northridge.

The group is headed by Jack Bielan, a composer, producer, arranger and stage and studio musician for such luminaries as James Taylor and Seals and Croft.

Presented by Valley Outreach Synagogue, the “Jack Bielan & Friends” concert will include funk, rock ‘n’ roll and contemporary Jewish music. Bielan said the concert is his way of thanking those who helped him when his son and daughter were killed five years ago by a drunk driver.

“I’ve been told that my music brings people closer to God,” said Bielan, 52. “If that is true, I can’t think of any more meaningful purpose for what I am doing.”

Drummer Russ McKinnon of Canoga Park, who tours with Joe Cocker and is a former member of Tower of Power, called Bielan a “people person.”

“His desire to be of service spiritually, mentally and ethically is quite extraordinary,” he said.

“He’s unique,” said Rabbi Jerry Fisher at Valley Outreach Synagogue, where Bielan has worked as music director for 15 years. “His music comes from the depths of his soul.”

Bielan, who has written funk and groove tunes for Motown’s Jobete Music, has been musically innovative at the synagogue..

“People may think [the concert] will be soft, boring music,” Bielan said. “But it’s a darn diverse program. We do music that will rock and sock ‘em.”

Many of the performers in Sunday’s lineup are featured on Bielan’s first CD, “Jack Bielan & Friends--From the Heart of a Jewish Soul,” available next week.

BE THERE

“Jack Bielan & Friends” concert Sunday at 2 p.m. at CSUN Performing Arts Center at 18111 Nordhoff St., Northridge. $35. Call (818) 348-4867 or (818) 677-2488.