By Tatiana Castellanos
“America’s beloved tenor” Daniel Rodriguez will sing at a fund raising gala Thursday at Flushing Town Hall, at 137-35 Northern Blvd., to benefit the Flushing House retirement residence.
Rodriguez, who began his musical career at 11-years old, debuted with his first recital at Carnegie Hall at the age of 16 and was later known as the “17-year-old baritone.”
The singer began by singing on Broadway and for the police department where he worked as an officer.
The “singing policeman,” as he is known by many, became a local favorite, and was called upon to sing at the September 2001 “Prayer for America” at Yankees Stadium; a prayer service held for those killed or missing due to the 9/11 attack on the World Trade Center.
It was at this ceremony that tenor Placido Domingo heard Rodriguez’ voice and invited him to attend his Young Artists Institute in Washington, D.C. where his career kicked off and led him to become a world-famous singer with numerous albums recorded.
Rodriguez finished a five-day tour this past Monday, that raised thousands of dollars, which he hopes to present to the families of the three victims of the Boston Marathon bombing April 15.
It is because of this act of kindness, and several others, that Rodriguez will be honored with the Humanitarian Award presented by the Flushing House and parent United Adult Ministries.
“I don’t undertake humanitarian efforts to win awards,” said the singer, “but I am very honored and I appreciate them recognizing that, and I accept this award humbly.”
The Flushing House, a pioneer in independent living combined with supportive services on premises, has been around for 39 years. It is a retirment center that attempts to remain affordable for older adults who live there. In it’s history, it has never had to evict a resident due to inability to pay.
The gala is on April 25 from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the Historic Flushing Town Hall, Flushing. To attend, bring a $75 check (per person) payable to United Adult Ministries, and see Robert Salant, Flushing House director of community relations, at the event. For more information contact Salant at 347-532-3025 or by e-mail rsalant@uam.org.
