Live at the Orinda! will be one of the first concerts Sam Harris presents following a devastating vocal problem that silenced the dynamic singer for over a year. Now, completely recovered, the dynamic singer looks forward to welcoming Orinda audiences with “Beyond the Rainbow.”
After a nearly three-year break from live shows, the multi-talented Sam Harris brings his “Beyond the Rainbow” tour to the Orinda Theatre on Nov. 17 at 5 p.m.
The popular recording artist looks forward to singing Broadway, pop, standards and even a few Lady Gaga tunes at the Orinda venue, as well as telling a plethora of amusing stories. But this show means much more to Harris than presenting his favorite tunes to an appreciative audience. It is his opportunity to once again do what he loves – sing.
The dedicated performer had to stop singing several years ago when he started having vocal issues and found himself in the hospital.
“I was hemorrhaging and had to have surgery, then I contracted a post-COVID condition called COVID-related vocal dysphonia,” said Harris. “It was like my vocal cords had a stroke. I couldn’t sing and had to cancel dates. And then this enormous fear of performing came to light and I didn’t sing a note for a year.”
As Harris healed, he had a heart-to-heart conversation with his friend, fellow-singer Patti LuPone. Fortunately, she helped him face his fear head on and start singing again.
“I’ve always loved and admired Patti and when she talked about her own fears, it just turned me around,” said Harris. “I called Michael Orland, who’s musically directing my show, and we put this show together. That was only in May, but I’m 100% and couldn’t be more excited. This show is very, very personal. I bare my heart and soul.”
Harris began his stellar career in1983 at the age of 21 on the premiere season of “Star Search.” He appeared 17 times before winning the title of grand champion with his passionate rendition of “Over the Rainbow.”
His vocal gymnastics and heart-felt delivery garnered Harris a contract with Motown Records where he hit Billboard’s Top 40 list, followed by nine studio albums, sold-out concerts across the country and London, as well as several Broadway shows, national tours, film and television.
“Not being able to sing was a life-changing moment,” Harris said. “I mean, I do other things. I’m an author, an actor. I’m a husband and a dad, but when I thought I wouldn’t be able to sing anymore, it was terrifying. I guess I had taken it for granted that I would always sing, and almost losing it has given me a deeper level of what it is to perform. I feel I have so much more to bring to the table because life experience changes us and gives us a deeper look at our own lives and at humanity. So, in a way, this crisis became a blessing. I feel more grounded.”
Orinda audiences have lots to look forward to as Harris always tries to create a theatrical experience during his concerts by including a bit of comedy, stories and observations.
“Ultimately, I’m a storyteller. That’s the joy for me. I always go back to the lyric, to the story,” Harris said. “I hope to take everyone on a little adventure to some places perhaps they don’t expect.”
Harris reflects on the wonderful life he’s had and his great family, which includes his husband of 30 years and 16-year-old son. In addition to his upcoming concerts, the tireless performer has a new book, “The Substance of All Things,” currently available on Amazon, and in development as a feature film.
“I have heard so many great things about Orinda and the theater and the audiences,” he said. “And since I’ve just started singing again, it thrills me to be coming to a place reputed to be this amazing place with amazing people. I know we’re going to have a ball.”
Live at the Orinda! is a concert series featuring world-class performers from around the globe in specially curated musical evenings at the iconic Orinda Theatre, located at 2 Orinda Theatre Square. For tickets, go to orindamovies.com.
