
San Diego’s city schools have been fortunate to have had many wonderful teachers throughout the years, but few have had the impact of Larry Zeiger. Zeiger taught English and the arts of film and theater at Point Loma High School for 33 years, but his greatest contribution was as volunteer musical theater producer/director. Zeiger’s productions originally started out as a final class project for his senior English students, uniquely using original material and script. By the time he retired in 2007, Zeiger had staged more than 30 musicals, with over 100 students involved in getting the show to an audience. While he no longer produces plays, the prolific Zeiger has written dozens of songs that were never used. On Saturday, Sept. 26 at 2 p.m. at Baron’s Marketplace, Zeiger will host a five-hour CD release event for his debut album, “Meetchu In Machu Picchu.” Zeiger will perform throughout the event with special guests, including Glen Fisher, Joe Allen, Joel Cobb and Tamara Cooper. The two-disc set, which includes 21 songs, will be available at the show. It will also soon be available on CDBaby, iTunes and local coffeehouses Reds and The Honey Bear Cottage. “I write music all the time,” Zeiger said. “I’ve been writing since I was 15 years old, growing up in Cleveland, Ohio and had first started piano lessons.” Two of the songs on the new album, “Drifting” and “Shades of Blue,” date to the ’60s. “I updated them to sound a bit more contemporary, but I played those two during the senior assembly at Cleveland Heights High School,” Zeiger recalled. Work on the album began in November 2007 and wrapped up in July 2009. The lengthy recording time was due to having so many songs and arrangements as well as musician availability. Among the talents involved are trumpeter Gilbert Castellanos, guitarist Peter Sprague, keyboard player Anthony Smith and drummer Tim McMann. This is the first event of its kind to be held at Baron’s Marketplace. According to Debi Tauber, the store’s marketing manager, this CD-release show is an outgrowth of the friendship the store has for one of its best customers. “He’s our neighbor and a good friend,” Tauber said. “When we heard he had an album coming out, we wanted to help give it a really good kick-off.” Zeiger said he is thrilled. “I do all my shopping there and stop in every morning to say hello when I get my coffee,” Zeiger said. “They are wonderful people. I really think this event will be beneficial to the community, bring music to people of all ages, and it’s all due to their help.” Zeigler finds the idea of puloc art like this a particularly worthwhile activity. “Of course, I want people to hear and enjoy my music, but also, I think arts and music are the most important part of a person’s education,” Zeiger said. “I think it stimulates learning on all levels, whether it be math or science, history or English,” he said. He said he has relayed ideas for music-related projects to Baron’s staff in the past. “I’ve mentioned that they should have a piano in the store and then they could be the Nordstrom of supermarkets,” Zeiger said. In addition to promoting his new album, Zeiger is currently co-authoring a book, “Swapping Stories: A Pairing of Wine & Words,” and is considering the possibility of staging new productions, using Point Loma High School alumni. Many of his students have gone on to success in Hollywood, working on such productions as “Gulding Light,” “Boondock Saints” and “The Butterfly Effect.” In the meantime, Zeiger said he is pleased with the release of “Meetchu In Machu Picchu.” He considers further albums a distinct possibility, this project having barely made an impact on his music catalog. “Even with a two-disc set, I still have a piano bench full of songs left,” he said. Zeiger performs on Saturday, Sept. 26 beginning at 2 p.m. at Baron’s Marketplace, 4001 W. Point Loma Blvd. The event is for all ages and there is no cover charge. For more information, visit http://www.zeigerspace.com.