United Jewish Federation of Stamford, New Canaan, and Darien (UJF) is excited to present Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter John Ondrasik of Five for Fighting, in concert on Sunday, September 7 at 7:30 pm at Rippowam Middle School, 381 High Ridge Road in Stamford. The event, entitled “Superheroes Among Us,” will celebrate and recognize an array of community leaders for their outstanding service to the local Jewish community. Event chairs are Hannah and Daniel Blonshteyn, Lisa and Jeff Manheim, and Wendy and Jared Siegel. Ondrasik will sing and share his story as part of the evening’s program.
Ondrasik has penned major hits, including the chart-topping "100 Years," "The Riddle," "Chances," "World," and "Easy Tonight," which have earned tens of millions of streams and placed him as a Top 10 Hot Adult Contemporary artist for the 2000s. The reflective "100 Years" has joined "Superman (It's Not Easy)" as part of the American songbook and continues to stand the test of time, playing at weddings, birthdays, graduations, memorials, and in many home videos. More than 350 films, television shows, and commercials, such as the Oscar-winning The Blind Side, Hawaii Five-O, The Sopranos, and the CBS drama Code Black, have used Five for Fighting’s music.
Following the events of October 7, 2023, Ondrasik became a staunch supporter and ally of Israel and the Jewish people. In April 2025, Ondrasik revised the lyrics to “Superman” as a tribute to Alon Ohel, a 24-year-old hostage, still currently held by Hamas. Ondrasik performed alongside Alon’s brother Ronen, his mother Idit, and a community of friends who gathered in Hostage Square, Tel Aviv.
“As someone who danced to ‘100 Years’ at my wedding, welcoming John Ondrasik to Stamford this September is profoundly personal,” says Wendy Siegel, event co-chair, “John may not be Jewish, yet time and again he’s used his voice to champion justice and human dignity—values at the heart of UJF’s mission. His willingness to stand up for what’s right is inspiring Jews everywhere and reminds us that true allies transcend faith. I can’t wait to share an unforgettable night of music and meaning with our community.”
Adds co-chair Hannah Blonshteyn, "Along with enjoying John Ondrasik in concert, we are really looking forward to the night to honor all the heroes in our community who help bring us together and keep us safe."
Lisa Manheim, co-chair, emphasizes, “We want to stress the ‘unity’ part of the event. It will be powerful to see our community—wonderful in its diversity—come together to honor so many and celebrate our collective strength.”
Recognizing those special “superheroes” who have strengthened our community, the event will celebrate those who have made a meaningful impact in the life of a community member or the community as a whole. This may include community volunteers, a teacher or coach who inspired confidence in a child, a neighbor who always showed up, a friend who always listened, among others. With a donation of $18, a hero will receive a personal acknowledgment and be recognized on September 7. To thank a superhero, go to www.ujf.org/superhero.
Ticket pricing for the event is $75/NextGen, $100/general admission through August 26. Tickets will increase to $136 on August 27. Sponsorships at the $500 level at the $500 level are available and include two tickets, meet and greet access, and reserved seating. For more information about the event, please visit www.ujf.org/superhero or contact UJF CEO Diane Sloyer at dianesloyer@ujf.org.