Zach Attack!

Pop-rocker Zach pays tribute to his father-turned-manager at today’s benefit concert in Akron. The 25-year-old local singer-songwriter dedicates the show to his dad, Chuck Friedhof, who died of pancreatic cancer last year. Expect to hear many songs from Zach’s latest CD, 1-19-2007 -- the date that would have marked his pop’s 56th birthday. “He stepped up and guided me,” says Zach, who credits his dad for booking him alongside Willie Nelson, Neil Young, and the Dave Matthews Band at Farm Aid 2004 -- a career highlight. “Even though he’s gone, I’ve been working harder than ever, because he would have been very upset if I took any steps backward.”

Today’s concert also features sets by pop troubadour Kyle Vincent, the Lost State of Franklin country trio, and the bluegrass group Faces Made for Radio. Belly dancers, poets, and balloon sculptors take the stage between sets. “I’m positive my dad would have been very pleased with the lineup,” says Zach. “I still feel like he’s around to guide me in some of the decisions I make.” There’ll be plenty of raffles too -- with prizes like passes to the Rock Hall and Browns tickets. Proceeds from today’s show go toward cancer research. “It’s a concert to remember our friends and family who are gone,” says Zach. “And to give the rest of us hope.” www.zachmusic.net.
Sun., Sept. 9, 11:30 a.m.