Hirsch Joins ‘Jerks’ for Good Cause

Local theatre “macher” Mira Hirsch performed with The Jerks band July 19 and 20 at Center Stage Atlanta to benefit Songs for Kids, which provides music mentorship and interactive programming for children and young adults with disabilities, illnesses, and injuries.

Their focus is on creative expression, encouraging exploration in a safe space, while never losing sight of the fun. Songs For Kids Center functions to offer these “special” children the opportunities to take lessons, write and record music, enjoy a performance, or put on their own show. The Songs For Kids Center respects and honors life challenges while fostering a sense of normalcy. Kids can be kids, and nurture and develop their love of music throughout the year. Event tickets were marketed as “Pay What You Can.”

Hirsch connected with The Jerks through retired accountant Mark Podhorzer, a band member. She recalled, “Mark was talking to Barry Abrams – another Jewish Jerks member, about the upcoming event. I expressed that I would like to join them, and they invited me to suggest some songs and come to practice. These guys have played the event since its inception. This will be their 13th appearance, so I’m really honored to be part of their performance this year.”

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Hirsch has directed many noteworthy plays on the Atlanta drama scene.

If Hirsch’s name sounds familiar, it’s because she has directed many meaningful local plays: “Indecent,” and “My Name is Asher Lev” at Theatrical Outfit; “The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane” with Synchronicity Theatre; “Camelot” at Atlanta Lyric Theatre; and “Anne Frank: Within and Without” at the Center for Puppetry Arts.

In terms of the event, she explained, “The theme of the evening is ‘90s songs,’ and I played keyboard and singing two songs – one as lead singer – Sarah McLachlan’s ‘Possession,’ and one as backup – Fastball’s ‘The Way.’ To be honest, we’ve only had one rehearsal together, but these guys have been playing together for years, so they’re pros. I’m only slightly nervous.”

Hirsch earned a theatre degree from the University of Denver before moving back to Atlanta where she worked as an actor, teacher, public relations and marketing assistant, education director, and theatre artistic director in addition to directing.

The Jerks completed their 13th appearance for Songs for Kids charity.

Hirsch, a self-described alto, laughed while sharing, “I would describe my voice as loud. I have a strong belt, but I wish I had more range. I enjoy singing a lot of singer/songwriter-type songs, standards and Broadway. I’ve always enjoyed playing the piano and singing to entertain myself, which used to drive my siblings crazy when we were growing up. Whenever I have the house to myself, you can usually find me at the piano.”

Josh Rifkind, executive director of the Songs for Kids Foundation, was Podhorz’s client for almost 30 years. The Jerks started in 2001 with four guys (Brett Clay, Glen Gurevitch, David Soloway) and Podhorzer playing basketball. During the next few years, the four grew to the current email list of over 40.

Podhorzer revealed, “At some point we decided that our group needed a name, like all gangs do. Since the games were played on Pangborn Circle, and we were a bunch of jerks, we called ourselves the ‘Pangborn Circle Jerks’ (or ‘PCJ’ for short). Brett started learning the guitar and invited those who could play music (and even some who couldn’t) to join him on his porch to jam. Eventually, non-basketball players, but good musicians, joined in the fun. Through Rifkind, I knew about the Songs For Kids fundraiser and suggested performing at Smith’s Olde Bar (in 2012).”

Although retired professionally, Podhorzer continues to do the bookkeeping for Songs For Kids. He explained, “I have seen the effort Josh puts in and the results he gets. The joy on the faces of the kids who learn how to play an instrument or perform a song they love, is worth its weight in gold. Some of the kids have performed at local festivals such as Shaky Knees.”