Bass-baritone Valerian Ruminski, the founder of Nickel City Opera, thinks outside the opera box. As he looks ahead to next season, he is presenting a midcity fundraiser at the Hamlin House that is typically unique. Opening the evening will be “Son of a Rabbi: An Al Jolson Revue.” It includes Jolson classics incorporated into a script Ruminski wrote himself, drawing from the original shooting script of “The Jazz Singer” and a little-known 1950 Mercury House production by Jerry Lewis. Rounding out the double bill is “Zeus’ Headache,” a short comic opera by Russell Link. Link wrote the libretto over 50 years ago and, while helping with NCO’s first production, “The Barber of Seville,” mentioned that he would like to see it revived. The work had been successfully staged in Raleigh, N. C., in 1960; in New Haven, Conn., in 1962; and in Manhattan’s Town Hall in 1964. Ruminski embraced it. “We have taken a very traditional approach,” he writes. “The music is light and the concept hilarious.” He invites, “Make sure to talk to Russell and give him your approval as you leave the hall!” This full evening involves a host of singers from Buffalo and beyond including Jackie Ornsby, Brain Cherverie, Aurora Boneburg and Sean O’Neil. Holding it all together on piano will be Ivan Docenko. It happens at 8 p. m. Wednesday in Hamlin House (432 Franklin St.) preceded by a cocktail party at 7 p. m. Admission is $25 and will help fund next year’s production of Verdi’s “Rigoletto” at the Riviera Theatre. —Mary Kunz Goldman