2018-2019 SEASON
Arts & Dialogues 2018–2019 Season at the Oshman Family JCC As a steadfast believer in arts as one of the most valuable currencies in building community, the OFJCC’s Arts and Culture team and I have been focusing our curatorial efforts on JEDI: Jewishness, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. Art’s transcendent nature and its ability to spark curiosity about the other, to spark dialogue about freedom, values and compassion, had put arts stewardship and education in the forefront of our programming agenda. This year we put the spotlight on pieces and artists who have made it their mission to touch our hearts and broaden our minds. We welcome the entire community to enjoy theatre for families, great thinkers, film and theatrical actors, our thriving School for the Arts classes, award-winning literary minds and scintillating performers at our beautiful Schultz Cultural Arts Hall, a world-class venue with an intimate ambiance. We look forward to seeing you this season. And may the force of art be with you!
Ronit Widmann-Levy Director of Arts & Culture
AUGUST
Nachito Herrera
Cuban Jazz Virtuoso Pianist Thursday, August 9 | 8:00PM Nachito Herrera is one of the world’s great Cuban pianists. He blends jaw-dropping technique and rich, powerful soulfulness in an amazing display of musical power and emotion. Combining Western Classical music with traditional Cuban rhythms, Herrera has been at the forefront of an exciting renaissance in Cuban music.
Omree Gal–Oz Jazz Quartet Debut Concert and CD Launch Sunday, August 26 | 7:00PM
Omree Gal-Oz is one of the Bay Area’s most promising young jazz piano virtuosos. After hearing his father’s George Gershwin and Art Tatum CDs, twelve-year-old Omree followed his calling and has been playing, composing and improvising ever since with the best jazz masters of our time. An alumnus of Kehillah High School in Palo Alto, Omree went on to attend USC’s Thornton School of Music and has been playing regularly with artists around the Bay Area.
SEPTEMBER
RBG Film Screening Documentary
Wednesday, September 5 | 7:30PM At the age of 85, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has developed a breathtaking legal legacy while becoming an unexpected pop culture icon. But without a definitive biography, the unique personal journey of her rise to the nation's highest court has been largely unknown. RBG is a revelatory documentary exploring Ginsburg's exceptional life and career from Betsy West and Julie Cohen and co-produced by Storyville Films and CNN Films.
Phoebe Hunt & the Gatherers Thursday, September 13 | 8:00PM
Fiddler and singer-songwriter Phoebe Hunt was featured on Rolling Stone's “10 New Country Artists You Need to Know" in 2017. Touched by influences ranging from her native Austin to Brooklyn and India, she has shared a stage with Emmylou Harris, The Infamous Stringdusters, Tony Trischka and Dori Freeman. Join this sensational Americana fiddler and vocalist with her group The Gatherers for an evening of impressive musicianship, powerful lyrics, danceable rhythms and cross-cultural musical exploration.
Encounter: An Israeli and Arab Musicians' Collaboration
Menachem Wiesenberg–Piano, Taiseer Elias–Oud, Hillel Zori–Cello, Ronit Widmann-Levy–Soprano Sunday, September 30 | 7:00PM The much-acclaimed artists of Encounter present Western and Arabic music at the intersection of classical and folk genres. The spontaneity of the performance is contagious: Israeli Jews and Arabs meet together to celebrate an ongoing feast of human and musical coexistence! The evening will include pieces for solo instruments, trios, and Wiesenberg’s famous Israeli song cycle Songs of Land.
An Evening with Sean Penn
Author of Bob Honey Who Just Do Stuff
Photo by Eric Ray Davidson
Wednesday, September 26 | 7:30PM
Bob Honey Who Just Do Stuff (Atria Books) by two-time Academy Award®-winning actor, writer and director Sean Penn, is Mr. Penn’s first novel. The darkly humorous novel tells the picaresque story of Bob Honey, a man of many trades— sewage specialist, purveyor of pyrotechnics, contract killer for a mysterious government agency that pays in small bills. “It seems wrong to say that so dystopian a novel is great fun to read, but it’s true. I suspect that Thomas Pynchon and Hunter S. Thompson would love this book." —Salman Rushdie
OCTOBER
Part of the Jewish Luminaries Series
The Chosen
The OFJCC Presents a Fountain Theatre Production Saturday, October 20 | 7:30PM Sunday, October 21 | 7:00PM
Photo by Ed Krieger
Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the most beloved novel about the American Jewish experience of the 20th century, this acclaimed stage adaptation of The Chosen touches us more than ever. A moving coming-of-age story, set in Brooklyn in 1944, that has been called “funny, poignant, timely and timeless.� (Broadwayworld.com)
Black Power, Jewish Politics: Reinventing the Alliance in the 1960s An Evening with Author Marc Dollinger Wednesday, October 3 | 7:30PM
Photo by Shayna Dollinger
In his new book, author and SFSU professor Marc Dollinger shows how Black nationalists enabled Jewish activists to devise a new Judeo-centered political agenda–including the emancipation of Soviet Jews, the rise of Jewish day schools, the revitalization of worship services with gender-inclusive liturgy and the birth of a new form of American Zionism. In scholar Cheryl Greenberg’s words, Dollinger “helps reframe our understanding of Jewish engagement with African-Americans, civil rights and American identity.”
Memories of a Jewish Childhood,1929–1939
Edgar Feuchtwanger's Hitler, My Neighbor Monday, October 8 | 7:30PM Author of the book praised by The New York Times Book Review, New Yorker and Le Figaro, Edgar Feuchtwanger will discuss his work Hitler, My Neighbor: Memories of a Jewish Childhood, 1929–1939 and his unique experience as a young boy, watching Hitler from inside the windows of his home as the world around him crumbled. Courtesy of Editions Michel Lafon
OCTOBER
Bluegrass Beatles
Thursday, October 11 | 7:30PM Infusions of bluegrass and jazz and topped off with a classical twist. The result: Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Bluegrass, also known as “the world’s premier Beatles tribute.” The band is creating a new sound from the greatest music ever written by the greatest band ever… The Beatles!
Silicon Valley Jewish Film Festival
Opening Night, Sunday, October 14 Closing Night, Sunday, November 11 The SVJFF screens films that showcase Jewish spirit, culture, traditions and humor. By bringing a variety of powerful cinematic lenses to the silver screen, the SVJFF strives to spark a dialogue around entertainment, art, politics, society and global issues.
Mariachi Flor de Toloache
Saturday, October 27 | 8:00PM All-women Mariachi Flor de Toloache offers an edgy, versatile and fresh take on traditional Mexican music. While working to preserve centuries-old traditions of Mariachi, their mÊlange of traditional and modern pushes the boundaries of the genre and brings Mariachi music to new audiences. The Latin GrammyŽ nominees’ performances have illuminated renowned stages throughout the United States, Europe and India.
NOVEMBER
The White Elephant Archive Setting No 3 Thursday, November 8 | 7:30PM The White Elephant Archive Setting No 3 explores the legacy of the Holocaust from the perspective of the third generation living in Austria today. Award-winning multimedia artist Eduard Freudmann’s one-man production uses his family’s archive to explore his family's silence about the Holocaust, and his own attempt to understand the burden of this legacy through art. Made possible by the Future Fund of the Republic of Austria and Federal Chancellery of Austria.
Part of the Jewish Luminaries Series
The Weight of Ink
An Evening with Rachel Kadish Tuesday, November 13 | 7:30PM
Photo by Kevin Day
Winner of a 2017 National Jewish Book Award, The Weight of Ink is set in London of the 1660s and the early 21st century. Electrifying and ambitious, sweeping in scope and intimate in tone, The Weight of Ink is a sophisticated work of historical fiction about women separated by centuries, and the choices and sacrifices they must make in order to reconcile the life of the heart and mind.
Daniel Kahn & the Painted Bird Thursday, November 15 | 7:30PM
Welcome to Jewish Punk Cabaret in 2018! With their new record The Butcher's Share, Daniel Kahn & The Painted Bird returns to the road as the original radical Yiddish borderland bandits. Berlin-based Daniel Kahn has been compared to Leonard Cohen or Bertolt Brecht; receiving awards for his phenomenal poetry, composing, playwriting and acting. The live show features projections of images by legendary New York underground artist Eric Drooker as well as material from the band’s new videos.
Part of the Jewish Luminaries Series
Mandy Patinkin in Concert: DIARY Thursday, November 1 | 7:30PM
Photo by Graeme Mitchell
Before he was an Emmy®-winning TV actor, Mandy Patinkin was already a Tony®-winning Broadway star. Mandy Patinkin in Concert: DIARY presents the acclaimed actor/singer/storyteller in his most electrifying role: concert performer. “Mandy Patinkin is in the business of showstopping,” raves The New Yorker, and that’s exactly what he does in this powerful, passionate evening of song. From Randy Newman to Stephen Sondheim, from Irving Berlin to Rufus Wainwright, Mandy Patinkin takes you on a dazzling musical journey you’ll never forget.
NEW DATE
This performance has been rescheduled for April 14, 2019
Alan Cumming Sings Sappy Songs A Cabaret Show
Sunday, April 14 | 7:30PM An evening of song and stories from Scotland’s beloved man-child! Alan Cumming is beyond eclectic. Beloved all over the world for his range of iconic performances in movies, TV and theatre, he is also the author of the recent New York Times best-selling memoir, Not My Father’s Son, an award-winning recording artist and a writer, director, producer and photographer.
Photo by Kevin Thomas Garcia
"Forget sexy. Tony Award®-winner Alan Cumming is bringing cabaret back. In the one-man show, the Scottish actor-singer unveils a naughty and comical evening. His visceral banter is balanced by his performance of kooky and mainstream songs. Yes, this irrepressible scamp has feelings. But he is first and foremost fabulous." –Los Angeles Times
A Family Hanukkah Concert Saturday, December 8 | 5:30PM Hailed as "one of the finest American klezmer bands" by Songlines Magazine, Metropolitan Klezmer performs an exhilarating range of musical treasures with astonishing agility and refreshing depth. The group brings together stellar musicians with stylistic backgrounds from Latin jazz to funk and folk, Balkan to Zydeco to baroque, and reggae to opera to R&B—complete with a panoramic instrumental array and multi-lingual vocals.
DECEMBER
Metropolitan Klezmer
Louis Pearl–The Amazing Bubble Man Saturday, December 15 | 11:00AM & 1:30PM
Join us for a fun-filled show with Louis Pearl, the amazing Bubble Man—back by popular demand! Louis Pearl has been thrilling audiences around the world for nearly 30 years with the art, magic, science and fun of bubbles. An Edinburgh Fringe Festival favorite, he has sold out every year since 2007. Louis explores the breath-taking dynamics of bubbles, combining comedy and artistry with audience participation and enough spellbinding bubble tricks to keep everyone mesmerized!
JANUARY
Ordinarius
Brazil’s Award-Winning Vocal Group Thursday, January 17 | 8:00PM
With vibrant harmonies set to infectious Brazilian rhythms and an exuberant stage show, Ordinarius has infused new energy into Brazil's most beloved songs, from traditional choros to the music of Carmen Miranda. The sevenmember vocal group—comprised of six singers and a single percussionist—won first place in the National Vocal Group Competition in Rio de Janeiro in 2014. Catch one of their debut shows on their first U.S. tour!
Cantor Azi Schwartz of Park Avenue Synagogue With Colin Fowler on Piano Sunday, January 20 | 5:30PM
The sensational cantorial soloist of New York’s Park Avenue Synagogue comes to the OFJCC. YouTube sensation Azi Schwartz is a world-renowned vocal performer and recording artist whose voice has graced diverse venues from Hollywood to a Papal audience to Carnegie Hall, the United Nations, Madison Square Garden and the Israeli Knesset. Join us for an emotionally moving, spiritually uplifting and artistically dynamic concert featuring piano powerhouse and Park Avenue Synagogue musical director Colin Fowler.
The Second Kind of Impossible: The Extraordinary Quest for a New Form of Matter An Evening with Paul J. Steinhardt Tuesday, January 29 | 7:30PM
Unravel the mysteries of the universe with Paul J. Steinhardt, Albert Einstein Professor at Princeton University. When Steinhardt began working in the 1980s, scientists thought they knew all the conceivable forms of matter. The Second Kind of Impossible is the story of Steinhardt’s thirty-five-year-long quest to challenge conventional wisdom. His first-hand account is an engaging scientific thriller.
Black Violin
Sunday, January 27 | 7:00PM Black Violin plays a genre-shattering blend of classical, hip-hop, rock, R&B and bluegrass music. Individually and together, Black Violin has collaborated with the likes of P. Diddy, Kanye West, 50 Cent, Tom Petty, Aerosmith, Aretha Franklin and the Eagles. Of the duo, The New York Times said, “Black Violin works hard, but makes it all look like play…”
Photo by Colin Brennan
Bring the whole family for this unique musical experience!
FEBRUARY The Ugly Duckling Lightwire Theater
Saturday, February 23 | 3:00PM & 5:00PM We are excited to bring Lightwire Theater back to the Oshman Family JCC with a new show The Ugly Duckling. Of the five eggs in Mother Duck’s nest, one is the largest and last to hatch. Bigger and paler than the others, this last hatchling is treated as an outsider by his family. Combining dance, puppetry and technology, the glow-in-the-dark shows are hailed as captivating and entertaining for all ages.
Jewish Women's Theatre
Show titles to be announced
Monday, February 4, Monday, March 25, Monday, May 20 | 7:30PM Jewish Women’s Theatre returns with three new shows! Now in their 10th season, their unique performances engage a variety of writers, actors and audiences to deeply reflect on and celebrate Jewish life. Performances are a unifying experience, providing great entertainment and unexpected opportunities for self-reflection and connection that strengthens our humanity. JWT seeks, develops and adapts stories celebrating a diverse Jewish population that can share the stage, regardless of gender, generation, degree of Jewish observance, ethnicity, cultural background or sexual orientation.
MARCH
Masters of Hawaiian Music
George Kahumoku Jr., Led Kaapana and Jeff Peterson Friday, March 8 | 7:30PM
The New York Times dubs Masters of Hawaiian Music “virtuosic keepers of a cultural flame.” George Kahumoku, Jr., Led Kaapana and Jeff Peterson were all raised in rural areas where immersion in Hawaiian music and culture was both entertainment and education. These three master slack key artists share Hawaii’s unique folk styles with origins in early 19th century Hawaiian paniolo (cowboy) culture. Aloha! Presented in partnership with The San Jose Jazz Festival.
Hanna and the Moonlit Dress
Based on the beloved Israeli book Hanna's Sabbath Dress by Itzhak Schweiger-Dmi’el Saturday, March 16 | 3:00PM & 5:00PM
In this enchanting and interactive family theatre experience, Hanna has a new, white dress that she must keep clean for Shabbat eve! Through her kind heart and charitable act, her dress becomes stained with coal, but the moon rewards her kindness by turning the black spots into stars. Because the set, props, costumes and masks are all made of white paper, children in the audience will be invited to join in creating Hanna’s world in a pre-show craft activity.
The Phantom Tollbooth
Enchantment Theatre Company
Saturday, March 30 | 3:00PM & 5:30PM An original stage adaptation of the beloved classic by Norton Juster with illustrations by Jules Feiffer Using puppets, masks, magic, inventive scenic effects and original music, the wonder and delight of Milo’s fantastical adventure come alive on the OFJCC stage! Join ETC as we journey along with Milo to the Lands Beyond and discover that with humor, good friends and a little bit of courage, anything is possible.
TEDxPaloAlto
Sunday, October 28 | 6:30PM–9:30PM Sunday, May 5 | 10:00AM–3:00PM In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TED Talks videos and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x=independently organized TED event. The OFJCC is proud to sponsor TEDxPaloAlto. Visit tedxpaloalto.com for updates and to purchase tickets when they become available.
Gil Shaham, Violin & Akira Eguchi, Piano Recital
Saturday, April 27 | 7:30PM
APRIL
Part of the Jewish Luminaries Series
Gil Shaham is one of the foremost violinists of our time; his flawless technique combined with his inimitable warmth and generosity of spirit has solidified his renown as an American master. The Grammy® Award-winner, also named Musical America’s “Instrumentalist of the Year,” is sought after throughout the world for concerto appearances with leading orchestras and conductors. Akira Eguchi has performed in the foremost music centers of the United States, Europe and Asia. His appearances in the United States include Carnegie Hall, Avery Fisher Hall, Alice Tully Hall, 92nd Street Y in New York City and the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.
Photo courtesy of Luke Ratray
& Perform
Explore
Our classes allow kids, teens and adults to explore different art forms, including music, dance, theatre and visual arts in a warm and inclusive setting. All levels are welcome and classes culminate in a performance, concert or presentation. This year’s projects include Disney’s Alice in Wonderland Musical, our Leonard Cohen and Beatles Community Choir Project, Little Mozarts music class, ballet dance, kids' cartooning and more!
paloaltojcc.org/schoolforthearts
MAY
Violins of Hope–Documentary Strings of the Holocaust Thursday, May 2 | 7:30PM
Violins of Hope: Strings of the Holocaust, narrated by Academy Award®-winner Adrien Brody, is a documentary featuring Israeli violinmaker Amnon Weinstein and his efforts to restore violins recovered from the Holocaust. Some were played by Jewish prisoners in concentration camps; others belonged to the Klezmer musical culture, which was all but destroyed by the Nazis. From their amazing stories and Weinstein’s mission to collect and restore the instruments comes the inspiration for this one-hour documentary.
A free way to engage at the OFJCC Want to participate at the OFJCC but not ready to sign up for membership? Sign up for your FREE J-Pass® and become a part of our warm and welcoming community. You’ll enjoy discounts on most of our cultural arts and social programs. Plus, if you decide to join as an OFJCC member in the future, we’ll waive the registration fee!
More information about J-Pass®: Email j-pass@paloaltojcc.org or call (650) 223-8604 Visit paloaltojcc.org/j-pass
Thank You for Your Support We are grateful for the financial support of our patrons. If you would like to contribute to the OFJCC’s cultural arts programming, please visit: paloaltojcc.org/donate. The Oshman Family JCC is proud to be a part of the Initiative on Jewish Peoplehood, presenting educational and cultural programs that explore Jewish heritage, identity and community. The initiative is co-funded by the Koret Foundation and the Taube Foundation for Jewish Life and Culture.
Cultural arts programs are made possible in part through the generosity of Judy and Robert Aptekar, the Koret Foundation, the Oshman Family, the Taube Foundation for Jewish Life and Culture, Jill Andre, Guzik Foundation, Randel Seiger, Bonnie and Marty Tenenbaum and the Albert L. Schultz & Janet A. Schultz Supporting Foundation, a supporting foundation of the Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund. Thank you to Books Inc. Palo Alto for being the official bookseller for OFJCC author events.
Thank you to the Palo Alto Sheraton and Westin Hotels for your generous support of the Oshman Family JCC’s performing arts season.
675 El Camino Real, Palo Alto (650) 321-4422 westin.com/paloalto
625 El Camino Real, Palo Alto (650) 328-2800 sheraton.com/paloalto
SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL MAY
2018–2019 SEASON
AUGUST
8/9 8:00PM Nachito Herrera: Cuban Jazz Virtuoso Pianist 8/26 7:00PM Omree Gal-Oz Jazz Quartet Debut Concert and CD Launch 9/5 7:30PM RBG Movie Screening Documentary 9/13 8:00PM Phoebe Hunt and the Gatherers 9/26 7:30PM An Evening with Sean Penn 9/30 7:00PM Encounter: An Israeli and Arab Musicians' Collaboration 10/3 7:30PM Black Power, Jewish Politics with Author Marc Dollinger 10/8 7:30PM Memories of a Jewish Childhood, 1929–1939 with Edgar Feuchtwanger 10/11 7:30PM Bluegrass Beatles 10/14—11/11 Silicon Valley Jewish Film Festival at the OFJCC 10/20 7:30PM OFJCC Presents the Fountain Theatre Production of The Chosen (1st Show) 10/21 7:00PM OFJCC Presents the Fountain Theatre Production of The Chosen (2nd Show) 10/27 8:00PM Mariachi Flor De Toloache 10/28 6:30PM TEDxPaloAltoSalon 11/1 7:30PM Mandy Patinkin: DIARY 11/8 7:30PM The White Elephant Archive Setting Number 3 11/13 7:30PM The Weight of Ink with Author Rachel Kadish 11/15 7:30PM Daniel Kahn and the Painted Bird 12/8 5:30PM Metropolitan Klezmer: A Family Hanukkah Concert 12/15 11AM/1:30PM Louis Pearl: The Amazing Bubble Man 12/16 7:30PM Alan Cumming Sings Sappy Songs 1/17 8:00PM Ordinarius: Brazil’s Award-Winning Vocal Group 1/20 5:30PM Cantor Azi Schwartz of Park Avenue Synagogue 1/27 7:00PM Black Violin 1/29 7:30PM The Second Kind of Impossible with Author Paul J. Steinhardt 2/4 7:30PM Jewish Women’s Theatre 2/23 3/5:00PM Lightwire Theater: The Ugly Duckling 3/8 7:30PM Masters of Hawaiian Music in partnership with San Jose Jazz Festival 3/10 5:00PM Pocket Opera 3/16 3/5:00PM Hanna and the Moonlit Dress 3/25 7:30PM Jewish Women’s Theatre 3/30 3/5:30PM The Phantom Tollbooth Play 4/27 7:30PM Gil Shaham, violin and Akira Eguchi, piano 5/2 7:30PM Violins of Hope Movie Screening 5/5 10:00AM TEDxPaloAlto 5/20 7:30PM Jewish Women’s Theatre
paloaltojcc.org/arts
Visit our website to see new programs as they are added. All programs are subject to change.
Non-profit Organization US Postage PAID Palo Alto CA 94303 Permit No. 33 3921 Fabian Way Palo Alto, CA 94303 (650) 223-8700 | paloaltojcc.org Š 2018 Oshman Family Jewish Community Center
All events are wheelchair accessible and assisted listening devices are available. Please call the box office for more information at (650) 223-8699.
HOW TO ORDER TICKETS Online in advance: www.paloaltojcc.org/arts By phone at least 24 hours in advance: (650) 223-8699 In person at the Schultz Cultural Arts Hall one hour prior to performance, space permitting For more information about programs, patron services and policies, visit: paloaltojcc.org/arts. All programs are subject to change without notice.