ARTS & DIALOGUES 2013–2014 AT THE SCHULTZ CULTURAL ARTS HALL
Dialogues James Carville and Mary Matalin Presented by the Commonwealth Club Carville and Matalin are one of the country’s most intriguing, intense and ideologically mismatched political couples. After 20 years together, they offer a candid look into the heart of Washington politics. Thursday, January 16 | 11:30 AM General admission: $15 Members, $25 Non-Members, $8 students Premium admission (priority seating & copy of book): $45 Members, $55 Non-Members
Dr. Drew Endy Presented by the Commonwealth Club Dr. Endy is a leader in the field of synthetic biology and one of the White House’s Champions of Change who wants to revolutionize the way we detect and combat disease. Tuesday, February 4 | 7:00 PM $10 Members, $15 Non-Members, $7 students
One Bay One Book Presents: Dara Horn, A Guide for the Perplexed Dara Horn joins us for a spirited conversation about the issues and themes raised in A Guide for the Perplexed, her spellbinding novel about how technology changes memory, and how memory shapes the soul. She will conclude with a Q & A session and book signing. Wednesday, April 30 | 7:00 PM In advance: $8 Members, seniors & students, $10 Non-Members At the door: $15 In partnership with Jewish LearningWorks
Ronn Owens
An Evening with Ronn Owens Interviewed by Michael Krasny Award-winning and unpredictable radio talk show icon Ronn Owens has put thousands in the hot-seat, from Barack Obama and Benjamin Netanyahu to sports and pop celebrities. See him go from interviewer to interviewee in the hands of Michael Krasny, host of KQED’s most popular show, Forum. Saturday, April 12 | 7:30 PM In advance: $20 Members, students & seniors, $25 Non-Members At the door: $30 18 & under: free
Film
American Jerusalem: Jews and the Making of San Francisco A documentary about the epic story of the pioneering Jews of San Francisco during the Gold Rush, their rise to prominence, and how, freed from discrimination, they reinvented themselves as a distinctly new kind of Jew: they weren’t just American Jews—they were San Francisco Jews. The film will be followed by a panel discussion moderated by the documentary’s producer, Jackie Krentzman. Saturday, January 25 | 7:30 PM In advance: $10 Members, $12 Non-Members At the door: $15 18 & under: free Made possible by the Koret Foundation and co-sponsored by the Taube Center for Jewish Studies at Stanford
Dance Firebird Dance Theatre Annual Benefit Performance in Memory of Rosa Lysaya 100 dancers. Fiery music. Fantastic costumes. Part children’s dance recital, part professional concert, Firebird showcases inventive, complex and wellexecuted choreography based on traditional steps from around the world. Sunday, April 13 | 5:00 PM In advance: $15 Members & students, $20 Non-Members At the door: $25 at the door
Tango Dance Parties With Redwood Tango Ensemble Let’s tango! Our tango parties have become an OFJCC tradition, held twice a year with fabulous live music, two dance floors, spectacular demonstrations and a free lesson by tango instructor Igor Polk. Bring your favorite food to add to our scrumptious potluck. Wine and light snacks provided. Saturdays, January 4 & May 17 | 7:30 PM At the door: $10 Members & students, $15 Non-Members
Redwood Tango Ensemble
Jewish Women’s Theatre A Salon Theatre Series Los Angeles based Jewish Women’s Theatre (JWT) seeks out accomplished writers, encouraging them to explore their Jewish identity and create from their hearts. By establishing a home for such material, JWT expands the view of Jewish women and furthers Jewish culture.
Series: $50 Members & students, $65 Non-Members
Theatre
Hold Me, Heal Me Kindness comforts us even in our most broken moments. This show about vulnerability and strength in the face of adversity calls up as many laughs as tears. Monday, January 27 | 7:30 PM In advance: $20 Members & students, $25 Non-Members At the door: $30
Sex, Lies and Virtual Relationships This startling, funny, thought-provoking show examines the connect and disconnect of relationships in the age of the Internet. Monday, March 31 | 7:30 PM In advance: $20 Members & students, $25 Non-Members At the door: $30
Unknown Stories of Biblical Proportions Stories from sacred texts are reinterpreted for the modern age. Any preconceptions are sure to be upended with this hilarious and provocative show of newly commissioned pieces. Monday, June 2 | 7:30 PM In advance: $20 Members & students, $25 Non-Members At the door: $30
Music Inspiration, Mystery, Fantasy: Pianist Assaff Weisman in Concert Yamaha artist Assaff Weisman has been captivating audiences worldwide with his intensity, lyricism and communicative style since his solo debut at the age of twelve. At the OFJCC’s Schultz Cultural Arts Hall, Mr. Weisman will perform works by Beethoven, Rachmaninoff and Schumann. Wednesday, February 26 | 7:00 PM In advance: $15 Members, students & seniors, $20 Non-Members At the door: $25 Assaff Weisman
The Red Hot Chachkas New American Klezmer from Old World Roots The Red Hot Chachkas take Jewish music a step further with their innovative fusion of traditional klezmer and American roots music, flavored with a variety of accents. Sunday, April 20 | 7:00 PM In advance: $15 Members & students, $20 Non-Members At the door: $25 18 & under: free
The Red Hot Chachkas
Pianist Namik Sultanov A well-known distinguished pianist and pedagogue, Namik Sultanov showcases his exceptional lyrical gifts and distinctive performance style. Monday, May 8 | 7:30 PM In advance: $15 Members, students & seniors, $20 Non-Members At the door: $25 18 & under: free
www.paloaltojcc.org/arts
Keyboard Conversations® with Jeffrey Siegel Jeffrey Siegel’s unique “concerts with commentary” are a joy for piano aficionados and novices alike.
Series: $60 Members & students, $70 Non-Members
Great Jewish Composers Jeffrey Siegel presents a dazzling, virtuoso performance of music by Felix Mendelssohn, George Gershwin, Leonard Bernstein and Aaron Copland. Prior to each piece, Mr. Siegel provides commentary and the concert ends with a lively Q&A session. Thursday, January 16 | 7:30 PM In advance: $25 Members & students, $30 Non-Members At the door: $35
Russian Rapture In his second concert of the season, Jeffrey Siegel whisks audiences on a journey across the globe, performing breathtaking soaring melodies and dance-like rhythms by great Russian composers Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninoff and their contemporaries. Thursday, April 17 | 7:30 PM In advance: $25 Members & students, $30 Non-Members At the door: $35
Mistresses and Masterpieces You probably already know the works of Chopin, Brahms, Schumann and Liszt as some of the finest compositions for piano of all time. Now learn about the how the great loves of their lives inspired these Romantic-era composers. Thursday, May 15 | 7:30 PM In advance: $25 Members & students, $30 Non-Members At the door: $35
Arts Bravura Benefit Gala Featuring the Branford Marsalis Quartet Join us for an elegant cocktail buffet and benefit concert, featuring legendary Grammy-winning saxophonist and Tony-nominated composer Branford Marsalis, one of the most revered instrumentalists of our time. Don’t miss his tight-knit quartet as they take the stage for a masterful performance of innovative and forward-thinking jazz. Dessert reception to follow. Proceeds from Arts Bravura benefit the OFJCC, allowing us to bring outstanding performers and speakers to the community. For information about sponsorship opportunities, please contact Susan Wolfe at swolfe@paloaltojcc.org or (650) 223-8614. Thursday, May 1 6:00 PM Cocktail buffet 7:30 PM The Main Event: Branford Marsalis Quartet 9:00 PM Dessert reception Individual benefit tickets $250 each More program details and sponsorship benefits available online.
www.paloaltojcc.org/artsbravura
A Chat with Branford Marsalis Before leaving for Japan to tour with Makoto Ozone, Branford Marsalis took the time to discuss his musical viewpoint, influences and concert plans with OFJCC Cultural Arts Director Ronit Widmann-Levy. Ronit: In your opinion, what are the differences between the musical palates of East Coast and West Coast jazz audiences? Branford: I don’t really discern a difference. I’m sure there was one before the internet explosion, but in the era of shared links and viral videos, we have become very homogenized in our tastes. What is consistent is that non-popular, instrumental music is a hard slog in the USA. Ronit: Has classical music influenced you? If yes, what classical composers are your favorites? Branford: Classical music has certainly had an influence on me in the last 30 years. My tastes run the gamut: Puccini, R. Strauss, Stravinsky, Shostakovich, Copland, Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Mahler and a host of others. Ronit: In what way does modern jazz differ from “old school” jazz? Branford: In the sixties, there was no difference between the old sound and the new one. Now, the majority of modern jazz musicians don’t really listen to jazz at all, so the music has the perception of newness. Playing in a concert in Europe recently, a student complimented me on my “old school” sound. I viewed it as a compliment, regardless of the intent. Ronit: What folk music influences can one find in your compositions: Afro, Latin, others? Branford: I don’t try to separate my influences in a song, so I don’t think that there is enough of an obvious influence that most listeners would notice. All of my ideas are an amalgam of all of my influences, and that is what truly creates the possibility for innovation. Ronit: Could you please speak about the repertoire you’ll be performing at the OFJCC and what you would like the audience to know about your composition style? Branford: We’re more of a jazz band than not a jazz band, so we really don’t have a sense of what we will be playing ahead of time. What makes jazz magical is the idea that it is happening in front of you at that very moment and is not a carefully crafted production with dancers and an exciting light show. I think the audience will appreciate how much we enjoy each other, and the level of intensity that we play with, from beginning to end.
Arts Bravura Sponsors $25,000 Great Giver
$2,500 Patron
Bonnie and Marty Tenenbaum
Dr. Susan and Mark R. Kroll John R Schwabacher Family
$5,000 Benefactor Abraham D. Sofaer and Marian Scheuer Sofaer Mark and Adele Lieberman Sass and Eta Somekh
$1,800 Sustainer Lottie and Henry Burger
$1,000 Supporter Nancy and Norman Rossen
The Pop Ups
The Pop Ups Join the Grammy-nominated Pop Ups for Radio Jungle, their new comedic, musical adventure! Jacob and Jason find more than they bargained for when a normal trip to Pop Up City turns into a fantastic quest through the jungles of Mexico for a high energy, ecological scavenger hunt. Prepare for an educational romp populated with bananas, bilingual bats, a subway train full of animals and more! Sunday, March 9 | 10:00 AM In advance: $15 Members, $18 Non-Members At the door: $20 Seiler Family Gymnasium Sponsored by Kidaptive
This Pretty Planet Tom Chapin with Michael Mark Celebrate Earth Day at our green concert for kids, featuring three-time Grammy award winner Tom Chapin, a multitalented singer/songwriter/guitarist whose five-decade career has covered an incredible amount of creative ground. Michael Mark, an award-winning and Grammy-nominated musician, composer and actor, is best known for composing the Entertainment Tonight theme song. Sunday, April 6 | 1:00 PM & 4:00 PM In advance: $20 adults, $15 children At the door: $22 adults, $17 children In collaboration with People of Note
Michael Mark and Tom Chapin
Visual Arts Profound and Magical Cusco (El Cusco Profundo y Magico) By Pola Harrel and Hugo Lecaros Discover the charm of Peru through the eyes of two artists who lived there for many years. Hugo Lecaros’s paintings reflect his childhood, having been raised in a forest by Incas after he lost his parents. Pola Harrel’s fascination with sculpture and clay began in Peru, and her work portrays everyday life. Art Exhibit: January 6–March 4 Schultz Cultural Arts Hall and Goldman Sports & Wellness Complex Reception: Sunday, January 19 6:30–8:30 PM | FREE Schultz Cultural Arts Hall
Moments of Presence with My Beloved By YoHana Bat Adam YoHana Bat Adam’s art touches upon the mysterious phenomenon we call God. She uses art as a platform to make viewers aware of human spirituality and potential. Art Exhibit: March 4–May 29 Goldman Sports & Wellness Complex Reception: Sunday, March 9 6:00–8:00 PM | FREE Goldman Sports & Wellness Complex
A Blessing, a Mitzvah: Functional Art By Gary Rosenthal Gary Rosenthal’s contemporary style is rooted in tradition. He is inspired by the rich history of the Jewish people which tells us it’s a blessing—a mitzvah—to make beautiful, functional art. Art Exhibit: March 3–June 4 Goldman Sports & Wellness Complex
Breathing Life into Wire By Kristine Mays Kristine Mays captures the essence of a person—a living, breathing soul—through the folds, wrinkles and movement of a garment created from strong, heavy wire. Art Exhibit: March 4–June 4 Goldman Sports & Wellness Complex
Jewish Women in the Holocaust This exhibit focuses on a group of women who represent the manner in which Jewish women contended with the extreme realities of life that were imposed upon them during the Holocaust. Art Exhibit: March 27–April 28 Schultz Cultural Arts Hall In collaboration with Moreshet, Israel
COMMUNITY TUESDAYS Spend the day at the J! Every Tuesday between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM, spend the day working out, attending a lecture, enjoying a concert and much more for just $15 or one punch on your Community Tuesdays punch card. www.paloaltojcc.org/tuesdays
Performance Series Once a month, Community Tuesdays features comedians, opera singers, piano virtuosos and other unforgettable acts. Price includes buffet lunch and concert. RSVP required.
Capriccio Chamber Ensemble Immerse yourself in selections from Beethoven’s “Ghost” Trio, Dvorak’s “Dumky” Trio and Grammy-nominated composer Paul Schoenfield’s “Café Music.” Dahna Rudin on cello, Alex Eisenberg on violin and Dmitriy Cogan on piano. Tuesday, January 21 | 12:00–1:30 PM $15 or 1 punch
DuoElena: Four Hand Piano Concert Enjoy an evening of piano mastery as accomplished performers Elena Akopova and Elena Levina perform pieces by Ravel, Schubert, Dvorak, Massenet, Stravinsky and Liszt. Tuesday, February 11 | 12:00–1:30 PM $15 or 1 punch
Camerata Sospiro: Celebrating Art Song Hear incredible music written for voice and a diverse mix of instruments in an intimate setting as intended by the composers. Mezzo soprano Deborah Rosengaus, Elena Levina on piano, Dahna Rudin on cello and Alex Eisenberg on violin. Tuesday, March 18 | 12:00–1:30 PM $15 or 1 punch
Camerata Sospiro
Jewish Music: Classical & Folk Listen to pieces from Jewish composers Zeitlin, Saminsky, Achron and Bloch. Followed by traditional Klezmer music. Tuesday, May 20 | 12:00–1:30 PM $15 or 1 punch
Divisa Quintet With flute, oboe, violin, viola and cello, this ensemble’s instrumentation and mixand-match approach allow for a varied repertoire comprising both traditional and contemporary styles. Tuesday, June 17 | 12:00–1:30 PM $15 or 1 punch
Thank you for your support The OFJCC is proud to be supported by the Koret Taube Initiative on Jewish Peoplehood. The OFJCC joins with the Koret and Taube Foundations in believing that the ongoing vitality of the Jewish people lies in the richness of its communal life, the vibrancy and diversity of its cultural and spiritual expression, and the shared experiences that inspire a sense of connectedness to Jews everywhere and in every generation. Their generosity enables us to present special events and holiday celebrations that bring community together, travel and education programs that build connections to Israel and the heritage of the Diaspora communities, innovative classes and participatory experiences that elevate Jewish literacy and invigorate Jewish practice, and unique experiences like the JCC Maccabi Games. We thank them for their vision and support.
Support the Arts at the OFJCC The OFJCC depends on volunteers and financial support to offer cultural programs of the highest caliber and diversity. If you would like to volunteer as an usher, please contact us at (650) 223-8699. To contribute financially, please visit www.paloaltojcc.org/donate. Cultural Arts programs at the OFJCC are made possible in part through the generosity of Randee and Joe (z�l) Seiger, the Herman P. and Sophia Taubman Family Endowment Fund for the Arts and Cultural Programs, and Bonnie and Marty Tenenbaum.
Thank you to the Palo Alto Sheraton and Westin Hotels for your generous support of the Oshman Family JCC’s performing arts season. Your contribution of stylish accommodations help us attract outstanding performers and speakers for our arts seasons.
Visit the Palo Alto Sheraton & Westin Hotels:
Non-profit Organization US Postage PAID Palo Alto CA 94303 Permit No. 33
3921 Fabian Way | Palo Alto, CA 94303 (650) 223-8700 | www.paloaltojcc.org © 2014 Oshman Family JCC
Enjoy our 2013–2014 Arts & Dialogues season! www.paloaltojcc.org/arts HOW TO ORDER TICKETS Online: www.paloaltojcc.org/arts Phone: OFJCC Box Office at (650) 223-8699 In Person: Box Office in the Schultz Cultural Arts Hall one hour prior to performance, space permitting.
PATRON SERVICES & POLICIES • Members, please bring your membership cards if purchasing tickets at the door. • Students must be full time with valid student IDs. • The theatre lobby opens one hour prior to a performance for ticket sales and will call pickup. • At the door sales are available as space permits. • Ticket sales are final. No refunds or exchanges except in the case of program cancellation. All events are wheelchair accessible and assisted listening devices are available. Please call the Box Office for more information. (650) 223-8699.
• Call the Box Office in the case of lost or misplaced tickets. • All programs are general seating unless otherwise noted. • All programs are subject to change without notice.
Tickets ordered online or by phone must be purchased at least 24 hours in advance.
For more information and updates, visit www.paloaltojcc.org/arts