OFJCC Palo Alto Announces Arts & Dialogues Spring 2017 Season Lineup

The Oshman Family Jewish Community Center of Palo Alto announces an exciting line up for the Spring Season of its 2016-2017 Arts & Dialogues series. An array of luminaries, innovators, and world-renowned performers will make appearances at the OFJCC's Albert & Janet Schultz Cultural Arts Hall in Palo Alto from January through May 2017.

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In chronological order, the OFJCC's 2017 season is as follows:

Opera for Families: "Viva Italia"
10:30am, Saturday, January 7, 2017

Opera for Families shares the magic of opera with children of all ages in an up-to-date, fascinating, and fun way. The cast will perform pieces by Verdi, Rossini, Mozart, and more to introduce Italian culture and music through games, songs and fun activities. The event has received rave reviews for offering enriching experiences that introduce children to opera in a delightful format. Opera for Families is hosted by pianist Efrat Levy, soprano Amy Foote, and mezzo-soprano Deborah Rosengaus. Tickets are $18 general/$15 children all ages, JCC members and J-Pass holders. More information can be found at paloaltojcc.org/operaforfamilies or by calling (650) 223-8649.

Bernard-Henri Lévy: Genius of Judaism
7:00pm, Monday, January 16, 2017

The Oshman Family JCC presents an intimate conversation with renownEd French philosopher, journalist, activist and filmmaker, Bernard-Henri Lévy. An acclaimed author, Lévy has contributed to a wide range of publications throughout Europe and the United States. Amongst his dozens of books are American Vertigo, Barbarism with a Human Face, and Who Killed Daniel Pearl? Lévy's films include the documentaries Bosana! and A Day in the Death of Sarajevo. In his new book The Genius of Judaism, Levy offers a new vision of what it means to be Jewish. He offers a critique of a new and stealthy form of anti-Semitism on the rise as well as a provocative defense of Israel. Levy's most passionate book, and in many ways his most personal, The Genius of Judaism offers a profound, hypnotic intellectual reckoning. Tickets are $45 premium/$ 35 general/$30 JCC members and J-Pass holders/$18 students with valid student ID. More information can be found at paloaltojcc.org/bhl or by calling (650) 223-8649.

"Peter and the Wolf" presented in four languages with live orchestra
Various times, Saturday, January 21, 2017

The Oshman Family JCC presents a performance for the whole family, Prokofiev's beloved Peter and the Wolf presented in four languages. Prokofiev's Peter and the Wolf recounts the story of an enterprising little boy named Peter, who, together with a duck, a cat, and a bird, outsmarts a wolf. Recognizing the many cultures represented throughout the Bay Area, a different narrator and language will be featured at each of the four performances. Performances will be presented in English (10:30am), Mandarin (11:45am), Russian (1:30pm), and Hebrew (2:45pm), with a live orchestra at each performance. An instrument petting zoo will be available from 11:15am-2:30pm. Tickets are $25 general/$18 children 3 years and up, JCC members and J-Pass holders. More information can be found at paloaltojcc.org/peter or by calling (650) 223-8649.

Italian Film Screening: Mine Vaganti (Loose Cannons)
5:00pm, Sunday, January 29, 2017

Mine Vaganti (Loose Cannons) is a 2010 Italian comedy film directed by Ferzan Özpetek which tells the story of an heir to a pasta-making factory who returns home with a secret he hopes will free him from taking over the family business. Unfortunately the family also has secrets, which unfold at a dizzying pace. Highly praised by film critics, it won the Special Jury Prize at the Tribeca Film Festival and was nominated for 13 David di Donatello Awards, including a nomination for the Best Film, as well as winning six out of 11 nominations at the Nastro d'Argento Awards. Tickets are $12 general/$10 JCC members and J-Pass holders. More information can be found at paloaltojcc.org/vagantifilm or by calling (650) 223-8649.

Italian Film Screening: Il Nome del Figlio (An Italian Name)
8:00pm, Sunday, January 29, 2017

Il Nome del Figlio (An Italian Name) is a 2015 Italian comedy film directed by Francesca Archibugi which tells the story of Paolo and his wife, Simona, as they are waiting for their baby to be born and decide his name. It seems that Paolo's family and friends do not really like the name that has been chosen - Benito, as in Benito Mussolini. Il Nome del Figlio captured a total of 15 nominations ranging from the Nastro d'Argento Awards, David di Donatello Awards, to the Golden Ciak Awards and the Miami Film Festival winning two Nastro d'Argento Awards for Best Actor and Best Supporting Actress. Tickets are $12 general/$10 JCC members and J-Pass holders. More information can be found at paloaltojcc.org/italianname or by calling (650) 223-8649.

Advance Screening of MR. GAGA: A film by Tomer Heymann
7:30pm, Tuesday, January 31, 2017

Director Tomer Heymann's Mr. Gaga tells the story of one of the most important choreographers living today, Ohad Naharin, who studied with some of the greatest dance figures of our time and created the daring new "movement language" Gaga. Meeting him at a critical turning point in his life, this spirited and insightful documentary introduces viewers to a most engaging, controversial, and always entertaining figure constantly battling for artistic perfection. Eight years in the making, Mr. Gaga traces Naharin's artistic roots with rare footage from his childhood, rehearsals, extensive unseen archival material and stunning dance sequences filmed exclusively for the film. Heymann weaves a marvelous tale of what it takes to be a genius, the exhausting toll dance can take on its performers, and finally, the stunning beauty that art can bring to this world. Come see this advanced screening at the OFJCC, prior to the commercial release of the film. Tickets are $15. More information can be found at paloaltojcc.org/mrgaga or by calling (650) 223-8649.

An Evening with Lisen Stromberg: Author of Work Pause Thrive: How to Pause for Parenthood without Killing Your Career
7:30pm, Thursday, February 2, 2017

Award-winning independent journalist Lisen Stromberg will discuss her new book Work Pause Thrive: How to Pause for Parenthood without Killing Your Career. The book offers insight to how trailblazing women have managed to integrate their work and life priorities. It provides recommendations and tips on conscious career planning that incorporate your personal desires with your professional ambitions. Stromberg also sounds a call to action to demand broader solutions for both women and men in the workplace. Tickets are $15 general/$12 JCC members and J-Pass holders. More information can be found at paloaltojcc.org/stromberg or by calling (650) 223-8649.

2017 OFJCC Annual Benefit featuring Michael Franti
6:00pm, Saturday, February 4, 2017

OFJCC presents Michael Franti, a musician, filmmaker and humanitarian who is recognized as a pioneering force in the music industry. Long known for his globally conscious lyrics, powerful performances, and dynamic live shows, Franti has continually been at the forefront of lyrical activism, using his music as a positive force for change. The OFJCC's annual benefit supports the center's ongoing educational, cultural and social programs, including being a significant source of scholarship funds enabling deserving families to send their children to preschool and camp and allowing seniors to participate in stimulating programs they may not otherwise be able to afford. Tickets are $300. More information can be found at paloaltojcc.org/benefit or by calling (650) 223-8649.

Opera for Families: Sounds of the Earth
4:30pm, Sunday, February 5, 2017

Opera for Families shares the magic of opera with children of all ages in an up-to-date, fascinating, and fun way. Highlighting songs from The Sound of Music, Frozen, Le Nozze di Figaro, and more, this program celebrates the sounds of nature, including trees, flowers, snow, and sun as themes in songs throughout musical history. Two singers and a pianist perform selections, enhanced with insightful explanations, role-playing games, and more to help young audiences explore different aspects of music. The event has received rave reviews for offering enriching experiences that introduce children to opera in a delightful format. Opera for Families is hosted by pianist Efrat Levy, soprano Amy Foote, and mezzo-soprano Deborah Rosengaus. Tickets are $18 general/$15 children of all ages, JCC members and J-Pass holders. More information can be found at paloaltojcc.org/operaforfamilies or by calling (650) 223-8649.

Jewish Women's Theatre Salon Series Evening 1: The Matzo Ball Diaries
7:30pm, Monday, February 6, 2017

The Oshman Family JCC presents The Matzo Ball Diaries, delicious secret stories of food and home, performed by the Jewish Women's Theatre Salon. Putting a contemporary spin on the centuries-old tradition of Jewish women hosting salons, The Jewish Women's Theatre recreates the Salon model to highlight that which unifies, rather than divides. Tickets are $75 season tickets--general (includes 3 performances of Jewish Women's Theatre Salon Series) /$65 season tickets--JCC members and J-Pass holders (includes 3 performances of Jewish Women's Theatre Salon Series) /$30 for Evening 1--general/$25 for Evening 1--JCC members and J-Pass holders. More information can be found at paloaltojcc.org/jwtmatzo or by calling (650) 223-8649.

Ruth Andrew Ellenson and Ari Kelman Discuss Edgar M. Bronfman's Book Why Be Jewish?
7:00pm, Thursday, February 9, 2017

Ruth Andrew Ellenson, author of The Modern Jewish Girl's Guide to Guilt, and Ari Y. Kelman, Jim Joseph Chair in Education and Jewish Studies at the Stanford Graduate School of Education, will discuss the late Edgar M. Bronfman's compelling book Why Be Jewish? The topics of Jewish identity, ritual, faith, secularism and the future of the Jewish world will be addressed, followed by a Q & A session. Tickets are $15 general/$12 JCC members and J-Pass holders/$10 students with valid ID. One drink is included in the price of each ticket. There will be a happy hour schmooze from 7:00-7:30pm with the discussion beginning at 7:30pm. More information can be found at paloaltojcc.org/bronfman or by calling (650) 223-8649.

Rhythmic Circus: Feet Don't Fail Me Now!
7:30pm, Saturday, February 11

Rhythmic Circus, home-grown hoofers from Minneapolis, will hit the stage at the OFJCC with a trunk full of tap shoes, funky costumes, and a big brass band ready to perform "Feet Don't Fail Me Now!" An inventive style of rapid-fire tap dancing blended with a variety of musical genres creates a show with a wildly creative view into the indomitable power of the human spirit. "Feet Don't Fail Me Now!" was lauded by New York Post, which called it "a family-friendly tap extravaganza." Rhythmic Circus is a troupe of internationally renowned artists who have been choreographing and performing together since 2000. Tickets are $70 premium/$60 general/$55 JCC members and J-Pass holders. More information can be found at paloaltojcc.org/circus or by calling (650) 223-8649.

Roy Ayers - part of "Jazz Giants" presented in collaboration with San Jose Winter Jazz Festival
7:30pm, Friday, February 24, 2017

Vibraphonist/vocalist Roy Ayers is among the best-known, most-loved and respected jazz/R&B artists still on the scene today. Known as the Godfather of Neo-soul, his career has seen him evolve from an award-winning jazz vibraphonist into a popular R&B bandleader for influential artists including Mary J. Blige, Erykah Badu, 50 Cent, A Tribe Called Quest, Tupac, and Ice Cube. Recently, he recorded with hip-hop artist Talib Kweli (produced by Kanye West) and jazz/R&B singer Will Downing. He is presented by the OFJCC in collaboration with the San Jose Winter Jazz Festival. Tickets are $65 premium (includes reception)/$42 general/$40 JCC members and J-Pass holders. More information can be found at paloaltojcc.org/royayers or by calling (650) 223-8649.

A Morning with Children's Author and Illustrator Todd Parr
10:00am, Saturday, February 25, 2017

The OFJCC presents a fun-filled morning with Todd Parr, bestselling children's author and illustrator of books such as It's Okay to be Different, The Family Book, and The I Love You Book. Parr will talk about being an author and illustrator, and how he makes a book, as well as read selections from his books, play games, and conduct a Q & A session with the kids. Tickets are $8 adults/$5 children three and up/free for children under three. More information can be found at paloaltojcc.org/toddparr or by calling (650) 223-8649.

Kim Nalley - part of "Jazz Giants" presented in collaboration with San Jose Winter Jazz Festival: Ella Fitzgerald's Birthday Centennial: with special guest Kalil Wilson
6:00pm, Sunday, February 26, 2017

Awarded "Most Influential African American in the Bay Area" in 2005 and "Best Jazz Group" in 2013, vocalist Kim Nalley is already being called "legendary" and a "San Francisco institution." Nalley has an international reputation as one of world's best jazz and blues vocalists, and has performed in concert halls from Moscow to Lincoln Center. A true Renaissance woman, Kim Nalley has also been a featured writer for Jazz West and The San Francisco Chronicle's City Brights, a produced playwright, a former jazz club owner, an accomplished stage actress, a Ph.D. candidate in history at UC Berkeley, and an avid lindy hop and blues dancer. She is presented by the OFJCC in collaboration with the San Jose Winter Jazz Festival. Tickets are $50 premium (includes reception)/$35 general/$30 JCC members and J-Pass holders. More information can be found at paloaltojcc.org/kimnalley or by calling (650) 223-8649.

David Broza and Ali Paris in Concert
8:00pm, Thursday, March 2, 2017

Israeli superstar David Broza has been considered one of the most dynamic and vibrant performers in the singer and songwriter world. His charismatic and energetic performances have brought to worldwide audiences a fusion of three different countries in which he was raised: Israel, Spain, and England. He fills concert halls with exquisite guitar playing ranging from flamenco-flavored rhythmic and percussive techniques, to whirlwind finger-picking, to a signature rock'n'roll sound. Palestinian musician Ali Paris captivates audiences worldwide with his unique fusion of Middle Eastern and Western music styles highlighted by both technical virtuosity and emotional expression. He accompanies his singing with his instrument, the Qanun, a rare 76-string zither that dates back to the 14th century and is played by only a handful of people across the globe. He has collaborated with a long list of world-renowned artists such as Alicia Keys, Quincy Jones, Javier Limon and Bobby McFerrin. Tickets are $65 general/$60 JCC members and J-Pass holders. More information can be found at paloaltojcc.org/brozaparis or by calling (650) 223-8649.

Béla Fleck and Abigail Washburn
8:00pm, Thursday, March 23

Audiences will find their toes a-tapping when the OFJCC presents the Grammy award-winning musical duo, Béla Fleck and Abigail Washburn. A 15-time Grammy award-winning virtuoso, Béla Fleck is widely considered the world's premiere banjo player. He has been seen on SNL, Late Night with Letterman, The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien, and The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon. Abigail Washburn is also an acclaimed banjo player, who has been recording and touring for a number of years. Washburn's music ranges from the "all-g'earl" string band sound of Uncle Earl to her bilingual solo release Song of the Traveling Daughter (featuring songs in both English and Chinese). The duo of Fleck and Washburn released a CD in 2014 titled Béla Fleck and Abigail Washburn, which won a Grammy for the Best Folk Album in 2016. Tickets are $70 premium/$60 general/$55 JCC members and J-Pass holders. More information can be found at paloaltojcc.org/belafleck or by calling (650) 223-8649.

Jewish Women's Theatre Salon Series Evening 2: Exile: Kisses on Both Cheeks
7:30pm, Monday, April 3, 2017

The Jewish Women's Theatre returns to the OFJCC with Exile: Kisses on Both Cheeks. The play depicts the Sephardic legacy of family, community, and country, looking for home more than 500 years after the expulsion from Spain in a Jewish immigrant story that is rarely told on stage. Putting a contemporary spin on the centuries-old tradition of Jewish women hosting salons, The Jewish Women's Theatre recreates the Salon model, offering a platform for the Jewish community to see that which unifies rather than divides. Tickets are $30 general/$25 JCC members and J-Pass holders. More information can be found at paloaltojcc.org/Theater-Comedy or by calling (650) 223-8649.

Jewish Plays Project
7:30pm, Tuesday, April 4, 2017

The Jewish Plays Project puts bold, progressive Jewish conversations on the world stage. Drawing from 219 submissions, the project will present a dynamic new work that points the way to the future of Jewish drama: vibrant, challenging, culturally specific, but universal. Audience members will vote for the best among excerpts of three different, bold new plays. Tickets are $15 general/$12 JCC members and J-Pass holders/$8 students with valid ID. More information can be found at paloaltojcc.org/jpp or by calling (650) 223-8649.

Jazz Giants: Diaspora Soul Concert
7:30pm, Thursday, April 6, 2017

Trumpeter Steven Bernstein gathers an excellent cast of some of New York's more adventurous jazz musicians for this rollicking Diaspora Soul Concert. With a sense of humor lacking any condescending irony, Bernstein throws some cha cha into his New Orleans R&B and Afro-Cuban-influenced arrangements of traditional cantorials, an Ashkenazi wedding song, a Hanukkah song, and more. Tickets are $25 premium/$20 general/$18 JCC members and J-Pass holders. More information can be found at paloaltojcc.org/diasporasoul or by calling (650) 223-8649.

Silicon Valley Italian Festival
10:00am to 6:00pm, Sunday, May 7, 2017

Celebrate and learn about the rich culture and history of Italy with the Silicon Valley Italian Festival which will feature cooking classes, speakers, films, and more. The festival offers speakers, an Italian market, fashion, food and wine tasting. Free general admission. More information can be found at paloaltojcc.org/arts or by calling (650) 223-8649.

An Evening with Cookie Johnson: Believing in Magic
7:30pm, Thursday, May 18, 2017

On HIV Vaccine Awareness Day, participate in a thoughtful conversation with Cookie Johnson. In her new memoir, Cookie Johnson, wife of NBA legend Earvin "Magic" Johnson, shares details of her marriage, motherhood, faith, and how an HIV diagnosis 25 years ago changed the course of their lives. Believing in Magic: My Story of Love, Overcoming Adversity, and Keeping the Faith is the story of her marriage of nearly four decades, loving one another, losing their way, and eventually finding a path they never imagined. Tickets are $25 premium/$15 general/$12 JCC members and J-Pass holders/$8 students with valid ID. More information can be found at paloaltojcc.org/arts or by calling (650) 223-8649.

Jewish Women's Theatre Salon Series Evening 3: More Courage
7:30pm, Monday, May 22, 2017

The Jewish Women's Theatre presents More Courage, a show that explores stories of brave acts, small or large, that change lives and inspire. Putting a contemporary spin on the centuries old tradition of Jewish women hosting salons, The Jewish Women's Theatre recreates the Salon model to provide an outlet for the Jewish community to see that which unifies rather than divides. Tickets are $30 general/$25 JCC members and J-Pass holders. More information can be found at paloaltojcc.org/Theater-Comedy or by calling (650) 223-8649.

Jake Shimabukuro
7:30pm, Thursday, May 25, 2017

Jake Shimabukuro is the featured artist at Arts Bravura, OFJCC's annual arts gala. Jake Shimabukuro has redefined the musical possibilities of the ukulele, drawing comparisons to the likes of Jimi Hendrix, Eddie Van Halen, and MiLes Davis in his innovative approach to the instrument. He effortlessly mixes jazz, rock, classical, traditional Hawaiian music, and folk, creating a sound that's technically masterful, emotionally powerful, and utterly unique in the music world. Tickets are $180 premium (includes hors d'oeuvres reception)/$80 general. More information can be found at paloaltojcc.org/arts or by calling (650) 223-8649.

Visual Art Events:

"Grounded 60 to Surface Commotion" - Sara Carter
6:30pm, December 15 - April 3, 2017
Reception Sunday, January 8, 6:30pm

The Grounded 60 (Zoom) Series connects the viewer to a defined relationship of color and contemplated pause within the overlays of contrast. The Grounded 60 Series is an ongoing exploration of the 1960s, an era of Sara Carter's preadolescence during which she gained ideological independence and creative power. In the Surface Series, begun in 2015, and the Commotion Series, begun in 2016, Carter utilizes watercolor, gouache, flashes and acrylic paint to apply, practice and experience principles of order and beauty inherent in her oeuvre. The reception evening includes a live jazz band, wine and light refreshments. RSVP required-please email igal@paloaltojcc.org. More information can be found at paloaltojcc.org/saracarter or by calling (650) 223-8649.

"A Family History" - David Goldberg
April 4 - May 10, 2017
Reception Date and Time TBA

Meet photographer David Goldberg at his exhibit opening of "A Family History." This collection sits at the space where family and history intersect. Goldberg used his own family's history as his inspiration for this exhibit to tell the story of the early 20th century wave of immigration from the Russia to America. Goldberg's photos chronicle the struggles of arriving in America, where all it took to rise above poverty was a job. More information can be found at paloaltojcc.org/Visual-Arts or by calling (650) 223-8649.

"The Inflatable Crown" - Addi Somekh
May 15 - September 15, 2017
Reception Date and Time TBA

The Varieties of the Balloon Hat Experience documents a collaboration between artist and balloon twister Addi Somekh and photographer Charlie Eckert. From 1996 to 2000, Addi and Charlie traveled through 34 countries and 20 U.S. states, twisting over 100,000 balloons and capturing over 12,000 images on film. At the heart of the project is an investigation into laugher as a universal human experience: an attempt to show that all are born with a sense of humor, and that laughter sounds the same in every language. More information can be found at paloaltojcc.org/Visual-Arts or by calling (650) 223-8649.

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The Oshman Family Jewish Community Center (OFJCC) on the Taube Koret Campus for Jewish Life is a community-supported nonprofit that serves the South Peninsula through educational, social, cultural, fitness, sports and other programs. The OFJCC is a multi-generational Jewish neighborhood where all are welcome and which fosters new personal and community connections through rich and rewarding experiences. The OFJCC provides a common ground for Jewish institutions, other local groups, organizations and individuals to work, learn and play together for the betterment of the whole community. The OFJCC's registered trademarks are Live Fully and J-Pass. For more information, visit www.paloaltojcc.org or call (650) 223-8700.