Stroum Jewish Community Center Launches 2018/19 Arts+Ideas Season Performing Arts Lineup

The Stroum Jewish Community Center is thrilled to announce its 2018/19 Arts+Ideas season lineup. Now in its fourth season, the Arts+Ideas stage at the J continues to bring world-class musicians, films, chefs, authors, theater, live podcast events, a film and now a new cultural festival to its home on Mercer Island and to venues and audiences around the Puget Sound.

Several high-profile authors and chefs are featured in this year's Words to the Wise talk series, which kicks off with James Beard Award-winning chef and cookbook author Yotam Ottolenghi, who returns to the J for a second sold-out event. The celebrated chef will discuss his new book "Ottolenghi Simple" on October 31. Pulitzer-nominated author Nathan Englander discusses his new political thriller, "Dinner at the Center of the Earth," on November 17, and New York Times Washington bureau deputy editor Jonathan Weisman kicks off the second half of the season discussing his new book "(((Semitism))): Being Jewish in America in the Age of Trump" (January 17) about the rise of the alt-right.

Two local Seattle authors will also speak about their books. In her memoir, "Around Seattle in 80 Dates," Renata Lubinsky chronicles her quest for love through online dating (February 10) and Karen Treiger explores her in-laws' unlikely meeting in the forest outside the Treblinka Death Camp in "My Soul is Filled with Joy," (April 30).

The J consistently brings eclectic world music to the region with its Global Sound international music series. Trailblazing Sephardic band Jaffa Road performs twice on October 21: a full, ticketed concert in the evening; and a short preview performance in the afternoon as part of the second-annual Sephardic Day @ the J, a free family event that celebrates our region's unique cultural heritage of Jews of Spanish descent. In the spring, Yemeni and West African dance grooves mix with the deep soul of old Mizrahi chants when the electric performer Ravid Kahalani and Yemen Blues take the stage.

This year's theater, live podcast, and comedy shows focus on storytelling. Comedian Ophira Eisenberg, host of NPR's "Ask Me Another" and frequent host of "The Moth," brings her hilarious stand-up to the J on January 24, and comedian Monica Piper, the Emmy-winning writer known for "Rugrats," "Roseanne," and "Mad About You" delivers stories and stand-up on June 15. Rain Pryor takes the stage with her solo show, "Fried Chicken & Latkes," about growing up Back, Jewish, and the daughter of comedy royalty on May 18. Audiences can also enjoy two live podcast shows this season. America's leading and edgy Jewish podcast, "Unorthodox" will tape a live Valentine's Day-themed show with surprising special guests, including Seattle's own sex advice columnist Dan Savage (who will simultaneously record the episode for his own radio podcast) on February 2. We are also partnering with University of Washington and Hillel UW to bring Israel Story, "Israel's 'This American Life," back to Seattle for another magical evening of live radio, music, and multimedia storytelling - this time on the UW campus at the University of Washington's HUB Lyceum Theatre on May 7. The first 50 students (all ages) get in free w/valid ID.

As the SJCC Arts + Ideas season continues to create innovative programming and expand beyond the walls of our 370-seat, state-of-the-Art Theatre and cinema on Mercer Island, we are launching a brand-new festival in December that will deliver headlining artists along with up-and-comers in a festival format at various locations throughout the region. The first annual SeaJAM Festival (December 6-9) is a showcase of emerging and already amazing Jewish arts and music in a variety of disciplines and for different demographics: an opening keynote headliner, two music shows including a family rock concert, dance, comedy, and more. SeaJAM kicks off at Benaroya Hall downtown on December 6. Full lineup announced mid-October.

The 24th annual Seattle Jewish Film Festival (March 23-31 and April 6-7), will showcase 36 films from around the world that explore global Jewish and Israeli life, culture, identity, history, and diversity for everyone and all ages. Full lineup and ticket sales announced in February.

This is only a sample of the SJCC's rich and robust 2018/19 Arts+Ideas season. All events are open to the public. See below for a full list of programs. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.sjcc.org/arts-ideas or view our interactive program guide online.

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