Musicians and writers. Pickles and puppets. Noshing and

JEWISH
ARTS
COLLABORATIVE
Musicians and writers. Pickles and puppets. Noshing
and shmoozing. What’s going to move you this Spring?
WELCOME
Tradition meets innovation. Matzah balls collide with molecular gastronomy.
Modern dancers leap to electrified ancient melodies. After 3,500 years of
wandering through deserts and sailing across oceans, Jewish culture is about
to embark on another journey with the launch of the Jewish Arts Collaborative.
Whether in the shtetl or in the suburbs, the Jewish people have inhaled the
cultures of the world, mixed them with our unique perspectives, and exhaled
something beautiful. Our mission – and passion – is sharing that beauty, in
its many forms and styles, with you. From Austrian silent movies to Yemenite
rock’n’roll, from Shylock’s Venice to Sholom Aleichem’s Lower East Side,
you’ll find surprises, inspiration, and just plain fun in our inaugural season.
So get off your tuchus already and get some tickets. We’ll see you soon.
Laura Mandel
Executive Director
Joey Baron
Artistic Director
HOW TO GET TICKETS
ONLINE:
Visit jartsboston.org
At only $2-5 per ticket, we are doing our best
to keep service fees to a minimum.
BY PHONE:
Call Ovation Tickets, 24/7, at 866.811.4111
for all events except Moon of Israel
MAJOR SPONSORS
ABOUT US
The Jewish Arts Collaborative is a bold new initiative to infuse
Jewish arts and culture into our community. The Collaborative
brings together the Boston Jewish Music Festival and the New
Center for Arts and Culture, in partnership with an array of
Boston’s cultural and Jewish organizations. Simply put the
Collaborative brings the art to the Jewish and the Jewish
to the art.
The Collaborative is the product of extensive conversations
and planning by local Jewish cultural leaders. This inaugural
season reflects the creativity of today and unleashes the
unlimited potential of tomorrow.
QUESTIONS & ASSISTANCE:
Call the Jewish Arts Collaborative at 617.531.4610
or email us at [email protected]
A COLORFUL APPROACH TO
OUR SPRING 2016 SCHEDULE
January
February
March
April
May
June
JEWISH
ARTS
COLLABORATIVE
1320 Centre Street
Suite 201
Newton Center, MA 02459
617.531.4610
[email protected]
JANUARY
FEBRUARY
Sunday, January 24
Thursday, February 25
TU B’SHVAT TERRARIA
AL KOOPER AND THE FUNKY FACULTY
Happy birthday, trees! Tu B’Shvat is all about
appreciating trees and the environment. Celebrate
with this build-your-own-terrarium workshop and
Tu B’Shvat seder.
What do Bob Dylan, George Harrison, The Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, The
Who, and Trisha Yearwood have in common? Al Kooper has recorded with
them all. Enjoy a night of musical gems and fascinating stories from a key
player in rock’n’roll since 1958, just a year after his Bar Mitzvah.
LOCATION:
Mahoney’s Garden Center
449 Western Avenue
Brighton, MA 02135
TIME:
12:00 PM
TICKETS:
$38
LOCATION:
Center for the Arts in Natick
14 Summer Street
Natick, MA 01760
TIME:
8:00 PM
TICKETS:
$35 until January 31
$40 from February 1
tcan
Saturday, February 27
THE NEFESH MOUNTAIN
HOUSE PARTY
Nefesh Mountain is the place where Jewish music is transformed
by bluegrass and old-time musical traditions. Sing along, clap
along, or just smile along as husband and wife team Eric Lindberg
and Doni Zasloff share their unique, heartfelt Jewish Americana.
LOCATION:
TBA
TIME:
8:00 PM
TICKETS:
$20
Sunday, February 28
FAMILY FUN WITH MAMA DONI
A concert geared for young families, with lots of clapping,
singing, and dancing along with two of the most irresistible
performers you can imagine.
LOCATION:
Kerem Shalom
659 Elm Street
Concord, MA 01742
Getting off your tuchus the first time
may cause dizziness; move slowly.
TIME:
11:00 AM
TICKETS:
$8 kids
$12 adults
$40 family limit
MARCH
Thursday, March 3
ODESSA HAVANA
An award-winning musical fusion of Latin, klezmer, and
jazz by Canada’s Odessa Havana Project, featuring David
Buchbinder and Grammy-nominated Cuban pianist Hilario
Duran. An exciting example of cultural sharing presented
with one of Boston’s leading Latin organizations, IBA-Boston.
After the show, join us for dessert in IBA’s LaGalleria to meet
the band and featured painter Isabella Mellado and mingle
with your fellow music lovers.
LOCATION:
Villa Victoria
85 W Newton Street
Boston, MA 02118
TIME:
7:30 PM
LOCATION:
Unity Hall
90 Main Street
Worcester, MA 01608
TIME:
8:00 PM
TICKETS:
$25
Saturday, March 5
ODESSA HAVANA
An award-winning musical fusion of Latin, klezmer, and
jazz, featuring David Buchbinder and Grammy-nominated
Cuban pianist Hilario Duran. Inspired by the band’s
sharing of traditions, the concert is presented with the
Latin Jewish Round Table of the Jewish Federation of
Central MA and El Centro. Music more caliente than
even homemade horseradish.
TICKETS:
$20
Saturday, March 5
MOON OF ISRAEL: AN EPIC
SILENT FILM WITH LIVE
MUSICAL ACCOMPANIMENT
This 1924 film directed by Mihaly Kertesz (who later, as
Michael Curtiz, went on to direct Casablanca) tells the
story of a Jewish slave girl who falls in love with the son of
Pharaoh. While this love leads to numerous problems, at
the end of the film, Moses leads his people through the Red
Sea. Shot in Vienna with 5,000 extras, at the time, this was
one of the most elaborate and expensive films ever made
and is considered far more visually advanced than DeMille’s
The Ten Commandments. Live musical accompaniment by
award-winning Austrian pianist, composer, and silent film
authority Gerhard Gruber.
FEATURED ARTIST:
Pianist Gerhard Gruber
LOCATION:
Somerville Theater
55 Davis Square
Somerville, MA 02144
TIME:
7:30 PM
TICKETS:
$25 film
$40 with post-film
dessert reception
Sunday, March 6
THE GUY MENDILOW ENSEMBLE:
THREE SIDES TO EVERY STORY
Journey through the Balkans to the Mideast beginning in Sarajevo
and winding through war-torn Salonica, in this collection of songs and
vignettes of struggle, redemption, and celebration. Created by Guy
Mendilow and Nathan Wadley, the concert features Guy’s award-winning
quintet with players from Israel, Palestine, Argentina, and the USA, with
the Philadelphia Girls Choir. From epic to stark to irreverently funny,
Three Sides to Every Story explores the ways that contradictions come
together to flesh out a story with greater depth and humanity.
FEATURED ARTISTS:
Guy Mendilow Ensemble with the Philadelphia Girls Choir
LOCATION:
Temple Israel, 200 State Street
Portsmouth, NH 03801
TICKETS:
Advance: $20 adults, $10 students,
$50 family maximum
At the door: $25 adults
TIME:
2:00 PM
Sunday, March 6
IN THE FIDDLER’S HOUSE
Presented by the Celebrity Series of Boston, we have a
limited allotment of tickets for this 20th anniversary
celebration of Itzhak Perlman’s beloved klezmer recording
and PBS special In the Fiddler’s House. Perlman revisits this
important, personal project celebrating the klezmer tradition
at Symphony Hall with some of his closest musical friends,
including music director Hankus Netsky.
LOCATION:
Symphony Hall
301 Massachusetts Avenue
Boston, MA 02115
TIME:
7:00 PM
TICKETS:
$80, $100, $125
FEATURED ARTISTS:
Itzhak Perlman with Andy Statman, Frank London,
and the Klezmer Conservatory Band
Saturday, March 12
NOAM KATZ AND BAND
Singer, songwriter and rabbi, Noam Katz’s musical journey
has taken him everywhere from the Eisner campgrounds to
the Ugandan villages of the Abayudaya Jews. Enjoy an evening
of uplifting music that is as energetic as it is heartfelt.
LOCATION:
Temple Beth Abraham
4 Raymond Street
Nashua, NH 03064
TIME:
8:00 PM
TICKETS:
$20 adults
$10 students
Saturday, March 12
Sunday, March 13
TRIUMPH: A CONCERT AND CONVERSATION
WITH SIDRA BELL DANCE COMPANY
SIDRA BELL:
FAMILY MOVEMENT CLASS
This exciting NYC modern dance company creatively explores issues
of beauty, ethnicity, and identity. They will perform Triumph, with
live music composed by Sidra Bell’s father, Dennis Bell, and featuring
MusiConnects Boston Public Quartet. Later, Sidra will discuss her
work with Debra Cash and the audience.
FEATURED ARTISTS:
Sidra Bell, Dennis Bell, Boston Public Quartet, and
Debra Cash, Executive Director, Boston Dance Alliance.
LOCATION:
Riemer Goldstein Theater
Leventhal Sidman JCC
Nahanton Street, Newton, MA 02459
TIME:
8:00 PM
TICKETS:
$25
Enjoy a fun and inspiring family movement class
with an exceptional educator and choreographer.
LOCATION:
Riemer Goldstein Theater
Leventhal Sidman JCC
Nahanton Street
Newton, MA 02459
TIME:
11:00 AM
TICKETS:
$10
Sunday, March 13
BEYOND BUBBIE’S
KITCHEN
Beyond Bubbie’s Kitchen is Boston’s
premier Jewish food celebration,
exploring the Jewish culinary
imagination of the area’s best chefs.
Taste inspired modern updates on
traditional Jewish favorites, along
with samples of beer from Notch
and Coney Island, Jack’s Abby craft
lagers, Gubba rum, and more.
LOCATION:
Back Bay Events Center
180 Berkeley Street
Boston, MA 02116
TICKETS:
$36
TIME:
5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday, March 22
SHYLOCK IS MY NAME: STEPHEN
GREENBLATT AND HOWARD
JACOBSON IN CONVERSATION
On the 500th anniversary of the Venice Ghetto, acclaimed
authors Stephen Greenblatt and Howard Jacobson talk
about the legacy of its most famous resident – Shylock,
the Jewish moneylender in Shakespeare’s The Merchant of
Venice. Stephen Greenblatt is Cogan University Professor
of the Humanities at Harvard University. He is the author
of Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award winning
The Swerve: How the World Became Modern, as well as
numerous books on Shakespeare. Howard Jacobson is the
author of more than a dozen novels, including Man Booker
Prize winner The Finkler Question, The Mighty Walzer, and
J. His new novel, Shylock Is My Name, is a contemporary
retelling of The Merchant of Venice. They will be
interviewed by Jonathan Wilson, director of the Tufts
University Center for the Humanities.
LOCATION:
TBA
TIME:
TBA
TICKETS:
TBA
Thursday, March 24
A-WA
Modern and ancient. Fun and funky. Take three music-loving Yemenite sisters and one
boundary-breaking producer, Balkan Beat Box’s Tomer Yosef, and you get music with a
whole new flavor. One of NPR’s Favorites of 2015; catch them on their way to SxSW.
FEATURED ARTIST:
A-Wa
LOCATION:
Somerville Armory
191 Highland Avenue
Somerville, MA 02143
TIME:
8:00 PM
TICKETS:
$20 in advance
$25 at the door
APRIL
Tuesday, April 12
JEWISH PLAYWRITING CONTEST
ON STAGE
YAIR DALAL, A MASTER
OF MIDDLE EASTERN MUSIC
Thursday, April 7
VENETIAN GLASS WORKSHOP
The 5th annual Jewish Playwriting Contest returns to
Boston. An international search for the best unpublished
Jewish plays, the Jewish Plays Project has vetted 913
plays from 650 writers worldwide since 2012. Enjoy –
and judge – this year’s top three. Watch a cast of stellar
actors read 20-minute sections from three plays, hear
JPP Founder David Winitsky share the latest trends, and
then use your cell phone to vote for the play that should
continue on. The ultimate winner gets a workshop
production in New York as part of JPP’s OPEN: Festival
of New Jewish Theater this June.
A composer, oudist, violinist, and singer, Dalal is a
cornerstone of Israeli, Middle Eastern, and world music.
His family came to Israel from Baghdad, and his Iraqi
roots are embedded in his musical work. Dalal creates
new Middle Eastern music by interweaving the
traditions of Iraqi and Jewish Arabic music with a
range of traditional and contemporary styles.
For thousands of years, Jews have been masters of
glass making. Known for its glass tradition, Venice is
also home to the first Jewish ghetto in the world.
Celebrate the beauty and culture that came out of
Venice by immersing yourself in an evening of glass
blowing demonstrations, hands-on glass making
opportunities, and wine and cheese.
LOCATION:
YWCA Boston Building
140 Clarendon Street
2nd floor
Boston, MA 02116
LOCATION:
TBA
LOCATION:
Diablo Glass School
123 Terrace Street
Boston, MA 02120
Thursday, March 31
TIME:
7:30 PM
TICKETS:
$20
TIME:
7:00 PM
TICKETS:
$65
TIME:
7:30 PM
TICKETS:
$36
MAY
Tuesday, May 3
MODERN ISRAELI STREET FOOD
WITH CHEF AVI SHEMTOV
Get in the mood for a delicious Israel Independence Day. Join Chef
Avi Shemtov of the Chubby Chickpea to learn how to create your own
modern Israeli street food. On the menu: cheese bourekas, schnitzel,
sabich, eggplant salad, and masabacha (similar to hummus). It’s easier
than booking a flight to Tel Aviv.
LOCATION:
Fenway Neighborhood Center
Sunday, May 1
SHOLOM ALEICHEM: A FAMILY PUPPET SHOW
Get ready for fun as Caravan Puppets paints a (puppet) picture of legendary
writer Sholom Aleichem’s life and travels with stories, music, and surprises!
Children should be prepared to laugh, participate, and learn a little Yiddish.
And don’t forget our special “bring your bubbies and zaydes” ticket package.
FEATURED ARTISTS:
Caravan Puppets, A Besserre
Velt Chorus from Boston’s
Workmen’s Circle
TIME:
11:00 AM
LOCATION:
Riemer Goldstein Theater
Leventhal Sidman JCC
Nahanton Street
Newton, MA 02459
TICKETS:
$10 adult
$8 child
$5 bubbies & zaydes
TIME:
6:30 PM
TICKETS:
$30
1282 Boylston Street
Boston, MA 02215
Monday, May 9
GLENN KURTZ: THREE MINUTES
IN POLAND
The discovery of a three-minute home movie from 1938 Poland
propels a writer’s search for the family of the filmmaker and the
discovery of a lost world.
LOCATION:
Hebrew College
160 Herrick Road
Newton Centre, MA 02459
TIME:
7:30 PM
TICKETS:
TBA
Monday, May 16
IN SEARCH OF ISRAELI CUISINE:
DOCUMENTARY, DISCUSSION & TASTING
What is Israeli cuisine? Chef, restaurateur, and James Beard Foundation Award winner
Michael Solomonov travels through his native Israel to find out. Along the way, he
visits fine restaurants and home kitchens, wineries and cheese makers, to get a taste
of the 70+ cultures that make up his homeland. A unique portrait of Israel and its
people, all told through food. Followed by a conversation and nosh with director
Roger Sherman and chef Michael Solomonov. Special dinner package also includes
pre-film kosher dinner, cookbook, and demonstration by Chef Solomonov.
LOCATION:
Riemer Goldstein Theater
Leventhal Sidman JCC
Nahanton Street
Newton, MA 02459
TIME:
6:00 PM dinner
7:30 PM film
TICKETS:
$25 film & nosh
$80 film, pre-film dinner,
and Zahav cookbook
JUNE
Wednesday, May 25
SHAVUOT CHEESE-PAIRING CLASS
With Shavuot right around the corner, what better time to
get dairy-ready than with a cheese-pairing class? Author
and professional wine and cheese educator Adam Centamore
will guide you through the world of flavor pairing with an
emphasis on understanding and developing your own palate
and preferences. Pairings will relate to the bikkurim, the
Biblical Shavuot sacrifice of the first fruits. Wine and beer
will accompany condiments featuring pomegranate, figs,
olives, and more.
FEATURED ARTIST:
Adam Centamore
TIME:
7:00 PM
LOCATION:
Gordon’s Culinary Center
894 Main Street
Waltham, MA 02451
TICKETS:
$55
Thursday, June 2
THE COOLIDGE CORNER
CAFE CRAWL
Save the date for a free evening of live music
at locations throughout the neighborhood.
When leaving for the night, make
sure loved ones are well cared for.
COLLABORATIVE ROUNDTABLES
Interested in meeting people who share your artistic passions?
Third Thursday of the month (2/18, 4/21, 6/16)
Monthly/bimonthly
TBA
LITERARY ROUNDTABLES
THEATER ROUNDTABLES
MUSIC ROUNDTABLES
Poets, bloggers, novelists, amateur writers,
and others...this is your opportunity to connect with others and share what it
means to be a Jewish writer.
Actors, writers and theater lovers can explore
Jewish theater, from old-time Yiddish theater to
the latest fringe festivals. A way to network with
fellow theater artists and workshop new works.
Share music. Talk music. Here’s your
chance to find support and inspiration
with other Jewish musicians, professional
and amateur alike.
MUSICAL KABBALAT SHABBAT AROUND TOWN
The Boston Jewish Music Festival’s tradition of promoting musical Kabbalat Shabbat celebrations continues. Enjoy these wonderful opportunities to hear some
new melodies, enjoy different styles of Friday evening services, and make some new friends. For reservations and additional information, visit jartsboston.org.
Friday, February 26
Friday, March 4
Friday, March 18
Friday, March 18
A BLUEGRASS SHABBAT
SHABBAT HALLEILLU
SHABBAT OF JOYOUS SONG
KLEZMER & KOL AREV
Who knew a bluegrass Shabbat
celebration could be so fun and
moving? It is with Nefesh Mountain.
Odessa Havana’s David Buchbinder joins
Cantor Peter Halpern and adds a jazz
influence to songs of Shabbat.
Welcome Shabbat with lively singing,
the temple’s band, and video projections.
Featuring Hebrew College’s choir of
students, faculty, staff, and alumni,
conducted by Amy Lieberman and
directed by Cantor Lynn Torgove,
with accordion, cello, and Cantor
Becky Khitrik on clarinet and Cantor
Jeri Robins leading Ma’ariv.
LOCATION:
Kerem Shalom
699 Elm Street
Concord, MA 01742
TIME:
7: 30 PM
LOCATION:
Temple Shalom
175 Temple Street
West Newton, MA 02465
TIME:
6:00 PM
LOCATION:
Congregation Beth EL Sudbury
405 Hudson Road
Sudbury, MA 01776
Friday, March 25
Friday, April 1
Friday, April 8
JAZZ SHABBAT
YAIR DALAL
Join Cantor Susan Bemel Glickman and
special guest renowned Israeli flutist
Amir Milstein, with an appearance from
MidraShir, Temple Beth Avodah’s teen
singers.
A Kabbalat Shabbat dinner with music
by Yair Dalal, a leader in the revivals of
traditional Middle Eastern music in Israel.
SHABBAT RHYTHMS
& CHANTS
LOCATION:
Temple Beth Avodah
45 Puddingstone Lane
Newton, MA 02459
TIME:
6:15 PM
LOCATION:
TBA
TIME:
TBA
TIME:
7:30 PM
LOCATION:
Congregation Or Atid
97 Concord Road
Wayland, MA 01778
Percussionist and educator Mitch Gordon
leads an evening of participatory chanting
and percussion.
LOCATION:
Congregation Agudath Achim
36 Winthrop Street (Rte 44)
Taunton, MA 02780
TIME:
7:00 PM
TIME:
7:00 PM
FOUR WAYS YOU CAN HELP
WHO’S WHO
DONATE
Every little bit helps. Whether it’s $18 or $18,000, your
tax-deductible donation helps to ensure our community’s
cultural future. Visit the donate section at jartsboston.org.
You can also add a donation to your ticket purchases.
VOLUNTEER
Want to usher at shows? Schlep supplies? Clean up
afterwards? There are dozens of ways you can help.
If you have time, we have work. Just complete our
volunteer registration form at jartsboston.org.
CONNECT
Be sure to register for the Jewish Arts Collaborative
JEWISH
ARTS
COLLABORATIVE
Laura Mandel, Executive Director
Jim Ball, Director of Communications
Joey Baron, Artistic Director
Sara Brookner, Director of Engagement
Marissa Gross, Office Manager
emails on our website.
Jill Higgins, Marketing Manager
FIND US
Helen Kadish, Chief Operating Officer
Join our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter, too.
Howard Cohen, Chair
Better yet, don’t just tell your friends, bring them along!
JEWISH
ARTS
COLLABORATIVE
1320 Centre Street
Suite 201
Newton Center
MA 02459
jartsboston.org
Spring 2016
NonProfit Org.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
BOSTON, MA
PERMIT XXXX