GEEZER GALLERY celebrates JAM!

JAM in Transition

We are in a transition!

JAM is moving away from the concept of "month", since we were never able to contain ourselves within a single month anyway!

We'll still call ourselves JAM...but now it will represent 

JEWISH ARTS MOMENTS!

We'll continue to focus on local artists in a variety of formats and venues....but you can look forward to the events being spread out through the entire year. We will happily promote arts events that are sponsored by various agencies in town and try to fill the gaps where we can!

Amazing Theater! January 30th!!!!!

Have Arab Coffee with a Jew in the New York City of the Middle East.  It’s 1928 and Baghdad is one quarter Jewish.

CAFÉ BAGHDAD

A production of the Jewish Theatre Collaborative, cosponsored by the Harold Schnitzer Family Program in Judaic Studies, the Middle East Studies Center at PSU, Lewis and Clark College Student Activities, Congregation Ahavath Achim, and the Sephardic Cultural Center of Oregon.

Monday, January 30 at Food for Thought Café

Smith Memorial Student Union, Portland State University

1825 SW Broadway (basement level)

7:00 pm / $10 dollars

For information and tickets for performances visit: http://www.jewishtheatrecollaborative.org/performance-cafe_baghdad.html

THANK YOU OREGON ARTS COMMISSION

THANK YOU!  THANK YOU! THANK YOU!  THANK YOU!

We just finished writing our evaluation for the Arts Builds Community Grant we received in 2011. Jewish Arts Month wouldn’t have been possible without the generous support of this granting organization.

Our planners worked hard to document each and every event held. We took copious notes and learned a lot. We made a few mistakes but we had numerous successes. 

Stay tuned. We will soon post what is scheduled for JAM 2012~

We chose not to apply for another OAC grant this year. RACC is supporting our Playwriting for Seniors program (Acting Our Age!)

We hope the community will now contribute financially to support our JAM endeavors. In fact, we are seriously contemplating a name change.

It will still be JAM....but we are thinking that Jewish Arts Moments might be a more accurate idea. Spring will become a season of Jewish Arts Moments...more than can possibly be contained within a month!

Care to donate? Send a check written to the Mttleman Jewish Community Center with JAM written on the memo line c/o

6651 SW Capitol Hwy, Portland 97201

See y’all soon!               

Monday @ Neveh Shalom - Portland Oregon

Klezmer will rock the house Monday evening...8861 SW Peaceful Lane, Portland OR 97221
call 503.246.8831 for more information!

ACTING OUT AGE- ENCORE PERFORMANCE!

JAM 2012 is in the works! Although we have plans to premiere a musical event in February (stay tuned!),
JAM '12 is pleased to announce an encore presentation of ACTING OUR AGE!


January 29th, 2pm at the Rose Schnitzer Manor in Zidell Hall!


The Portland Chapter of National Council of Jewish Women are sponsoring this performance as part of their annual meeting. We are thrilled that they have chosen to use Roe Schnitzer Manor for the venue. This will allow all the residents access!


The production will again be directed by Matt Zrebski. The actors will be announced shortly!


We'll post photos of the writers and more info about the plays soon.


Tomorrow I will post an update about plans for Acting Our Age 2012~!!!!!!

Celebration of Art 2011....OCTOBER 30TH

Acting Our Age- HUGE SUCCESS!

There is something very powerful about hearing your words come to life. On August 14th, 2011 the auditorium of the Southeast Community Music Center filled with friends, family and community to hear the plays written by 7 residents of Rose Schnitzer Manor. The writers were amazed by how their short one-act plays came to life on stage.


Illness prevented two residents from attending but a recording of the plays will help them hear the performances.


Applause was mighty following each reading and our resolve is to do it again!


We want to SHOUT OUT our gratitude to our sponsors....The Oregon Arts Commission, The NEA, Cedar Sinai Park, The Mittleman Jewish Community Center, and The Northwest Council of Jewish Women (Oregon Chapter)and Portland Center Stage.....and of course ....


MATT ZREBSKI, playwright, director and teacher for all his efforts!  All the writers delighted in working with him and look forward to future opportunities to do it again!


THANK YOU to our actors: Gavin Hoffman, Paige Jones, and Debbie Lamedman!


Eddy Shuldman teaches the writing class at Rose Schnitzer Manor and coordinates Jewish Arts Month. Todah Rabbah (thanks) Eddy!


And we can't close this blog article without acknowledging our playwrights.....We Love You and hope to see you continue writing plays and stories and poems. Thank you for sharing your wisdom with us.

Play 1: Birthday Surprises by Martha Pomeranz

Play 2: Injustices by Francine Stone

Play 3: Food For Thought by Michael Mogell

Play 4: Our Golden Years by Barbara Dubin

Play 5: Forecast: 17 Hours by Ruth Henning

Play 6: Tango by Charlotte Wiener

Play 7: Mrs. Who? By Evelyn Hirsch

The OLDER BUT WISER Writers of Rose Schnitzer Manor have completed their one-act plays!

We are proud to announce the premiere of these plays on August 14th (SUNDAY), The curtain goes up at 4pm. Doors open at 3:45. The plays should conclude by 5:30pm

These plays will be directed by well known local playwright and director, Matthew Zrebski and will feature local professional actors who will read each play.

Admission is free, however we are asking for a donation of $10 to help pay the bills!

A portion of this event is sponsored by the Oregon Arts Commission and a portion by the Portland chapter of the National Council of Jewish Women.The Mittleman Jewish Community Center has also been a generous supporter of all JAM events.

The Southeast Music Center

3350 Southeast Francis Street
Portland, OR 97202-3066

Surprised to see a JAM event in August? The writers began their work this spring, but illness and other commitments disrupted our plans....so who says we can't JAM a little in the summer?

Join us please!

CD Release party

How Cool Is This?

Klezmocracy is one of the finest Klezmer bands you'll hear. They bend the boundaries and the results are stunning.


CHECK THEM OUT!

Klezmocracy at Alberta Rose Theatre on June 11 for their CD release of "Reach".  Minors welcome w/ adult.  For more information please go to albertarosetheatre.com or call 502-746-4131 for ticket information.

JAM 2011 is OVER.....but STAY TUNED!

TWO wonderful projects are still underway.


The Older but Wiser writers at Rose Schnitzer Manor are in the revision stages of their original 1-act plays.
We are searching for a venue and some actors......!  YES, these plays will be read by professional actors in a public setting. The plays are fabulous, even in their infancy. You will want to see these plays!


The kids photo group has been actively putting together their photos. Once we have a venue, we'll host a display of their creative efforts.....


please stay tuned!

HAPPY PASSOVER!

We've taken a break because it's Passover.....that's the way the matzah crumbles!

KIDS & FAMILIES>>>>JAM EVENTS!

A Journey Through GenerationsArt Exhibit by Portland Jewish Academy 5th grade students

Date:  April 12 - May 5, 2011
Location:  Oregon Jewish Museum
                  1953 NW Kearney St.
                  Portland, OR 97209
                  503.226.3600
www.portlandjewishacademy.org
Family Tree Workshopwith Lisa Kagan
Date: Sunday May 1, 2011
Time: 1:30 - 3:30 pmLocation:  Oregon Jewish Museum
                  1953 NW Kearney St.
                  Portland, OR 97209
                  503.226.3600

Project price: $18
A perfect project for parents, grandparents and children to do together.
www.lisakagandesigns.com/

KIDS & FAMILIES>>>>JAM EVENTS!

A Journey Through GenerationsArt Exhibit by Portland Jewish Academy 5th grade students

Date:  April 12 - May 5, 2011
Location:  Oregon Jewish Museum
                  1953 NW Kearney St.
                  Portland, OR 97209
                  503.226.3600
www.portlandjewishacademy.org
Family Tree Workshopwith Lisa Kagan
Date: Sunday May 1, 2011
Time: 1:30 - 3:30 pmLocation:  Oregon Jewish Museum
                  1953 NW Kearney St.
                  Portland, OR 97209
                  503.226.3600

Project price: $18
A perfect project for parents, grandparents and children to do together.
www.lisakagandesigns.com/

JAM @ Neveh Shalom

".Gateways." ORA Art Exhibit Opens  Date:  April 8, 2011 Location:  Congregation Neveh Shalom                2900 SW Peaceful Land                Portland, OR  97239                503.246.8831 New offerings from all working members of ORA: Northwest Jewish Artists on exhibit in glass display cases outside the Main Sanctuary. The theme of Gateways will explore both phyical and metaphorical passages. The exhibit will open on Friday, April 8th, with an introduction in conjunction with Erev Shabbat services that evening. The Second Shabbat of EVERY MONTH will be known as ORA SHABBAT!Prayers including the theme of our shows or art will be included. During the kiddush following the service you can learn a little more about the art work from Laura Joy Fendel, fabric artist.

The exhibit will remain on display from April 8 through the end of May.
Admission is free, during all open hours of the Synagogue.

MORE MUSIC

Jewish Community Orchestra Spring Concert
Conducted by John Carter
The Jewish Community Orchestra provides enjoyable music for the Jewish and greater community of Portland. Join us to celebrate Jewish Arts month.

Beethoven Symphony No. 3
Bloch Baal Shem Suite 
       with Yvonne Hsueh, violin


Date: Sunday - April 10, 2011 Time: 3:00 PM Location: At the MJCC 
Cost: Tickets available at the door. $10 adults, $8 seniors, $5 students. Children under 6 free.

Children's Theater!!!!!

".In Portland."PJA Children's theater performance
 
 Date:  Wednesday April 6, 2011
Time:  7 pm
Location: Mittleman Jewish Community Center 
              6651 SW Capitol Hwy
              Portland, Oregon
              503.244.0111
Admission is free.Enjoy a children's theater performance by Portland Jewish Academy 3rd graders.
Original play written and directed by Miriam Feder about the history of Portland. 

April 5 Call for artists~!

ORA Call for Artists: 
Information meeting for all prospective members
 

Date:  Tuesday April 5, 2011
Time:  7:15 pm
Location:  Congregation Neveh Shalom (in Zidell Chapel)
               2900 SW Peaceful Land
               Portland, OR  97239
               503.246.8831
Admission is free, and all are welcome.  Come find out more about ORA's organization, and options for membership.
ORA:Northwest Jewish Artists is introducing a new membership structure, so that all adult Jewish Artists may join.
New membership year begins June 1st, so come to this meeting and have your questions answered.
Can't make it? Write us at oraartists@gmail.com...include your phone number and out membership secretary will contact you!

APRIL JAM EVENTS

I'll be posting events as they come up, week by week. To get a sense of what is happening for the month please go to our calendar link above and click in! At the bottom of the calendar is there are complete descriptions of all the events!

Portland Jewish Film Festival19th Annual celebration of Jewish films
http://www.nwfilm.org/screenings/34/341/
  

Dates:  April 3 - 17, 2011 Location: Northwest Film Center’s Whitsell Auditorium,               Portland Art Museum               1219 SW Park Ave.               Portland, Oregon

 The Festival celebrates the diversity of Jewish history, culture, and identity through the medium of cinema.  The films, in their abundance, touch on tragedy, embrace humor, and recount the emotional and tangible gains and losses of a people. Highlights of this year’s Festival include: LA RAFLE (THE ROUND UP)    that examines the infamous “Vel’ d’Hiv’ ” round up told through the story of one family;  THE MATCHMAKER  a warm comedy/drama coming-of-age story set in Haifa in 1968, and BREATH MADE VISIBLE    that profiles San Francisco dance pioneer Anna Halprin. 

TICKETS AND PASSES:
Tickets are $9 general admission; $8 students, seniors, Portland Art Museum members.
Tickets and Festival passes can be purchased online at www.nwfilm.org.

KLEZMOCRACY will ROCK THE HOUSE!!!!!!

This is one of the hottest Klezmer bands I have ever experienced!

SUNDAY, APRIL 3RD you can catch them in a very unique concert. 


3pm...The band will rev up their unique sound...You will start tapping your foot, then clap your         
            hands and before you know it you will find yourself on the dance floor!


4pm...Guest artists and audience members are invited to bring their instruments out and JAM with the band!!!!!!!


THE FIRST 50  TICKETS PURCHASED will be rewarded with priority seating. Call the MJCC @ 503.244.0111 and get your name on the list. Tickets are selling fast!  


BRING AN INSTRUMENT and/or YOUR DANCING SHOES!
                  BRING ON THE KLEZMER!

A portion of the cd sales proceeds will be donated to a Japan relief fund!

 Klezmocracy at MJCC

 Jack Falk and Ed Kraus jam with Klezmocracy

PIX PAGE

CHECK OUT PIX FROM JAM EVENTS....
look to the right of this post and you will see JAM 2011 PIX
CLICK ON  it......!

Shelley Jordon @ OJM!- WOW!

Click on the image to get a larger version!

OPEN MIC POETRY NIGHT

I can't think of a better venue for this event.
Come on down to Hair of the Dog....home of remarkable beer and fantastic food.
Bring your poetry and sign up to read or just come to listen.
We're asking for a modest $3 cover charge.


This should be awesome!
See you there! Wednesday March 30, 6-8pm
61 SE Yamhill Street
Portland, OR 97214
(503) 232-6585

Tram: Oak/SW 1st Ave MAX Station

JEWISH THEATER COLLABORATIVE- TUESDAY!!!!!

Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Well-Being: The Life of Lillian Wald
Jewish Theatre Collaborative
Date: Tuesday March 29, 2011
Time: 7 - 8:30 pm

Location: Mittleman Jewish Community Center 
              6651 SW Capitol Hwy
              Portland, Oregon
              503.244.0111

Tickets:  $12 Adults
             $ 8 Seniors/Students
Premier performance of a two-person play based on the biography of Lillian Wald, a Jewish social reformer in the realm of urban poverty and pioneer of Public Health. Wald used her ingenuity and social creativity to find solutions to profound social malaises at the turn of the 20th century. 
Presented by Jewish Theatre Collaborative, as part of Women's Heritage Month.

MONDAY NIGHT 3/28

Family Dynamics with Ruth NemzoffBrandeis Resident Scholar

Date: Monday, March 28, 2011 Time: 7 - 9 pm Location: Mittleman Jewish Community Center                6651 SW Capitol Hwy               Portland, Oregon               503.244.0111 Author Ruth Nemzoff is a resident scholar at Brandeis Women's Studies Research Center. She will be speaking about her recent book, Don't Bite Your Tongue: How to Foster Rewarding Relationships with Your Adult Children. Admission is free.