Salovey says several shows ‘standouts’ at Jewish Arts Festival

 By Leah R. Singer

Leah Singer

SAN DIEGO — The 19th Annual Lipinsky Family San Diego Jewish Arts Festival is now in full swing at the Lyceum Space, North Coast Repertory Theatre, and various other North County locations. While this year’s festival offers class Jewish performance and Klezmer fare, it also offers different performances that are sure to win over audience members.

Todd Salovey, artistic director for the Jewish Arts Festival, notes several performances he believes are the “stand out” shows.

The world premiere of That’s Baseball runs May 23 and 24 stars Andy Strasberg and is full of friendship, family and memories. Strasberg is a storyteller, baseball historian and fan. He relives his past growing up by Yankee Stadium in the Jewish neighborhoods in the 1960s. He tells a remarkable story of growing up in the Bronx and becoming a lifetime fan of Roger Maris.  Salovey said this show appeals to both men and women, as men love the game and women love the relationship aspect.

The Blessing of a Broken Heart is a moving and educational story about a young American mother who moves her family from the United States to Israel to find deeper life meaning, only to be immersed in the storm of struggle. The play follows the mother through tragedy as she loses her son in the Holy Land, yet comes to a new understanding of her life and spirituality that follows.

Salovey notes that Lisa Robbins plays Sherri Mandell who wrote The Blessing of a Broken Heart book. Robbins is remarkable playing Mandell and 20 other characters. “She takes the audience through comedy, joy and sorrow,” said Salovey. “There are incredible moments of emotion and truth. People will find this a very powerful piece.”

Music, vivid images and heartwarming stories make up Women of Valor, which tells the story of five real Jewish women in the community. This performance is unique every year because of the different women that are represented. This year’s play features: Edith Eva Eger, Claire Ellman, Ana Galicot, Julia Stone, and Karen Flexer Friedenberg. Women of Valor also has another unique component to it – all proceeds from the play are donated to the three San Diego Jewish high schools.

Entering the music scene of the Festival this year is Soulfarm, a rock group that has become one of the most popular Jewish bands in the country. The show features Mediterranean flavor with amazing guitar leaders, dance rhythms and strong percussion breaks. Salovey is excited for Soulfarm’s performance.

“The lead guitarist plays just like Jerry Garcia,” said Salovey. “The music is so alive and will touch your heart.”

Even the annual Klezmer Summit is a departure from past year’s performances. New this year is Common Chords, a group that features the shared musical roots of Klezmer, jazz, Indian, and old time rock and roll. The music features a blend of Muslim, Christian, Jewish and Hindu cultures that will feature Klezmer like never before. Common Chords will accompany Yale Strom and Hot Pstromi for a night of Klezmer like never before.

 

To purchase tickets and learn more about the 19th Annual Lipinsky Jewish Arts Festival, visit the Festival website.