On Sunday, October 21, Menorah brings bright colors and bold rhythms to the Boulder JCC with an art show opening with a music appreciation program.

The lively evening begins at 6 pm with a wine and cheese opening reception for “To Life!: The Art of Wendy Rochman and Jane Stansfield.”

 

 

Following the meet-the-artist reception, Judy Kreith will lead an exploration of Cuban music at 7 pm. Tickets are $10 at the door. Kreith, who has spent much of the last 10 years studying music and dance in Cuba, will play samples of Cuban musical styles, and show video of famous bands, as she explains how music reflects the history and character of the island. A fusion of African and Spanish musical styles, heavily influenced by American jazz, Cuban music is eclectic, exotic and vibrant.

Kreith will be back at the JCC on Monday night at 7 pm, teaching a Cuban dance class, in which participants will learn a Cuban salsa style called Casino. No partners or previous experience required.

On Wednesday, Oct. 24, Menorah’s exploration of Cuba continues with a screening of “Before Night Falls” at the Boedecker Theater at the Dairy Center for  the Arts. Gregg Drinkwater will lead the talkback after the film, starring Javier Bardem, nominated for a best actor Oscar for his portrayal of Cuban poet and novelist Reinaldo Arenas. Julian Schnabel’s searing biopic co-stars Johnny Depp.

The Curious About Cuba film series concludes on Sunday,  Oct. 28 at 1 pm with “The Buena Vista Social Club.” Wim Wenders’ heart-warming and intoxicating Oscar-nominated documentary follows a group of aging Cuban musicians whose once-famous talents had been virtually forgotten following Castro’s takeover.

 

The Cuban exploration culminates in Celebrating the Jews of Cuba, on Saturday Nov. 10 at 6 pm. The evening includes a concert by Charanga Siboney, a quartet specializing in the 1940’s style of Cuban dance music, the Danzon. The all-star group consists of top musicians in the local salsa and world music arenas.

A three course Cuban meal will be served, along with libations including Cuba Libres. Carlos Zarur will present a short film and discuss the rich history of Jews in Cuba. Reservations are required. To register, CLICK HERE.

More about “To Life!: The Art of Wendy Rochman and Jane Stansfield”:

Wendy Rochman believes that “accessing our own creativity is the unique journey to knowing, expressing, and healing ourselves.” Jane Stansfield believes in that place “where spirit and emotion become one and all things are possible.” Wendy uses art to “open a window to our individuality, and pave a path to our inner-most feelings and passions.” Jane calls her work “Intentional Bliss Art – Illumination for Life.”

The director of Boulder’s Blue Window Arts, Wendy has been teaching and making art for over 35 years. Her artwork has been exhibited nationally in galleries, museums and public venues and she has earned a number of grants and awards for her creative, motivational teaching and public art projects. She makes her paper by hand using recycled materials and natural materials and uses these papers as the palette for her collages.

Jane Stansfield recently moved to Boulder from Key West, where she was the manager for Jimmy Buffet’s band. Jane, who draws inspiration from nature, has been painting since taking her first oil painting lessons in first grade. She has an MA from the College of Art in Boston, studied fine arts in Rome and has a degree in fashion illustration. Her work has been shown in Denver, Key West, Portland, and Italy and is in private collections in Italy.