See Array Of Headline Talent At JAAMM Fest Through Nov. 12

See Array Of Headline Talent At JAAMM Fest Through Nov. 12

Celebrating Its 10th Anniversary, Attendees Can Choose From Music, Dance, Film Author Lectures

The Valley isn’t lacking for festivals, but a select few consistently find a way to differentiate themselves in a crowded field. The 10th annual celebration of Jewish Arts, Authors, Movies & Music Festival (JAAMM) has distinguished itself from the crowd. The 18-day one-of-a-kind culture extravaganza opened Oct. 26 and Valley residents have an array of awesome choices as events continue through Nov. 12 at the Mizel Arts & Culture Center (Jewish Community Center).

The wide variety of November choices contrast from a showing of Ron Suskind’s award-winning film, Life, Animated, to the keynote speech by renowned film critic and historian Leonard Maltin. Also this month audiences can enjoy the Stomp-style Israeli percussion, dance troupe Tararam and acclaimed Israeli-American jazz pianist Tamir Hendelman plus operatic bass Anthony Mordechai Tzvi Russell, performing traditional Ashkenazi Jewish and African American music.

Celebrating the festival’s 10th anniversary there is a wide array of programming choices. Among the lineup of events remaining, several top selections stand out and are not to be missed:

Author Lectures

Author and Rabbi Naomi Levy has penned a book based on a poignant letter written by the 20th century’s most influential physicist Albert Einstein. She talks about the book titled Einstein and the Rabbi: Searching for the Soul in the Phillips Social Hall Nov. 2, 2 p.m. His words captured what she believes to be true about the human condition and how we are all intimately connected.

That evening in the Wolf Theatre renowned civil rights activist and speaker Morris Dees speaks at 7 p.m. He discusses how our commitment to justice for all will chart our nation’s future as America becomes more diverse and as economic disparity widens. Dees will share his experiences and insights, explaining why he became an attorney and founded the Southern Poverty Law Center. Prior to his talk there is a private reception from 5:30-6:30 p.m.

The author of Sons and Soldiers written by Bruce Henderson is another lecture you won’t want to miss. He tells the little-known story of nearly 2,000 German-born American Jews who enlisted in the U.S. Army and were sent overseas as a special unit interrogating German POWs. Known as the “Ritchie Boys,” their contributions in fighting Hitler were invaluable. He speaks in Phillips Social Hall Nov. 7 at 11 a.m. and the lecture is free for veterans.

Dance & Film

You’ll enjoy the excitement, beauty, timing and precision of dance when the Wonderbound Dance Company performs in the Wolf Theatre Nov. 9, 7:30 p.m. With live music accompaniment by Hal Aqua & The Lost Tribe, this is a high octane, humorous and poetically athletic extravaganza.

Described as one of the most truthful films about show business, see the documentary film Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work, showing in the Wolf Theatre Nov. 5, 7 p.m. It exposes the private dramas of the irreverent, legendary comedian and pop icon Rivers. Moreover, it is very funny.

Documentary film Mr. Gaga shows in the Wolf Theatre Nov. 12, 11 a.m. It tells the story of Ohad Naharin, the renowned choreographer-artistic director of Israel’s Batsheva Dance Company. Footage of intimate rehearsals and breathtaking dance sequences make this a breathtaking film.

Music & Singing

Drum-up friends and family to enjoy the Israeli Stomp-style drum and dance sensation Tararam at the Wolf Theatre on Nov. 4, 7:30 p.m. These performing artists produce a blend of rhythm, music, movement and wit, interwoven with choreographed body drumming, amusing sounds and theatrical antics.

Then on Sunday, Nov. 5 at 1:30 p.m. catch the Anthony Mordechai Tzvi Russell concert also in the Wolf Theatre. His singing combines 100 years of traditional Ashkenazi Jewish and African American music. Accompanied by Dr. Alan Mason his concert recently sold-out at the Berkeley Jewish Music Festival.

For many people there’s no better music than jazz and if you’re one of them don’t miss award-winning jazz pianist Tamir Hendelman and his trio playing in the Wolf Theatre Nov. 11, 7:30 p.m. Playing alongside upright bassist Alex Frank and jazz drummer Dean Koba they are a phenomenon. Together the trio explores jazz standards, Brazilian music, blues and Tamir’s Israeli roots.

The festival is open to the entire Cherry Creek Valley and features a wide array of multidisciplinary programs in addition to those listed. There’s plenty more to see and experience. Information: 303-316-6360 or maccjcc.org/jaamm.

SCL Health At Infinity Park Sponsor Partner Profile

SCL Health At Infinity Park Sponsor Partner Profile

by John Arthur
Writer for and on behalf of the City of Glendale

GLENDALE, CO – OCTOBER 7: Glendale Merlins Men vs New York Old Blue at Infinity Park on October 7, 2017 in Glendale, Colorado. (Photo by Seth McConnell)

Sponsor partnerships are an important and mutually beneficial aspect of regional sports teams, organizations, and venues. Glendale’s Infinity Park, the first rugby-specific venue in the nation, offers a unique and vibrant platform from which sponsors can create their own brand awareness, engage in community outreach, and target an enthusiastic and growing rugby fan base. Infinity Park and the Glendale Rugby Club have recently welcomed a sponsor partnership with SCL Health — a relationship that begins as Infinity Park celebrates its 10th anniversary in Glendale, and as the Raptors prepare to enter the next chapter of the organization’s rich history.

SCL Health is a faith-based, non-profit health organization headquartered in Broomfield, Colo. SCL Health traces its history – and its name – to the Sisters of Charity Leavenworth, a Catholic religious institution that follows in the tradition of 17th century French leaders, Saints Vincent de Paul and Louise de Marillac. Dedicated to improving the health of the people and communities they serve, SCL’s $2.5 billion dollar healthcare network aspires to provide comprehensive, coordinated care in Colorado and Montana. In Colorado, SCL Health operates Saint Joseph Hospital in Denver, Lutheran Medical Center in Wheat Ridge, Good Samaritan Medical Center in Lafayette, Platte Valley Medical Center in Brighton, and St. Mary’s Medical Center in Grand Junction. With 11 total hospitals, more than 115 physician clinics, and over 18,000 employees, the organization focuses on excellent patient care quality, and is especially dedicated to improving the health of the poor and vulnerable.

Tim Shonsey, the Regional Director of Marketing and Communications for SCL Health’s Front Range hospitals, says he’s had his eye on sponsorship at Infinity Park for some time: “We decided to sponsor Infinity Park because it’s a great venue to connect with the Glendale community. Having a growing sports audience that has a direct connection to one of our providers made it an easy decision.” Shonsey re-marked that sponsorship is an important part of SCL Health’s general community outreach as well, noting that the organization also supports Colorado Public Radio and partners with other media outlets to provide health information to the communities it serves. “The most important part of any partnership opportunity is our ability to promote health and wellness to people who may one day become our patients,” said Shonsey.

Uniquely, SCL Health’s partnership with Infinity Park extends beyond the recent sponsorship. Dr. Michael DaRosa, a Sports Medicine Physician at SCL Health Medical Group – Denver Sports Medicine, is also the team physician for the Glendale Raptors and Merlins. Specializing in musculoskeletal injuries, pain treatment, and a sports-related concussion specialist, DaRosa has been treating Glendale’s rugby players since 2016: “I love caring for these extremely tough, strong, and skilled athletes on the sidelines and in my office. My goal for all my patients is get them back in action as safely and quickly as possible. It is an absolute pleasure caring for these hardworking athletes at beautiful Infinity Park.” Asked about why SCL Health would endeavor to become a sponsor partner of Infinity Park, DaRosa remarked that the organization appreciates seeing active, motivated individuals — exactly the kind of patrons that Infinity Park and the Glendale Rugby Clubs attract. Just as Coloradans are passionate about rugby, SCL Health is passionate about caring for the communities it serves.

Since its founding in 2007, Infinity Park has become a hub not just for entertainment, community, and, of course, rugby, but has also served as a nexus of Colorado’s healthy, active character. Celebrating 10 years of impassioned growth, and standing on the brink of a new chapter of explosive rugby expansion, Glendale is also proud to be embarking on a new sponsor partnership with SCL Health. No doubt the new sponsor is also looking forward to a fruitful relationship — alongside Glendale’s loyal fan base, the Raptors’ role as a founding team in the forthcoming Major League Rugby organization means that SCL is poised to see a significant return on investment.