Fall Into The Arts

Coming of Age Theater Excursion:
&JULIET at the Kennedy Center
Thursday, October 10 | Tickets on-sale
Thursday, January 2 | Excursion to Kennedy Center for &Juliet

This hilarious new musical flips the script on the greatest love story ever told. & Juliet asks: What would have happened if Shakespeare’s Juliet had decided to live her life after Romeo dies. Get whisked away on a fabulous journey as she ditches her famous ending for a fresh beginning and a second chance at life and love—her way.

Coffeehouse presents: A Tribute to Aretha Franklin
Tuesday, October 15 | 7:00 PM

With a legendary career spanning several generations, Franklin’s expressive and powerful vocals propelled her to international stardom. Experience the soulful sounds of Karen Linette, a songstress extraordinaire, as she sings Aretha’s iconic, beloved songs.

Mt. Vernon Virtuosi
Sunday, October 27 Family Concert | 11:00 AM | Public Concert | 2:00 PM
Family Concert | Sunday, December 15

Baltimore-based Mount Vernon Virtuosi is an innovative chamber orchestra of exceptional young musicians who are in transition from their studies to a professional career. Founded by cellist, pedagogue, and conductor Amit Peled, the ensemble alternates between a free-of-charge concert season in several Baltimore area communities with events in Virginia, greater Washington DC, and beyond.

Goldman Art Gallery: Exploring Color and Light
Thursday, November 3 – Sunday, December 15
Opening Reception with Montgomery Arts Association: Sunday, November 17

Lessans Family Book Festival
Book Festival Open Night: The Jazz Men by Larry Tye
Thursday, November 7 | Reception: 6:15 PM | Book Talk: 7:00 PM

The Jazzmen explores the Black-Jewish alliance of old—one where each of these African American bandleaders had a Jewish manager and bandmates—and how that might offer a model for today.

Book Lovers Brunch: Real Life and Other Fictions By Susan Coll
Friday, November 8 | 10:30 AM

Meet Cassie Klein, a 50-something struggling novelist and teacher, escapes her troubles through stories. After discovering her husband’s infidelity, she embarks on a road trip with a teething puppy to unravel the mystery of her parents’ deaths in a bridge collapse. Her journey takes a surreal twist when she encounters a cryptozoologist and investigates Mothman sightings connected to her parents’ fate. As reality and fiction merge, Cassie explores who controls the endings of her story.

The Einstein Effect by Benyamin Cohen
Thursday, November 14 | 7:00 PM

In The Einstein Effect, author Benyamin Cohen embarks on a global quest to unearth Einstein’s ongoing relevance today. Along the way, he meets scientists and celebrities, speaks to dozens with the last name Einstein (including two rabbis), and even tracks down the brain of Einstein, stolen from his body during the autopsy.

Book Festival Closing NightL Mrs. Mandelbaum: The Rise and Fall of an American Organized Crime Boss by Margalit Fox
Thursday, November 21 | Reception: 6:15 PM | Author talk: 7:00 PM

Step into the fascinating world of ‘Marm’ Mandelbaum, an incredible woman who shattered stereotypes and rose from humble beginnings to become a legendary figure in New York’s criminal underworld. From arriving in steerage in 1850 to making headlines as a notorious millionaire and fugitive, Mandelbaum’s story is as thrilling as it is inspiring.

Cinema J Presents: Running on Sand(Israeli Comedy-Drama)
Thursday, November 14 | 7:00 PM

Nominated for the Israeli Academy Award for Best FilmRunning on Sand is a feel-good tale of mistaken identity. Aumari, a young Eritrean refugee in the process of being deported, is mistaken for a professional soccer player being brought to Israel to help save the struggling Maccabi Netanya team.

Polinger Artists of Excellence: Brannon Cho and Janice Clarissa
Sunday, November 17 | 7:00 PM

Brannon Cho, cellist, has emerged as an outstanding artist of his generation. He is the First Prize winner of the prestigious 6th International Paulo Cello Competition, and is also a top prize winner of the Queen Elisabeth, Naumburg, and Cassadó International Cello Competitions. A Gilmore Young Artist and winner of Salon de Virtuosi, Janice Carissa has “the multicolored highlights of a mature pianist“ (Philly Inquirer) and “strong, sure hands” (Voice of America) that “conveys a vivid story rather than a mere showpiece.”

Ruach and Roll
Featuring the 7-piece Daryl Davis Band!
Wednesday, December 6 | 7:00 PM

The Story of Jews in Rock Music. Please join us for a concert featuring Daryl Davis, pianist extraordinaire, and his 7-piece band. Enjoy a special evening of of story and song, honoring some of the greatest Jewish contributors to rock ‘n’ roll and ‘groove to the music!’

Polinger Artists of Excellence: William Hagen and Albert Cano Smit
Sunday, December 8 | 3:00 PM

William Hagen has performed as soloist, recitalist, and chamber musician across the United States, Europe, Asia, and Latin America. Highlights of the 2023/24 season include a return to the Detroit Symphony and a tour of the Netherlands with the Amsterdam Sinfonietta. Spanish/Dutch pianist Albert Cano Smit enjoys a growing international career on the orchestral, recital, and chamber music stages.

JTalks Presents:
Joan Nathan, author
Wednesday, December 4 | 7:00 PM

Spend an evening with beloved cookbook author, Joan Nathan! With more than 100 recipes, from roast chicken to rugelach, from matzo-ball soup to challah and brisket, Nathan looks back at her life and family history—and at her personal journey discovering Jewish cuisine from around the world.

For any Arts and Adults questions, please contact Marcie Blackman at mblackman@benderjccgw.org or 301-348-3808

For any Coming of Age questions, please contact Frieda Enoch at fenoch@benderjccgw.org or 301-348-3809.


All Bender JCC programs are open to everyone. Contact Kate Falls, Director of Inclusion, at kfalls@benderjccgw.org or 301.348.3767 to discuss support and accommodations.