Levis JCC Sandler Center Pays Tribute to the Catskill Mountains

Levis JCC Sandler Center Pays Tribute to the Catskill Mountains

Memorabilia, Entertainers, Comedians, Artists, Musicians, Speakers and Films

Boca Raton, FL (January 3, 2019) – The Levis JCC Sandler Center will be kicking off 2019 with its ode to the great Catskill Mountains from February 1 – March 3.  With a unique exhibition, a robust calendar of events, and a roster of special guests ranging from Steve Sands, who inspired Patrick Swayze’s character in Dirty Dancing, to Elaine Grossinger Etess of Grossinger’s Catskill Resort Hotel fame, New York transplants will be name-dropping for miles as they take a stroll down memory lane.  Showcasing memorabilia, entertainers, comedians, artists, musicians, speakers, films, and Catskills Scholar in Residence Phil Brown, Greetings from the Catskillswill transcend visitors to those fancy-free summer days that were so instrumental in shaping Jewish American History.  

Greetings from the Catskills Line-Up At-a-Glance:

February 1, 1 p.m.

A Hotel Kid: The Story of Brown’s Hotel with Lonnie Brown Rowley

Sunday, February 3, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Opening Reception at the Judi & Allan Schuman Museum Gallery

Greetings from The Catskills Exhibition: This historical exhibition explores the origins, history and the heyday of the Catskills, formerly the most celebrated Jewish vacation destination in America, through photographs, personal stories, artifacts, mementos, audiovisual display and more.  Each item offers unique insights into the peak of Catskills summer culture. 

Sunday, February 3, 6:00 p.m.

Visiting Scholar, Phil Brown, author and professor: “The Origins and History of the Jewish Catskills”

The Origins and History of the Jewish Catskills featuring Catskills Scholar in Residence, Phil Brown.  Brown is the founder of the Catskills Institute and author of Catskill Culture: A Mountain Rat’s Memories of the Great Jewish Resort Area

February 7, 7:30 p.m.

Rhythm & Jews starring Stewie Stone – A retrospective of Stone’s career as an A-list opener for show business greats. 

February 12, 2:30 p.m.

Stop at the Red Apple with Elaine Freed Lindenblatt

The entertaining inside story of how Rueben Freed’s roadside eatery became the famous Red Apple Rest, told directly from the owner’s daughter. 

Greetings from the Catskills Line-Up At-a-Glance:

February 1, 1 p.m.

A Hotel Kid: The Story of Brown’s Hotel with Lonnie Brown Rowley

Sunday, February 3, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Opening Reception at the Judi & Allan Schuman Museum Gallery

Greetings from The Catskills Exhibition: This historical exhibition explores the origins, history and the heyday of the Catskills, formerly the most celebrated Jewish vacation destination in America, through photographs, personal stories, artifacts, mementos, audiovisual display and more.  Each item offers unique insights into the peak of Catskills summer culture. 

Sunday, February 3, 6:00 p.m.

Visiting Scholar, Phil Brown, author and professor: “The Origins and History of the Jewish Catskills”

The Origins and History of the Jewish Catskills featuring Catskills Scholar in Residence, Phil Brown.  Brown is the founder of the Catskills Institute and author of Catskill Culture: A Mountain Rat’s Memories of the Great Jewish Resort Area

February 7, 7:30 p.m.

Rhythm & Jews starring Stewie Stone – A retrospective of Stone’s career as an A-list opener for show business greats. 

February 12, 2:30 p.m.

Stop at the Red Apple with Elaine Freed Lindenblatt

The entertaining inside story of how Rueben Freed’s roadside eatery became the famous Red Apple Rest, told directly from the owner’s daughter. 

February 13, 7:30 p.m.

Sal Richards Live!

Sal Richards was an original headliner at the Laurels Hotel. 

February 14, 2:30 p.m.

A Conversation with Honorary Grand Chair Elaine Grossinger Etess of Grossinger’s Catskill Resort Hotel fame

Sharing Catskill stories with Barry Lewis, editor of the Times Herald-Record.  This is a rare chance to hear about the rise and eventual demise of the Borscht Belt from one of the truly iconic figures of its era. 

February 17, 2:00 p.m.,

The Second Annual Jam Concert by Marshall Turkin Classic Jazz Ensemble

Special Appearances by songstress Glenda Grainger, pianist Gary Lawrence, and bassist Don Coffman, who have long histories of performing at the various Catskill resorts. 

February 26, 7:30 p.m.

From 2nd Avenue to the Catskills with the Harry Frank Band

2nd Avenue Musical Theater, Klezmer, and Yiddish favorites and lots of comedy too; with the greatest musicians and artists who performed on the grand stages of the Catskills multiple resorts.  

The Levis JCC Sandler Center is perpetuating a new standard in cultural arts and encourages local residents and those that reside far beyond county lines to attend and share their Catskills stories and memories. 

Event tickets range from free to $40.  A Catskills Showcase Pass is available for $199 and includes the entire month of events.  For details and additional programs, please call the Sandler Center at 561-558-2520 or visit www.levisjcc.org/culture.  The Levis JCC Sandler Center is located at 21050 95th Avenue S. in Boca Raton.