On June 15th, 2009, Theodore Bikel, his wife Tamara Brooks, and 28 of their very best friends, gathered at Carnegie Hall to perform in a spectacular celebration honoring Theo’s 85th birthday and in support Juvenile Law Center.
The atmosphere at Carnegie was electric. Performers mixed in a few oldies with new material, and we had an international flavor, with music from Broadway and Bosnia, Klezmer and the classics, folk music and the work of singer-songwriters. Alan Alda’s tribute to Theo was heartfelt, and Alda had kind words for Juvenile Law Center, too.
We were also excited to share the evening with hundreds of concert goers who came out to celebrate Theo, but learned about the important work Juvenile Law Center is doing to improve opportunities’ for youth in the foster care and juvenile justice systems.
In all, over 1,200 guests attended this momentous occasion, with all proceeds going directly to Juvenile Law Center.
We hope you enjoy the pictures that follow, and wish to thank every one of our sponsors, donors, the staff at Carnegie Hall, our producer, Chris Wangro, and many, many others who helped along the way to make this evening the great success that it was!
This event was made possible by the generous support of the following sponsors.
Anonymous
Anonymous
The Beasley Firm, LLC
Kline & Specter, P.C.
James B. Lee, Jr.
The Rosewater Fund
Amy Schwartz and Eric Koenig
Mickey and Karen Shapiro
Taube Foundation for Jewish Life & Culture of the Jewish Community Endowment Fund
Juan and Delise Williams
Jan and Barry Zubrow
Center for Children & Youth Justice
Comcast
Jonathan W. Cuneo
DLA Piper LLC
Jamie and Judy Dimon
Peter and Marian Wright Edelman
Stewart and Sally Eisenberg
Alisa Field and Alan Sandals
Fox Rothschild LLP
Hangley Aronchick Segal & Pudlin
D. Alan Henry and Debbie Denise
Camille Paglia & Vernon Francis
Mary Lou and Joe Quinlan
Robert Reinstein and Tay Aspinwall
Ann Rosewater and Robert Kronley
Richard W. and Maureen C. Sabo
Daniel and Sheila Segal
Richard R. and Debra Lynn Wade
Willig, Williams & Davidson
Barbara Cook
Frank Langella
Pete Seeger
John C. Whitehead
Elie Wiesel
Associated Actors and Artistes of America
Actors' Equity Association
American Federation of Television and Radio Artists
American Guild of Musical Artists
American Guild of Variety Actors
Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg
Oscar Brand (WNYC-FM)
Jennifer Butler Design
Annie E. Casey Foundation
Shira Dicker Media International
Carol Forman Photography
Board of Directors of the Foundation for Jewish Culture
David Franklin
Gardiner Howland Shaw Foundation
Mitch Greenhill
Bill Hahn (WFDU-FM)
Judith Hyman
Jewish Week
Rabbi Judith Kempler
Philip “Fishl” Kutner
John B. Mattingly, Commissioner Administration for Children’s Services
Mildred Marmur
Shannon Meyers
Sally Millar
Arnold Mittelman, National Jewish Theater
Hankus Netsky
The New York Times
PKPR, public relations
The National Yiddish Theater Folksbiene
Marie Roda, Roda Creative Services
Mary Ada Roda
Screen Actors Guild
Gili Wolf, Bigbad Industries
Woody’s Children (WFUV)
The Workmen’s Circle
Zamir Choral Foundation
Whenever I’m asked what I’d like for a birthday present, I am quick to say, “An evening with friends. A party where we will make music!” What delight to be at this amazing party—with friends and music and more—in celebration of 85 years and in unabashed and joyful support of Juvenile Law Center.
Tonight’s celebration combines so many parts of my life. Those who know me know I use my voice and whatever talents I have in the service of causes in which I believe. My passions, both as an artist and as an activist, are informed by a conviction, instilled in me by my father, that those who are voiceless and powerless must be empowered by men and women who have the voice and eloquence to speak on their behalf. Juvenile Law Center does just that by protecting the rights and welfare of vulnerable children.
I am fortunate to call Juvenile Law Center’s extraordinary Executive Director, Bob Schwartz, my friend. Through him I know that the attorneys and staff at Juvenile Law Center devote their lives to making sure children are safe and have the support they need to become healthy, productive members of society.
This is called tikkun olam, a concept that originated with the 16th century cabbalist Isaac Luria. It roughly means ‘making the world better.’ It is my task. It is Juvenile Law Center’s task. It is our task.
Executive Director, Juvenile Law Center
One of the joys of knowing Theodore Bikel comes from the reaction I get when I mention his name. Friends and family, colleagues and strangers — all react enthusiastically to Theo’s enormous body of work. One will remember Theo’s incredible performance as a Southern sheriff in “The Defiant Ones,” another’s eyes will light up in recollection of Theo marching for civil rights. Still another might have a lifetime memory of Bikel from an episode of “The Twilight Zone.” We debate about what is most impressive about him.
My favorite photograph of Theo comes from the Newport Folk Festival, which Theo co-founded with Pete Seeger and George Wein. There in 1963 is the grand finale. Arm in arm they stand, mouths open in song: Peter, Paul and Mary; Joan Baez and Bob Dylan; The Freedom Singers; Pete Seeger; and the anchor, Theodore Bikel. We impute much to photos, and in this one I see Theo’s joy, his talent, his commitment to social justice and his leadership in a decade that was about to unfold more dramatically than any of us could have imagined. Indeed, it is Theo’s passion for justice that makes everyone at Juvenile Law Center so proud to be connected with tonight’s celebration.
Theo remains dazzlingly vibrant at an age when most people are reduced to reminiscing. Theo’s latest show, about Sholom Aleichem, draws on his skills as a playwright, singer, linguist, humorist and actor. He has that rare capacity to transport us to another time and place, to a magical world that only he inhabits and we are fortunate to visit. I can only wonder what he has in store for the next 85 years.
