Calendar of Lectures, Book Signings and Presentations
I deliver dynamic lectures and presentations on “Jews and Blues and Rock ‘n’ Roll: A Musical History Tour,” “The Holocaust and Rock ‘n’ Roll,” and “Rockin’ Jewish Women,” and can also customize my presentation. The Nashville Federation, for example, requested an emphasis on how Jewish singers, musicians and songwriters have handled the obligations of tzedakah and tikkun olam. (All presentations include music.)
To contact me about a speaking engagement/lecture, please email me at [email protected]. Please include organization name, contact person name and number, desired speaking date, and any alternate dates.
If you are an organization affiliated with a Jewish Federation or United Jewish Communities (UJC), please contact the UJC Speakers Bureau: Nadine Schneider, 212-284-6543 or [email protected].
All presentations include music, and usually include visuals as well.
Previous presentations:
Monday, Feb. 27, 2023: Brotherhood of Temple Sinai, Pittsburgh, PA; Zoom presentation of Rock ‘n Roll’s Jewish Stories: An Evening with Author Scott Benarde; 7 p.m.
Sunday, Feb. 12, 2023: Villaggio Jewish Cultural Club, Lake Worth, FL; presentation of The Holocaust and Rock ‘n’ Roll, 10 a.m.
Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018: Greater Boynton Beach Chapter of ORT America, Mizner Falls community clubhouse, Jews and Blues and Rock ‘n’ Roll: A Musical History Tour presentation; 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, April 24, 2018: Rock ‘n’ Roll’s Jewish Stories presentation to Tzedakah Hadassah at Tivoli Lakes Community; Boynton Beach; 7 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017: Rockin’ Jewish Women presentation to the National Council of Jewish Women – PBC Chapter; 11 a.m., Breakers West Clubhouse, West Palm Beach, FL.
Sunday, Oct. 11, 2015: Jewish Museum of Maryland, 15 Lloyd St., Baltimore, MD; 3 p.m., presentation of Stars of David: Rock ‘n’ Roll’s Jewish Stories, in conjunction with the opening of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame-organized exhibition, Paul Simon: Words & Music.
Sunday, April 19, 2015: Jews and Blues and Rock ‘n’ Roll: A Musical History Tour. Beth Israel Congregation, Owings Mills, MD.
Sunday, Jan. 11, 2015: Bellaggio Jewish Heritage Club, Bellaggio, Bellaggio Lakes Boulevard, Lake Worth, FL; 10:30 a.m. Presentation of Jews and Blues and Rock ‘n’ Roll: A Musical History Tour.
Monday, Nov. 10, 2014: Valencia Falls Women’s Club, Valencia Falls, Valencia Grand Boulevard, Delray Beach, FL; 7 p.m. Rockin’ Jewish Women presentation.
Saturday, May 31, 2014: “Jews and Blues and Rock n’ Roll: A Musical History Tour presentation followed by live music from classic rockers Magic Bus. Temple Sinai, 2475 W. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach, FL, 33445; Refreshments at 5 p.m. (Pizza, beer, and other beverages); presentation at 6 p.m. Set of live ’60s and ’70s rock music at 7 p.m. Non-members $18; members $16. Call 561-276-6161 ext. 124 or visit TempleSinaiPBC.org/events.html.
Sunday, January 26, 2014: “Jews and Blues and Rock n’ Roll: A Musical History Tour, 6:00 p.m., Jewish Federation of Knoxville, TN.
Monday, January 6, 2014: “Jews and Rock n’ Roll: 10:30 a.m., Tamara Hadassah, Palm Isles, Boynton Beach, FL.
Sunday, February 19, 2012: ” Lecture presentation “Jews and Blues and Rock n’ Roll: A Musical History Tour,” 10:30 a.m., Etz Chiam Hadassah, Valencia Palms, Boynton Beach, FL.
Sunday, February 13, 2011: “Jews and Blues and Rock ‘n’ Roll: A Musical History Tour,” Temple Beth El, West Palm Beach, FL.
Saturday, December 18, 2010: “Jews and Blues and Rock ‘n’ Roll: A Musical History Tour,” 8 p.m. Asheville, N.C. Jewish Federation. Location and contact info TBA.
Sunday, November 14, 2010: “Jews and Blues and Rock ‘n’ Roll: A Musical History Tour” presentation 1 p.m. at the Jewish Arts Festival, I.J. & Jeanne’ Wagner Jewish Community Center, 2 North Medical Dr., Salt Lake City, Utah, 84113. Contact: 801-581-0098 or www.slcjcc.org
Thursday, November 4, 2010: “Jews and Blues and Rock ‘n’ Roll: A Musical History Tour,” 7:30 p.m. Temple Bat Yam, 5151 NE 14th Terrace, Fort Lauderdale, FL. Presented by TBY Brotherhood. Free. For more information call the temple office at 954-928-0410.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010:“Jews and Blues and Rock ‘n’ Roll: A Musical History Tour,” 10:45 a.m. Yaffa Hadassah General Meeting, Valencia Shores Clubhouse, Lake Worth, FL; Contact [email protected].
Sunday, May 2, 2010: “Jews and Blues and Rock ‘n’ Roll: A Musical History Tour,” 6:30 p.m., Teen Youth Group, Temple Beth Torah, 900 Big Blue Trace, Wellington. Contact Rabbi Stephen Pinsky at 561-793-2700.
Thursday, April 15, 2010: “Jews and Blues and Rock’n’ Roll: A Musical History Tour,” 12:30 p.m.., University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL. Frost School of Music, Survey of Jewish Music course guest speaker.
Thursday, March 18, 2010: “Jews and Blues and Rock ‘n’ Roll: A Musical History Tour,” 1 p.m., Indian Lakes Jewish Heritage Club, Boynton Beach, FL.
Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2010: “Jews and Blues and Rock ‘n’ Roll: A Musical History Tour,” 7:30 p.m., Ponte Vecchio – West, Boynton Beach, FL.. Contact [email protected].
Sunday, Nov. 1, 2009: “Jews and Blues and Rock ‘n’ Roll: A Musical History Tour,” 12:30 p.m., Springfield (IL) Jewish Federation General Campaign Event, Temple Israel, 1140 W. Governor St., Springfield, IL. Contact [email protected].
Tuesday, June 9, 2009: “The Holocaust and Rock ‘n’ Roll,” Palm Beach County School District Teachers’ Conference, John I. Leonard High School, West Palm Beach, FL.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009: “Jews and Blues and Rock ‘n’ Roll” presentation, 7:30 p.m., Thank You Closing Event on behalf of the Tampa Jewish Community Center & Federation, Tampa, FL.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009: “The Holocaust and Rock ‘n’ Roll” presentation, Noon, Palm Beach Central High School, Wellington, FL.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009: “The Holocaust and Rock ‘n’ Roll” lecture presentation, 8 a.m and 10 a.m., Park Vista High School, Jog Road, Boynton Beach, FL.
Sunday, March 29, 2009: “Jews and Blues and Rock ‘n’ Roll: A Musical History Tour” lecture presentation and book signing, 2 p.m. Broward County Library–North Regional BCC Branch, 1100 Coconut Creek Blvd., Coconut Creek, FL. 33066. Visit www.broward.org/library.
Saturday, Feb. 7, 2009: “Jews and Rock ‘n’ Roll,” The Jacksonville (FL) Jewish Federation (Young Leadership Fundraiser), 7 p.m. River Cruise on the St. Johns River aboard the Lady St. John. Contact [email protected]
Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2009: “Jews and Blues and Rock ‘n’ Roll: A Musical History Tour,” presentation and book signing, 7:30 p.m. Congregation B’nai Aviv, 1410 Indian Trace, Weston, FL. Call 954-384-8265 or visit www.bnaiaviv.org.
Friday, Jan. 30, 2009: “Jews Rock,” 7 p.m. Club Bellagio, 6525 Bellagio Lakes Blvd., Lake Worth, FL.
December 21 through December 25, 2008: Scott Benarde hosts Radio Hanukkah on Sirius/ XM Radio
Sunday, July 27, 2008: “Jews and Blues and Rock ‘n’ Roll: A Musical History Tour,” 10 a.m., United Jewish Federation NENY Brunch, Lake George, NY, Contact [email protected]
Tuesday, April 15, 2008: “The Holocaust and Rock ‘n’ Roll” lecture presentation, Holocaust Symposium at Vanier College, Montreal, Canada. Time TBA. Contact Naomi at [email protected]
Wednesday, March 12, 2008: “Jews and Blues and Rock ‘n’ Roll: A Musical History Tour ” presentation, 6:30 p.m., United Jewish Federation of Stamford, New Canaan and Darien, Stamford, CT. Contact [email protected]
Sunday, Feb. 17, 2008: “The Holocaust and Rock ‘n’ Roll” presentation, 7 p.m. Broward County March of the Living Retreat, Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites, Sunrise, FL. Contact [email protected]
Friday, Dec. 7, 2007: Lecture presentation “Rockin’ Jewish Women” for Lakes Chapter of Brandeis University National Women’s Committee, 11:30 a.m., Ellie’s ’50s Diner, 2410 N. Federal Highway, Delray Beach, FL.
Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2007 – Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2007: 6 p.m. Eastern, 3 p.m. Pacific, Scott Benarde hosts “Stars of David” on Radio Hanukkah XM 108. Contact www.xmradio.com
Sunday, Dec. 2, 2007: Lecture presentation “Jews and Blues and Rock ‘n’ Roll: A Musical History Tour,” and book signing, 10 a.m. at the 3rd Annual Northwest Ohio Jewish Book Fair, United Jewish Council Campus, 6465 Sylvania Ave., Sylvania, Ohio. Contact: Rene at [email protected] or 419-724-0365.
Sunday, Nov. 18, 2007: Delray Beach Public Library Authors Series, “Jews & Blues & Rock ‘n’ Roll: A Musical History Tour” lecture preseentation and book singing; 2 p.m., Delray Beach Public Library, 100 W. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach, FL. 33444. For more information, call 561-266-0194 or visit www.delraylibrary.org
Sunday, Oct. 7, 2007: “Jews and Blues and Rock ‘n’ Roll: A Musical History Tour” presentation 6 p.m., Mid-Kansas Jewish Federation, 400 N Woodlawn – Suite 8, Wichita, KS, 67208, Call 316-686-4741 or visit Website: http://www.mkjf.org.
Sunday, May 6, 2007: “Stars of David: Rock ‘n’ Roll’s Jewish Stories,” 7 p.m., David Posnack Jewish Community Center, 5850 S. Pine Island Road, Davie, FL. 33328; in conjunction with National Jewish American Heritage Month; Call 954-434-0499 or contact [email protected].
Sunday, April 1, 2007: “The Holocaust and Rock ‘n’ Roll,” featured guest on NPR station WXEL, 90.7 FM, Boynton Beach, FL. 2 p.m. Listen out of area at www.wxel.org.
Monday, March 26, 2007: “Jews, Blues and Rock ‘n’ Roll: A Musical History Tour; 7:45 p.m., Temple Beth Avodah, 45 Puddingstone Lane, Newton Centre, MA. Admission: $10. Contact (617) 527-0045.
Sunday, March 25, 2007: “Jews and Rock and Roll” presentation, 6 p.m. at Boston University Hillel’s Center for Jewish Learning and Experience, 4th floor, 213 Bay State Road, Boston, MA. Call 617-353-7200.
Sunday, Jan. 28, 2007: “The Holocaust and Rock ‘n’ Roll,” 11:30 a.m., March of the Living Retreat at Florida Atlantic University Hillel, Boca Raton, FL. Contact Justin Pollack at 561-852-3308.
Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2007, “Jews and Rock ‘n’ Roll” presentation to Major Donors and Cabinet of the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta. Contact [email protected]
Sunday, Nov. 19, 2006, 7:30 p.m., “Rock ‘n’ Roll’s Jewish Stories” presentation and book signing, Ponte Vecchio Yiddish Club, Boynton Beach, Fla.
Sunday, Nov. 12, 2006, 9:45 a.m., “Rock ‘n’ Roll’s Jewish Stories” presentation and book signing, Temple Beth Am, 2250 Central Blvd., Jupiter, Fla. Follows Men’s Club Breakfast at 9 a.m. Contact Janie Grackin at 561-747-1109 or [email protected]
Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2006, 11:30 a.m., Lunch & Learn, “Rock ‘n’ Roll’s Jewish Stories” Brandeis University National Women’s Committee, Lakes Chapter, Delray Country Club, Highland Ave., Delray Beach, FL. Contact TBA.
Saturday, Sept. 16, 2006, 7 p.m. “Rock ‘n’ Roll’s Jewish Stories,” Selichot Service presentation, Temple Emanuel of South Hills, 1250 Bower Hill Road, Pittsburgh, PA. Call 412-279-7600.
Saturday, Sept. 9, 2006, 7 p.m. Presentation on “The Jewish Influence on Rock ‘n’ Roll,” on behalf of the Jewish Federation of Greater Orange County, NY., Goshen, NY. Contact [email protected]
June 25, 2006, Presentation and book signing, 7:30 p.m., Schuler Books, Jewish Cultural Council of the Jewish Federation of Grand Rapids, MI. Contact Cathy Winick at 616-942-5553.
Sunday, April 23, 2006, 5:30 p.m. Lecture presentation, B’nai Tzedek Annual Dinner, Jewish Federation of Nashville, Gordon Jewish Community Center, 801 Percy Warner Blvd., Nashville, TN, 37205.
Wednesday, April 5, 2006, 8 p.m., Lecture presentation as part of Jewish Awareness Month at University of Florida Hillel, 2020 W. University Ave., Gainesville, FL. 32603, Call 352-372-2900 or check the web site at www.ufhillel.org
April 2, 2006, “Rock ‘n’ Roll’s Jewish Stories” lecture presentation 3 p.m. at Temple Shaarei Shalom, 9085 Hagen Ranch Road, Boynton Beach, FL. Part of the temple’s “Sounds of Our Heritage” series. For more information please call the temple at 561-364-9054.
March 18, 2006, BBYO Convention, Fort Lauderdale, FL.
February 25, 2006, “Jews and Rock ‘n’ Roll” presentation and book signing, campaign event on behalf of the Jewish Federation of Greater Albuquerque (N.M). 7 p.m., JCC Auditorium, 5520 Wyoming Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM. Contact Claudia Haas, (505) 348-4456.
December 3, 2005, Lecture and book signing at the Jewish Federation of Charlotte and Lee Counties Author Series, at Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 13751 Tamiami Trail, Ft. Myers, FL. Contact Carol Glazr at 239-281-1471.
September 24, 2005, Presentation at Selichot Program and Service, 7:30 p.m., Temple Beth Torah, 900 Big Blue Trace, Wellington, FL. Call 561-793-2700. Book signing to follow.
August 19, 2005, Keynote speaker for “Synplex Shabbat,” 8 p.m., Temple Judea, 4311 Hood Rd., Palm Beach Gardens, FL.
July 27, 2005, Writer’s Institute, 3:30 p.m. presentation at Nova Southeastern University library, Davie, FL. Contact Amy Stultz 954-262-5471.
June 16, 2005, Summer Institute for Holocaust Education, 6 p.m., lecture and book signing, Florida Holocaust Museum, St. Petersburg, FL. Contact Noreen Brand at 727-820-0100 ext. 242.
Monday, May 16, 2005, 6 p.m., lecture presentation, Ben-Gurion Society of the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond, VA. Contact Dan Weintraub at [email protected].
Wednesday, March 2, 2005, 7:30 p.m., lecture presentation and book signing Jewish Heritage Club at Cascade Lakes in Boynton Beach, FL. Call 561-752-4400
Sunday, Feb. 20, 2005, presenting “The Holocaust and Rock ‘n’ Roll” at the Southeastern Region March of the Living Retreat, St. Petersburg, FL. For more information contact [email protected].
Sunday, Feb. 6, 2005, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. lecture presentation “Jews and Blues and rock ‘n’ Roll: A Musical History Tour,” and book signing at 4UByU, a teen program sponsored by the Toledo Board of Jewish Education, 5465 Sylvania Ave., Toledo Ohio. For more information, contact [email protected].
Thursday, Jan. 13. 2005: Featured speaker at “Jews, Rock ‘n’ Roll” And “All That Jazz” for Combined Jewish Philanthropies’ (Boston) Young Leadership Division and Ben-Gurion Society members, 7 p.m. at the International Restaurant and Pub, 184 High St., Boston. For more information contact Elena Sarikelle at [email protected].
December 19, 2004; Lecture presentation and book signing in conjunction with library dedication at the Synagogue of Inverrary Chabad, Lauderhill, FL. Details to come.
Saturday, Dec. 11, 2004, 7 p.m. at the Kaplan Jewish Community Center, 3151 Military Trail, WPB, FL., Lecture presentation and book signing at “Tapestry: Weaving Judaism into the Fabric of Your Life, an evening of music, entertainment and education. Register online at www.jcconline.com or call Yaron at 561-689-7700 or Jeanne at 561-640-0700.
November 21, 2004; Lecture presentation and book signing at Temple Beth David, Hood Road and Military Trail in Palm Beach Gardens, FL. Time TBA. Contact: Program Director Janie Grackin at 561-694-2350.
November 19, 2004; Lecture presentation and book signing, BBYO Regional Convention, Charlotte, N.C. Details to come.
November 18, 2004; Lecture presentation and book signing, Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte, N.C. Details to come.
November 3, 2004; Miami Jewish Book Festival; 7:30 p.m. Location: TBA, with Rich Cohen, author of the Machers and Rockers: Chess Records and the Business of Rock & Roll (WW Norton & Co.). Contact: [email protected].
October 21, 2004; Lecture presentation on “The Holocaust and Rock ‘n’ Roll” to the Next Generations group of the League for Educational Awareness of the Holocaust (LEAH), book signing to follow; 5-7 p.m. CitiBank Financial Center, 998 S. Federal Highway, Boca Raton, FL. For more information, call 561-278-6565.
September 11, 2004; Lecture presentation at Temple Beth Torah, 900 Big Blue Trace, Wellington, FL.; 7:30 p.m. Call: 561-793-2700.
May 19, 2004; Lecture presentation to the Business and Entrepreneurs Affinity Network of the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington; 7 p.m. at a private home. Contact [email protected].
May 6, 2004; Lecture presentation/book signing St. Paul, MN. Federation campaign thank you program for men’s campaign and guests; 6:30 p.m. St. Paul JCC, 1375 St. Paul Ave. Contact [email protected].
May 2, 2004; Lecture/book signing at 12:30 p.m. Congregation B’nai Israel, 2200 Yamato Road, Boca Raton, Fl. Contact [email protected].
April 18, 2004; Guest appearance on Michael Stock’s Folk and Acoustic Music program on Miami NPR station WLRN (91.3 FM), 1 p.m., in honor of Holocaust Remembrance Day. Will play music related to the Holocaust. Contact Michael Stock at 305-995-1717 or [email protected].