Join us at Yiddishland California, for “Yiddishland Yada Yada,” an evening of art exploration! Open to people of all ages and backgrounds, this event aims to foster dialogue and critique around the artworks inside the Yiddishland Gallery. Jana Mazurkiewicz Meisarosh will introduce the collection,  Oleg Tsank – a Ukrainian Jewish artist living in San Diego, will give us his perspective on his artwork and its creative process and Preet Srivastava will offer a technical analysis. Suprise surprise! For this special occasion we will also be joined by Vadim Astrakhan, who runs the project “Vysotsky in English,” translating, arranging and recording the songs of Vladimir Vysotsky, a premiere Jewish songwriter, poet and composer of the 20th century in Soviet Russia. We will have an opportunity to listen to a selection of songs that will showcase to us the world of Vysotsky’s rich poetry and musical talent. Then the participants can share their interpretations, opinions, and criteria for judging artwork. Enjoy drinks, snacks, and the enlightening perspectives from our terrific trio. Don’t miss this unforgettable experience!

For all in-person participants, will have increased measures of security provided by the office of the mayor of San Diego.

When: Sunday, November 26, 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. PT (5:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Zoom), 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. CT, 8:00 to 9:00 p.m. ET) 

Where: at Yiddishland California and on Zoom 

Tickets: Now offering a special discount for students and active military members and veterans! 

$25 for regular admission 

$10 for Zoom participation

$10 for students, military members and veterans

To Obtain Military and Students discount please bring your military or college ID to the event, we will be checking them at the door.

In person participation tickets include nosh and drinks.

Speakers:

Oleg Tsank

Tsank is known for creating vivid oil paintings inspired by his Jewish heritage as well as his home country of the war-torn Ukraine.

Read Artist closeup’s interview of Tsank to learn more about him and his work.

Preet Srivastava

Hailing from NYC, Preet Srivastava is a painter whose art has been featured in galleries throughout the US, Jamaica and India. She attended the University of Redlands and the Academy of Art University (SF). She owned and operated Galoka Gallery (La Jolla, CA) and was a founding co-creator of the Governor’s Island Art Fair (NY). She was the featured artist in the documentary “Bombay to Brooklyn”, produced by Carol Ryavec. Preet has been teaching art classes for kids and adults for over 20 years.

Vadim Astrakhan

Vadim started playing Vysotsky as soon as he first learned to play guitar in 1989, like thousands of other Russian boys.  Vysotsky’s “If Your Friend,” known at that time to every pre-schooler, was the second or third song he learnt. He memorized the majority of Vysotsky’s catalog and played his songs at various informal gatherings, to modest success.

Learn more about him and his work.

Jana Mazurkiewicz Meisarosh 

Jana Mazurkiewicz Meisarosh is a PhD candidate in the Slavic Department at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. She is working on her dissertation on Yiddish Theater in Communist Warsaw. Originally from Poland, Jana holds a Master of Arts degree in Polish Philology and Jewish Studies from the University of Wrocław. Jana is not only a practicing academic but also an active theater artist and critic. She is an actor, director, playwright, and producer of Yiddish theater. In October 2017, she moved to San Diego and launched the Yiddish Arts and Academics Association of North America (YAAANA).