A Lot of Fun and Laughs Highlight JFS-ON-A-SCHTICK

After months and months of worry, stress and staying apart from one another, nearly 100 friends got together for an hour of entertainment and a few laughs at the JFS-ON-A-SCHTICK Variety Show on August 26.

“I wanted to find a way to come together,” said JFS CEO Ruth Olkon. “And to say thank you to everyone who helped and supported JFS in so many ways, from donations to volunteering to joining us for the show!” With no state fair to enjoy this summer, a group of JFS board members thought an evening of entertainment would be a great way to add a bit of brevity to a complicated year.

Everyone met on Zoom. The Twin Cities own Sandy Atlas, a local composer and performer for nearly 60 years, joined us from his back yard to perform his new song, “Never Thought.” Comedian Jackie Kashian joined us from her home in Van Nuys, CA. Jackie has been a national touring comic for more than 25 years. Her 2017 critically acclaimed album, “I Am Not the Hero of This Story,” was the number one comedy album on iTunes and Amazon. For almost 20 minutes, the audience laughed along with Jackie and forgot about COVID.

For the finale, Gilad Paz performed “Nessun Dorma,” an aria from Puccini’s opera “Turandot,” followed by “We Are the Champions” to celebrate all the champions who have supported JFS. Paz is a multi-faceted performer with over 25 years of stage experience ranging from rock/pop to musical theater and classical.

Special thanks to the performers and board members Linda Alter, Bruce Matza and Stuart Sanders for their part in making this a great show!