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A singer, actor and writer Ms. Kurzava has performed professionally throughout the Mid-Atlantic, including at Olney Theatre, Cumberland Theatre and the Maryland Renaissance Festival. She is co-founder and executive director of New Moon Theater, a non-profit touring theater and opera company that performs in schools, libraries and museums. For New Moon Theater, she has created and performed one-person adaptations of traditional folktales and has written or co written three original plays. Since 2005, she has been lecturing on musical theater for the Peabody Conservatory Elderhostel/Road Scholar program. Topics covered include Gershwin & Gershwin, The American Songbook, Lerner & Loewe, Rodgers & Hammerstein, Stephen Sondheim, Andrew Lloyd Webber, and American Songbook. In 2010, she created and piloted a national curriculum on Gershwin for Road Scholar and has been lecturing to senior audiences at venues throughout the region. Ms. Kurzava has been on the voice faculty at Loyola University Maryland since 2004 and also teaches voice at the Garrison Forest School.

The E&R is pleased to bring Night & Day back to Leisure World to help you celebrate Valentine’s Day – Tuesday, Feb. 14 at 7 PM in Clubhouse II’s auditorium. Tickets, $8 person, go on sale in both clubhouses at 8:30 am on Tuesday, Jan. 17.

The Night & Day quintet has been a fixture in the Washington area music scene for the last 20 years. The quintet, which specializes in the music of the swing and big band era, is comprised of five topflight musicians who share a love for the songs of Gershwin, Porter, and the other giants of American Popular song. The lead vocalist is Renee Tannenbaum, with Michael Suser on piano, Bill Barner on saxophone, Eric Shramek on bass and Robbie Leebrick on drums.

For this Valentine’s concert, Night & Day will take a musical look at the concept of love, and its many musical manifestations. For example, the band will perform tunes that pose lover’s questions, such as: “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?” and “What is This Thing Called Love?” Night & Day will look at the notion of unrequited love with songs like “But Not For Me” and “Since I Fell for You.” They will also explore love songs associated with a particular place, as in “Under Paris Skies” and “Blueberry Hill.” And of course no Valentine’s concert would be complete without a performance of the penultimate romantic ballad, “My Funny Valentine.”

Night & Day is really looking forward to this opportunity to perform again at Leisure World and are confident that you will enjoy our music.

Mardi Gras Fat Tuesday CelebratiThe E&R Department welcomes back the “Dixieland Express” as it brings New Orleans-style Dixieland music to Leisure World on Fat Tuesday, Feb. 21 at 7:30 PM in Clubhouse I’s Crystal Ballroom. This will be the best opportunity to celebrate Mardi Gras north of New Orleans by listening and dancing to some great Dixieland music! Light snacks will be provided and a cash bar will be available. Tickets, $8 per person, will go on sale in both clubhouses at 8:30 am on Tuesday, Jan. 17. Be sure to get your tickets early for this gala event!

The “Dixieland Express,” led by bandleader and resident John Stewart, includes the traditional front line of trumpet, clarinet and trombone. And, in keeping with the traditional Dixieland instrumentation, the band also has a rhythm and chords section comprised of drums, and banjo. The tuba fills out the bottom of the band. This special Mardi Gras performance will feature special guest vocalist Mary Alouette as well.

The “Dixieland Express” was founded in 1999 with the purpose of continuing the musical tradition and creativity found in the performance of early 20th century jazz. This evolved from the cultural, social, religious and international melting pot of New Orleans. The group has performed at many different venues over the years. In addition to being a regularly featured band every summer at Bethany Beach and at the Kensington summer concert series, the group has performed at many local venues including restaurants and retirement communities including Leisure World and has been featured twice at Potomac River Jazz Club events in recent years.

The band will play many traditional Dixieland numbers such as “Basin Street Blues,” “Bill Bailey,” “Bourbon Street Parade,” “Do You Know What it Means to Miss New Orleans?” “Georgia,” “Hindustan” and a few other jazz classics such as “Bei Mir Bist Du Schon” and “Midnight in Moscow.” Come on out and wear something special for Mardi Gras. Beads will be provided.

With chaos tearing her family apart, Adrienne Willis (Diane Lane) takes a weekend job at her friend's coastal North Carolina inn, but when a hurricane hits and strands the only guest, surgeon Paul Flanner (Richard Gere), Adrienne's life changes forever. As the storm rages outside, Adrienne connects with Flanner, who came to the retreat to escape a personal crisis. Scott Glenn co-stars in this intimate drama based on the novel by Nicholas Sparks.

The movies are for your enjoyment; there is no charge. Be sure to pick up your ticket(s) if you plan to attend. Please note that no one will be seated after 1 PM.

Donations to help cover the expenses associated with the presentations are gratefully accepted. A basket will be available for your contribution.