An intimate conversation with celebrated entertainer and author Michael Feinstein The Gershwins and Me: A Personal History in Twelve Songs

An unforgettable evening of conversation, with a few songs sprinkled into the program, as Michael Feinstein shares his personal stories of Ira Gershwin and their time together, first as an employer and later as a dear friend.

The “Ambassador of the Great American Songbook” Feinstein was just twenty years old when he got the chance of a lifetime: a job with his hero, Ira Gershwin. During their six-year partnership, the two became close friends. Feinstein blossomed under Gershwin’s mentorship and Gershwin was reinvigorated by the younger man’s zeal for his and his brother George’s legacy. Now, in The Gershwins and Me, the only book of its kind, Michael Feinstein shares unforgettable stories and discusses the music that defined American popular song, along with rare Gershwin memorabilia he’s collected through the years.

From “Strike Up the Band” to “Love Is Here to Stay,” each of the twelve chapters highlights one of the Gershwins’ classic songs, exploring the brothers’ lives, illuminating what the music meant to them, and telling the stories of how their iconic tunes came to life. Throughout the star-studded narrative, Feinstein unfolds the moving chronicle of his own life with the Gershwins, describing his vision for their enduring presence today. No other writer could give us such an authoritative inside perspective on these titans of American culture—and no other writer could include such a soulful collection of music as the accompanying CD packed with Feinstein’s original recordings of the twelve songs.

Michael Feinstein is an entertainer and educator known as one of the leading experts on classic American popular music. A five-time Grammy nominee, he performs, records, and lectures extensively and has been awarded three honorary doctorate degrees.

"Frisky, affectionate, lushly illustrated, deeply informed and profoundly respectful." -Kirkus Reviews

The country’s oldest and largest Jewish book fair, the event will include presentations at both JCC campuses, 6600 W. Maple Road in West Bloomfield and 15110 W. Ten Mile Road in Oak Park.

For a complete list of authors, dates and times please visit http://bookfair.jccdet.org/  Most events are free and open to the public. Tickets and additional information is available at www.theberman.org  or call the box office at (248) 661-1900. Limited Tickets Available for Michael Feinstein at $52 JCC Members/$57 Non-members.