Authors, arts, and more

The 2021 Ann and Stephen Kaufman Jewish Book & Arts Festival kicks off Oct. 16 with its Sneak Preview Night featuring Laraine Newman, original Saturday Night Live cast member, who recently released her audio memoir May You Live in Interesting Times. Opening Night on Nov. 6 will feature 60 Minutes producer Ira Rosen, who takes readers behind the scenes of the investigative news program in Ticking Clock. This year's Community Read on Nov. 9 is Rhapsody by Mitchell James Kaplan, historical fiction that depicts the love affair between George Gershwin and Kay Swift. On Nov. 13, Jake Cohen, author of cookbook Jew-ish, shares a modern take on Jewish cooking traditions. Oliver Lapin Family Day, with family-friendly programming including a preview of The Snowy Day opera presented by Houston Grand Opera, takes place Nov. 14. The festival closes with comedian Wayne Federman’s The History of Stand-Up Nov. 16. Pictured are 2021 festival chair Elizabeth Cohen (on right) and co-chair Lauren Kaufman Blachman (on left). See details at erjcchouston.org/bookfestival.

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