Legendary Icons Remembered at Breman Museum

Leave it to The Breman Museum and Cultural Center to present music to our ears and a captivating evening that touched hearts and kept the music going.

“Songs For Someone You Love” was a musical benefit, a night of purpose and inspiration. A throwback to the days of the Copacabana, this musical tribute, held on Dec. 8, honored the memories of four devoted legendary community leaders joining the Breman’s Music Series. The gala’s Honorary Host Committee included the Levison, Blonder, and Asher families, all of whom have played an instrumental role in supporting the Breman’s mission. The evening featured a captivating musical performance by the multi-talented Jenny Levison and friends.

With a packed house, applause and standing ovations, Jenny Levison, along with her musically gifted friends, transported the audience back in time, featuring songs about love and life. Performers shared intimate stories of the people in their lives who influenced the love songs they sang. The evening was originally planned with Lois Blonder, of blessed memory, who was chairing the event. As life would have it, Lois — along with the late Breman benefactors Jarvin Levison (Jenny’s father), Sandra Adair, and Tom Asher — were celebrated posthumously for their unwavering support to The Breman. Appropriately named, “Songs for Someone You Love,” the proceeds benefited The Breman’s music programming, helping the cultural center continue to bring exceptional performances well into the future.
Program supporters that night include the Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs, Fulton County Arts & Culture, The Molly Blank Fund and the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta.

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This evening of love songs gathered patrons, supporters, family and friends who were welcomed as The Breman was transformed into a Copacabana club-like atmosphere with hand-stirred cocktails, a delicious dinner by Kosher Touch and a lively performance orchestrated by Jenny Levison and friends.

Leslie Gordon, executive director of The Breman, speaks during the musical benefit // Photo by Casey Ford

Jenny, well known as “Atlanta’s Soup Diva,” also a multi-talented actress, is best known as “Souper Jenny,” pouring love into her souper Jenny soups and life itself. Following the delicious fare, Jenny and her cast of singers, musicians and more shared a line-up of love songs. It was a fitting evening sharing these iconic individuals who loved The Breman, the individuals honored and everything it stands for with a musically magical and deeply meaningful momentous celebration.

Looking forward to The Breman’s future and in support of the music series, executive director Leslie Gordon said, “We are pleased to honor these irreplaceable patrons on this special night that will help The Breman keep the music playing for years to come, as we feel certain they would wish.” She added, “I love the fact that we’re together for one night celebrating each of these remarkable individuals who left a legacy for The Breman that remains undeniably instrumental in our continued success. Jarvin Levison and Sandra Adair attended the music series, loved and supported it. Jarvis was our guardian angel and did so much for the museum. Tom Asher made sure, for example, The Breman has incredible documents and artifacts that are now in the Cuba Family Archives. And Lois, who even celebrated her 90th birthday at The Breman, was involved in chairing and planning this event for others. Lois is a part of what makes this museum special, and we must keep the music going and celebrate them all tonight.”

As the performance began, a video montage played The Beatles, “In My Life,” and set the tone remembering with love the fabulous four. Tom, Jarvin, Sandra and Lois embodied a love for the Breman and Jewish community. It was a powerful kind of love generously extended to anyone they encountered. Leslie Gordon added, “Each of our honorees had a magical spark that just made everyone feel special. Sharing the evening with someone you love is the ideal way to personify the devotion and passion these individuals devoted to The Breman.”

Jenny Levison’s brother, Michael, added, “When our father passed away, we knew how much the music series meant to him and we are pleased to announce our family has committed the next 10 years to be the lead sponsor for the music series.”

The Breman Museum staff members are pictured // Photo by Casey Ford

He explained, “The series needs all of our support and encouraged donations from supporters to keep the music going.”

As the songs flowed, they ranged from, “I’ve Looked at Life from Both Sides Now,” to “Someone to Watch Over Me.” Yes, love was in the air. The imprint of these iconic legendary individuals was celebrated for the passion each brought to The Breman embracing our past, present and securing the future for the Jewish community. The vibe and applause at the musical extravaganza were resounding and an evening that will go down in Breman history as will the memories of the fabulous four. Love filled the room, and tribute was sensitively paid while acknowledging the deep-felt loss of each of these beautiful souls along with the magic of their lives.

As the evening ended, there was an awareness of how people come into our lives for a reason. They make us all better by their endless gifts, words and actions. When it’s a deep abiding love from people who changed so many lives for the better, it’s unforgettable. Such is the legacy of Tom Asher, Jarvin Levison, Sandra Adair and Lois Blonder. They defined community. Their love and devotion remind us of the unwavering support we can give each other and what matters most, which will ultimately help us all get through.

In keeping with the musical love song from “Wicked” … “We have been changed for good. Because we all knew you.”

For more information, please visit www.thebreman.org.