Thursday, February 27, 2014




Our thrilling 2014-2015 lineup is in place!




In a fitting tribute to our 10th year, Sacramento Speakers Series announces that BIG NAMES are coming to Sacramento.   

The new season reflects the expressed interests of you, our patrons.  This year’s lineup includes fascinating and influential speakers on a wide range of topical issues: food and health; the intersection of domestic politics and national security; the transformative power of music; an inside glimpse into the perpetual 24/7 news cycle; an athlete’s passion to compete and dream; and a humorous look at the serious topics of our time.

The season kicks off on September 23, 2014 with one of the most influential figures in the food world, culinary pioneer Alice Waters.  Her Berkeley restaurant, Chez Panisse, and her Edible Schoolyard program for teachers and kids embody her philosophy that good cooking must be based on locally produced and sustainable ingredients.  Welcoming her to the Farm-to-Fork capital will be a treat indeed. 

Next, on October 28, 2014 former Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, a trusted advisor to eight US presidents over the past four and a half decades, will take us behind the scenes of White House politics and its relationship to national security.  The recent publication of his book DUTY: Memoirs of a Secretary at War has once again stirred the national debate on the role of government and the need for a cohesive national strategy.      

On December 9, 2014, we will present something very special: celebrated cellist Yo-Yo Ma will do more than play for us: he will speak to us!  Mr. Ma is noted for exploring musical forms within and outside the Western classical tradition, and continually searches for new ways to communicate with an audience.  We will be treated to an evening very few have experienced, one that promises to be fresh and memorable.   

To start the New Year, on January 20, 2015, television journalist, author and CNN anchor Anderson Cooper will be with us. On his nightly show Anderson Cooper 360, he goes beyond the headlines, keeping politicians and policy-makers honest with his in-depth reporting and investigations.   Well-traveled and always on the scene of the ever changing  hotbeds of world events, this will be a fascinating and informative evening. 

On March 3, 2015 we welcome long distance swimmer Diana Nyad.  Back in the ‘70s, Ms. Nyad was the greatest long-distance swimmer in the world, setting world records for circling Manhattan Island and crossing the 102 miles between the Bahamas and Florida. Last year, at the age of 64, she finally fulfilled her life-long dream of swimming from Cuba to Florida.  Her message to never give up, that you’re never too old to chase your dreams and on the importance of teamwork is an inspiration to both young and old. 

The season will end on April 7, 2015, with political and cultural commentator David Brooks.  A New York Times columnist and a regular analyst on PBS’ NewsHour and NPR’s All Things Considered, Mr. Brooks has a gift for bringing audiences face-to-face with the spirit of our times with humor, insight and quiet passion.  His books and social commentary resonate for its thoughtfulness and understanding and will provide a satisfying and fitting end to the season.

Because of the fine quality of these speakers and your support, we expect the series to sell out—without increasing your ticket prices.  Now is the time to renew or subscribe to the Series!



 



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