The Novato Speaker Series Presents...
...four great speakers for our 2025-2026 Season
Available now!
Season Tickets or Single Event Tickets
Checkout our Amazing Speakers!
See all four speakers at a discounted price
Season Tickets!
Adult $100 or Student $40
or
Buy tickets for a Single Event
Adult $30 or Student $15
To buy Single Event Ticket see speakers below and make your selection
Our 2025-2026 Season Line-up
Click pictures to read about each speaker...
October 23, 2025
Thursday, 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Mike Robbins
Embracing Change: Thriving Through Uncertainty
Join author and renowned national speaker Mike Robbins
for an inspiring session to navigate uncertainty, embrace change and grow with resilience.
January 22, 2026
Thursday, 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Christian Thwaites
Driving Ukraine
Christian will share his volunteer mission insights and Ukraine's resilience amid war scenarios and thoughts about Russia/Ukraine peace.
April 23, 2026
Thursday, 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Commander Gil Rud
From Prairies To The Pacific: A Blue Angels Journey
Gil Rud will share his journey from North Dakota to the cockpits of US Navy fighters, leading to the ultimate reward - "Boss" of the Blue Angels.
July 23, 2026
Thursday, 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Tony Lindsay
Back by popular demand!
A Soulful Journey With Tony Lindsay & Friends
Tony brought the house down in our inaugural season!...The legendary lead vocalist of Santana, Grammy-winning icon Tony Lindsay, will take to the Jonas stage again with the Tony Lindsay Band.
Sponsored by these
Not-For Profit Organizations
2025-2026 Speaker Series
The Bill and Adele Jonas Center
1800 Ignacio Blvd building 19, Novato, CA 94949
Doors open @ 6:30
Novato Speaker Series Mission Statement
In our continuing mission to serve Novato and our surrounding communities, the Rotary Clubs of Novato have committed to providing a Speaker Series of diverse, relevant, and interesting topics each year to inform and educate Rotarians and the general public. It is our goal to further Rotary International’s motto of “Service Above Self” with a wide range of engaging speakers.
Who is the Novato Speaker Series for?
Whether you're a student, a professional, a retiree, or anyone in between, the series offers something of value. The presentations are designed to be accessible to a broad audience and to spark curiosity and discussion. The series is ideal for individuals who are passionate about lifelong learning and exploring new horizons.
Thursday Evenings
Thursday Evenings
The Novato Speaker Series is an ongoing program that brings together a diverse range of speakers from various fields and backgrounds to share their knowledge, experiences, and perspectives with the community.
Held at the spacious Bill and Adele Jonas Center on the Indian Valley Campus of the the College of Marin, the series features entertaining and informative talks that cover a wide range of topics, from current events and health and wellness, art and culture, and more. Each speaker is carefully selected to provide a unique and engaging presentation, and the series is designed to foster community engagement, learning, and enrichment.
Whether you're a lifelong learner, a curious individual, or simply looking for an enjoyable evening out, the Novato Speaker Series is an excellent opportunity to expand your horizons and connect with others in your community.
The Monthly Novato Speaker Series is an ongoing program that brings together a diverse range of speakers from various fields and backgrounds to share their knowledge, experiences, and perspectives with the community.
Held on a monthly basis, the series features entertaining and informative talks that cover a wide range of topics, from current events and health and wellness, art and culture, and more. Each speaker is carefully selected to provide a unique and engaging presentation, and the series is designed to foster community engagement, learning, and enrichment.
Whether you're a lifelong learner, a curious individual, or simply looking for an enjoyable evening out, the Monthly Novato Speaker Series is an excellent opportunity to expand your horizons and connect with others in your community.
Chris Gargano
A Visionary Leader and Storyteller
Chris Gargano’s career in the world of professional sports has gifted him a deep understanding of the dynamics that create successful teams and leadership structures. His work as a leader in the content departments of the Oakland Raiders, San Francisco Giants, and New York Jets created a desire to analyze and master how to lead with heart. This passion led to the founding of the Gargano Leadership Group, where Chris works to help teams and individuals reach their full potential.
As a storyteller, Chris wants to understand people, specifically, what makes people great and how they perform at such high levels. His Podcast, ‘Keep the Line Moving’ is a way to hear industry leaders share their insights. Here, Chris comes together with people who have excelled in their careers and lead in ways that profoundly impact their peers and teams. Hear how successful leaders practically, strategically, and empathetically lead people to achieve beyond their collective and individual abilities.
Buddy Biancalana
Retired Major League Baseball (MLB) Shortstop
Buddy Biancalana, born in Greenbrae, California, in 1960, is a baseball legend whose career started at Redwood High School in Larkspur. He was a standout player, making it to the Mythical National Champion Team in 1977. The Kansas City Royals drafted him in 1978, and he played in the Major Leagues from 1982 to 1987, notably contributing to the Royals' 1985 World Series victory.
After his playing career, Biancalana ventured into coaching and authored a book, "The 7 Secrets of the World Class Athlete." In 2009, he was inducted into the Redwood High School Athletic Hall of Fame, solidifying his place in baseball history.
Donna Spitzer
Musician,
Opening Number
Following a successful engagement at The Hotel Alpha Playboy Club in Japan, Donna has appeared locally at the The Starlite Room of The Sir Francis Drake Hotel, as bandleader at The Terrace Bar of The Claremont Resort Hotel, at local nightspots such as Pearl’s, Cetrella, the no name bar, Joe LoCoco’s, Hotel Mac, The Mason Street Wine Bar, Harry’s, The Dock, The Union Hotel, Mulhern’s, 19 Broadway. She has entertained for numerous major corporate affairs, fundraisers, for wineries, country club functions, and galas in a career that has spanned two decades. A longtime favorite for local parties and galas, Donna is the bandleader and lead vocalist of the popular variety dance band,
The Full Tilt! Band.
Donna also headlines with the contemporary Swing,Blues and Classic Rock group, Sweet City Blues
Attending the Novato Speaker Series is an enjoyable and enriching experience that offers something for everyone.
Explore Fascinating Topics with the Novato Speaker Series
July, 27th
Paul A. Schwarzbart
Paul fled to Belgium with his parents when Austria was annexed in 1938. His father was arrested in Brussels on May 10, 1940. With surreptitious help, he "hid" in a catholic school in an Ardennes village near Luxembourg for 2 years. After reuniting with his mother, the two eventually came to the United States and settled in San Francisco.
July, 27th
Cantor David Margules
Cantor David Margules’ beautiful tenor voice has enhanced and blessed members of Congregation Rodef Sholom since 1991. As the synagogue’s cantor and musical director, he choreographs services and leads the congregation in traditional prayers and new arrangements – enjoining them to sing out with him and the rabbis.
2024 Speaker Series Schedule
Events take place in Bill and Adele Jonas Center
1800 Ignacio Blvd Building 19, Novato, CA 94949
May, 30th
TBA
June, 27th
TBA
TBA
info coming soon
Mike Robbins
October 23, 2025
Mike Robbins
Join Mike Robbins, sought after keynote speaker and bestselling author, for a thoughtful, engaging, and interactive talk on how to navigate change and achieve deeper trust, better collaboration, and greater results.
With decades of experience from pro baseball to Silicon Valley, and an expert in teamwork, leadership, and emotional intelligence, Mike's clients include Google, Microsoft, Genentech, eBay, the NBA, Charles Schwab, Wells Fargo, GAP, and the San Francisco Giants.
Christian Thwaites
January 22, 2026
Christian Thwaites
Christian has volunteered to deliver front line vehicles to Ukrainian military and aid organizations the last two years.
In his talk, Christian will share his volunteer mission insights, life in Ukraine, personal stories about the Ukrainians and volunteers he met, Ukraine's resilience amid war scenarios, and thoughts about Russia/Ukraine economy and their journey towards peace.
Gil Rud
April 23, 2026
Commander Gil Rud
Commander Gil Rud will share his journey from rural North Dakota to the cockpits of U.S. Navy jet fighters, and ultimately captain of a flagship aircraft carrier, USS Constellation, responsible for the welfare of 5,000+ sailors.
His success as a naval aviator led to the ultimate reward- "Boss" of the world-famous Blue Angels, overseeing their successful transition to the F/A-18 Hornet.
Tony Lindsay
July 23, 2026
Tony Lindsay
Join us for an extraordinary evening as we embark on a remarkable musical journey with Tony Lindsay, the legendary lead vocalist of Santana.
Tony and his band wowed us
in season one!
Don't miss this exclusive opportunity to witness a true icon in action, captivating audiences with his undeniable talent and unforgettable stage presence.
Back by popular demand!
Here's what you get:
By attending the Novato Speaker Series, you'll have access to professional development opportunities, cultural enrichment, and exposure to new ideas that can challenge your assumptions and help you grow as a person. Additionally, you'll have the chance to network and build relationships with other attendees, creating lasting connections that can benefit you both personally and professionally.
The presentations are often entertaining and engaging, making for an enjoyable evening out.
The series may include presentations on art, music, literature, and other cultural topics that enrich your understanding of the world.
The series provides an opportunity to learn about a wide range of topics from experts in their fields.
See What Others Say About Novato Speaker Series
Both Syl and I had a great time and kudos for organizing this event, so much fun and so cool.
- Dick and Sylvia Hageman
Congratulations. As a result of your leadership, Novato is growing culturally—and becoming more classes in the process.
- Barry Smail
Tony Lindsay was such a surreal experience. It was my first musical concert and it was amazing. Fantastic vocals and good music. Thank you for the opportunity to experience it.
- Larry Baten
Beautiful event
I’ve never heard anyone hold a note like that as she did on Ave Maria.,
You are fabulous.
All the best.
- Mark Milberg
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