Past Speakers
Season Two Speakers
July 2025 Speaker
Keena Turner
In 1980, Keena was drafted in the second round by the San Francisco 49ers and played outside linebacker with the “Team of the Decade” until his retirement in 1990. His eleven-year contribution to the team resulted in four Super Bowl wins and a trip to the Pro Bowl. He championed the 49ers to victory as Captain of the 1984 team and was subsequently chosen by his teammates as the “Len Eshmont Award” recipient for his courageous and inspirational play.
Keena Turner, legendary #58 and 4-Time SUPER BOWL CHAMPION for the San Francisco 49ers, will join us to discuss sportsmanship, teamwork, the championship mindset and what it took to win and sustain dominance during his eleven-year professional football career. Now, Vice President and Senior Advisor to the General Manager, Keena will field questions about his “Team of the Decade” and the future of today’s Niners squad
April 2025 Speaker
Eric Schmitt
Alex Filippenko is an elected member of both the National Academy of
Sciences and the American Academy of Arts & Sciences, is one of the world’s most highly cited astrophysicists. His scientific accomplishments, documented in nearly 1200 research papers, have been recognized with numerous prizes. He was the only person to have been a member of both teams that revealed the accelerating expansion of the Universe, a discovery that was honored with the 2011 Nobel Prize in Physics to the teams’ leaders. He is a frequent user of the Hubble Space Telescope and JWST. Winner of the highest teaching awards at UC Berkeley and voted the “Best Professor” on campus a record 9 times, in 2006 he was named the Case/Carnegie National Professor of the Year among doctoral institutions. He has produced 5 video courses with The Great Courses, coauthored an award-winning astronomy textbook, and appears in more than 120 television documentaries.
January 2025 Speaker
Alex Filippenko
Alex Filippenko is an elected member of both the National Academy of
Sciences and the American Academy of Arts & Sciences, is one of the world’s most highly cited astrophysicists. His scientific accomplishments, documented in nearly 1200 research papers, have been recognized with numerous prizes. He was the only person to have been a member of both teams that revealed the accelerating expansion of the Universe, a discovery that was honored with the 2011 Nobel Prize in Physics to the teams’ leaders. He is a frequent user of the Hubble Space Telescope and JWST. Winner of the highest teaching awards at UC Berkeley and voted the “Best Professor” on campus a record 9 times, in 2006 he was named the Case/Carnegie National Professor of the Year among doctoral institutions. He has produced 5 video courses with The Great Courses, coauthored an award-winning astronomy textbook, and appears in more than 120 television documentaries.
October 2024 Speakers
Maria Maldaur / Paul Liberatore
Novato Speaker Series presents Maria Muldaur in concert and conversation with Paul Liberatore. Maria Muldaur is an American folk and blues singer who was part of the American folk music revival in the early 1960s. She recorded the 1973 hit song "Midnight at the Oasis" and has recorded albums in the folk, blues, early jazz, gospel, country, and R&B traditions. Read more about Maria Muldaur
Well-respected rock journalist known for his work around the world, Paul Liberatore is an author and rock music columnist who currently reports and writes for the Marin Independent Journal of the Bay Area News Group, covering both daily news stories and a weekly column on the lively local rock music scene. Paul also writes a popular news feature column as Lib at Large.
Season One Speakers
May 2024 Speakers
Bay Area Music:
From Johnny Mathis to the Grateful Dead
On May 30, Tony Saunders, a celebrated two-time Emmy Award-winning bassist, composer, and producer, graced our stage with his exceptional musical talent. Known for his unparalleled versatility across genres including jazz, gospel, R&B, pop, rock, and world music, Tony's musical journey began early as the son of legendary Bay Area keyboardist Merl Saunders. By age 14, he had secured his first Emmy for the PBS documentary Soul Is, and by 17, he was collaborating with his father and Jerry Garcia. Educated at the prestigious Conservatory of Music in San Francisco, Tony transitioned from piano to bass, inspired by greats like James Jamerson and Stanley Clarke. His illustrious career includes collaborations with icons such as Eric Clapton, David Crosby, and Chaka Khan, and contributions to the stage musical Rock Justice. As a solo artist, his acclaimed albums Romancing the Bass and Uptown Jazz highlight his deep connection to the vibrant sounds of Harlem and the evolution of smooth jazz. Tony's passionate and evocative approach to the bass, reminiscent of B.B. King's relationship with Lucille, combined with his regular performances at venues like the Blue Note in Napa, have endeared him to fans nationwide. His commitment to music and social impact is further evidenced by his work with the Rainforest Band and support for the Jerry Garcia Foundation and Rainforest Action Network.
On May 30, the Novato Speaker Series hosted an unforgettable evening with the multi-talented Max Gail, an acclaimed actor, director, and documentary filmmaker. Best known for his iconic role as Detective Stan "Wojo" Wojciehowicz on the classic sitcom Barney Miller, Max has left an indelible mark on television history. His notable work includes captivating audiences in feature films like D.C. Cab, portraying Harold, and on the Broadway stage in The Babe. Max's diverse career spans guest appearances on numerous TV shows, including NCIS and Mad Men, and his remarkable portrayal of Brooklyn Dodgers manager Burt Shotton in the film 42. Off-screen, Max runs Full Circle, a production company focused on meaningful documentaries. His dedication to his craft earned him two Daytime Emmy Awards for his role on General Hospital. This event provided a unique opportunity to hear from an extraordinary artist and storyteller.
The Many Faces of Max Gail:
A Career Spanning Decades
April 2024 Speaker
Hamilton's Hidden Narrative: The story of 180,000 Southeast Asian refugees and Survival in the South China Sea
On April 25, we will heared the stories of Laurie Reemsnyder and Lauren Vuong. Laurie will talk about the 180,000 refugees that came through Hamilton Air Force Base in the 1980”s and her career working with refugees. Lauren Vuong, as a seven-year-old left Vietnam with her family by boat. She tells the remarkable story about being rescued by a ship; her emotional arrival in the United States; and her search as an adult to find her rescuer, the captain of the Ship Virgo.
March 2024 Speaker
Chris Waugh recently illuminated the principles of human-centered design during the Novato Speaker Series, emphasizing how this approach can revolutionize healthcare. By focusing on the needs of individuals and understanding the behaviors of patients, doctors, and nurses, Chris showcased how personalized solutions can enhance the healthcare experience for all.
Thank you, Chris, for your significant contributions to healthcare and humanity alike. Your talk was not only enlightening but also a profound service to our community.
Human-centered design is a creative approach that seeks personalized solutions to meet individual needs — understanding people and their behaviors, identifying trends and exploring solutions that improve a person’s healthcare experience — in order to make healthcare more usable and accessible for patients, doctors and nurses. Thanks again Chris, you did a great deed not only for the health care section but also for humanity.
February 2024 Speaker
We extend our deepest gratitude to Felecia for her unwavering support and invaluable contributions to our exploration of Marin City's rich history and legacy.
Founder and director of Performing Stars of Marin, and The Marin City Historical and Preservation Society
Felecia Gaston
Gaston writes about the Marin Housing Authority building temporary homes in 1942, the beginning of a community in Marin City, outside developers, the Ku Klux Klan’s cross burning in Marin City, what the Marin Civic Center was proposing for the future of the land in Marin City in 1952, and how people such as Supervisor Vera Schultz, Mary Summers, Aaron Green, Lawrence Livingston, Jr., Lawrence Halprin, and John Carl Warnecke help to plan and shape Marin City.
January 2024 Speaker
Dr. Michael Pritchard & Mark Dale share their views surrounding the current Opioid Drug Epidemic in America.
Thank you Mark and Michael
for helping us better understand the
Fentanyl & Substance Abuse Crisis and how it affects the residents in Marin County
Mark Dale and Michael Prichard
Mark and Michael are helping to explain and bring better understanding to the Fentanyl & Substance Abuse Crisis affecting residents of all ages in Marin County and beyond! Michael & Mark are US Air Force veterans and strongly believe that “Service to our Country” can naturally extend to “Service to our Communities”!
December 2023 Speaker
Heidi Kühn’s social justice story replaces land mines with grapevines
Heidi Kühn
Heidi Kühn’s vision for a humanitarian mission to eradicate the world’s former war zones of the scourge of land mines and transform those minefields into vineyards and sustainable crops came to her in an unscripted moment of clarity she still calls an “epiphany.”
Thank you Heidi
for restoring peace and prosperity through agriculture
October 2023 Speaker
Thank you Chis and Buddy for taking us on a world of leadership!
A Visionary Leader and Storyteller
Chris Gargano
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.
Retired Major League Baseball (MLB) Shortstop
Buddy Biancalana
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.
Musician, Opening Number
Donna Spitzer
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
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.
May, 30th
TBA
June, 27th
TBA
TBA
info coming soon
September 2023 Speaker
Thank you to Dr. Michael Blodgett, Ph.D for an evening of insight and knowledge!
And to Scott Van Wagner for enchanting us with your saxophone melodies!
Pathways to peace in the Middle East
Dr. Michael Blodgett, Ph.D
Michael Blodgett, born in 1963 in Los Angeles, served as an Intelligence Analyst in the Army and later earned a Ph.D. in History. He taught Communism, American history, and global radicalism at California State University Channel Islands before joining the Air Force as a historian for the 349th Air Mobility Wing at Travis Air Force Base.
He also delivers independent lectures on American international relations and military history while enjoying leisure time with his wife and four cats. Blodgett's journey reflects his dedication to academia and national service, blending military and academic experiences.
Saxophonist with a Passion for
Jazz, Blues, Fusion, Rock, & Funk
Scott Van Wagner
Scott Van Wagner, a versatile musician passionate about Jazz, Blues, Fusion, Rock, and Funk, boasts a rich musical background from the University of Costa Rica, Berklee College of Music, and the University of Washington.
Collaborating with renowned artists like Larry Coryell, Jose Feliciano, Jeff Beck, and more, he brings immense talent and a love for music to our community, having recently relocated from Chicago via Seattle to Sonoma. Catch his performances at venues such as the Blue Note, Sonoma Mission Inn, and more, where he showcases his new Jazz Band, Flat5, promising an electrifying experience.
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.
May, 30th
TBA
June, 27th
TBA
TBA
info coming soon
August 2023 Speaker
Thank you to Tony Lindsay and his amazing bandmates, Janice Maxie-Reid, Lloyd Gregory, & Deszon Claiborne for a musical evening!
A Soulful Evening with
Tony Lindsay
After 25 years as the lead vocalist for Santana, Tony Lindsay has garnered 11 Grammy awards, traveled on several world tours and recorded on seven CDs: Milagro (1992), Supernatural (1999), Shaman (2002), Ceremony (2003) and Food for Thought (2004), Ultimate Santana (2007) and Multi-Dimensional Warrior (2008).
Music Review by Brodrick Hampton:
Anyone who knows music knows Santana, and if that’s a given, then so is famed vocalist Tony Lindsay: a singer whose voice helped power the group to 11 Grammys and worldwide acclaim. Since launching his own solo career, Lindsay has continued to earn accolades: his last album, Something Beautiful, has taken the music-streaming world by storm, earning him four top-ten songs on the Internet Broadcasters’ Alliance’s Indie Soul Chart.
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.
May, 30th
TBA
June, 27th
TBA
TBA
info coming soon
July 2023 Speaker
Thank you Paul for an amazing evening!
A Child of the Holocaust
Paul A. Schwarzbart
Paul Schwarzbart, husband, father, respected teacher, survivor of the Holocaust, was born in Vienna. He fled with his parents when Austria was annexed.
He and his mother eventually came to the United States, where he received his undergraduate and graduate degree at UC Berkeley.
His teaching career spanned 45 years. He has spoken hundreds of times in various venues, recounting his life experiences as a hidden child.
In 1988 Schwarzbart’s life became the central theme of an award-winning Ken Swartz documentary, SHATTERED DREAMS, a Child of the Holocaust.
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.
May, 30th
TBA
June, 27th
TBA
TBA
info coming soon
Available now!
Season Tickets or Single Event Tickets
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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.
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