Jewish piano
prodigy
plays benefit
concert for
Iraqi Christian
refugees.
Ethan Bortnick
E
than Bortnick, who came
to Michigan three years
ago to entertain at an event
celebrating the local Chabad orga-
nization, returns to entertain at an
event raising funds for the Adopt-a-
Refugee Family program benefiting
displaced Iraqi Christians.
The concert, 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 18,
at the Royal Oak Music Theatre, is
part of the "Ethan Bortnick and His
Musical Time Machine" tour. The
piano serves as the time machine
leading audiences on musical jour-
neys featuring classical, jazz, rock 'n'
roll and other types of selections.
"It doesn't matter what religion
people are or what skin color they
have," says Ethan, 10, whose talents
are extended to many charitable
organizations. "We have to help.
"I know how important it is for
refugees not to be forgotten. My
family came from Ukraine and were
refugees. I will do my best to make
the concert amazing so that more
families can be helped.
"I'm writing a song with both
words and music for the organiza-
tion. I learn about a program and
how it works and then write a song.
I stay at the piano figuring it out."
Ethan, appearing at ease being
interviewed by Jay Leno or Oprah
Winfrey, showed a musical interest
that his parents, Hannah and Gene
Bortnick, didn't take seriously when
the entertainer was 3 years old.
"I listened to Baby Einstein CDs
and asked my mom and dad for
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Friday, February 11, 2011, Saturday, February 12, 2011
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Starter Toast of Cristalino Brut Rose Cava
Course One (Choice of One)
Maine Lobster Bisque
Truffle and Caviar Crostini
- Or -
Poached Shrimp Cocktail
- Or -
Beef Tenderloin Sauté
Stone Mustard Gnocchi and Caramelized Cipollini Onion
A
Helping
Heart
Suzanne Chessler
Special to the Jewish News
.44%,
piano lessons," recalls Ethan, who last
summer became the youngest musi-
cian with a PBS concert special. "I
had a toy keyboard and was able to
play a Mozart piece that I had heard.
"My mom and dad weren't watch-
ing while I was at the keyboard and
asked who was playing. When I said
it was me, they said, 'You're getting a
piano!'"
The youngster got national atten-
tion with the help of neighbors,
who contacted the Jay Leno staff.
Cameron Diaz, appearing on the
same initial program, suggested the
boy to her agent.
Ethan, who plays by ear and
extends his knowledge with two
private teachers, attends Jewish day
school in Florida. While he is on the
road, he takes along assignments
and connects with the classroom
through Skype.
"Basically, I'm a regular kid who
plays a little piano," says Ethan,
already thinking about his bar mitz-
vah and whether it can take place in
Israel, where his mother lived before
coming to the U.S. "I love to play
video games with my brother, read,
go to school and eat."
Ethan's commitment to com-
munity was inspired by his brother,
Nathan, 5, who had heart surgery
at a Children's Miracle Network
Hospital. Ethan, who wrote a song
for the network and performed at
an organization event, also joined
music's biggest names as the young-
est member of the all-star "We Are
The World 25 For Haiti" recording.
"My goal is to help a lot of people,"
Ethan says. L
Ethan Bortnick performs 8 p.m. Friday, Feb.18, at the Royal Oak Music
Theatre, 318 W. Fourth St. Doors open at 7 p.m. $50. (248) 406-2052;
www.adoptarefugeefamily.org .
Course Two (Choice of One)
Blackened Mahi-Mahi
Dirty Rice, Sautéed Spinach, Pepper Salsa
- Or -
Beef Tenderloin Medallions
Olive-Tomato Tapenade, Red Skin Smashed Potato, Roasted Root Vegetables
- Or -
Balsamic Marinated Chicken Breast
Bleu Cheese and Smoked Bacon Crust, Mushroom Grits
Course Three (Choke of One)
Chocolate Red Velvet Cake, Berry Sauce
- Or -
Passion Fruit Creme Brulee
Or
Bumpy Cake Heart, Faygo Red Pop Sorbet -For Two-
$40 per person, exclusive of tax, tip and valet. Guests receive a PAMA gift bag.
One gift bag per couple. For reservations, call 248.647.7774.
248.647.7774 • bigrockchophouse.corn
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February 10 2011
49