DISTINGUISHED SPEAKER SERIES OF THE WESTSIDE 2016-2017 SEASON
GEN. DAVID PETRAEUS CIA Director & Commander of Allied Forces in Iraq and Afghanistan
Sunday, October 23, 2016 in Beverly Hills
Retired General David Petraeus is one of the most prominent U.S. military figures of the post-9/11 era. During his 37-year career in the United States Army, Petraeus was widely recognized for his leadership in Iraq and in Afghanistan. His military career was distinguished by significant achievements during assignments in Cold War Europe, Central America, the United States, Haiti, Bosnia, Kuwait, and the greater Middle East. His career culminated with six consecutive commands as a general officer, five of which were in combat, a record believed to be unmatched in the post-World War II era. Soon after his retirement,he served as Director of the CIA.
DIANA NYAD – Record Breaking Athlete & Master Storyteller
Sunday, November 6, 2016 in Beverly Hills
Nyad is one of the world’s most formidable and inspiring female athletes. On September 2, 2013, 64-year-old Diana Nyad successfully fulfilled her lifelong dream of completing the 110-mile swim from Cuba to Florida. The grueling 53-hour journey was her fifth attempt, the first being in 1978 when she was 28. Diana engages us with a unique, passionate story of this heroic adventure and the extraordinary life experiences that have served to carve her unwavering spirit. Nyad will share her dramatic story of determination and endurance, and the life lessons that have driven her to constantly focus on the other shore.
STEVE MARTIN - Iconic Actor, Comedian, Author, Playwright & Musician
Sunday, January 8, 2017 in Beverly Hills
Steve Martin is one of the most legendary and diversified performers in the entertainment industry today. An actor, comedian, author, playwright, producer, and musician, Martin is an iconic figure whose roles have forever been ingrained into our popular culture. The Jerk, Roxanne, Planes, Trains & Automobiles, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Parenthood, L.A. Story, Father of the Bride, Cheaper by The Dozen, are but some of the films earninghim millions of fans worldwide. He's hosted the Oscars three times and Saturday Night Live more than anyone. He's won four Grammy awards--two for comedy and two for his banjo CDs, and yet he also keeps busy off-stage, collecting art, playing the banjo and writing. Martin’s co-written original musical, Bright Staris on Broadway.
AYAAN HIRSI ALI – Dutch Politician, Renowned Islam Reformist & International Activist
Sunday, February 19, 2017 in Beverly Hills
Renowned political leader, national security expert, women's rights advocate and Islam reformist; Ayaan Hirsi Ali is the New York Times bestselling author ofHeretic, Infidel, Nomad, and The Caged Virgin. A prominent speaker, debater, and journalist, she was chosen as one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people in the world, Reader's Digest's European of the Year for 2005... She is now a fellow at Harvard University. Hirsi Ali is the founder of the AHA Foundation to protect and defend the rights of women. In her presentation she will share her journey from a deeply religious Islamic upbringing, elected office in the Netherlands to a post at Harvard. She will make a powerful plea for a Muslim Reformation as the only way to end the horrors of terrorism, sectarian warfare and the repression of women and minorities.
VIN SCULLY – Beloved Hall of Fame LA Dodgers Broadcaster
Sunday, March 19, 2017 in Beverly Hills
Vin Scully is widely regarded as not just the greatest baseball announcers of all time, but perhaps the greatest voice in all of sport. Arguably the most popular figure in Southern California, Scully came west with the Dodgers in 1958 and has broadcast their games on radio and television ever since. His unparalleled story telling ability, timing, and mellifluous tones have been a uniting force in a geographically massive region Scully was inducted in theBaseball Hall of Fame in 1982 and was named “baseball’s all-time best broadcaster.” He is now set to retire after he completes his 67th consecutive season as the “Voice of the Dodgers.” Scully holds the distinction for the longest tenure in his field.
CAPTAIN SCOTT KELLY - Astronaut & Yearlong Space Station Resident
Sunday, May 7, 2017 in Beverly Hills
Back from his historic record-breaking mission, the only American ever to have lived in outer space for a year, NASA astronaut Kelly has laid the groundwork for the future of space travel and exploration, and continues to garner attention like no other pioneer of our time. From the cover of TIME to more than 1 million Twitter followers, the world remains in awe as we celebrate a hero's return from an extraordinary adventure. With life lessons and personal stories revealing unique and valuable advice on pushing one's own limits, to insight on the teamwork required in such demanding conditions, and the challenges -- such as long term deprivation from loved ones and Planet Earth -- Kelly reflects on the choices and events that paved his journey’s path and wows audiences as he delivers a truly one-of-a-kind experience.