Dear Russian Center Members and Friends of the Russian American Community!

Best wishes to all of you for a happy and holy holiday season, Merry Christmas and much continued good health, happiness
and prosperity in the New Year!

For those of you, who are still seeking a place to ring in the New Year, the Russian Center's annual New Year's Eve Ball will be
held on December 31 - please check the website www.russiancentersf.com for the New Year information, or call Zoia at 415-221-5037 for information and reservations.

Please also note our upcoming Russian Festival flyer is attached for your information and forwarding. Both front and back of the flyer are attached, as the back of the flyer contains all of the information. The Russian Festival next year will be held on January 29, 30, 31 - yes, early, due to an early Easter next year. For those of you, who would like to volunteer, please contact lanchichka@sbcglobal.net

The Russian Center, built in 1911 and the home of the Russian American Bay Area community since 1939, is noted to be the biggest building and home of Russian culture and history, outside of Russia. For over 20 years, the Russian Festival has also been one of the biggest events of the Russian community, bringing together hundreds of volunteers and nearly 4000 attendees throughout the three days of the festival, dedicated to “Maslenitsa”.


Due to an early Easter, this year (2010), the festival will be held on January 29, 30 and 31st. While the doors open to the public on Friday at 5pm and tickets sold only at the door (adults $10; seniors/students with valid ID - $6 and children under 12 free), the official opening will be at 6pm. On Friday, the traditional disco that follows at 9pm will once again bring young and old alike to dance to the live and energetic music of “Limpopo”, as well as DJ Nick Ionoff. On Saturday and Sunday, doors will open to the public in the morning at 11am. On Saturday, the festival will continue until 10pm, and on Sunday, until 7:30pm.


During all 3 days of the Festival, you will have an opportunity to sample the many traditional Russian foods, including pelmeni, piroshki, borscht, beef stroganoff and other favorites, as well as delicious pasteries, cakes, Russian pies, desserts and teas at the samovar booth. Or, try the popular Russian blini with caviar, herring, salmon, as well as different zakuski (Russian hors d'oeuvres). The no-ohost bar will again ofer the many flavored vodkas, Russian, imported & domestic beers and mixed drinks!


Come and shop at the many vendors with the different Russian gift items, such as lacquer boxes, Matrioshka stacking dolls, jewelry of amber, malachite, charoite and oather precious and semi-precious stones, shawls, whether intriquitely woven or embroidered and other Russian souvenirs. Visit the Museum of Russian Culture, the library and the art gallery with the many beautiful paintings, displaying original artwork from Russia, as well as from some of our talented local Russian artists. Many of the Bay Area non-profit Russian American community organizations will also be present to advertise and promote their organization and showcase their work, such as the Congress of Russian Americans, the Museum of Russian Culture, the Library, Russian Life Newspaper, Russian Children's Welfare Society, SF Public Library, Fort Ross and many others.


And, of course, a variety of entertainers, dancers, singers, musicians will be performing in the auditorium all three days. From Los Angeles, Russian Folk & Rock Ensemble “Limpopo”, who ignite the stage with their music, humor and fun will be returning by popular demand. Also from Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Moscow, relatively new, but very talented signer, Aleksei Svetlov will be making an appearance. As always, favorites like world-reknowned singers, Nikolai Massenkoff and Sergei Zadvorny will be performing, as well as a few new and welcome additions. Vladimir Riazantseff, Honor Artist of Russia, always a favorite, formerly with the Moiseyev Dance Ensemble will be dancing, as well as the colorful costumes, vibrant choreography, exciting & energetic music and spirited dancing of the Russian Center Dancers, Firebird Dance Ensemble & Russian Dance Group from Reno. Children's groups such as Sivka Burka, Teremok and Nino's Rhythmic Gymnastics are also always a favorite for children, as well as adults.