Join notable Monterey singer-songwriter, Alisa Fineman, for an evening of spirituality and open-heartedness as she celebrates the release of her new album, Closing the Distance: Poems, Prayers and Love Songs. Featuring contemporary arrangements of traditional and original songs from the Jewish diaspora, the album is a gorgeous blend of modern rhythms, ethnic touches, and thought-provoking lyrics, which range from original compositions to liturgical adaptations sung in Hebrew, Ladino, and English. A winner of Kerrville Folk Festival's NewFolk Showcase, Alisa has become known for the lyrical songs on her earlier albums like Cup of Kindness, as well as for her beautiful alto voice. For the past 15 years, she has also served as a cantorial soloist at synagogues and celebratory events throughout Northern California: her new album bridges the gap between Alisa's love for traditional Jewish and contemporary folk music.

Accompanying Alisa is Alex de Grassi, the fingerstyle steel-string acoustic guitar master who produced and co-arranged the new album. Renowned for his technique, innovation and compelling compositions, Alex established himself as a guitarist and composer in the late '70s with his classic recording, Turning Back (Windham Hill), which Acoustic Guitar magazine recently cited as one of the top ten "essential fingerstyle recordings" of all time. In more recent times, Alex has stretched his repertoire to include interpretations of jazz classics and folk melodies from around the world.