Eva Bornstein: Raising the Cultural Bar at Lehman Center for the Performing Arts

by David Cruz

That was nearly 10 years ago. These days, Bornstein has inspired the borough's cultural jewel to get its second wind, showcasing some big names in its theater while also shattering borough stereotypes. Not bad, considering performers often prefer to showcase their talents at Madison Square Garden or Radio City rather than a venue 11 miles away.

"But the competition is very stiff at times," said Bornstein.

Famed vocalist Michael Bolton will play for the first time at Lehman Center for the Performing Arts on June 7. Photo courtesy Lehman Center for the Performing Arts

Still, her headliners have included some big names from all spheres of the entertainment world, including the New York Philharmonic, Patti LaBelle, and Jerry Seinfeld, who performed at Lehman over a year ago. Seinfeld, who refused to take pictures with fans, was happy enough to take one with Bornstein.

It's her charm, utilizing her soft-spoken Polish accent to attract established artists to the Lehman stage. This year, her crown jewel of a headliner is Michael Bolton, the R&B jazz performer expected to lend his musical voice on June 7. Aside from Bolton's performance in Yankee Stadium in 2001, it's his first show in the Bronx.

"That's going to be our spring gala event," said Bornstein. "I'm working on details as we speak. I'm working on getting sponsors so we can have a fabulous dinner after the show and have several sponsors."

Other names in the spring lineup include famed guitarist Sharon Isbin (March 23), the King of Blues BB King (April 19), and Latin sensation Jose Feliciano (May 10), who has become a staple at any venue Bornstein leads. "He knows whenever I get a job he's on the roster. Somehow he ends up to be," she said.

Perhaps it's her natural charm that's led to nearly 40 years of success as a power broker for world performers, using that charm to convince artists of the exposure they'll receive at Lehman Center. The 2300-seat theater has bolstered its prominence, thanks to the recent addition of big screen TVs aimed at capturing onstage performances.

Bolton certainly sees it. Through a spokeswoman, Bolton labeled Bornstein a "real visionary" and "risk taker in her mission to bring an array of artistic and cultural experiences to her venue and make them accessible to everyone."

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