Author Appearances

Gregg Swain and Ann Israel are available for interviews, book signings and lectures on topics related to the book and Mah Jongg’s importance throughout the years in the USA.
In addition, Gregg speaks on a number of different mahjong related topics, ranging from Mahjong’s Symbolism and Why Chairman Mao Banned the Game, Mahjong Art: Messages of Propaganda, Politics and Culture on Game Tiles, Mahjong Mania, and The Jewish Tradition of Mahjong. Gregg has given talks in 16 states on a number of Mah Jongg related topics. (see below) Her blog is mahjongtreasures.com

Ann has given talks in New York City including at the 92nd St Y, in Massachusetts, upstate NY and Florida at several locations including the Wolfsonian Museum, St. Louis, and Pasadena, CA. Ann’s blog is mahjonggandme.com.

Gregg also gives talks via the internet and “meeting sites.” She recently gave a power point talk to a group in Fort Wayne, while sitting at her NYC desk.

Gregg Swain UPCOMING EVENTS

Florida: Boca Raton and Aventura

January 17 and 21

Gregg Swain PAST EVENTS

 

October 2019

Chatham NY

Mahjong Culture Around the World

 

September 2019

Nashville, TN

Mahjong Culture Around the World

 

September 2019

Calgary, Canada JCC

The Jewish Tradition of Mahjong

Mahjong Culture around the World

 

 

April 1 2019

Gregg Swain

Here are more details about the event:
April 1st Linda Harris Memorial Blast

Mahjong and more

Benefitting the American Cancer Society

11:30 doors open

Browse the many Silent Auction items and purchase tickets for the “Opportunity to Win” items.

You can purchase your book and have it signed by author Gregg Swain

All while enjoying a glass of wine from the bar. (Cash Bar)

12:30 Citrus Chicken Salad served with rolls and finished off with Chocolate Espresso Mousse cake

1:00 – 2:00 speaker – Gregg Swain

2:00 – 4:00 Play Mah Jongg and other games. (Bring your own mahjong set.)

“Opportunity to Win” winners announced during this time

4:00 Silent Auction closes and successful bidders will be announced

Cost is $50, including lunch. All profits go to the American Cancer Society.

Event will be held at Innisbrook Golf and Spa Resort in Palm Harbor, FL. Innisbrook is 35 minutes northwest of the Tampa Airport.

For more information Please contact Diana Journy at tdjourny@gmail.com Diana will be happy to either email you or call you to answer your questions.
Paying with PayPal will also be possible, and that information will be posted as soon as available.

 

 

April 28, 2019

Gregg Swain

10 am Breakfast Talk

The Jewish Tradition of Mah Jongg

Temple Emanuel Sinai

Worcester, MA

 

2019
Gregg Swain
Delray, FL
January 17, 2019
Private Event
Gregg Swain
Vero Beach
January 21, 22 2019
Private event
2018
Gregg Swain
La Quinta Museum
La Quinta, CA
Friday, November 16
11:00-12:00
Mahjong culture around the world
contact Kim Richards
760-777-7170

October 24th, 2018

 

This is shaping up to be a really fun event. I’ll be giving a talk about Mahjong traditions around the world, (it will be translated into at least one other language: Chinese) the Chinese seniors will do a dance, and there are 200 people signed up for lunch! Wow!
Worcester Senior Center
128 Providence Street Worcester
 
DISTINGUISHED SPEAKER SERIES CONTINUES WITH …IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE JCC WELCOMES GREGG SWAIN, AUTHOR MAH JONGG: THE ART OF THE GAME: A COLLECTOR’S GUIDE TO MAH JONGG TILES AND SETS
Description
WSC Distinguished Speaker Series in conjunction with the JCC welcomes Gregg Swain, Author Mah Jongg: The Art of the Game: A Collector’s Guide to Mah Jongg Tiles and Sets
 
Wed. Oct. 24
 
Schedule
 
10:30am-11:30am-Gregg Swain Author, art historian and Mah Jongg enthusiast Gregg Swain will discuss the history and popularity of the game of Mah Jongg and the exotic artwork on the tiles. She may even give some tips on the 2018 National Mah Jongg League Card! Following her talk, Gregg will sign copies of her book available to purchase. Register for the talk 508-799-1232.
 
11:45am-12:30pm-ChickenTerriyaki sponsored lunch by Aveanna Healthcare 508-799-8070
 
12:30pm-3pm After lunch, Play Mahjong (Bring your own set and card!) To play Mah Jongg 12:30pm-3pm
 
Nancy Greenberg 508-756-7109 or ngreenberg@worcesterjcc.org or Suki Lapin 508-799-1232 X 48016 or lapins@worcesterma.gov
 
*****Did you know that there is a Worcester Mah Jongg connection?! From 1923-25 the Pung Chow Company based in Worcester, manufactured sets known for their distinctive flower and dragon tiles. ******
Gregg Swain
Mount Pleasant Library
Mount Pleasant, SC
Friday, November 9, 2:00
Mahjong Culture Around the World
Free of charge

Mt. Pleasant Contact Info

Address:
1133 Mathis Ferry Road
Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464

Phone: 843-849-6161

Branch Manager:
Susan Frohnsdorff

 

2019
Gregg Swain
Delray, FL
January 17, 2019
Private Event
Gregg Swain
Vero Beach
January 21, 22 2019
Private event
Gregg Swain
March 31 and April 1 2019
Tampa area fundraiser for cancer
Details to follow
 
2018
Past Events
Gregg Swain
April 14 and 15
Bennington, VT
Mah Jongg related, of course! On April 14th and 15th from 10-00 until 12:00 Gregg Swain is hoping you can come for coffee to say hello, talk about one of your favorite games, and hear about some of the ins and outs of the 2018 NMJL card. She’ll be at the Laumeister Art Center in Bennington, VT. The Center was just donated to Southern Vermont College where she sits on the board. https://artcenter.svc.edu Her talk about the card will start at 10:45. She’ll be selling and signing copies of Mah Jongg The Art of the Game, with all profits going to Southern Vermont College. Some of her wonderful Mah Jongg sets will be on display for the weekend. Admission is $8 for Seniors, $9 for other adults. There is an additional fee of $10 for coffee and the talk. While at the Art Center you can explore its far-ranging collection: the covered bridge, animal art including incredible bird carvings by Floyd Scholz https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Floyd_Scholz , Southwestern art, paintings by Eric Sloane and Stephen Hannock and wind sculptures by Lymon Whitaker. Make a day of it and take in the Bennington Museum too. Their exhibit Bennington Collects has something for everyone, and you’ll be able to see many of Gregg’s Mahjong boxes and a prized set from her collection: The Shanghai Luck set. https://benningtonmuseum.org/portfoli…/bennington-collects/…Have lunch at at any of Bennington’s wonderful restaurants: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurants-g57183-Bennington_V…       Please reserve including the number of people in your group so that she’ll know how much coffee to brew and how many hand-outs to have.  MahJonggGregg@gmail.com
Gregg Swain
April 26th 11:00-3:30
Irvine CA
Merage JCC
A lunch time talk about Mahjong Culture Around the World, and if you bring a MJ set I can talk with you about it.
October 24, 2018
10:30-11:30
Worcester, MA Senior Center
Mah Jongg The Art of the Game
Past Events
2018
Gregg Swain
Lake Worth, Florida
Private event
March
Gregg Swain
Vero Beach
Mahjong Luncheon January 30th 11:30-1:00
Orchid Island Beach Club
One Beachside Drive, Vero Beach
Yo benefit the Indian River Education Foundation
Join us for a book talk, 3 course lunch, and complimentary book!
Featuring Gregg Swain, Co-Author, “Mah Jongg – The Art of the Game.” You will enjoy a curious conversation about “Understanding the Beautiful and Cryptic Images on Mah Jongg Sets.”
$75 per person (includes lunch and book)
Tickets: www.edfoundationirc.org
Thank you Indian River Home Care for being the event sponsor!
Gregg Swain
Vero Beach
January 31st  10:00-12:00
Vero Beach Book Center
392 21st St  Vero Beach
Coffee with Gregg and author talk at 10:30:
Mahjong: The Lure and Lore of the Game
Bring your set and we can talk about it, and share stories about the game we love. I will autograph any copies of my book you buy there.

 

PAST APPEARANCES From Most Recent Back

2017
Gregg Swain
October
Charleston, SC
Gregg Swain
November
Scottsdale, AZ
Gregg Swain
May 1
Mahjong Mania
New York Junior League
Gregg Swain
March 23  
The Jewish Tradition of Mah Jongg
Albany, NY JCC
 upcoming events 2017
Gregg Swain
March 7, 2017
Valencia Shores, FL
Gregg Swain
March 6
Tea time talk The Art of Mahjong
Hillsboro, FL
private event
Gregg Swain
February 26
Mah Jongg The Art of the Game
Temple Congregation Achduth Vesholom
Fort Wayne, IN
via internet
Gregg Swain
February 5
The Jewish Tradition of Mah Jongg
Temple Congregation Achduth Vesholom
Fort Wayne, IN
via internet
2016
Gregg Swain
November 1
Temple Emanu-El, NYC
Gregg Swain
October 26, 2016  7pm
The Chinese Tradition of Mahjong
https://898a.blackbaudhosting.com/898a/tickets?tab=2&txobjid=31d0e467-4c7f-4e2d-ba75-28bf89eaa4de
Museum of Jewish Heritage
Gregg Swain
October 1
Smith College Club of Los Angeles
Gregg Swain 
September 30
Mahjong Art
Los Angeles Country Club private event
Ann Israel
July 22-24
Author talk and book signing
JCC Las Vegas Tournament
Ann Israel
July 12
Fisher’s Island Library
New York
Gregg Swain
May 2016
The Jewish Tradition of Mah Jongg
 New York
Gregg Swain
May 2
Author talk
Darien, CT
Gregg Swain
April 11, 2016
10 am
Sandcastle Community Center
Kiawah, SC
MahJongg The Art of the Game Flyer copy

 

March 7, 2016

The Jewish Tradition of Mah Jongg

Huntington Pointe

Delray, FL

 

Gregg Swain

March 3 and March 4, 2016

Mah Jongg The Art of the Game

Mahjong-A Window into Chinese History and Culture

The Ocean Reef Club

 

Gregg Swain

March 2, 2016 10:30 am

Miami, FL area

The Jewish Tradition of Mah Jongg

Temple Beth Am.

5950 North Kendall Drive

Pinecrest

author talk and book signing

 

2015

Gregg Swain

November 15 3-5pm

Author Talk and conversations

“The Jewish Tradition of Mah Jongg”

The Women of Isaiah

Temple Isaiah Social Hall

945 Risa Road, Lafayette, CA

www.temple-isaiah.org/woimahjongg

 

Ann Israel

November 12, 2015 4:30 pm

Mah Jongg The Art of the Game

Jewish Federation Book Fair

Chad Tea Room

Pasadena, CA

 

Gregg Swain

November 12, 10 AM

San Diego Jewish Book Fair

The Jewish Tradition of Mah Jongg

Author talk and Mah Jongg lessons

 

Ann Israel

November 10, 2015  10:30am

St Louis Jewish Book Fair

Staenberg Family Complex

2 Millstone Campus Dr. 

St Louis, MO

 

Gregg Swain

November 8th 10am

Author Talk and book signing

The Jewish Tradition of Mah Jongg

Temple Brith Achim

481 South Gulph Road

King of Prussia, PA

 

 

Gregg Swain

September 28th 12:00

Learning and Lunch

Mah Jongg The Art of the Game a

Summit YMCA

A branch of the Summit Area YMCA

67 Maple Street, Summit, NJ 07901

 

Ann Israel

August 30th 1:00 pm

Mah Jongg The Art of the Game

Westhampton Beach Library

Westhampton, Long Island

 

Gregg Swain

August 9th, 2015  5pm

Mah Jongg The Art of the Game

Siasconset  Union Chapel

Nantucket

 

Gregg Swain

July 18th

Seattle Beacon Hill Library 1:30

Mah Jongg The Art of the Game

 

Gregg Swain

July 1, 2015  2:00-3:00

Author Talk and Book Signing

The Jewish Tradition of Mah Jongg

Mittleman JCC

Portland Oregon

 

Gregg Swain

June 28th 4:00

Author talk and book signing

Inquiring Minds

New Paltz, NY

 

Gregg Swain

June 27th 3:00-5:00

Book Signing

The Bookstore Plus

Lake Placid, NY

 

Gregg Swain

June 17th 1:00-2:30

Mah Jongg The Art of the Game

Author talk and book signing

Castleton, VT Community Center

 

Gregg Swain

June 12th 5:00-6:00 

Author talk

Mah Jongg The Art of the Game

Mohonk Mountain House

New Paltz, NY

 

Gregg Swain

June 4th 12:30

Author Talk and Book Signing

The Jewish Tradition of Mah Jongg

Fairfax, VA JCC

 

Gregg Swain

May 7, 2015   1:00pm-2:00 pm

Author talk and Book Signing

The Jewish Tradition of Mah Jongg

Sponsored by the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires

Location:

Congregation Knesset Israel

16 Colt Road

Pittsfield, MA

 

Gregg Swain

May 5, 2015

Cinco de Mah Jongg

Author talk and Book signing

Southbury CT JCC

 

Gregg Swain

April 14, 2015

Author Talk and Book Signing

The Jewish Tradition of Mah Jongg

The Cohen Home

10485 Jones Bridge Rd, Johns Creek, GA 30022

Sponsored by Hadassah

Atlanta, GA

 

Gregg Swain

April 12, 2015

The Jewish Tradition of Mah Jongg

Author Talk and Book Signing

JCC Birmingham, AL

 

Gregg Swain

March 4, 2015   1 pm

Author talk and book signing

Michael-Ann Russell JCC

Miami, FL

 

Gregg Swain

March 3, 2015

Author Talk and Book Signing

Miami Beach JCC

 

Gregg Swain

February 21, 2015 2:00 pm

Author Talk and Book Signing

R.J. Julia Booksellers

Madison, CT

 

Gregg Swain

February 18th  12:00

The Coffee House Club, established 1914

How to play mahjong

 

Gregg Swain

February 14, 2015 3-4pm

House of Books

Author talk and book signing

Kent, CT

 

Ann Israel

February 12, 2015 12:00

92nd St Y

 

Gregg Swain

February 11 6:00

The Coffee House Club, established 1914

Author talk and book signing

 

Gregg Swain and Ann Israel

February 7, 2015 12-4pm

Meet Authors Gregg Swain and Ann M. Israel and Photographer Michel Arnaud

Books can be purchased and signed and people will be there at the store playing the game of Mahjong

TK Antiques

Hudson, NY

unnamed

Gregg Swain

February 3, 2015   2:25-3:25

Author Talk:

Mah Jongg Art: Messages of Propaganda, Politics and Culture on Game Tiles

Southern Vermont College

Bennington, VT

 

Ann Israel

February 2nd, 2015 – 10 AM 

Author lecture and book signing

Sandler Center for Jewish Life

Boca Raton, Florida

Gregg Swain

February 1  2pm

Talk and Book Signing

Northshire Books

Manchester, VT

Ann Israel
Feb 1, 2015 1:00 pm
Author talk and book signing
Wolfsonian Museum
Miami Beach, FL
Ann Israel
January 30th, 2015 – 10 AM
Author lecture and book signing
Naples Yacht Club
Naples, Florida
Ann Israel
January 29, 2015 – 3 PM 
Author lecture and book signing
The Club at Mediterra
Naples, Florida
Ann Israel
Florida
January 29, 2015 – 10 AM
Author lecture and book signing
Miromar Design Center
Estero, Florida

 

Gregg Swain

January 21

Author talk and book signing

Questers Private event

 

Gregg Swain

January 18  2pm

Author talk and book signing

Northshire Books

Saratoga Springs, NY

 

Gregg Swain

January 11th  6:30

Talk: Mah Jongg Art

Smith Club of New York

 

Gregg Swain

January 8 4pm

Back by popular demand!!

Battenkill Books

Cambridge, NY

 

2014

Ann Israel:

December 28,2014
Temple Beth-El of Bellmore
Mah Jongg Tournament

 

Gregg Swain

December 14, 2014

The Jewish Tradition of Mah Jongg

Temple Habonim

Barrington, RI 3pm

 

Ann Israel

Saturday, November 22nd at 3 pm

Author talk and book signing

Inquiring Minds Bookstore Saugerties

 

Ann Israel

November 15 5:00-7:00 pm

Talk and Wine and Cheese Reception

Chatham Bookstore, Chatham, NY

 

November 13th

Gregg Swain and Ann Israel

talk and book signing

Battenkill Books

Cambridge, NY

Gregg Swain

October 25, 2014  5pm

The Art of Propaganda on Mahjong Tiles

Marjorie S. Deane Little Theater

West Side YMCA

Gregg Swain

October 20, 2pm

Lambeth House, New Orleans

Powerpoint Talk

The Art of Propaganda on Mahjong Tiles

 

Gregg Swain

October 19, 2014 12:00

JCC New Orleans

5342 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70115

Talk, The Jewish Tradition of Mah Jongg

 

Gregg Swain

October 17

Propaganda and mahjong tiles

Mahjong Collectors Group

 

Ann Israel

Friday, October 17th 12:00

Mahjong and The West

book signing

Woodstock, NY Film Festival