September
Sat., Sept. 22
“Oscar and the Pink Lady.” From internationally acclaimed French playwright Eric-Emmanuel Schmitt comes the heart-wrenching yet comical story of a hospitalized young man who develops a close bond with a female volunteer. Starring Rosemary Harris and directed by Frank Dunlop. Through Nov. 4. $39-$58. The Old Globe Theatre, 1363 Old Globe Way, San Diego. (619) 234-5623.
Sun., Sept. 23
Rufus Wainwright Sings Judy Garland. A made-for-TV movie already in the works proclaims, “Rufus! Rufus! Rufus! Does Judy! Judy! Judy!” The crooning artist, at once both eccentric and enticing, will recreate the 1961 Carnegie Hall performance that solidified Garland’s status as permanent legend, accompanied by a 40-piece orchestra. 7 p.m. $17-$24. The Hollywood Bowl, 2301 N. Highland Ave., Hollywood. (323) 850-2000.
“The Mystery of Edwin Drood.” When a Victorian musical troupe performs their wildly flamboyant interpretation of Charles Dickens’ unfinished mystery, the lunacy of their creation halts half way through, the point at which Dickens died. It is then up to the audience to decide how the play will end. The Musical Theatre Guild, who present concert-staged readings of musicals, will bring this Tony Award-winner to life. 3 p.m. $39. Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, 2100 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks. (818) 848-6844.
http://www.musicaltheatreguild.com.
Tue., Sept. 25
The Dave Brubeck Quartet. The world-famous jazz pianist is rounding up his venerable quartet for a performance that will recall the quintessential Americana of a bygone era: the jazz nightclubs, dancehalls and musical improvisations that defined this historic genre. 8 p.m. $55. Pepperdine University’s Center for the Arts, 24255 Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu. (310) 506-4522.
http://www.pepperdine.edu/arts.
Thu., Sept. 27
Gabbiano Nights. Spend an evening under the stars, sipping Italian wine and savoring Italian cuisine — all for an excellent cause. An outdoor film screening of “Moonstruck” will be followed by a delicious meal by chef Claud Mann and wine tastings by a Tuscan winery. Proceeds will be donated to the Cancer Relief Fund. Arts Fighting Cancer. 8-10 p.m. Free. Santa Monica Pier. (310) 882-4019.
http://www.gabbiano.com.
Fri., Sept. 28
Arte Y Pureza Flamenco Performance: “Maestria.” Straight from Seville, Spain and riding the coattails of a sold-out 2006 U.S. tour, world renowned singer-dancer Miguel Pena Vargas, a.k.a. El Funi, will dazzle audiences with rhythmic gypsy dances that characterize a fresh artistic approach to Flamenco. 8 p.m. $42-$50. Barnsdall Gallery Theatre, 4800 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood. (818) 249-1428.
Sat., Sept. 29
Italian Inflections. The most recorded mezzo-soprano of all time is bringing her stunning voice and natural beauty to our city. Jennifer Larmore will accompany the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra in a charming evening of Italian opera that includes works by Rossini, Mozart and Schubert. 8 p.m. $17-$79. Alex Theatre, 216 N. Brand Blvd., Glendale. Also Sun., Sept. 30, 7 p.m. Royce Hall, UCLA Campus, Westwood. For tickets call (213) 622-7001, ext. 215 or visit http://www.laco.org.
Sun., Sept. 30
Grand Avenue Festival. Uptown girls and guys head downtown today as theatres, concert halls, museums and restaurants fling open their gilded doors for a free day of unbeatable entertainment. Perform-ances at the Walt Disney Concert Hall, dance at the Colburn School, guided tours at MOCA, family programs at the Los Angeles Public Library and so much more! 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. Grand Avenue, between Temple Avenue and Fourth Street. (213) 972-7611.
October
Mon., Oct. 1
Reel Talk With Stephen Farber. The well-known film critic and historian will give us common folk a preview of Oscar-bound “Rendition,” a suspense film about secret CIA interrogations in the Middle East, starring Reese Witherspoon, Jake Gyllenhaal, Meryl Streep and Alan Arkin. The guest speaker will be director Gavin Hood, who won a Best Foreign Film Oscar for “Tsotsi.” 7 p.m. $20. Wadsworth Theatre, Veterans Administration Grounds, Building 226, 11301 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 479-3003.
Dave Matthews Band. One of the last bastions of the traveling jam-band is coming to town and promises to be the hippest, most happening concert of the season for younger folks. Front-man Dave never disappoints with his soul-shattering vocals, and the band backs him up with exploding riffs on their extended musical improvisations. If you missed Woodstock, this is as close as it gets in the 21st century. 7 p.m. $45-$65. Hollywood Bowl, 2301 N. Highland Ave., Hollywood. (323) 850-2000.
Thu., Oct. 4
TarFest. There is no shortage of festivals in Los Angeles, but this one in the heart of the historic Miracle Mile district is a unique opportunity for emerging film, music and art professionals to merge, mingle and gain creative exposure while enriching and entertaining the public. The four-day indoor-outdoor multivenue fest includes concerts, film screenings, installations, lectures and art exhibits galore. Through Oct. 7. Miracle Mile District, Los Angeles.
Fri., Oct. 5
George Carlin. “When you’re born, you get a ticket to the freak show. When you’re born in America, you get a front-row seat.” Tart remarks, obscenities, clever wordplay and harsh political criticism are what you can expect from the notoriously misanthropic comic. Sit back and enjoy the rapid-fire routine that explores the limits of free speech and social commentary. 8:15 p.m. $39-$69. Gibson Amphitheatre at Universal City Walk, 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City. (818) 622-4440.
Sat., Oct. 6
NoHo Scene. Spend the day on the scene … the fresh and funky art scene of North Hollywood, home to more than 30 theatres, studios and art galleries. Free shuttles will take locals and visitors to the various free theater, dance and music performances, art exhibits, film screenings, workshops, boutiques, restaurants and a wine garden. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Free. NoHo Arts District, between Burbank Boulevard and Camarillo Street on the north and south, and between Cahuenga and Tujunga Boulevards on the east and west. (818) 980-6646.
http://www.nohoartsdistrict.com/nohoscene.
Jethro Tull. The English experimental art-rock band, known for its distinctive vocals and flute work, will sound off the blend of blues, folk and ethnic rock that catapulted them to stardom during the hippie age. 8 p.m. $43-$73. Fred Kavli Theatre, Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, 2100 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks. (805) 449-2787.
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