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Calendar June 1 – August 30

You’ve seen the banners around the city and we’re here to confirm it: Israel’s favorite son is coming to Los Angeles.
[additional-authors]
May 28, 2014

TUE | JUN 3

“JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT”

You’ve seen the banners around the city and we’re here to confirm it: Israel’s favorite son is coming to Los Angeles. Following the triumphs and tribulations of Joseph (son of Jacob and Rachel), the musical is the collaborative effort of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice. Directed by Andy Blankenbuehler, the production combines pop, country and rock with a good old-fashioned Torah tale. Starring Ace Young and Diana DeGarmo. Tue. 8 p.m. Through June 22. $32.25-$140.70. Pantages Theatre, 6233 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles. (323) 468-1770. ” target=”_blank”>geffenplayhouse.com


WED | JUN 4

MATISYAHU

Ameoba Music sponsors an intimate performance by one of our favorite Reggae Jews. Matisyahu’s most recent artistic exploration — his fifth studio album, “Akeda” — deals with love, humility, humanity, struggle and sacrifice. The musician, whose hits include “Jerusalem,” “One Day” and “King Without a Crown,” always brings a moving sound to moving topics. The program also includes a moderated discussion with vice president of the Grammy Foundation and MusiCares, Scott Goldman. Wed. 8 p.m. $20. The Grammy Museum, 800 W. Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles. (213) 765-6800. FRI | JUN 6

“OBVIOUS CHILD”

Donna Stern (Jenny Slate) is an aspiring comedian in New York, and if that doesn’t sound tricky enough, she’s newly pregnant after a one-night-stand with a surprising suitor. Caught up in the ruckus of her mid-20s, Donna must grow up without growing old. In the film, written and directed by Gillian Robespierre, Slate delivers a sweet, sassy, totally funny performance. Also starring Richard Kind and Gaby Hoffman, the ensemble is  as impressive as a cast as the characters are supportive of Donna. Fri. Various theaters and times. Check local listings. 


THU | JUN 12

“NARCO CULTURA”

Check out Israeli documentary film director Shaul Schwarz’s first feature. Schwarz, who is also a cinematographer, award-winning photographer, and contributor to Time magazine and National Geographic, follows a specific story that can’t help but be universal. Contemporary Mexican folk saints, or “Narco Saints,” are virtually patrons of illegal acts. Responsible for drug ballads that glorify and celebrate narcotics, money and violence, these Narco Saints contribute to the mainstreaming and romanticizing of bein’ bad — a cultural instinct that never seems to go away. Thu. 7 p.m. Free. Fowler Museum, North Campus of UCLA, Los Angeles. (310) 825-4361. FRI | JUN 13

“SUPERMENSCH: THE LEGEND OF SHEP GORDON”

Good news for those who have been waiting for Mike Myers’ directorial debut. It’s here! Documenting the stellar career of music manager Shep Gordon, Myers leads audience members through a life where Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison and Jimi Hendrix are your friends, and Alice Cooper, Emeril Lagasse and Pink Floyd are your clients. If you miss the ’70s, or just love them from afar, you’ll enjoy the great archival footage and even better stories. Fri. Various times. $11 (general), $8 (seniors, ages 11 and under, bargain matinee). Playhouse 7, 673 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena; Town Center 5, 17200 Ventura Blvd, Encino. (310) 478-3836. SAT | JUN 14

“CENTRIFUGE”

There’s really no one way to capture what life in Israel is like. This exhibit, which debuted in New York, features artists who use photography, video, sculpture and work on paper as a way to tap into the complexities and multiplicities of Israeli identity. Artists Inbal Abergil, Anisa Ashkar, Luciana Kaplun, Aim Luski, Ido Michaeli and Rosee Rosen will be represented at the gallery — as will their takes on Israeli culture, politics and nationalities. Sat. 7 p.m. (opening ceremony). Through Aug. 2. Free. Shulamit Gallery, 17 N. Venice Blvd., Venice. (310) 281-0961. ” target=”_blank”>kindredspirits.org.


MON | JUN 16

THEODORE BIKEL CONCERT

Happy 90th birthday, Theodore Bikel! Touting a career that includes the roles of Tevye and Captain von Trapp on Broadway, an Oscar-nominated performance in “The Defiant Ones” and co-founding the Newport Folk Festival, Bikel reminds us that life should be filled to the brim. Ed Asner will serve as master of ceremonies for this musical tribute featuring Arlo Guthrie, Cantor Alberto Mizrachi, Craig Taubman and many others. Mon. 7:30 p.m. $29.45-$203.85. Saban Theatre, 8440 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills. (323) 655-0111.


SUN | JUN 22

DANIEL SCHLOSBERG

A little summer piano never hurt anyone, especially when there’s talent like Schlosberg’s. With favorable reviews from both the Boston Globe and the Washington Post, the former soloist of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra will play Bach, Debussy and a West Coast premiere of Augusta Read Thomas. In 2000 he was the recipient of the Leonard Bernstein Fellowship in piano at Tanglewood, and today, you can hear why. Sun. 6 p.m. Free. Bing Theater, LACMA, 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. (323) 857-6234. FRI | JUN 27

ARIEL SCHRAG

In the world of new, fresh-faced artistic renovators, Schrag does not disappoint. Already established as an autobiographical cartoonist and writer for shows such as “The L Word” and “How To Make It In America,” the California native has a debut novel that is not only insightfully funny but hugely relevant. “Adam” tells the story of a young man caught up in frank and progressive New York City, where gay marriage demonstrations and transgender rights leave plenty of room for an awkward teenager to learn about love and lies, and the stuff in between. Fri. 7:30 p.m. Free. Skylight Books, 1818 N. Vermont Ave., Los Angeles. (323) 660-1175. SAT | JUN 28

KCRW PRESENTS: “THREE ACTS, TWO DANCERS, ONE RADIO HOST”

Ira Glass, host of “This American Life,” took his radio show to television, and is now bringing it to the stage. At the core is storytelling: mostly true stories of real people, centered around one theme. Joining Glass’ aural contributions are dancers Monica Bill Barnes and Anna Bass, bringing audiences a sort of radio narrative cabaret. Whether you feel your radio-listening needs more movement or your dance-viewing could use more spoken word, this performance will inspire a new appreciation for what can happen on a stage. Sat. 10 p.m. $38.15-$78.10. Royce Hall at UCLA, 340 Royce Drive, Los Angeles. (310)450-5183. THU | JUL 10

“DIARY OF A MAD DIVA”

Joan Rivers is at it again, thank goodness. Following her New York Times best-seller, “I Hate Everyone … Starting With Me,” this book found its footing when Rivers’ daughter Melissa gave her a diary for a gift. Feeling the pressure — many famous people have published diaries — Rivers has certainly pulled out all the stops. Sometimes it’s insights on everyday life, and other times it’s an anecdote only a diva could dish. Regardless, it’s Joan. Thu. 6:30 p.m. Free. Barnes & Noble at The Grove, 189 The Grove Drive, Los Angeles. (323) 525-0270. ” target=”_blank”>hollywoodbowl.com.


WED | JUL 16

LEE GRANT

In her new memoir, “I Said Yes to Everything,” the Academy Award winner chronicles a life filled with just as much drama onscreen as off. Starring in such films as “Valley of the Dolls” and “Shampoo,” Grant refused to testify against her husband Arnold Manoff before the House of Un-American Activities Committee, which then  put her on the Hollywood blacklist for 12 years. But Grant didn’t let a little politics get her down. After success as an actress, she made a name for herself as a director of both stage and screen, eventually becoming the first woman to win the Director’s Guild of America Award. Channel your inner Grant and say yes to this book. Wed. 7 p.m. Free. Barnes & Noble at The Grove, 189 The Grove Drive, Los Angeles. (323) 525-0270. SAT | JUL 26

NATIONAL DANCE DAY

Put on your Hora shoes and grab a partner! The Music Center and Grand Park partner up with the Dizzy Feet Foundation, an organization co-founded by renowned artist and dancer Adam Shankman, for the West Coast’s flagship celebration of National Dance Day. Experts and amateurs alike are invited to join in the hoopla — learning from esteemed dance companies and viewing a dance film screening after sunset. Maybe you’ll choose to hip hop, maybe you’ll choose to tap; but definitely choose to dance. Sat. 10 a.m. Free. Grand Park, 227 N. Spring St., Los Angeles. (213) 972-8080. TUE | AUG 12

“RUSSIAN JOURNEY”

If you didn’t make it to Sochi this past winter, don’t panic. Conductor Leonard Slatkin is bringing an all-Russian musical program to Hollywood. Slatkin, the music director of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and a tenured music director of the Orchestre National de Lyon, will lead the L.A. Philharmonic in Glinka, Prokofiev and Rimsky-Korsakov. Violinist Gil Shaham, recipient of the 2008 Avery Fisher Award, will be featured. It will be an evening of colorful, rich drama — Russian to the core. Tue. 8 p.m. $11.10-$118.10. The Hollywood Bowl, 2301 N. Highland Ave., Hollywood. (323) 850-2000. SUN | AUG 17

COUNTING CROWS

Front-man Adam Duritz and the rest of the gang are flying in for a little song and nostalgia. Whether you experienced their hits in real time during the ’90s or are fans after the fact, the upbeat rock band can guarantee a funky rhythm and clever lyrics. Hits include “Mr. Jones,” “Accidentally in Love” from the movie “Shrek” and that fun cover of Joni Mitchell’s “Big Yellow Taxi.” Sun. 7 p.m. $35-$75. The Greek Theatre, 2700 N. Vermont Ave., Los Angeles. (323) 665-5857.

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