SAT | DEC 20
SHABBAT EXPERIENCE FOR FAMILIES
Finally, a Chanukah-themed Shabbat. This is truly a treat for families with school-age kids and crafty attitudes. Participants will get to enjoy crafts, songs, a cooking project and more, all relating to our favorite winter holiday. Bring grandparents, neighbors and your best Saturday spirit. RSVP requested. Sat. 10:30 a.m. Free. Ahavat Torah, 343 Church Lane, Brentwood. (310) 362-1111. SUN | DEC 21
CHANUKAH CELEBRATION
The Original Farmers Market is joining forces with Zimmer Children’s Museum and Chabad of the Miracle Mile Area for a Sunday afternoon of Chanukah fun. This year’s event features not only crafts, but also live music from Etan G the Jewish Rapper — an artist with two solo albums and a rich history of working with and educating children in Judaic studies. There will be a special menorah-lighting ceremony, face painting, a giant balloon menorah and tons of gift ideas. Sun. 2:30 p.m. Free. The Farmers Market, 6333 W. Third St., Los Angeles. (323) 933-9211. MON | DEC 22
“THE KLEZMATICS: HAPPY JOYOUS CHANUKAH”
Celebrate the Festival of Lights with a band making music just right for the occasion. A seasonal favorite, the Grammy-winning Klezmatics are a unique hybrid of traditional klezmer music mixed with Eastern European, Latin, Celtic, Afro-Caribbean and folkish flares. Well respected in Jewish artistry, the band has collaborated with Tony Kushner, Itzhak Perlman and Israeli singer Chava Alberstein. Bring the whole family — tickets are 50 percent off for ages 2-12. Mon. 8 p.m. $42-$105. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. (323) 850-2000. WED | DEC 24
MERRY EREV CHRISTMAS SHOW
Comedian Elon Gold knows a thing or two about converting a famously non-Jewish night into something more on the kosher side. With a heap of other comedians by his side, Gold entices audiences to laugh their way into the next day (when we will be movie-watching and Chinese takeouting). Known for his spot-on impressions of Jeff Goldblum, Jay Leno and Howard Stern, Gold is good at being lots of people, hilariously. He’s made several appearances on “Chappelle’s Show” and “Chelsea Lately” and has been a judge on ABC’s “The Next Best Thing.” Be the envy of all your gentile friends and get yourself a ticket. Wed. 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. $25-$40. The Laugh Factory, 8001 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood. (323) 656-1336.
“MATZOBALL”
Christmas Eve’s got nothing on the nation’s leading Jewish singles event. Bigger and better than before (and that’s with 27 MatzoBalls behind us), L.A. singles can gear up for an unforgettable night and a party that is way better than whatever silly Christmas-themed movies are on TV. So throw on a hip outfit and get ready to dance the night away at the No. 1 holiday party around. Wed. 9 p.m. Ages 21-35. $30. Avalon, 1737 Vine St., Hollywood. (212) 389-9922. THU | DEC 25
“THE INTERVIEW”
Director-writer team Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg offer up an action comedy that takes us all the way to North Korea and back. When tabloid TV duo Dave Skylark (James Franco) and Aaron Rapoport (Rogen) land an interview with Kim Jong-un, the two are recruited by the CIA to assassinate the North Korean dictator. With the pair completely unqualified, their success is questionable — but your enjoyment is guaranteed. Also starring Lizzy Caplan and Randall Park. Thu. Check local listings. FRI | DEC 26
KIRA SOLTANOVICH
Truly funny, with a bite that sneaks up on you, this comedian is as talented as her last name is multisyllabic. Having moved at an early age from Russia to America, Soltanovich finds the delight in assimilating into American culture from the old country. She trained with The Groundlings and the American Conservatory Theater; has written for various TV personalities, from Selena Gomez to Joan Rivers; and is best known for prank-oriented roles on shows like “Girls Behaving Badley” and a recurring role on a sketch on “The Tonight Show With Jay Leno.” She was named “hottest new writer” by the ABC Comedy Development Showcase and is a constant on the comedy festival circuit. Fri. 8 p.m. $15. Hollywood Improv, 8162 Melrose Ave., Hollywood. (323) 651-2583. WED | DEC 31
“HERSHEY FELDER’S THE GREAT AMERICAN SONGBOOK SING-ALONG”
Sing in the New Year with Hershey Felder himself. Featuring an entire century of music, including musical gifts from the likes of Irving Berlin, Jerome Kern, Leonard Bernstein, Stephen Sondheim, George and Ira Gershwin, Rodgers and Hammerstein, Lerner and Loewe, and Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick. Felder will lead from the piano as you ring in 2015. It sure beats watching the festivities in Times Square, alone in your pajamas (not that that doesn’t have its own merits). Includes a post-concert champagne and dessert reception. Wed. 10 p.m. (7 p.m. show is sold out.) $175. Gil Cates Theater at The Geffen, 10886 Le Conte Ave., Los Angeles. (310) 208-5454.
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