Calendar Picks and Clicks: April 20–26, 2013

SAT APRIL 20 

LOS ANGELES TIMES FESTIVAL OF BOOKS 

The 18th annual Festival of Books features more than 100 panels, stage presentations, music and children’s programs. Authors include Daniel Handler (Lemony Snicket), singer Lisa Loeb, chef Susan Feniger and Journal contributors Jonathan Kirsch and Bill Boyarsky. Historian Jon Wiener moderates a discussion on “Holocaust Lives” with panelists Kirsch, Joe Bialowitz, Lillian Faderman and Marione Ingram. Sat. Through April 21. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. (Saturday), 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (Sunday). Free (indoor Conversations and Book Prizes require tickets). University of Southern California campus, Los Angeles. events.latimes.com/festivalofbooks.

“FOR THE RECORD: THE COEN BROTHERS”

Singers and actors perform music from “Fargo,” “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” and “The Big Lebowski.” Songs include “Man of Constant Sorrow,” “Do You Know the Way to San Jose,” “These Boots Are Made for Walking,” “Hotel California,” “Somebody to Love” and more. All ages welcome. Sat. Through May 5 (Thursdays-Sundays). 8 p.m. $20 (partial-view seating), $30 (regular seating), $40 (premier seating). Rockwell: Table & Stage, 1714 N. Vermont Ave., Los Angeles. (323) 661-6163. rockwell-la.com.

SUN APRIL 21 

“JEWISH WISDOM AND WELLNESS”

Explore the connections between faith, health and wellness as Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion’s Kalsman Institute and Cedars-Sinai present a week of interdisciplinary learning. A panel discussion, “From Darkness to Light: Judaism on Hope and Health,” opens the event, featuring Rabbis Ed Feinstein (Valley Beth Shalom), Laura Geller (Temple Emanuel of Beverly Hills), Naomi Levy (Nashuva) and Abner Weiss (Westwood Village Synagogue), with Journal Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Rob Eshman moderating. More than 60 events this week include “A Spiritual Guide to Autism,” “Defying Aging, Maintaining Memory,” “Drumming for the Jewish Soul” and “Drink, Eat and Have Sex! Can Jews Practice Moderation?” “Debbie Friedman Remembered” closes the event with an evening of tribute and song celebrating the musical legacy of the beloved composer and teacher. Sun. Through April 27. Various times, locations. Free. For a complete list of events, visit jewishwisdomandwellness.org.

BIKUR CHOLIM BLOOD DRIVE

Donate blood to help patients being treated at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Sun. 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Free. Nessah Synagogue, 142 S. Rexford Drive, Beverly Hills. bikurcholim.net.

“THE POWER OF JEWISH FILMS 4”

American Jewish University hosts the Ma’aleh School of Television, Film and the Arts, the only film school in the world committed to exploring the Jewish experience through the medium of film. Producer Tom Barad (“Open Window,” “Crazy People,”) moderates a discussion with David Shore, creator of the Fox medical drama “House”; Neta Ariel, director of the Ma’aleh School; and Asi Tzobel, director of “Stand Up,” one of three short films to be screened. Sun. 7 p.m. $20. American Jewish University, Gindi Auditorium, 15600 Mulholland Drive, Bel Air. (310) 476-9777. wcce.ajula.edu.

“BREATH IN A RAM’S HORN: THE JEWISH SPIRIT IN CLASSICAL MUSIC”

Composer Daniel Asia leads an interactive presentation that delves into the mysteries and interrelationships of Judaism and classic music, and performs original music inspired by Jewish texts. Presented by the Jewish Music Commission of Los Angeles and Valley Beth Shalom. Sun. 7:30 p.m. $10 (advance), $15 (door). Valley Beth Shalom, 15739 Ventura Blvd., Encino. (818) 788-6000. jewishmusicla.org.

WED APRIL 24

CARL REINER 

The legendary actor-writer-director shares stories from his memoir, “I Remember Me,” a collection of colorful tales about love and laughter, highs and lows and mistakes and triumphs. Wed. 7 p.m. Free (wristbanded event). Barnes & Noble, 189 The Grove Drive, Suite K 30, Los Angeles. (323) 525-0270. barnesandnoble.com.

“HOW TO BE A FRIEND TO A FRIEND WHO’S SICK”

Letty Cottin Pogrebin discusses her new book, “How to Be a Friend to a Friend Who’s Sick,” with actor-director-photographer Leonard Nimoy. Pogebrin takes on the challenging question of how to provide comfort to people close to us and avoid botching the effort. Book sale and signing to follow. Wed. 7:30 p.m. Free. Sinai Temple, 10400 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 481-3243. sinaitemple.org.

THU APRIL 25

GARY BASEMAN: “THE DOOR IS ALWAYS OPEN”

The first major museum exhibition of the artist, illustrator, animator and toy designer’s life and work explores the influences of Baseman’s Jewish family heritage and American popular culture on his art. Born in Los Angeles in 1960 to Polish-born Holocaust survivors, Baseman began his career as a successful illustrator in the 1980s, then transitioned into fine art in 1999, gaining wide recognition for his whimsical work. This exhibition includes an array of his illustrations for The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, the New Yorker and Rolling Stone; original paintings and sketches; and his artwork for the board game Cranium. What’s more, the works are presented in a setting that recalls his family home in the Fairfax district. Thu. Through Aug. 18. Noon-5 p.m. (Tuesday-Friday), 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (Saturday-Sunday). $10 (general), $7 (seniors, full-time students), $5 (children, 2-12). Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 440-4500. skirball.org/exhibitions/gary-baseman.

FRI APRIL 26

SHUFFLE

This ensemble of classically trained Israeli and American musicians grew out of pianist Eliran Avni’s desire for simulating the shuffle mode on an iPod player on stage. This later transformed into the concept of letting the audience decide what pieces are performed, and the result is a daring septet of pieces that range from baroque, classical and romantic to jazz, pop and Broadway. Participating musicians include Jessica Pearlman (oboe), Ariadne Greif (soprano), Francisco Fullana (violin), Linor Katz (cello), Moran Katz (clarinet) and Avni (piano). Fri. 8 p.m. $25. Ruth Todd Memorial Concert Hall, G-122, Long Beach City College campus, Long Beach. shuffleconcertlbcc.bpt.me.