Some 20 public events — including lectures, discussions, musical performances, film screenings and bus tours of Jewish Los Angeles — will complement the “Jews in the Los Angeles Mosaic” exhibition at the Autry National Center (May 10, 2013, through Jan. 5, 2014). Included are:
“Whitewashed Adobe: The Rise of Los Angeles”: Preview of a documentary series on the transformation of Los Angeles, with author William Deverell, filmmaker Walter Dominguez and journalist Hector Tobar. (May 5 at 2 p.m.)
“Jews in the Los Angeles Mosaic Symposium”: A daylong event, with a panel of leading historical scholars who will probe the main theme of the exhibition — the Jewish role in the evolution of L.A. and the impact of the city on the Jewish community (May 19, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pre-registration for this event at theautry.org is recommended.
“Legacies and Prospects: Which Way (Jewish) L.A.?”: A panel discussion, the latest in UCLA’s “Why History Matters” series, will explore the future of the L.A. mosaic and the role of the city’s Jewish community. Panelists include Rabbi Sharon Brous and UCLA professor David Myers. Rob Eshman, publisher and editor-in-chief of the Journal, will moderate. (May 22, 7 p.m.)
“Maggids (Storytellers) of Memory”: Monthly Sunday talks featuring demographer Bruce Phillips, historian Art Benveniste, publisher David Epstein, professor Cate Roman, educator Bruce Powell, communal service professional Beryl Geber and others will recall historical aspects of Jewish life in L.A. (starts May 26 at 1 p.m.)
“Lady at the O.K. Corral”: Biographer Ann Kirschner tells the story of Josephine Marcus Earp, a New York Jewish woman who became the common-law wife of famed lawman Wyatt Earp. (June 1, 1 p.m.)
“Double Indemnity”: A screening of the Billy Wilder movie followed by a talk by Glynn Martin of the L.A. Police Museum on crime and the film noir in L.A. (June 8, 1:30 p.m.)
Summer Solstice Celebration: Visitors will make their own drumming instruments and join a multiethnic group of drummers welcoming the summer solstice. For the whole family. (June 21, 6 p.m.)
“Bruce Lee, Woodstock and Me: From the Man Behind a Half-Century of Music, Movies and Martial Arts”: Book talk with visionary showman Fred Weintraub. (June 30, 2 p.m.)
Bus tour of Jewish Los Angeles: Sponsored by the Autry and the Jewish Historical Society. (July 21) (Ticketed event)
“What Makes a Jewish Movie?”: Film critic Kenneth Turan and author Vincent Brook discuss the impact of Jewish filmmakers, accompanied by screenings of “Act of Violence” and “A Serious Man.” (Aug. 4, 11:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.)
“Crossing Musical Borders”: Professors Josh Kun and Paul De Castro discuss the fusion of musical styles in L.A., with performances by Junko Seki and Otto Granillo with the KoTolan world music band. (Sept. 22 at 2 p.m.)
“Faith Meets (Prop.) 8”: Discussion by spiritual leaders and scholars on community activism and the LGBT movement (Oct. 20, 2 p.m.)
All events will be held at the Autry in Griffith Park and are free with purchase of a museum admission ticket online or at the Autry (no ticket required for the May 22 “Why History Matters” panel discussion). Additional programs will be added. For information and updates, visit theautry.org or phone (323) 667-2000.
— Tom Tugend, Contributing Editor
More news and opinions than at a Shabbat dinner, right in your inbox.