SAT | MAY 18
ANATOLIAN CULTURES AND FOOD FESTIVAL
This four-day cultural and historical event, which began May 16, includes exhibitions, food, arts and crafts, performances, dances, live music and more. Sat. Through May 19. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. (Saturday, Sunday.) $12 (adult), $9 (seniors, military personnel), $6 (ages 7-12), free (children, 6 and younger). O.C. Fair and Event Center, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa. (310) 208-7290. anatolianfestival.org.
SUN | MAY 19
“THE HITS, THE LIFE AND THE LOST LYRICS OF ALLAN SHERMAN”
Allan Sherman, an L.A. native who achieved worldwide fame with his 1963 hit, “Hello Muddah, Hello Fadduh,” did unapologetic Jewish comedy that heralded an explosion in American ethnic pride. Author Mark Cohen, whose book “Overweight Sensation: The Life and Comedy of Allan Sherman,” is the first biography of Sherman, discusses the song parodist and comedian with Journal contributing writer and film producer Tom Teicholz. A Q-and-A and book signing follow the program, which includes a sampling of Sherman’s well-known and lost recordings. Sun. 2 p.m. $8 (general), $6 (full-time students), free (Skirball members). Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 440-4500. skirball.org.
SHAVUOT BIBLICAL FAIR
Didn’t get enough of Shavuot? This historically themed adventure day brings the biblical era to life for the entire family. Sit in the cool shade of a Bedouin tent; ride a camel around the kfar (village); stomp grapes to make wine, bake pita on a taboon and milk a goat; participate in a parade of bikkurim (first fruits); make biblical costumes and sandals; and cheer on your favorite tribe during a wild water games competition. Attendees are asked to dress in white and bring fruit to fill baskets for the parade; fruit will be donated to SOVA. Organized by Israeli American Council, formerly the Israeli Leadership Council. Sun. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. Warner Park, 5800 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Woodland Hills. israelileadership.com.
“DUDE, WHERE’S MY CHUTZPAH?”
In this comedic Web series, a 20-something is set to inherit a large sum of money from her grandma, only to discover that there’s a catch: In order to get the cash, she must live Jewish for a year. A Q-and-A with the director and cast, live music and local brews follow tonight’s world premiere. Sun. 6-9 p.m. Free (RSVP required). Downtown Independent Theater, 251 S. Main St., Los Angeles. (213) 617-1033. downtownindependent.com.
MON | MAY 20
“THE ELEGIAC VISIONS OF PHIL SOLOMON”
The experimental filmmaker presents two of his acclaimed works, “What’s Out Tonight Is Lost” (1983) and “Psalm I: The Lateness of the Hour” (1999), as well as several digital works, including “In Memoriam,” a trilogy that mystically transforms backgrounds from the video game series “Grand Theft Auto.” Mon. 8:30 p.m. $10 (general), $8 (REDCAT members/students), $5 (CalArts students, faculty and staff). Roy and Edna Disney/CalArts Theater, 631 W. Second St., downtown. (213) 237-2800. redcat.org.
“MEL BROOKS: MAKE A NOISE”
Showcasing the Brooklyn native’s brilliant, skewed originality, PBS’ “American Masters” journeys from Brooks’ early years in live television — with Sid Caesar on “Your Shows of Shows” — to the film genres he so successfully satirized in “Young Frankenstein,” “Blazing Saddles,” “High Anxiety” and “Spaceballs,” to the groundbreaking Broadway musical version of his first film, “The Producers.” The documentary also delves into his professional and personal ups and downs — his childhood, first wife and subsequent 41-year marriage to actress Anne Bancroft. Mon. 9 p.m. PBS SoCal, Channel 50. pbssocal.org.
WED | MAY 22
PRESENTENSELA LAUNCH NIGHT
The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles’ Social Entrepreneur Fellowship presents an interactive evening celebrating Jewish innovation in Los Angeles. Hear from 12 big-thinking visionaries, learn about their ventures and network with like-minded creative thinkers. Hors d’oeuvres and drinks served (dietary laws observed). Wed. 6:30-9:30 p.m. Free. The Writer’s Bootcamp at Bergamot Station, 2525 Michigan Ave., Santa Monica. (323) 761-8161. presentensela.org.
“THE HOLOCAUST BY BULLETS”
The Rev. Patrick Desbois, a Holocaust investigator and Vatican liaison for Jewish affairs, discusses his historic undertaking to locate every mass grave and Eastern European site where approximately 1.5 million Jews were murdered by mobile killing squads during the Holocaust. At each site, he has been collecting artifacts and video testimonies from eyewitnesses, all of which will become part of the collections at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. Paul Shapiro, director of the Center for Advanced Holocaust Studies at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, also appears. Wed. 7:30-9 p.m. Free. Wilshire Boulevard Temple, Irmas Campus, 11661 W. Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 556-3222. wbtla.org.
“WHICH WAY (JEWISH) L.A.?”
Rabbi Sharon Brous (IKAR); UCLA history department chair David Myers; philanthropist David Lonner, founder of Oasis Media Group and L.A. City Councilwoman Jan Perry discuss the future of the Los Angeles mosaic and the place of Jews within it. Moderated by Rob Eshman, published and editor-in-chief of Tribe Media Corp., the evening’s panel is part of Autry exhibition, “Jews in the Los Angeles Mosaic.” Wed. 7 p.m. Free (tickets at the door or online). Autry National Center, 4700 Western Heritage Way, Los Angeles. (323) 667-2000. theautry.org.
THU | MAY 23
“BODIES, WOMEN, THE WORLD”
Eve Ensler, author of “The Vagina Monologues” and the new memoir “In the Body of the World,” joins Jody Williams, Nobel Peace Prize recipient and author of the memoir “My Name Is Jody Williams,” to discuss their collaboration on ending violence against women. The two activists appear in conversation with Pat Mitchell, president and CEO of the Paley Center for Media. Thu. 7:15 p.m. Free (reservations required). Los Angeles Central Library’s Mark Taper Auditorium, 630 W. Fifth St., downtown. (213) 228-7025. lfla.org.
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