Calendar picks and clicks: Feb. 16–Feb. 25, 2011

WED | FEB 16

“JEWISH LIFE ON CAMPUS: WHERE TO FIND IT AND HOW TO BE A PART OF IT!”
Tonight’s program for college-bound high school juniors and seniors features a panel discussion with representatives from American Jewish University, StandWithUs, Hillel, AIPAC and the Greek system, moderated by Sinai Temple’s Rabbi Nicole Guzik; a session for parents on “Letting Go,” led by a licensed clinical social worker; a dessert reception; and a chance for students to win $500 scholarships. This is the first session of Sinai Temple’s 2011 college connection program, co-organized by American Jewish University. Wed. 6:30-9 p.m. Free. Sinai Temple. 10400 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 481-3234. sinaitemple.org.

SAT | FEB 19

KIBBUTZ CONTEMPORARY DANCE COMPANY
An invisible world is revealed as the Israeli troupe performs the critically acclaimed dance show “Infrared.” Based on a poem “In the Black Garden” by KCDC artistic director Rami Be’er, the show explores the human condition through primary colors in breathtaking beauty. Sat. 8 p.m. $25-$45. The Luckman Fine Arts Complex, 5151 State University Drive, L.A. (323) 343-6600. luckmanarts.org.

DANIEL KURTZER
The former U.S. ambassador to Egypt and Israel delivers the 2011 Feinberg Lecture, “The United States and the Arab-Israeli Conflict: The Elusive Quest for Peace.” Sat. 7:30 p.m. Free (RSVP required). A.J. Villalobos Hall, Whittier College, 7214 Painter Ave., Whittier. (562) 907-4219. whittier.edu.

SUN | FEB 20

FRED KATZ
Just five days before his 92nd birthday, the world-renowned jazz cellist, pianist and composer (1960’s “Little Shop of Horrors”) performs an intimate living-room concert as he looks back over his career. His son, flutist Hyman Katz, with bassist Richard Simon, guitarist John Pisano, vocalist Jeanne Pisano and the Flying Pisanos accompany him onstage. Music critic Josh Kun moderates the program. Sun. 4 p.m. $12 (members), $15 (general). Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., L.A. (310) 440-4500. skirball.org.

MON | FEB 21

“Jewish Genealogy and the Case of the Honey Bee”
Arthur Kurzweil, one of America’s foremost experts on Jewish family history research and author of “From Generation to Generation,” shares his insights on what the future holds for Jewish genealogists. Mon. 7:30 p.m. Free (JGSLA and JCC members), $5 (general). Westside Jewish Community Center, 5870 W. Olympic Blvd., L.A. (818) 771-5554. jgsla.org.

TUE | FEB 22

PEOPLE OF THE BOOK: “SEPHARDIC JEWS LIVING THE SARAJEVO HAGGADAH”
Edward Serotta, a journalist, photographer and filmmaker who specializes in Jewish life in Central and Eastern Europe, presents photographs and film about the Sephardic Jews of the Balkans. The evening continues the Board of Rabbis of Southern California’s yearlong community learning program, One People, One Book, which focuses on various themes in Geraldine Brooks’ “People of the Book,” a historical novel that explores the origins of the Sarajevo Haggadah, one of the world’s oldest haggadot. A reception with kosher light appetizers and dessert follows. Tue. 7-9:30 p.m. $5. Jewish Federation Goldsmith Center, 6505 Wilshire Blvd., L.A. jewishla.org.

WED | FEB 23

BALKAN BEAT BOX
Israeli-born New York musicians Ori Kaplan and Tamir Muskat bring their Balkan-flavored dancehall beats to L.A. for a one-night-only concert with Tel-Aviv-based DJ crew Soulico and DJ Yossi Fine. Ages 21 and over. Wed. 8 p.m. $17 (general), $45 (VIP), $150 (Super VIP). The Conga Room at L.A. Live, 800 W. Olympic Blvd., downtown. (213) 745-0162. congaroom.com.

THU | FEB 24

“ASPERGER’S ON THE JOB”
Author Rudy Simone discusses “Young Adults With Asperger’s or High-Functioning Autism: Must-Have Advice for Transitioning Successfully to Work and Adult Life” during the Help Group’s Distinguished Lecturer Series. Continuing education credits available for qualifying professionals. Thu. 6:30-8:30 p.m. $10 (general), $25 (CE credit). The Help Group Autism Center, 13164 Burbank Blvd., Sherman Oaks. (818) 779-5212. thehelpgroup.org.

FRI | FEB 25

JEWLICIOUS
The three-day culture and arts festival, now in its seventh year, features a diverse lineup of performers, presenters and speakers, including Grammy-nominated artist Matisyahu, comedians The Sklar Brothers, Moshav Band, L.A. afro-rock collective Fool’s Gold, Israeli jam band Acharit HaYamim and more. The weekend also features a Shabbat banquet, wine tasting, dance and yoga, screenings of amateur films from the Jewish Film Competition and discussions on social justice, alternative energy, Israel and Jewish spirituality and sexuality. Fri. Through Feb. 27. $65 (full-time undergraduate student), $199 (general admission). The Alpert JCC, 3801 E. Willow St., Long Beach. (310) 277-5544. jewliciousfestival.com.

“BROKEN GLASS”
Arthur Miller’s World War II-era tale of a New York couple’s downward spiral kicks off the West Coast Jewish Theatre’s 2011 season. Sylvia Gellburg develops a mysterious paralysis after learning about Kristallnacht, which only serves to magnify her marital problems with her workaholic husband, Phillip, the only Jew at a Wall Street bank. Fri. Through April 17. 8 p.m. $30. Pico Playhouse, 10508 W. Pico Blvd., L.A. (323) 860-6620. westcoastjewishtheatre.org.