7 Days In Arts

Saturday, Sept. 29

Today’s show at the Performing Arts Center of Cal-State
University Northridge, “Gershwin the Klezmer”, created by writer/producer Joseph
Vass documents the life of legendary jazz musician George Gershwin. The tale of
the fusion of jazz and klezmer is told through music by the Minnesota Klezmer
Band and violin player Yuri Merzhevsky. “It’s … about the Jewish soul of
American music,” says Vass, who fell in love with klezmer music at first sound.
3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Also plays Sun., Sept. 30, 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. For tickets or
more information, call (818) 785-8885.

Sunday, Sept. 30

Red, yellow, green and black mesh with blue and white.
The colors of the flags side by side are indicative of the union between African
and Jewish cultures today. “Reggae Torah” features Alan Eder and Friends,
performing Afro-Judeo-Caribbean music and dance to celebrate the inauguration of
a new Sefer Torah. 11:30 a.m. Temple Beth Hillel, 12326 Riverside Drive, Valley
Village. For more information, call (818) 763-9148.

Monday, Oct. 1

“Let’s All Sing” or “Lomir Ale Zingen” is the name of
the program offered at the Workmen’s Circle/Arbeter’s Ring for those who want to
learn to sing in Yiddish. The class, led by Ruth Judkowitz, will form a chorus
and perform on holidays. $4 (per month). Mondays, 1:30 p.m.-3 p.m. 1525 S.
Robertson Blvd., Los Angeles. For more information, call (310) 552-2007.

Tuesday, Oct. 2

The woman in artist Silvia Wagsenberg’s canvas painting
“The Clairvoyant” certainly appears all knowing. The brightly colored work is
characteristic of the Spanish Jewish professional whose supernatural subjects
are inspired by Mexican murals, Francis Bacon and L.A. graffiti. She mixes oil,
acrylic, wax, sand and other objects to create her cultural art. Cafe hours:
Mon.-Sat., 8 a.m.-7 p.m. and Sunday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Through Nov. 11. Rose Cafe
and Market, 220 Rose Ave., Venice. For more information, call (310) 399-4736.

Wednesday, Oct. 3

Galerie Yoramgil is displaying the works of Chagall,
Ernst and a new painting by Mary Beth McKenzie during the exhibition “From the
Treasure Chest ‘4” today. The gallery also displays various works by Israeli
artists with and without Jewish themes. Gallery hours: Mon., 11 a.m.-5 p.m.,
Tues.-Sat., 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m. and Sun., 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Though Oct. 31. 319 N.
Canon Drive, Beverly Hills. For more information, call (310) 275-8130.

Thursday, Oct. 4

Indian violinist and vocalist Shankar performed a solo
concert for the first time at the age of seven. This child prodigy and winner of
the Violinist Award from the Madras Music Academy is playing tonight as part of
the fall World Mosaic series at the Skirball Cultural Center. His previous
concerts with big names such as Bruce Springsteen and Sting prove his talents
have spilled over into the Western world and continue to influence modern music
with his new album “One in a Million”. He’s accompanied tonight by violinist,
singer and songwriter Gingger, tabla player Zakir Hussain and ghatam player (a
large clay pot used as a percussion instrument) T.H. “Vikku” Vinayakram. $28
(general admission); $25 (members); $20 (students). 8 p.m. Also performs Fri.,
Oct. 5, 8 p.m. 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles. For tickets or more
information, call (310) 440-4500.

Friday, Oct. 5

Bernie is celebrating his Bar Mitzvah — and his 80th
birthday. Tonight, Dividends portrays this grandfather’s determination to
“become a man” before he dies and the important lessons he learns from his
grandson along the way. Austin “Rocky” Kalish, the director of Maude, Facts of
Life and Too Close for Comfort, directs this comedy/drama. $15 (general
admission); $12 (students and seniors). Saturdays, 8 p.m. and Sundays, 3 p.m.
Through Nov. 4. Bitter Truth Playhouse, 11050 Magnolia Blvd., North Hollywood.
For reservations or more information, call (818) 755-7900 ext. 4.