Saturday, April 21
This weekend the downtown artists’ studio complex known as The Brewery opens its doors to the public to offer an experience by some of the most exciting artists and their artwork in L.A. Among the artists exhibiting their work is Sharon Ben-Tal, whose paintings push Mondrian-style use of lines into the realm of abstract cartography. Sat., April 21 and Sun., April 22, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. The Brewery, 2100 N. Main Street, Suite A9, downtown. For more information, call (213) 694-2911.
Sunday, April 22
There’s Jews in them thar hills, and the Autry Museum of Western Heritage aims to find them. In a one-day symposium, the museum explores the roles Jews have played in California’s culture and history. “California Jews: Generation to Generation” includes discussions of Jewish participation in the Gold Rush, Hollywood and the counter-culture, along with relations between Jews and California’s many ethnic and religious groups. The symposium will serve as the basis for both a book and a major exhibition planned for 2002. $20 (general admission);$15 (members); free (students). 10:15 a.m.-5:30 p.m. 4700 Western Heritage Way, in Griffith Park across from the L.A. Zoo. To register or for more information, call (323) 667-2000 ext. 243.
Monday, April 23
The three artists featured in a new exhibit at the Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust are linked by more than their mutual experience of oppression at the hands of the Nazis. Leo Kahn, Samuel Tepler and Piero Cividalli were each championed by Holocaust survivor and art collector David Malek. “Kaleidoscope” includes 25 paintings from Malek’s collection featuring the three artists, whose works address living, creative subjects rather than the Holocaust, expressing an important message of perseverance. Mon., Wed. and Thu. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Tue. 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Fri. 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; Sun. noon-4 p.m. Through July 17. 6006 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. For more information, call (323) 761-8170.
Tuesday, April 24
The L.A. County Fair was the starting point for artist Janet Siegel’s exploration of our culture’s idea of fun. From photographs taken at the fair, Siegel has created busy montages bursting with color and activity. With watercolor, ink, pencil and paint, the exhibit highlights the reality of sensory overload, like junk food and sunburn. Tue.-Sat. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Through May 19. Artist reception Sat., May 5, 5 p.m.-8 p.m. Artist lecture Thu., May 10, 7 p.m. The Artists’ Gallery (TAG), 2903 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica. For more information, call (310) 829-9556.
Retracing the path his family took across Europe to escape the Nazis, Daniel Asa Rose offers multiple historical stories of survival and identity in his memoir, “Hiding Places.” With his two pre-teenage sons, Rose traveled from Antwerp through the Belgian and French countryside, searching the villages and buildings where his family hid throughout the war. Along the way, they discovered parts of a lost past, both personal and epic, which may add to anyone’s understanding of the Holocaust. Rose discusses his book tonight at the Jewish Community Library of Los Angeles. 7 p.m.-9 p.m. 6505 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. For reservations or more information, call (323) 761-8648.
Wednesday, April 25
Though not Jewish himself, German composer Max Bruch became fascinated by the meditative, stirring melodies of Jewish liturgy and often used Jewish themes in his compositions. His 1881 “Kol Nidrei,” a popular short piece for the cello and orchestra, is included in tonight’s Los Angeles Philharmonic performance. Also featured are Prokofiev’s “Overture on Hebrew Themes” and Rachmaninoff’s “Symphony No. 2.” $10-$70. Wed., April 25 and Thu., April 26, 8 p.m. Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. For tickets, call (213) 365-3500.
Thursday, April 26
With a flamenco-influenced guitarist playing a self-designed quarter-tone guitar, a vocalist trained in Persian, Bulgarian and classical Indian styles and a name taken from a mathematical controversy, Axiom of Choice offer up a heady mix of musical elements derived from traditional Persian sounds. The cross-cultural ensemble performs as part of the Skirball’s World Mosaic concert series. $20 (general admission); $17 (members); $15 (students). 8 p.m. Cotsen Auditorium, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles. For tickets, call (323) 655-8587.
Friday, April 27
Chekhov’s poignant yet often humorous tale of a landed Russian family in decline, “The Cherry Orchard” continues L.A. Theatre Works’ 2001 season at the Skirball Cultural Center. This production, with Marsha Mason, Hector Elizondo, Charles Durning and Jennifer Tilly, features a new translation by Nicholas Saunders and Frank Dwyer. $34-$38. Wed. April 25-Fri. April 27, 8 p.m.; Sun. April 29, 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles. For tickets, call (310) 827-0889.
