Tribe Calendar: April 2011-May 2011

Sunday, April 3

“Hearts Sing”
Today’s benefit, hosted by Paul Reiser, includes performances by Kenny G, Brooke Burke, Alan Bergman, Julia Fordham, Cantor Marcelo Gindlin and surprise guests. Money raised supports Hand in Hand, a program for children with special needs. 4 p.m. Private Malibu residence. Sponsored by Malibu Jewish Center & Synagogue.
For tickets and location, contact adrienne@mjcs.org.

Passover celebration workshop for adults
This hands-on, interactive workshop led by Judy Soffer will cover topics from Passover prep and the order of the seder to choosing a haggadah and making the holiday interactive. 9-11 a.m. $15. Temple Ahavat Shalom, 18200 Rinaldi Place, Northridge. (818) 360-2258. judaicworkshops.com.

“Jews of the Pacific Coast”
Using historical photographs from the new book “Jews of the Pacific Coast: Reinventing Community at America’s Edge,” co-author Ava F. Kahn will explore the nature of the Jewish experience in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Portland and Western small towns. Light refreshments will be served. 1:30 p.m. Free. Co-sponsored by Temple Adat Elohim and the Jewish Genealogical Society of the Conejo Valley and Ventura County. Temple Adat Elohim, 2420 E. Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks. (818) 889-6616. jgscv.org.

Tuesday, April 5

“The Mysticism of Sound, Meditation and Poetry”
Brain researcher Mark Robert Waldman discusses how sacred melodies and poetry have been shown to alter the structure of the brain as well as enhance memory and cognition while suppressing stress, anxiety, depression and anger. 7:30-9 p.m. Free. Part of the Hands on Music series. Valley Beth Shalom, 15739 Ventura Blvd., Encino. (818) 788-6000. vbs.org.

Women’s Seder
Enjoy a seder by Rabbi Alyson Solomon and Cantor Judy Karin and a catered meal. Co-sponsored by Hadassah, the Jewish Federation of Greater Santa Barbara and Santa Barbara Hillel. 5:30-7:30 p.m. $25 (general), $15 (students). Congregation B’nai B’rith, 1000 San Antonio Creek Road, Santa Barbara. (805) 964-7869. cbbsb.org.

Thursday, April 7

Sixth annual Santa Barbara Jewish Film Festival
Four days of Jewish films include “The Matchmaker,” “Jews & Baseball: An American Love Story,” “Yoo Hoo, Mrs. Godberg,” and “Lemon Tree.” Event runs through April 10. $12 (single ticket), $125 (eight screenings, breakfast and gala dinner). Sponsored by the Jewish Film Foundation. Tonight’s gala is located at La Cumbre Country Club, 4015 Via Laguna, Santa Barbara. (805) 964-5577. jewishfilmfoundation.org. (See story, Page 28)

Saturday, April 9

“The Producers”
It’s the funniest scam ever put to music. Find out why the Mel Brooks show about the worst play ever produced on Broadway (“Springtime for Hitler”), won more Tony Awards than any other musical. Runs through April 17. 2 and 8 p.m. $34-$80. Fred Kavli Theatre, Bank of America Performing Arts Center, Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, 2100 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks. (800) 745-3000. theaterleague.com.

Sunday, April 10

Fifth annual Walk to End Genocide
Join a community committed to ending the genocide in Darfur, building a stable Sudan and resolving the conflict in Congo. Jewish World Watch’s three-mile walk for all ages is followed by an awareness fair and silent auction. 8 a.m. (registration), 9 a.m. (walk begins). Free (children 11 and younger), $18 (early registration), $20 (on site).  Starts at Warner Center Park, 5800 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Woodland Hills. (818) 501-1836. Register at walktoendgenocide.org.

Sunday, April 17

Blood and bone marrow drive
Take a short break from your Passover preparations to save a life. All participants will receive two tickets for the Laugh Factory, Grammy Museum and L.A. Galaxy and can enter a drawing for a chance to win free movies for a year. 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Temple Ramat Zion, 17655 Devonshire St., Northridge. To make an appointment, call (818) 993-4013. trz.org.

Monday, April 18

Celebrate Passover with Camp Ramah
Forget cooking and cleaning for Pesach and spend the holiday in Ojai. Daily activities for all ages, including yoga, tennis, massage, hiking and programs led by scholar-in-residence Rabbi Shawn Fields-Meyer. Bring your family and enjoy food, fun, learning and relaxation. Through April 27 (partial stays available). (310) 476-8571. ramah.org.

Thursday, April 21

Genocide prevention
Professor Robert Melson, professor emeritus of political science and a member of the Jewish studies department at Purdue University, leads a roundtable discussion on genocide prevention with other scholars and the filmmakers behind the documentary, “The Last Survivor.” Melson testified before the House Subcommittee on International Operations and Human Rights concerning the Armenian Genocide. 4 p.m. Free. Sponsored by the Glazer Institute. Kresge Reading Room, Payson Library, 24255 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu. (310) 506-4786. pepperdine.edu.

Saturday, April 30

“Musical of Musicals (The Musical)”
This long-running off-Broadway hit is a melting pot of musical bliss that references (and parodies) a who’s who of Jewish musical theater composers: Rodgers & Hammerstein, Stephen Sondheim, Jerry Herman, and Kander & Ebb. Through May 8. 8 p.m. $12-$15. Dow Arena Theatre, Pierce College Performing Arts Theater, 6201 Winnetka Ave., Woodland Hills. (818) 719-6488. piercecollege.edu.