SAT | JUNE 16
ALISHA ZALKIN
The L.A. musician’s forthcoming album, “March to a Different Beat,” takes its title from a song by Zalkin that highlights her grandparents’ flight from the Nazis. Tonight, the Jewish-Mexican singer-songwriter appears live to perform her blend of acoustic-pop, featuring breezy guitar and lyrics with positive messages. Sat. 7:30 p.m. $3. UnUrban, 3301 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica. (310) 315-0056. alishazmusic.com.
“FIVE”
Israeli choreographer Tsofia Gal reflects on the stories of five courageous dancers who personify transformation through body and dance. Premiering at the Hollywood Fringe Festival, the performance combines movement, visuals and theater. Ages 18 and up. Sat. Noon. Additional performances on June 17, 23 and 24. $12. Artworks Theatre, 6567-6585 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles. (323) 871-1912. hollywoodfringe.org.
SUN | JUNE 17
KATE BORNSTEIN
The gender activist discusses and signs copies of her new memoir, “A Queer and Pleasant Danger: The True Story of a Nice Jewish Boy Who Joins the Church of Scientology and Leaves Twelve Years Later to Become the Lovely Lady She Is Today.” The comic, sad and revealing portrait of Bornstein’s journey of self-discovery begins with her Conservative Jewish childhood in New Jersey and ends in Seattle, where she became a rising star in the lesbian community. Sun. 3 p.m. Free. Book Soup, 8818 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. (310) 659-3110. booksoup.com.
“THE MAN WHO MISTOOK HIS WIFE FOR A HAT”
Inspired by the title story of Dr. Oliver Sacks’ book on neurological disorder case studies, this chamber opera explores the world of a gifted musician stricken with visual agnosia. Although he sees colors, lines, boundaries, simple shapes, patterns and movements, he is no longer able to recognize people, places or common objects. Featuring a minimalist score that dramatizes the borderlands of the human psyche, Michael Nyman’s neurological opera highlights the protagonist’s tactic of putting actions to music to return sense to his shattered world. Sun. 7 p.m. Additional performances on June 24. $29-$150. Long Beach Opera, Expo Building, 4321 Atlantic Ave., Long Beach. (562) 432-5934. longbeachopera.org.
MON | JUNE 18
“FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT: TOOLS FOR JEWS FIGHTING RACISM AND INEQUALITY”
Bend the Arc — formerly the Progressive Jewish Alliance and Jewish Funds for Justice — hosts a discussion about segregation and inequalities in education, housing, health care and the job market. Social justice activist Paul Kivel examines what it means to stand with people of color in the struggle for racial justice. Mon. 7-9 p.m. Free (RSVP required). Westside Jewish Community Center, 5870 W. Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles. (323) 761-8350. bendthearc.us.
SEYMOUR STEIN: “ICONS OF THE MUSIC INDUSTRY”
Stein, co-founder and chair of Sire Records, appears in conversation with Scott Goldman, vice president of the Grammy Foundation. The label’s creative driving force, Stein signed Madonna, Talking Heads, the Ramones, the Smiths and Depeche Mode. A Q-and-A and a performance by Stein’s latest signing, alt-rock band Delta Rae, follow. Mon. 7:30 p.m. $15. Grammy Museum, Clive Davis Theater, 800 W. Olympic Blvd., downtown. (213) 765-6803. grammymuseum.org.
WED | JUNE 20
“EMMA INSTITUTE”
The National Council of Jewish Women/Los Angeles and the Emma Fellowship present “Advancing Your Career and Community Goals,” a one-time skills development and networking workshop that aims to increase the credibility and visibility of Jewish women. Highlights of today’s program include a moderated panel with TV writer-producer Amy Straus (“Friends,” “Grounded for Life”) and Julie Gertler, CEO and founder of community relations firm Consensus Inc.; opportunities to dialogue with influential women leaders; and collaborative learning with women across generations. Wed. 6:30-9 p.m. $18 (includes dinner). NCJW/LA Council House, 543 N. Fairfax Ave., Los Angeles. (323) 651-2930. ncjwla.org, emmafellowship.org.
FRI | JUNE 22
“SAY THE WORD: THE GAMES PEOPLE PLAY”
Hollywood writers, actors, comics and producers share stories about winning, losing and playing by their own rules. Hosted by comedian Beth Lapides (“Un-Cabaret”), this lounge-style reading series returns to the Skirball for one night only. Featured readers include actor Bill Brochtrup (“Dexter”), writer-actor Dan Bucatinsky (“Web Therapy”), actor-writer Wayne Federman (“Late Night With Jimmy Fallon”), stand-up comedian and author Moshe Kasher (“Kasher in the Rye”), and executive producers Jon Kinnally (“Will & Grace”) and Peter Mehlman (“Seinfeld”). Ages 21 and up. Fri. 8 p.m. $15 (general), $10 (Skirball members), $8 (full-time students). Cocktails and light fare available for purchase. Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 440-4500. skirball.org.
