Saturday
“As a brain cancer survivor, I understand the importance of using creativity to regain self-worth and personal power.” Judi Kaufman wrote these words about Art of the Brain, a fundraising organization she founded to support brain cancer research and spotlight the often forgotten artistic talents of patients struggling with the disease. The group’s eighth annual gala, “An Inspirational Global Pursuit for a Cure: Ready Set, Go Green for the Mind and Music,” will be headlined by String Theory Productions, a unique ensemble that uses the architectural elements around them as musical instruments. They will be joined by brain cancer survivors and their caretakers in a moving and powerful presentation.
6:30 p.m. $325. Schoenberg Hall, UCLA, Westwood. (310) 825-5074. ” target=”_blank”>http://www.fremontcentretheatre.com.
Monday
Submerge yourself in femininity at the first ever “Mikvahpalooza!” The Temple Israel of Hollywood (TIOH) Sisterhood is inviting women of all ages to this fem-fabulous membership party. To entertain you, several talented TIOH sistas — Jill Soloway, who is currently writing for “Dirty Sexy Money”; Julie Hermelin, whose music videos were in heavy rotation on MTV; and Wendee Cole, who has her own teaching studio for kids — will perform while you wine and dine with new-found friends.
7 p.m. $60. Eat on Sunset, 1448 N. Gower St. Los Angeles. For more information, e-mail Michelle Golland, Jbcnet@aol.com or visit ” target=”_blank”>http://www.frankpicturesgallery.com.
Wednesday
 440-7722. <a href=)
” target=”_blank”>http://www.lapl.org.
Thursday
You can never celebrate women enough! Or talented filmmakers. So Leslie La Page founded La Femme Film Festival three years ago to showcase the writing, directing and producing abilities of the fairer sex. The four-day affair is studded with panel discussions, nightly parties and screenings in Beverly Hills and downtown and will spotlight successful women in the industry, like Melissa Rivers and Lea Thompson. Can’t make it to all the fantastic events? Here’s our recommendations of not-to-be-missed happenings: “Ageism in Hollywood,” a panel sponsored by the Screen Actors Guild; the screening of “Looking for Else,” a touching documentary about a Holocaust survivor reunited with her daughter after 50 years; and Saturday night’s Party With the Stars, where a whole city block will be shut down and The Calendar Girls will be rockin’ to the all-female bands.
Oct. 11-14. For a complete breakdown of the festival’s events and prices, visit ” target=”_blank”>http://www.jazztapensemble.org.
