30
Saturday
Klezmer remains alive and kicking in Los Angeles, and this week its name is Yale Strom and Klazzj. On a national tour to promote their new album, “Garden of Yidn,” violinist/composer Strom and his vocalist/wife Elizabeth Schwartz play a mix of carefully researched classic klezmer and original compositions. The two concerts tonight mark the West Coast debut of the band’s new music. $16 (adults); $8 (children). Two shows, 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. 1525 S. Robertson Blvd., Los Angeles. For tickets or more information, call (310) 552-2007.
31
Sunday
If you’re still looking to improvise your New Year’s Eve plans, don’t worry… so are the folks at Sacred Fools Theater. Their Fast and Loose show is composed by 10 writers, 10 directors and 20 actors, beginning 24 hours before showtime. The writers write the short scripts, the directors rehearse the actors and the show goes up. Happy New Year. $12. 8 p.m. 660 N. Heliotrope Ave., Hollywood. For reservations or more information, call (310) 281-8337.
1
Monday
7 Days understands that there is some sort of parade in Pasadena today, and Pasadena always seems warm and sunny this time of year; however, if a trip to Colorado Boulevard is not part of your plan, head for the cineplex and check out “State and Main.” David Mamet’s latest film about the corrupting influence and nonstop negotiating of the movie business features a cast full of talented actors: David Paymer is the aggressive, persuasive producer, William H. Macy is the harried director and Philip Seymour Hoffman the put-upon screenwriter. Set in a small New England town with its own offbeat characters, the film communicates its themes with a dose of Mamet’s stylized dialogue and a sprinkling of Yiddish. Check movie listings for theaters and showtimes.
2
Tuesday
Maybe a scenic drive along the coast is in order to start off the new year. Stop off in Santa Barbara at the Karpeles Manuscript Library and Museum for a painting and photography exhibit examining life on city streets. Titled “The Street People,” the show features Pat Berger’s observant portraits of homeless people, and six decades worth of Joe Schwartz’s best folk photography recording life on streets across America. Through Feb. 15. 21 W. Anapamu St., Santa Barbara. For more information, call (805) 962-5322.
If you’re still looking to improvise your New Year’s Eve plans, don’t worry… so are the folks at Sacred Fools Theater. Their Fast and Loose show is composed by 10 writers, 10 directors and 20 actors, beginning 24 hours before showtime. The writers write the short scripts, the directors rehearse the actors and the show goes up. Happy New Year. $12. 8 p.m. 660 N. Heliotrope Ave., Hollywood. For reservations or more information, call (310) 281-8337.
3
Wednesday
Apex Fine Art Gallery presents a collection of some of the most famous photographs to grace the pages of the dearly departed monthly Life magazine. “Life: A Retrospective View” includes Margaret Bourke-White’s photos of prisoners in Buchenwald and, across the cultural spectrum, Alfred Eisenstaedt’s future ballerinas of the American Ballet Theatre. The exhibit also includes such iconic Life photos as J.R. Eyerman’s movie audience in 3-D glasses and portraits of Noel Coward and Pablo Picasso. Tues.-Sat., 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Through Jan. 6. 152 N. La Brea Ave., Los Angeles. For more information, call (323) 634-7887.
4
Thursday
The ongoing violence in Israel has interrupted lives across the country, and Israeli artists are no exception. With the art-viewing public in Jerusalem otherwise occupied, the Lucien Krief Gallery found its many beautiful sculptures and paintings without an audience. The solution? The gallery is bringing its collection to Beverly Hills for an 11-day show, featuring some of the most popular artists currently working in Israel. Works by Mane Katz, Ben Avram, M. Kadishman, Lucien Krief and others travel to the Andrew Weiss Gallery, in an exhibit co-sponsored by the Consulate General of Israel in Los Angeles. Reception with Director of Cultural Affairs Kobi Oshrat, 6 p.m.-10 p.m. Exhibit open through Jan. 14. Andrew Weiss Gallery, 179 S. Beverly Dr., Beverly Hills. For more information, call (310) 247-9995.
5
Friday
A Jewish girl from the West Coast arrives in New York, hoping to find success as an actress. Two fellow-travelers, a businesswoman and a teacher similarly struggle with their aspirations in a new comedy by playwright Eydie Faye. In “The Pages of My Diary I’d Rather Not Read,” the audience follows the inner lives of these three women, discovering their varied backgrounds and shared goals. The play’s format, presented as a “sneak peek” into the women’s diaries, makes for an intimate, compassionate story. $12. Thu.-Sat. 8 p.m.; Sun. 7 p.m. Through Feb. 11. Ruby Theater at The Complex, 6476 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood. For reservations or more information, call (323) 993-8587.
