25/SATURDAY
The band is called JEW and blatant Jew pride is reason enough for a shout-out. But these guys also have a show tonight. Their sound is best described as alt-rock, and they name the Police and Nirvana as strong influences. Support the tribe and check out their show, at midnight at The Joint. $7. 8771 Pico Blvd., Los Angeles. For more information, call (310) 275-2619.
26/SUNDAY
Be prepared for an irreverent take on the Bible in Venice Mootney Company’s play, “Meat: a Bible Tragi-comedy.” This version includes a gay-male love triangle and plenty of feminist and media-critical commentary. And by the way, they’ve turned the sacred Temple into a barbecue pit. Confused? Intrigued? We’re pretty sure that’s the point. See it today at a special Memorial Day Sunday Barbecue-Benefit preview. Runs Sundays through June. 7 p.m. $12.50 (general), $10 (seniors and groups of ten). Hopkins House Studio, 11736 W. Pico Blvd., West Los Angeles. For reservations, call (310) 586-0114.
Maybe you know him as the creator of the Comedy Store or maybe as Pauly Shore’s dad. Either way, Sammy Shore’s name is synonymous with comedy. His show “…But First, Sammy Shore!” is extended through Sept. 1, but why wait? Take in some laughs at 5:30 p.m. Sundays only. $17.50 (general), discounts available for students, teachers, seniors and groups of 16 or more. The Other Space at Santa Monica Playhouse, 1211 Fourth St., Santa Monica. For reservations, call (310) 394-9779, ext. 1.
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27/MONDAY
It’s your moral duty to make the most of this glorious, no-work, sunshiny Monday. So pile the kids into the SUV and get your tuchus to the Old Pasadena Summer Fest. They’ve got art exhibits, a Playboy Jazz festival, food from various local restaurants and an interactive Sports Zone. Just leave the picnic and dog at home–they’re not allowed. Free. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Central Park, Fair Oak Avenue (two blocks south of Colorado Boulevard), Pasadena. For more information, call (626) 797-6803.
28/TUESDAY
Mark Rothko, Piet Mondrian, Paul Cézanne and Willem de Kooning’s contributions to the world of art are undeniable. Attend a panel and open discussion on these artists’ reflections at the end of their careers, with Getty Museum Director Thomas Crow, USC professor Nancy Troy and University of Texas professor Richard Shiff. 7 p.m. Free. J. Paul Getty Museum, Harold M. Williams Auditorium, 1200 Getty Center Drive, Los Angeles. For reservations, call (310) 440-7300.
They’ve given you fair warning to lock up your bunnies again. Penn and Teller are back in town, prepared to entertain you with more of their comedic magic. But better grab those tickets before they disappear — the odd couple is only around for one week this time. Runs May 28-June 2. 8 p.m. (Tuesday-Friday), 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. (Saturday), 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. (Sunday). $42-$52. Wilshire Theatre, 8440 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills. For reservations, call (213) 365-3500.
29/WEDNESDAY
If you think Beethoven is yawn-inducing or stale, consider the Ojai Music Festival, where classical works annually get freshened up. This year, the festival is built around two contemporary forces: the Emerson String Quartet and pianist Marino Formenti. The Emersons will link the final quartets of Shostakovich with those of Beethoven, while Formenti plans on three performances that will include music composed by Jewish prisoners in Nazi camps. Continues through Sunday, June 2. For more information, call (805) 646-2094
30/THURSDAY
God and some contemporary literary works have inspired Greenway Art Alliance’s two-part, one-act series, “Acts of Love and Redemption.” Series A consists of adaptations of Philip Roth’s “The Conversion of the Jews,” Flannery O’Connor’s “The River” and Judy Blume’s “Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret.” All three explore our sometimes peculiar relationships with the Almighty. 8 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays through June 7. $15. Greenway Court Theatre, 544 N. Fairfax Ave., Los Angeles. For reservations, call (323) 655-4402.
31/FRIDAY
Margaret Handwerker (aptly named) really does spin tales. Working on a large loom using hand-dyed and hand-spun wools, Handwerker creates colorful tapestries that incorporate biblical images and stories. Two of her works, “Six Days of Creation” and “Noah’s Ark,” will be displayed through Aug. 25 at the Skirball Cultural Center. noon-5 p.m. (Tuesday-Saturday), 11 a.m.-5 p.m. (Sunday). $8 (general), $6 (seniors and students), free (members and children under 12). 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles. For more information, call (310) 440-4500.
