Calendar Picks and Clicks July 18–24, 2009

SAT JULY 18

(KIDS)
Live dinosaurs may not roam the Skirball Cultural Center after hours, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t fun to be had at the museum. The Overnight Archaeological Adventures sleepover program lets kids and their parents unearth artifacts at the simulated outdoor dig, take a flashlight tour of the museum’s antiquities and hear ancient bedtime stories. Pith helmets not required. Ages 6 and up. Sat. 6 p.m. through Sun. 9 a.m. $45 (member, per adult and per child), $55 (general, per adult and per child). Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles. Registration required. (310) 440-4653. {encode=”education@skirball.org” title=”education@skirball.org”}. ” title=”www.shakespearebythesea.org” target=”_blank”>www.shakespearebythesea.org.

MON JULY 20

(SPORTS)
Watch the Dodgers play the Cincinnati Reds with fellow young professionals brought together by Sinai Temple’s ATID (ages 21-39 only) and the Men’s Club, who secured discount tickets in the reserved seating section. Sinai Temple Cantor Arianne Brown will be singing the national anthem at the game. Mon. 7:10 p.m. $13. Dodger Stadium, 1000 Elysian Park Ave., Los Angeles. (310) 481-3244. ” title=”www.pjalliance.org” target=”_blank”>www.pjalliance.org.

WED JULY 22

(BOOK TALK)
Jack Salem discusses his part fictional, part biographical novel, “Heirs to the Pushcart Fortune” about a Sephardic Jew who journeys from the crumbling Ottoman Empire to America, where he faces the Great Depression and World War II and manages to thrive. Book signing to follow program. Wed. 6:30 p.m. Free. Westwood Branch Library, 1246 Glendon Ave., Los Angeles. (310) 474-1739. {encode=”wwood@lapl.org” title=”wwood@lapl.org”}.

(FAMILY)
Pack sandwiches, towels and sunblock before heading west to Sephardic Temple Tifereth Israel’s annual family beach parties. Join other families at Marina Beach (aka Mother’s Beach) in Marina del Rey for games and activities in the late afternoon, once the day has begun to cool down. Bring your own potluck items to share. Wed. 5-9 p.m. Also, Aug. 5, Aug. 19 and Sept. 2. Free. Marina Beach, Admiralty Way and Via Marina, Marina del Rey. (310) 475-7311. ” title=”www.lajewishchamber.com” target=”_blank”>www.lajewishchamber.com.

(DISCUSSION)
Conversations at Leon’s hosts talk radio news anchor Mark Austin Thomas from KABC 790 AM for a discussion of current events, news and politics. Thomas has nearly 30 years of experience in public and commercial radio; he was formerly a news anchor at KNX and KPCC, news director at KFI, and the host of “Marketplace Morning Report” on NPR and can now be heard on KABC. A frequent guest at Conversations, Thomas has led many balanced and stimulating discussions with audiences of varying political persuasions. Thu. 8 p.m. $17 (by July 22), $20 (after). Private home in Sherman Oaks. (818) 986-9899. {encode=”converseatleons@gmail.com” title=”converseatleons@gmail.com”}.

(THEATER)
In “One Night Stand: An Improvised Musical,” seven multitalented actors, all in their early 20s, get on stage and improvise — everything. The music, lyrics, characters, choreography, plot and dialogue are all made up on the spot with a couple of starting points from the audience to form a wild and hilarious musical that has never been performed before and will never be performed again. Marc Platt, who produced Broadway’s “Wicked” and the acclaimed film “Rachel Getting Married,” among many other accomplishments in film, television and theater, is the executive producer of “One Night Stand.” His son, Jonah Platt, is the founder, producer, director and a performer in the show. Thu. 8 p.m. Through Aug. 22. $15 (presale online), $30 (at the door). Hudson Theatre, 6539 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles. (323) 960-4429. ” title=”www.vbs.org” target=”_blank”>www.vbs.org.

FRI JULY 24

” title=”www.oscars.org” target=”_blank”>www.oscars.org.

(CONCERT)
Conductor Thomas Wilkins will lead the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra in a nostalgic summer concert featuring some of the most memorable melodies ever composed, including pop hits, movie themes and classics from the Great American Songbook. “The Art of Song” stars singer-songwriter and actress Jewel as well as crooner Michael Feinstein and will also feature a spectacular fireworks display. Fri. 8:30 p.m. Also, July 25. 8:30 p.m. $10-$116. Hollywood Bowl, 2301 N. Highland Ave., Hollywood. (323) 850-2000. ” title=”www.lacma.org/programs/fridaynightjazz.aspx” target=”_blank”>www.lacma.org/programs/fridaynightjazz.aspx.