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Calendar Picks and Clicks: June 22-June 30, 2011

The Israeli-born French chanteuse adds a freewheeling style to her ethereal pop sound as she performs songs from her new solo album, “101.” Brooklyn-based folk artist Chris Garneau opens. Sat. 8 p.m. $20. Luckman Fine Arts Complex, 5151 State University Drive, Los Angeles. (323) 343-6600. luckmanarts.org.
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June 21, 2011

WED | JUNE 22

JUVENILE PROSTITUTION
Carissa Phelps, a former child prostitute who turned her life around to become an attorney, speaks as part of a panel discussion with L.A. County Juvenile Court Judge Donna Quigley Groman; Fadwa Assad, program analyst with Children of the Night; and FBI victim specialist Debbie Deem. Judge Jan Levine of the L.A. County Superior Court moderates the conversation. The 2008 short documentary “Carissa,” which recounts Phelps’ rehabilitation, screens prior to the discussion. Wed. 6 p.m. Free. NCJW/LA Council House, 543 N. Fairfax Ave., Los Angeles. (323) 852-8503. ncjwla.org.

ADAM GREEN
Former front man of the indie band the Moldy Peaches, whose music was featured in the 2007 film “Juno,” brings his quirky, stripped-down folk songs to the Largo. Green has garnered a cult following on the college radio scene, and his style is often compared to those of Leonard Cohen, Ben Kweller and Jonathan Richman. This acoustic show by the eccentric singer-songwriter marks his first West Coast appearance in several years. Wed. 8 p.m. $20. Largo at the Coronet, 366 N. La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 855-0350. largo-la.com.


FRI | JUNE 24

“GREASE SING-ALONG”
It’s the original high school musical! Actress Didi Conn (nee Edith Bernstein), who played Frenchy in the 1978 film, hosts tonight’s sing-along screening at the Hollywood Bowl. If you don’t know all the words to songs such as “Summer Nights,” “Beauty School Dropout” or “You’re the One That I Want,” don’t worry. This version features the lyrics subtitled karaoke style. Dress up in a poodle skirt and saddle shoes — or come as a Pink Lady or T-Bird — and join the preshow costume parade. Fri. 7 p.m. (preshow), 8:30 p.m. (film). $12-$82.25. Hollywood Bowl, 2301 N. Highland Ave., Hollywood. (323) 850-2000. hollywoodbowl.com.


SAT | JUNE 25

HILA PLITMANN
The Grammy-winning Israeli soprano stars in a semi-staged version of Eric Whitacre’s electro-musical, “Paradise Lost: Shadows and Wings.” The Japanese anime-inspired post-apocalyptic tale follows an abandoned tribe of young, wingless angels who have come of age in a fortress, where they spend their time preparing for war. Exstasis, played by Plitmann, believes there’s a better world outside of the stone walls and dreams of flying. Don’t miss this one-night-only performance. Sat. 8 p.m. $19-$99. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. (800) 982-2787. ticketmaster.com.

KEREN ANN
The Israeli-born French chanteuse adds a freewheeling style to her ethereal pop sound as she performs songs from her new solo album, “101.” Brooklyn-based folk artist Chris Garneau opens. Sat. 8 p.m. $20. Luckman Fine Arts Complex, 5151 State University Drive, Los Angeles. (323) 343-6600. luckmanarts.org.

UNCONVENTIONAL (MOSTLY UNPLUGGED) MUSIC HAPPENING
A diverse lineup of musicians, including Tenacious D’s Kyle Gass and KGB, Little Dawnee Frinta and Brian Joseph, perform during this inaugural folk festival, which benefits Temple Beth Israel of Highland Park and Eagle Rock. Sat. 8 p.m. $25 (general admission), $50 (VIP). Los Angeles Shakespeare Center, 1238 W. First St., Los Angeles. (323) 255-5416. tbila.org.

FRUGAL FESTIVAL FOOD
Cooking demos by celebrity chefs, food tastings, a live DJ and raffles highlight this gathering for foodies who appreciate a bargain nosh. Sat. 11 a.m. $5-$10 ($5 discount with canned goods donation). Canoga Park High School, 6850 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Canoga Park. (310) 734-8843. frugalfestival.com.


SUN | JUNE 26

“IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF MY FATHER”
Trace the artistic and personal journey of Yiddish writer Rachmil Bryks with his daughter, Bella Bryks Klein, who gives a multimedia presentation featuring photographs, songs and excerpts from her father’s writing. Presentation in both Yiddish and English. Sun. 2 p.m. $8 (general), free (students). California Institute for Yiddish Culture and Language, 8339 W. Third St., Los Angeles. (310) 745-1190. yiddishinstitute.org.

HAROLD MEYERSON
Harold Meyerson, an op-ed columnist for The Washington Post and editor-at-large for The American Prospect, lectures on “The Vanishing Middle Class and Other Dilemmas” for the Valley Salon series, sponsored by Progressive Jewish Alliance and Jewish Funds for Justice. Sun. 10 a.m. (brunch), 10:45 (program). $10 (no one turned away for lack of funds). Private residence in Tarzana. RSVP (323) 761-8350. pjalliance.org.


TUE | JUNE 28

NEIL GAIMAN
The acclaimed author of “Coraline,” “Stardust” and the comic book series “The Sandman” discusses his award-winning fantasy novel “American Gods” with comedian Patton Oswalt. Presigned copies of the newly updated 10th anniversary edition of “American Gods,” which is being adapted for an HBO series, must be ordered in advance. Tue. 8 p.m. $15 (general), $35 (includes copy of book). Saban Theatre, 8440 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills. (213) 623-1773. sabantheatre.org.

STEPHEN WITT
Witt discusses and signs copies of his debut novel, “American Moses,” which follows Southie Lewis, a secular Jew who — along with his Jamaican-American wife, Zippy, and two children — leads a group of Jews from upstate New York to Las Vegas after the town’s only synagogue burns down. Tue. 7 p.m. Free. Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. (310) 659-3110. booksoup.com.


WED | JUNE 29

“VAYIKRA MURAL”
Sephardic Temple hosts an opening reception for artist Barbara Mendes, creator of the “Psychedelic Legacy” series. Her “Vayikra Mural” depicts all 859 verses in the Book of Leviticus, and patterns of intense colors in the center and around the edges hint at the mystical light of God. Wed. 6-9 p.m. (opening reception). Through July 18. Gallery hours: Wednesdays 2-5 p.m., and by appointment. Free. Sephardic Temple Tiferet Israel, 10550 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 475-7311. sephardictemple.org.


THU | JUNE 30

“TRAGIC MAGIC”
Award-winning magician Joshua Jay recounts the strangest deaths that have befallen magicians, their assistants and audience members. A book signing follows the presentation, which will include a live feat of “tragic magic.” Arrive early and view the exhibitions “Houdini: Art and Magic” and “Masters of Illusion.” Thu. 8 p.m. $12 (general), $10 (Skirball members), $6 (full-time students). Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 440-4500. skirball.org.

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