Picks and Clicks for Jan. 17-23, 2009

SAT | JANUARY 17

” title=”www.humanisticjudaismla.org”>www.humanisticjudaismla.org.

(MUSIC)
When Fred Astaire did his first screen test in 1933, the studio review was bleak: “Can’t act. Slightly bald. Also dances.” Astaire went on to become an idol to many, including Laura Wolfe, a LAUSD teacher by day and singer by night who was inspired by Astaire’s humble beginnings and named her second and latest album, “‘…also dances’ (A Tribute to the Great Dancers on Film).” Wolfe will be singing and dancing favorites from the likes of Astaire, Ann Miller and Sammy Davis Jr., as well as performing her own interpretations of songs by Cole Porter, Irving Berlin and Burton Lane in two upcoming Los Angeles performances. Sat. 8 p.m. Also, Jan. 23. $10. Serra’s, 12449 Ventura Blvd., Studio City. (818) 760-1002. ” title=”www.psfilmfest.org”>www.psfilmfest.org.

(MUSIC)
For more than 30 years, clarinet and mandolin master Andy Statman has created a unique fusion of klezmer, bluegrass and jazz. The New York Times has called his work the “music of Jewish mystics, but interpreted not as a tradition to be preserved but as a spiritual path to be followed in as personal a manner as possible.” Statman is set to perform as part of Getty’s influential music series Sounds of L.A., a free concert series now in its 12th season. Reservations are required. Sat. 7:30 p.m. (Also Sun. 3 p.m.) Free. Harold M. Williams Auditorium, Getty Center, 1200 Getty Center Drive, Los Angeles. (310) 440-7300. ” border = 0 vspace = ‘8’ hspace = ‘8’ align = ‘left’>(MLK COMMEMORATION)
The accomplishments of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. are particularly poignant this year — the image of King’s daughter overwhelmed with emotion on the night Barack Obama won the election reflects our nation’s painful progress. And what institution knows pain and progress better than the Museum of Tolerance? The museum is hosting two days of programming in honor of King, with performances of “Living Voices: The Right to Dream,” screenings of “Mighty Times: The Children’s March” — a film about the children of Birmingham who took to the streets to challenge segregation in 1963 — art activities, storytelling and a reading corner. And taking its cue from President-elect Obama, MOT is requesting that attendees bring nonperishables to donate to food banks as part of the National Day of Service that Obama has called for. Sun. and Mon. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission to museum: $15 (adults), $12 (seniors), $11 (children 5-18). Museum of Tolerance, 9786 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 553-9036. ” title=”www.arts.pepperdine.edu”>www.arts.pepperdine.edu.

(MUSIC FESTIVAL)
Combining world-class orchestral music with a charming seaside locale, the Laguna Beach Music Festival is a delightful excuse to head to the beach this chilly winter. The weeklong festival, presented by the Philharmonic Society of Orange County and Laguna Beach Live!, will spotlight American classical cellist Lynn Harrell in several concerts, along with gifted young musicians and special guests, pianist Victor Asuncion, soprano Frances Young and the String Quartet from The Colburn School of Music. The intimate affair also offers a meet the artists salon, several educational events and master classes open to the public. Sun. through Jan. 25. Various times and locations in Laguna Beach. (949) 553-2422. ” title=”www.yiddishkayt.org”>www.yiddishkayt.org.

MON | JANUARY 19

(COMMUNITY SERVICE)
If the expectations Americans have of Barack Obama are high, so are the next president’s expectations for his fellow citizens. Days before he is inaugurated, Obama is calling on all Americans to serve their country on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, which he has designated as a national day of service. There are a myriad of ways to participate locally, including donating winter clothing to Wilshire Boulevard Temple’s drive, giving blood at Cedars-Sinai, helping unemployed people create resumes with StreetWise Partners and in a simple, yet grand gesture, fostering a stronger community by just going out and shaking hands with your neighbors in Beverly Hills (Alissa’s Event, Jan. 19). For a list of opportunities to participate from Jan. 17-19, visit ” border = 0 vspace = ‘8’ hspace = ‘8’ align = ‘left’>(LITERATURE)
Why does a book with a female protagonist automatically get classified as a “beach read”? Do only women with ample free time to lounge on a towel read books featuring women? The popularity of the “chick lit” genre shows the enthusiasm for books written by and about women, but there is a demeaning overtone to the label that also points to a troubling gender divide. “Writing Like a Girl,” part of the Zocalo cultural forum series in partnership with the Skirball, will address this issue in a discussion moderated by author and Los Angeles Times columnist Meghan Daum. The panel will include two New York Times best-selling authors: Elisabeth Robinson, who produced such films as “The Lover” and “Braveheart,” and Laura Zigman, who wrote “Animal Husbandry,” the basis for the romantic comedy “Someone Like You,” as well as three other novels. Wed. 7:30 p.m. Free. Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles. (213) 403-0416. ” title=”www.templebethdavid.org”>www.templebethdavid.org.

(ART)
January not only marks the beginning of a new year but also Los Angeles Art Month. The monthlong celebration coincides with the 14th annual Los Angeles Art Show, showcasing 175 galleries from around the world and including an array of art for sale, from Rembrandt to Ruscha. Taking place for the fifth time at the Convention Center, the show also partners with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and the USC film school for the inaugural “Films on Art Documentary Film Series” screening at USC and featuring the short film, “Chagall,” about the Russian artist Marc Chagall, his life in the U.S. during WW II and his creation of the stained-glass windows for the Synagogue of the Hadassah University Medical Center in Jerusalem. For more information, visit ” title=”www.geraldinebrooks.com”>www.geraldinebrooks.com.

FRI | JANUARY 23
(POLITICS)
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s harsh words about Israel continue to haunt many Americans, which is why the work done by Elliot Brandt, Western states AIPAC director, is of such keen interest. Hear Brandt, who lobbies Congress for Pro-Israel legislation, speak about his hopes and concerns for 2009, the new administration and Iran in “Israel, Iran and Our New Congress.” A Shabbat dinner gives attendees the opportunity to probe Brandt face-to-face. Fri. 6:15 p.m. Talk and Shabbat services are free, dinner is $25 (members), $30 (non-members) and $12 (for children under 13). Congregation Ner Tamid of South Bay, 5721 Crestridge Road, Rancho Palos Verdes. (310) 377-6986.