Calendar Picks and Clicks: July 17-23, 2010

thursday pick

(MUSIC)

Hungarian Romani folk artists Parno Graszt — an eight-piece ensemble with strings, good vibes and innovative instruments (trash cans included) — rock the Skirball Cultural Center’s courtyard, kicking off the museum’s “Sunset Concert Series” highlighting global sounds. Thu. 8 p.m. Free. 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 440-4500. skirball.org.

SAT n JULY 17
(THEATER)

“Play Dates,” a new comedy written by “Jewtopia” co-creator Sam Wolfson and directed by Jennifer Chambers, features a married couple, a radio relationship expert and a couple of kindergartners all struggling with love. Sat. Through Aug. 1. 8 p.m. $20. Elephant Theatre, 6322 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles. (323) 960-7776. plays411.com/playdates.

(THEATER)

“Star Trek’s” Chris Pine, a distant Member of the Tribe (his maternal grandfather was Hollywood attorney Max M. Gilford), stars as an unstable, cat-loving, revenge-seeking Irish terrorist in “The Lieutenant of Inishmore,” a play by “In Bruges” writer-director Martin McDonagh. Sat. Through Aug. 8. Various times. $30-$45. Mark Taper Forum at the Music Center, 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. (213) 628-2772. centertheatregroup.org.

SUN n JULY 18
(ART)

“Freedom of Expression,” a new exhibition, showcases the mixed-media talents of 10 local artists. Sun. Through Aug. 22. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. (Sun.), 10 a.m.-9 p.m. (Mon.-Thurs.), 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (Fri.). Free. The Finegood Art Gallery at the Bernard Milken Jewish Community Campus, 22622 Vanowen St.,West Hills. (818) 464-3218. jewishla.org/finegood_art_gallery.cfm

(MUSEUM)

Photojournalist Marissa Roth explores the aftermath of ethnic cleansing in “Srebrenica: Then Is Now, Fifteen Years After the Massacre,” an exhibition that documents the lives of women who lost husbands and sons in July 1995, when 8,000 Bosniak Muslim men and teenage boys were killed over 11 days during the Bosnian War. Sun. Through Aug. 3. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. (Sun.), 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (Mon.-Fri.). $11 (students), $12 (seniors), $15 (adults). Museum of Tolerance, 9786 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 553-8403. museumoftolerance.com.

MON n JULY 19
(TISHA B’AV)

Dance for Jerusalem and fallen soldiers during “Dancing on Tisha B’Av.” Led by David Katz, this intermediate/advanced group features circle dances to music ranging from 1970s tunes to contemporary hits. Mon. 7:30-9:30 p.m. $6. Beth Shir Sholom, 1827 California Ave., Santa Monica. (310) 453-3361.  www.bethshirsholom.org.

THU n JULY 22
(COMMUNITY)

Grammy-nominated DJ MATTER takes to the turntables during the Young Leadership Division Summer Bash. If you need a break from dancing, consider helping with a social action project to aid the homeless. Thu. 8 p.m.-midnight, $12 (advance), $18 (door). The Bungalow Club, 7174 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles. (323) 761-8132.  www.yld.jewishla.org.

(COMMUNITY)

Learn about services offered to those struggling in the current economy during the Federation Mini Mission. Attendees visit and hear about the Emergency Cash Grant program; the Jewish Free Loan Association, which offers interest-free micro loans; Jewish Vocational Service; and more. The daylong event includes a hands-on volunteer effort with Tomchei Shabbos to prepare Shabbat meals for needy families. Thu. 2-7 p.m. $5. Various locations. (323) 761-8081.  www.jewishla.org..

FRI n JULY 23

(BOOKS)

In honor of the David R. Godine publishing house’s 40th anniversary, “Books That Matter for People Who Care” features a lecture by David Godine on his company’s letterpress printing method and the future of publishing in an electronic world. He also signs copies of his autobiography, “Godine at Forty: A Retrospective of Four Decades in the Life of an Independent Publisher.” A tour of the Getty Research Institute and a reception follow Godine’s lecture. Fri. 3-4:30 p.m. Free (reservation required). The Getty Center’s Museum Lecture Hall, 1200 Getty Center Drive, Los Angeles. (310) 440-7300.  getty.edu.

(SHABBAT)

Looking for a different Shabbat celebration? Chabad of Simi Valley’s Shabbat Under the Stars features an extensive dinner menu, stories and inspired Torah learning under the night sky. Fri. 7:30-10:30 p.m. $10 (children), $18 (adults), $50 (families). Reservations required. Chabad of Simi Valley, 4464 Alamo St., Simi Valley. (805) 577-0573. chabadsimi.org.