Calendar Picks and Clicks: June 28-July 8, 2011

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.

SUN | JULY 3

SIMONE GAD
Don’t miss the final day to see “Visions of Highland Park,” a group exhibition inspired by Highland Park’s Latino and Central American community, which includes the work of L.A.-based artist Gad, who has been exhibiting paintings and collages in museums and galleries locally, nationally and internationally for more than 40 years. Sun. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. Avenue 50 Studio, 131 N. Ave. 50, Highland Park. (323) 258-1435. avenue50studio.com.

JULY 4 BBQ
Celebrate Independence Day a day early as the folks at JConnectLA and The Chai Center host a party with food, music and good times at a private residence in Beverly Hills. Young professionals (ages 21 to 39) only. ID required. Sun. 2-6 p.m. $15 (advance), $20 (door). 602 N. Whittier Drive, Beverly Hills. (310) 277-5544. chaicenter.org/bbq.

WED | JULY 6

TORAH ON TAP
Adat Ari El’s young professionals group, Valley Ruach, hosts its monthly evening of schmoozing, drinking and Torah discussion for people in their 20s and 30s. Wed. 7:30-10 p.m. Free. Private residence in the San Fernando Valley (address e-mailed following RSVP). (818) 835-2139. valleyruach.org.

THU | JULY 7

THURSDAY NIGHT JAZZ
Jazz guitarist Doug MacDonald, who has collaborated with Ray Charles, Stan Getz and other music legends, leads the Doug MacDonald Trio in a performance at the Original Farmers Market, located at West Third Street and Fairfax Avenue. The Los Angeles landmark holds concerts every Thursday and Friday all summer long, with vendors serving up different types of cuisine and artists serving up jazz, rock and more. Thu. 7-9 p.m. Free. 6333 W. Third St., Los Angeles. (323) 933-9211. farmersmarketla.com.

FRI | JULY 8

AMY HECKERLING
She redefined the high-school comedy in the ’80s with a film adaptation of Cameron Crowe’s “Fast Times at Ridgemont High” and updated Jane Austen’s “Emma” for the ’90s with “Clueless,” featuring Alicia Silverstone as Cher, a superficial Beverly Hills high school student who learns a valuable lesson about meddling in other people’s lives. Director Heckerling appears live for a discussion between the double-feature screenings. Fri. 7:30 p.m. $11 (general), $9 (students and seniors, 65 and older). Aero Theatre, 1328 Montana Ave., Santa Monica. (310) 260-1528. americancinematheque.com.

VANESSA CARLTON
Best known for her chart-topping hit “A Thousand Miles,” the pop pianist and vocalist performs “Carousel” and other songs from her forthcoming release, “Rabbits on the Run.” Singer-songwriter Maia Sharp opens. Fri. 8 p.m. $25. Largo at the Coronet, 366 N. La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 855-0350. largo-la.com.

“IT’S GOOD 2 BE CRAZY”
Joel and Merryl, a 20-something couple, have their relationship tested in this Gen-Y dramedy by L.A. playwright Joanclair Richter. Joel offers to remain in his dead-end position to support Merryl’s dreams of pursing a music career when she loses her part-time job. But when Doug, a successful music exec and family friend who harbors a crush on Merryl, agrees to listen to her demo, things get complicated. Thu. Through Aug. 14. 8 p.m. $20. Hudson Guild Theatre, 6539 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles. (323) 960-5774. plays411.com/goodcrazy.

INTO THE NIGHT: MUSIC AND MAGIC
This late-night event at the Skirball features performances by indie rock groups Autolux and Superhumanoids, KCRW DJ Anthony Valadez and strolling magicians; a screening of “Master Mystery” (1920), a serial starring Harry Houdini as justice department agent Quentin Locke investigating a cartel protected by a robot; and after-dark access to the exhibitions “Houdini: Art and Magic” and “Masters of Illusion: Jewish Magicians of the Golden Age.” Ages 21 and over only. Fri. 9 p.m.-1 a.m. $15. Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 440-5400. skirball.org.

SILVERLAKE INDEPENDENT JCC CAMPING TRIP
Summer is supposed to be spent outdoors. Join families from the SIJCC for a weekend camping trip in the Angeles National Forest. Through July 10. $50 (individual or family). (323) 663-2255. sijcc.net.