7 Days in the Arts

7Saturday

An evening of great songs awaits you at UCLA tonight, with the collaboration of Alan Bergman and Karen Morrow. Bergman, with his wife Marilyn, has won three Academy Awards, four Emmys and two Grammys for projects including the scores for such classic films as “The Way We Were” and “Yentl.” Broadway star and Emmy-winner Karen Morrow recently wrapped her role in the Los Angeles production of “Call Me Madam.” Together, they make musical magic. $45 (general admission); $9 (UCLA students). 8 p.m. Ostin Hall, in the Schoenberg Music Building at UCLA. To order tickets, call (310) 825-2101.

8Sunday

The Odyssey Network honors the High Holy Days today with a special presentation of the one-hour documentary “Grateful Am I to You.” Produced by The Jewish Theological Seminary in New York City, the documentary examines the opening prayer of the morning service. The film also looks at issues of communal worship in the modern age, with personal stories, cantorial melodies and a special service. 2 p.m.-3 p.m., The Odyssey Network. Check local cable listings for availability.

9Monday

Inspired by Crossroads Middle School’s government-in-action social studies program, educators Robert Adanto and Melinda Smith Altshuler have selected and organized “GOVERNMENTINACTION,” an exhibit of political posters at the Sam Francis Gallery. With posters representing issues from the antiwar movements to immigrants’ rights, the exhibit is meant to demonstrate these works as “art for the people.” Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-4 p.m., through Nov. 2. Sam Francis Gallery at Crossroads School, 1714 21st Street, Santa Monica. For more information, call (310) 829-7391, ext. 402.

10Tuesday

Though popular rock band Guster plays no klezmer or traditional Jewish music, guitarist Adam Gardner has been known to play a shofar solo on stage, and the band’s Web site claims that its performance contracts require “the dressing room must be furnished with plenty of borsht, noodle kugels, potato latkes, gefilte fish and homemade rugelach for dessert.” Over the course of three albums and with steady touring, the three Jewish boys who met in the dorms of Tufts University have built a loyal following for their ’60s-tinged guitar-and-bongo melodies. Performing tonight with Canadian band Barenaked Ladies. Tickets $25-40. Universal Amphitheater, Universal City, (213) 480-3232.

11Wednesday

Multifaceted wit Harry Shearer presents the world premiere of his new play,“Twilight’s Last Gleaming,” the latest production of L.A. Theatre Works at the Skirball Cultural Center. Set in the not-too-distant future, Shearer’s play tells the tale of the last voter in America, who is personally besieged by political campaigns. The comedy is part of an evening of political theater which also includes a solo performance piece about campaign strategist Lee Atwater and a question-and-answer session with political consultants and journalists. $32-$36. Wed.-Fri., 8 p.m.; Sun., 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Through Oct. 15. Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles. For reservations or more information, call (310) 827-0889.

12Thursday

“Hot off the Press,” Los Angeles Public Library’s series of book readings, discussions and dialogue, hosts world-renowned negotiation specialist William Ury, director of The Project on Preventing War at Harvard. Ury, author of the best-sellers “Getting to YES” and “Getting Past NO,” will read from and discuss his latest, “The Third Side: Why We Fight and How We Can Stop.” This discussion is co-presented with The Simon Wiesenthal Museum of Tolerance. 7 p.m. Mark Taper Auditorium, Central Library, Fifth and Flower streets, downtown. For reservations or more information, call (213) 228-7025.

13Friday

Pioneering modernist artistOskar Fischinger achieved great influence in his native Germany in the 1930s before the Nazi government declared his avant-garde animations “degenerate.” Clandestinely brought to America by Paramount Studios, Fischinger’s influence can be found in some of the animated films on which he worked for Hollywood studios, including Disney’s “Fantasia,” before withdrawing from Hollywood life to focus on his painting. Now those paintings and drawings are on view at Jack Rutberg Fine Arts Gallery in celebration of the centennial of Fischinger’s birth. Tues.-Fri., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Through Nov. 4. 357 N. La Brea Ave., Los Angeles. For more information, call (323) 938-5222.