It’s no secret: as a people, we wander. Lawrence Baron discusses the various migrations of Jews in world history and how global cinema has portrayed these movements. Author of “The Wandering View: Modern Jewish Experiences in World Cinema and Projecting the Holocaust Into the Present,” Baron knows a thing or two about Jews and movies.
Academy Award winner and peace activist Yuval Ron brings his ensemble to a stage near you. With focused efforts to lessen the national, racial, religious and cultural divides that often dominate the Middle East, Ron chooses to celebrate, unite and bridge these gaps.
This Iranian-American knows a thing or two about uniting sounds. Along with his Texas-based ensemble, Shafinury creates music that not only denies geography, but also time. He combines Iranian, Indian, Mexican and Texan sounds with modern electronic beats and American folk/rock; pinpointing an exact origin might be a challenge — so just sit back and enjoy. Hosted by KCRW DJ Tom Schnabel. Sat. 8 p.m. Free. Grand Performances, 350 S. Grand Ave., downtown. (213) 687-2159. grandperformances.org.
Events around Los Angeles
Celebrate Jewish culture with Southern California-based klezmer band Mostly Kosher’s bandleader and singer Leeav Sofer and Janice “Rachele the Matchmaker” Mautner Markham on violin. They perform songs and stories from across the globe as part of the family series “Big!World!Fun!” at the Ford. Sat. 10 a.m. $5 (adults), free (ages 12 and younger). John Anson Ford Theatres, 2580 Cahuenga Blvd. E., Hollywood. (323) 461-3673.
Rabbis Joshua Aaronson of Temple Judea in Tarzana, Ken Chasen of Leo Baeck Temple in Bel Air, Denise Eger of Congregation Kol Ami in West Hollywood and Stewart Vogel of Temple Aliyah in Woodland Hills were recently named senior rabbinic fellows at the Shalom Hartman Institute (SHI), following the rabbis’ completion of the institute’s Rabbinic Leadership Initiative.
While it might not be your usual cantorial music resource, the band has had a long relationship with Hebrew and Judaism.
The Marx man is back. Almost. Award-winning actor/director/playwright Frank Ferrante re-creates his PBS portrayal of the famous comedian. The evening will include some of the best Groucho anecdotes and songs, like “Hooray for Captain Spaulding” and “Lydia, the Tattooed Lady.” Accompanied by an on-stage pianist, it will be a lively night full of laughter. Sat. 8 p.m. $30 (general admission). Pasadena Playhouse, 39 S. El Molino Ave., Pasadena. (626) 356-7529. pasadenaplayhouse.org.
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