June 12, 2008
Arts in L.A. Calendar June—August
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JULYWed., July 2
Fireworks Spectacular With Randy Newman at the Hollywood Bowl. This is truly a year of memorable anniversaries -- Israel's 60th and now, the Dodgers' 50th! Deck yourself out in Dodger blue and join thousands of baseball and music fans as you celebrate the Dodgers' Golden Anniversary in Los Angeles. Acclaimed Jewish composer Randy Newman will be conducting, ably accompanied by the L.A. Philharmonic. If you enjoy music, baseball and breathtaking fireworks, this is undoubtedly the event for you! 7:30-11 p.m. Through July 4. $10-$114. Hollywood Bowl, 2301 N. Highland Ave., Los Angeles. (323) 436-2827. http://hollywoodbowl.com.
Thu., July 3
Sizzling Summer Nights at the Autry. Romantic salsa king Yari More was discovered at a steamy nightclub in Bogotá, Colombia -- and you can discover him too during the opening show of "Sizzling Summer Nights," featuring the hottest salsa bands in the city. Bust out your best salsa moves or learn from the best. Don't forget to visit the taco and margarita bar at Griffith Park cafe and take advantage of complimentary dance lessons on a separate dance floor for your kids. Fill your summer with live entertainment, soaking up mambo beats, Latin jazz, charanga and Afro-Cuban melodies. Every Thursday through Aug. 28. Free (Autry members), $7 (general). Autry National Center, 4700 Western Heritage Way, Los Angeles. For times and dates, call (323) 667-2000. http://www.autrynationalcenter.org/.
Sat., July 5
"The Broken Jug" and "The Dwarf" Radio Broadcast. If you missed the historic staging of these two one-act operas formerly suppressed by the Nazis, this is an opportunity to enjoy the genius of two Jewish composers when KUSC airs the L.A. Opera performance conducted by James Conlon, who is responsible for resurrecting these little-known works and directing them with passion and precision. "The Broken Jug" is a whodunit with a twist of irony. "The Dwarf" is a melodramatic story about vanity and its consequences, when a young princess is gifted with a deformed dwarf. 10:30 a.m. KUSC FM 91.5. http://www.kusc.org.
Mon., July 7
"American Idols Live." The most successful talent competition in American history, also among the highest-rated shows on network television, begins its summer tour featuring the top 10 contestants from the 2008 season. Host Ryan Seacrest will be on hand with light jokes and exuberant intros while "Idol" favorites, such as recent winner David Cook and runner-up David Archuleta, croon the tunes that catapulted them from unknowns to Hollywood mega-stars. 7 p.m. $42.50-$68.50. Staples Center, 1111 S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles. (213) 480-3232. http://www.ticketmaster.com.
Thu., July 10
"Debbie Reynolds: American Icon -- An Evening of Music and Comedy." The virtuoso entertainer with an award-winning six decade career returns to the stage with a one-woman show demonstrating her comedic and musical repertoire. Chock-full of showmanship, Reynolds is still ripe for "Singin' in the Rain." 8 p.m. Through July 20. $45-$60. El Portal Theatre Mainstage, 5269 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood. (818) 508-4200. http://www.elportaltheatre.com.
Fri., July 11
"A Declaration of Independents: Say the Word."In the spirit of the Fourth of July, the theme of this "Say the Word" comedy program at the Skirball is independence and freedom. Comedian Beth Lapides of Un-Cabaret -- who was called "the high priestess of alternative comedy" by LA Weekly -- hosts this occasional reading series that features fresh original comedy from some of Hollywood's top writers. Joining Lapides in sharing free-thinking and free-wheeling stories will be Merrill Markoe of "Walking in Circles Before Lying Down," Cindy Chupack from "Sex and the City," Stephen Glass of "The Fabulist" and others. Cocktails and light snacks will be available for purchase at the lounge-style gathering. 8 p.m. $8 (students), $10 (members), $15 (general). Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 440-4500. http://www.skirball.org.
Fri., July 11
"The Drowsy Chaperone" at the Ahmanson Theatre -- Neighborhood Night! Join fellow theater lovers in welcoming home to Los Angeles our very own Tony Award-winning musical, "The Drowsy Chaperone!" All grown up since its debut on the Ahmanson stage years ago, the musical turned Broadway phenomenon has gained critical acclaim and an abundance of Tony Awards among raving reviews. Come and see for the first or fifth time the hilarious tale of a musical enthusiast whose turntable album becomes reality in the middle of his apartment. Bringing to life a raging bridezilla on her tumultuous wedding day, "Chaperone" elicits the laughs and gasps that only a true Broadway masterpiece inspires. At this special "Neighborhood Night," you can engage in a Q-and-A session with the cast and crew while indulging in delicious food, wine and delightful company that are sure to enhance your evening at the theatre. 8 p.m. Through Aug. 20. $30-$90 (general admission), $115 (Neighborhood Night). Ahmanson Theatre, 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. (213) 972- 7513. http://centertheatregroup.org.
Sat., July 12
Summer Sessions at the Getty. Heat up your summer nights traveling the world through music ranging from dance floor beats to classical melodies. DJ Cheb i Sabbah, known for creating North African folk and South Asian music, blends his tunes with vocals from Pakistani singer Riffat Sultana. Self-described "unheralded emperors of Instrumental Staten Island Afro-Soul," the Budos Band collaborates with Spanish artist El Guincho serving up indie-pop, Spanish chanting, thudding tribal rhythms and ghostly harmonies. 6 p.m. Also July 19 and 26. Free. Getty Center, Museum Courtyard and Garden Terrace, 1200 Getty Center Drive, Los Angeles. (310) 440-7300. http://www.getty.edu.
Sat., July 12
Toby Keith's Biggest and Baddest Tour. Grab your cowboy boots and head out to the Glen Helen Pavilion, where Toby Keith, two-time ACM Entertainer of the Year, is planning to show you a honky-tonk time. Ready to prove he's as good as he's ever been, Keith has teamed up with Montgomery Gentry, whose chart-soaring single "Back When I Knew It All," will have you up on your feet and swinging your hats in the air. Keith's pumped-up style and excellent performances will have country fans and newcomers alike shouting "Encore!" -- with a bit of a Southern twang. 7:30 p.m. $17.25-$69.50. Glen Helen Pavilion, 2575 Glen Helen Parkway, San Bernadino. (909) 880-6500. http://www.livenation.com/event/getEvent/eventId/327395.
