Calendar Picks and Clicks: July 27-Aug. 2

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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Laura Donney

July 24, 2013

SAT JULY 27

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MATT HAIMOVITZ

The rock ’n’ roll cellist brings something edgy to an outdoor summer evening during “Moving Pictures With Matt Haimovitz,” presented as part of MUSE/IQUE’s Summer of Sound. Israeli born and educated at Harvard and Juilliard, Haimovitz has a wealth of world experience and knowledge to share through his music, which features highlights from acclaimed film scores, classical music, rock and other genres. The program also includes “American Idol” finalist Allison Iraheta and a world-premiere composition by Peter Golub. Sat. 7:30 p.m. $35-$96. Caltech, 332 S. Michigan Ave., Pasadena. (626) 539-7089. “>cinema.ucla.edu.

IPALPITI FESTIVAL GRAND FINALE

The world just got a little bit smaller — and louder. The Ipalpiti Orchestra performs the final songs of its festival under the direction of Eduard Schmieder. Musicians from multiple countries, including Israel, Denmark, Romania and Germany, will play pieces by Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach, Anton Webern, Marc-Olivier Dupin and Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. Let’s send them off with a nice farewell. Sat. 8 p.m. $24-$120. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., downtown. (310) 205-0511. MON JULY 29

KLEZFEST “J.A.M. SESSION”

The Los Angeles Jewish Symphony is bringing Eastern Europe to you in its second annual klezmer music celebration. It’s all-inclusive, so bring an instrument or some dancing shoes, because the stage belongs to you, too. And if you’re a little nervous about dancing, don’t be. Yiddish dance master Bruce Bierman will lead the way. Mon. 7 p.m. Free (reservations required). Ford Amphitheatre, 2580 Cahuenga Blvd. E., Los Angeles. (323) 461-3673. THU AUG 1

SHYE BEN-TZUR

The acclaimed Israeli composer, producer and performer resets Hebrew prayers and poetry to Indian devotional music. Blending international and personal influences, Ben-Tzur’s West Coast premiere showcases exactly what it means to cross political and religious boundaries. Part of the Skirball Sunset Concert series. Thu. 8 p.m. Free. Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 440-4500. FRI AUG 2

SHABBAT IN THE PARK

Spice up your Shabbat tradition with an outdoor escape. The Jewish Federation Valley Alliance, Shalom Institute and various Valley synagogues are partnering for a special Shabbat evening. Led by a medley of clergy, you won’t be wanting for a sense of community. The festivities include arts and crafts, a drum circle and social action projects. Bring a picnic dinner and stay for the after-service concert with family-friendly songs. Fri. 5 p.m. (activities), 6:15 p.m. (service). Free. Warner Center Park, 5800 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Woodland Hills. (818) 668-2336. “>thenohoartscenter.com.

“THE GARDENER”

Father and son collaborate to create this poetic exploration of religion, specifically the Baha’i faith, in these contemporary times. Iranian filmmaker Mohsen Makhmalbaf and his cinematographer son, Maysam, travel to Israel and follow a gardener from Papua New Guinea who shares who he is and why he has settled where he has. With different opinions and lots of questions, “The Gardner” opens up a dialogue about spirituality and family that will leave you in thoughtful reflection. Fri. Various times. $12-$15. Laemmle Music Hall, 9036 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills. (310) 478-3836.