ENTERTAINMENT

THEATRE, CONCERTS, OPERA, SPECIAL EVENTS

Ahmanson Theatre: Los Angeles Music Center, 135 N. Grand Ave., Downtown Los Angeles (213/628-2772). www.taperahmanson.com The Drowsy Chaperone, a witty love letter to the madcap musicals of the 1920s. The curtain rises on a present-day theatre fanatic eager to share his favorite musical with the audience. As he begins to play a rare cast recording on his hi-fi, The drowsy Chaperone blooms to life on stage, telling the tale of a pampered Broadway starlet who wants to give up show business to marry her debonair fiancée. Enter the producer who tires to sabotage the nuptials, the starlet's world-weary and scene-stealing chaperone, the nervous best man, the dotty dowager, the sardonic service, the dizzy chorine, a Latin lover and pair of gangsters posing as pasty chefs and an aviatrix. In no time the hi-jinks begin and the fun spins completely out of control. July 8-20. New musical comedy based on the classic hit movie! 9 to 5: The Musical features a brand-new score by seven-time Grammy Award®-winner Dolly Parton that includes the blockbuster title song, plus a book by original screenwriter Patricia Resnick and direction by two-time Tony Award®-winner Joe Mantello (directing his first new musical since Wicked). The story concerns three very different women pushed to their boiling point by their boss. The super efficient office manager, the frazzled divorcee and the sexy executive secretary turn the tables to get even with the sexist, egotistical, lying hypocritical bigot and that plan quickly spins widely and hilariously out of control. Sept. 3-Oct 19.

The Drowsy Chaperone Photo 4.jpg (144103 bytes) Jonathan Crombie and Nancy Opel in The Drowsy Chaperone Photo: Joan Marcus

Alex Theatre: Glendale (818/243-ALEX) www.alextheatre.org The Glendale Youth Orchestra, a partner of the LA Philharmonic, performs their last concert of the organization's 19th year on June 3. The first half of the concert features the three winners of the annual concerto competition accompanied by the Glendale Youth Orchestra. The second half of the concert will be a performance of Beethoven's Symphony No. 4 in B flat at major, opus 6.

Ambassador Auditorium: 131 S. Saint John Ave., Pasadena (626/793-7172) John Williams conducts John Williams Music That Made the Movies! benefiting the Pasadena Pops, Symphony and Youth Orchestras. Hollywood's greatest living composer conducts the Orchestras in a concert of his finest film scores. A once in a lifetime event. Sept. 13.

Avalon Ballroom: Catalina Avenue, Avalon (866/872-9849) www.jazztrax.com The Catalina Island Jazz Trax Festival presents this three weekend event featuring 30 different smooth jazz stars performing Unplugged at the Ranch and in the historic Casino Ballroom. Art Good features the newest and best talent in the smooth jazz genre. Oct 3-19.

Bob Baker Marionette Theater: 1345 W. 1st Street, Los Angeles (213/250-9995) www.bobbakermarionettes.com Marionettes from all over the globe entertain in an in-the-round performance of waltzing rag dolls and madcap musical instruments, Tuesdays thru Sundays.

California Plaza: 300-350 S. Grand Ave., Downtown Los Angeles (213/687-2159) www.grandperformances.org Free concerts, films and dance performances under the stars (check for times): Musicology 202: Alan Chapman -- Brass Action, Music Theory with a Metallic Twist, July 10 ; Money Mark's Mystery Mix-tape, Part 1, July 11; Son de Madera & Nati Cano's Mariachi Los Camperos, July 11; Rachid Taha, July 12; Musicology 203: Alan Chapman on Tom Lehrer and other Champions of Satirical Music, July 17; Tcheka, July 18; The Real Tuesday Weld and Lal Meri, July 18; Waldemar Bastos & Ricardo Lemvo, July 19; Jim Gamble Puppets, July 20; Rupa and the April Fishes, July 25; Delfos Danza Contemporanea, July 25; JDub's Slivovitz and Soul with Soulico & Golem, July 27; Fresh Roots Jazz Festival, Aug. 1; Armnenia Mania!, Aug. 2-3; Musicology 204: Josh Kun's Brass Band Odyssey, Aug. 7; Jaipur Kawa Brass Band, Aug. 8; Mladi Chamber Orchestra, Chuchito Valdez, Aug. 9, Lal Meri, Aug. 15; The World According to Sesame Street, Aug. 15, Gypsy Caravan, Aug. 16.

Catalina Casino Ballroom: Santa Catalina Island, Avalon (800/595-4849) www.visitcatalinaisland.com/avalon/even_specialevent.php Kenny Loggins takes the audience on a creative journey that's encompassed over three decades of hit singles and more than 12 albums exceeding platinum status. Loggins and his band will perform for the first time in the legendary Casino Ballroom, a 1929 Art Deco masterpiece that sits on the edge of Avalon Bay. Aug. 10. (see Guide's Globetrotter)

Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts: 12700 Center Drive, Cerritos (800/300-4345) www.cerritoscenter.com Bernadetette Peters, Aug. 16; An Evening with America, Aug. 20; Babyface, Aug. 23; An Evening with Kansas, Aug. 27; Colin Mochrie and Brad Sherwood, Aug. 30; Dave Stewart with Orchestra, Sept. 5; Martha Reeves & The Vandellas and The Spinners, Sept. 6; Crystal Gayle and Collin Raye, Sept. 13; Judy Collins and The Smothers Brothers, Sept. 14 ; Hiroshima, Sept. 20; Randy Owen of Abama, Sept. 23; Rickie Lee Jones, Sept. 25; Ronan Tynan, Sept. 26; Celio & Kapono, Sept. 28.

Colony Theatre Company: 555 North Third St., Burbank (818/558-7000) www.colonytheatre.org On the 1920s prairie, Davey Quinn's special storytelling grabs the ear of an early radio hustler who puts him on the air -- and a star is born. Quinn's homespun yarns become a hit with the hearts of America, including one whose childhood memories are mysteriously stirred to life. An epic adventure of young love and redemption with three actors playing more than 20 roles in The Voice of the Prairie, June 18-July 27. He's a disillusioned, alcoholic teacher. She's a passionate, street wise student and a breath of fresh air in his life. Educating Rita is the poignant comic masterpiece that explores what it really means to be educated, Aug. 20-Sept. 21. Mary's Wedding follows a couple from their unexpected meeting in a barn during a thunderstorm across the prairies of Canada and the battlefields of Europe. A testament to the power of memory and hope that lingers like a remembered dream, Oct. 22-Nov. 23. Candida by George Bernard Shaw, concerns a woman's choice between two men who love her. The playwright shows that marriage hasn't changed all that much over the past century. A story of fidelity, honor and unspoken passion that asks how well we really know those we love, Feb. 4-March 8, 2009. No Way to Treat a Lady, a musical thriller, April 15-May 17.

Descanso Gardens: 1418 Descanso Drive, La Canada, The Pasadena Symphony Association, (626/792-7677) www.pasadenapops.org Concerts under the Stars with the Pasadena Pops presents How The West Was Sung, June 20-21; In The Heat of the Night, July 18, 19, 20; America the Beautiful, Aug. 15, 16, 17 and Summertime...and The Listening is Easy, Sept. 5, 6, & 7.

Placido Domingo

Dorothy Chandler Pavilion: Los Angeles Music Center, 135 North Grand Ave., (213/972-8001) www.losangelesopera.com Music Director James Conlon begins the new season celebrating the 150th anniversary of the birth of Giacomo Puccini, presenting an all-star production of the composer's Il Trittico, a unique triptych of one-act operas. Il Tabarro (The Cloak) relates the story of a passionate love triangle that leads to a tragic end. Suor Angelica (Sister Angelica) tells the heart-rending tale of a cloistered nun with a worldly secret. Gianni Schicchi is a comedy about a charming scoundrel who schemes to rewrite a dead man's will. The three operas that make up Il Trittico will be split between two Academy Award winning filmmakers. Woody Allen will direct Gianni Schicchi and William Friedkin will direct Il Tabarro and Suor Angelica. Sept. 6, 11, 14, 17, 21, 23, 26. LA Opera presents the U. S. Premiere of Howard Shore's The Fly, a dark romantic tragedy that presents a Kafkaesque meditation on man's uneasy relationship with technology with Placido Domingo conducting. Sept. 7, 10, 13, 16, 20, 27. The season continues with Madama Butterfly, Carmen, Die Zauberflote, Das Rheingold, Die Walkure, The Birds & La Traviata.

LA OPERA'S LUXURY EXPRESS BUS SERVICE: A new cross town motor coach service lets audience members travel from LA's Westside to Downtown Los Angeles in stress-free, air-conditioned comfort. The luxury motor coach service will operate for all LA Opera's weeknight evening performances, Monday through Thursday, beginning November 27 for just $15 roundtrip per person. The service departs from the Federal Building parking lot at 11000 Wilshire Boulevard in Westwood. Departure time is 5:45 for most operas. Tickets may be reserved by calling Audience Services at 213/972-8001. Seating is limited. .

Eli and Edythe Broad Stage: 1310 11th St., Santa Monica (310/434-3412) www.thebroadstage.com The westside's newest theatre complex, state of the art, a mini music center. Inaugural Gala features Barbara Cook in concert, Sept. 20. Opening night presents Frederica Von Stade & Jake Heggie, Oct. 11, Jubilant Sykes, Nov. 14.

Fountain Theatre: 5060 Fountain Ave., Los Angeles (Fountain at Normandie) (323/663-1525) www.fountaintheatre.com The West Coast premiere of The Accomplices, the true story of Hillel Kook who during W.W.II spearheaded an extraordinary campaign of public rallies, hard hitting newspaper advertisements, and lobbying in Congress that forced American to confront the Holocaust. Bernard Weinraub writes a blistering account of the flight to save millions and the conspiracy of silence and inaction in the U. s. State Department that continues to haunt us to this day. July 12-Aug. 24.

Fremont Centre Theatre: 1000 Fremont Ave., South Pasadena (866/811-4111) www.insideprivatelives.com Inside Private Lives returns to Los Angeles after being honored as Pick of the Fringe at the 2007 Edinburgh Festival Fringe in this interactive theatrical experience where the audience meets infamous figures from the 20th century and goes inside their scandals and secrets to determine their fate. Sept. 7-Oct. 19.

Geffen Playhouse: 10886 Le Conte Ave., Westwood ( (310/208-5454) www.geffenplayhouse.com Beethoven, As I Knew Him, featuring the music of Ludwig van Beethoven with text by Hershey Felder. Aug. 19-Sept. 28.

International City Theatre: Long Beach Performing Arts Center, 300 East Ocean Bl., Long Beach (562/436-4610) www.ictlongbeach.org The West Coast premiere of John C. Picardi's drama, The Sweepers, part of a ten play cycle about Italian-American life in America. Bella, Mary and Dotty have been friends and next door neighbors in Boston's North End Italian neighborhood since childhood. It's WW II, and husbands and sons are away fighting -- bringing unsettling pressure to assimilate and change with the times on those who cherish traditions, values and cultural heritage. June 13-July 16.

Kirk Douglas Theatre: 9820 Washington Bl. Culver City (213/628-2772) www.centertheatregroup.com Of Equal Measure, set in World War I America, provides an illuminating perspective of the Woodrow Wilson presidency as viewed through the character of Jade Kingston, an African American stenographer working in the White House. Jade witnesses first hand the paradox of Wilson bring the US into the Great War in order that "the world be made safe for democracy" while trampling civil rights at home by ordering the segregation of black federal employees and imprisoning individuals critical of the war effort. The effects that these actions have on Jade, her job, her family and her country fuel a compelling story that resonates socially and politically today. July 11-27.

Michole Briana White in Of Equal Measure. Photo: Craig Swartz

Kodak Theater: 6801 Hollywood Bl., West Hollywood, (213/480-3232) www.ticketmaster.com Home of the Oscars Award Ceremony. Comedian and syndicated radio host Steve Harvey, June 7; Ricky Gervais Live: The Out of England Tour, July 12. Guided theatre tours are offered daily with rare production and performance schedule exceptions, from 10:30 am to 2:30 pm, departing every 30 minutes

Lillian Theatre: 1076 Lillian Way, Hollywood (323/960-7784) www.Plays311.com/DesertSunrise. Critically acclaimed and award winning play Desert Sunrise by Israeli Army veteran Misha Shulman premieres on the West Coast. The play begins with a chance encounter between an Israeli soldier and a Palestinian shepherd seeking refuge in a desert valley in the Israeli occupied West Bank. Warily, they circle each other, quarreling , laughing, joking, dancing, fighting their way to a place of mutual acceptance. Just when it seems they have forged a bond, the Palestinian's girlfriend, fueled by rage, despair and radical fundamentalism abruptly alters their trajectory. Over the course of one memorable night, the three share their stories and recognize in each other the same fears, desires and tenderness. July 10-Aug. 9.

Leo S. Bing Theater: Los Angeles Museum of Art, 5905 Wilshire Bl., Los Angeles. (213/485-6873). Free chamber music series. Each Sunday at 4 p.m.

Mark Taper Forum: Los Angeles Music Center, 135 N. Grand Ave., Downtown Los Angeles (213/628-2772). www.taperahmanson.com Giga-star Dame Edna hosts a glittering gala benefit celebrating the opening of the new Mark Taper Forum following the theatre's 12 month, $30 million state of the art interior renovation. The gala benefit begins with a special red-carpet experience as Dame Edna covers the arrivals to her own party, followed by cocktails, dinner and a special sneak preview of the new Taper of John Guare's classic "The House of Blue Leaves" and post play festivities. Tickets to the gala are $1,500 and are available by calling (213/972-3139). Proceeds from the benefit will help support the work of Center Theatre Group. Sept. 13.

Magicopolis: Abracadabra Theatre, 1418 4th St., Santa Monica (310/451-2241). Fast paced, colorful, magic and illusion shows for the whole family in a theater setting. Ongoing.

Old Globe Theatre: Balboa Park, San Diego (619/23-GLOBE) www.TheOldGlobe.org Hershey Felder's entertains audiences with his own special take on some of the world greatest musicians: Beethoven, As I Knew Him, May 3-June 8; Monsieur Chopin, June 11-22; George Gershwin Alone, June 25-29.

The Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall of the Orange County Performing Arts Center. Photo: Valerie Summers

Orange County Performing Arts Center and Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall and Samueli Theater: 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa (714/740-2000 or 714/556-2787 or 714/755-5799). www.ocpac.org or www.pacificsymphony.org Monday Movie Nights -- free on the community plaza, July 14, 21, 28 & Aug. 4; American Ballet Theatre, Aug. 6-10; A Chorus Line, Aug. 19-31; Nada Surf, Aug. 28; Jose Gonzalez, Sept. 25; Pianist Lang Lang, Oct. 1; Isabel Bayrakdarian and Armenian Chamber Ensemble, Oct. 5; Philharmonia Brasilianos, with saxophonist Branford Marsalis, Oct. 11; West African Festival, Nov. 20; Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, Nov. 23. Free public tours of the center Wednesdays and Saturdays at 10:30 a.m. Telephone first.

Pasadena Playhouse: 39 S. El Molino Ave., Pasadena (626/356-7529) www.PasadenaPlayhouse.org Looped, starring four-time Emmy award-winner Valerie Harper, tells the story of Tallulah Bankhead, the original celebrity bad girl, being called into a sound studio to "loop" one line of dialogue for what would be her last film. Ms. Bankhead was know for her wild personal escapades and outlandish exploits. June 27-Aug. 3. Mauritius concerns two half-sisters who vie for the rights to a recently inherited and dazzling valuable stamp collection. They come face to face with a couple of machine gun mouthed con artists who ensnare them in their own brand of beguiling trickery. Its a twisting, turning and wildly hilarious ride. Oct. 17-Nov. 23.

Chad Allen and Valerie Harper star in Looped. Photo: Craig Schwartz

Pan Andreas Theatre: 5125 Melrose Ave., (323/960-1052) www.plays411.com/mymoney John Patrick Shanley's Where's My Money? is presented by the newly formed theatre company The Actorhood. Marriage and its discontents are the subject of the show. When an out of work actor who's cheating on her boyfriend with a married man runs into a long lost friend, the two have some catching up to do. One, an accountant married to a lawyer, gives the impression of being very together and does not approve of the other's lifestyle. The plot becomes more intriguing and complex as more is learned about each woman's life. May 15-June 14.

Pantages Theatre: 6233 Hollywood Bl., Hollywood www.BroadwayLA.org Broadway L.A. presents Phantom of the Opera, which tells the story of a masked figure who lurks beneath the catacombs on the Paris Opera House exercising a rein of terror ove all who inhabit it. He falls in love with an innocent young soprano and devotes himself to creating a new star by nurturing her extraordinary talents. Jan. 21-Feb. 21, 2009. The season continues with Grease, Mama Mia!, Dirty Dancing, Fiddler on the Roof, Legally Blonde The Musical.

Pierson Playhouse: 941 Temescal Canyon Rd., Pacific Palisades (310/454-1979) Theatre Palisades presents the show must go on, the battle cry for the cast and of the not quite so hilarious new comedy Nothing On. There may not be many laughs on stage but the behind the scenes laughs abound in this zany farce in Noises Off, one of the funniest backstage comedies ever, weekends, April 4-May 11; I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change, June 13-July 20.

Redcat: Walt Disney Concert Hall complex at 2nd and Hope Streets, downtown Los Angeles (213/237-2800) www.redcat.org

Redondo Beach Pier: Torrance Bl., west of PCH, Redondo Beach (310/318-0631) www.redondopier.com Free bi-weekly concerts are for all ages bringing new vibes to the pier every Thursday and Saturday, July 4-Aug. 30, 6pm--8pm including music from the 50's, Big Band, Blues, Country, Drum Circles, Island, Latin, Pop, Classic Rock and Surf. Bring your own beach chair.

Santa Monica Playhouse: 1211 4th St., Santa Monica (310/394-9779, ext. 2) www.santamonicaplayhouse.com And Awaaay We Go To Wonderland takes audiences on a magical musical journey to the land of enchantment to decide the fate of a host of favorite fairytale superstars...a musical for kids 2- 102, June 21-Sept. 28 12:30 and 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. They radiated him, but they could not silence him: Charlie Lustman, surviving cancer one song at a time, Made Me Nuclear -- the operetta, Lustman's pop music operetta may have come from his personal story but it is a universal one familiar to survivors everywhere. Blending humor and intimacy this is a show for anyhow who has faced a challenge in life. Fridays and Saturdays, Sept. 4-Oct. 11. (866/568-3399) www.MadeMeNuclear.com

Skirball Cultural Center: 2701 N. Sepulveda Bl., West Los Angeles ((310/827-0889) www.latw.org The Play's The Thing presented by the L.A. Theatre Works broadcasting weekly on public and satellite radio, showcases Tennessee Williams's Summer and Smoke, a sensuous portrait of sexual repression as sultry and the sweltering heat of its Mississippi setting. Alma Winemiller, the sheltered daughter of a minister, secretly harbors and lifelong love for the boy next door, Dr. John Buchanan. Alma seeks a spiritual love with just one man, but the rakish John is focused solely on sexual conquest. Their intense relationship degenerates into a battle for his body and her soul. June 18-22. Neil Simon's Broadway Bound, the final installment of the playwright's acclaimed biographical trilogy. Having returned from WWII, two brothers pair up to break into the world of professional comedy writing. Inspiration strikes when they aim their sights on their dysfunctional family, July 9-13.

South Coast Repertory: 655 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa (714/708-5555) www.scr.org A fresh new adaptation of Peter Pan, an exuberant musical for kids of every age, flying through the nursery window into a night of adventure, Aug. 9-10. 16-17. An Italian Straw Hat, a rolicking new musical following a hapless young bridegroom through turn of the century New York as he tries to correct a horrendous problem. It seems his horse has eaten a young lady's hat and his wedding will be derailed if he can't find a replacement immediately. Sept. 5-Oct 5. In Dead Man's Cell Phone a woman who answers a dead man's cell phone finds her life turned upside down, "a beguiling new comedy" raved The New York Times, Sept. 21-Oct. 12. The Heiress, a psychological drama of love, innocence and betrayal loosely based on the classic Henry James novel Washington Square about a widower and his spinster daughter in 1950's New York, Oct. 17-Nov. 16.

Staples Center, downtown Los Angeles (213/480-3232) www.TinaTurnerLive.com Eight-time Grammy Award winner and Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Tina Turner brings her 17-city North American tour to Los Angeles on October 13 and 16. With a brand new stage show, fans will be treated to hit after hit spanning Turner's entire career. The spectacular production will include the singer's top-notch band, innovative choreography, hi-tech lighting and much more.

Theatricum Botanicum: 1419 N. Topanga B., Topanga (310/455-3723) www.theatricum.com The Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum presents the summer schedule in repertory under the stars: As You Like It, , Macbeth, School for Scandal, Long Day's Journey Into Night and A Midsummer Night's Dream, June 1-September 28.

Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza (Countrywide Performing Arts Center): 2100 Thousand Oaks Bl., Thousand Oaks (805/583-8700 or 213/480-3232) A Tribute to the Superstars of Broadway, with a special salute to George Gershwin including songs from Jesus Christ Superstar, Fiddler of the Roof, Man of La Mancha, Phantom of the Opera and Hello Dolly. June 1.

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Walt Disney Concert Hall Photo: Grant Mudford

Walt Disney Concert Hall: 151 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles (213/972-7288) www.wdch.com The unique Frank Gehry designed home to the Los Angeles Philharmonic embodies the unique energy and creative spirit of both the City of Angels and its world-class orchestra under the direction of Esa-Pekka Salonen and features the works of the world's musical greats including Mahler, Shostakovich, Rachimaninoff, Debussy and Beethoven. The Philharmonic is also commited to the presentation of music of our time as well as offering its exhiliarating Green Unmbrella concerts which feature the Los Angeles Philharmonic New Music Group devoted exclusively to compositions on the cutting edge of the repertoire and attract leading composers and performers of contemporary music. Chamber music is another intergral part of the orchestra's repertoire. Newly introduced, the Speaker Series includes fascinating presenters from the world of politics, art, culture and media. Guided and self-guided tours of the concert hall are available to the public (213/972-4399).

SPECIAL EVENTS

Age of Imagination: Los Angeles Country Museum of Art, 5905 Wilshire Bl., Los Angeles, (323/857-6000) www.lacma.org Japanese Art, 1615-1868 from the Price Collection. This exhibition features a world-renowned collection of Japanese paintings from the Edo Period, one of the most remarkably creative spans in Japan's history, including screens, hanging scroll, and fan-format paintings. June 22-Sept. 14.

Autumn Home Tours: Oxnard (805/483-7960) www.oxnardhistoricdistrict.com Classic homes from the early 20th century are open for viewing during the 12th Annual Autumn Home Tour, Sept. 28, 11 AM- 4 PM. The homes are located along F and G streets within the Henry T. Oxnard Historic District. The tree-lined streets feature a mix of early 20th century houses including a large number of Craftsman bungalows and large and small homes in the Arts and Crafts, Prairie and Colonial Revival styles.

Bernini and the Birth of Baroque Portrait Sculpture: J. Paul Getty Museum, Getty Center, 1200 Getty Center Drive, Los Angeles (310/440-7300) www.getty.edu Gian Lorenzo Bernini (1598-1680) is widely acknowledged as the greatest Baroque sculptor for his monumental works such as Apollo and Daphne and the Ecstacy of St. Theresa. His unparalleled talent as a portrait sculptor transformed the practice and earned him the patronage of the Catholic Church and nobility in 17th century Rome, aswell as important commissions from froeign rulers. The special exhibition will also include Bernin's portrait drawings as well as portrait busts by other important sculptors in 17th century Rome. Aug. 5-Oct. 26.

Broad Contemporary Art Museum - BCAM: Los Angeles Country Museum of Art, 5905 Wilshire Bl., Los Angeles, (323/857-6000) www.lacma.org The newest addition to the Los Angeles art scene, designed by Renzo Piano, this three story, 72,000 square foot gallery building is dedicated to art from 1945 to the present. The Broad Art Foundation works closely with LACMA to arrange rotating loans to BCAM from the Broad collections and exhibitions also feature loans from other institutions and collections as well as from LACMA's own contemporary collection.

Camarillo Art & Jazz Festival: Old Town, just off the 101 Freeway at the Lewis exit near the Conejo grade. A free shuttle service from the Camarillo Premium Outlets runs throughout the day. A medley of non-stop entertainment, artists, gourmet foods and evening concert celebrates the best of summer, Sept. 13. Revelers will enjoy an array of jazz including gospel and bluegrass with non stop performances from five stages. More than 50 artists showcase their originals amid local merchants. Farmer's Market begins at 8 am, with music and art walk underway 10-5 and concert under the stars goes from 5:15-10pm.

Contemporary Projects 11: Hard Targets—Sport and Masculinity: Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) 5905 Wilshire Bl., Los Angeles, (323/857-6000) www.lacma.org . The exhibition features photographs, sculptures, video, and installations by artists, including Mark Bradford, Harun Farocki, Brian Jungen, Shaun Leonardo, Collier Schorr, and Joe Sola—all of whom suggest through their work that the male athlete is a far more ambiguous, multidimensional figure in our collective cultural imagination than ever before. Oct. 9- Jan. 18, 2009.

Discovery in the Age of Mammals:; Building Brains and Making Minds: Natural History Museum, 900 Exposition B., Los Angeles (213/763-DINO) www.nhm.org Bringing together leading scientists and emerging artists, the highly successful forum and concert series First Fridays returns Jan. 4-June 6. This year's series focuses on one hallmark of mammals - the evolution of a highly developed brain capable of orchestrating amazingly complex behaviors. From the surprising ways that elephants communicate to the psychology of love to the creative practices of some of Southern California's edgiest musicians, the series celebrates the complexities of the brain, how it allows mammals to express themselves and what its evolution can teach us.

Friendship Soccer Games: Pacific Palisades High School, 15777 Bowdoin St., Pacific Palisades. To promote in a friendly and fun spirit the upcoming EURO 2008 soccer championship, June 7-29, jointly organized by Austria and Switzerland, Alpine United a team composed o Swiss and Austrian Los Angeles based personaltieis will play a friendship game against celebrity soccer team's Hollywood United. A few of the huge roster of participants include Antonly La Paglia, Santiago Cabrera, Alexi Lalas, Paul Cook, Xavier Koller and Daniel Bernhardt. The event is free to the public. June 1, 4:00 PM.

Gauguin: Sculptor of Myth & Mystery: Bowers Museum, 2002 North Main Street, Santa Ana (714/567-3642) www.bowers.org On loan from The Kelton Foundation's impressive collection this exhibition highlights Paul Gauguin's large body of sculptures, ceramics and woodblock carvings, emphasizing this lesser known side of his extensive creativity. Sept.21 - March 15.

Griffith Observatory Reopening: 2800 East Observatory Road, Griffith Park, Los Angeles (888/LAPARKS) www.GriffithObservatory.com . Following an ambitious $93 million renovation and expansion project, the facility is open to the public by reservation only. (See Guide Salutes)

Groundlings' Sunday Company: Groundlings Theatre, 7307 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood (323/934-4747, ext. 37). Run DMSunday takes The Groundlings Theatre back to the old school when the Rubik's cube, parachute pants and hip-hop ruled the '80s. Known for their groundbreaking comedic sketches, the Sunday Company showcases the talents of up and coming actors on their path to becoming Groundlings members. The evening of sketches and improvisation reveals a line-up of unpredictable and hilarious comedy skits. Sundays at 7:30. Indefinite run.

Il Vetro Veneziano: Contemporary Venetian Glass: Craft and Folk Art Museum, 5814 Wilshire Bl., Los Angeles (323/937-4230) www.cafam.org A breathtaking display of "the poetry of light and color" -- contemporary Venetian glass from the island of Murano, a secretive and influential glasmaking center which gained worldwide dominance in the 14th century. Featured are glas works from the 1920s to 1970s. June 1-Sept. 7.

Ironings performed by Mung Lar Lam: Craft and Folk Art Museum, 5814 Wilshire Bl., Los Angeles (323/937-4230) www.cafam.org Hong Kong born and San Francisco based artist Mung Lar Lam uses reclaimed cotton fabric, starch and the task of ironing to create evolutionary works which blend qualities of drawing, painting, sculpture and architecture, May 11-Aug. 10.

LA Auto Show: Los Angeles Convention Center www.laautoshow.com Major world debuts are planned for the 2008 show, November 21-30. The LA show has become a natural stage for the luxury market, new automotive trends and alternative fuel and environmental technology announcements.

Legoland Mini Musical: 1 Legoland Drive, Carlsbad (760/918-LEGO) www.legoland.com Journey to the Los Temple, a 25 minute musical adventure comedy featuring characters from the park's own Land of Adventure. The show is designed specifically for children ages 2-12. The audience enters a museum to witness explorer Johnny Thunder's latest discovery -- an ancient time machine found in Cleopatra's lost temple. Runs year 'round with dates and times varying by season.

Masterworks of Japanese Painting from the Price Collection: Los Angeles County Museum of Art, 5905 Wilshire Bl., Los Angeles (323/857-6000) www.lacma.org The Etsuko and Joe Price Collection is world-renowned for its collection of Japanese paintings of the Edo Period (1615-1868) featuring screens, hanging scrolls and fan format paintings. Also featured are some of the finest examples of the distinctive and compelling renderings of animal life by Ito Jakuchu (1716-1800). June 8-Sept. 1.

Merian & Daughters: Women of Art and Science: J. Paul Getty Museum, Getty Center, 1200 Getty Center Drive, Los Angeles (310/440-7300) www.getty.edu Maria Sibylla Merian (1647-1717) was a pioneering woman of art, science and business. She was an accomplished painter of flowers and insects and an entomologist from an early age. Working with her two daughters, Merian made and produced one of the greatest illustrated natural history books of all time, The Insects of Surinam. June 10-August 31.

Museum Free For All: www.museumsla.org On October 4-5, 23 Los Angeles and Orange County Museums exploring art, cultural heritage, natural history and science will offer free admission to all visitors on one or both dates.

Newport Beach Concours d'Elegance: St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort, Dana Point, 10am-4pm (800/839-7520) www.newportbeachconcours.com This year's show takes place on Sunday, Sept. 28. Tickets for additional events are available with proceeds benefiting the Mary & Dick Allen Diabetes Center at Hoag Hospital and the Assessment and Treatment Services Center.

Oxnard Salsa Festival: Plaza Park, downtown Oxnard (805/247-0197) www.oxnardsalsafestival.com Spicy food, hot music and cool ocean breeaes are the recipe for summer fun. Featured activities include main stage enterainment, salsa dancing, salsa tasting, a kids korner and a marketplace. Free admission. July 26-27.

Pageant of the Masters: Laguna Beach Festival of the Arts, 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach (949/497-6582 800/487-3378) www.pageanttickets.com The 75th anniversary of Pageant of the Masters, where art comes to life, is themed All the World's a Stage. Celebrating the longstanding love affair between artists and the performing arts in every culture, All the World's a Stage ventures behind the scenes as painters and sculptors share thier fascination with the actors, dancers, musicians and movie stars whose lives and works have inspired countless artworks. July 9-Aug. 30.

Phantom Sightings: Art after the Chicago Movement: Los Angeles County Museum of Art, 5905 Wilshire Bl., Los Angeles (323/857-6000) www.lacma.org) The largest exhibition of cutting edge Chicano art ever presented at LACMA. this exhibition explores tre more experimental tendencies within the Chicano art movement - ones oriented less toward painting and declarative polemical assertion than toward conceptual art, performance, film, photo- and media based art and "stealthy" artistic interventions in urban spaces. April 6-Sept. 1.

Salsa Saturdays: Oakwood Recreation Center, 767 California Ave., Los Angeles (310/980-5085) www.contra-tiempo.org LA's top urban Latin dance company, Contra-Tiempo and LA City Department of Cultural Affairs presents free salsa Saturdays, July 28-July 26, noon-2pm, all ages welcome.

Terra Cotta Warriors: Guardians of China's First Emperor: Bowers Museum, 2002 North Main Street, Santa Ana (714/567-3642) www.bowers.org This astounding exhibit is the largest loan of terra cotta figures and significant artifacts to ever travel to the U.S. from the tomb complex of China's First Emperor, Shi Huangdi (259-210 B.C). Considered one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the 20th century, the First Emperor's enormous mausoleum features thousands of terra cotta warriors that were intended to protect him throughout eternity. The discovery has often been termed the "eighth wonder of the world." The exhibition showcases 120 sets of objects which includes approximately 20 complete life size terra cotta figures representing all aspects of the Emperor's army. May 18-Oct. 12. Tickets are now on sale.

Within Four Miles: The World of Josh Dorman: Craft and Folk Art Museum, 5814 Wilshire Bl., Los Angeles (323/937-4230) www.cafam.org While created on antique maps, Josh Dorman's fantasy landscapes speak more to the difficulty of navigating physical and emotional space than to the exactness of cartography. His art guides fellow travelers who prefer the loose logic of a dream state to the illusion of reality. Aug. 22-Jan. 11, 2009.