Seven Days

A comprehensive guide to what’s going on in Santa Monica and environs. 

Continuing

Exhibitions

Abject Edge, a group show of recent American figurative art, curated by Mat Gleason, examines how the human form is used in simultaneously, metaphoric and literal manners by artists today. Artists: Skip Arnold, Phil Bower, Kim Dingle, Diane Gamboa, Yolande Macias McKay, and Carl Pope. Ruth Bachofner Gallery, Bergamot Station, through September 11. (310) 829-3300.

The Absolut LA International Biennial Art Invitational at Bergamot Station and galleries and museums all over Los Angeles continues. 

-Toshio Shibata's "Visions of Japan," a "compelling new body of work" from the acclaimed contemporary Japanese photographer. Gallery Luisotti; through September 11. (310) 453-0043.

-Gustavo Perez, a leading artist from Mexico "brings a new aesthetic from a country with centuries of tradition in ceramics." Frank Lloyd Gallery; through August 21. (310)264-264-3866.

-Talleries: Art From GuadalajaraWorkshops - Artists from Mexico, Spain, Venezuela, Cuba, USA, and Italy: Olga Adelentado, Marco Arce, Fernanda Brunet, Miguel Caleron, Eduardo Cervantes, Mario Dellavedova, Sylvia Gruner, Daniel Guzman, Yishai Jusidman, Gabriel Kuri, Diana Lopez, Jorge Pardo, David C. Scher, Ray Smith, and Luis Miguel Suro. Track 16 Gallery; though August 28.(310) 264-4678.

-While Cuba Waits: Art From the Nineties- Featuring artists Pedro Alvarez, Saidel Brito, Sandra Ceballos, Carmen Cabrera, Ljuis Gomez, Henry Eric Hernandez, Yalili Mora, Rene Pena, Douglas Perez, Ezequiel Suare, Joze A. Vincench. Track 16 Gallery; through Augus 28. (310) 264-4678.

-Lady Lazarus Janieta Eyre's collection of auto-portraits that " exist in a place that is at once the past and thefuture." 
-Twenty How to Photographs by Becky Singleton. Model Margaret Kluka demonstrates how to do arange of things from how to wear a dress to how to hold a Chihuahua.Sherry Frumkin/Christine Duval Gallery; through August 21. (310)453-1850.

-Malerei Germany's Friedemann Hahn's first solo exhibition in America. The fifteen paintings cover a broadly representative range of Hahn's work: movie pictures, cityscapes, seascapes,ports and portraits of artistic heroes. Flowers West Contemporary Art;through August 21. (310) 586-9200.

-Jiro Osuga presents unique,autobiographical paintings. Flowers West Contemporary Art; through August 21. (310) 586-9200.

-David Burry "Sculpture to Sit on,"Gallery of Functional Art, Bergamot Station; through September 12.

Around Impressionism, a breathtaking collection of Impressionist works comes to Los Angeles, featuring artists Monet,Gaugin, Degas, Renoir- and 22 other major artists, through November 29.LACMA, (323) 857-6000; www.lacma.org.

Art/Journalism, curated by Laurence A. Rickels,with work by Nancy Barton, Stephen Berens, John Boskovich, Jessica Bronson, Meg Cranston, Steve Hurd, Larry Johnson, Joe Mama-Nitzberg, Kelly Mason,Marc Pally, Stephen Prina, Diana Thater, and Christopher Williams. TheRosamund Felsen Galley, Bergamot Station, through September 4.(310) 828-8488.

Manuel Alvarez Bravo, an exhibition of silver and platinum prints selected from the artist's collection in Coyoacan,photographed 1920 - 1930's in Mexico, at the Gallery of Contemporary Photography, Bergamot Station, through August 28, (310) 264-8440.

Defining Eye: Woman Photographers of the 20thCentury - and "Stenberg Brothers: Constructing a Revolution inSoviet Design," through August 22, at UCLA at the Armand Hammer Museum of Art and Cultural Center, Westwood. 

Foundry to Finish: in the studio of Adriaen de Vries, explores the lost wax process of bronze casting through the work of the Dutchsculptor. The Getty Center, through April 9, 2000, (310) 440-7300.

The Golden Age of Aviation, Wednesdays through Sundays, Museum of Flying, Santa Monica Airport.

Horizon, Greek sculptor Costas Varotsos' exhibition, which employs commercial plate glass, glass nuggets and steel.The Tobey Moss Gallery, (323) 933-5523.

Impressionist Works on Loan. An exhibition of four stunning Impressionist works from private collections, including Eugene Boudin's "The Beach at Trouville," Claude Monet's "Road toLouveciennes," "Melting Snow," "Sunset," and Pissarro's "The Road toSaint-Cyr at Louveciennes." The Getty Center, West Pavilion,through August 29; (310) 440-7300.

It Takes All Kinds - curated by Joe Goode,featuring the works of Barton Patrick Bolin, Jon Gintzler, Lies Kraal, Russell Maltz, Florence Pierce, James Reinke, Marcia Roberts and SteveSteinman. Hunsaker/Schlesinger Fine Art, Bergamot Station. Through August 21. (310) 828-1133.

I Will Not Forget You: The Life and Work of SimonWiesenthal - through August 29, Museum of Tolerance, West L.A.

Latinos in Hollywood Photographic Exhibition,160 rare and never before seen still photographs of actors, extras, and behind the scenes producers, writers, and directors. Through October 18,The Skirball Cultural Center, (310) 440-4500; www.skirball.com. September 14 through October 18 the exhibition will be on display at the Olveira Street Gallery. 

Light in the Darkness: The Photographs of Hill and Adamson, features photographic portraits by painter David Octavius Hill and engineer Robert Adamson. West Pavilion, courtyard level, TheGetty Center, through October 10, (310) 440-7300.

Callum Morton, "Sometimes," a model of a house that references Bauhaus design, and Michael McCurry's installation, "Golf,"through August 21, Santa Monica Museum of Art, Bergamot Station. (310)586-6488, www.netvip.com/smmoa.

Nadar/Warhol: Paris/New York. Compares the photography of artists Nadar (French, 1820-1987) and Andy Warhol (American,1928-1987). West Pavilion, courtyard level, The Getty Center, through October 10, (310) 440-7300.

No Human Being is Illegal, Posters on the Myths and Realities of the Immigrant Experience, an exhibition by the Center for the Study of Political Graphics (CSPG). A Shenere Velt Gallery,Workman's Circle/Arbeter Ring, through September 3. (310) 552-2007.

A Passion for Performance: Sarah Siddons And Her Portraitists - A selection of portraits by some of the leading18th-century British painters focusing on the tragic actress Sarah Siddons,who revolutionized the aesthetics of the London stage. The Getty Center, ,through September 19, 1999, (310) 440-7300.

Recent Acquisitions, a selection of California Impressionist and Modernist paintings and sculpture, through September 13.George Stern Fine Arts, (310) 276-2600.

Standing Still & Walking in Los Angeles, worksby Los Angeles artists Jennifer Bornstein, Evan Holloway, Larry Johnson, Dave Muller. Three Day Weekend and Laura Owens, through September 18.Gagosian Gallery, (310) 271-9400.

Surf's Up! The Great American Woody - vintage station wagons, Hawaiian shirts, surfboards, toy woodies, through September 5, Peterson Automotive Museum, Museum Row, L.A.

Taddeo Zuccaro: "An Artist's Life in Renaissance Rome." A series of 20 drawings by Federico Zuccaro narrates his brother's early artistic struggles. The Getty Center, through August29, (310) 440-7300.

Theater

The Cheats of Scapin, Moliere's farce as interpreted by the co-production of Odyssey and Circus Theatricals, and featuring Jack Stehlin. Odyssey Theatre Ensemble, 8 p.m., Sun. 7 p.m.,ends Oct. 3, (310) 477-2055.

The First Picture Show, with Ellen Greene and Estelle Parsons, music and lyrics by David Gordon, Ain Gordon and Jeanine Tesori, Mark Taper Forum, 8 p.m., Sat. & Sun. 2:30 p.m., through September 19. (213) 628-2772.

Girl's Talk, 15 short works about women and their universal themes, Theatre Neo at Hudson Avenue Theatre, 8 p.m.,through August 26. (323) 769-5858.

Golden Boy. Clifford Odets' play about a gifted violinist who throws it all away to be a fighter. Zephyr Theater, throughAugust 22. 7 p.m. $15-$18; (323) 951-9545.

I Must Be Mr. Boswell, by writer-actor Kenneth Tigar, runs indefinitely at the Odyssey Theater Ensemble, West L.A. (310)477 2055

Life/Boat, an exploration of video, film, and performance aboard a yacht. Artists Raymond Petibon, Jason Rhoades, andHans Weigand present the collaborative art project. MAK Center for Art andArchitecture, through September 26. (323) 651-1510.

Marat/Sade at the Drive-in. Wolfskill Productions throws yet another surprise at you: Drive-in theater. Yes, you drive in and sit in your car. The Donald Jones Memorial Drive-In Playhouse, through September 5. $10 per car, plus $10 per person. (213)613-0986.

The Merry Wives of Winsor, another Shakespeare romp, Will Geer Botanicum, 1419 North Topanga Canyon, Sundays, 4 PM,through September 19. (310) 455-3723.

Merton of the Movies. The George S. Kaufman and Marc Connelly comedy about a small-town dreamer who gets unhappily entangled in the world of silent movies. Call theater for show times.Geffen Playhouse, through September 1, (310) 208-5454. 

Miss Coco Peru's Universe, a musical revue written and performed by Clinton Leupp opens at the Beverly Hills Playhouse, 8 p.m., through September 4. $20. (310) 281-6557.

Ninth Wave, a World War II drama involving black soldiers taking out their frustrations about their own mistreatment on German soldiers. Lillian Theatre, 2:30 p.m., 8 p.m., Sun. 2:30 and 7p.m., ends September 12. (323) 655-TKTS.

The Seagull. The Theatricum Botanicum hosts Chekhov's romantic play, Topanga, 8 p.m., through August 20. (310)455-3723.

Shakespeare's Villains, A Masterclass in Evil. British actor/writer/director Stephen Berkoff ("Kvetch") explores such characters as Iago, Shylock, Richard III, Coriolanus and the Macbeths.Odyssey Theatre Ensemble, 8 p.m., ends September 12. (310) 477-2055.

Something in His Genes, at The Other Space,Santa Monica Playhouse. A woman's exploration of mysteries and comical aspects of romance. 8 p.m., ends Oct. 14. (310) 394-9779.

Stand-Up Opera, B.J. Ward's solo show, asend-up of the world of opera, directed by Gordon Hunt, through September12. Tiffany Theater, 8 p.m., Sun 5 p.m., (310) 289-2999.

Stucco People, a new play by John Lisbon about the daughter of a TV producer, Glaxa Studios, 8 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m., (323)692-9559.

Ongoing Community events

Thursday, August 19

Adventures in Time & Space, an ongoing popular series of bi-monthly science-fiction/speculative fiction book discussion groups led by Midnight Special staff member Bill Glass, this month's discussion: Star Maker by Olaf Stapledon, Midnight Special Bookstore & Cultural Center, 7:30. (310) 393-2923;www.msbooks.com.

AFI Short Film Night presents Judy Weng's"Apartment B" and Sharon Hall's "Designer Donuts," both films were the result of the AFI Directing Workshop for Women, Bookstar, 7:30 p.m. (310)289-1734.

American Cinematheque Presents: A Tribute to Richard Fleischer, with "The Girl in the Red Velvet Swing" and "Violent Saturday," Lloyd E. Rigler Theatre at the Egyptian, 7 p.m. (323)466-FILM.

An Evening with Marina Goldovakaya, the internationally acclaimed documentarian who gained notoriety for revealingthe horrors of the Soviet gulag. On screen will be her 1994 Prix Europa Best Film of the Year, A House On Arbat Street, in Russian with English subtitles. The UCLA Film and Television Archive, James BridgesTheater, 7:30 p.m. (310) 206-FILM; www.cinema.ucla.com.

Bravo! Brava! Brahms! The Los Angeles Philharmonic, Kristjan Jarvi, conductor, Ida Haendel, violin perform Smetana's The Bartered Bride Overture, Brahms' Violin Concerto,Mendelssohn's Symphony No. 4, "Italian." The Hollywood Bowl, 8:30 p.m.(323) 480-3232.

Conjunto Jardin & El Ballet Folklorico Del Pacifico, a festive music and dance of Veracruz, Mexico featured as part of the ongoing Sunset Concert series performed in the beautiful setting of the Skirball courtyards, museum also open to the public these evenings, The Skirball Cultural Center, 7:30 p.m., Free/parking $5per car. (310) 440-4578;www.skirball.com.

Epidemic Africa, the documentary by Rory Kennedy chronicling the stories of AIDS afflicted people in Africa, mostly children. The Los Angeles Premiere is sponsored by Children Affected by AIDS Foundation. Paramount Pictures, Studio Theater, 7 p.m., (310)258-0850. 

George Cukor Centennial Retrospective continues with "Love Among the Ruins," with the lovely Katharine Hepburn and equally lovely Laurence Olivier, also "Travels With My Aunt," with Maggie Smith.LACMA, Bing Theater, 7:30 p.m. (323) 857-6100.

Graphic Arts Symposium: The Process of Printmaking, a panel discussion on an artist's vision as translated into the medium of lithography. LACMA, 7 p.m. (323) 857-6558.

Santa Monica Film Festival, an ongoing festival celebrating the independent film, presents "Our First Fight" at 7 p.m.,"The Distraction," at 7:20 p.m., "From the Top of the Key" at 9:05,"Gerrard" at 9:20, "Reducing Stanley" at 9:25, and Divorcing Jack at 9:45 p.m., The Aero Theater, 1328 Montana Avenue, (310) 289-7144, $5 forentire program listed. 

The Writer's Colony featuring guest speaker Susan Perry. The writing workshop, a monthly event for poets and fiction writers, invites anyone to sign up to read works in progress for criticism and comments. Barnes & Noble, Santa Monica, 7:30 p.m., (310) 260-9110.

Theater Openings:

Change Beds and Dance, Perry King directs the Neil Koenigsberg comedy. Thurs-Sat, 8 p.m.; Sun., 7 p.m., through September 12. Secret Rose Theatre, North Hollywood, (323) 969-4998.

The Colored Museum, a CPTime Production of George C. Wolfe's satire on African-American life. Thurs-Sat 8 p.m., Sun.3 p.m., through September 12. Coleman and Smith Artistic Theatre, Hollywood, (323) 372-9765.

The Dyke and the Porn Star, a play by BaylaTravis with Gayle Feldman and Veronica Hart, directed by Dora Arreola, based on a true story. Highways, Santa Monica, 8:30 p.m., through September 12. (310) 315-1459.

Real Girls, a new autobiographical stage show by veteran stand-ups Robin Greenspan and Lacie Harmon, through September18. Actors Circle Theatre, West Hollywood, 8 p.m. (323) 655-TKTS.

Some Like It Hot, presented by the Starlight Musical Theatre, Starlight Bowl, Balboa Park, 8 p.m., through August 29.(619) 544-STAR.

Friday, August 20

The Affliction of Glory, A Comedy About Tragedy, the world premiere written by Frank Dwyer, directed by Corey Madden, commissioned by the J. Paul Getty Museum and produced with the CenterTheatre Group/Mark Taper Forum. Revisit the life of the beautiful,talented Sarah Siddons (1755-1831) inspired by the current exhibition, A Passion for Performance: Sarah Siddons and her Portraitists.$28, $22 for seniors and students, reserved seating, through September 5.The Getty Center, 8 p.m. (310) 440-7300.

Alfred Hitchcock Centennial is celebrated with a beautifully restored print of "Rebecca," the Joan Fontaine/LaurenceOlivier thriller, and Hitchcock's First American film. Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, 8 p.m. (310) 247-3600.

American Cinematheque Presents: A Tribute to Richard Fleisher continues with "Fantastic Voyage," with Raquel Welch, discussion with Fleisher to follow the screening, then the Charlton Heston favorite "Soylent Green," who, along with co-star Leigh Taylor-Young, will introduce the screening. Lloyd E. Rigler Theater at the Egyptian,7p.m. (323) 466-FILM.

The Bathroom Show, A group exhibition of satiric art about the usually hidden room. Featuring artists Johanna Went, Clam Lynch, Spencer Tunnick, Rich Jacobs, Ed Moses and Pat Graham, through September 22. Fri. & Sat. 1-5, or by appointment. Ne Image Art,Hollywood. (323) 654-2192.

Dysfunctional Cup Show, imaginative ceramic creations by members of the Clayhouse will be on exhibit and for sale,through September 11, The Clayhouse, 2909 Santa Monica Blvd, (310)828-7071. Free.

George Cukor Centennial Retrospective continues with "My Fair Lady" starring Audrey Hepburn. LACMA, Bing Theater, 7:30p.m. (323) 857-6100.

The Geography of Home: California's Poetry of Place, an evening of poetry with poets from the anthology of the same name that brings together the works of seventy-six important figures in contemporary California poetry, including: Eloise Klein Healy, AmyUyematso, David Oliveira, Sojourner Rolle, Charles Webb andco-editor Christopher Buckley, Barnes & Noble Santa Monica, Third StreetPromenade, 8 p.m. (310) 260-9110.

Latin Spectacular with Fireworks, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Miguel Harth-Bedoya, conductor and Fernando de laMora, tenor perform a blazing program of seductive love songs. TheHollywood Bowl, 8:30 p.m. (323) 480-3232, also Sat

The Method Fest: Breakout Independent Film Festival to screen several films, beginning at 5:30 p.m. with "Deadly Delusions" and "What Does Stanislavsky Say?, also J. Miller Tobin's short 4AM-Open All Night. At 8 p.m. will be Justin Dossetti's "My Sweet Killer,"and "The Rochester Method," and at 10 p.m. will be Andrew Shea's"The Corndog Man," and Jeff Bacon's short "Birth of a Salesman." State Theatre, (626) 792-3540.

Modern Korean Embroidery, an exhibition of works by 30 members of the Hyun-Soo Association, through August 26.Mon-Fri 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. The Korean Cultural CenterArt Gallery, (323) 936-7141/

Open & Featured Poetry, with Larry Jaffe. Midnight Special Bookstore & Cultural Center, 7:30. (310) 393-2923;www.msbooks.com.

Through September 25, Leland Art Gallery, Loyola Marymount University. (310) 338-7706.

Permeable Lines: The Intersection of Documentary and Fiction, featuring directors, actors, writers and cinematographers discussing the overlapping forms of filmmaking, with Edward James Olmos,Penelope Spheris, and Haskel Wexler. The UCLA Film and Television Archive,James Bridges Theater, 7:30 p.m. (310)206-FILM; www.cinema.ucla.com.

Studio Faculty Art, an exhibition of works by LMU's teaching artists.

The Touch of the Master's Hand - Pablo Picasso Printsin Progress; Rae States, and Working Proofs from the Atelier, an exhibition exposing Picasso's process, includes several prints dating back to 1906. Through October 9, Galeri Michael, Beverly Hills, (310)273-3377.

12th Dog Night, the Troubadour Theater Company splits its time between the Ojai Shakespeare Festival and Santa Monica in this comic interpretation of 12th Night. Miles Memorial Playhouse, Reed Park, Santa Monica, also Sat. 8 p.m., through August 28. (213)303-0096.

Theater Openings:

Possibilities, Instincts Live Media Dance Company presents a theater/dance interpretation of a court room trial where humanity must prove to the universe that it deserves to exist, directed by Rodney Nugent, through August 29. Assistance Leagueof Southern California Playhouse, Fri. & Sat. 8 p.m. (310) 392-1482.

Pre-Paradise, Sorry Now, a Fassbinder drama about infamous murderers Ian Brady and Myra Hindley. City Garage, Santa Monica, through September 26. 8 p.m., Sun. 5:30 p.m. (310) 319-9939.

StoryPeople, The Collected Stories and Drawings of Brian Andreas, M.Y.E. Theatre Company presents Jane McEneaney'sadaptation of Brian Andreas' work. Through September 8, Gascon Theatre Center, Culver City, 8 p.m. (310) 322-3142.

Film Openings:

Late August, Early September, François Cluzet stars in this Oliver Assayas ('"Irma Vep") film, Music Hall, BeverlyHills.

Mickey Blue-Eyes, Hugh Grant stars as a fish-out-of-water in an ocean of mobsters, wide release.

Rosie, Belgian film about the imaginary world of a young girl, directed by Patrice Toye, Nuart, West Los Angeles.

Teaching Mrs. Tingle, Kevin Williamson's("Scream") latest, starring his WB pal Katie Holmes, wide release.

Universal Soldier: The Return, with Jean-ClaudeVan Damme, wide release.

Saturday, August 21

American Cinematheque Presents: A Tribute to Richard Fleisher continues with "10 Rillington Place," discussion with Fleisher to follow, and "Narrow Margin," and "Bodyguard, with actress MarieWindsor who, along with producer Stanley Rubin, will introduce "Narrow Margin." Lloyd E. Rigler Theater at the Egyptian, 6 p.m. (323)466-FILM.

Be A Street Performer! The first-ever seminar covering all aspects of street performing, what is legal, what is not, etc.Midnight Special Bookstore & Cultural Center, 7:30. (310) 393-2923;www.msbooks.com.

Casino Night at the Y! Las Vegas in our ownbackyard, complete with blackjack, roulette and craps, prizes, food and funall to benefit youth programs at the YMCA. $20 tax-deductible donation,Cantwell Auditorium at St. Monica's Catholic Church, 725 California Avenuein Santa Monica, from 7 to 11 p.m., (310) 581-3355.

Dog Show at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium,(310) 458-8301, also Sun.

Family Storytelling in Spanish and English.Meet outside in front of the Museum Family Room, The Getty Center. 11 a.m.Free. (310) 440-7300;www.getty.edu.

George Cukor Centennial Retrospective continues with "Rich and Famous," starring Candice Bergen and Jacqueline Bisset, also"The Chapman Report," LACMA, Bing Theater, 7:30 p.m. (323) 857-6100.

Gitis Choreography Summer Workshop featuring the choreographers' Showcase, reservations essential, Santa Monica Dance Studio, 8 p.m. (310) 392-0689.

Frederick R. Weisman: Los Angeles Collector, an exhibition featuring the works of American's and Europe's contemporaryartists, covering movements from Pop Art to Postmodernism. Through October3, Pepperdine University, Gregg G. Juarez Galley, West Gallery andMezzanine Gallery, Malibu, (310) 456-4851.

Laemmle's Summer Series continues with "Mob Queen" at the Sunset 5, 10 a.m. (323)-3500, and "Flushed" at the Monica4-Plex, 11 a.m. (310) 394-9741, both films also play Sunday.

Lammle's 7th Annual Classic Western Round-Up continues with "Cat Ballou" starring Lee Marvin and Jane Fonda at the Sunset 5, 10 a.m.,(323)-3500; "Round-up" along with "Broken Arrow," at the Monica 4-Plex, 11 a.m. (310) 394-9741, films also play Sunday.

Latin Spectacular with Fireworks, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Miguel Harth-Bedoya, conductor and Fernando de laMora, tenor perform a blazing program of seductive love songs. TheHollywood Bowl, 8:30 p.m. (323) 480-3232.

The Method Fest: Breakout Independent Film Festival begins at 11 a.m. with Mackinlay Polhemus' "Welcome the Scottish Tale," and Jonathan Yarbrough's short "The Nose Job"; at 1 p.m.will be Robert Costanzo's "Do You Wanna Dance?", and at 3 p.m. the Method acting symposium. At 5 p.m. will be Charles Kopelman's "Dumbarton Bridge," and Catherine Hollander's short "Light as a Feather, then at 7:30p.m. Aslam Amlani's "Eight Lanes in Hamilton and Jared Seide's short "Creampuff." At 10 p.m., Jon Jacon's "Lucinda's Spell" and Jeremy Alter's short "The Godson." State Theatre, (626) 792-3540.

The Naked Truth, a one-man show featuring the artwork of Henry Goods. The Los Angeles Art District, Sat. 1-8 p.m.;Sunday., 1-6 p.m. (310) 441-0094.

Orientation Talks are presented every Saturday at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., 2 (in Spanish), and 2:30 p.m. The Getty Center. 11 a.m. Free. (310) 440-7300;www.getty.edu.

Cinema Paradiso Special Event Screening, to celebratethe 10th Anniversary of the Academy Award winning film by GiuseppeTornatore, in conjunction with The Italian Institute of Culture,proceeds will benefit the Santa Monica Museum of Art Kid's Art Station and the Santa Monica Film Festival. The outdoor screening under the stars includes a live musical performance and cocktail party sponsored by SKYY vodka. Ticket prices are $20 in advance, $25 the day of the event.Bergamot Station, (310) 289-7144.

Santa Monica Film Festival, an ongoing festival celebrating the independent film, presents "Actor's Seminar," how the newage of film and media has changed actors at 6 p.m., "Johnny Bagpipes" at8:30 p.m., "The Rain Dance," at 8:45 p.m., "John Strasberg-Accidentally on Purpose," at 9 p.m., "Call Waiting," at 10:10 p.m., live band and party at 10:45 p.m. All screenings are outdoor. Bergamot Station, Writers Boot Camp, 2525 Michigan Avenue, (310) 289-7144, $5 for entire program.

Storytime, with special guest Mercer Mayer's Little Critter! Especially planned for children from three to six (but older siblings are welcome), the event is held on the third Saturday of the month. Dutton's Brentwood Books, 11 a.m. (310) 476-6263;www.duttonsbrentwood.com.

Theater Openings:

Aliens in America (see feature).

The Fan, and outdoor performance of the 18th century comedy about a man selling his soul to the Devil for unlimited knowledge. Paul Carlson Park, Culver City, through August 29. Sat. & Sun. 2p.m. Free. (818) 752-6597.

Sunday, August 22

Collecting Visible Evidence, editors Jane Gaines & Michael Renov read & discuss their book which redefines documentary studies, Midnight Special Bookstore & Cultural Center, 7:00.(310) 393-2923;www.msbooks.com.

Dog Show at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium,(310) 458-8301..

Gypsy Passion with Dancers, featuring AlmadeFlamenco, Vera Bila and Musafir, an evening of exotic and historic gypsymusic and dancers. The Hollywood Bowl, 8:30 p.m. (323) 480-3232.

Gustav Mahler's Fifth Symphony, presented by the Idyllwild Arts Foundation, celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Idyllwild Arts Summer Program, with their 1999 Summer Festival Orchestra,Royce Hall, UCLA, 8 p.m. (909) 659-2171, Ext. 331.

Henry Mancini Institute Jazz Ensembles, accomplished young musicians selected amongst many applicants from foremost music colleges and conservatories and trained by leaders in the Hollywood film and recording industries will perform two free jazz combos. TheSkirball Cultural Center, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. in the Ruby Gallery andfrom 3 to 5 p.m. in the Magnin Auditorium. (310) 440-4500. Free.

I Palpiti Chamber Orchestra, Eduard Schmieder,conductor; Valentina Lisitsa, violin' Omar Butler, trumpet perform Mendelssohn's "Sinfonia X in B minor," Shostakovich's "Piano Concerto in C minor, Opus 35," and Beethoven's "Quartet in F minor, Opus 95." John Anson Ford Amphitheatre, 8 p.m. (323) 461-3673.

Family Storytelling in Spanish and English. Meet outside in front of the Museum Family Room, The Getty Center. 11 a.m.Free. (310) 440-7300.

Laemmle's Summer Series continues with "Mob Queen" at the Sunset 5, 10 a.m. (323)-3500, and "Flushed" at the Monica4-Plex, 11 a.m. (310) 394-9741, .

Lammle's 7th Annual Classic Western Round-Up continues with "Cat Ballou" starring Lee Marvin and Jane Fonda at theSunset 5, 10 a.m.,(323)-3500; "Round-up" along with "Broken Arrow," at theMonica 4-Plex, 11 a.m. (310) 394-9741, 

Linux Users of Los Angeles (LULA) hold their monthly meeting "Install Fest," Midnight Special Bookstore & Cultural Center, 10:30 a.m. (310) 393-2923;www.msbooks.com.

Tuesday, August 24

California Fire and Life, author Don Winslow, author of "The Death and Life of Bobby Z," reads from his new novel about the Gold Coast. Barnes & Noble Santa Monica, Third Street Promenade, 7:30p.m. (310) 260-9110.

Fantastic Odyssey, featuring the Los Angeles Philharmonic with Esa-Pekka Salonen, conductor, Alexander Toradze, piano and L.A. Master Chorale Peter Sellars, director with music by Stravinsky,Scriabin, Ligeti and Varese - video by Bill Viola. The Hollywood Bowl,8:30 p.m. (323) 480-3232.