This year’s Los Angeles Jewish Film Festival, (which has been going on for over two decades!,) kicks off on Tuesday, May 12th, with their always-special Opening Night Gala. As usual, it takes place at the comfortable Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills. The dates of the festival are sooo appropriate because May is Jewish American Heritage Month, which honors the contributions of Jewish people to American history and culture, and the LAJFF celebrates both situations.

A previous year’s LAJFF Opening Night Gala. Photo by Karen Salkin.

There are always celebs in attendance on that first night, and I understand that this time there will be a pair that I’m especially interested to see. Firstly, I want to meet the kind music biz exec, Irving Azoff, and thank him and his wife, Shelley, who, along with a consortium of pals he put together, saved not only the eighty-one-year-old Beverly Hills deli, Nate N Al’s, but also the iconic Apple Pan, the likes of which there are no other eateries in all of Los Angeles. Trust me, my fellow foodies and I will be eternally grateful to the Azoffs for doing all that.

The other celebrity, Jon Voight, is one with whom I’m a tad keen to reunite. We’ve met several times, including when we sat next to each other on the celebrity panel of the Chabad Telethon for a few years in a row. He always asked me to help him, which sort-of cracked me up; it was so easy to take the pledges over the phone, and record them on the sheets right in front of us! But I give him credit for showing up every year, especially when he’s not even Jewish!

However, the real star of the evening will be the inspiring Rabbi Marvin Hier, about whom the documentary, The Hollywood Rabbi, will open the festival. Just a smidgeon of what he’s accomplished in his long life is the founding of two super-important human rights institutions—the Simon Wiesenthal Center and the Museum of Tolerance. How’s that for being a kind and productive member of society?!

The Hollywood Rabbi.

On top of those major accomplishments, Rabbi Hier is also a two-time Academy Award-winning documentarian! There’s so much good to this man, and we’re all going to find-out the rest together on opening night when luminaries such as Arnold Schwarzenegger, Bill Clinton, Steven Spielberg, Billy Crystal, and Gavin Newsom sing his praises in the film.

The Opening Night Gala also features a pre-screening dessert and wine reception. I can’t tell you exactly what to expect, but the offerings are usually delish. And I always appreciate that, in this crazy world, there will be armed guards on the premises, as there have been for at least the previous two years. Having that knowledge always gives me a modicum of peace.

Since this is a film festival, after all, in the days following the Gala, there will be other interesting Jewish-centric films playing in several other venues over town through May 19th. (For the entire list, just click on the link at the bottom of this preview.)

We Met at Grossinger’s.

In the meantime, there are a couple that caught my eye. The first one is We Met at Grossinger’s. Growing-up in Brooklyn, I feel like I had always heard of the Catskills, which is where Jewish families from New York went to vacation. I believe that many of the smaller resorts and hotels were gone by my childhood, but my family would have never frequented even the still-in-existence-at-the-time bigger, famous ones, such as the Concord or Grossinger’s, (which is depicted in this film,) anyway. Because both my parents were teachers, we had much more travel time than the rest of the people we knew, so we were able to go to more special and charming places than that often-usual destination for families from my borough.

But as a late teen, my bestie’s fam took me with them to the Raleigh, and it made me realize that…I hadn’t missed a thing. Eating in a big dining room with families of strangers has never been my thing. (I did meet a guy there, though. Of course. Where didn’t I, in my cute teenage years?!) But the venue featured in this documentary is the one depicted in Dirty Dancing, so that should be interesting. Even though I’m far from a fan of that laughable ‘80s movie, I can’t wait to see this doc to see what went on there in real life!

Monument.

The other film that caught my eye is the historical suspense drama, Monument. It features the last work from the late prolific Israeli actor Alon Aboutboul, so his fans will be happy to have this wonderful opportunity to see him on the big screen one more time.

To sum it up, the Los Angeles Jewish Film Festival is a major cultural event for Los Angeles, which I feel that everyone will enjoy, no matter your ethnic persuasion.

So I hope to see all you SoCal film fans at the Festival, especially at the Opening Night Gala. Come up to me and say, “L’chaim!”

For the LAJFF schedule, and all the info on the films and special events, just click here: www.lajfilmfest.org/2026-film-selections.

I’ve been taking in all kinds of shows at Theatre West in the Valley, (right across from Universal,) for decades. I’ve seen plays, magic shows, even Storybook Theatre for kids. But I had never before known about one of their signature presentations, the cleverly monikered WestFest. Now that I’m finally in the loop, I headed over for the second of the four week-ends on Sunday afternoon. (Two more are still to come, so we’re all in luck.)

The actors who performed in the seocnd weekend of westFest. Photo by Karen Salkin.

WestFest is a festival, (duh,) of a few short plays in one evening or afternoon. There are both comedies and dramas, all written and performed by members of Theatre West, which is LA’s longest-running, continuously-operating professional theatre company. This past week-end, we were treated to a duo of one-acts, one funny and the other deadly serious, all acted really well.

And then, just as we were leaving, there was a really fun surprise—a reception with the actors, complete with a beautiful buffet that even included shrimp cocktail, which, trust me, is a rarity in the fare of post-show fetes these days! For once, I had no idea that any post-show activities would be happening!

It turns-out that WestFest does that after every performance! How absolutely generous of them! The friend I brought always enjoys seeing the actors out of wardrobe and up-close and personal, so he enjoyed that aspect of the fete, as well.

One of the uncomplicated and pretty sets. Photo by Karen Salkin.

The good news for my fellow Angelenos is that there are two more week-ends of shows.

In two weeks, the fourth and final weekend, October 17-19, consists of all comedies, in tribute to a beloved late company member, prolific comedy writer Ellen Idelson, whose one-hundred-one-year-old mother is still acting, and even recently appeared on stage at Theatre West!

But I’m especially looking forward to one play this coming weekend, October 10-12. Hence the Confusion is written by longtime Theatre West member, Jeanine Anderson, who also co-produces the theatre’s annual fundraiser, Millennium Magic, with George Tovar. I’ve seen a couple of full-length plays she’s written in the past, and found them to be very amusing and charming, so I have good expectations for this one, as well.

I hope to see many of you there this weekend. But please leave some shrimp for me after the show!

For more info, go to www.theatrewest.org.

Having been to this fabulous and worthwhile event twice before, I recently realized that I should tell you about it in advance this time so that my fellow SoCal peeps can join us on October 15 at the Skirball Cultural Center for WeSpark’s May Contain Nuts.

Desserts! Photo by Karen Salkin, as is the one above.

Before I let you know what to expect that evening, I first must laud WeSpark in general. WeSpark is a cancer support center in Sherman Oaks, and is one of the most worthwhile organizations that I know of! For the past almost quarter of a century they have
been providing programs and services to cancer patients, survivors, and their loved ones. And it is entirely free to everyone! It was founded by the adorable and giving actress, the late Wendie Jo Sperber. After she was diagnosed with breast cancer, she wanted to create a place where her fellow patients could go for support, and she admirably did just that. I hope that none of you ever need their services, but it’s good to know that WeSpark is there if you do.

Just a small part of the dinner buffet last year. Photo by Karen Salkin.

WeSpark’s annual event, May Contain Nuts, is an entire evening of food and fun. The dinner fare varies from year to year, but it’s always generous and delicious! (If you’d like some clues as to what we’ve dined on there in the past, here are my reviews of their two previous events I attended: itsnotaboutme.tv/news/charityevent-may-contain-nuts-wesparks-anniversary-fete and itsnotaboutme.tv/news/charityevent-may-contain-nuts-wespark-cancer-support-centers-night-of-comedy.)

WeSpark’s fabuous line-up of talent.

All that, along with an early silent auction, would be enough for a lovely evening, but after dinner comes the popular comedy show portion of the evening, hence the title May Contain Nuts! It will be hosted once again by Last Comic Standing winner Alonzo Bodden. And this year will have some of the biggest star power ever in…Jay Leno!!! Having recently seen him speak for a few minutes at the Opening Gala of the LA Jewish Film Festival, I’m looking forward to hearing him do his longer comedy routine at this event. Outside of a monologue or two when he replaced Johnny Carson, I’ve never heard a full set of his, so this one should be fun.

Comedian Kathy Griffin will be honored with the Heart of WeSpark Award. Something I’m sure Kathy would agree with me on is an amusing auxiliary reason to support her at this important event. And that is, for you gossip site lovers, you might want to see her much-discussed, (by her!,) third facelift! And just when I recently told Mr. X that I’m not dissing anyone for having plastic surgery any more! I decided that I’m going to give more power to people who are brave enough to go under the knife, because yours truly is definitely not. (Mr. X often tells me that he’ll do mine for me. And he only played a doctor on TV!)

Part of the beautiful WeSparks evening. Photo by Karen Salkin.

All in all, with its comedy, culinary delights, and caring raison d’être, WeSparks’ May Contain Nuts is the kind of event we all need right about now. It’s funny, delicious, heartwarming, celeb-filled, and so important for the soul. I hope to see you all there on the 15th. Come up and say hi; just try to catch me in-between bites and laughs!

WeSpark May Contain Nuts on October 15, 2025
Skirball Cultural Center, (in the BelAir-Brentwood are of LA)
To purchase tickets, and more info: wespark.org/events-fundraisers/may-contain-nuts-a-night-of-comedy

This week, the annual Los Angeles Jewish Film Festival will be celebrating their twentieth year! I’m proud to say that I’ve attended about a quarter of them, ever since I’ve been aware of this worthwhile event. I wish I had known about it sooner, so lest you be left out, I’m giving you the lowdown on it in advance.

The LAJFF info.

The line-up for this year’s Los Angeles Jewish Film Festival looks fabulous. And after recently seeing the stage musical, Parade, (which tells the tragic story of a Jewish man being wrongly charged, convicted, and lynched for a murder he did not commit,) I’m especially looking forward to celebrating my Jewish heritage at this very meaningful and entertaining festival which begins this Thursday night, June 26th, with a Gala Opening at the Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills. No matter your own heritage, there’s something here for everyone. (All the details are on their website at the bottom of this preview.)

The Opening Night Gala will feature the LA premiere of Midas Man, which tells the story of the Beatles’ manager, Brian Epstein, who was a complex man, especially for those times. And this will be a special date on which to see this tale because the day before is the official Beatles Day, (which I actually know about, because I was a major Beatles fan back in the day! Mr. X has even given me permission to still marry Paul McCartney, as I wanted to do when I was little, if the opportunity ever arises.)

Midas Man.

The movie will be introduced by cast member, Jay Leno, (in a surprise role as—wait for it—the legend, Ed Sullivan!) He’ll also be one of the post-screening speakers. I’m expecting that to be a hoot!

If you can’t make it to the opening night, you’ll have one more chance to see Midas Man this weekend in Encino.

Just part of the snack table from last year. Photo by Karen Salkin.

Thursday’s Gala reception and red carpet will be held in the Saban’s spacious lobby, which is perfect for the fun meeting and greeting and mingling. They’ll even have an “Abbey Road” for us to walk. I can’t wait to see how that works. And the organizers always surprise us with something different in the way of pre-screening refreshments every year. I’m not sure what we’ll find this time, but I have a feeling that a dessert buffet is in the works. We’ll all find-out together.

The rest of the LA Jewish Film Festival takes place over the next few days and nights of the week-end, in several venues all over town. You can see the entire roster of offerings or just choose whichever one(s) you like.

The festival is made-up of a half dozen films, plus one evening of shorts, each pertaining somewhat to the Jewish experience. Every one of them looks interesting, but these are the two I’m looking the most forward to; both are documentaries, but very different from each other:

The Charles Grodin doc.

Charles Grodin: Rebel with a Cause—With Mr. X and me being fans of Charles Grodin, (as a matter of fact, Mr. X did his first film with Charles, and told me that he was nice,) I don’t want to miss this documentary about his life and career. (He grew-up an Orthodox Jew, which I just learned about this very second! Thanks, LAJFF, for giving me new knowledge!) My first memory of Charles is seeing him in The Heartbreak Kid, which was directed by comedy icon Elaine May, who is one of the celebs featured in this film. Some others are Robert De Niro, Steve Martin, Carol Burnett, Martin Short, Paul Simon, Art Garfunkel, and Alan Arkin. As the Festival’s website tells us, Charles Grodin: Rebel with a Cause celebrates not only his show biz career, but also his “remarkable, decades-long activism and successful fight to get wrongly convicted people—most of whom were mothers of color with young children—out of prison,” which I had no idea about! I have a feeling few of us did.

The fascinating Jerry Lewis doc.

From Darkness to Light—This will be the LA Premiere of this documentary, which pertains to Jerry Lewis, and I’m anticipating that it will be fascinating. When I learned it would be in the Festival, I showed the title to Mr. X, thinking he might like to be entertained by Jerry Lewis, (my grandmother’s favorite comedian.) But my beau set me straight on the very serious topic of this documentary, which I’ve now done lots of research on, and let me say this about it—OMG! It’s a doc about the making of Jerry Lewis’ unfinished and never-released film, The Day the Clown Cried, which is a fictional tale of a non-Jewish clown in the Holocaust! Now I really want to see this film, From Darkness to Light, because I have to know every detail about what could have been in Lewis’ mind to make that crazy drama. (At least it wasn’t a comedy!) This documentary is the closest we’re going to get to discovering the secrets of it.

I hope to see everyone at the Festival, especially the Opening Night Gala, no matter your ethnic persuasion. You just have to be a movie aficionado, which includes just about everyone in our Hollywood-centric town!

For the LAJFF schedule, and all the info on the films and special events, just click here: www.lajfilmfest.org.

This super-affordable show is just what the doctor ordered right now! Millennium Magic is one of my favorite events of any year. And its cheeriness is what we all need at this moment. And I’m giving you a whole week’s notice this time, (it runs for all of next week-end—January 24-26,) so get your tickets now. (Tickets are free to first responders and their immediate families.)

The cast of the at previous Millennium Magic. Photo by Karen Salkin.

In case you’re not familiar with it, Millennium Magic is the wonderful annual fundraiser for Theatre West in the Valley. It’s full of magic, humor, and tons of fun. And the best news for you regulars of this usually-end-of-the-year show is that you did not miss it in November or December. The theatre decided to do it as a beginning-of-the-year event this time, which is so much better for us uber-busy-during-the-holidays folks.

The presentation is once again produced and hosted by professional magicians, and members of Theatre West, George Tovar and Jeanine Anderson, who are two of the most popular prestidigitators around.

Jeanine Anderson and a puppet pal with a couple of assistants at a previous Millennium Magic. Photo by Karen Salkin.

All of the acts are appropriate for every age audience member, (except for maybe babies and unruly adults,) so Millennium Magic is perfect to bring the children to. While the ladies in the crowd most likely look the most forward to seeing handsome George, the youngsters really love Jeanine, (who has been performing at children’s birthday parties for many years,) especially when she brings along some of her puppet pals. A few of the kids, (and, actually, grown-ups,) in the audience may even be called upon to be assistants, so make sure no one is doing something you wouldn’t want others to see in public; you never know when they, (or you,) will get to make their Theatre West debut, helping with a trick!

All three shows feature different magicians, so, if you love magic as much as I (and some of my friends) do, you can attend all of them and see something new each time.

Here’s the planned line-up of performers for the week-end.  (But, if we’ve all learned anything so far in this young year, nothing is certain in this crazy world, so it’s subject to change):

Friday Jan. 24 at 8PM–*Charlie Mount, Steve Branham, Derek Ostovanti, and Tom Ogden, who I understand is very funny.

Saturday Jan. 25 at 8PM–*Charlie Mount, Ice McDonald, Chris Hart, and Cosmic Romantics.

Sunday Jan. 26 at 2PM—Simone Turkington, Alexander Great, Miguel Rangel (Migz), and Richard Raven.

George Tovar, in the center with a couple of audience volunteers, at last year’s Millennium Magic. Photo by Karen Salkin.

*[Note: Charlie Mount directed one of my absolute fave plays of 2024, The Goddamn Couple Down the Hall (Oh… and Merry Christmas), at this very theatre! So he’s a multi-talented man. I can’t wait to see what he has in store for us this time.]

And, of course, Jeanine and George will do little bits in-between the other acts.

Millennium Magic is definitely the show for all fans of this art, especially people who have longed to get into the famous Magic Castle, which is private; non-members don’t have many opportunities to see these superb performers in person. In addition to this production featuring magicians who regularly appear at that venue, you will also see artists you might recognize from Las Vegas venues and TV series, such as Penn & Teller: Fool Us. And, for you world travelers, (of whom I am jealous,) some of them have even performed on cruise ships.

A fabulous act at a last year’s Millennium Magic. Photo by Karen Salkin.

So, instead of having to take to the high seas, or travel to Vegas, all you have to do to have this much fun is spend one evening or afternoon at a charming little playhouse right near Universal Studios! And you get to help-out the arts, an under-funded area of life, at the same time. To me, it’s a win-win.

I look forward to seeing you there. At any or all of the shows. I just hope that Mr. X doesn’t bribe someone to make me disappear!

Millennium Magic 2023 running only January 24-26, 2025
Theatre West   3333 Cahuenga Boulevard West   323-851-7977
www.theatrewest.org/on-stage/millenium-magic

All SoCal dance fans will want to see these live shows. You have five chances to attend the Little Women Ballet Immersive Experience, but only one for the World Choreography Awards. Here are previews of them to help you decide.

LITTLE WOMEN BALLET’S WINTER SITE-SPECIFIC IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE

Little Women Ballet.

I attended the Autumn version of this wonderful immersive experience about a month and a half ago, and adored every aspect of it! So I’m thrilled that all of us have the opportunity again with the Winter rendition. Even if you’ve seen the show for a different season, I have a feeling this holiday-themed one will be even more special! (Dates below.)

In case you missed my review of it, here’s the link: itsnotaboutme.tv/news/dance-little-women-ballet-immersive-experience.

But if you don’t have time to read my glowing (and lengthy) breakdown of the entire happening, or you just want to be surprised by it all, here’s the gist: The ballet itself is based on the classic story of Little Women. But the fun doesn’t stop there. The entire experience is fascinating from start to finish because it’s performed at the intriguing Heritage Square Museum near downtown LA. We audience members get to go into the various historic houses because each one features a ballet of a different chapter of the tale. It’s all quite charming.

I’m expecting this new Winter experience to be even more captivating than the previous offering because of the holiday element of it. I’m honestly looking so forward to it.

Little Women Ballet, as is the image at the top of this page.

If traditional ballet is more up your alley, Little Women Ballet will debut their full-length version on December 7, 2024 at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre. There will be two performances of it on that one date.

All the info is on their website whose link is below.  I hope to see you all there.

Little Women Ballet Immersive Experience running on November 22-24, 2024
Heritage Square Museum
3800 Homer Street, Los Angeles
626-792-0873 www.littlewomenballet.com

THE WORLD CHOREOGRAPHY AWARDS

One event that I don’t think I’ve missed in a decade, (minus the pandemic year, of course,) is the World Choreography Awards.  It’s a tad different each time, but what is always constant is the fun.  And the talent on display!

Photo by Karen Salkin.

And now you all have the opportunity to be there this year, on Sunday, November 17th because I’m telling you in advance, rather than doing a preview of the excellence.

As you may know, I absolutely love dance, and at this awards show, we all get to feel like we’re in the world of professional dancers—there’s tons of schmoozing, meeting-and-greeting, and happiness involved.

But what distinguishes the World Choreography Awards from other dance shows is that, as the name states, the awards go to the often unsung choreographers! I love that. (As a matter of fact, when I reviewed my very first awards show of theirs, in 2014, when it was called the “World Dance Awards,” I wrote: “It should really be called the “World Choreography Awards” because all the categories were for choreography, not for the actual dancers themselves. But, it can get away with “dance” because the choreographers got awarded for the dances they created.” So I’ve always felt a special kinship to the show because the producers, the fabulous duo of Allen Walls and Cheryl Baxter-Ratliff, re-titled it the very next year!)

A live WCA performance from a past year. Photo by Karen Salkin.

It will be held once again at the Avalon in Hollywood. Here’s the link to my review of last year’s show, so you know what to expect: itsnotaboutme.tv/news/danceawards-show-world-choreography-awards-2023.

To find-out who’s nominated this year, and how to get tickets, just go to www.worldchoreographyawards.com.

BONUS DANCE INFO FOR DECEMBER

A DUO OF NUTCRACKERS

The Nutcracker.

As even non-ballet fans know, the holidays just never seem official without seeing at least one version of The Nutcracker. And this year, I’m soooo excited for all SoCal denizens to have the opportunity to see two of them! I highly recommend them both.

ABT’s will be at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa, while the Long Beach Ballet’s rendition will once again be performed at the Terrace Theatre in—where else?—Long Beach! I was lucky enough to see this one a few years ago and I can tell you that it is stunning!

BODY TRAFFIC AT THE WALLIS

In 2018, I wrote that I considered Body Traffic to be one of the two best dance shows of the year.  (The other was from Matthew Bourne, so that’s incredibly high praise!) They will be back at the Wallis for one week-end only, so do not miss it.

DANCING WITH THE STARS

The dance worlds coming together–Dancing
With The Stars judge, Derek Hough, accepting a World Choreography Award two years ago! Photo by Karen Salkin.

And don’t forget that this season of  TV’s Dancing With The Stars will be ending this month.  As far as I’m concerned, Mr. X and I are rooting for Dwight Howard to receive the Mirror Ball Trophy because he dances so charmingly, and his height puts him at a huge (no pun intended) disadvantage.  My second choice is Joey Graziadei from The Bachelor because his dancing is genuinely great! Him being so adorable-looking doesn’t hurt, either.  And my third choice is Olympic gymnast, (and two-time bronze medalist,) Stephen Nedoroscik, because he’s just so upbeat and cute!  (In a nerdy way, of course.)

But I predict that the winner will be that young girl, Chandler Kinney, whose name I had to even look-up now, (so she’s far from being a “star.”) She’s clearly trying to be the next Zendaya. But she is the best dancer, technically, although she lacks the charm of Dwight and Joey.

But it’s all a lot of fun, so I just hope it ends the season on a much higher note than it began on!

Now let’s all get to enjoying dancing for the next month or so!

I’m happy to report that our state Restaurant Show returns to Los Angeles, (after being held in Anaheim last year,) for three days at the end of this month. (All the pertinent info is at the bottom of this preview.)

A beautiful display from The Beauty Tea Company, just one kind of product you’ll discover at the upcoming California Restaurant Show. Photo by Karen Salkin.

As a restaurant reviewer, (among a few dozen other hats I wear these days,) I love letting all my California restaurant peeps know about this truly amazing professional expo which benefits their businesses.

And, of course, I enjoy attending myself, so I can apprise everyone of all the innovations in one of all of our favorite pastimes—dining out. I’m so excited to discover new culinary and related products to tell you about.

In case you don’t recognize the moniker, it was finally changed this year, from the semi-complicated “Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo” to the simpler and more-to-the-point “California Restaurant Show.” (But their website has stayed the same, so keep that in mind.)

A colorful display of teapots at the 2022 show.

In addition to all the fabulous taste treats to be found at the Convention Center from August 25-27, there will be vendors of beverages, dishware, cutlery, to-go containers, tablecloths, equipment, (such as neon signs and pizza ovens,) and even apparel for chefs! There is sooo much more to running a restaurant than people not in the business can ever imagine! This California Restaurant Show is very eye-opening. There will actually be over two hundred exhibitors, so there’s something for every eatery in Cali!

The California Restaurant Show will also provide many culinary demonstrations featuring several top chefs, including Nina Curtis, who will showcase her plant-based cuisine; the still kind-of cute even sixteen years post his Dancing With the Stars stint, celebrity chef Rocco DiSpirito; and James Beard Award Winner Stephanie Izard; along with Master Sommelier David Glancy and Author Eric Greenspan.

Some of the yummy creations on offer at the 2022 show. Photo by Karen Salkin.

For Italian eateries, (and for all the pizza lovers in attendance,) there will be a new area this year—the California Pizza Challenge, sponsored by Real California Milk, which is always one of the favorite vendors of my associates and me. Who knew there were so many varieties of cheese?! (And I love their new commercial, where everyone, including the waiter, in a restaurant starts bopping as soon as they eat a dairy product. It is adorbs, especially the toddler who goes crazy for ice cream.)

On top of all that, there are educational seminars and even competitions over the three days. (If “who can eat the most” is one of those latter ones, I just might possibly win!)

So if you’re in the restaurant or hospitality business, on any level, from new eatery to mom-and-pop cafe to chain restaurant to upscale brasserie, you need to be there; the experience is invaluable to your livelihood. [Note: I’m sorry to the rest of you, but the California Restaurant Show is not open to the public. However, do not fret—I’ll share my discoveries there as soon as I can.]

California Restaurant Show
August 25-27, 2024
L.A. Convention Center
For all the official information and to register: www.westernfoodexpo.com

I’m happy to report that the LA Jewish Film Festival is back for its fourteenth year! It runs from June 19-24, 2024. I missed the last two while I was still avoiding crowds during the pandemic, but now I’m raring to see all this year’s film offerings.

Just a bit of the LAJFF Opening NIght assemblage in 2019. Photo by Karen Salkin.

I feel that, with all the turmoil in the world right now, it’s more important than ever to support Jewish entities, so I hope that many of you readers who are close enough to the area will be there, as well.

The mission of LAJFF is to “preserve and celebrate the rich Jewish heritage; to cultivate Jewish values and the quality of Jewish life in the LA community (not only for the affiliated but unaffiliated); and to create and maintain a sense of community by providing important and exciting programming for individuals, families and organizations.”

The Opening Night Gala will take place on June 19th at the Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills, which is a perfect venue for the occasion because its spacious lobby will allow for lots of fun mingling at the pre-show food and wine reception.

The LAJFF opening night film.

The opening night film has the clever title Guns and Moses. But no—it is not a comedy, (even though it does sound like a Gene Wilder movie, doesn’t it?) It’s a crime thriller which stars, among others, several actors with whose work I’m familiar, (which rarely happens.) There’s Mark Feuerstein, (who starred on a wonderful sitcom with my good friend Elliott Gould a few years ago, which Mark also wrote); Dermot Mulroney, (from My Best Friend’s Wedding); Craig Sheffer, (the “good guy” on One Tree Hill); and Christopher Lloyd, (do you even need his credits???) I’ve been told that the movie is about “a beloved small-town rabbi who becomes an unlikely gunslinger after his community is violently attacked.” Sadly, that sounds like my hometown of Brooklyn these days.

The rest of the LA Jewish Film Festival happens over the next few days and nights in several venues all over town, which makes it even more fun. There will be many eclectic films with something for just about everyone. I actually want to see them all!

There are a few dramas and even a comedy, (the entire schedule and descriptions are on the LAJFF website below,) but the following trio of documentaries really caught my eye:

Nina Is An Athlete.

~ With the Summer Olympics upon us, it’s a good time to see Nina Is An Athlete, a new documentary about wheelchair badminton champion Nina Gorodetsky. We follow her as she tries to make it to the Paralympics while dealing with her ticking biological clock and a worldwide pandemic. (And this one also has a reception.)

~ Colleyville tells the true story of a terrorist taking the Rabbi and members of Congregation Beth El in Colleyville, TX hostage for eleven hours in 2022. In addition to what you may have seen live on TV during that horrific event, this film also shows us never-before-seen footage. This LAJFF screening is the film’s North American Premiere.

~ The festival closes with Song Of Ascent. It’s about white, Jewish, American rapper, Matisyahu, who will also do an audience Q&A that night. I’ve long been in the hip-hop world, but had never heard of him, so this should be eye-opening.

The closing night film.

The Los Angeles Jewish Film Festival’s founder, Hilary Helstein, tells us, “This year we have selected films that connect our past to current events. With antisemitism on the rise, we have chosen films that unite our community and present an opportunity to enlighten, educate, and fight to dispel negative myths while encouraging meaningful dialogue. Cinema is a powerful tool for storytelling and an effective platform to build bridges of peace and understanding. The impact of film stays with you long after the credits roll.” I add only—what she said!

I hope to see everyone there, no matter your ethnic persuasion. You just have to be a movie aficionado, which includes just about everyone in our Hollywood-centric town!

For more information and the LAJFF schedule, just click here: www.lajfilmfest.org.

Let me not bury the lede, (yes, that is the correct spelling for this saying)—SoCal peeps still have time to join us at this sure-to-be-lovely event this coming Sunday evening, June 2nd, at the BroadStage in Santa Monica. What better way to kick-off the beginning-of-summer month than with a worthwhile and star-studded Gala that will benefit the arts? You don’t even need a suit or fancy dress! The invitation advises “festive attire.” (And the parking is free!) [All the info is at the bottom of this article.]

One of L.A. Theatre Works, well, works.

In case you’re not aware of L.A. Theatre Works, let me enlighten you. As stated on their website, their “mission is to record and preserve great performances of important stage plays, using new technology to make world-class theatre accessible to the widest possible audience, and to expand the use of theatre as a teaching tool.” As a former teacher and actress, and current critic, I really applaud this endeavor. What they do is really unique and fascinating, so I suggest you check-out their site at the bottom of this column.

Jobeth Williams. Photo by Annie Appel.

The festivities this Sunday will include a reception and formal dinner followed by a program that features some famous L.A. Theatre Works veterans, including a trio with whom I’ve worked in some form or other. Ed Begley, Jr., was one of my first guests on a bit of a strange shopping show I got roped into was happy to host a while back. And Castle‘s Susan Sullivan and I were guests on the same talk show when I was doing my TV show. But my fave experience with one of them was with JoBeth Williams, of The Big Chill fame. She and I were on the Championship team at a Charades party a few years ago. I’m forever indebted to her for figuring-out all my crazy clues because…I love winning! That was such a fun time.

As this Sunday’s Gala will be! Part of that is because the fabulous and prolific television producer, Marcy Carsey, is one of the honorees. She and her partner Tom Werner produced many TV series including The Cosby Show, A Different World, Roseanne, Grace Under Fire, and 3rd Rock from the Sun back in the day, and were the most sought-after producing team in the biz! (My words, not theirs.) As a matter of fact, they just got back together to work on That ’90s Show, a spin-off of their earlier That’70s Show.

Marcy Carey. Photo by John Salangsang.

I had met Marcy and her darling late husband, Johnny Carsey, when I was just starting-out in the biz, so I was fortunate enough to have a chat with her on the phone the other day about those early times, and also about her admiration of LA Theatre Works. A more easy-going and down-to-earth woman I cannot imagine. In-between all the giggles we had about show business, getting together with our men, our love of our East Coast hometowns, (New England for her, Brooklyn for me,) how funny Mr. X is, (they had worked together once at the beginning of their careers,) and what we’re going to wear to the Gala, we discussed how worthwhile L.A. Theatre Works is.

Marcy Carsey, (I love writing, and saying, that name!,) told me, “I’m involved with them because they do excellent work, and they do it on a shoestring. And the impact on the world at large–from schoolchildren to people who don’t even speak English to whomever–the impact everywhere is so much greater than what you would expect from such a wonderful but small organization.” As someone who has been involved with the arts for so many decades, I totally respect what she has to say on the topic.

Susan A. Loewenberg. Photo by Joshua Arviso.

The other honoree is Susan A. Loewenberg, the founder and Producing Director of L.A. Theatre Works. (Whom better for this organization to honor, right?) As a former teacher, I appreciate all the education she’s been involved in. And just as a person, I’m impressed with how much she’s accomplished. And trust me, it’s a lot!

So I hope that many of you will join me this week-end in celebrating these worthy honorees and L.A. Theatre Works at this fun event. (And hint—you will finally see Mr. X, who is accompanying me willingly!)

Gala info:
June 2, 2024 at 5:30PM
The Eli and Edythe Broad Stage
Santa Monica College Performing Arts Center
1310 11th Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Complimentary Self-Parking
For inquiries and tickets: www.latw.org/50 or 310-420-8322.

For more information on L.A. Theatre Works, in general, just click right here: www.latw.org.

Calling all SoCal foodies—the seventh annual fabulous Masters of Taste, (which features unlimited refreshments all day!,) is back in town.  I’ve attended the past five of them, (I, sadly, missed the first,) and now I can’t wait for this 2024 version. So I’m happily sharing the lowdown on how to be there yourselves. (Just don’t cut ahead of me for any of the goodies!)

I brought my main contributing writer, Laura, to her first one last year, and she almost cried from how much she loved it. She said it’s the best event she’s ever been to!!! And as someone who works with me, you know she’s been to everything!

The Rose Bowl field, all set-up for Masters of Taste. Photo by Karen Salkin.

The 2024 Masters of Taste (MOT) is taking place this Sunday, April 7, 2024, at the iconic Rose Bowl in Pasadena once again. And—no kidding—it’s right on the field!  I had been on that field several times before my first MOT, (because of my friendship with the UCLA athletes in the late ‘90s, and also for a few professional events since then,) and let me tell you— it’s a magical experience every time. But there’s nothing as thrilling as entering the top of the steps for this event, and taking in the entire tableau at once. Trust me on just how breathtaking that view is!

But the food and beverages from all of the participating eateries are the real stars of the day! Trust me on that statement even more! I’d advise everyone to not eat much that day until you get there.

Photo by Karen Salkin.

General admission goes from 4-7PM, and there’s an additional early VIP hour from 3-4. (MOT is much less crowded for that first hour, so if your dining and recreational budget allows, I highly recommend spending the extra bit of money for it.) And that admission price covers absolutely everything! Once you’re in, you can eat and drink as much as you like, including alcoholic beverages. (But if you do plan to drink those, please either designate a teetotaling driver or take a car service.)

Before I get into the participating eateries, I have to tell you about the kindness aspect of Masters of Taste. One hundred percent of the proceeds go directly to Union Station Homeless Services, a very worthy nonprofit organization that’s working to end homelessness and rebuild lives here in Los Angeles, specifically the San Gabriel Valley. (You can read more about them on the Masters of Taste site linked at the bottom of this preview.)

Gus’ Famous Fried Chicken. Photo by Karen Salkin.

Now, as to exactly what we’ll all be feasting on next Sunday, there will be over forty eateries offering savory bites, (including the perennial favorite, Gus’ Fried Chicken; Emporium Thai, a famous Westwood restaurant that I’ve been recommending to MOT for a few years now; and even the classy members-only City Club LA,) and over a dozen dessert purveyors, (for which I can’t wait to cheat on my diet!) As to the beverages, there will be about four dozen various ones. (And that’s not even counting the plethora of bottled/boxed waters that are always on offer.) None of us will be wanting for anything, (except maybe a baggier wardrobe that day!)

And the fun is not solely on the Rose Bowl field; as soon as you enter the gates, there are booths and food trucks right on that top level. Whether you begin your food and drink journey right there or save that area to peruse on the way out, (so you can relax in one of their fake-foliage-covered armchairs,) it’s all good. I guarantee that you will love it all!

The upstairs section, right when you walk through the gates. Photo by Karen Salkin.

More good news is that the parking in the Rose Bowl lot is free! And close-by. On top of that, all attendees receive a cute little set of cutlery on the way in, so they can use their own utensils for the day instead of each booth’s plastic ones, if they choose to be nice to the environment. To further help the planet, the waste bins all around the grounds are specified for either landfill, recycling, or composting, which my recycling self really appreciates.

There’s always a culinary Host of this event, and this year it’s a husband-wife team with whom I’m familiar. Lucy Thompson-Ramirez and Chef Bret Thompson own and run Pez Cantina downtown. I’m a proud user of their famous seasoning; now if only I could cook like Bret. Lucy is always kind enough to invite me in for dinner, but, with my crazy sked, I just can never find the time, so I’ll be happy to reconnect with them at Masters of Taste this coming week-end.

A very satisfied guest at the end of a previous Masters of Taste, wishing she had worn baggier pants! Photo by Karen Salkin.

As a Masters of Taste veteran, I, of course, have some excellent, (if I do say so myself,) advice for you when you go. Since there’s tons of walking, (it’s on a football field, after all,) wear comfortable footwear. And because you’re going to eat and drink more than you could have ever imagined, wear loose clothing, such as drawstring pants, or, let’s call it “faux maternity,” dresses for the ladies. It actually doesn’t matter what you look like for this one—everyone has eyes for only the food and beverages!

Most importantly, be smart and wear sunscreen! Even if it’s not a sunny day. And perhaps bring a cap with you. You can never be too careful with the sun. Take this advice from someone who’s had skin cancer twice…on my face!

Now that you have all this important info, go order your tickets right now! I hope to see all my fellow SoCal denizens there. Come say hello, but please try to do so during the few seconds in which I’m not stuffing my face!

For tickets and more information on all of it, just click right here: www.mastersoftastela.com.