Summer Splash : Our Friendly User’s Guide : Our day-by-day rundown of the season’s arts and entertainment, from now to Labor Day and across Southern California

Readers are advised to call ahead to verify dates and events, which are subject to change. For a list of selected venues, see Page S16. And for these same events organized by subject, check the list on Page S17.

Sunday, May 30

L.A. Fiesta Broadway takes over 36 blocks of downtown for a sort of belated Cinco de Mayo celebration (the festival was postponed because of the impending verdicts in the Rodney G. King civil rights case). Besides an array of food and games, the Fiesta is also offering as wide a variety of live Latino music as ever seen in the United States. Eight different corporate-sponsored stages will present more than 50 performers, ranging from Willie Colon’s salsa to the Sinaloa Band’s banda , from the Venezuelan rap of Que Pasa? to the acoustic soul of Jose Feliciano. About 1 million people are expected to attend the fourth annual gathering.

American soprano June Anderson makes her Music Center Opera debut in the title role of Donizetti’s “Lucia di Lammermoor,” in a production from Lyric Opera of Chicago directed by Andrei Serban. Also June 2, 5, 8, 11 and 13. Dorothy Chandler Pavilion.

“Pleasure Gardens of the Mind,” an exhibition of Indian paintings. L.A. County Museum of Art. Through June 13.

“Women on a Mission,” a music, dance and comedy work written and performed by African-American artists Joyce Guy, Brandyn Barbara Artis, Adilah Barnes, G. Collette Jackson, Michelle T. Clinton and Satori, plays at the William Grant Still Art Center.

Tuesday, June 1

Jude Narita, Nefertiti Shackelford, Dolores Chavez and Denise Uyehara present “Four Women,” an evening of solo theater performances at Highways Performance Space in Santa Monica. Part of the Maps & Windows women’s festival.

Shelly Garrett’s comedy “Beauty Shop Part 2” opens at the Wilshire Theatre in Beverly Hills.

“DownArt: A Celebration of City Life,” a juried exhibition featuring 35 artists who live and work in downtown L.A., sponsored by the USC School of Fine Arts and the Community Redevelopment Agency. A series of related poetry readings and theater performances runs June 2-9. Gallery at the Metropolitan Apartments, downtown. Through June 30.

Wednesday, June 2

Award-winning South African photographer David Lurie examines questions of race, class and economics for black South Africa in “In Search of a Black Middle Class.” Museum of African-American Art, Crenshaw Plaza. Through July 18.

Impersonator Jim Bailey opens at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel’s Cinegrill, portraying Peggy Lee tonight, Barbra Streisand on June 3-4 and Judy Garland on June 5.

“Celebrations,” California Plaza’s (near MOCA in downtown L.A.) free, weekly noontime performing arts series, opens on the Waterstage with the Latin rhythms of the East L.A.-based Tierra. Upcoming performances include song and dance with the cast of “The Will Rogers Follies”; “The Phantom of the Opera” cast’s songs of Rodgers & Hammerstein; musical group Huayucaltia; preview highlights from the Long Beach Opera’s “Carmen”; El Vez, the “Mexican Elvis”; an African Market Place celebration and much more. Ends Sept. 1.

For pop music, the Ventura Theater in Ventura features David Baerwald, Johnny Clegg and Lisa Germano. At the Greek Theater in Griffith Park 10,000 Maniacs will be onstage. And they’ll be there June 3 too.

And if you’re staying home, a new season of both “Dream On” and “The Larry Sanders Show” begins on HBO.

Thursday, June 3

“1993 Los Angeles Center for Photographic Studies Annual Exhibition” features photographic work by Miles Coolidge, Sarah Majdiak, Powers of Desire (POD), Lucy Soutter and Ted Walbye, juried by Ann Goldstein, associate curator of the Museum of Contemporary Art. Santa Monica Museum of Art. Through June 27.

The world premiere of “Twilight: Los Angeles 1992,” the theater piece based on last year’s L.A. riots, written and performed by Anna Deavere Smith, opens at the Mark Taper Forum. Ends July 18.

Described as “a multimedia prayer,” Linda Chung-Won Kim’s “Tesra: A Dance of Healing” premieres at the L.A. Photography Center, downtown. Also June 4-5.

Six Los Angeles dance makers share “Voices in Motion: A Choreographer’s Collective Series” at the Ivar Theatre in Hollywood. On the lineup: Winifred Harris, Samuel Donlavy and Daryl Copeland.

For pop music, the Coach House in San Juan Capistrano features David Baerwald, Johnny Clegg and Lisa Germano in a songwriters show. Clannad plays at Symphony Hall, San Diego. The Sundays play the Ventura Theatre, Ventura, and Dream Theater and Galactic Cowboys are at the Celebrity Theatre, Anaheim.

Friday, June 4

“Alone in a Crowd: Prints by African-American Artists of the 1930s-’40s From the Collection of Reba and Dave Williams” is the first major exhibition to explore the significant contributions of African-American artists to the field of printmaking. Also: “New California Video” features works by 16 California video artists including Terry Braunstein, Jean Rasenberger, Sue Kornfeld, Art Nomura and Rachel Rosenthal. Long Beach Museum of Art. Through Aug. 8.

John Adams makes his debut this year as music director of the Ojai Festival. It opens tonight with a concert by the Kronos Quartet, with salutes to the late John Cage, orchestral and ensemble concerts conducted by Adams, and a piano recital by Paul Crossley June 5 and 6. Libbey Bowl, Ojai Valley Art Center and Thacher School Lamb Auditorium.

Ballet Pacifica dances a contemporary staging of “Romeo and Juliet,” along with “Fantasia,” at the Irvine Barclay Theatre.

The Solera Flamenco Dance Company presents the premiere of the dance drama “Orfeo y Eurydice” at the Lyceum Theatre, San Diego. Yaelisa is featured, along with guest artists Roberto Amaral and Roberto Zamora. Also June 5-6.

“Celebrate Dance” offers an evening of student and faculty choreography at Landis Auditorium, Riverside. Also June 5.

Choreographer-performer Michelle Mercer presents a multimedia exploration of violence, “Those About to Die Salute You/Who Are You,” at L.A. Venue in Hollywood. Also June 5.

“Voices in Motion: A Choreographer’s Collective Series” continues at the Ivar Theatre in Hollywood. On the lineup: Broderick Wilson, Carol Solomon, Winifred Harris.

The U.S. touring production of “Crazy for You,” the mega-hit song-and-dance musical packed with Gershwin classics and starring James Brennan and Karen Ziemba, opens at the Shubert Theatre in Century City. Ends Aug. 22.

The Actors’ Company production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Tell Me on a Sunday,” a solo musical odyssey through a young woman’s letters home, features Catherine Fries at the Burbank Little Theatre. Ends June 20.

The Asian-American improvisational troupe Cold Tofu presents “The Grapevine,” a new play by Soji Kashiwagi, at the Los Angeles Theatre Center. Ends July 11.

Tony Award-winning director Mel Shapiro’s new Onstage Company ensemble debuts in Moliere’s comedy “The Misanthrope” at the Limelight Playhouse in North Hollywood. Ends June 27.

“Monsieur Shaherazad,” Carol Wolf’s solo play set in occupied France during World War II and featuring Ron Campbell, reopens at the Gem Theatre in Garden Grove. Ends June 13.

“Sesame Street Live” winds up its area tour of “Sleeping Birdie,” a musical starring life-sized versions of the “Sesame Street” gang, at the San Bernardino Orange Pavilion. Ends June 6.

Singer Cyndi Lauper ends her long hiatus from pop music, singing material from a new album due later this month, at the Henry Fonda Theatre.

Tonight and June 5, the Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre will turn into a paradise for Parrotheads--that loony legion of Jimmy Buffett lovers.

More pop music: Janis Ian, Coach House, San Juan Capistrano; Robin Trower, Ventura Theater, Ventura; Reggae Sunsplash, Santa Barbara County Bowl; Clannad, Wiltern Theatre.

Saturday, June 5

“Great Dates,” works by about 50 artists selected by guest curators including Josine Ianco-Starrels, Linda Cathcart and Michelle Isenberg. Artists include George Herms, Michael C. McMillen, Nic Nicosia, David Salle, Jackie Den Hartog, Nancy Evans, Roy Dowell, Erika Rothenberg and Robbie Conal. Also: “Small Histories,” small canvas paintings by David Wilson. Santa Barbara Contemporary Arts Forum. Through June 26.

The Jazz Tap Ensemble appears at the John Anson Ford Amphitheatre in Hollywood as part of the “Summer Nights” festival.

Los Angeles Classical Ballet dances a program of short contemporary ballets and classical excerpts at the Terrace Theater, Long Beach. Also June 6.

“Voices in Motion: A Choreographer’s Collective Series” continues at the Ivar Theatre in Hollywood. On the lineup: Samuel Donlavy, Winifred Harris, Broderick Wilson.

“The Forgotten Door,” Gregory A. Falls’ adaptation of the book by Alexander Ka about the small-town visit of an extraterrestrial, is presented by the Young Conservatory Players at South Coast Repertory in Costa Mesa. Ends June 13.

Tony Abatemarco performs his solo play “Four Fathers” at the Tiffany Theatre in West Hollywood. Ends July 25.

Performance artist Dan Kwong presents his newest multimedia piece, “Monkhood in Three Easy Lessons,” at the Japan America Theater. Also on the bill: Amy Hill in her solo show “Reunion.” Ends June 6.

“Dream Street,” the children’s musical from Max’s Playhouse, opens at the Gem Theatre in Garden Grove.

C. J. Chenier, Steve Riley and John Delafose headline the Cajun and Zydeco Festival, Rainbow Lagoon, Long Beach. Also June 6.

Joni Mitchell and John Prine aren’t the only reasons the “Troubadours of Folk” Festival shapes up as one of the treats of the summer, but the two masterful songwriters are reason enough. They are both on the bill, along with Judy Collins and Carolyn Hester. The June 6 lineup includes Mary-Chapin Carpenter, Richard Thompson and Peter, Paul and Mary. UCLA’s Drake Stadium and Intermural Field.

Music today: the Sundays, Crawford Hall, UC Irvine campus; Harry Belafonte, Greek Theatre, Griffith Park; Tierra, Malo, El Chicano, Ventura Theatre, Ventura; Porno for Pyros, the Flaming Lips, Olympic Velodrome, Cal State Dominguez Hills, Carson.

Sunday, June 6

The new Times Mirror Hall of Native-American Cultures opens at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. The two-level, 10,000-square-foot permanent hall features 800 works in a variety of exhibits ranging from a two-story prehistoric Pueblo cliff dwelling to a changing gallery for contemporary arts.

“Thinking Is Form: The Drawings of Joseph Beuys,” the first major exhibition of Beuys’ work organized in the U.S. since 1979, co-organized by New York’s Museum of Modern Art and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles. Through Sept. 12.

“The Ancient Americas: Art From Sacred Landscapes,” a traveling show that’s considered one of the most important and comprehensive exhibitions of pre-Columbian art ever assembled, includes more than 200 works from 23 ancient cultures of Mexico, Central and South America. L.A. County Museum of Art. Through Aug. 15.

The annual self-guided Open Studios Tour allows visitors to observe downtown artists’ living and working conditions. Organized by L.A. Contemporary Exhibitions at 1804 Industrial St., Los Angeles.

“Textile Exhibitions at the Fowler: Past and Future,” 30 textiles including Kuba raffia cloths, cut-thread Nigerian wrappers, Kuna molas and shimmering Vodoun banners. Fowler Museum of Cultural History at UCLA. Through July 4.

“Artists Beyond Disabilities 1993,” the eighth annual juried exhibition of art by adult artists with disabilities. Armory Center for the Arts in Pasadena. Through June 20.

“Voices in Motion: A Choreographer’s Collective Series” concludes with two performances at the Ivar Theatre in Hollywood. At 2 p.m.: Dulce Capadocia. At 7 p.m.: Carol Solomon, Daryl Copeland, Samuel Donlavy.

The Aman Folk Ensemble presents a program of dances from around the world at the Fountain Theatre in Hollywood.

Anthony Shay’s Avaz International Dance Theater offers an all-Iranian program at the Irvine Barclay Theatre.

Donn Weiss, retiring after 32 years on the UCLA faculty, conducts the UCLA Choral Union, the Los Angeles Children’s Chorus and the American Youth Symphony in Orff’s “Carmina Burana,” Poulenc’s Stabat Mater and Walton’s “Coronation Te Deum.” Royce Hall, UCLA.

The family musical “Big Tush, Little Tush,” starring Elisabeth Moss (of the upcoming Broadway musical “Paper Moon”), opens at the Groundlings Theatre in West Hollywood. Runs indefinitely.

Canadian family entertainer Norman Foote performs at University Synagogue’s Klein Hall.

Gordon Lightfoot at Symphony Hall, San Diego.

Staying home? NBC premieres “South Beach,” an action-adventure series set in Miami starring Yancy Butler and John Glover.

Monday, June 7

Cyndi Lauper drops by the Coach House in San Juan Capistrano.

Tuesday, June 8

“Being and Becoming: Photographs by Edmund Teske,” rare duotone and solarization prints by one of the most influential photographers in Los Angeles. J. Paul Getty Museum in Malibu. Through Aug. 15.

Robert Wagner and Stefanie Powers perform A.R. Gurney’s two-person play “Love Letters” at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts. Ends June 13.

“Beyond the Bay: The Figure,” works from the Bay Area Figurative School; and “Nam June Paik,” video works. Newport Harbor Art Museum in Newport Beach. Through June 27.

Cyndi Lauper continues her way up the coast appearing at the Ventura Theatre, Ventura.

On television: Premiere of “Route 66,” an updated version of the famed 1960s series starring James Wilder and Dan Cortese as two vagabonds in a Corvette.

Wednesday, June 9

The kickoff of the 10th year of the environmental staging of “Tamara,” at the Tamara Villa in Hollywood (formerly Il Vittoriale).

Oingo Boingo at Open Air Theatre, San Diego. Also June 11.

Thursday, June 10

“Jacob Lawrence: The Frederick Douglass and Harriet Tubman Series of Narrative Paintings,” 63 works portraying the lives of the two important abolitionists of the American Civil War era, painted between 1938 and 1940 by the noted African-American artist Lawrence. L.A. County Museum of Art. Through Aug. 22.

PCPA Theaterfest’s summer season opens with Dickens’ “Great Expectations,” at the Festival Theatre in Solvang. Ends June 26.

Controversial performance artist Annie Sprinkle presents her solo show “Post Post Porn Modernist” at Highways Performance Space in Santa Monica as part of the Maps & Windows women’s festival and the Ecce Lesbo/Ecce Homo lesbian and gay performance festival. Ends June 19.

Shelley Berman heads the cast in Skip Usen’s comedy “Love, Dreams & Lost Uncles” at the Court Theatre in West Hollywood. Ends July 11.

Friday, June 11

Sandra Rowe’s multimedia installation “The Invisible Woman” uses sculpture, sound, video, slide projections, text and photography to question existence and the quality of existence. Santa Monica Museum of Art. Through July 18.

Lily Tomlin hosts the opening of “Oliver! Twisted,” a Charity Parody takeoff of Lionel Bart’s hit musical “Oliver!” at the Las Palmas Theatre in Hollywood. Proceeds benefit Aid for AIDS. Ends June 20.

The Fullerton Civic Light Opera opens its open-air summer season of Theatre on the Green with the musical “Quilters,” a tribute to the nation’s pioneer women by Molly Newman and Barbara Damashek, at the Muckenthaler Estate. Ends July 10.

The CHIME (Childrens Hospital International Music and Entertainment) Festival, a three-day gala family entertainment event produced by Lou Adler and featuring children’s performers and celebrity hosts, opens at Knott’s Berry Farm. Ends June 13.

The Serendipity Theatre Co.’s adaptation of “Angelina Ballerina,” for preschoolers and up, based on Katherine Holabird’s children’s books, opens at the Coronet Theatre. Ends July 1.

“Evolution of the Soul Brother,” a comedy by Anthony D. Spires and Donald E. Lacy Jr., opens at the Los Angeles Theatre Center. Ends June 26.

Pop possibilities: Suede, Hollywood Colonnade; Anne Murray, Symphony Hall, San Diego; Juan Luis Guerra, Greek Theatre, Griffith Park.

Saturday, June 12

What’s a grand excuse for partying, people-watching and plain enjoying jazz? Why, the Playboy Jazz Festival, of course. In its 15th year, the two-day, let-it-all-hang-out bash has always offered a wide span of stylists designed to please neopyhtes, aficionados and those in between, and this year, the pattern continues. Hollywood Bowl. Also June 13.

It’s the return of pianist Russ Freeman, who was a mainstay of the Los Angeles ‘50s jazz movement and recorded with Art Pepper, Chet Baker and countless others, as well as under his own name. After hibernating in the TV and movie studios here, Freeman emerges to make his first public appearance in decades. Pianist Mike Wofford, trumpeter Conte Candoli and singer Ruth Price participate. Jazz Bakery, Culver City.

“Men of the Rebellion: The Eight and Their Associates at the Phillips Collection” features works by the generation of American artists who laid the foundation for modernism in the United States, including Robert Henri, Arthur B. Davies and Maurice Pendergast. Armand Hammer Museum of Art, Westwood. Ends Aug. 8.

“The Wild West: Photographs by David Levinthal” re-creates iconic moments in the romance of the West through images of small rubber or plastic figurines and toys in stage scenes. Gene Autry Western Heritage Museum, Griffith Park. Through Sept. 9.

“The William S. Paley Collection” of paintings, sculpture and drawings features works by artists including Cezanne, Matisse and Picasso. San Diego Museum of Art in Balboa Park. Through Oct. 3.

Mozart’s neglected Singspiel “Zaide” gets a rare production--from Euterpre Opera Theatre in English, with Patricia Prunty in the title role--on the new Summer Nights at the Ford series. Also June 18, 19. John Anson Ford Amphitheatre.

Los Angeles Classical Ballet dances a program of short contemporary ballets and classical excerpts in Pasadena Civic Auditorium. Also June 13.

“Paul Conrad: 30 Years on the Front Line” features political cartoons produced for the Los Angeles Times over three decades, and a display of Conrad’s bronze sculptures of prominent American figures including Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert Kennedy. Fullerton Museum Center. Through Aug. 15.

More than 100 artists will gather for “Chalk on the Walk,” Los Angeles’ first street painting festival, a benefit for All Saints AIDS Service Center and the Light-Bringer Project. At the Pasadena City Hall Plaza through June 13.

Los Lobos. Whether you top your list of all-time great Los Angeles bands with the Beach Boys, the Doors or X, you’ve got to find a place high on the list for this outfit, which plays with such consistency and passion that it’s hard to imagine they’ve really been together 20 years. Greek Theatre, Griffith Park.

Other pop choices: Reggae Sunsplash, Pacific Amphitheatre, Costa Mesa; Richard Eliot, Coach House, San Juan Capistrano.

Sunday, June 13

Roberto Amaral introduces “Espana Clasica,” choreography set to the classical music of Spain, at the Fountain Theatre in Hollywood.

The 75-year-old Eugene (Pineapple) Jackson headlines “The Cotton Club Reborn,” a Stage Workshop showcase at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre.

Terence Trent D’Arby shows up at the Henry Ford Theatre in Hollywood.

On the small screen: TNT cable premieres a new, made-for-TV version of “Frankenstein,” starring Randy Quaid and Patrick Bergin.

Monday, June 14

In San Diego, Art Garfunkel appears at the Embarcadero Marina Park South as part of the Summer Pop Series.

Premiering on NBC is “John & Leeza,” a daytime talk show with John Tesh and Leeza Gibbons of “Entertainment Tonight.”

Tuesday, June 15

If it’s Tuesday, it must be Ventura, at least it must be for Art Garfunkel, who moves up the freeway to the Ventura Theatre.

Paul McCartney also performs in concert but he’s on television, on the Fox network.

Wednesday, June 16

Pianist Bobby Lyle, who gives the word versatility new meaning, and the surprisingly good vocal group Straight Ahead are the stars of the International Assn. of Jazz Appreciation’s “Juneteenth Celebration.” John Anson Ford Theatre.

Lee Ritenour is known for his pop-jazz approach, but the guitarist’s last two albums, including the new “Wes Bound,” accent his flair for mainstream-ish swinging. Acoustic Alchemy is also on this bill. Universal Amphitheatre, Universal City.

“Robert Cumming: Cone of Vision,” a 20-year mid-career survey that will travel nationally. The exhibition includes 75 paintings, photographs, prints, drawings, sculpture, written narratives and videos. Museum of Contemporary Art Downtown. Through Aug. 4.

Thursday, June 17

A few years ago, Eddie Daniels stopped playing his first love, the tenor saxophone, to concentrate on clarinet, an instrument on which he proved to be a consummate virtuoso. Good news, though: Daniels recently picked up the saxophone, and now explores his artistry on both horns. With a quartet at Vine St. Bar & Grill. Also June 18 and 19.

The first major retrospective of contemporary American artist Mark Tansey features 25 paintings from 1979 to 1992. L.A. County Museum of Art. Through Aug. 29.

More than 1,200 young dancers perform in the Dance Festival 1993, presented by the Irvine Academy of Performing Arts. Also June 18, 19 and 21.

Pop music tonight: America, Ventura Theatre, Ventura; Barry Manilow, Embarcadero Marina Park South, San Diego; the Temptations, the Four Tops, Universal Amphitheatre, Universal City; Gordon Lightfoot, Celebrity Theatre, Anaheim; Acoustic Alchemy, Coach House, San Juan Capistrano.

On TV tonight is “Eye to Eye With Connie Chung,” the premiere of yet another prime-time newsmagazine from CBS.

Friday, June 18

“Groundlings R.V. & Campers Show,” new comedy from the Groundlings troupe, opens at the Groundling Theatre in Hollywood. Runs indefinitely.

The Poster Boys, the comedy trio from New York, makes its West Coast premiere in its new show, “Bang! I Love You,” at the Tiffany Theatre in West Hollywood. Ends July 25.

Our newest opera enterprise, the Opera Orchestra of Los Angeles, conducted by Gualtiero Negrini, begins its first season of concert opera with Verdi’s “Attila.” June 18-20 (alternating casts). Wilshire Ebell Theater.

“Disney’s Symphonic Fantasy” features the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra and a Bowlful of costumed characters from Disney hits past and present, at the Hollywood Bowl. Also June 20-21.

Dwight Yoakam, singing some of the variety of material on his “This Time” album in his eclectic style, headlines one of the summer’s biggest country shows, at the Universal Amphitheatre, with Suzy Bogguss as opening act. Also June 19.

At the Greek Theater in Griffith Park: Gordon Lightfoot. At the Strand in Redondo: Regina Belle (also June 19).

Saturday, June 19

“Telling Tales: Nineteenth-Century Narrative Painting From the Collection of the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts” includes paintings by Mary Cassatt, Charles Wilson Peale, Thomas Sully, Edward Hicks and William Merritt Chase. Art Center’s Williamson Gallery in Pasadena. Through Aug. 21.

The third annual Dance Roots Ethnic Dance Festival at the Los Angeles Theatre Center downtown showcases companies from across the city. Also June 20.

The California premiere of “Imperceptible Mutabilities in the Third Kingdom,” Suzan-Lori Parks offbeat exploration of the black experience from slavery to modern times, opens at the Odyssey Theatre in West Los Angeles.

The “NoHo Performing Arts Festival,” two days of free arts and crafts, films, exhibits and performances at the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Plaza in North Hollywood, plus 33 plays presented by 20 theaters of the Valley Theatre League at Actors Alley Theater, American Renegade Theatre, the Academy Plaza, Group Repertory, Acme Comedy Playhouse, Limelight Playhouse, Art of the Dance Theatre. Ends June 20.

Gogi Grant, Pia Zadora and other guests join the Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles in a Sondheim anthology at the Wiltern Theatre. Also June 20.

A highlight of the summer for many New Age fans will be composer-keyboardist Yanni laying down his symphonic-style romantic tunes at the Greek Theater.

More music: Daniel Lanois at the Henry Ford Theatre in Hollywood; Gordon Lightfoot at the Ramona Bowl, Hemet; Michael McDonald, Coach House, San Juan Capistrano.

Sunday, June 20

The first comprehensive, historical retrospective of the work of artist Robert Irwin, a seminal figure in the California Light and Space movement, opens at the Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles. Through Aug. 15.

Gerald Wilson has been at the jazz game about as long as anybody. He’s been fronting his own L.A.-based orchestra since the late ‘50s, and he not only continues to concoct vibrant, rhythmic compositions, he brings along top talent to perform them. He appears today in a free concert at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.

An exhibit of ceramics, tiles, drawings and paintings by Beatrice Wood opens at the Severin Wunderman Museum in Irvine. Through Aug. 20.

For jazz, it’s Eddie Daniels with pianist Roger Kellaway at the Jazz Bakery, Culver City. For pop, it’s Gipsy Kings, Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre, Laguna Hills; and Kathy Mattea offers country-rooted tunes at the Strand, Redondo Beach.

Monday, June 21

Music tonight: Daniel Lanois at the Coach House, San Juan Capistrano; Ricky Skaggs, Crazy Horse Steak House, Santa Ana.

Tuesday, June 22

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical epic “Aspects of Love” opens at the Orange County Performing Arts Center. Ends June 27.

A national touring production of “Evita” comes to the Pasadena Civic Auditorium. Ends June 27.

Pop music: Hoyt Axton, Crazy Horse Steak House, Santa Ana; Gipsy Kings, Open Air Theatre, San Diego.

Wednesday, June 23

Music tonight: Billy Joel, Universal Amphitheatre, Universal City. Toto, Ventura Theatre.

Thursday, June 24

Comedian Louie Anderson performs at the Universal Amphitheatre, Universal City. Known for his self-deprecating wit, Anderson recently released his second book, “Good-bye Jumbo . . . Hello Cruel World,” a revealing and humorous look at his own addiction to food.

“The Night Market,” a gender-blending musical work of fiction by Philip Littell and Eric Cunningham, opens at Highways Performance Space as part of the Ecce Lesbo/Ecce Homo lesbian and gay performance festival. Ends July 3.

Looking for tunes?: Gipsy Kings, Greek Theatre, Griffith Park (also June 25); Bon Jovi, Open Air Theatre, San Diego.

On cable: Premiere of a second edition of “Real World,” MTV’s semi-documentary series about the lives and loves of a group of twentysomethings who share a condo--this time around in Venice.

Friday, June 25

How many bad Top 10 lists will this generate?: David Letterman is the host of his last “Late Night” show for NBC.

Music, music, music: Willie Nelson and Family, Universal Amphitheatre, Universal City; Aztec Camera, Henry Fonda Theatre, Hollywood; Bon Jovi, Extreme, Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre, Laguna Hills.

Saturday, June 26

Shakespeare’s tragedy “King Lear” opens at Grove Shakespeare’s Festival Amphitheatre in Garden Grove. Ends July 24.

More than 140 black-and-white photographs are featured in the first West Coast showing of the important documentary photographer Werner Bischof. Santa Barbara Museum of Art. Through Sept. 5.

Twice voted America’s Top Male Comic by a national poll of comedy club owners, Dennis Wolfberg headlines the Strand in Redondo Beach.

Locally based Bharata Natyam dancer-choreographer Viji Prakash plays the lead in her dance-drama “Krishna Bhakti,” at the Torrance Cultural Arts Center.

Meanwhile, Willie Nelson and Family moves south to the Celebrity Theatre, Anaheim. Rick Wakeman is at the Ventura Theatre, Ventura. Ana Gabriel is at the Universal Amphitheatre. Also June 27.

Sunday, June 27

Artists R. John Bache, Robbert Flick, Joel Glassman, Tony Gleaton, Claire Henze and Peter Reiss were commissioned to document the landscape, architecture and people of Pasadena. The result is “Pasadena: A Photographic Exploration,” at the Armory Center for the Arts in Pasadena. Through Aug. 29 (co-sponsored by CalArts).

George Bernard Shaw’s satire “Arms and the Man” opens at the La Jolla Playhouse’s Mandell Weiss Forum. Ends Aug. 15.

Locally based modern-dance artists Donna Sternberg and Benita Bike share a program in the “Dance at the Fountain Theatre” series in Hollywood.

Clarita and her Arte Flamenco Dance Theatre appear at the Los Angeles Theatre Center.

The K-Earth-sponsored Latin Rock ‘n’ Soul Show turns up at the Universal Amphitheatre, Universal City. At the Ramona Bowl, Hemet, it’s Roger Whittaker.

Monday, June 28

“Flying Through Walls,” a new theatrical work presented by the LAPD (Los Angeles Poverty Department) opens at LACE, downtown L.A. Ends June 29.

Music outside and inside: Roger Whittaker, Greek Theatre, Griffith Park; Foreigner, Universal Amphitheatre, Universal City.

Wednesday, June 30

“Ballad of the Blacksmith,” a comedy by Mercedes Rein and Jorge Curi, opens at the Old Globe Theatre’s Lowell Davies Festival Theatre in San Diego.

Thursday, July 1

The ocean and beach scenes of /Claude Monet, Berthe Morisot, Eugene Boudin, Gustave Caillebotte and others are in “The Lure of the Water: Impressionists at the Seashore.” Norton Simon Museum of Art in Pasadena. Through Sept. 26.

Super-tenor Jose Carreras returns to the Greek Theatre, with an accompanying orchestra conducted by Enrique Ricci.

The Jazz Explosion Superband seems as good a name as any to give to a gathering of such contemporary all-stars as guitarist Larry Carlton, bassist Stanley Clarke, saxophonist Najee and drummer Billy Cobham. We bet sparks will fly. Coach House, San Juan Capistrano.

Friday, July 2

John Mauceri and the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra celebrate Independence Day with a program of American music and fireworks at the Bowl. Also July 3-4.

Saturday, July 3

Surf guitar, anyone? Dick Dale and the Deltones play the Coach House, San Juan Capistrano.

Guitarist Larry Carlton, bassist Stanley Clarke, saxophonist Najee, drummer Billy Cobham, a.k.a. the Jazz Explosion Superband, bring their musical pyrotechnics to the Greek Theater.

Sunday, July 4

Fireworks are virtually everywhere. Check out the listing on Page S9 for the boom nearest you.

Monday, July 5

The super-tenor goes south. Jose Carreras appears at the Civic Theater in San Diego.

The 25th annual “Open House at the Hollywood Bowl,” a festival of arts for children on weekday mornings, offers performances and arts workshops for ages 3-12. Ends Aug. 13.

Members of the Los Angeles Philharmonic launch the Henry J. Bruman Summer Chamber Music Festival with a program including Dvorak’s Bass Quintet. The free festival concerts will take place every Monday and Thursday at 1 p.m. Through Aug. 5, at UCLA’s Schoenberg Hall.

Leonard Cohen along with the Future will be at the Wiltern Theatre.

Tuesday, July 6

David Zinman and the Los Angeles Philharmonic open the official season at Hollywood Bowl with a Tchaikovsky program featuring Symphony No. 6 and Piano Concerto No. 1, with young Argentinian soloist Nelson Goerner.

Examples of fine and decorative art including a rare, early 20th-Century Torah case from a Sephardic community in India and a silver ceremonial Passover piece created by Israeli artist Moshe Zabari are featured in “New Acquisitions,” at the Hebrew Union College Skirball Museum. Through Aug. 27.

Poison, featuring the shenanigans of frontman Bret Michaels, headlines a mainstream rock show, including Damn Yankees and Firehouse, that inaugurates the new Glen Helen Blockbuster Pavilion in the Inland Empire.

Wednesday, July 7

Richard Chamberlain stars in Lerner and Loewe’s “My Fair Lady” at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. Ends July 18.

“Burning Hope,” a new drama by Douglas Michilinda, premieres at the Old Globe Theatre’s Cassius Carter Centre Stage in San Diego. Ends Aug. 15

About 25 galleries in locations, including La Brea Avenue, Beverly Boulevard and La Cienega Boulevard, will participate in “Summerfest,” a twice-yearly event featuring opening receptions, poetry readings, wine tastings and other special events. Los Angeles Art Galleries, Los Angeles. Also July 8.

Rockin ‘n’ rollin: Lynyrd Skynyrd, Bad Company and Drivin-N-Cryin, Blockbuster Pavilion, Glen Helen Regional Park, Devore, San Bernardino. And at Irvine Meadows in Laguna Hills, it’s Poison and Firehouse.

Thursday, July 8

Steven Craig, Jeffrey Moore and Shel Wagner present a program titled “Beggarman, Thief: Fairy Tales” on the “Dance Traffic” series at Highways Performance Space, Santa Monica. Also July 9-11.

San Diego Civic Light Opera’s production of “My Fair Lady” opens at the Starlight Bowl in Balboa Park, San Diego. Ends July 18.

Friday, July 9

“Roy Dowell: Collages” surveys a series of 36 small-scale collages composed of scraps of found material including used handbills, remnants of tattered billboards and scraps of found advertisements. Also: “Patrick Tosani: Photographer.” Santa Monica Museum of Art. Through Sept. 5.

In “Tommy Tune Tonight!” the lanky Tony Award winner taps his way through songs from Cole Porter to Irving Berlin, at the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood. Ends July 11. Also at the Orange County Performing Arts Center in Costa Mesa, July 13-14.

Shakespeare Orange County’s production of “Much Ado About Nothing” opens at Chapman University’s Waltmar Theatre. Ends Aug. 7.

It’s all rock: Chicago, Greek Theatre, Griffith Park; Def Leppard, Ugly Kid Joe, Blockbuster Pavilion, Glen Helen Regional Park, Devore, San Bernardino. Except for: Ronnie Milsap, Orange County Fair, Costa Mesa.

Saturday, July 10

“Terry Allen: Youth in Asia,” organized by the Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art in Winston-Salem, N.C., explores the impact of the Vietnam War on American culture through paintings, drawings, construction and large-scale mixed-media installations. Also: a suite of 11 paintings by acclaimed New York artist Jean-Michel Basquiat. Newport Harbor Art Museum in Newport Beach. Through Sept. 10.

Once the hosts of their own irreverent ‘60s comedy-variety show on CBS, the Smothers Brothers return for a performance at the Universal Amphitheatre with co-headliner Glen Campbell. Comedian-KNBC Channel 4 weatherman Fritz Coleman opens.

Several prime works not seen in San Diego for several years go on view in a new “Permanent Collection” installation. Museum of Contemporary Art, San Diego. Through September.

The annual “Artist Guild Open Juried Exhibition” features works in all media by members of the San Diego Museum of Art Artists Guild. San Diego Museum of Art in Balboa Park. Through Aug. 29.

Hal Holbrook heads the cast in Shakespeare’s tragedy “King Lear” opening at San Diego’s Old Globe Theatre on the mainstage. Ends Aug. 29.

“Year of Rebellion: French Posters” features student protest posters and other memorabilia from 1968 Paris. Also: The West Coast premiere of French artist Michele Blondel features works dealing with the artist’s native Catholicism, and “paintings” by Tina Hulett are created by dripping molten beeswax onto a surface. Santa Barbara Contemporary Arts Forum. Ends Aug. 28.

The Long Beach Civic Light Opera’s production of “Dreamgirls” opens at the Terrace Theatre in the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center.

“Phantom,” the Los Angeles County premiere of the Kopit-Yeston musical presented by Whittier-La Mirada Musical Theatre, opens at the La Mirada Theatre.

Shakespeare Festival/L.A.’s production of “Romeo and Juliet” opens at the John Anson Ford Amphitheatre in Hollywood. Ends July 25.

“Cinderella Caterpillar,” a children’s musical presented by Max’s Playhouse, returns to the Gem Theatre in Garden Grove. Ends July 11.

“Starting Here Starting Now,” the L.A. premiere of the musical revue by David Shire and Richard Maltby Jr. (“Closer Than Ever”) at the West End Playhouse in Van Nuys, directed by Pamela Hall. Runs indefinitely.

The Preservation Hall Jazz Band brings its New Orleans-inspired jazz to the Irvine Barclay Theatre.

Choice of rock: the Stranglers, Ventura Theatre, Ventura; Def Leppard, Ugly Kid Joe, Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre, Laguna Hills.

On TV tonight: “Laurel Avenue,” a three-hour drama about a black working-class family in St. Paul, Minn., premieres on HBO. Tony winner Mary Alice stars.

Sunday, July 11

Disney recording group Craig ‘n Company performs at Warner Park in Woodland Hills.

Back home: Premiere of “Danger Theater” on Fox, a series that parodies such former TV hits as “Hawaii Five-0,” “Knight Rider” and “Miami Vice.”

Tuesday, July 13

Phil Woods has been a superlative, be-bop-based improviser since he arrived on the New York jazz scene in 1955, and there’s no reason to believe that he will ever be otherwise. Catalina Bar & Grill. Through July 18.

The “1993 Los Angeles Juried Exhibition” is a new multi-site juried biennial opening at six city-run arts centers. At Barnsdall Art Park’s Municipal Art Gallery (painting) and Junior Arts Center Gallery (works on paper), the William Grant Still Arts Center (mixed-media and assemblage), Watts Towers Arts Center (prints), Woodland Hills’ Artspace Gallery (sculpture), and Tujunga’s McGroarty Arts Center (textiles and fiber). All through Aug. 22, except the Artspace Gallery exhibition, which runs from July 27-Aug. 28.

Music tonight: Hiroshima, Orange County Fair, Costa Mesa.

Wednesday, July 14

“The Will Rogers Follies,” the hit extravaganza starring Keith Carradine and Dee Hoty and directed and choreographed by Tommy Tune, opens at the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood. Ends Sept. 26.

The Four Tops are the main musical attraction at the Orange County Fair, Costa Mesa.

WARNING: IT’S HALF OVER . . . SUMMER THAT IS!

Thursday, July 15

“Five Guys Named Moe,” Clark Peters’ musical celebration of the songs of ‘40s jazz star Louis Jordan, opens at the UCLA James A. Doolittle Theatre in Hollywood. Ends Sept. 25.

“Seascape/Cityscape: The Art of Lyonel Feininger,” includes 50 paintings, drawings and prints. Norton Simon Museum of Art in Pasadena, through Jan. 9.

Critically acclaimed performer Amy Hill premieres her new solo show, “Beside Myself,” at East West Players in Los Angeles.

Friday, July 16

Holly Hunter opens in the West Coast premiere of Beth Henley’s play, “Control Freaks,” with Henley directing one of her own plays for the first time, at the Met Theatre in Hollywood. Ends Aug. 15.

“Custom Culture: Von Dutch, Ed ‘Big Daddy’ Roth, Robert Williams and Others” is a two-venue exhibition of works by more than 20 mainstream artists--including Carlos Almaraz, Billy Al Bengston, Robert Crumb, Mike Kelly, Frank Romero, Edward Ruscha, Jim Shaw and Jeffrey Vallance--influenced by the custom car scene. At the Laguna Art Museum in Laguna Beach and the museum’s satellite at South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa. Through Nov. 7.

The annual “Dance Kaleidoscope” festival opens at Cal State Los Angeles, with works featuring Ballet Pacifica, Betzi Roe, Mehmet Sander, Jean Isaacs, Ramaa Bharadvaj, Ballet Folklorico del Pacifico, Linda Vega and Roberto Amaral. Also July 17.

James Luisi headlines in Ken Ludwig’s farce, “Lend Me a Tenor,” presented by the Fullerton Civic Light Opera’s open-air Theatre on the Green series at the Muckenthaler Estate. Ends Aug. 7.

Saturday, July 17

“Photography in Contemporary German Art: 1960 to the Present, Part II” includes works by Lothar Baumgarten, Bernd and Hilla Becher, Hanne Darboven, Hans-Peter Feldmann, Gunther Forg, Reinhard Mucha, Gerhard Richter, Peter Roehr, Thomas Ruff and Thomas Struth. Lannan Foundation in Marina Del Rey. Through Aug. 22.

Celebrated soprano Kiri Te Kanawa comes to the Greek Theatre with an orchestrally accompanied program of popular arias and show tunes.

“The News in Pictures: A Century of Images from The Press-Enterprise” is timed to coincide with the celebration of Riverside County’s Centennial. California Museum of Photography in Riverside. Through Sept. 12.

At the Universal Amphitheatre, Universal City, it’s Little Richard.

Sunday, July 18

“Warriors: Navajo Code Talkers” images by Japanese photographer Kenji Kawano(cq) reflecting on the Navajo U.S. Marines who defied Japanese intelligence by communicating in their own language during World War II. Southwest Museum in Highland Park, through Sept. 19.

“The Hairy Ape,” Eugene O’Neill’s classic drama, opens at the La Jolla Playhouse’s Mandell Weiss Forum. Ends Aug. 22.

Jaston Williams and Joe Sears present their two-man comedy, “A Tuna Christmas,” at the Pasadena Playhouse. Ends Aug. 22.

“Dance Kaleidoscope” continues at Cal State L.A., with works by Patricia Sandback, Los Angeles Modern Dance and Ballet, Francisco Martinez, Karen Woo, Leo Tee, Stephanie Gilliland, John Pennington and Claudia Schneiderman Ross. 2:30 p.m. Also July 23.

Carole King is back in town at the Universal Amphitheatre, Universal City.

Tuesday, July 20

“Early Medieval and Romanesque Manuscripts” traces the art of the illuminated book from the reign of Charlemagne to the early 13th Century. J. Paul Getty Museum in Malibu. Through Oct. 10.

Richard Chamberlain stars in Lerner and Loewe’s “My Fair Lady” at the Orange County Performing Arts Center. Thru July 25.

Burning Spear turns up at the Coach House, San Juan Capistrano

Wednesday, July 21

The Joffrey Ballet returns to the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in “Billboards,” a four-part, full-evening work with music by Prince and choreography by Laura Dean, Charles Moulton, (cq)Peter Pucci and Margo Sappington. 8 p.m. Also July 22-25.

Folk music from Arlo Guthrie at the Universal Amphitheatre, Universal City.

Thursday, July 20

Peter Gabriel is an exquisite singer and songwriter, but the reason his performances are as much personalized works of art as his music is because he is blessed with a compelling sense of theater. At the Forum in Inglewood.

“Visions of Antiquity: Neoclassical Figure Drawing,” 125 drawings from public and private collections in Europe, the United States and Canada, co-organized by LACMA and the Minneapolis Institute of Art. L.A. County Museum of Art. Through Sept. 19.

And there’s country music from one of the greats, Merle Haggard, at the Orange County Fair, Costa Mesa.

Back home on TV: Robert Urich revives his private-eye role in “Spenser: Ceremony,” a made-for-TV movie on the Lifetime cable channel.

Friday, July 23

Former talk-show host and “Saturday Night Live” funnyman Dennis Miller teams up with Rita Rudner for a double dose of smart, observational comedy at the Universal Amphitheatre, Universal City.

At the Ventura Theater, Restless Heart takes the stage.

Saturday, July 24

“Africa’s Legacy in Mexico: Photographs by Tony Gleaton,” 52 black-and-white photographs dealing with Mexico’s mestizo population. California Afro-American Museum in Exposition Park. Through Oct. 12.

Carl St. Clair conducts the Pacific Symphony, Pacific Chorale and soloists in Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony and Bernstein’s “Chichester Psalms” at the Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre. They repeat the concert Sunday at Pearson Park in Santa Ana.

The Los Angeles Baroque Orchestra and soloists present Handel’s masque “Acis and Galatea” on a “Music and Mythology” series at the Getty Museum.

“Dance Kaleidoscope” continues at Cal State L.A. with works by Noga Chomut, Fred’s House, Riverside Ballet Theatre, Rudy Perez, Sandor/Sandor, and Djimbe West African Drummers and Dancers. Also July 25.

Lyle Lovett and Large Band, Universal Amphitheatre, Universal City.

Sunday, July 25

Soulful sounds in San Diego: The Temptations, Lou Rawls, Summer Pops Series, Embarcadero Marina Park South.

Monday, July 26

New Order, Hollywood Bowl.

Tuesday, July 27

“North Italian Drawings of the 15th through 17th Centuries” focuses on artists who worked in cultural centers including Venice, Bologna, Parma and Milan. J. Paul Getty Museum in Malibu. Through Oct. 10.

The Joffrey Ballet moves its full-evening Prince ballet, “Billboards,” to the Orange County Performing Arts Center. Also July 28-29.

Wednesday, July 28

Reggae in Redondo: Jimmy Cliff at The Strand.

Thursday, July 29

San Diego Civic Light Opera’s production of “42nd Street” opens at the Starlight Bowl in Balboa Park. Ends Aug. 8.

Shakespeare Festival/L.A.’s production of “Romeo and Juliet” at South Coast Botanic Gardens in Rolling Hills Estates, July 29-Aug. 8.

PCPA Theaterfest’s 50th anniversary production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Oklahoma!” plays Festival Theatre in Solvang. Through Aug. 14.

Rock and reggae: Steve Miller Band, Greek Theatre, Griffith Park. Jimmy Cliff, Coach House, San Juan Capistrano.

Friday, July 30

Bobby McFerrin conducts--that’s right--the Los Angeles Philharmonic in Beethoven’s Symphony No. 2 at the Hollywood Bowl. He also sings, of course, in some pops programming. Also July 31.

Mikhail Baryshnikov ()brings his White Oak Dance Project to the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, presenting works by Hanya Holm, Twyla Tharp and Mark Morris. Besides Baryshnikov, the company includes Rob Besserer, Nancy Colahan, Kate Johnson, Marianne Moore, Donald Mouton and Kevin O’Day. 8 p.m. Also July 31 and Aug. 1.

Art Farmer’s graceful, fluid trumpet and flugelhorn lines will brighten “The Music of Gil Evans,” an airing of the shimmering, often hypnotic works of the master arranger and orchestrator. At the Hyatt Newporter Hotel.

Collage Dance Theatre introduces “Eye to Eye” at the John Anson Ford Amphitheatre in Hollywood, with choreography by Heidi Duckler, Stephanie Gilliland, Scott Heinzerling, Katherina LaNasa and Yaelisa.

Los Angeles Chamber Ballet dances new works by Raiford Rogers and Laurence Blake in a five-part preview performance at the Irvine Barclay Theatre.

Soft songs from the ‘60s from The Association, Universal Amphitheatre, Universal City.

Saturday, July 31

After the death of trumpet king Dizzy Gillespie, clarinetist-saxophonist Paquito D’Rivera has assumed the helm of what Dizzy called his United Nation band. D’Rivera, a Cuban expatriate, prefers the title U.N. Orchestra, but chances are the music the gregarious ensemble plays will be just as rousing and exuberant and multi-stylistic as its precedent. At the Strand, Redondo Beach.

Urban, youth oriented comedy will be on display when Def Comedy Jam arrives at the Universal Amphitheatre, Universal City.

“From Picasso to Christo: Selections from the Permanent Collection,” at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art. Through Oct. 17.

“Dance Kaleidoscope” moves to the John Anson Ford Amphitheatre in Hollywood.

Psychedelic Shakespeare?: A psychedelic ‘60s version of Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” directed by Jules Aaron, opens at Grove Shakespeare’s Festival Amphitheatre. Ends Sept. 4.

Pop music tonight. The O’Jays and Stephanie Mills play the Greek Theatre, Griffith Park. In Orange County, the Steve Miller Band and Paul Rodgers are at the Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre in Laguna Hills.

Sunday, Aug. 1

Sade will croon her brand of exotic, seductive pop, emphasizing songs from her “Love Deluxe” album, at the Greek Theater tonight and Monday.

James Lapine directs the premiere of his dark comedy, “Luck, Pluck and Virtue,” at the La Jolla Playhouse’s Mandell Weiss Theatre. Ends Aug. 29.

Monday, Aug. 2

The Lusitania Opera offers a free, staged performance of Mozart’s Singspiel “The Impressario,” with Patricia Prunty, Bruce Johnson and Philip Chaffen, as part of the Bruman Summer Chamber Music Festival. At UCLA’s Schoenberg Hall.

Tuesday, Aug. 3

Esa-Pekka Salonen returns to the Los Angeles Philharmonic and Hollywood Bowl, with an eclectic program mixing Bartok’s “Concerto for Orchestra,” with Latin jazz featuring trumpeter Arturo Sandoval.

Wednesday, Aug. 4

Los Angeles Chamber Ballet dances new works by Raiford Rogers and Laurence Blake on the “Summer Nights” series at the John Anson Ford Amphitheatre in Hollywood, 8 p.m. Also Aug. 5.

Members of the Paul Taylor Dance Company, Dance Theatre of Harlem and the Lar Lubovitch Dance Company share a program at the Greek Theatre, Griffith Park.

On cable tonight: “Marilyn and Bobby,” a TV movie about the relationship between Marilyn Monroe and Robert F. Kennedy, has its first outing on the USA Network.

Thursday, Aug. 5

Mikhail Baryshnikov moves his White Oak Dance Project to the Orange County Performing Arts Center. 8 p.m. Also Aug. 6-7.

“Lips Together, Teeth Apart,” Terrence McNally’s romantic comedy about two heterosexual couples vacationing in Fire Island in the midst of mourning the death of a brother to AIDS and “a mutual apprehension of homosexuality,” opens at the Mark Taper Forum. Ends Sept. 19.

Keith Hennessy’s “Heat” investigates rebellion, sex and prayer at Highways Performance Space in Santa Monica. Also Aug. 6 and 7.

The California Youth Theatre presents “Scapino!,” a revival of the contemporary adaptation of Moliere’s comic romp, presented at Paramount Studios. Ends Sept. 11.

Country goes Greek. George Strait, tonight and Friday.

Friday, Aug. 6

A.R. Gurney’s romantic play, “Love Letters,” opens at the Severson Theatre in Santa Maria as part of PCPA Theaterfest. Ends Sept. 5.

Saxophonist Herb Geller plays Orange County at Maxwell’s by the Sea. Through Aug. 8.

Saturday, Aug. 7

Jazz is gaining a solid foothold in Pasadena and the Ambassador Foundation Jazz Festival has helped secure that position. This year, the Foundation’s third affair spotlights some tried and true acts, including singer Diane Schuur and keyboardists Dave and Don Grusin, as well as some newer instrumental voices, among them the Clayton-Hamilton big band, reedman Ken Peplowski and the Black/Note quintet. Also Sunday.

“20th Century Japanese Prints,” featuring works from the permanent collection, augmented with key examples from local and regional collections. Santa Barbara Museum of Art. Through Oct. 3.

Pop music: Air Supply, Greek Theatre, Griffith Park.

Wednesday, Aug. 11

Saxophonist Cannonball Adderley and drummer Art Blakey remain two of jazz’ most revered figures, musicians who will be long remembered not only for their capacious musicality, but for their abundant spirit. Hard-driving swing will be the thing, when a troupe of the art form’s top talent honor these giants. Among the cast: saxophonists Gary Bartz, Branford Marsalis and Lou Donaldson; pianists McCoy Tyner and Cedar Walton; trumpeters Freddie Hubbard and Donald Byrd; and drummers Billy Higgins and Kenny Washington. At the Hollywood Bowl.

Thursday, Aug. 12

Keegan and Lloyd’s new performance work, “Naked & In Love: A Comedy With Strings Attached,” opens at Highways in Santa Monica as part of the Ecce Lesbo/Ecce Homo lesbian and gay festival. Ends Aug. 21.

Friday, Aug. 13

Shakespeare Orange County opens its classical production of “Julius Caesar” at the Waltmar Theatre at Chapman University. Ends Sept. 11.

“Foxfire,” the play about an Appalachian widow living with the ghost of her husband, with songs by Susan Cooper and Hume Cronyn and music by Jonathan Holtzman, is presented by the Fullerton Civic Light Opera’s open-air Theatre on the Green series at the Muckenthaler Estate. Ends Sept. 4.

Heated debates do not go on in coffeehouses as to whether Bill Holman is jazz’ most creative orchestral writer, but maybe they should. While he broke into arranging and composing for big band in the ‘50s, when Stan Kenton showcased his captivating wares, Holman has never written better than he does now, and these outdoor events in Newport Beach seem to find him offering new, eventful works that raise the hair on your neck, if not your jazz listening I.Q. At the Hyatt Newporter.

Pop Music: Mike Oldfield, Greek Theatre, Griffith Park.

Saturday, Aug. 14

The Grateful Dead’s Rose Bowl show is the first Southern California concert by this San Francisco-based band in two years--and the biggest local gathering of Deadheads in many years.

“Bill Viola: Slowly Turning Narrative” is a room-sized video installation by the internationally-known video artist. Also: “Francesc Torres,” the mechanistic tableau, “The Dictatorship of Swiftness.” Museum of Contemporary Art, San Diego’s MCA Downtown. Through Oct. 20.

The Long Beach Opera brings Bizet’s “Carmen,” with Alice Baker in the title role and James Schwisow as Don Jose, to the John Anson Ford Amphitheatre. Also Aug. 19 and 21.

Jazz and Pop Music: Michael Franks plays the Greek Theater, Griffith Park, tonight.

Kenny Loggins shows up at Universal Amphitheatre, Universal City.

Monday, Aug. 16

Moving south. Kenny Loggins does San Diego as part of the Summer Pops Series in the Embarcadero Marina Park South.

Tuesday, Aug. 17

Is the youthful Terence Blanchard the next great trumpeter in jazz? Many think so, and his recent Columbia Records album, “The Malcolm X Jazz Suite,” has definitely boosted his already substantial cache. Blanchard’s top-notch quintet boasts such impressive performers as saxophonist Sam Newsome. Catalina Bar & Grill. Through Aug. 22.

Wednesday, Aug. 18

Kenny Loggins, Pacific Amphitheatre, Costa Mesa.

Thursday, Aug. 19

Has there ever been a more fully satisfying female singer in country music than Emmylou Harris? You may have some nominees before you see her show, but it’s hard to imagine you voting for anyone else after seeing it. This is the first of several Southern California stops on her summer tour. The Strand in Redondo Beach (also the Ventura Theatre in Ventura on Aug. 20 and the Coach House in San Juan Capistrano on Aug. 21).

PCPA Theaterfest presents “The Immigrant,” by Mark Harelik, at its Festival Theatre in Solvang. Through Sept. 4.

“West Side Story” is another PCPA Theaterfest offering playing through Sept. 4 at the Marian Theatre in Santa Maria.

Friday, Aug. 20

Gloria Alvarez, Manuel Luna, Hae Kyung Lee, and Chatuye perform in the opening L.A. Festival “Crossing L.A.” dance event at Visions Complex, Theater Two, in Leimert Park. $10.

Saturday, Aug. 21

“John Outterbridge: Keeper of the Tradition,” a retrospective exhibition examining the career of the noted L.A. artist and community leader. California Afro-American Museum in Exposition Park. Through April 30.

Avaz founder-director Anthony Shay curates another collaborative L.A. Festival “Crossing L.A.” dance event at Visions Complex, Theater Two, in Leimert Park (43rd and Crenshaw). The Silayan company, Zoya, Carolyn Kreuger, Aisha Ali and Emily Mayne are featured.

Adrienne Kennedy, Suzan Lori-Parks and Ntozake Shange present free readings from their works for the L.A. Festival’s “Women’s Voices” series, at the Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood.

Special screenings: “Manhattan by the Numbers,” a film by Amir Naderi, a major Iranian filmmaker best known for his masterpiece “The Runner.” UCLA, Melnitz Theater.

Pop music: Emmylou Harris plays the Coach House, San Juan Capistrano, while Al Jarreau and David Sanborn perform at the Pacific Amphitheatre, Costa Mesa.

Sunday, Aug. 22

Danza Floricano U.S.A. appears at the John Anson Ford Amphitheatre in a “Summer Nights” program that includes the premiere of Gemma Sandoval’s Latin-jazz suite “America Tropical.”

Monday, Aug. 23

Pop-soul queen--and new mother--Whitney Houston, on tour for the first time in two years, will be singing songs from the mega-hit “Bodyguard” album at the Summer Pops Bowl, in Embarcadero Marina Park South in San Diego. She’s also appearing Aug. 25, 27-28 at the Cerritos Performing Arts Center.

With its “Ordinary World” single reaching the Top 10 and reviving the career of this former teen-idol band, Duran Duran’s Hollywood Bowl show should attract legions of screaming female rock fans.

Poet and dramatist Ntozake Shange performs a free reading for the L.A. Festival’s “Women’s Voices” series, at the Sisterhood Bookstore.

David Letterman’s new late-night CBS show premieres.

Tuesday, Aug. 24

“Women on the Edge: Twenty Photographers in Europe, 1919-1939” presents images by photographers including Florence Henri, Lucia Moholy, Germaine Krull and Else Thalemann. J. Paul Getty Museum in Malibu. Through Oct. 10.

Special screening: House of Cheloche Street. An outstanding vintage Israeli film by Moshe Mizarchi. A part of the Asian and African Jews in World Cinema series. L.A. County Art Museum, Bing Theater.

Wednesday, Aug. 25

Whitney Houston, Cerritos Performing Arts Center, Cerritos. Also Aug. 27-28.

Thursday, Aug. 26

Zubin Mehta conducts the Israel Philharmonic, the Los Angeles Master Chorale, soprano Solveig Kringleborn and mezzo Florence Quivar in Mahler’s “Resurrection” Symphony, at the Hollywood Bowl.

Though often dismissed as a jam-crazed Grateful-Dead clone, Spin Doctors really play pop with reggae shadings. Its “Pocket Full of Kryptonite” album is a massive hit. Billed with respected band Soul Asylum and Screaming Trees, this San Diego Open Air Theatre show will be a rockers’ delight.

Andrew (Dice) Clay brings his inimitable brand of raunchy humor to the Greek Theatre, Griffith Park.

San Diego Civic Light Opera’s revival of the ‘20s musical, “Good News,” opens at the Starlight Bowl in Balboa Park. Ends Sept. 5.

Controversial lesbian performance artist Holly Hughes premieres her new work “Clit Notes” at Highways in Santa Monica. Part of the Ecce Lesbo/Ecce Homo lesbianand gay festival.

Friday, Aug. 27

The L.A. Festival “Crossing L.A.” dance series continues at Visions Complex, Theater Two, in Leimert Park (43rd and Crenshaw) with Akyuoe, Linda Fay Johnson, Noni Olibisi, Joyce Guy and others.

Van Halen and Vince Neil rock at the Pacific Amphitheatre, Costa Mesa.

On the small screen: The premiere of “Great Escapes,” an NBC romantic adventure series.

Saturday, Aug. 28

Pop Music: Spin Doctors, Soul Asylum and Screaming Treed, Greek Theatre, Griffith Park.

Oldies show: Everly Brothers and Dion, Ramona Bowl, Hemet.

Sunday, Aug. 29

Fans of ‘90s contemporary jazz, where elements of everything from funk to world music get thrown into the mix, will want to catch 1993’s JVC Jazz at the Bowl. On tap: saxophonist Grover Washington, Jr., Fourplay (with Lee Ritenour, Bob James, Nathan East and Harvey Mason), keyboardist Keiko Matsui and vocalist Greg Walker. At the Hollywood Bowl.

Margalit Oved and Haydeh Tchangizian dance on an L.A. Festival program at the Wilshire Blvd. Temple.

“Diaries” features video work exploring the diary as a personal record; and “Stephanie Wilde: Art in the Age of the Plague” presents works by the self-taught pen and ink artist. Also: “Above and Beyond the Sofa: Gifts from the Community to the Long Beach Museum of Art.” Long Beach Museum of Art. Through Nov. 14.

Pop music tonight: Everly Brothers and Dion, Greek Theatre, Griffith Park.

Tuesday, Aug. 31

Writer-poet Alice Walker, Egyptian novelist Nawal El Saadawiand poet Wanda Coleman present a free group discussion as part of the L.A. Festival’s “Women’s Voices,” series at the Pacific Design Center.

The California premiere of David Hirson’s “La Bete,” is presented by Stages Theatre Center at the John Anson Ford Amphitheatre. Ends Sept. 5.

Wednesday, Sept. 1

For a one-night crash course on styles of mainstream acoustic jazz from the ‘30s up through today, catch the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, pianist Dave Brubeck and saxophonist Joe Henderson. The LCJO focuses on recreations from jazz’ early eras, Henderson stretches jazz’ envelope with heady improvisations and Brubeck, well, is Brubeck--a one-of-a-kind radical experimenter-populist. At the Hollywood Bowl.

“Alexandria . . . Why?” is a semi-autobiographical film about Hollywood fantasies, the first in a trilogy by Egyptian filmmaker Youssef Chahine. A part of the Asian and African Jews in World Cinema series. L.A. County Art Museum, Bing Theater.

Thursday, Sept. 2

Alice Walker (“Color Purple,” “Possessing the Secret of Joy”) reads from her work for the L.A. Festival’s “Women’s Voices” series, at Crossroads Visions Theater.

Friday, Sept. 3

The Los Angeles Classic Jazz Festival, pays homage to the birth of the art form, emphasizing the traditional styles that developed in the ‘20s, ‘30s and ‘40s. Among the many stars on this year’s line-up are pianist Ralph Sutton, saxophonist Bob Wilber, clarinetist Peanuts Hucko and the Benny Goodman Tribute Band and the Bob Haggart-Yank Lawson combo. Los Angeles Airport Marriott Hotel. Through Sept. 6.

Baritone Dmitri Hvorostovsky is the soloist with conductor John Mauceri and the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, in a program of fireworks and Russian music. Hollywood Bowl. Also Sept. 4, 5.

Choreographer Mehmet Sander curates another L.A. Festival “Crossing L.A.” dance event at Visions Complex, Theater Two, in Leimert Park (43rd and Crenshaw).

Sunday, Sept. 5

The Djimbe West African Drummers and Dancers join the African Cultural Group, the Zvaradnotz Dance Ensemble, the Ethiopian Dance Ensemble and Harmonica Fats in a L.A. Festival program at the Farmer’s Market outside the Ivar Theater, Hollywood. 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Salvadoran writer/poet/critic Monica MonsourNicaraguan poet Giaconda Belli and Chicana writer Roberta Fernandez present free readings for the L.A. Festival’s “Women’s Voices” series, at Visions Complex, Theater Two.

SUMMER PLANS

“I’m going to spend my summer trying to figure out what ‘Wild Palms’ is all about.” Johnny Carson

“I’m going to roll around L.A. with the top down on my car and take girls to Venice Beach on the weekends. I’m going to go see a lot of movies. . . . And I got a kite that I’ve been meaning to fly, but I haven’t got the right wind. And I’m finally going to do one thing that I’ve wanted to do: I’m going to Catalina Island.” John Singleton, screenwriter-director

“We--my husband and I--usually try to make movies whenever we can schedule the time. Concerts when we can, as well. Otherwise we enjoy staying at home, having dinners for friends, barbecue for friends. Sometimes when you’re out and about so much for your work day, it’s nice to stay at home, even get a video.’ Joanne Ishimine, KABC Channel 7 news anchor

“The seasons don’t make very much difference to me; I just go on working. I’m very disciplined about my work, so I rarely leave Ojai. . . . I think (the three-day Ojai Festival, beginning Friday) is a very wonderful thing culturally--it often tries out the music of new musicians, and I think it’s important to give them a chance. I always make an exception to my schedule and go.” Beatrice Wood, artist, who just turned 100

He likes to hang out at Highways in Santa Monica during the summer: “Because it’s out by the ocean, so it’s fun to spend the day there and get some sun on the beach and then see some good performance art.” Among his picks for the summer is the Los Angeles Poverty Department performing “Flying Through Walls” at LACE, June 28-29. John Fleck, performance artist

“The older I get, the more I appreciate solitude. . . . In the wintertime you want to talk to people, and in the summer I want to just blend in. And just listen to music. No television, no telephone, no damn beepers. That’s heaven. . . . Go to the Hollywood Bowl, sit on the grass, sit way, way back and listen to the music. To be in the crowd but not be a part of it.” Nell Carter, actress-singer

His plans: To “lie on my roof garden, on top of the world, sip champagne and look up at the sky writers.” Richard Tyler, designer and owner of the Tyler Trafficante boutique

“In that I just bought a house in San Diego and live ne