Get Ready to Mark Your Calendar . . .

Veteran L.A. abstract painter Ed Moses is the subject of the major retrospective “Ed Moses: A Retrospective of the Paintings and Drawings, 1951-1996” continuing at the Museum of Contemporary Art in downtown Los Angeles through Aug. 11.

An exhibition of 48 photographs documents American folk life from 1916 to the early 1930s in “Doris Ulmann: Photography and Folklore.” At the J. Paul Getty Museum in Malibu through July 7.

“Sacred Arts of Haitian Vodou” presents a scholarly examination of the often misunderstood Afro-Caribbean religion in an exhibition of some 600 objects. At the UCLA/Fowler Museum of Cultural History in Westwood, through July 14.

Judy Chicago’s massive feminist collaborative sculpture “The Dinner Party” comes to L.A. for the first time and shares the stage with works by about 50 other women artists in “Sexual Politics: Judy Chicago’s ‘The Dinner Party’ in Feminist Art History.” At the UCLA/Armand Hammer Museum of Art and Cultural Center in Westwood, through Aug. 18.

The world premiere of “Time and Again,” a musical based on Jack Finney’s novel about a modern-day advertising illustrator sent to 1882 New York City as part of a secret government experiment, runs through June 9 at the Old Globe Theatre in San Diego.

“All in the Timing,” David Ives’ six short comedies examining the absurdities of everyday life, plays through June 25 at International City Theatre in Long Beach.

Dea Lawrence and Sara Ballantine are back as Hillary Clinton, Tipper Gore, Bob Dole, Larry King and other characters in an expanded version of James Grant Goldin’s satirical revue “White House Chicks ‘96,” at the Complex Theatre in Hollywood through June 25.

Stacy Keach headlines in “An Inspector Calls,” J.B. Priestley’s drama about an upperclass Edwardian family thrown into turmoil by a police inspector investigating a young girl’s suicide. It plays at the Ahmanson Theatre through June 30.

SUNDAY, MAY 26

R. Kelly brings his ever-so-soulful show to the Pond of Anaheim. Also Aug. 31 and Sept. 1 at the Greek Theatre.

THURSDAY, MAY 30

Contemporary choreographer John Malashock presents the premiere of “Tribes,” along with “The Near Reaches” and excerpts from “Window Dressers,” at the Lyceum Theatre in Horton Plaza, San Diego. Ends June 8.

FRIDAY, MAY 31

Celebrating its 50th edition, the prestigious Ojai Festival brings back two of its best-remembered artists from years past--the Los Angeles Philharmonic and French composer-conductor Pierre Boulez--for the three-day event at Libbey Bowl in Ojai.

George Bernard Shaw’s classic comedy “Arms and the Man,” directed by Martin Benson, opens at South Coast Repertory in Costa Mesa. Ends June 30.

Ron Link directs the premiere of “Gravity Shoes,” John Bunzel’s comedy about a show-biz battle between art and schlock, at the Hudson Avenue Theatre through July 14.

SATURDAY, JUNE 1

“City of Angels,” the Cy Coleman/David Zippel/Larry Gelbart musical set in Raymond Chandler’s ‘40s L.A., opens at Colony Studio Theatre. Ends July 28.

Former “Saturday Night Live” star Julia Sweeney headlines in “God Said, ‘Ha!’ ” Her solo, seriocomic performance piece looks at family, career, love and death. At the Coronet Theatre through June 30.

Ron Sossi directs “Cementville,” Jane Martin’s satire of America’s fascination with sensationalistic entertainment, at the Odyssey Theatre through July 14.

Broadway on Tour, a performing troupe made up of young people, presents the musical “Snoopy” at the Roxy Theater in West Hollywood for an open-ended run.

Nostalgia rules when Rosemary Clooney and Michael Feinstein appear with an orchestra at the Greek Theatre.

TUESDAY, JUNE 4

Adrian Williamson’s nationally touring gospel musical “My Grandmother Prayed for Me,” from Christian theater company Crusade Productions, opens at the Pantages Theatre, starring gospel recording artist Walter Johnson. Ends June 9.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5

John Lithgow and B.D. Wong are slated to re-create their Broadway roles in L.A. Theatre Works’ radio theater presentation of David Henry Hwang’s Tony-winning play “M. Butterfly,” at DoubleTree Guest Suites in Santa Monica through June 8.

THURSDAY, JUNE 6

Hot newcomer Joan Osborne will appear at the Wiltern Theatre. Her 1995 “Relish” debut album garnered seven Grammy Award nominations. Also June 7.

Bassist Charlie Haden celebrates bygone Hollywood when his Quartet West appears at MOCA.

FRIDAY, JUNE 7

Gymnast-turned-musical-star Cathy Rigby headlines in the Irving Berlin classic “Annie Get Your Gun” at La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts. Ends June 23.

The Geraldine Fibbers, an acclaimed L.A. rock band led by singer Carla Bozulich, appears at the El Rey Theatre.

Like, dig the dude’s duds, dude: “The Emperor’s New Clothes” is given a wacky, on-the-beach, Southern California twist by the Laguna Playhouse’s Youth Theatre at Moulton Theatre in Laguna Beach through June 16.

SATURDAY, JUNE 8

“The 7th Annual Kids’ Nature Festival & Concert,” with crafts, concerts, storytelling, live critters and more, for ages 0-8 and families, takes place at Temescal Gateway Park, Pacific Palisades.

Serendipity Theatre Company’s stage version of Frances Hodgson Burnett’s classic, “A Little Princess,” opens at Burbank Little Theatre in George Izay Park. Ends July 7.

SUNDAY, JUNE 9

Frank Lloyd Wright’s 129th Birthday Celebration at Barnsdall Art Park honors the late architect with a day filled with free activities including art exhibitions, children’s events, tours of Wright’s Hollyhock House and lectures.

Professional actors and artists, plus Highland Park students and residents, will present “The Epic of Gilgamesh,” a Sumerian myth with a message about violence for young people, at the Corn Festival in Arroyo Seco Park. Also at the Summer Solstice Festival at La Tierra de la Culebra on June 22.

MONDAY, JUNE 10

Former 10,000 Maniacs vocalist Natalie Merchant, whose 1995 debut solo album has exceeded double platinum sales, returns to the Southland with a show at Santa Barbara County Bowl. She’ll also appear June 11 at San Diego State University’s Open Air Theatre and June 13 and 14 at the Greek Theatre.

TUESDAY, JUNE 11

Jack DeJohnette, the celebrated drummer from pianist Keith Jarrett’s trio, opens a six-day run with his quartet at Catalina Bar & Grill.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12

Alanis Morissette, who recently won four Grammy Awards, including one for album of the year, performs at the Santa Barbara County Bowl. The young Canadian singer will also check into the Greek Theatre for four sold-out shows June 15, 16, 18 and 19, as well as Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre on June 20 and the Del Mar Fairgrounds on June 22.

“El Salvador,” a revival of Rafael Lima’s drama about six American journalists covering the 1981 war in El Salvador, opens at the Tiffany Theatre, under Jeff Seymour’s direction. Ends Aug. 10.

FRIDAY, JUNE 14

The much-honored, locally based modern dance choreographer Loretta Livingston introduces her full-evening dance-panorama “Tales From the Plate, Moving North,” at the Japan America Theatre in Little Tokyo.

Sketch and improvisational comedy will be presented by the Groundlings with their new show “No Shirt, No Shoes, No Groundlings,” every Friday and Saturday night through Sept. 7.

“The Two Gentlemen of Verona” kicks off Shakespeare Orange County’s season at Chapman University on the Schweitzer Mall Stage in Orange. Ends June 30.

SATURDAY, JUNE 15

It’s the opening day of the Playboy Jazz Festival with Tony Bennett, FourPlay, McCoy Tyner Trio with Michael Brecker, the Joe Lovano Quartet and others on tap at the Hollywood Bowl.

The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Garbage, Korn, Everclear, the Verve Pipe, Goldfinger, Lush and No Doubt may be joined by four guys in greasepaint when they perform at KROQ’s “Weenie Roast” at Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre.

Photographer Ralph Burns documents the relentless fascination with Elvis Presley in “How Great Thou Art: Photographs From Graceland,” an exhibition of 60 black-and-white photographs taken over a 17-year period. At the UCR/California Museum of Photography, Riverside, through Aug. 18.

Native American artist James Luna creates a sacred “dance ground” in his installation “James Luna: The Dream Hat Ritual,” at the Santa Monica Museum of Art. Also opening at the museum is “Allan Sekula: Fish Story,” an installation incorporating 105 color photographs with text panels and two slide projections. Through Aug. 25.

“Avenue X,” the a cappella musical by John Jiler and Ray Leslee, about two groups of teenage street singers in ‘60s Brooklyn, opens at the Odyssey Theatre. Ends July 28.

“Summer Nights at the Ford’s Family Events,” a multicultural series of theater, dance and music at the John Anson Ford Amphitheatre, kicks off with “Aman International Music & Dance.” Ends Aug. 31.

The annual “Kids Koncerts” series, weekly performances by top children’s entertainers at the rustic outdoor Theatricum Botanicum in Topanga, opens with award-winning Jim Rule (“Share This World”). Ends Aug. 25.

SUNDAY, JUNE 16

“Boy,” the premiere of Diana Son’s comedy about a couple with three daughters who want a son so much that they raise their fourth daughter as a boy, opens at La Jolla Playhouse. Ends July 14.

Theatricum Botanicum’s open-air summer season opens with Shakespeare’s “The Tempest,” in Topanga. Ends Sept. 15.

The Actors’ Gang, Philip Littell and Red Tie, Bottom’s Dream and other West Coast writers and artists are featured in Audrey Skirball-Kenis Theatre’s “Common Ground Festival: Plays, Performance, Process,” at UCLA’s Macgowan Hall through June 23.

The second day of the Playboy Jazz Festival includes performances by Wayne Shorter, Hugh Masekela, Stanley Clarke and Bill Cosby’s “Coz of Jazz.”

A host of West Coast musicians will gather at the Jazz Bakery for the Shelly Manne Celebration, a tribute to the late drummer-bandleader.

TUESDAY, JUNE 18

Distinguished pianist-composer Horace Silver (“Song for My Father”) opens a six-day run at Catalina Bar & Grill.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 19

R&B-flavored; alto saxophonist David Sanborn fires up at the Orange County Performing Arts Center.

Saxophonist and longtime L.A. resident Buddy Collette leads a big band to kick off the California Plaza’s Celebrations! performance series.

THURSDAY, JUNE 20

A.S.K. Theatre’s production of Quincy Long’s “Quinly Agonistes,” a musical about a boy who combats the forces of anti-Christmas, opens at UCLA’s Little Theatre. Ends June 23.

Grindcore heavy metal is on tap when England’s Napalm Death invades the Palace.

FRIDAY, JUNE 21

A youth cast explores serious teenage concerns in “Dear Gabby--the Confessions of an Overachiever,” at Santa Monica Playhouse in Santa Monica through Aug. 16.

SATURDAY, JUNE 22

Sophisticated live jazz, inventive rhythm tap and special guests combine in the Jazz Tap Ensemble’s “Jazz Tap Jam,” at the John Anson Ford Amphitheatre in Hollywood.

Every Saturday night through Sept. 7, the comedy team Mad Movies All-Stars dubs the film “Cyrano de Bergerac” at the L.A. Connection Theatre.

“Mad Forest,” Caryl Churchill’s drama revolving around the Romanian revolution, opens at the Matrix with an alternating cast of all-stars. To name a few: Charles Hallahan, Cotter Smith, Andrew Robinson and Lynnda Ferguson. Ends Aug. 25.

“Dinah Was,” Oliver Goldstick’s musical based on the life of Dinah Washington, with Yvette Freeman (“E.R.”), opens at the Coast Playhouse in West Hollywood. Ends July 28.

SUNDAY, JUNE 23

A mid-career survey of work by important L.A. painter Lari Pittman features approximately 35 seminal works, including new paintings created especially for this exhibition. At the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, through Sept. 8.

In the first exhibition to focus on Iban textiles and the female weavers who created them, “The Women’s Warpath: Iban Ritual Fabrics From Borneo” includes more than 50 ritual cloths from the 19th to mid-20th centuries. At the UCLA/Fowler Museum of Cultural History, Westwood, through Oct. 20.

TUESDAY, JUNE 25

Cornerstone Theatre’s “The Birthday of a Century,” revolves around a random cross-section of Angelenos all born on June 30. It plays through that date at California Plaza’s Watercourt.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 26

American Ballet Theatre returns to the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion with a June 26-27 repertory program (“Theme and Variations,” “Brahms Symphony,” “The Leaves Are Fading” pas de deux and a new Twyla Tharp ballet), followed by the full-length “Don Quixote” from June 28-30.

THURSDAY, JUNE 27

Self-styled gay-ninja choreographer Mehmet Sander goes autobiographical with a vengeance in”Memo Unplugged” at Highways Performance Space in Santa Monica. Not for kiddies--unless they’re already in Sander’s teen workshop. Ends June 28.

FRIDAY, JUNE 28

The Greek Theatre hosts three shows by rising singer-songwriter Tori Amos through June 30.

“Bill Viola: Stations,” a large-scale installation of video and sound, makes its U.S. debut at the Lannan Foundation in Marina del Rey. Through Oct. 13.

SATURDAY, JUNE 29

Approximately 100 paintings, drawings and watercolors of Helga Testorf--neighbor of one of America’s best-known artists--are included in “Andrew Wyeth: The Helga Pictures.” At the San Diego Museum of Art, through Sept. 2.

Every Saturday night through November, the Acme Theatre presents “Acme After Dark,” a sketch comedy show starring the Acme Players.

Catch “An Evening With Bill Maher of ‘Politically Incorrect’ ” twice tonight at the La Jolla Playhouse.

SUNDAY, JUNE 30

More than 100 works ranging from intimate objects to house-scale environments by the late Ed Kienholz and his wife, Nancy Reddin Kienholz, are featured in “Kienholz: A Retrospective.” At the Museum of Contemporary Art, downtown Los Angeles, through Nov. 3.

FRIDAY, JULY 5

Jacques Heim’s physically fearless and often disarmingly slapstick Diavolo Dance Theatrepresents the premiere of “Chambers” at Highways Performance Space in Santa Monica. Runs July 5-7 and 11-14.

SATURDAY, JULY 6

Another hardy musical veteran, composer-conductor-pianist Lukas Foss presides over a six-hour music-making marathon at Hollywood Bowl, noting the amphitheater’s 75th anniversary. This event harks back to the marathon concerts of the early 1970s.

Meet the “man” himself, as Mozart comes to life in “Wolfie’s Back in Town,” Los Angeles Mozart Orchestra’s lively concert adventure for ages 7 and up at the John Anson Ford Amphitheatre.

Shakespeare’s classic romp, “The Taming of the Shrew,” is set in the wild, wild West by director James Dunn at the Old Globe Theatre’s outdoor Lowell Davies Festival Theatre. Ends Aug. 10.

“The Threepenny Opera,” by Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weill, opens at Theatricum Botanicum’s open-air theater in Topanga. Ends Sept. 14.

MONDAY, JULY 8

“Open House at the Hollywood Bowl” begins. This year’s theme of the performing-arts-and-crafts children’s festival on weekday mornings is “Color Me Creative.” Ends Aug. 16.

TUESDAY, JULY 9

Mahler’s huge, evening-long musical canvas Symphony No. 8, called “Symphony of a Thousand,” opens the Hollywood Bowl season, led by the veteran Robert Shaw (who recently turned 80). An appropriate way to begin the Bowl’s 75th season, one would think.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 10

Royal National Theatre’s production of the London revival of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Carousel” opens at the Ahmanson Theatre. Ends Aug. 25.

THURSDAY, JULY 11

Continuing its purple reign, the four-part, full-evening “Billboards” returns to the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, with dancing by the Joffrey Ballet and music by the doodle that used to be known as Prince. Ends July 14.

SATURDAY, JULY 13

Shakespeare Festival/L.A.’s summer season presents “Othello” at the Japanese Gardens on the grounds of the West Los Angeles Veterans Administration through July 20. Also at Citicorp Plaza, downtown L.A. (July 24-27); South Coast Botanic Garden (July 31-Aug. 4); Ambassador Auditorium grounds, Pasadena (Aug. 7-11); Polliwog Park, Manhattan Beach (Aug. 14-17).

“American Buffalo,” David Mamet’s drama about three small time crooks plotting to steal a coin collection, opens at the Old Globe Theatre’s Cassius Carter Centre Stage in San Diego. Ends Aug. 17.

SUNDAY, JULY 14

Actor and former “Saturday Night Live” personality Adam Sandler returns to the stage at the Universal Amphitheatre.

The Long Beach Museum of Art showcases its permanent collection in “California Focus,” a series of three exhibitions featuring the work of California-based artists. More than 1,500 paintings and sculptures and 3,000 videotapes will be included in “California Focus: Selections From the Collection of the Long Beach Museum of Art,” “Rewind: A Decade of California Video” and “Topanga Visions: Landscapes by George Henry Melcher.” Through Nov. 3.

TUESDAY, JULY 16

The first exhibition devoted to the little-known “Orientalist” series by 19th century British photographer Roger Fenton is the focus of “Roger Fenton: The Oriental Suite.” At the J. Paul Getty Museum in Malibu, through Oct. 6.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 17

“FritzCON ‘96--The Other Convention!” is a political lampoon by Todd Blakesley and Burnham Joiner in which the audience is the convention delegation, at the Fritz Theatre in San Diego through Sept. 1.

THURSDAY, JULY 18

Beat writer William S. Burroughs serves as inspiration for “Ports of Entry: William S. Burroughs and the Arts,” an exhibition focusing on art influenced by Burroughs--specifically, the cut-up method he conceived with artist Brion Gysin. At the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, through Oct. 6.

Shakespeare Orange County’s production of “Macbeth” opens at Chapman University’s Waltmar Theatre. Ends Aug. 10.

FRIDAY, JULY 19

Showcasing local achievement, the annual Dance Kaleidoscope series opens with two programs in the Luckman Theater at Cal State L.A. on July 19 and 20, followed by one on the July 21 in the Strub Theatre at Loyola Marymount University. The finale: July 27 at the John Anson Ford Amphitheatre in Hollywood.

Celebrating its 25th anniversary, Garth Fagan Dance presents the West Coast premiere of “Mix 25” during the CSU Media Arts Festival in the Carpenter Performing Arts Center at Cal State Long Beach.

John Mauceri should be the sparkplug for “Festa Italiana,” when opera stars Diana Soviero and Richard Leech join the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra at the Bowl. Also July 20.

“Festival Latino” kicks off at South Coast Repertory in Costa Mesa with “Radio Mambo: Culture Clash Invades Miami,” playing through July 21. Other festival events: July 27: “Arbol de la Vida,” comedy, music, theater and dance in tribute to the family. Aug. 2-3: “11th Annual Hispanic Playwrights Project Readings.”

SATURDAY, JULY 20

The Laguna Art Museum presents an exhibition exploring the Japanese aesthetic that influenced classical California abstract painter John McLaughlin in “John McLaughlin: Western Modernism/Eastern Thought.” Through Oct. 6.

“The Compleat Works of Willm Shkspr (Abridged),” a spoof by Adam Long, Daniel Singer and Jess Winfield, opens at the Old Globe Theatre in San Diego. Ends Aug. 24.

SUNDAY, JULY 21

“Designing Modernity: The Arts of Reform and Persuasion, 1885-1945” explores Western society’s response to modernization in this major multimedia exhibition composed of nearly 285 works. At the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, through Sept. 22.

“Camping With Henry and Tom,” Mark St. Germain’s play about a meeting between Henry Ford, Thomas Edison and Warren G. Harding, opens at the Pasadena Playhouse. Ends Aug. 25.

“The Whole World is Watching,” a contemporary, audience-participatory retelling of Sophocles’ “Oedipus” trilogy set in the arena of tabloid TV talk shows, opens at San Diego Repertory Theatre’s Lyceum Theatre in San Diego. Ends Aug. 11.

THURSDAY, JULY 25

In “Changes of Heart,” Stephen Wadsworth’s adaptation of Marivaux’s comedy about love and loyalty at the Mark Taper Forum, a handsome prince loves a country maid who loves the town clown. Ends Sept. 1.

SATURDAY, JULY 27

One of the world’s great companies, Nederlans Dans Theater returns to the Orange County Performing Arts Center with two repertory programs. On July 27, 28 and Aug. 2 and 3, NDT dances “Bella Figura,” “Symphony of Psalms” and a new Jiri Kylian work--in its U.S. premiere. On July 30, 31 and Aug. 1, the rep includes “Softly as I Leave You,” “Sweet Dreams,” “Six Dances” and “Soldier’s Mass.”

SUNDAY, JULY 28

Younger and less well-known than Soviero/Leech, one of the celebrity couples of 1996 is soprano Angela Gheorghiu and her recent groom, French tenor Roberto Alagna, who make their Hollywood Bowl debuts with conductor John Mauceri and the Bowl Orchestra.

TUESDAY, JULY 30

Russian conductor Valery Gergiev brings the Kirov Orchestra, the Kirov Opera Chorus and mezzo-soprano Olga Borodina to Hollywood Bowl for a Prokofiev program including “Alexander Nevsky.”

A master of expression, trumpeter Tom Harrell opens with his quintet at Catalina Bar & Grill. The Leon Parker-Steve Wilson Duo is also on the bill.

SATURDAY, AUG. 3

Shakespeare’s romp “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” plays at the outdoor Theatricum Botanicum in Topanga through Sept. 15.

The Blue Note All Star Band--with saxophonists Javon Jackson and Greg Osby, trumpeter Tim Hagans and pianist Kevin Hays--makes the journey from the East Coast to appear at Jazz Pilgrimage ’96 at the John Anson Ford Amphitheatre. Saxophonist Ernie Watts and vocalist Carmen Lundy are also on the bill.

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 7

There’s something for everyone when vocal group Manhattan Transfer, pianist-vocalist Shirley Horn’s trio and the jazz-minded Turtle Island String Quartet gather at the Hollywood Bowl.

THURSDAY, AUG. 8

Gloria Estefan brings her Latin-flavored pop to the Forum. It’s the Miami-bred singer’s first local show in five years. Also at the Pond of Anaheim on Aug. 13.

“Hello, Muddah! Hello, Fadduh!,” a revue of Allan Sherman’s songs, is presented by the Theater League at Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza through Sept. 8.

FRIDAY, AUG. 9

The three-day Long Beach Jazz Festival includes Stanley Turrentine, Bob James, Les McCann, Lou Rawls and others at the city’s Rainbow Lagoon Park.

The cryptic duo of Walter Becker and Donald Fagen bring the rejuvenated Steely Dan to Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre. The band, now working on its first studio album since 1980’s “Gaucho,” will also perform at the Hollywood Bowl on Aug.12.

SATURDAY, AUG. 10

It’s a big night for Latin jazz as saxophonist Justo Almario and others present “A Grand Night of Latin Jazz” at the John Anson Ford Amphitheatre. Meanwhile, at the Orange County Performing Arts Center, Tito Puente and his Golden Latin All Star Band will perform.

The Cure, the Robert Smith-led English rock band that returned this year with its first studio album in four years, plays at the Forum.

Musical Theatre Company joins the Festival of the Arts in Laguna Beach with its production of “Sunday in the Park With George,” the Stephen Sondheim/James Lapine musical about artist Georges Seurat, starring George Quick. Ends Sept. 15.

SUNDAY, AUG. 11

Saxman Grover Washington Jr., big blues and ballad vocalist Etta James, the Jazz Crusaders and Keiko Matsui heat up the Hollywood Bowl.

Obie-winning Ruth Maleczech, a founding member of Mabou Mines Theatre Co., headlines in “Happy Days,” at the La Jolla Playhouse through Sept. 8.

TUESDAY, AUG. 13

Nicolas McGegan’s Hollywood Bowl program with the L.A. Philharmonic Orchestra offers as soloists fortepianist Robert Levin and violinist Mark Baranov in a Mozart-Beethoven-Schubert respite from largeness.

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 14

It’s a keyboard extravaganza with Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock and Gonzalo Rubalcaba at the Hollywood Bowl.

THURSDAY, AUG. 15

Ron Campbell heads the cast in Moliere’s “Tartuffe,” presented by Shakespeare Orange County at Chapman University’s Waltmar Theatre through Sept. 7.

FRIDAY, AUG. 16

Hiroshima, the contemporary jazz ensemble that utilizes Japanese instrumentation, plays the Greek Theatre. Guitarist Norman Brown is also featured on the bill.

SATURDAY, AUG. 17

The charismatic k.d. lang checks into the Santa Barbara County Bowl in support of her most recent album, “All You Can Eat.”

TUESDAY, AUG. 20

Neil Diamond performs on a revolving stage at the Pond of Anaheim. Diamond’s current album is a country-flavored work called “Tennessee Moon.” Also Aug. 21.

More than 10 years after the demise of the Police, British singer Sting remains a popular concert attraction. He performs four shows at the Greek Theatre, including Aug. 21, 23 and 24.

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 21

Alternative-rock favorites Smashing Pumpkins make the local leap to arena rock status with their date at the Forum. The Chicago quartet will also play the Pond of Anaheim on Aug. 23.

American soprano Sylvia McNair makes a special Hollywood Bowl appearance with Mauceri and the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, singing music by American composers Barber, Sondheim and Kern, among others.

SATURDAY, AUG. 24

The San Diego Symphony joins Linda Ronstadt in presenting some of the singer’s best-known material at the Universal Amphitheatre.

SUNDAY, AUG. 25

Southern California’s leading folklorico ensemble, Danza Floricanto/USA, presents the premiere of Gema Sandoval’s “Boleros--Recuerdos de Una Morena” at the John Anson Ford Amphitheatre in Hollywood.

MONDAY, AUG. 26

“Beauty and the Beast” and “The Power of Love” will be a few of the hits popular French-Canadian vocalist Celine Dion is sure to deliver at the Universal Amphitheatre.

TUESDAY, AUG. 27

The Universal Amphitheatre welcomes Elvis Costello & the Attractions, who will perform songs from their just-released “All This Useless Beauty” album and other material from the singer-songwriter’s nearly 20-year recording career. Also Aug. 28.

FRIDAY, AUG. 30

Trad-jazz rules when the L.A. Classic Jazz Festival runs for four days at LAX Doubletree hotel.

SATURDAY, AUG. 31

Shakespeare’s tragedy “Macbeth” opens at the Old Globe Theatre’s outdoor Lowell Davies Festival Theatre. Ends Oct. 5.

* SPLASH STATIONS

A list of event locations. SP14