Going South

* Chamber Music--Direct from Russia, the Chamber Orchestra Kremlin will perform tonight at 8 at Cal State Northridge. Founded in 1991, Chamber Orchestra Kremlin has become one of Moscow’s leading musical ensembles, while developing an international reputation through tours in Europe, Asia and America. The orchestra has recorded 12 CDs, available on the Swiss label Claves. Under the direction of Misha Rachlevsky, tonight’s program will include pieces by Stravinsky, Schoenberg and Dvorak.

Chamber Orchestra Kremlin, tonight at 8, Cal State Northridge Performing Arts Center, 18111 Nordhoff St. $10-$19.50. (818) 677-2488.

* Radio Drama--The Wells Fargo Radio Theatre will present “The Tale of Little Negro Hill: An African American Gold Rush Adventure” Saturday at the Autry Museum in Griffith Park. The play, written by Dawn Comer Jefferson for Black History Month, tells the story of two African-American men from Massachusetts who head west searching for gold and establish a multiracial community near Sacramento in 1849. Performances will be taped for later broadcast on KPCC-FM.

“The Tale of Little Negro Hill: An African American Gold Rush Adventure,” Saturday, 4:30 and 7:30 p.m., Autry Museum of Western Heritage, 4700 Western Heritage Way, Griffith Park. $10-$15. (323) 667-2000, Ext. 317.

* Vocal Concert--Valley Beth Shalom presents “Cantors Live 2000,” a concert of renowned cantors from across the United States, Sunday night in Encino. Hosted by Los Angeles-based cantors Herschel and Judy Fox, the show will also feature David Propis of Houston, Jacob Mendelson of New York, Moshe Schulhoff of Florida, Albert Mizrahi of Chicago and Daniel Gildar of Pennsylvania.

“Cantors Live 2000,” Sunday, 7 p.m., Valley Beth Shalom, 15739 Ventura Blvd., Encino. $25-$40. (818) 788-6000.

* Blues--Cozy’s Bar & Grill in Sherman Oaks has a full menu of top-flight music this weekend. The Paladins, longtime Southern California favorites, take the stage Friday night, and Riverside’s Rod Piazza and the Mighty Flyers perform Saturday.

The Paladins, Friday, and Rod Piazza and the Mighty Flyers, Saturday, Cozy’s Bar & Grill, 14058 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks. (818) 986-6000.