SHOSTAKOVICH Today, 8 p.m. Schoenberg Hall Though the regimes of 20th-century Russia produced great suffering, they also inspired great art. In honor of the 100th anniversary of renowned Russian composer Dmitri Shostakovich’s birthday, the UCLA Philharmonia will initiate its new season with a tribute to him under the leadership of conductor Neal Stulberg, the visiting director of orchestral studies. Read more...

Not many cities in the world are built quite like Morocco’s Fes. As the country’s cultural center and one of its most ancient cities, Fes has been able to preserve a unique coexistence of traditions that spans faiths ““ and musical styles. Read more...

A snowy ski village in the dead of winter. A French river locale in the last days of spring. A bustling Italian city marked with the first leaves of autumn. Read more...

“Jamaica Farewell” Wednesday, Oct. 18 Santa Monica Playhouse With a Jamaican accent but sans dreadlocks or dark skin, Debra Ehrhardt danced, ran in place, flirted, and even broke a couple of laws as she recounted her journey from Jamaica to the United States. Read more...

Last week, Jeff Tweedy punched one of his fans in the face. The eager concertgoer had made his way onto the stage and was about to give the Wilco front man a kiss on the cheek when Tweedy freaked out, grabbing the fan by the throat and laying him flat. Read more...

Kevin Smith is notoriously late for class. “I have a strict never-be-on-time policy,” said the writer-director and actor behind such films as “Clerks” and “Dogma.” “That’s why I don’t wear a watch. Read more...

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