Zorba the Greek: The second annual Great Greek Festival is being held at St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral on Sept. 30 and Oct. 1 at the corner of Pico Boulevard and Normandie Avenue. There will be Greek food, homemade Greek pastries, folk dancing and music by The Olympians. Best of all, there will be tours of this historic Greek Orthodox cathedral, said to be one of the most ornate and beautiful cathedrals in the country. More information: (323) 737-2424 or www.stsophia.org.
South American Art: Opening Sept. 26 at the Skirball Cultural Center is a selection of drawings and watercolors by Uruguayan painter Jose Gurvich, who died in 1974. Born in Lithuania, Gurvich immigrated to Uruguay in 1932. He eventually became one of Uruguay’s leading artists, using realism, modernism and constructivism in his works. The exhibition in the Ruby Gallery runs until the end of the year. More information: (310) 440-4500 or www.skirball.org.
Roaring Success: The Tony Award-winning musical “The Lion King” opens Sept. 30 at the Pantages Theatre. Based on Disney’s animated film “The Lion King,” it tells the story of Simba, a lion cub whose quest to take his rightful place as king of the beasts takes him on a journey of self-discovery. Music and lyrics were written by Elton John and Tim Rice. The stage version of “The Lion King” premiered in Minneapolis in 1997 and received favorable reviews for its staging and special effects. More information: (323) 468-1770.
Rhythms and Blues: Eight-time Grammy winner George Benson plays at The Greek Theatre on Sept. 29. The guitar-playing vocalist is known for such hits as “Give Me the Night” and “Turn Your Love Around,” while the jazz world remembers his classic instrumental albums of the 1960s and early 1970s. Special guest will be Brenda Russell.
More information: (213) 480-3232.
