MUSIC 3. RAPPERS’ DELIGHT Popular Israeli hip-hop group Hadag Nahash blends Western pop music with ethnic tunes to create a unique sound tapestry, somewhere between funk and world music. Catch these talented musicians as they perform hits such as the “The Sticker Song” and new material from their latest album. A must for all hip-hop fans. NIS 70/80.Tonight, 8:30, The Mushroom Club, Kibbutz Dan, near Kiryat Shmona, (04) 695-1579.4. INVITATION TO DIN DIN Jerusalem’s Yellow Submarine presents a special concert by veteran singer and percussionist Din Din Aviv. In between performing many of her hits, Aviv (whose given name is Dina) will talk about growing up with two artists for parents, the musical influences of her home that taught her about authenticity, and her Jewish and spiritual journeys.Saturday, 10 p.m., Rehov Harechavim 13., Talpiot, (02) 679-4040.
5. STILL IN FLIGHT Beginning as an acoustic spin-off of the Jefferson Airplane, Hot Tuna eventually became the full-time focus of founding members Jack Casady and Jorma Kaukonen, emerging as a popular touring act of the 1970s. Over the last few years, they have toured with multi-instrumentalist Barry Mitterhoff and drummer Erik Diaz, appearing at many folk festivals around the States. Catch Jewish guitarist Kaukonen and his band as they perform their many hits at Tel Aviv’s Reading 3.Wednesday, 10 p.m., www.reading3.co.il DANCE 6. PARSONS’ PARCEL Watch six humorous, fast-moving dances all in one evening. For the second time the New York-based Parsons Dance Company is in Israel on a tour of Herzliya and Jerusalem. The company is comprised of 11 full-time dancers and maintains a repertory of over 50 works. They have performed worldwide to rave reviews. Choreographed by David Parsons, the dances are set to the music of Mozart, Earth Wind and Fire, Dave Mathews and others.Runs today through Saturday, Herzliya Performing Arts Center; Sunday, Jerusalem Theater, www.parsonsdance.org KIDS7. IF THE SHOE FITS Some 100 residents of Netivot are participating in the Israeli Opera’s community Hebrew production of Rossini’s Cinderella. The soloists come from the IO, all the rest from the community – the chorus, the dancers and even the orchestra. Soprano Karin Shifrin is Cinderella, tenor Nimrod Grinboim is the Prince and the director is Shirit Li Weiss. Entrance free.Runs Tuesday through Wednesday, www.israel-opera.co.ilEXHIBIT 8. PHOTOS IN THE NEWS The 52nd annual World Press Photo exhibit – the prize-winning images from the world’s largest and most prestigious press photography contest – is on display this month. The “Local Testimony” exhibit will run parallel to the international one. This display – named for Lior Ziv, an IDF photographer who died in combat at the age of 19 – exhibits the best Israeli press photography of the past year.Ongoing till January 15, Eretz Israel Museum, Rehov Haim Levanon 2, Ramat Aviv, (03) 641-5244.MIXED BAG 9. ARAVA MARCH The fifth annual Arava March starts at Sapir Park on Saturday and follows the ancient Nabatean spice route. One has the choice of either cycling or walking along three different paths. Camel and donkey rides, an ethnic music workshop and booths selling a variety of crafts will be available after the morning excursions.Saturday, 8 a.m.. For details, see www.arava.co.il/tourism or call 1-800-225-007.UPCOMING FESTIVAL 10. RED SEA CLASSICAL HITS TEN If you enjoy both classical music and relaxing on the beach, it's time to head to Eilat this weekend for the annual Red Sea Classical Music Festival. The program of the 2011 edition of the festival, as usual, was selected by artistic director and conductor Valery Gergiev (pictured), who will also preside over several of the concerts in the 3-day roster. The Mariinsky Opera House of St. Petersburg provides both orchestral and choral services for all the concerts at the festival.Highlights include Prokofiev’s opera War and Peace as well as Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana. Runs January 6 through 8, www.redsea-classic.co.il