Out & About: Top 10 things to do

From a Mosh Ben-Ari concert to a food festival to a dance performance and bike race, find out what is going on in Israel this week.

By SHAWN RODGERS
Bike race (photo credit: Courtesy)
Bike race
(photo credit: Courtesy)
1. FILM: SOMEWHERE Roguish Hollywood star Johnny Marco (Stephen Dorff) finds his debauched life of excess unexpectedly interrupted when his 11-yearold daughter (Elle Fanning) shows up at the Chateau Marmont Hotel for an unscheduled visit. Later, as father and daughter reconnect, Johnny begins to reassess his sordid lifestyle. Writer/director- Sofia Coppola teams with brother Roman to produce a film executive produced by Francis Ford Coppola.At selected cinemas throughout the country.
2. MUSIC:  MAD ABOUT MOSH Songwriter, musician and composer Mosh Ben-Ari’s music is a celebration of groove and spirit, blending rock, soul, reggae, and world music together with his rich, unique voice. To date Ben-Ari has released three successful solo albums including 2004’s Israeli gold album Derech. He also founded the world music ensemble Sheva, which continues to tour the world, playing at the most prestigious music festivals. Catch him as he performs many of his hits at Jerusalem’s The Lab. NIS 90/100.Tonight, 10 p.m., Derech Hebron 28, Jerusalem, (02) 629-2000.
3. ALL THOSE YEARS AGO Beit Avi Chai presents “Saturday Night – Coming Home”: a concert series in which top Israeli musicians hark back to the stories and music that have influenced their lives since childhood. With an intimate ensemble and his unique rock ’n’ roll spirit, Eran Zur presents songs from all his albums, including hits such as “Hu ve- Hi” and “Parparei Ta’atua.” NIS 50.Saturday, 10 p.m., 44 King George Avenue, Jerusalem, www.bac.org.il
4. SHAKE IT WITH SHABAK Fronted by charismatic and insightful lyricist Mook E, who went on to have a successful solo career and live for a time in Jamaica, Shabak Samech dropped its first album in 1995, introducing Hebrew hiphop to the masses, but disbanded in 2002 after releasing three discs and a live album. Catch the colossally influential hip-hop/rock/reggae band from Yavne, often credited for bringing Israeli hip-hop out of the underground, as it performs at Tel Aviv’s Barby Club.Tomorrow, 10:30 p.m., Rehov Kibbutz Galuyot 52, (03) 518-8123.
5. MIXED BAG: NO CHEN WITHOUT FIRE A virtual oneman band, Chen Zimbalista uses his hands, feet and voice as he works the marimba, vibraphone, drums, cymbals and numerous other percussion instruments. His programs are taken from classical, blues, jazz and occasionally from rock. Catch him as he performs his unique show at the Holon Theater.Saturday, 8:15 p.m., Rehov Kugel 11, www.hth.co.il.
6. FESTIVAL: FOOD, GLORIOUS FOOD
Ever wanted to go to a certain restaurant but found it too expensive? Throw that excuse out of the window this week as 60 of the country’s most popular kosher restaurants participate in the annual Chef Tochal (a play on the phrase “sit/chef and eat”) festival. During the festival each restaurant will offer a special menu, at the delectable price of NIS 79, which includes hors d’oeuvre, entree and dessert.
Runs Sunday through January 26 throughout the country, www.chef-tochal.co.il
7. EXHIBITION: WRITING IN TONGUES
The Tower of David Museum’s latest exhibition, Letters and More: Evolution of the Alphabet, tells the story of text, its development across the ages, and the connection between written language and Jerusalem. Although the exhibition looks back to the dawn of written language, the technology used to tell the story is fully 21st century, with highlights including an animated movie and a create-your-own-hieroglyphic computer game.
Ongoing at Tower of David Museum, www.towerofdavid.org.il
8. MOSTLY MOZART
The Israel Stage Orchestra presents a special children’s production of Mozart’s The Magic Flute, a fantasy tale of a prince who is given a magic flute to aid him in his quest to save the queen’s daughter. Conducted by Roni Porat. NIS 70.
Tuesday, 5:30 p.m., Tzoraa Music hall, (02) 9908676.
9. UPCOMING DANCE: LET THERE BE LIGHT
Referring to an instrument of light mentioned in the mystical text the Zohar, Vertigo Dance Company’s Mana is a deeply theatrical piece involving two dancers. Musician Ran Bagno has created an original score that blends elements of jazz with sounds from the Far East.
Next Thursday, 8:30 p.m., Ganei Tikva, (03) 737-5777, www.habama-center.com

10. UPCOMING SPORTS: EYE OF THE TIGER
The Israman competition is one of the most demanding tests of human strength. This year’s competition will feature a 3.8-km. swim, a 180-km. bike ride and a 42-km. run in the mountains around Eilat. Athletes may also participate in the Half Israman competition, which consists of a 1.9- km. swim, a 90-km. bike ride and a 21-km. run.
Next Friday, 8 a.m., www.israman.co.il.