Out and About: Top 10 things to do

Idan Cohen’s updated 'Swan Lake' marks a decidedly fresh departure from most previous versions.

Alternative Swan Lake 311 (photo credit: Courtesy)
Alternative Swan Lake 311
(photo credit: Courtesy)
FILM
1. CAPTAIN AMERICA
Meek US Army soldier Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) takes part in an experimental military program that infuses him with super-human powers, and uses his newfound strength to battle the villainous Red Skull (Hugo Weaving) in this comic-book adventure from director Joe Johnston. Tommy Lee Jones, Neal McDonough, and Stanley Tucci co-star.
At selected cinemas throughout the country.
MIXED BAG
2. LOVE IS IN THE AIR
The Tower of David’s ancient citadel is the perfect place to celebrate Israel’s Valentine’s Day, Tu Be’av. Come dressed in white and listen to the most romantic Hebrew ballads as sung by popular Israeli singer Einat Sarouf. NIS 80.
Sunday, 9 p.m., (02) 626-5333 or www.towerofdavid.org.il
FESTIVAL
3. A COMIC OCCASION
This week, children of all ages can take part in the 11th International Festival of Animation, Comics and Cartoons or Animix at the Tel Aviv Cinematheque.
Honored guests this year include veteran French political cartoonist Jean Plantu, the animator Denis Wolgenwitz, and Palestinian political cartoonist Baha Boukhari. Activities for children include a selections of shorts on subjects such as music, cars, eating and animals, learning how to draw comics with Erez Zadok, a program on the Smurfs as well as the Pink Panther.
Runs Tuesday through August 20, www.animixfest.co.il
4. HOMEGROWN GOLDEN SUDS
Beer and music lovers unite as Haifa’s student beach hosts its annual Goldstar Festival. Revelers at the two-day event can enjoy foreign beers along with local beers produced by Tempo, with a special emphasis on Goldstar.
The festival will also showcase leading Israeli artists such as Ivri Lider, The Giraffes and Rami Fortis. So beer there or beer square! Admission is free.
Runs Wednesday through next Thursday, gates open at 8 p.m.
DANCE

5. HERE COMES THE SWANS
Idan Cohen’s updated Swan Lake marks a decidedly fresh departure from most previous versions. The royal court and the tutu-clad swans that dominate ballet renditions are replaced by three female contemporary dancers who remain onstage throughout the piece. Whereas many productions of the dance stretch over four acts and last three hours – a structure typical of classical ballet – his work runs for an hour and 20 minutes, with one intermission.
Wednesday, 9 p.m., Suzanne Dellal Center, 5 Yehieli Street, Tel Aviv, (03) 510-5656.
KIDS
6. RETURN TO NEVERLAND
The classic characters of Peter Pan, Captain Hook and Tinkerbell return, creating a world of “Neverland” for children to explore at Jerusalem’s Botanical Garden.
Upon entering, all kids will receive a map designed to guide them through the garden’s riddles where they’ll interact with characters from the famous Peter Pan story. Food and drink will be available at stands around the garden.
NIS 50.
Runs Sunday through August 25, 4 to 8 p.m., www.botanic.co.il
CONCERT
7. NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD
A gala evening to mark the birth, life and death of Grateful Dead guitarist and 1960s cultural guru Jerry Garcia will be taking place on Sunday at Mike’s Place in Jerusalem.The evening, dubbed “Jerryfest,” will feature The Elevators, led by Aryeh Naftaly, performing the Dead’s music. Special guests will include blues/rock master Lazer Lloyd Blumen and Jewish soul veteran Yehuda Katz.
For those Deadheads who want to partake in a festive Mexican dinner before the show, the price is NIS 100. For the show only, the entrance fee is NIS 30.
10 p.m., 054-817-7935.
MUSIC
8. FRONT AND CENTER
This Friday afternoon, the Front Stage 2011 summer series continues with an urban party at the Jaffa 66 parking lot near the corner of Wallenberg Street.
Featuring music stars Monica Sex, Efrat Gosh (pictured) and Eric Berman, this is a party you won’t want to miss. A headphones dance party will take place between 2 and 4 p.m. There will also be a display of large puppets in tribute to 30 years of Jerusalem’s Train Theater.
Tomorrow, 1 p.m., www.jerusalem.muni.il
FESTIVAL
9. MAGICAL MYTHS
The 19th annual Kesem Shel Agada festival marks the Suzanne Dellal Center’s 21st anniversary with a host of attractions for the whole family. Dance-theater premieres include The Adventures of Pinocchio, The Magic Pea, Button Soup and Bobo and Lucinda.
For the wee ones story-telling sessions include Lea Goldberg’s enchanting Where’s Pluto? There’ll also be free shows on the plaza from 5:30 to 7:30 pm daily as well as workshops and activity corners to keep the kids busy. Tickets are from NIS 35 to NIS 75, Runs August 22 through 24, www.suzannedellal.org.il or (03) 510-5656.
MUSIC
10. PULSE-PUMPING BEAT
Infected Mushroom is the most successful Israeli psychedelic trance duo since the genre began in the 1990s. Catch it as it performs a special concert together with legendary rocker Berry Sakharof at Jerusalem’s Sacher Park. The production will feature the original duo members Erez Eisen and Amit Duvdevani with their now standard setup, including guitarists Tommy Cunningham and Erez Netz and Brazilian drummer Rogerio Jardim.
Next Thursday, gates open at 7 p.m., www.jerusalemseason.com/he