Happening Wednesday: ‘Jews on Vinyl,’ Ben Folds and more

EVENTS

Jews on Vinyl This multisensory exhibition guest-curated by authors Roger Bennett and Josh Kun tells the story of the Jewish experience in America. Starting with records in the ‘40s and ending in the ‘80s with the holy triumvirate of Barry Manilow, Barbra Streisand and Neil Diamond, the exhibit is set in a campy 1950s living room equipped with listening stations. Like Bennett and Kun’s book, “And You Shall Know Us by the Trail of Our Vinyl: The Jewish Past as Told by the Records We Have Loved and Lost,� this Skirball show will take you deep into the Jewish musical memory. Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., L.A. Through Sept. 5. (310) 440-4500. https://www.skirball.org.

MUSIC

Boys and Girls Choir of Harlem Alumni Ensemble As part of the Ascending Voices program, Pepperdine’s symposium of sacred a cappella music, this much-lauded group, which has performed at the White House, the Apollo and more, and with such company as Pavarotti and the Backstreet Boys, will perform a variety of spiritual vocal pieces. Smothers Theater, Pepperdine University, 24255 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu. 7:30 p.m. $40. (310) 506-4522. https://www.pepperdine.edu.

Ben Folds The hard-working singer, songwriter and piano player brings his quirky blend of melodramatic pop and catchy melodies to Hollywood for two nights of solo ivory tinkling. Australia’s Kate Miller-Heidke will also perform. The Music Box @ Fonda, 6126 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood. 8 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday. $35. (323) 464-0808. https://www.henryfondatheater.com.

COMEDY

Bay HilArea San Francisco has always been fertile ground for comedians. In honor of that tradition, comic Mike Uryga hosts this showcase of Bay Area stand-ups, including Gary Cannon, Dan Gabriel and Greg Proops. The Improv, 8162 Melrose Ave., L.A. 8 p.m. $14. (323) 651-2583. https://www.improv.com.