Briefly In The News

Summer reading program kicks off

La Crescenta Public Library's Summer Reading Program, "Paws, Claws, Scales and Tales," will kick-off today with "Wildlife Wendy's Tropical Birds," at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the La Crescenta Public Library, 4521 La Crescenta Ave., La Crescenta.

Wendy Horton will entertain the audience with exotic birds, tricks, mimicking and facts.

Horton will be back to entertain audiences at 2 p.m. on Saturday. For more information, call (818) 248-5313.

Concert series explores music

Descanso Gardens' World Music Concert Series presents a performance by On Ensemble, a group of musicians who explore the realms for traditional Japanese drums, from 2 to 3 p.m. on Sunday July 9 at Descanso Gardens, Under the Oaks Theater, 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge.

The concert will include taiko drums with contemporary and experimental compositions interlocked with dance, bamboo flute, koto (Japanese zither) and Tuvan overtone singing.

Free with Gardens admission. For more information, call (818) 949-4200.

'The Music Man' appearing at Alex

The Alex Film Society will screen "The Music Man" at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. July 29 at the Alex Theatre, 216 N. Brand Blvd., Glendale.

Special guest Shirley Jones will be in attendance at 8 p.m. only.

There will be a display of original Music Man props and wardrobe in the theater lobby at both shows.

Admission is $9.50; $8 for groups of 15 or more, children 12 and under, seniors 65 and older; $7 for Alex Film Society members at the box office with current membership identification.

For more information, call (818) 754-8250.