JOSEPH KOSUTH’S CONCEPTUAL ART
Next weekend marks the close of Joseph Kosuth’s challenging exhibit at The Jewish Museum. A conceptual artist known for installations such as “One and Three Chairs,” based on Plato’s “The Forms,” Kosuth’s new show takes inspiration from the power of words. His approach is laid out in his 1969 essay, “Art after Philosophy,” in which he explains that there are more important things in art than the art itself. In “’À Propos (Réflecteur de Réflecteur) #58,’” Kosuth intertwines 86 quotations in vinyl lettering on glass in various patterns; the work speaks to various ideas about intellect. Through Oct. 31.—The Jewish Museum, 1109 Fifth Ave. (212) 423-3200. $7.50-$12.
ISRAELI MUSICIANS AT LINCOLN CENTER
The America-Israel Cultural Foundation holds its 73rd Anniversary Gala this weekend, featuring performances from established Israeli classical and jazz artists as well as some rising stars. Twelve-year-old violinist Masha Mershon, who is making her U.S. debut, is on the bill, along with International Harp Contest winner Sivan Magen. Also performing are clarinetist Tibi Cziger and pianist Renana Gutman. Attendees will have a chance to hobnob with the artists and learn about their work. AICF supports the arts in Israel and has helped launch a number of careers.—Jazz at Lincoln Center, 3 Columbus Circle. (212) 258-9898. Sun., Oct. 28, 3 p.m., $50-$90.
BRINGING MUSIC TO ‘HIS PEOPLE’
Paul (“Ribs & Brisket Revue”) Shapiro provides live accompaniment for Edward Slonamn’s silent movie classic, “His People,” which screens next week at the JCC in Manhattan. The soulful clarinetist’s klezmer-inflected score is influenced by the film’s plot, which features the sons of a Russian-Jewish peddler on the Lower East Side as they struggle for success in the new world. Shapiro, whose Revue melds Yiddish tunes with Louis Jordan and Cab Calloway, has recorded for John Zorn’s Radical Culture Series on the Tzadik label.—JCC in Manhattan, 334 Amsterdam Ave. (646) 505-5708. Thurs., Nov. 1, 8 p.m., $15-$20.
