LOS ANGELES -- A performing arts series aimed at 18- to 30-year-olds has been announced by the Getty Center. The weekly series, "Friday Nights at the Getty" -- an eclectic mix of dance, music and theatre -- will premiere on Feb. 6 with an appearance by the Pilobolus-influenced dance group Diavolo.

"We want to get the message out that, with galleries and cafes open until 9 PM on Thursday and Friday nights, the Getty is a place to head after classes or work -- a 'destination,' so to speak," said Diane Brigham, manager of the Education Department of the Getty Center, which has hired a local firm, Jezebel Productions, to put together the series.

Feb. 13 will see a performance of Indian music performed by Lakshmi Shankar (Ravi's sister-in-law).

On Feb 20 the Illustrious Theatre Orchestra, a postmodern urban-oriented chamber ensemble blending popular, classical and minimalist music, will take the stage.

Award-winning performance artist Amy Hill, who combs the art world for images that reflect her Japanese-Finnish roots, caps off the month with a new monologue Feb. 27. "Events will only be an hour or so long, enabling people to get a taste of the galleries before they leave," said Brigham. "And, like the art collection, the performing arts series will try to present the best in genres that generally don't get much exposure."

Programs will be announced on a monthly basis at first, though the Getty hopes to eventually publish a quarterly calendar.

Performances will be free but reservations are required (as are parking reservations). The site is the Harold M. Williams Auditorium, Getty Center, 1200 Getty Center Drive. For information, call (310) 440-7300.

-- By Willard Manus
Southern California Correspondent