In a time and town where disrespect seems the norm and little is revered, it's ironic that Tinseltown has become home to the thriving Festival of Sacred Music. Hosting 32 events (many free or low-cost) with dance and music groups from around the world and around the Southland, the 16-day festival boasts venues spanning the city and promises an exhilarating range of experience reminiscent of the fabled 1984 Olympic Arts Festival. For the opening event, head to the beach to join more than 400 festival participants Honoring the Sea with performances by Agape International Choir, the outstanding hula ensemble Halau Keali'I O Nalani with Halau O Lilinoe, Kinnara Taiko, Ti'at Society, Sacred Rhythm Drum Ensemble and Swing Brazil Tribe with the effervescent dance troupe Viver Brasil. Make it a full day and mosey down to Venice, grab a bite along Abbot Kinney Boulevard, then head to the Lutheran Church for the Kitka Women's Vocal Ensemble. And that's just the first day of the fest. Complete details at festivalofsacredmusic.org. Honoring the Sea at Santa Monica Beach (end of Ocean Park Blvd.); Sat. Oct. 1, 3-7 p.m.; free. Kitka Women's Vocal Ensemble, First Lutheran Church of Venice, 815 Venice Blvd., Sat., Oct. 1, 8 p.m.; free, donations accepted.

Sat., Oct. 1, 3 p.m., 2011

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