Press Releases
Arts Calendar
TUESDAY, MAY 10
READINGS AND LECTURES
Asra Nomani describes “Standing Alone in Mecca: An American Woman’s Struggle for the Soul of Islam” at 7:30 p.m. at First Congregational Church, 2345 Channing Way. Suggested donation $10. Sponsored by Cody’s Books. 845-7852. www.codysbooks.com
Arthur Asa Berger introduces “The Kabbalah Killings: A Murder Mystery Introduction to Jewish Mysticism” at 7:30 p.m. at the BRJCC, 1414 Walnut St. 848-0237.
Kai Bird and Martin Sherwin introduce “American Prometheus: The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer” at 7:30 p.m. at Cody’s Books. 845-7852. www.codysbooks.com
PEN West’s Annual Translation Event with Robert Alter, Robert Goldman and H. Mack Horton at 7:30 p.m. at Black Oak Books. 486-0698. www.blackoakbooks.com
MUSIC AND DANCE
Berkeley Symphony Orchestra “Manzanar: An American Story” at 8 p.m. at Zellerbach Hall, UC Campus. Pre-concert talk at 7 p.m. Tickets are $22-$49. 841-2800. www.berkeleysymphony.org
Pacific Brass Quintet at 8 p.m. at Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant Ave. Tickets are $20. 525-5211.
Tom Rigney & Flambeau at 8:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cajun dance lesson at 8 p.m. Cost is $9. 525-5054.
The Strawbs at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $20.50- $21.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org
Mike Lipskin at 8 p.m. at Downtown. 649-3810.
Adam Evolve, Jon Roniger, americana, at 9:30 p.m. at The Stork Club, 2330 Telegraph Ave., Oakland. Tickets are $5. 444-6174.
Jazzschool Tuesdays at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 848-8277.
Will Bernard Trio at 8 and 10 p.m. Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $6-$10. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com
WEDNESDAY, MAY 11
READINGS AND LECTURES
Medea Benjamin talks about “Stop the Next War Now: Effective Responses to Violence and Terrorism” at 7:30 p.m. at Cody’s Books. 845-7852. www.codysbooks.com
Berkeley Poetry Slam Team Competition at 8:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $5-$7. 841-2082 www.starryplough.com
Café Poetry with Kira Allen at 7:30 p.m. at La Peña. Donation $2. 849-2568. www.lapena.org
MUSIC AND DANCE
Music for the Spirit with Ron McKean on the Rosales Organ at 12:15 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Oakland, 2619 Broadway. 444-3555. www.firstchurchoakland.org
Berkeley Opera “Macbeth” by Verdi, with the UC Alumni Chorus at 7:30 p.m. at Julia Morgan Theater. Tickets are $15-$40. 841-1903. www.berkeleyopera.org
Ned Boynton Trio at 8 p.m. at Downtown. 649-3810.
Anthony Paul & Mz Dee at 9 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Swing dance lesson with Nick & Shanna at 8 p.m. Cost is $9. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com
ThaMuseMeant and Baby Gramps, ballads and progressive folk, at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $16.50-$17.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org
SomethingFour at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 848-8277.
Berkeley High Jazz at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $10. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com
THURSDAY, MAY 12
EXHIBTIONS
“Homecoming” a mini-retrospective of the work of Kay Sekimachi and Bob Stockdale. Informal talk at 5 p.m. Reception at 6 p.m. at ACCI Gallery, 1652 Shattuck Ave. 843-2527. www.accigallery.com
“Be Animated at NIAD” an exhibition of cartoons, anime, and cartoon characters by artists with disabilities and local professional animators at NIAD Gallery, 551 23rd St., Richmond. Reception from 6 to 8 p.m. 620-0290. www.niadart.org
Matrix 214: Slater Bradley “The Year of the Doppelganger” Curator’s Talk with Heidi Zuckerman Jacobson at 12:15 p.m. at Berkeley Art Museum, 2625 Durant Ave. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu
“Drawn by the Brush: Oil Sketches of Peter Paul Rubens” guided tour at 5:30 p.m. at Berkeley Art Museum, 2625 Durant Ave. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu
READINGS AND LECTURES
Susan Wheeler reads from her new novel “Record Palace” at 7:30 p.m. at Black Oak Books. 486-0698. www.blackoakbooks.com
“The Fleischmann Yeast Family” with author P. Christiaan Klieger at 1:30 p.m. at the Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak Sts. 238-2200. www.museumca.org
“Light and Shadow: Civic Space, Sacred Space” with Craig W. Hartman on the award winning design for the Cathedral of Christ the Light, Oakland, at 7:30 p.m. at the Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak Sts. Cost is $4-$8. 238-2200. www.museumca.org
Steven Johnson describes “Everything Bad is Good for You: How Today’s Popular Culture is Actually Making Us Smarter” at 7:30 p.m. at Cody’s Books. 845-7852. www.codysbooks.com
Mark Nowak reads from his new book of poetry “Shut Up Shut Down” and discusses his relationship between writing an labor organizing at 7 p.m. at AK Press Warehouse, 674A 23rd St., Oakland. 208-1700. www.akpress.org
MUSIC AND DANCE
“Jazz Night” with the MLK Jr. Middle School Jazz Band, The Heptet Jazz Ensemble and the Potential Jazz Ensemble, and featuring the premiere of Nathan Kersy-Wilson’s “Mr. Hochata” at 7 p.m. at Marting Luther King Jr. Middle School Auditorium, 1781 Rose St. at Grant. Fundraiser for the Band. 981-7532. 644-6280.
Oakland Opera Theater, “White Darkness” at 8 p.m. Thurs.-Sat. Sun. at 2 p.m. at Oakland Metro, 201 Broadway at Second St., through May 22. Tickets are $18-$32. www.oaklandopera.org
Classical Trumpet Concert with James Tinsley at 12:15 p.m. at the Berkeley Public Library, 2090 Kittredge at Shattuck. 981-6235.
G.Q. Wang, tenor, and Jacqueline Anderson, soprano, accompanied on the piano by Debbie Golata, at 7:30 p.m. at Northbrae Community Church Sanctuary, 941 The Alameda. Donation $15. 526-3805.
Free Peoples with David Gans at 9:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $10. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com
Austin Willacy at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $16.50-$17.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org
Fred Frith, Toychestra at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $10. 841-2082.
www.starryploughpub.com
Peter Barshay and Murray Low at 8 p.m. at Downtown. 649-3810.
Piano Music by Tim Ross and Jack Kruscup, Thurs. and Fri. at 5 p.m. at the Kerr Dining Room, Faculty Club, UC Campus. Early Bird specials at $13.99. For reservations 540-5678. www.berkeleyfacultyclub.com
Roy Hargrove Quintet at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square, through Sun. Cost is $15-$26. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com
Pete Madsen, acoustic guitar, at 7 p.m. at Caffe Trieste, 2500 San Pablo Ave. 548-5198.
Lithium at 9 p.m. at Cafe Van Kleef, 1621 Telegraph Ave., Oakland. Cost is $5. 763-7711. www.cafevankleef.com
FRIDAY, MAY 13
THEATER
Aurora Theatre, “Blue/Orange” Wed.-Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2 and 7 p.m., 2081 Addison St. through May 15. Tickets are $28-$45. 843-4822. www.aurora.theatre.org
Berkeley High School, “A Chorus Line” Fri. and Sat at 8 p.m. at the Florence Schwimley Little Theater, Berkeley High Campus. Tickets are $12 for adults, $6 for students at the door.
Berkeley Repertory Theater “The People’s Temple” at the Roda Theater through May 29. Tickets are $20-$55. 647-2949. www.berkeleyrep.org
Black Repertory Group “Bubbling Brown Sugar” the musical Fri. at 8 p.m., Sat. at 2:30 and 8 p.m. to May 14 at 3201 Adeline St. Tickets are $7-$15. 652-2120.
Contra Costa Civic Theatre “Jekyll & Hyde: The Musical” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m. at 951 Pomona Ave., El Cerrito, through May 21. Tickets are $12-$20. 524-9132. www.ccct.org
Eastenders Repertory “A Knight's Escape” and “WWJD,” Thurs.-Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 3 p.m., through May 15 at The Ashby Stage, 1901 Ashby Ave. Tickets are $15-$18 available from 568-4118.
Impact Briefs 7: “The How-To Show” Thu.-Sat. at 8 p.m. at La Val’s Subterranean, 1834 Euclid Ave., through May 28. Tickets are $10-$15. 464-4468. www.impacttheatre.com
Masquers Playhouse “Memorial Day” about the conflicts of a Vietnam veteran, Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2:30 p.m. at 105 Park Place, Pt. Richmond. Tickets are $10. 232-4031. www.masquers.org
EXHIBITIONS
“The Sketchbook Show” An exhibition of sketchbooks that gives a unique look into the thoughts, writings, inspirations and works in progress of various Bay Area artists. Reception at 7 p.m. at Boontling Gallery, 4224 Telegraph Ave., Oakland. Exhibition runs to June 12. www.4leagueindustries.com
READINGS AND LECTURES
Isabel Allende tells the tale of “Zorro” at 7:30 p.m. at Cody’s Books. Also for young readers. 845-7852. www.codysbooks.com
By the Light of the Moon open mic for women at 7:30 p.m. at Changemakers, 6536 Telegraph Ave. 655-2405.
MUSIC AND DANCE
Berkeley Opera “Macbeth” by Verdi, with the UC Alumni Chorus at 8 p.m. at Julia Morgan Theater. Tickets are $15-$40. 841-1903. www.berkeleyopera.org
Oakland Opera Theater, “White Darkness” at 8 p.m. Thurs.-Sat. Sun. at 2 p.m. at Oakland Metro, 201 Broadway at Second St., through May 22. Tickets are $18-$32. www.oaklandopera.org
Women’s Antique Vocal Ensemble, “Sanctuary” a concert of devotional music from the 13th-century at 8 p.m. at Lake Merritt United Methodist Church, 1330 Lakeshore Ave., Oakland. Tickets are $5-$10. 233-4243. www.wavewomen.org
“Undergrowth” by Pappas and Dancers at 8 p.m. Fri. and Sat., interactive family matinee Sun. at 2 p.m. at Temescal Arts Center, 511 48th St. at Telegraph, Oakland. Tickets are $10. 599-2325.
Billy Tipton Memorial Sazophone Quartet at 8 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $15. 849-2568. www.lapena.org
Vince Wallace Quintet at 9 p.m. at Cafe Van Kleef, 1621 Telegraph Ave., Oakland. Cost is $5. 763-7711. www.cafevankleef.com
Square Dance with The Rays at Ashkenaz. Family dance at 7 p.m., square dance at 9 p.m. Cost is $13-$15. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com
Jill Knight with Jeri Jones at 8 p.m. at Caffe Trieste, 2500 San Pablo Ave. 548-5198.
Los Cenzontles at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $18.50-$19.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org
Orixa, 40 Watt Hype at 9:30 at Blakes on Telegraph. Cost is $6-$8. 848-0886. www.blakesontelegraph.com
Mamapalooza SF, Kami Nixon, Amee Chapman at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $10. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com
Vicki Burns Quartet at 9 p.m. at Downtown. 649-3810.
DJ & Brook, jazz trio, at 7:30 p.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344. www.nomadcafe.net
Midnite, reggae from the Virgin Islands, at 9 p.m. at Shattuck Down Low, 2284 Shattuck Ave. Cost is $25. 548-1159. www.shattuckdownlow.com
Joe Bob Berkeley at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 848-8277.
The Hellbellies, The Eddie Haskells, Botox Aftermath at 8 p.m. at 924 Gilman St., an all-ages, member-run, no alcohol, no drugs, no violence club. Cost is $5. 525-9926.
Roy Hargrove Quintet at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square, through Sun. Cost is $15-$26. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com
SATURDAY, MAY 14
CHILDREN
Los Amiguitos de La Peña with Colibri at 10:30 a.m. at La Peña. Cost is $4 for adults, $3 for children. 849-2568. www.lapena.org
EXHIBITIONS
“Tilden Inspirations” paintings by Sheila Sondik at the Tilden Environmental Education Center, Tilden Park. Reception for the artist and demonstration at 2:30 p.m. 525-2233.
“The Art of the Launch” an exhibition of graphic art, photographs and memorabilia relating to the 747 ships built at the Kaiser shipyards in Richmond during WWII, at the Richmond Museum, 400 Nevin Ave. 235-7387. www.richmondmuseumofhistory.org
“Drawn by the Brush: Oil Sketches of Peter Paul Rubens” sign-language-interpreted tour at 11 a.m. at Berkeley Art Museum, 2625 Durant Ave. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu
“FinnArt” Art by Finns/Art Inspired by Finland A visual arts exhibition Sat. and Sun. from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Finnish Kaleva Hall, 1970 Chestnut, at University. Children’s activities and slide talks at 2 and 3:30 p.m. 848-1525.
Dutch Boy Studios 2005 Spring Exhibition featuring the work of twenty resident artists, working in a diverse variety of media. Reception at 7 p.m. at 4701 San Leandro St., Oakland. 534-4751.
Innersport Spring Art Show with work by Scott Courtenay-Smith, Sally Kiehn and Nita Moreno. Reception at 7 p.m. at 1250 Addison St., #102. www.innersport.com
READINGS AND LECTURES
Robert Hass, California Poet Laureate, reads from from “The Addison Street Anthology,” and performances by Mexican folk dancers, Sol Mejica, from 7 to 9 p.m. at The 1870 Antonio Peralta House, 2465 34th Ave., Oakland. 532-9142.
Maria Amparo Escandon reads from her new novel “González & Daughter Trucking Co.” at 7:30 p.m. at Cody’s Books. 845-7852.
Almudena Ortiz will talk about her show of photographs of farmworkers at 2 p.m. at the Berkeley Public Library Community Room, 2090 Kittredge at Shattuck. 981-6235.
Artist Talk with Jon Brumit on his collaboration with strangers in “Door to Door” at 3 p.m. at Richmond Art Center, 2540 Barrett Ave., Richmond. 620-6772. www.therichmondartcenter.org
MUSIC AND DANCE
Calvin Keys & Trio at 7 p.m. for the Grand Opening of Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com
Sacred & Profane, “Northern Lights” traditional and contemporary Swedish music for choir, at 8 p.m. at St. Ambrose Church, 1145 Gilman St. Tickets are $12-$18. 524-3611. www.sacredprofane.org
Trinity Chamber Concerts “Quinteto Latino” at 8 p.m. at Trinity Chapel, 2320 Dana St. Tickets are $8-$12. 549-3864. http://trinitychamberconcerts.com
Four Seasons Concerts “W. Hazaiah Williams Memorial Concert” at 7:30 p.m. at Calvin Simmons Theater, 10 Tenth St. at Oak. Free. 601-7919. www.fourseasonsconcerts.com
Rhythm & Muse with with jazz pianist Rudi Mwongozi at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Art Center. Free. 527-9753.
Voci Women’s Vocal Ensemble “Listen to the Elements: Music of Earth, Water, Air, and Fire,” at 3 p.m. at Lake Merritt United Methodist Church, 1330 Lakeshore Ave., Oakland. Tickets are $15-$20. Children under 12 free. 531-8714. www.coolcommunity.org/voci
Baroque Etcetera “German Greats” at 8 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church, 5201 Park Blvd., Oakland. Suggested Donation $10. 540-8222. www.baroquetc.org
Allegro Ballroom Dancers at 8 p.m. at 5855 Christie Ave., Emeryville. Fundraiser to fight breast cancer. Tickets are $20-$100. For reservations call 655-2888.
Zydeco Flames at 9 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cajun dance lesson with Dana De Simone at 8 p.m. Cost is $10. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com
Pachucada with Dr. Loco Rockin’ Jalapeño Band at 9 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $10, $7 with costume. 849-2568. www.lapena.org
Larry Newman & Meli at 7:30 p.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344. www.nomadcafe.net
Girl Talk at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 848-8277.
Steve Seskin with Nina Gerber at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $18.50-$19.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org
Jah Warrior Shelter with Luna Angel and Moese at 9 p.m. at Club Oasis, 135 12th St., Oakland. 763-0404.
Pyeng Threadgill, Jazz singer-songwriter at 8 p.m. at Studio Rasa, 933 Parker St. Cost is $10-$30. 843-2787.
Kurt Ribak Jazz Quartet at 9:30 p.m. at Albatross, 1822 San Pablo Ave. Cost is $3. 843-2473. www.albatrosspub.com
The Back Court, Serendipity, The Ghostt at 9 p.m. at Blakes on Telegraph. Cost is $8-$10. 848-0886. www.blakesontelegraph.com
Art Khu Trio at 8 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $15. 845-5373. www.jazzschool.com
Marcus Selby Trio at 9 p.m. at Downtown. 649-3810.
The Junes, The Shut-Ins at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $6. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com
Omar Ait Vimon & Daniel Torres, Berber Flamenco roots at 7 p.m. at Spuds, 3290 Adeline Ave. Cost is $7. 597-0795.
Punk Prom Night with Two Gallants, Jason Webley, This Is My Fist at 8 p.m. at 924 Gilman St., an all-ages, member-run, no alcohol, no drugs, no violence club. Cost is $6. 525-9926.
