Features
Arts Calendar
FRIDAY, DEC. 2
THEATER
Aurora Theatre “Marius” Wed.-Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2 and 7 p.m. at 2081 Addison St., through Dec. 18. Tickets are $28-$45. 843-4822.
Berkeley Rep “Brundibár” at the Roda Theater through Dec. 28. Ticekts are $15-$64. 647-2949. www.berkeleyrep.org
Black Repertory Group “Dance with my Father Again” a musical biography of Luther Vandross. Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m. through Dec. 4. Tickets are $7-$15. 652-2120.
Contra Costa Civic Theater “Noises Off” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m. at 951 Pomona Ave., El Cerrito, through Dec. 10. 524-9132. www.ccct.org
Impact Theatre “Crumble (Lay Me Down, Justin Timberlake)” Thurs. through Sun. at 8 p.m. at La Val’s Subterranean Theater, 1834 Euclid Ave., through Dec. 10. Tickets are $10-$15. 464-4468.
Masquers Playhouse “Dear World” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m. through Dec. 17 at 105 Park Place, Point Richmond. Tickets are $15. 232-4031.
Shaija Patel and Rodney Mason “Power Launch” spoken word theater at 8 p.m. at La Peña. Tickets are $10-$15. 849-2568. www.lapena.org
Shotgun Players “Cabaret” Thurs. - Sun. at 8 p.m. at the Ashby Stage, 1901 Ashby Ave. 841-6500.
EXHIBITIONS
Michael Horse: Ledger Paintings & Jewelry Artist reception at 6:30 p.m. at Gathering Tribes Gallery, 1573 Solano Ave. 528-9038. www.gatheringtribes.com
“Hanging New Paintings” with Eileen Van Soelen at 7 p.m. at Cafe Roma, 2960 College Ave.
FILM
The Battles of Sam Peckinpah “Junior Bonner” at 7 p.m. and “Straw Dogs” at 9:05 p.m. at Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808.
READINGS AND LECTURES
Ward Churchill on “Since Predator Came: Notes From the Struggle for American Indian Liberation” at 8 p.m. at Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists, 1924 Cedar St. Cost is $5-$10 at the door. 208-1700.
Delphine Hirasuna shows slides from “The Art of Gaman: Arts and Crafts from the Japanese American Internment Camps 1942-1946” at 7:30 p.m. at Cody’s Books. 845-7852.
MUSIC AND DANCE
Berkeley High School Jazz Ensemble Benefit Concert for Hurricane Katrina victims at 7:30 p.m. at the Florence Schwimley Little Theater, 1929 Allston Way, on the Berkeley High School campus. Tickets are $10 at the door, free for BHS students, faculty and staff.
Berkeley Symphony “Bitter Harvest” at 8 p.m. at Zellerbach Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $10-$54. 841-2800.
Califonia Bach Society “A Ceremony of Carols” by Britten at 8 p.m. at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 2300 Bancroft Way. Pre-concert talk at 7:15 p.m. Tickets are $10-$25. 415-262-0272. www.calbach.org
University Symphony Orchestra at 8 p.m. at Hertz Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $3-$10. 642-4864.
Marcelle Dronkers, soprano, at 8 p.m. at Giorgi Gallery, 2911 Claremont Ave. Cost is $12. 848-1228.
Electric Vardo and Sila & The Afrofunk Experience “Kashmir” Benefit for earthquake victims at 9:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $13. 525-5054.
Culture Shock Oakland Hip-Hop Workshop Showscase at 7:30 p.m. at Julia Morgan Center for the Arts. Tickets are $12-$18. 1-800-521-8311.
E.W. Wainwright’s African Roots of Jazz at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island. Cost is $7. 841-JAZZ.
Tin Hat at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $18.50-$19.50. 548-1761.
Kasey Knudsen & Eric Volger, contemporary jazz, at 8 p.m. at Ristorante Raphael, 2132 Center St. 644-9500.
Ron Thompson, blues guitarist, at 8 p.m. at Caffe Trieste, 2500 San Pablo Ave. 548-5198.
Stonecutter, Mojo Apostles, Everest at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $6. 841-2082.
Gary Rowe, solo jazz piano, at 9 p.m. at Downtown. 649-3810.
Ira Marlowe and Abel Mouton at 7:30 p.m. at Nomad Cafe. 595-5344.
Slammin’ body music at 8 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $12-$18. 845-5373.
Vinyl, The Get Down at 9:30 p.m. at Shattuck Down Low. Cost is $5-$8. 548-1159.
Love Songs, The North Lincoln at 8 p.m. at 924 Gilman St. Cost is $6. 525-9926.
Taj Mahal at 8 and 10 p.m. through Sun. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $16-$26. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com
SATURDAY, DEC. 3
CHILDREN
Gary Lapow at 10:30 a.m. at La Peña. Cost is $4 for adults, $3 for children. 849-2568.
Walter the Giant Storyteller tells holiday tales at 11 a.m. at Cody’s Books on Fourth St. 559-9500.
Splash Circus “The Snow Queen” at 2 p.m., also on Sun. at Julia Morgan Theater, 2640 College Ave. Tickets are $10-$15. 925-798-1300.
Juan Sánchez at 11 a.m. at Berkeley Public Library, West Branch. Part of the “Fiesta de Diciembre” family program featuring music, a piñata, and refreshments. 981-6224.
Willy Claflin, storyteller, at 10:30 a.m. in the 3rd flr. Community Room, Berkeley Public Library, 2090 Kittredge St. 981-6224.
EXHIBITIONS
“Art from the Heart” opening reception for artists from National Institute of Art and Disabilities from 2 to 5 p.m. at 551 23rd St., Richmond. 620-0290. www.niadart.org
Albany Community Art Show from noon to 6 p.m. at the Albany Community Center, 1249 Marin Ave.
“Journeys of the Spirit” Photographs by Betty McAfee from 4 to 7 p.m. at Pacific School of Religion Chapel, 1798 Scenic Ave. Donation $10. For reservations call 704-7729.
New Work by Angie Brown and Dan Lewis Reception at 7:30 p.m. at Bootling Gallery, 4224 Telegraph Ave. www.boontlinggallery.com
Luciano Valadez, Huichol Indian artist, at Gathering Tribes Gallery, 1573 Solano Ave. 528-9038.
THEATER
Living Arts Playback Theater Improvisational theater at 8 p.m. at Live Oak Theater, 1301 Shattuck Ave. Cost is $12-$18. 595-5500, ext. 25.
Woman’s Will “Happy End” by Bertolt Brecht, Thurs. and Sat. at 7 p.m., Sun. at 2 p.m. at Luka’s Lounge, 2221 Broadway, Oakland. Tickets are $12-$25. 420-0813.
“Dick ‘N Dubya Show: A Republican Cabaret” Sat. and Sun. at 7 p.m. at The Marsh Berkeley, 2118 Allston Way, through Dec. 18. Tickets are $10-$22. 800-838-3006.
Moshe Cohen and Unique Derique “Cirque Do Somethin’” Sat. and Sun. at 1 p.m. at the Marsh, 2120 Allston Way. Tickets are $10-$15. 800-838-3006.
FILM
“Earth” at 2:30 p.m. and Taisho Chic on Screen “A Page of Madness” at 7 p.m. and “The Downfall of Osen” at 8:35 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808.
READINGS AND LECTURES
Poetry Reading and Contest, with the Bay Area Poets Coalition from 3 to 5 p.m. at Strawberry Creek Lodge dining hall, 1320 Addison St. 527-9905.
MUSIC AND DANCE
Christmas Concert with carols and seasonal organ music at 3 p.m. at First Church of Christ, Scientist, 2619 Dwight Way. Free.
Community Chorus and Orchestra, “Gloria” by Poulenc at 8 p.m. at St. Joseph the Worker Church, 1640 Addison St. Admission in free, donations welcome. www.bcco.org
“Harps for the Holidays” at 8 p.m. at St. Mary Magdalene Church, 2005 Berryman. Tickets are $10-$15. 548-3326.
University Symphony Orchestra at 8 p.m. at Hertz Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $3-$10. 642-4864.
Rova Saxophone Quartet at 8 p.m. at Trinity Chapel, 2320 Dana St. Tickets are $8-$12. 549-3864.
Tallis Scholars, “Rennaissance Sacred Music” at 8 p.m. at First Congregational Church, 2345 Channing Way. Pre-performance talk at 7 p.m. Tickets are $46. 642-9988.
Holy Names University Chorus and Chamber Singers at 4 p.m. at HNU Chapel, 3500 Mountain Blvd. Cost is $5-$15. 436-1330.
Culture Shock Oakland Hip-Hop Workshop Showscase at 7:30 p.m. at Julia Morgan Center for the Arts. Tickets are $12-$18. 1-800-521-8311. www.shockfamily.org
“Spin Cycle” An aerial dance performance at 8 p.m. at Studio 12, 2525 Eighth St. Tickets are $5-$15. 587-0770.
Lichi Fuentes at 8 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $12-$14. 849-2568.
Slick Rick, rap, at 9 p.m. at @17, 510 17th St., Oakland. Tickets are $25. www.at17th.com
Wilson Savoy & The Pine Leaf Boys at 9 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cajun dance lesson at 8 p.m. Cost is $13$15. 525-5054.
Peron-Spangler Interplay Quartet at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $7. 841-JAZZ.
Carlos Oliveira & Mauro Corea, Brazillian guitar, at 8 p.m. at Ristorante Raphael, 2132 Center St. 644-9500.
Vince Lateano Trio with Dick Whittington on piano and John Wiitala on bass, at 9 p.m. at Downtown. 649-3810.
Kugelplex, Klezmer music, at 9:30 p.m. at Albatross, 1822 San Pablo Ave. Cost is $3. 843-2473. www.albatrosspub.com
DJ & Brook, jazz, at 7:30 p.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344.
Geoff Muldaur & the Fountain of Youth at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $18.50-$19.50. 548-1761.
Grapefruit Ed at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $8. 841-2082.
The Briefs, Clit 45, Smalltown, The Abuse at 8 p.m. at 924 Gilman St. Cost is $7. 525-9926.
SUNDAY, DEC. 4
EXHIBITIONS
Works by Photographer Terry Lo Reception at 2 p.m. at Nomad Cafe. 595-5344.
“Taisho Chic: Japanese Modernity, Nostalgia and Deco” guided tour at 2 p.m. at the Berkeley Art Museum, 2625 Durant Ave. 642-0808.
FILM
African/African Diaspora Film Society “Sango Malo” at 2 p.m. at Parkway Theater, 1834 Park Blvd., Oakland. Cost is $5. OurFilms@aol.com
Taisho Chic on Screen “Japanese Girls at the Harbor” at 2 p.m., “Actress” at 4 p.m. and “Crossroads” at 6:15 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. 642-0808.
READINGS AND LECTURES
Elizabeth Partridge will talk about her new book “John Lennon: All I Want is the Truth” at 2 p.m. in the Community Meeting Room, Berkeley Public Library, 2090 Kittredge St. 981-6100.
MUSIC AND DANCE
Berkeley Community Chorus and Orchestra, “Gloria” by Poulenc at 4:30 p.m. at St. Joseph the Worker Church, 1640 Addison St. Admission in free, donations welcome. www.bcco.org
Handel’s “Messiah” and Community Sing-along, with the New Millennium Strings at 6 p.m. at Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, One Lawson Rd., Kensington. Suggested donation $10. 525-0302.
“Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming” Secular and sacred holiday music by Cantare Chorale at 3 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 2619 Broadway, Oakland. Tickets are $10-$30. 925-798-1300.
“Rising Stars of St. Petersburg’s Mariinsky Academy” at 3 p.m. at Hertz Hall, UC Campus. Pre-concert talk with William Quillen at 2 p.m. Tickets are $42. 642-9988.
WomenSing Holiday Concert “Seven Joys of Christmas” at 4 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Berkeley. Tickets are $10-$20. 925-974-9169.
Terrain “Winter Dances: Breaking New Ground” at 3 p.m. at Western Sky Studio, 2525 Eighth St. at Dwight. Tickets are $12-$15. 848-4878.
“Spin Cycle” An aerial dance performance at 1 p.m. at Studio 12, 2525 Eighth St. Tickets are $5-$15. 587-0770.
Junius Courtney Big Band with Denise Perrier at 7:30 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $12-$14. 849-2568.
Anton Schwartz Quintet with Taylor Eigsti at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $10. 841-JAZZ.
San Francisco Saxophone Quartet at 4:30 at the Jazz-
school. Cost is $20. 845-5373.
Alex Pfeiffer-Rosenblum at 7:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $10. 525-5054.
Adrian West at 11 a.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344.
Si Kahn at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $17.50-$18.50. 548-1761.
Champion, The First Step at 5 p.m. at 924 Gilman St. Cost is $6. 525-9926.
MONDAY, DEC. 5
READINGS AND LECTURES
The Last Word poetry reading with Lucille Lang Day and Edwin Drummond at 7 p.m. at Pegasus Books, 2349 Shattuck Ave. 649-1320.
Poetry Express with Roopa Ramamoorthi at 7 p.m., at Priya Restaurant, 2072 San Pablo Ave. berkeleypoetryexpress@yahoo.com
Actors Reading Writers “The Spirit of Giving” stories by John Cheever and Clarence Major at 7:30 p.m. at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant Ave. 845-8542, ext. 376.
MUSIC AND DANCE
Sovoso Holiday “Seasonings” Concert at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $10-$14. 238-9200.
TUESDAY, DEC. 6
FILM
Alternative Visions Three short films by Jonas Mekas at 7:30 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808.
READINGS AND LECTURES
Yiyun Li on her debut collection of short stories about modern life in China and the United State “A Thousand Years of Good Prayers” at 7 p.m. at El Cerrito Library, 6510 Stockton Ave. 526-7512.
Paul Krasser reads from his new book “One Hand Jerking: Reports from an Investigative Satirist” at 7:30 p.m. at Cody’s Books. 845-7852.
MUSIC AND DANCE
Courtableu at 8:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cajun dance lesson at 8 p.m. Cost is $9. 525-5054.
Teada with Cathie Ryan at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $19.50-$20.50. 548-1761.
Gary Rowe, solo jazz piano, at 8 p.m. at Downtown. 649-3810.
Ellen Hoffman Trio and singer’s open mic at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $5. 841-JAZZ.
Charlie Haden’s Liberation Music Orchestra at 8 and 10 p.m. through Sun. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $18-$28. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com
Philips Marine Duo at 7 p.m. at Caffe Trieste, 2500 San Pablo Ave., at Dwight. 548-5198.
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 7
FILM
The Battles of Sam Peckinpah “The Getaway” at 7:30 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808.
“No Man’s Land” A film program celebrating the United Nations 60th Anniversary, at 7 p.m. at 60 Evans Hall, UC Campus. 540-8017.
EXHIBITIONS
“Justice Matters: Artists Consider Palestine” A exhibition of works by fourteen Palestinian and American artists. Artists panel discussion at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Art Center, 1275 Walnut St. in Live Oak Park. 644-6893.
READINGS AND LECTURES
The Face of Poetry with photographer Margaretta K. Mitchell and poet Zach Rogow at 7:30 p.m. at Cody’s Books. 845-7852.
MUSIC AND DANCE
Music for the Spirit with Ron McKean, harpsichord, at noon at First Presbyterian Church of Oakland, 2619 Broadway. 444-3555.
Central Asian Tales: Sabjilar, Choduraa Tumat & Sarymai. Lecture demonstration at 7 p.m., performance at 8:15 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $15. 525-5054.
Ned Boynton Trio at 8 p.m. at Downtown. 649-3810.
Calvin Keys Trio Invitational Jam at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island. 841-JAZZ.
Orquestra Universal, salsa, at 9:30 p.m. at Shattuck Down Low. Cost is $5-$10. 548-1159.
Whiskey Brothers bluegrass, at 9 p.m. at Albatross, 1822 San Pablo Ave. 843-2473.
THURSDAY, DEC. 8
EXHIBITIONS
“Taisho Chic” guided tour at 12:15 and 5:30 p.m. at the Berkeley Art Museum, 2625 Durant Ave. 642-0808.
“Oncology: Photographs from Children’s Hospital” Black and white photographs by Diane Malek. Reception at 6 p.m. at Photolab Gallery, 2235 Fifth St. 644-1400.
Greenlining Institute’s Fall Art Review Reception at 6 p.m. at 1918 University Ave., 655-3538.
FILM
Marcel Pagnol’s Provence “The Well-Digger’s Daughter” at 7:30 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808.
“The Soul of Justice: Thelton Henderson’s American Journey” A screening of the documentary and discussion with filmaker Abby Ginsberg at noon at the Laney College Forum, 9th and Fallon St. 464-3161.
READINGS AND LECTURES
Poets for Peace with C.B. Follet, Ilya Kaminsky, Jeffrey Levine and others at 7:30 p.m. at Pegasus Books Downtown, 2349 Shattuck Ave. 649-1320.
Yiyun Lee reads from her new book of short stories “A Thousand Years of Good Prayers” at 7:30 p.m. at Cody’s Books. 845-7852.
Nomad Spoken Word Night at 7 p.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344.
Anna Pavord reads from her new work, “The Naming of Names” at 7 p.m. at Mrs. Dalloway’s, 2904 College Ave. 704-8222.
Word Beat Reading Series with Avotcja and Pablo Rosales at 7 p.m. at Mediterraneum Caffe, 2475 Telegraph Ave. 526-5985.
MUSIC AND DANCE
Jazz Night with the MLK Middle School Jazz Band and “The Potentials” at 7:30 p.m. in the MLK, Jr. Middle School Auditorium. Donations accepted. Fundraiser for the Jazz Band.
Berkeley Saxophone Quartet at noon at the Berkeley Public Library, 2090 Kittredge St. 981-6233.
Cris Williamson, Teresa Trull & Barbara Higbie at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $22.50-$23.50. 548-1761.
Mad & Eddie Duran featuring Raul Ramirez at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island. Cost is. $5. 841-JAZZ.
Home at Last, The Flux at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $5. 841-2082.
Pete Madsen, acoustic guitar, at 7 p.m. at Caffe Trieste, 2500 San Pablo Ave. 548-5198.
Gini Wilson, solo jazz piano, at 8 p.m. at Downtown. 649-3810.