TUESDAY, JAN. 24 

Return of Over-the-Hills Gang Hiker 55 years and older who are interested in nature study, history, fitness and fun are invited to join us on a series of monthly excursions exploring our Regional Parks. This month we’ll visit Sobrante Ridge and see a stand of rare Alameda manzanita. 525-2233. 

“The Non-GMO Project” with Sandy Myers-Kepler on the progran to implement standardized labeling for certifying food and supplements at 6 p.m. at Berkeley Natural Grocery, 1336 Gilman. 526-2456. 

“Living with Lions” A reception and lecture by the Mountain Lion Foundation at 6:30 p.m. at the Oakland Zoo. Tickets are $10-$20. 632-9525, ext. 122. 

Birdwalk on the MLK Shoreline from 3 to 5 p.m. to see the ducks and shorebirds here for the winter. Beginnners welcome, binoculars available for loan. 525-2233. 

Winter Backcountry Travel: Safety and Survival Tips with Mike Kelly of the National Ski Patrol at 7 p.m. at REI, 1338 San Pablo Ave. 527-4140. 

“Nepal and Bhutan: Traditional Life” a photography slide show with Don Lyon at 7 p.m. at Chapel of the Chimes, 4499 Piedmont Ave. 654-1548. 

“Another Side of Peace” A documentary about Israeli and Palestinian parents who have lost their children at 7 p.m. in the Albany High School Library, 603 Key Route Blvd. Enter through the gymnasium doors on Thousand Oaks. Discussion follows. Presented by Embracing Diversity Films. 527-1328. 

“Insight and Inner Peace” a lecture on Buddhism by Joe Bobrow at 7:30 p.m. at Berkeley Buddhist Monastery, 2304 McKinley Ave. 527-2935. 

“The Five Secrets to Permanent Weight Loss” with Dr. Jay Sordean at 6 p.m. at Curves, 701 University Ave. To reserve a place call 849-1176. 

Clowning at the Library with Daffy Dave at 6:30 p.m. at Kensington Library, 61 Arlington Ave. Reservations required. 524-3043. 

Berkeley PC Users Group Problem solving and beginners meeting to answer, in simple English, users questions about Windows computers. At 7 p.m. at 1145 Walnut St. corner of Eunice. All welcome, no charge. 527-2177.  

Red Cross Blood Drive from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Argosy University, 999-A Canal Blvd., Point Richmond. To schedule an appointment call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE. 

Reverse Mortgage Seminar with Maggie O’Connell of Seattle Mortgage at 1 p.m. at the Oakland Zoo Auditorium. Free, but registration required. 800-489-0986. 

Healthy Eating Habits Seminar with hypnosis at 6:30 p.m. at New Moon Opportunities, 378 Jayne Ave. Free, but registration required. 465-2524. 

Tuesday Tilden Walkers Join a few slowpoke seniors at 9:30 a.m. in the parking lot near the Little Farm for an hour or two walk. 215-7672, 524-9992. 

Berkeley Camera Club meets at 7:30 p.m., at the Northbrae Community Church, 941 The Alameda. 548-3991. www.berkeleycameraclub.org 

Free Handbuilding Ceramics Class 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at St. John’s Senior Center, 2727 College Ave. Also, Mon. noon to 4 p.m. at the South Berkeley Senior Center. Materials and firing charges not included. 525-5497. 

St. John’s Prime Timers meets at 9:30 a.m. at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 2727 College Ave. 845-6830. 

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 25  

Solar Richmond Project Community Meeting, on how to build solar energy in Richmond, hosted by Council member Gayle McLaughlin at 7 p.m. at Richmond Public Library, Whittlesey Room, 325 Civic Center Plaza. www.SolarRichmond.org 

Workshop on Creeks Task Force at the Planning Commission meeting at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-7484.  

Robert Burn’s Night at 6 p.m. at the Berkeley City Club. Bagpipes and traditional readings. Cost is $30 per person including dinner and a small glass of whiskey. Reservations required. 848-7800. 

Film Series on Animal Agony, the California egg industry amd Wegman’s cruelty, at 7 p.m. at Humanist Hall, 390 27th St., Oakland. Donation of $5 suggested. www.east 

bayanimaladvocates.org 

“Confessions of an Economic Hit Man” with John Perkins, Kevin Danaher and Anuradha Mittal at 7:30 p.m. at the King Middle School Auditorium, 1781 Rose St. Tickets are $12-$15. Benefit for KPFA and Global Exchange. 415-255-7296, ext. 200. 

“Looting the World’s Archaeological Heritage: Whose Fault?” with Lord Colin Renfrew, Disney Professor of Archaeology, University of Cambridge and Director, McDonald Institute for Archaeological Research, at 5 p.m. at the Archaeological Research Facility, 2251 College Building, UC Campus. 

“Strange Weather: Global Warming and Its Effects” with Tom and Jane Kelly of Kyoto-USA at 1:30 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Sponsored by the Gray Panthers. 548-9696. 

Bay Nature’s Fifth Anniversary Celebration with presentations by Michael Ellis, naturalist and writer, Phyllis Faber, Bay Area environmental leader, wetlands restoration activist, Jack Laws, naturalist, educator, and artist, and Greg Sarris, author and tribal chair of the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, at 7:30 p.m. at the James Moore Theater, Oakland Museum of California, 1000 Oak St. 548-9696. www.baynature.com 

Introduction to Conscious Parenting If you have ever wondered about new ways of parenting, or struggled with things not going how you expected, come and find relief, community, and a host of new tools. At 7:30 p.m. at Epic Arts, 1923 Ashby Ave. No fee required, donations appreciated. 415-312-1830. 

“A Startling Discovery of Jewish Identity” with Mrs. Rochel (Ingrid) Dorfman at 7 p.m. in Berkeley. Reservations required, call Sharalyn at 540-5824. 

Walk Berkeley for Seniors at 9:30 a.m. at the Sea Breeze Market, just west of the I-80 overpass. Heavy rain cancels. 548-9840. 

The Berkeley Lawn Bowling Club provides free instruction every Wed. and Sat. at 10:30 a.m. at 2270 Action St. 841-2174.  

Fresh Produce Stand at San Pablo Park from 3 to 6:30 p.m. in the Frances Albrier Community Center. Sponsored by the Ecology Center’s Farm Fresh Choice. 848-1704.  

Sing your Way Home A free sing-a-long at 4:30 p.m. every Wed. at the Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave. 526-3720. 

Prose Writer’s Workshop An ongoing group made up of friendly writers who are serious about our craft. All levels welcome. At 7 p.m. at BRJCC, 1414 Walnut St. 848-0237. georgeporter@earthlink.net 

Berkeley Peace Walk and Vigil at 6:30 p.m. at the Berkeley BART Station. www.geocities.com/vigil4peace/vigil 

THURSDAY, JAN. 26 

“California Faience of Berkeley: A Family Perspective” with Kirby William Brown at 8 p.m. at the Hillside Club, 2286 Cedar St. Cost is $8-$12. 843-8982. 

Martin Luther King. Jr. Community Banquet at 7 p.m. at the Rotunda Building, 300 Frank Ogawa Plaza, Oakland. Cost is $150. Presented by the YMCA of the East Bay. 451-8039, ext. 777.  

Community Meeting on the Albany Shoreline and an alternative to the mall project at 7 p.m. at the Albany High School multipurpose room on Key Route Blvd in Albany. Sponsored by Citizens for the Albany Shoreline (CAS) in cooperation with Citizens for East Shore Parks (CESP) and the Sierra Club. 526-0073. www.albanyshoreline.org 

“A Crisis Call to Action” with Sgt. Delacy Davis, founder of Black Cops Against Police Brutality at 7 p.m. at South Berkeley Community Church, 1805 Fairview St. Donations accepted. 548-0425. 

“Housetraining your Puppy” at 7:30 p.m. at dogTec, 5221 Central Ave., #1, on the border of El Cerrito and Richmond. Free, but donations appreciated. 644-0729.  

World of Plants Tours Thurs., Sat. and Sun. at 1:30 p.m. at the UC Botanical Garden, 200 Centennial Drive. Cost is $5. 643-2755.  

FRIDAY, JAN. 27 

Reduced City Services Today Call ahead to ensure programs or services you desire will be available. 981-CITY. www.cityofberkeley.info 

Fib and Quibble Showcase, in celebration of Black History Month, at 8 p.m. Fri. and Sat., 3 p.m. Sun., at Malonga Casquelord Center for the Arts, 1428 Alice St. Donation $5. 839-9192. 

Alice Walker in conversation with Amy Goodman at 8 p.m. at First Congregational Church, 2501 Harrison St., Oakland. Tickets are $15-$20. Benefits Media Alliance. 832-9000, ext. 305. 

City Commons Club Noon Luncheon with Benjamine Griffin on “The Genius of Mark Twain” Luncheon at 11:45 a.m. for $13.50, speech at 12:30 p.m., at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant St. 526-2925.  

Lunar Lounge Express A party under the stars to view the Red planet and see the Sonic Vision planetarium show at 8 p.m. at Chabot Space and Science Center. Tickets are $15-$20. 336-7373. 

“Alameda’s History and Architecture from the Gold Rush To Today” with Woody Minor, Alameda historian and author, at 7 p.m. at Home of Truth, 1300 Grand St., Alameda. Suggested donation $20. 

Red Cross Blood Drive from noon to 6 p.m. at Unit 4, Hillside Assembly Room, 2700 Hearst Ave., UC Campus. To schedule an appointment call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE.  

Berkeley Chess School classes for students in grades 1-8 from 5 to 7 p.m. at 1581 LeRoy Ave., room 17. 843-0150. 

Berkeley Chess Club meets Fridays at 8 p.m. at the East Bay Chess Club, 1940 Virginia St. Players at all levels are welcome. 845-1041. 

Women in Black Vigil, from noon to 1 p.m. at UC Berkeley, Bancroft at Telegraph. wibberkeley@yahoo.com 548-6310, 845-1143. 

Meditation, Peace Vigil and Dialogue, gather at noon on the grass close to the West Entrance to UC Berkeley, on Oxford St. near University Ave. People of all traditions are welcome to join us. Sponsored by the Buddhist Peace Fellowship. 655-6169. www.bpf.org 

“Healing and Pain” a two day workshop at the Tibetan Nyingma Institute, 1815 Highland Pl. Cost is $100. 843-6812. www.nyingmainstitute.com 

SATURDAY, JAN. 28 

Afternoon with Owls Learn the natural history of our local owls, from 2 to 4 p.m. in Berkeley. Cost is $25. Sponsored by Keep Barn Owls in Berkeley. 549-2963. www.kboib.org  

Free Emergency Preparedness Class from 10 to noon at 997 Cedar St., between 8th and 9th. To sign up call 981-5605. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/fire/oes.html 

Help Save The Bay Plant Native Seedlings, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Regional Shoreline, Oakland. Gloves, tools and snacks provided. Families welcome. Registration required. 452-9261, ext. 109. www.savesfbay.org 

Lunar New Year Celebration from noon to 4 p.m. at Oakland Asian Cultural Center, Pacific Renaissance Plaza, 388 Ninth St., Oakland. www.oacc.cc 

Introduction to California Chinchilla Rescue from 1 to 5 p.m. at RabbitEARS Adoption Center, 303 Arlington Ave., behind ACE Hardware, Kensington. 525-6155. 

Preschool Storytime for 3-5 year olds at 11 a.m. at the Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave. 526-3720, ext. 17. 

The Festival of Brigit A workshop for women at 7 p.m. at Changemakers, 6536 Telegraph Ave., Oakland. To register call 800-694-1957. 

Spirit Walking Aqua Chi Water exercise class at 10 a.m. at the Berkeley High Warm Pool. Cost is $3.50 per session. 526-0312. 

Car Wash Benefit for Options Recovery Services of Berkeley, held every Sat. from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Lutheran Church, 1744 University Ave. 666-9552. 

SUNDAY, JAN. 29 

Believe in Basketry Learn about Native American basketry and make your own periwinkle basket, from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. Cost is $3. 525-2233. 

“Mad Hot Ballroom” A film presented by Diversity Works at 3 p.m. at Ellen Driscoll Theater, Frank Havens School, 325 Highland Ave., Piedmont. Free, for all ages. 599-9227. 

Family Film Series will show “Babe” at 11 a.m. at the Julia Morgan Theater, 2640 College Ave. Cost is $5. 845-8542. 

Red Cross Blood Drive from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Temple Beth Abraham, 327 MacArthur Blvd., Oakland. To schedule an appointment call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE. www.BeADonor.com 

Lake Merritt Neighbors Organized for Peace Peace walk around the lake every Sun. Meet at 3 p.m. at the colonnade at the NE end of the lake. 763-8712. lmno4p.org 

Tibetan Peace Ceremony at 6 p.m. at the Tibetan Nyingma Institute, 1815 Highland Pl. 843-6812. www.nyingmainstitute.com 

MONDAY, JAN. 30 

Claremont Elmwood Neighborhood Association General Meeting at 7 p.m. in the Fireside Room, St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 2727 College Ave. 

Launch Party for “Greater Good” Magazine, reception and panel discussion, at 5:30 p.m. at North Gate Library, Hearst at Euclid, UC Campus. 

“Electoral Guerilla Theatre: Speaking Mirth to Power” with UC Davis professor of theatre, Larry Bogad, at 7:30 p.m. at Black Oak Books, 1491 Shattuck Ave. 486-0698. 

Great Directors Film Series will show Alfred Hitchcock’s “Vertigo” at 7:30 a.m. at the Julia Morgan Theater, 2640 College Ave. Cost is $5. 845-8542. 

Red Cross Blood Drive from noon to 6 p.m. at UC Berkeley Unit 3, 2400 Durant Ave. To schedule an appointment call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE. 

Free Small Business Counselling with SCORE, Service Core of Retired Executives at the Berkeley Public Library, 2090 Kittredge. To make an appointment call 981-6244. 

World Affairs Discussion Group for seniors at 10:15 a.m. at the Albany Senior Center. Cost is $2.50. 

Berkeley CopWatch organizational meeting at 8 p.m. at 2022 Blake St. 548-0425. 

Sing-A-Long from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Albany Senior Center, 846 Masonic Ave. 524-9122. 

Beginning Bridge Lessons at 11:10 a.m. at the Albany Senior Center, 846 Masonic Ave. Cost is $1. 524-9122. 

TUESDAY, JAN. 31 

Birdwalk on the MLK Shoreline from 3 to 5 p.m. to see the ducks and shorebirds here for the winter. Beginnners welcome, binoculars available for loan. 525-2233. 

West Berkeley Alliance for Clean Air and Safe Jobs Community Meeting on Pacific Steel Casting Company with representatives from Pacific Steel Casting, the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, and Berkeley City Council Member Linda Maio’s office, at 7 p.m. at the West Berkeley Senior Center, 1900 6th St. 558-8757. http://westberkeleyalliance.org 

“Eminent Domain: Abuse of Government Power?” with Steven Greenhut, author of “Abuse of Power” and Timothy Sanefur of the Pacific Legal Foundation, at 7 p.m. at the Independent Institute, 100 Swan Way, Oakland. Cost is $10-$15. For reservations call 632-1366. 

Chinese New Year with author Rosemary Gong to say goodbye to the Year of the Rooster and hello to the Year of the Dog, at 7 p.m. at the El Cerrito Library, 6510 Stockton Ave. 526-7512.  

Yarn Divas Basic Knitting Come learn the basics of knitting, especially, but not exclusively, for women with cancer. Experienced participants are welcome. Learning materials provided. At 7:30 p.m. at the Women’s Cancer Resource Center, 5741 Telegraph Ave, Oakland. 420-7900, ext. 111.  

“Travel Photography: Pueblos & Canyons: The American Southwest” Oakland photographic adventure guide Don Lyon, at 7 p.m. at Chapel of the Chimes, 4499 Piedmont Ave., Oakland. 654-1548.  

“A Mile Down: Disaster at Sea” with author David Vann on his trip form Turkey to the Caribbean in a 90 ft. yacht at 7 p.m. at REI, 1338 San Pablo Ave. 527-4140. 

Red Cross Blood Drive from noon to 6 p.m. at UC Berkeley Unit 1, 2650 Durant Ave. To schedule an appointment call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE. 

Stress Less Seminar with hypnosis and relaxation skills at 6:30 p.m. at New Moon Opportunities, 378 Jayne Ave. Free, but registration required. 465-2524. 

Family Story Time at 7 p.m. at the Kensington Branch Library, 61 Arlington Ave., Kensington. Free, all ages welcome. 524-3043. 

Tuesday Tilden Walkers Join a few slowpoke seniors at 9:30 a.m. in the parking lot near the Little Farm for an hour or two walk. In case of questionable weather, call around 8 a.m. 215-7672, 524-9992. 

Free Handbuilding Ceramics Class 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at St. John’s Senior Center, 2727 College Ave. Materials and firing charges not included. 525-5497. 

Brainstormer Weekly Pub Quiz every Tuesday from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Pyramid Alehouse Brewery, 901 Gilman St. 528-9880.  

Berkeley Camera Club meets at 7:30 p.m., at the Northbrae Community Church, 941 The Alameda. 548-3991. www.berkeleycameraclub.org 

St. John’s Prime Timers meets at 9:30 a.m. at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 2727 College Ave. 845-6830. 

ONGOING 

Free Tax Help—United Way’s Earn it! Keep It! Save It! program provides free filing assistance to households that earned less than $38,000 in 2005. To find a free tax site near you, call 800-358-8832 or visit www.EarnitKeepitSaveit.org 

Pee Wee Basketball for ages 6-8 begins Feb. 4, and All Net Basketball for ages 9-11 begins Feb. 23. For further information contact Berkeley Youth Alternatives, 845-9066. www.byaonline.org 

CITY MEETINGS 

Parks and Recreation Commission meets Mon., Jan. 23, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Virginia Aiello, 981-5158. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/ 

commissions/parksandrecreation 

Disaster Council meets Wed., Jan. 25, at 7 p.m., at the Emergency Operations Center, 997 Cedar St. William Greulich, 981-5502.  

Energy Commission meets Wed., Jan. 25, at 6:30 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Neal De Snoo, 981-5434.  

Fire Safety Commission meets Wed., Jan. 25, at 7:30 p.m. at 997 Cedar St. David Orth, 981-5502.  

Planning Commission meets Wed., Jan. 25, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Janet Homrighausen, 981-7484.  

Zoning Adjustments Board meets Thurs., Jan. 26, at 7 p.m., in City Council Chambers. Mark Rhoades, 981-7410. ?

TUESDAY, JAN. 24 

THEATER 

“MacHomer” Rick Miller’s one-man show of “Macbeth” featuring impressions from “The Simpsons” at 8 p.m., Sat at 7 and 10 p.m., Sun. at 2 p.m. at The Roda Theater, 2015 Addison, Tickets are $30-$35. 548-9666. www.calshakes.org 

FILM 

Mary Ellen Bute, Gunvor Nelson and “The Woman’s FIlm” at 7:30 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808. 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

James McManus describes “Physical: An American Check-up” at 7 p.m. at Cody’s Books on Fourth St. 559-9500. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Sauce Piquante at 8:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Dance lesson at 8 p.m. Cost is $9. 525-5054.  

Ellen Hoffman with Singers’ Open Mic at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. 841-JAZZ.  

Freight and Salvage Open Mic at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $5.50. 548-1761.  

Debbie Poryes, jazz, at 7 p.m. at Caffe Trieste, 2500 San Pablo Ave., at Dwight. 548-5198.  

McCoy Tyner Residency, with Joe Lovano, Dave Holland & Lewis Nash at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square, through Feb. 5. Cost is $15-$30. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

Jazzschool Tuesdays, a weekly showcase of up-and-coming ensembles from Berkeley Jazzschool at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 848-8277. 

Eric Muhler, jazz piano, at 8 p.m. at Downtown. 649-3810. 

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 25 

THEATER 

Berkeley Rep “9 Parts of Desire” about women in war-torn Iraq, at 8 p.m. at the Thrust Stage, 2025 Addison St., through March 5. Tickets are $30-$59. 647-2949. www.berkeleyrep.org 

EXHIBITIONS 

Jeanne Dunning “Study After Untitled,” photographs and video works, opens at the Berkeley Art Museum, 2626 Bancroft Way. Artists talk at 2 p.m. 642-0808. 

FILM 

Movies in the Nickelodeon Era at 3 p.m. and “La Lucha: The Struggle” at 7:30 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

“Looting the World’s Archaeological Heritage: Whose Fault?” with Lord Colin Renfrew, Disney Professor of Archaeology, University of Cambridge and Director, McDonald Institute for Archaeological Research, at 5 p.m. at the Archaeological Research Facility, 2251 College Building, UC Campus. 

Josh Kun describes “Audiotopia: Music, Race, and America” at 7:30 p.m. at Cody’s Books. 845-7852. www.codysbooks.com 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Wednesday Noon Concert: “Bach’s Influence on Mozart” at Hertz Hall, UC Campus. Free. 642-4864. http://music.berkeley.edu 

Music for the Spirit with Dave Hatt, organ, at noon at First Presbyterian Church of Oakland, 2619 Broadway. 444-3555. www.firstchurchoakland.org 

UC Jazz Ensemble at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

Ned Boynton Trio at 8 p.m. at Downtown. 649-3810.  

Big Lou’s Polka Casserole at 8:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Polka dance lesson at 8 p.m. with the Golden Gate Bavarian Club. Cost is $9. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Pepe y Su Orchestra at 9:30 p.m. at Shattuck Down Low. Dance lessons at 8 p.m. Cost is $5-$10. 548-1159.  

Cas Lucas at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 848-8277. 

Eliza Glikyson at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $18.50-$19.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Infamous, Yellow Bus Gang, Sani at 9 p.m. at Blakes on Telegraph. Cost is $10. 848-0886. www.blakesontelegraph.com 

THURSDAY, JAN. 26 

FILM 

Mikio Naruse “Lightning” at 7 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

“California Faience of Berkeley: A Family Perspective” with Kirby William Brown at 8 p.m. at the Hillside Club, 2286 Cedar St. Cost is $8-$12. 843-8982. 

Matthew Bokovoy reads from “The San Diego World’s Fairs and Southwestern Memory, 1880-1940” at 7 p.m. at Mrs. Dalloway’s Bookstore, 2904 College Ave. 704-8222. 

Nomad Spoken Word Night at 7 p.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344. www.nomadcafe.net 

Word Beat Reading Series celebrates Jesse Beagle’s 80th birthday at 7 p.m. at Mediterraneum Caffe, 2475 Telegraph Ave., near Dwight Way. 526-5985. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Young People’s Chamber Orchestra at 2 p.m. at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 2727 College Ave. Free. www.ypco.org 

The Bobs at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $19.50-$20.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Smithtone Trio at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $5. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

Philip Rodriguez with Water, guitar, at 7 p.m. at Caffe Trieste, 2500 San Pablo Ave., at Dwight. 548-5198.  

Wayward Monks at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $6. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com 

Danny Caron, jazz guitar, at 8 p.m. at Downtown. 649-3810. 

FRIDAY, JAN. 27 

THEATER 

Actors Ensemble of Berkeley, “Twelfth Night” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m., at Live Oak Theater, 1301 Shattuck Ave., through Feb. 18. Tickets are $12. 649-5999. www.aeofberkeley.org 

“MacHomer” Rick Miller’s one-man show of “Macbeth” featuring impressions from “The Simpsons” at 8 p.m., Sat at 7 and 10 p.m., Sun. at 2 p.m. at The Roda Theater, 2015 Addison, Tickets are $30-$35. 548-9666. www.calshakes.org 

Berkeley Rep “9 Parts of Desire” about women in war-torn Iraq, at 8 p.m. at the Trust Stage, 2025 Addison St., through March 5. Tickets are $30-$59. 647-2949. www.berkeleyrep.org 

Contra Costa Civic Theater, “One Flew Over the Cockoo’s Nest” Fri. and Sat at 8 p.m. at 951 Pomona Ave. at Moeser Lane, El Cerrito, through Feb. 25. 524-9132. www.ccct.org  

Masquers Playhouse "Over the River and Through the Woods" Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m. through Feb. 25 at 105 Park Place, Point Richmond. Tickets are $15. 232-4031. www.masquers.org 

“Walkin’ Talkin’ Bill Hawkins ... In Search of My Father” performed by W. Allen Taylor at 7 p.m. at the Marsh-Berkeley, 2118 Allston Way, through Feb. 5. Tickets are $15-$22. 800-838-3006. 

Ragged Wing Ensemble “Splinters ... and Other F-Words” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m. at Northbrae Community Church, 941 The Alameda, through Feb. 11. Tickets are $12-$25 sliding scale. 800-838-3006. www.raggedwing.org 

Shotgun Players “Cabaret” Thurs. - Sun. at 8 p.m. at the Ashby Stage, 1901 Ashby Ave. Through Jan. 29. 841-6500. www.shotgunplayers.org 

Fib and Quibble Showcase, in celebration of Black History Month, at 8 p.m. Fri. and Sat., 3 p.m. Sun at Malonga Casquelord Cener for the Arts, 1428 Alice St. Donation $5. 839-9192. 

FILM 

African Film Festival “Delwende” at 7 and 8:50 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Alice Walker in conversation with Amy Goodman at 8 p.m. at First Congregational Church, 2501 Harrison St., Oakland. Tickets are $15-$20. Benefits Media Alliance. 832-9000, ext. 305. 

Suzanne Braun Levine talks about “Inventing the Rest of Our Lives: Women in Second Adulthood” at 7:30 p.m. at Cody’s Books. 845-7852. www.codysbooks.com  

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Gabriel Trop, cello and Jim Prell, piano at noon at Hertz Hall, UC Campus. Free. 642-4864. http://music.berkeley.edu 

Pellejo Seco, Cuban son, at 9 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $12. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Sol Rebelz, Jerneye, Forensic Science at 9:30 p.m. at Blakes on Telegraph. Cost is $8-$10. 848-0886. www.blakesontelegraph.com 

Karen Blixt & Yooyoo Wolfe at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $7. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

Don Carlos with RazorBlade at 10 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $18-$20. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Hal Stein Quartet at 8 p.m. at Caffe Trieste, 2500 San Pablo Ave., at Dwight. 548-5198.  

The Bobs at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $19.50-$20.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Josh Workman Duo at 9 p.m. at Downtown. 649-3810.  

Stevie Harris and Aria at 7:30 p.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344. www.nomadcafe.net 

Hostile Takeover, I Object, Abductee SD at 8 p.m. at 924 Gilman St., an all-ages, member-run, no alcohol, no drugs, no violence club. Cost is $7. 525-9926. 

Sila & The Afro Funk Experience at 9:30 p.m. at Shattuck Down Low, 2284 Shattuck Ave. Cost is $5-$7. 548-1159.  

Amy Lou Blues Band at 9 p.m. at Eli’s Mile High Club, 3629 Martin Luther King Jr. Way., Oakland. Cost is $7. 654-4549. 

Three Faces of Evil, cabaret music with Carolyn Mark, Amy Honey and Lily Fawn at 9 p.m. at The Stork Club, 2330 Telegraph, Oakland. 444-6174. 

Ali Handal, guitar, at 8:30 p.m. at Epic Arts, 1923 Ashby Ave. Cost is $5-$10.  

Guru Garage at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 848-8277. 

McCoy Tyner Residency, with Joe Lovano, Dave Holland & Lewis Nash at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square, through Feb. 5. Cost is $15-$30. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

SATURDAY, JAN. 28 

CHILDREN  

Los Amiguitos de La Peña with Asheba at 10:30 a.m. at La Peña. Cost is $4 for adults, $3 for children. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Regla: Revolution” Selected prints from Cuban printmaker Antonio Canet. Reception at 2 p.m. at NIAD Art Center, 551 23rd St. Richmond. www.niadart.org 

Richmond Art Center Reception for Artists from 2 to 5 p.m. at 2540 Barrett Ave., Richmond. 620-6772. 

FILM 

Mikio Naruse “Husband and Wife” at 7 p.m. and “Wife” at 8:45 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Asian American Poets with Ed Bok Lee, Barbara Jane Reyes and Justin Chin at 2 p.m. at Heller Lounge, MLK Student Union, UC Campus. Sponsored by Eastwind Books of Berkeley. 548-2350. 

Dave Barry introduces “Dave Barry’s Money Secrets: Like: Why is There a Giant Eyball on the Dollar?” at 7:30 p.m. at Cody’s Books. 845-7852. www.codysbooks.com 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Berkeley Opera “Falstaff” at 8 p.m. at Julia Morgan Theater, through Feb. 5. Tickets are $15-$40. 841-1903. www.berkeleyopera.org 

Santa Fe Guitar Quartet at 7:30 p.m. at Regents Theater, Holy Names University, 3500 Mountain Blvd. Tickets are $25-$40. 549-3504. www.fourseasonsconcerts.com 

Ed Reed & Trio at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $10. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

West African Highlife Band at 9:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. African dance lesson at 9 p.m. Cost is $13. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com  

Larry Stefl Jazz Group at 9:30 p.m. at Albatross, 1822 San Pablo Ave. Cost is $3. 843-2473. www.albatrosspub.com 

Dream Sequence, with Sistas in the Pit, Company of Prophets, and headRush, hip hop and poetry at 9 p.m. at The Oakland Noodle Factory, 1255 26th St., Oakland. Tickets are $5-$20. All ages. 595-5526. 

The Mash Bash with Red Horizon, Secondhand Seranade, Story Told, and others at 6:30 p.m. at Oakland Metro, 201 Broadway. All ages. 

Jeff Rolka and Duff Ferguson at 8:30 p.m. at Epic Arts, 1923 Ashby Ave. Cost is $5-$10. www.epicarts.org 

The Ravines and Jon Cooney at 7:30 p.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344. www.nomadcafe.net 

John Schott’s Dream Kitchen at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 848-8277. 

Lou & Peter Berryman at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $18.50-$19.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Thrill Train R&B at 9 p.m. at Eli’s Mile High Club, 3629 Martin Luther King Jr. Way., Oakland. Cost is $7. 654-4549. 

Crack Pot Theory, Ghost Next Door, Absent Society at 9 p.m. at Blakes on Telegraph. Cost is $8-$10. 848-0886. www.blakesontelegraph.com 

Left Turn No Signal at 8 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $12. 845-5373. www.jazzschool.com 

Warren Gale Quartet at 9 p.m. at Downtown. 649-3810. 

Megan Mclaugin and Patty Espeth at 8 p.m. at Spuds Pizza, 3290 Adeline St. Cost is $7-$10. 558-0881. 

Rio Brasil Forró Band, Brazilian, at 9 p.m. at Capoeira Arts Cafe, 2026 Addison St. Cost is $8. 666-1255. capoeiraarts.com 

Mandrake, Lemon Lime Lights, Black Bird Stitches at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $6. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com 

Lights Out, Internal Affairs, Down to Nothing 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. 

SUNDAY, JAN. 29 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Art in Progress: Styles of the Artist” from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Poetry readings by John Curl, Meg Withers, and Patti Chepourkova at 2 p.m. at 800 Heinz. 845-0707. 

THEATER 

“Civil Rights Tales” By Stagebridge Senior Theater Company at 2 p.m. at Berkeley Richmond Jewish Community Center, 1414 WAlnut St. Tickets are $5-$8. 848-0237.  

FILM 

Mikio Naruse “Older Brother, Younger Sister” at 4:30 p.m. and “Late Chrysanthemums” at 6:15 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

“Edward Weston: Masterworks from the Collection” with curator of photography Drew Johnson, at 2 p.m. at Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak Sts. 238-2200. www.museumca.org 

Poetry Flash with Amber Flora Thomas, Rose Black and Joseph Zaccardi at 7:30 p.m. at Cody’s Books. Donation $2. 845-7852. www.codysbooks.com 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Anna Carol Dudley, soprano, celebrates her 75th birthday with a free concert at 3 p.m. at the First Congregational Church of Berkeley, at Dana and Durant. 848-3696. 

Distant Oaks, a mid-winter Celtic celebration at 7 p.m. at Firts Presbyterian Church of Alameda, 2001 Santa Clara at Chestnut. Donation $10-$15. 522-1477. www.AlamedaChurch.com 

Prometheus Symphony Orchestra at 3 p.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 114 Montecito Ave., Oakland. Admission is free, donations requested. 

Maria Loreto at 7:30 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $10. 849-2568.  

Vicki Genfan at 5 p.m. at Caffe Trieste, 2500 San Pablo Ave., at Dwight. 548-5198.  

International Contemporary Ensemble “Composer Portrait Magnus Lindberg” at 3 p.m. at Hertz Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $32. 642-9988.  

Alma Brasileira at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $10. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

John Worley & Worlview at 4:30 at the Jazzschool. Cost is $15. 845-5373. www.jazz- 

school.com 

Bandworks at 2:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $4. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Jessie Turner, and Vanessa Lowe at 11 a.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344. www.nomadcafe.net 

Push to Talk, Aberdien, One Way Letter, at 5 p.m. at 924 Gilman St., an all-ages, member-run, no alcohol, no drugs, no violence club. Cost is $6. 525-9926. 

MONDAY, JAN. 30 

THEATER 

Subterranean Shakespeare “King Lear” Staged reading at 7:30 p.m. at the Berkeley Unitarian Fellowship, Fireside Room, 1924 Cedar St. Donation $5. 276-3871. 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

“Writing for the Greater Good” panel discussion to celebrate the latest issue of Greater Good magazine at 5:30 p.m. at North Gate Library, Hearst at Euclid, UC Campus. http://peacecenter.berkeley.edu/greatergood 

“Electoral Guerilla Theatre: Speaking Mirth to Power” with UC Davis professor of theatre, Larry Bogad at 7:30 p.m. at Black Oak Books, 1491 Shattuck Ave. 486-0698.  

Kathleen Ragan describes “Outfoxing Fear: Folktales from Around the World” at 7:30 p.m. at Cody’s Books. 845-7852. www.codysbooks.com 

Poetry Express with Zara Raab and HD Moe at 7 p.m., at Priya Restaurant, 2072 San Pablo Ave. berkeleypoetryexpress@yahoo.com 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Trovatore, traditional Italian music, at 7 p.m. at Caffe Trieste, 2500 San Pablo Ave., at Dwight. 548-5198.  

Nels Cline, music of Andrew Hill at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $6-$12. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

›

“When we reach the end, we shall know more than we know now. Once upon a time...” 

Strange that this familiar opening formula for bedtime stories and fairy tales should be dictated by a character from Hans Christian Andersen, The Snow Queen, towering over her Snow Guard of workers in gauzy white jumpsuits at the beginning of Andrea L. Hart’s Splinters ... and Other F Words, produced by Ragged Wing Ensemble at the Northbrae Community Church on The Alameda, between Marin and Solano. 

The Snow Queen, all in glistening white gown and train, of course, is played on stilts by Ragged Wing cofounder Anna Shneiderman—credited as “Objective Observer” in the program, which clinical title goes along with the opening line above and its air of psychoanalysis. 

She proceeds regally throughout the whole play—90 minutes without intermission—dominating the stage and, until the end, its denizens, commenting sharply on the action which she signals in its phase-shifts with an upraised arm, a toss of her cape and what sounds like the blast of a winter’s gale. 

Splinters tells a story—a very clear one—but its episodes aren’t organized in a strictly dramatic or narrative sequence, despite the presence of the “Observer” seeming to narrate as well as participating in the scenes or vignettes along with the fluidly moving and changing ensemble, which flies across the floor of the playing area, between a mirror frame entwined by vines behind a steamer trunk (full of costume pieces and props) and the apron of a low curtained-off stage, forming ever-new groupings and tableaux.  

The story that’s told is of a girl who becomes a young woman (cofounder Amy Sass), sometimes the Gerda of Andersen’s tale, searching for Little Kai who’s in thrall to The Snow Queen, sometimes the daughter of an apostate minister who wrestles with leaving his wife, family, congregation and belief (both played by Keith Cory Davis). 

The father-daughter relationship (which reads like half an Electra complex) is complemented by the mother and other older women (one, met in a bar, is referred to as The Crone), as well as a boyfriend, a game show host, a sister and a girlfriend and other characters that spring up along the way as the story goes through its shifts, from one approach or attack to another. Credited as The Singer and Male and Female Chorus, this pool of roles is performed with energy by Mariah Howard, Mateo Hinojosa and Lauren Pizzi. 

(The real chorus of the play, the Queen’s Snow Guard, is an able bunch of middle and high school students—Esther Dane, Aiden Gavet, Amalia Mourad Korczowski, Eline Leemans, Roxie Perkins and Noah Teller—from the East and North Bay. The ensemble and other cast members teach drama and stress education and the integration of students into productions as a company goal.) 

Keith Cory Davis infuses his shifting roles with much juice, as he displayed in Ragged Wing’s first outing, The Serpent. Amy Sass, who directed that piece, is more internal, but often brings a sharp focus to Gerda/the young woman, which she plays with determination. 

Mateo Hinojosa always keeps an edge of humor to his “smarmy” roles, and Mariah Howard and Lauren Pizzi slip in and out of characters which they nonetheless delineate with distinction. 

Anna Shneiderman is every inch the Snow Queen atop her stilts, a tour-de-force of skill throughout the show (and a well-choreographed fight over her ice scepter), though perhaps exits and entrances would have added to both her role and the topology of the show’s design, which her figure dominates, relentlessly vertical, as the rest of the cast runs, slithers, writhes, pops up here and there, in processions, bar talk, a work camp or in bed. 

Andrea Hart has directed her own text, which is a kind of collage of statements, dialogue, and movement. Admitting to an early and continuing taste in theater as “a psychological dreamscape,” she’s outdistanced the constant risk of falling into a pastiche of primal scenes by constant theatrical activity, the main characters supported by or in contrapuntal distinction to the chorus. 

The sprains and speed of the show’s unfolding make up for some dramaturgical sketchiness, providing the amplitude that fleshes out the script’s perceptions into both the immediacy and staying power of drama. 

Ragged Wing is one of the newest of a batch of young movement theater companies that have added leavening to the Bay Area theater scene in recent years—foolsFURY of San Francisco, which just hosted a mini-festival for such troupes from all over, is probably the most ubiquitous, and most of them have some relationship with Dell’Arte Players and their school in Humboldt County. 

Ragged Wing Ensemble’s Splinters...and Other F Words, a performance in seven little parts runs  

at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays through Feb. 11. at the Northbrae Community Church, 941 The Alameda, Berkeley. Tickets are  

$12-$25. For reservations call  

(800) 838-3006.›