FRIDAY, FEB. 3 

City Commons Club Noon Luncheon with The Hon. David Sterling, on “Issues Before the Pacific Legal Foundation” 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. 

Benefit for Berkeley Food and Housing with blues and jazz by The Soul Sisters Band, The Dave Mathews Blues Band & Denise Perrier and Anna De Leon from 6 to 11 p.m. at The Gaia Arts Center, 2120 Allston Way. Tickets are $25-$30. For reservations call 649-4965, ext. 304. 

“A Forgotten Resistance: The Mosque of Paris” A documentary by Derri Berkani with a discussion with Annete Herskovits, a Jewish woman who survived the Holocaust in Occupied France, at 7:30 p.m. at St. Joseph the Worker Church, 1640 Addison St. 

American Red Cross Blood Drive from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at MLK Student Union, 5th Floor Tilden Room, UC Campus. To schedule an appointment call 1-800-GIVELIFE.  

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. 

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

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 

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

SATURDAY, FEB. 4 

“Francis Albrier and Social Change in South Berkeley” with local historian Donna Graves at 2 p.m. at the Frances Albrier Community Center in San Pablo Park. 981-7533. 

Progressive Democrats of America, East Bay Chapter, strategic planning meeting for the 2006 elections from 1 to 3 p.m. at Temescal Library, 5205 Telegraph, Oakland. All welcome. 524-4424. www.pdeastbay.org 

Redwood Park Mushroom Walk with the Berkeley Path Wanderers Association. Meet at 10 a.m. at the last parking lot, next to a meadow and well past the trout monument, on the road inside the Redwood Gate entrance. www.berkeleypaths.org  

Brooks Island Kayak and Walk with Save the Bay. All equipment and instruction is provided. Minimum age 16. Trip departs from Richmond Harbor at noon. Cost is $70. For information call 452-9261 ext. 109. www.savesfbay.org 

Sick Plant Clinic from 9 a.m. to noon at the UC Botanical Garden, 200 Centennial Dr. 643-2755.  

Volunteer on Cerrito Creek Join Friends of Five Creeks volunteers planting natives and removing invasives to restore habitat along the new Cerrito Creek walkway. Meet at Creekside Park, south end of Santa Clara St., El Cerrito at 10 a.m. Wear shoes with good traction and clothes that can get dirty. 848-9358. www.fivecreeks.org 

French Broom Removal Work Party at 9:30 a.m. at the Skyline Gate Staging Area, Skyline Blvd., Oakland. We walk to the work site so arriving on time is important. Please bring your own gloves. Weed wrenches and other tools will be provided. Rain cancels. 684-2473. californica@mac.com 

East Bay Atheists Glenn Branch of the National Center for Science Education will speak on “Who’s Winning the Evolution Wars?” at 2 p.m. at the Berkeley Public Library, 3rd floor, 2090 Kittredge St. 

Disaster Mental Health Workshop from 9 a.m. to noon at 997 Cedar St. Sponsored by the Office of Emergency Services. To register call 981-5506. 

Turn Stress into Success Workshop at 10 a.m. at Creating Harmony Institute, Atrium Plaza, 828 San Pablo Ave. Suite 115B, Albany. Free but registration required. 526-1559. 

“New Era, New Politics Walking Tour” at 10 a.m. at the African American Museum, 659 14th St., at Jefferson, Oakland. A two-hour guided tour of the points of interest in African American history in Oakland. 238-3234. 

Mindful Drumming for Opening Minds and Healing Hearts in celebration of Black History Month at 7 p.m. at 3278 West St., Oakland. Cost is $20, scholarships available. 652-5530. 

Kids’ Night Out Party for ages 4.5 to 10 years at The Berkwood Hedge School in Berkeley. Cost is $25-$40. Proceeds benefit Monkey Business Camp’s scholarship fund. To register call 540-6025.  

“Careers in International Trade” workshop at Vista College, 2075 Allston Way. Cost is $13 for California residents. To register call 981-2913. 

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

Free Garden Tours at Regional Parks Botanic Garden Sat. and Sun. at 2 pm. Regional Parks Botanic Garden, Tilden Park. Call to confirm. 841-8732. www.nativeplants.org 

Spirit Walking Aqua Chi (TM) A gentle 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, FEB. 5 

Natural Wonders Explore nearby trails to discover what amazing offerings nature has for us. Meet at 10 a.m. at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. 525-2233. www.ebparks.org 

Help Clean Up Strawberry Creek from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Lodge, 1320 Addison. RSVP to Tom Kelly kyotousa@sbcglobal.net 

“Are You Good Enough to be Published” A symposium with Alan Rinzler at 3 p.m. at Cody’s Books. 845-7852. www.codysbooks.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 Buddhism with Abbe Blum on “Freedom to Change” at 6 p.m. at the Tibetan Nyingma Institute, 1815 Highland Pl. 843-6812. www.nyingmainstitute.com 

MONDAY, FEB. 6 

National Read a Black Book Day A read-a-thon in celebration of Black History Month, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Merritt College Library, 12500 Campus Drive, Oakland. 436-2557. 

National Organization for Women, Oakland/East Bay Chapter meets at 6 p.m. at the Oakland YWCA, 1515 Webster St. The speaker will be Helen Isaacson, a member of Grandmothers’ Against the War who will discuss the group’s plan to enter Army Recruiting Offices on Valentines Day to attempt to enlist. 287-8948. 

“150 Years in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta: Where Do We Go From Here?” with Jeff Hart at 7 p.m. at the Albany Community Center, 1249 Marin Ave., at Masonic. 848-9358. www.fivecreeks.org 

Peltier Action Coalition Paryer and Drum Circle at noon at the Oakland Federal Building, 1300 Clay St. 496-6011. 

“Sacred Run” Send Off Benefit at 6 p.m. at the Berkeley Unitarian Universalist Hall, 1924 Cedar St. at Bonita. Donation $10. 496-6011. 

Basic Balkan Singing Workshhop led by Janet Kutulas Monday evenings at 7:30 p.m. at KITKA/Children's Advocates, 1201 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, at 12th St., Oakland. Four-session series for $60. Individual class $20. 444-0323.  

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. 

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

McGee Avenue Toastmasters meets on the first and third Mondays of the month at 7:30 p.m. at McGee Ave. Baptist Church, 1640 Stuart St. 501-7005. 

American Red Cross Blood Drive from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Pacific School of Religion, 1798 Scenic Ave. To schedule an appointment call 1-800-GIVELIFE. www.BeADonor.com 

“Healthy Eating Habits Seminar” at 6:30 p.m. at Lakeview Branch Library Meeting Room, 550 El Embarcadero. 238-7344. 

Free Business Loan and Business Plan Writing Boot Camp Mon. and Fri. from 9 a.m. to noon at 519 17th St., 2nd Floor, Ste. 200, Oakland, through March 31. 395-6003. 

Critical Viewing An ongoing group to examine the art/craft(iness) of short films and television productions and its effects on our daily lives, at 1 p.m. at the BRJCC, 1414 Walnut St. Free. 848-0237. georgeporter@earthlink.net 

Berkeley CopWatch organizational meeting at 8 p.m. at 2022 Blake St. Join us to work on current issues around police misconduct. Volunteers needed. For information call 548-0425. 

TUESDAY, FEB. 7 

Community Rally to Stop the Ashby BART Grant at 6:15 on the steps of Old City Hall, before the City Council meeting. 

Kalimba Interactive Assembly with Carl Winters on the African thumb piano, in celebration of Black History Month at 10 a.m. at the Oakland Public Library, West Oakland Branch, 1801 Adeline St. and at 1 p.m. at the Temescal Branch, 5205 Telegraph Ave. All ages welcome. 238-7352. 

Berkeley School Volunteers Training workshop for volunteers interested in helping the public schools, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at 1835 Allston Way. 644-8833. 

“Sankofa” A showing of the Black independent film at 6 p.m. at Merritt College, Building A, Room 218.  

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 near Ashby BART. 415-312-1830. 

Turn Stress into Success Workshop at 7:30 p.m. at Creating Harmony Institute, Atrium Plaza, 828 San Pablo Ave. Suite 115B, Albany. Free but registration required. 526-1559. 

Paris & Provence with photographic adventure guide Don Lyon at 7 p.m. at Chapel of the Chimes, 4499 Piedmont Ave., Oakland. 654-1548.  

Berkeley Salon Discussion Group meets to discuss Love and Sex in the 21st Century from 7 to 9 p.m. at the BRJCC, 1414 Walnut St. 601-6690. 

California Shakespeare Summer Theater Camp Open House to meet with potential campers and their families from 7-8:30 p.m. at the Cal Shakes Rehearsal Hall, 701 Heinz Ave. 548-3422 ext. 127. 

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. 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. Also, Mon. noon to 4 p.m. at the South Berkeley Senior Center. 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. 

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 8 

Richmond Southeast Shoreline Community Advisory Group Meeting at 6:30 p.m. at Richmond Convention Center, Bermuda Room, 403 Civic Center Plaza at Nevin and 25th Sts. 540-3923. 

Presentation about the Albany Shoreline and the Citizens’ Planning Initiative to Protect Albany’s Shoreline with Robert Cheasty, president of Citizens for East Shore Parks and former Mayor of Albany at 10:30 a.m. at the Albany Senior Center, 846 Masonic Ave., Albany. 558-9639. www.albanyshoreline.org 

Lead-Safety for Remodeling, Repair and Painting of older homes. A HUD & EPA approved class held in Oakland from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. To register, call Alameda County Lead Poisoning Prevention Program at 567-8280. www.ACLPPP.org 

“The Rebirth of Environ- 

mentalism” with George Lakoff and Mark Danner at 7:30 p.m. at Buttner Auditorium, College Prep School, 6100 Broadway. Tickets are $5-$10 at the door. 339-7726.  

Rhoda Goldman Lecture in Health Policy “A Conversation with Robert Klein” at 7:30 p.m. at Chevron Auditorium, International House, 2299 Piedmont Ave., UC Campus. 642-4670. 

Film Series on 9/11: “The Great Conspiracy” at 7 p.m. at Humanist Hall, 390 27th St. Oakland. Free, but donations of $5 accepted. www.HumanistHall.net 

“Indigenous Peoples And Diabetes: Community Empowerment And Wellness” edited by Mariana Ferreira and Gretchen Lang, book release at 5:30 p.m. at University Press Books, 2430 Bancroft Way. 548-0585. 

East Bay Genealogical Society Robert Lindquist will about the Swedish immigration at 10 a.m. in the Library Conference Room of the Family History Center, 4766 Lincoln Ave. Oakland. 635-6692. 

Poetry Writing Workshop, led by Alison Seevak, at 7 p.m. at the Albany Library ,1247 Marin Ave. 526-3720, ext. 17. 

Red Cross Blood Drive from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at USDA, 800 Buchanan St., Albany. To schedule an appointment, call Steven at 559-6188. www.BeADonor.com  

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

Walk Berkeley for Seniors meets every Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. at the Sea Breeze Market, just west of the I-80 overpass. Everyone is welcome, wear comfortable shoes and a warm hat. 548-9840. 

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 

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. 

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. www.ecologycenter.org 

Stitch ‘n Bitch Bring your knitting, crocheting and other handcrafts from 6 to 9 p.m. at Caffe Trieste, 2500 San Pablo Ave. 548-5198. 

Berkeley Peace Walk and Vigil at the Berkeley BART Station, corner of Shattuck and Center. Sing for Peace at 6:30 p.m. followed by Peace Walk at 7 p.m. www.geocities.com/ 

vigil4peace/vigil 

THURSDAY, FEB. 9 

Tilden Tots Join a nature adventure program for 3 and 4 year olds, each accompanied by an adult (grandparents welcome)! We’ll search for our amphibian friends, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. Cost is $6-$8. Registration required. 636-1684. 

“Grandma’s Hands” A Black History Month celebration by the fifth graders at Oxford Elementary School at 9 a.m. at 1130 Oxford St. Also on Fri. at 10:30 a.m. at Jefferson Elementary School. 644-6300. 

“Can the US be a Global Good Neighbor” Panel discussion with Ann Wright, Tom Barry, John Gershman, Laura Carlsen, Stephen Zunes, and Conn Hallinan at 7 p.m. at La Peña, 3105 Shattuck Ave. Donations suggested. Sponsored by The International Relations Center. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

“North Koreans Beyond the Border” Four UCB Journalism students report about their travels to South Korea and Northern China where they met North Korean migrants and defectors, at 5:30 p.m. at North Gate Hall Library, UC CAmpus. http://ieas.berkeley.edu/events/2006.02.09.html 

East Bay Mac Users Group meets at 6 p.m. at Expression College for Digital Arts 6601 Shellmound St., Emeryville Learn how to sync your Mac to almost any PDA or handheld. http://ebmug.org 

American Red Cross Blood Drive from noon to 6 p.m. at MLK Student Union, East Pauley Ballroom, UC Campus. To schedule an appointment call 1-800-GIVELIFE. www.BeADonor.com 

Lead Funding Info Meeting for Landlords to learn about financial assistance to reduce lead hazards at 6 p.m. at Oakland Housing Authority, 1619 Harrison. Free, presented by Alameda County Lead Poisoning Prevention Program. 567-8280. www.ACLPPP.org 

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. http://botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu 

ONGOING 

“Sprout Hope” Half-Pint Library Book Drive to benefit the library at Children’s Hospital, Oakland, is looking to register schools in the book drive. To register see www.halfpricebooks.com 

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 

Albany Library Free Drop-in Homework Help for students in third through fifth grades, Mon. - Thurs. from 3 to 5:30 p.m. Emphasis is placed on math and writing skills. No registration is required. 526-3720, ext. 17. 

CITY MEETINGS 

Creeks Task Force meets Mon. Feb. 6, at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Erin Dando, 981-7410.  

Peace and Justice Commission meets Mon., Feb. 6, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Manuel Hector, 981-5510.  

City Council meets Tues., Feb. 7, at 7 p.m in City Council Chambers. 981-6900. www.ci. 

berkeley.ca.us/citycouncil 

Homeless Commission meets Wed., Feb. 8,, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Jane Micallef, 981-5426.  

Zoning Adjustments Board meets Thurs., Feb. 9, at 7 p.m., in City Council Chambers. Mark Rhoades, 981-7410. ª

FRIDAY, FEB. 3 

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 

Aurora Theatre “The Master Builder” Wed. through Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2 and 7 p.m. at 2081 Addison St., through March 5. Tickets are $38. 843-4822. www.auroratheatre.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 

The Bright River at 8 p.m. at The Ashby Stage, 1901 Ashby at MLK. Tickets are $20. After party at Epic Arts.  

Book Burning Comedy Showcase with Will Franken, John Hoogasian, Philip Watson, Samantha Chanse at 8 p.m. at AK Press, 674-A 23rd St., Oakland. Cost is $5. 208-1700. 

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 

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 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Lawn Jockey” An exhibition of works exploring the social, psychological and phenomenological implications of sod. Opening at 7.p.m. at Center Street Art Works, 1431 Center St., Oakland. csawgallery@gmail.com 

“Light Form Texture” Black and white photography of landscapes and architecture by Mark Swanson. Reception at 7 p.m. at Fertile Grounds Cafe, 1796 Shattuck Ave. at Delaware. Exhibit runs to Feb. 28. 

“Lost & Found” Boontling's One Year Anniversary Celebration Reception at 7:30 p.m. at 4224 Telegraph Ave. 

FILM 

African Film Festival “Sisters in Law” at 7 p.m. and “The Colonial Misunderstanding” at 9:05 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808.  

READINGS AND LECTURES 

James Janko and Maxine Hong Kingston discuss Janko’s new book “Buffalo Boy and Geronimo” at 7:30 p.m. at Cody’s Books. 845-7852.  

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Team I-Themba, South African dance and drama, in celebration of Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday and Black History Month at 6:30 p.m. at the Little Theater, Berkeley High School, 1980 Allston Way. Tickets are $12, $6 students and go on sale at 5 p.m. 

Blues and Jazz by The Soul Sisters Band, The Dave Mathews Blues Band & Denise Perrier and Anna De Leon from 6 to 11 p.m. at The Gaia Arts Center, 2120 Allston Way. Tickets are $25-$30. Benefit for Berkeley Food and Housing. For reservations call 649-4965, ext. 304. 

Berkeley Opera “Falstaff” at 8 p.m. at Julia Morgan Theater. Tickets are $15-$40. 841-1903. www.berkeleyopera.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 Center for the Arts, 1428 Alice St. Donation $5. 839-9192. 

Four Shillings Short with Christy Martin, Adrianne and Kyler England at 8 p.m. at Rose St. House of Music, 1839 Rose St. Donation $10-$20. 594-4000, ext. 687. www.rosestreetmusic.com 

Nik Phelps and The Sprocket Ensemble at 8 p.m. at Trinity Chapel, 2320 Dana St. between Durant and Bancroft. Tickets are $8-$12. 549-3864. http:// 

trinitychamberconcerts.com 

Slammin, all-body band, at 8 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $13-$15. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Pamela Rose, accompanied by Danny Caron, John R. Burr, Jason Lewis, Wayne de La Cruz and Charles McNeal at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $12. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

The Ghetto Retro Review at 9 p.m. at Blakes on Telegraph. Cost is $10. 848-0886. www.blakesontelegraph.com 

Shotgun Wedding Quintet, Felonious, Ryan Greene at 9:30 p.m. at Shattuck Down Low, 2284 Shattuck Ave. Cost is $5-$7. 548-1159.  

Ligia Waib’s Brazilian Quartet at 9 p.m. at Downtown. 649-3810.  

Al Howard and the K23 Orchestra at 9:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $12. 525-5054. 

Crooked Jades at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $17.50-$18.50. 548-1761.  

Slydini with saxophonist John Ingle at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 848-8277. 

Mariospeedwagon and The Pickin’ Trix at 7:30 p.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344.  

Steve Taylor, songwriter for Cowpokes for Peace, at 7 p.m. at A Cuppa Tea, 3200 College Ave. Free, donations accepted. 654-1904. 

The Phenmenauts, The Bananas, Shruggs, Touch Me Nots at 8 p.m. at 924 Gilman St. Cost is $6. 525-9926. 

McCoy Tyner with Bobby Hutcherson, Ravi Coltrane, Charnett Moffett & Eric Harland at 8 and 10 p.m. Yoshi’s at Jack London Square, through Sun. Cost is $20-$35. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

SATURDAY, FEB. 4 

CHILDREN 

Los Amiguitos de La Peña with Jerry Kennedy singing folk songs at 10:30 a.m. at La Peña. Cost is $4 for adults, $3 for children. 849-2568.  

Chinese New Year Books for Children with authors Ying Chang and Oliver Chin at 3 p.m. at Eastwind Books of Berkeley, 2066 University Ave. 548-2350. 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Claim the World of Art as Our Own” Artists’ talk at 1 p.m. at Pro Arts, 550 Second St., Oakland. www.proartsgallery.org 

Photographs by Larry Wolfley Reception at 6 p.m. at Photolab Gallery, 2235 Fifth St. Exhibit runs to March 15. www.photolaboratory.com 

THEATER 

Mixtape Vol. 2, new works showcase by Everyday Theatre at 8 p.m. at The Ashby Stage, 1901 Ashby at MLK. Tickets are $20. http://everydaytheatre.org 

Imago Theater “Biglittlethings” at 2 and 8 p.m. at Zellerbach Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $20-$32, discounts for children under 16. 642-9988.  

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

FILM 

African Film Festival “The Golden Ball” at 4 p.m. and Mikio Naruse: “Flowing” at 7 p.m. and “Floating Clouds” at 9:15 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808.  

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Chesa Boudin introduces “The Venezuelan Revolution: 100 Questions - 100 Answers” at 7:30 p.m. at Cody’s Books on Telegraph. 845-7852.  

African American Celebration through Poetry from 1 to 4 p.m. at the West Oakland Branch of the Oakland Public Library, 1801 Adeline St. Free, all welcome. 238-7352. 

Poetry Reading Annual Contest with the Bay Area Poets Coalition from 3 to 5 p.m. at Strawberry Creek Lodge, dining hall, 1320 Addison St. Park on the street, not in Lodge parking lot. 527-9905. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra “The Violin Triumphant” at 8 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Berkeley, Dana and Durant Sts. Tickets are $28-$62. 415-392-4400. www.philharmonia.org 

Opera Alive, an introduction for the whole family at 7 p.m. at Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, 1 Lawson Rd., Kensington. Donation $10-$20. 525-0302. 

“Arte y Pureza” gypsy flamenco from Andalucia, Spain, at 8 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Tickets are $30. 849-2568.  

Celebration of the Energy of Yemanja, Yoruban Goddess of the Oceans and Maternal Love, with Brazilian and Latin dance and music at 9 p.m. at the Capoiera Café, 2026 Addison St. Cost is $10. 528-1958.  

The Snake Trio at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $7. 841-JAZZ.  

Lee Waterman’s Brazilian & Afro-Cuban Quintet at 9 p.m. at Downtown. 649-3810.  

Jenna Mammina at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $18.50-$19.50. 548-1761.  

Winston Jarrett and Wadi Gas & Jahbandis, reggae, at 9:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $15. 525-5054.  

Lo Cura and Avi Vinocur at 7:30 p.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344.  

Daggermouth, Sabertooth Zombie, Barricade at 8 p.m. at 924 Gilman St. Cost is $6. 525-9926. 

Peau de Chagrin, jazz, at at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 848-8277. 

SUNDAY, FEB. 5 

CHILDREN  

Crosspulse Family Show at 3 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $4-$6. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

FILM 

Mikio Naruse “Sudden Rain” at 4:30 p.m. and “A Wife’s Heart” at 6:20 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808.  

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Chesa Boudin introduces “The Venezuelan Revolution: 100 Questions - 100 Answers” at 3 p.m. at Casa Cuba, 6501 Telegraph Ave., Oakland. 658-3984. 

Poetry Flash with Geraldine Kim and Tessa Rumsey at 7:30 p.m. at Cody’s Books. Donation $2. 845-7852.  

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Berkeley Opera “Falstaff” at 8 p.m. at Julia Morgan Theater. Tickets are $15-$40. 841-1903.  

Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra “The Violin Triumphant” at 7:30 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Berkeley, Dana and Durant Sts. Tickets are $28-$62. 415-392-4400.  

Opera Alive, an introduction at 3 p.m. at Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, 1 Lawson Rd., Kensington. Donation $10-$20. 525-0302. 

Oluyemi Thomas and Positive Knowledge at 7 and 8:30 p.m. at The Ashby Stage, 1901 Ashby at MLK. Tickets are $15. 

Mark Little-Ricardo Peixoto Duo at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island. Cost is $7. 841-JAZZ.  

Shaykh Yassir Chadly at 4:30 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $12. 845-5373. 

Brook Schoenfield at 11 a.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344.  

Head Royce High School Jazz Band at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $17.50-$18.50. 548-1761.  

MONDAY, FEB. 6 

THEATER 

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

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Spoken Word by Charles C. Blackwell and Poetic Grove in celebration of Black History Month at 5:30 p.m. at Oakland Public Library Golden Gate Branch, 5606 San Pablo Ave. 597-5023. 

Mary Burger and Rob Halpern at 7:30 p.m. at Moe’s Books, 2476 Telegraph Ave. 849-2087. 

Actors Reading Writers “The Dangers of Romance,” stories by Jonathan Franzen, David Schickler and Don Shea, at 7:30 p.m. at Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant Ave.  

Po Bronson discusses “Why Do I Love These People? Honest and Amazing Stories of Real Families” at 7:30 p.m. at Cody’s Books. 845-7852.  

Poetry Express with CR Jacobs at 7 p.m. at Priya Restaurant, 2072 San Pablo Ave. berkeleypoetryexpress@yahoo.com 

Last Word Poetry Series with Teka-Lark Lo and Dan O at 7 p.m. at Pegasus Books, 2349 Shattuck Ave. 649-1320. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

El Cerrito High and Portola Middle School Jazz Bands at 8 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $10. 238-9200.  

TUESDAY, FEB. 7 

EXHIBITIONS 

James Gayles’ “East Bay Blues Master” and other works by George Hopkins at the Richmond Health Center, 100 38th St., enter at 39th and Bissell. Celebrating Black History Month. 231-1348.  

FILM 

Women’s Preservation Film Festival at 7:30 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808.  

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Marion Nestle discusses her reasearch on culinary history in northern California at 4 p.m. at Cody’s Books. 845-7852.  

Bernard-Henri Lévy introduces his new book “American Vertigo: Traveling America in the Footsteps of Tocqueville” at 7:30 p.m. at the First Congregational Church of Berkeley, 2345 Channing Way. 845-7852.  

MUSIC AND DANCE 

New Pacific Trio at 8 p.m. at Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant Ave. Tickets are $20. 525-5211. 

Swamp Coolers, cajun, zydeco at 8:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $9. 525-5054.  

Ellen Hoffman and Singers’ Open Mic at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $5. 841-JAZZ.  

Jazzschool Tuesdays at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 848-8277. 

David Thom Band, Dark Hollow, Grizzly Peak and Marty Varner at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $15.50-$16.50. 548-1761.  

Mingus Big Band at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $12-$24. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 8 

FILM 

FIlm 50 “The Fall of the House of Usher” at 3 p.m. and Weird America “Olie Noodling” at 7:30 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

An Evening with John Cleese at 8 p.m. at Zellerbach Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $32-$56. 642-9988. www.calperfs.berkeley.edu 

Café Poetry hosted by Kira Allen at 7:30 p.m. at La Peña. Donation $2. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Tim Egan describes “The Worst Hard Time: The Untold Story of Those Who Survived the Great American Dust Bowl” at 7:30 p.m. at Cody’s Books. 845-7852. www.codysbooks.com  

Camille Paglia describes “Break, Blow, Burn” on poetry and the state of our culture, at 7 p.m. at Cody’s Books on Fourth St. 559-9500. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

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

North Beach Django Band at 8 p.m. at Downtown. 649-3810.  

Earth Quake Weather, Love Infinity, Sabre Teeth, Yardsale at 9 p.m. at Blakes on Telegraph. Cost is $8. 848-0886. www.blakesontelegraph.com 

Four Flea Circus, folk-rock fusions, at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 848-8277. 

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

Mingus Big Band at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $12-$24. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

THURSDAY, FEB. 9 

EXHIBITIONS 

“The White Album” works in varying shades of white. Reception at 6 p.m. at Kala Art Institute, 1060 Heinz Ave. Exhibition runs through March 25. 549-2977. www.kala.org 

Irie Park All-Stars “Civil Rights and Lefts” Visual history of the African-American experience. Reception at 5:30 p.m. at the Joyce Gordon Gallery, 406 14th St., Oakland. and runs through March 11. 967-5399. 

“A Retrospective in Black & White and Color” works by photographer Susan Sai-Wah Louie at the Berkeley Public Library, 2090 Kittredge St., through March 16. 981-6100. 

THEATER 

“Grandma’s Hands” A Black History Month celebration by the fifth graders at Oxford Elementary School at 9 a.m. at 1130 Oxford St. Also on Fri. at 10:30 a.m. at Jefferson Elementary School. 644-6300. 

FILM 

Mikio Naruse “Summer Clouds” at 7:30 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

“The Greater Circulation” by Antero Alli at 8 p.m. at 21 Grand, 416 26th St. Cost is $5-$10. 444-7263. 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

“Regla: Revolution” panel discussion on Cuban political prints by Antonio Canet, at 6 p.m. at the NIAD Art Center, 551 23rd St., Richmond. www.niadart.org 

Poets for Peace with Margaret Kaufman, Jeffrey Levine, Ilya Kaminsky and Robert Thomas at 7:30 p.m. at Pegasus Books, 2349 Shattuck Ave. 649-1320. 

An Evening with John Cleese at 8 p.m. at Zellerbach Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $32-$56. 642-9988. www.calperfs.berkeley.edu 

Sarah Vowell reads from her book “Assassination Vacation” at 7:30 p.m. at Cody’s Books. 845-7852. www.codysbooks.com  

Word Beat Reading Series with Michael Kelly and M.K. Chavez at 7 p.m. at Mediterraneum Caffe, 2475 Telegraph Ave. 526-5985. 

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

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Ralph Stanley & the Clinch Mountain Boys at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $32.50-$33.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

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

Full Service at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $5. 841-2082 www.starryploughpub.com 

Duo Mysterioso at 8 p.m. at Downtown. 649-3810.  

Steve Tyrell at 8 and 10 p.m., through Sun. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $14-$26. 238-9200. www.yoshis.comª

Celebrating 81 years of good fellowship among magicians, the Oakland Magic Circle marks the installation of a new board of directors with a banquet and gala magic show featuring a tribute to Charles Dickens, himself a conjurer. Open to the public, the fun starts at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 7, with strolling close-up magicians, at Bjornson Hall (home of The Sons of Norway) on MacArthur Boulevard in Oakland. 

Festivities begin with members of the Magic Circle performing as strolling close-up entertainers, br inging tricks to the table for some intimate mystification. Dinner will follow at 7, with a prearranged choice of entrees for ticket buyers. At 8:15, the gala show will begin, with host Timothy James, followed by “A Touch of Opera” with David Miller and M lle. Jamie, then Dick Newton’s “Tribute to Charles Dickens,” and Incoming Circle President James Hamilton with some “Classic Conjuring,” followed by a grand, if wild, finale with The Flying Calamari Bros. in “Total Insanity.”  

“Timothy James is a young performer who’s appeared at the Magic Castle in Hollywood and here and there,” commented James Hamilton. “He performs comedy magic, offbeat, fun stuff. David Miller will show his marvels—like the Floating Ball—interactively with opera singer Mlle. Jamie.”  

It’s well-known that Dickens performed in amateur theater and read his stories to crowds on his popular lecture tours. The grandfather of today’s solo performance was “Emlyn Williams as Charles Dickens,” the great Welsh actor and playwright reenacting the spectacular Victorian as storyteller and actor behind the lecture podium. But Dickens’ career in conjuring, which Dick Newton recreates, is something less familiar about the great novelist, social reformer and humorist.  

James Hamilton is a longtime Bay Area practitioner of the magic arts; his “Classic Conjuring” is an act aptly named. Hamilton is every inch what’s implied by the moniker of Stage Magician: elegant in dress, eloquent and witty with patter or expressive in silence and pantomime, a master of the repertoire of conjuring, from edgy illusions to mind-boggling conundrums. Familiar to local audiences as The Magician at the Christmas Party in San Francisco Ballet productions of “The Nutcracker,” Hamilton is also a historian of the art, sp ecializing in late 19th century magician Hermann The Great, and is the author of numerous magazine articles, as well as lectures he’s delivered around North America and in London.  

Asked about The Flying Calamari Bros., Hamilton just smiles. “Two big guys go crazy—it’s a wild and crazy comic magic act. The title says it all.” 

Hamilton also spoke a little bit about the Oakland Magic Circle. “It was founded in 1925 by Professor El-Tab, a professional magician who lived in Oakland. Luminaries of th e world of magic have appeared at gatherings of the Circle; in recent years, conjurers of the stature of Harry Blackstone, Jr., Mr. Electric, The Great Tomsoni, John Carney, Charlie Miller ...  

“We’re an organization for both amateur and professional mag icians,” he continued, “a social organization. We hold auctions, lectures—open to members of the public—and in the fall host an interclub magic contest, to which the different clubs around each send a contestant. That’s an open event, too, with a big spag hetti dinner. We also have competitions within the Circle, and sponsor seminars for magicians.” 

Although stage magic is experiencing a new high of popularity, and has changed outwardly in a variety of ways over the years, the classic routines—though some times with a different spin—still entrance aficionados and new spectators alike. Styles change, but the old standbys keep coming around, although, as James Hamilton points out, “all those tricks with cigarettes seem to be passé.” 

The Oakland Magic Circle: 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 7, Bjornson Hall, MacArthur Boulevard, Oakland. Adults, $22; children 12 and under, $15. All children will receive a free magic gift. Reservations are required; no tickets will be sold at the door. Tickets and information are ava ilable at www.brownpapertickets.com/events/3036 or 1-800-838-3006.› 

Courtesy of James Hamilton 

Magic arts practitioner James Hamilton.›