FRIDAY, FEB. 17 

City Commons Club Noon Luncheon with Daniel McFadden on “Consumers and Part D.” 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.  

“WELLSTONE!” A documentary sponsored by the Conscientious Projector Film Series at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists, 1924 Cedar St. at Bonita. Donation of $5 suggested. 528-5403.  

Circle Dancing Simple folkdancing in a circle, no partners; no experience needed, at 8 p.m. at Finnish Brotherhood Hall, 1970 Chestnut at University Ave. 528-4253. www.circledancing.com 

American Red Cross Blood Drive from 1 to 7 p.m. at Gelateria Naia, 2106 Shattuck Ave. To schedule and appointment call 1-800-GIVELIFE.  

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. 548-6310. 

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. Sponsored by the Buddhist Peace Fellowship. 655-6169. www.bpf.org 

SATURDAY, FEB. 18 

Mini-Farmers in Tilden A farm exploration program, from 10 to 11 a.m. for ages 4-6 years, accompanied by an adult. We will explore the Little Farm, care for animals, do crafts and farm chores. Wear boots and dress to get dirty! Fee is $6-$8. Registration required. 636-1684. 

Wildflower Restoration Join us for a morning of planting to restore rare grassland habitats, from 9 a.m. at noon. Watershed Project, 1327 S 46th St. Bldg. #155, Richmond. 665-3689. www.thewatershedproject.org 

Sushi Basics Learn the natural and cultural history of sushi. We will prepare seven basic types. Parent participation required for children 8-10 years old. From 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Tilden Nature Center. Fee is $35, $30 for seniors and $25 for children age 8-12. Registration required. 636-1684. 

Black History Month Celebration from 2 to 6 p.m. at the South Berkeley Senior Center, 2939 Ellis St., with entertainment, community dialog and soul food. 981-5218. 

West Coast Blues Hall of Fame Awards Show at 7 p.m. at the Scottish Rite Center, 1547 Lakeside Drive. Tickets are $20-$25, children 12 and under free. 836-2227. www.bayareabluessociety.net 

“Follow the Drinking Gourd” film and other activities in celebration of Black History Month from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Chabot Space and Science Center. www.chabotspace.org 

Alternatives to Water Needy Lawns & Landscapes at 10 a.m. at Magic Gardens Landscape Nursery, 729 Heinz Ave. 644-2351. 

Berkeley Alliance of Neighborhood Associations meets at 9:15 a.m. at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, Sproul Conference Room, 1st Floor, 2727 College Ave. www.berkeleycna.com 

African American Literature Festival from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the McGee Avenue Baptist Church, 1640 Stuart St. 843-1774. 

“Inherit the Wind” John Russo, Oakland City Attorney and and Matt Gonzales, former SF Supervisor, discuss creationism v. evolution theory, at 8 p.m. at the Parkway Theater, Oakland. Youth particularly encouraged to attend.  

Friends of the Albany Library Book Sale from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave. All paperbacks and hardback books are 50 cents each, magazines are 25 cents each or 5 for $1. To volunteer for the sale, call the Albany Library at 526-3720, ext. 5. 

California Writers Club meets to discuss screenwriting with James Dalessandro at 10 a.m. at Barnes and Noble, Jack London Square. 272-0120. 

“The War at Home: The Corporate Offensive from Reagan to Bush” with author and economist Jack Rasmus at 7 p.m. at Home of Truth Center, 1300 Grand Street, Alameda. Sponsored by the Alameda Public Affairs Forum. www.alamedaforum.org 

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

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 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Lutheran Church, 1744 University Ave. 666-9552. 

Tibetan Buddhism with Abbe Blum on “Freedom to Change” from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Tibetan Nyingma Institute, 1815 Highland Pl. Cost is $80, registration required. 843-6812.  

SUNDAY, FEB. 19 

Reptiles at Tilden Touch a snake and meet a turtle at 10:30 a.m. at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. 525-2233. 

Native and Non-Native Trees of Tilden Park. Meet at 1 p.m. at the Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. 525-2233. 

“Meat Market: Animals, Ethics, and Money” with vegetarian and animal rights activist Erik Marcus at 7:30 p.m. at Black Oak Books, 1491 Shattuck Ave. 486-0698. 

Musical Masterpieces: Making Art, Making Music, in celebration of Black History Month from noon to 4 p.m. at the Oakland Museum of California, 1000 Oak St. 238-2200.  

Berkeley Cybersalon meets to discuss The Future of Radio with Carol Pierson who represents community radio at the national and regional level at 5 p.m. at The Hillside Club 2286 Cedar St. 

Spartacist Black History Month Educational on Class Struggle and the Road to Black Freedom at noon and The Fight to Free Mumia Abu-Jamal at 3 p.m. at the YWCA Tea Room, 1515 Webster St., Oakland. Free. 839-0851. 

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

Lake Merritt Neighbors Organized for Peace meet at 3 p.m. at the colonnade at the NE end of the lake. 763-8712. lmno4p.org 

Reawakening the Chakras with Suzanne Grace at 2 p.m. at Unity of Berkeley, 2075 Eunice St.Cost is $10-$25 donation. 528-8844.  

Tibetan Buddhism with Mary Gomes and Erika Rosenberg on “Mindful Parenting” at 6 p.m. at the Tibetan Nyingma Institute, 1815 Highland Pl. 843-6812.  

MONDAY, FEB. 20 

Monday Night Movies “Lolita” at 7:30 p.m. at Julia Morgan Center for the Arts, 2640 College Ave. Cost is $5.  

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

McGee Avenue Toastmasters meets at 7:30 p.m. at McGee Ave Baptist Church, 1640 Stuart St. 501-7005. 

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. 21 

Birdwalk on the MLK Shoreline from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. to see the ducks here for the winter. Beginnners welcome, binoculars available for loan. 525-2233. 

Berkeley Garden Club, “Great Underused Garden Plants” with Bobbie Feyerabend, Landscape Architect, at 1 p.m. at Epworth Methodist Church, 1953 Hopkins St. 527-5641. 

The Sudan and Human Rights Law with Mark Massoud, Vision of Hope Essay Contest winner at 7:30 p.m. in the Home Room, International House, 2299 Piedmont Ave. Cost is $5. 642-9460. 

“Runner’s High” with ultra-marathoner Dean Karnazes at 7 p.m. at REI, 1338 San Pablo Ave. 527-4140. 

Apartment Management Class begins at the Building Education Center. Cost is $250 for five sessions. For information call 525-7610. 

“Tax Hypocrisy and How it Can Work for You” with Randy Silverman, tax specialist, at 7 p.m. in the third floor Community Room, Berkeley Public Library, 2090 Kittredge St. 981-6100. 

Red Cross Blood Drive from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Aquatic Park, 700 Heinz Ave., Building F., and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Claremont Resort, 41 Tunnel Rd. Sign up online at www.BeADonor.com  

Berkeley Salon Discussion Group meets to discuss unexpected pleasures from 7 to 9 p.m. at the BRJCC, 1414 Walnut St. 601-6690. 

Cancer Prevention and Survival Cooking Course begins at 6:30 p.m. at Keller Williams Office, 4341 Piedmont Ave., second floor, Oakland. Class runs for 8 sessions. Free, registration required. 531-2665. 

Mardi Gras History and Costume Making at 7:30 p.m. at Nabolom Bakery, Russell St. at College.  

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. 

A Hard Days Knight Activities to learn about the Middle Ages for ages 5 and up at 6:30 p.m. at Kensington Library, 61 Arlington Ave. 524-3043. 

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

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

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

“Sufism: Living in the Spirit of Surrender” with Seyedeh Nahid Angha, at 7:30 p.m. at the Berkeley Buddhist Monastery, 2304 McKinley. 527-2935. 

Berkeley Camera Club meets at 7:30 p.m., at the Northbrae Community Church, 941 The Alameda. Share your digital images, slides and prints and learn what other photographers are doing. Monthly field trips. 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. We offer ongoing classes in exercise and creative arts, and always welcome new members over 50. 845-6830. 

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 22  

“A Taste of Urban Perma- 

culture” at 7 p.m. at the Ecology Center, 2530 San Pablo Ave. 548-2220, ext. 233. 

“The Truth and Lies of 9/11” at 7 p.m. at Humanist Hall, 390 27th St., Oakland. Free, but $5 donations accepted. 704-0268. 

“California Cleanup: Get the Money Out of Politics” A discussion of AB583 at the Berkeley-East Bay Gray Panthers meeting at 1:30 p.m. at North Berkeley Senior Center. 548-9696. 

“Let’s Get Conscious” on the role of youth in today’s activism, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Merritt College, Building A, Room 129, 12500 Campus Drive, Oakland. Hosted by the Black Students Union. 703-3990. 

Bayswater Book Club meets to discuss “Empire of Debt” by William Bonner at 6:30 p.m. at Barnes and Noble, El Cerrito Plaza. 433-2911. 

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. Heavy rain cancels. 548-9840. 

The Berkeley Lawn Bowling Club provides free instruction every Wed. and Sat. at 10:30 a.m. at 2270 Acton 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. www.ecologycenter.org 

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 

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. 23 

Public Hearing on Inclusionary Housing Ordinance Proposed Amendments at 7 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-5420. 

“Dead Man Walking: The Journey Continues” with Sister Helen Prejean at 7 p.m. at 2050 Valley Life Sciences Bldg., UC Campus. Sponsored by International and Area Studies. ias.berkeley.edu 

African American Heritage Dinner & Gospel Extravaganza at 5:30 p.m. at International House, 2299 Piedmont Ave. Cost is $8.50 for the dinner, Cost is $5. 642-9460. 

Report from the Front Lines of Struggle: West Africa, Venezuela and St. Petersburg, Florida with Gaida Kambon, National Secretary of the African People’s Socialist Party at 7 p.m. at Humanist Hall, 390 27th St., Oakland. 569-9620. 

UnPlug Clear Channel Community meeting to turn 106.1 KMEL into a real People’s Station at 4 p.m. at La Peña, 3105 Shattuck Ave. Donation of $3 suggested. 849-2568.  

“Arctic Melting: ... Destroying One of the World’s Largest Wilderness Areas” with Chad Kister, Ecology Center, 2530 San Pablo Ave., near Dwight Way. 548-2220, ext. 223. 

Question 9/11 A Call to Activism with a film and presentations in a benefit for Northern California 9/11 Truth Alliance at 7 p.m. at Grand Lake Theater, 3200 Grand Ave. Oakland. Donation $10. 339-9358. 

Berkeley School Volunteers Training workshop for volunteers interested in helping the public schools, from 3 to 4:30 p.m. at 1835 Allston Way. 644-8833. 

Ask a Union Mechanic every Thurs. from 4:30 to 6 p.m., at Parker & Shattuck, until the Berkeley Honda strike is settled. They will offer advice on all makes of cars. 

Easy Does It Disability Assistance Board of Directors Meeting at 6:30 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center, 1901 Hearst. All welcome. 845-5513. www.easyland.org 

“Understanding Senior Care Options” Learn about residential care facilities and how to find the right one, residents rights and other services, from 2 to 4 p.m. at North Oakland Senior Center, 5714 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, at 58th St., Oakland. 638-6878, ext. 103. 

“Dogs and Children” 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. www.openpaw.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 

FRIDAY, FEB. 24 

City Commons Club Noon Luncheon with Frik Scott on “Overview of the Turmoil in Central Asia and Caucasus Region.” 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 or 665-9020.  

“Spiritual Enlightenment in Classical Islam” with Sufi Master Shaykh Hisham Kabbani at 7 p.m. at the Graduate Theological Union’s Starr King School, 2441 Le Conte Ave. 654-7542. 

American Sign Language Conversation Group at 4 p.m. at 604 56th St at Shattuck. A Free Skool class. www.barringtoncollective.org 

How’d You Become Activists? What Now? with Peter Camejo of the Green Party and Jennifer Kidder, long-time peace, labor and voting rights activist, at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists, 1924 Cedar St. at Bonita. Donation of $10 requested. 528-5403.  

Chechnya’s Past and Present: Russia’s “War on Terrorism” with Professor Michaela Pohl, Vassar College and Musa Khasanov, Public Interest Law Initiative fellow and Grozny-based human rights lawyer, at 6:30 p.m. at VIita College, Room 1, 2020 Milvia St. 415-565-0201, ext. 12. 

Three Beats for Nothing sings early music for fun and practice at 10 a.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 655-8863. 

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 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. 548-6310, 845-1143. 

“Jews In The Modern World,” the third annual Scholar-in-Residence Weekend Seminar, sponsored by Kol Hadash and the International Institute for Secular Humanistic Judaism, through Feb. 26 at the Albany Community Center, 1249 Marin Ave. The fee for the series for non-members is $100. Individual sessions are $40 each. 415-543-4595. 

Kol Hadash Humanistic Shabbat with Madrikha Susan Averbach, at 7:30 p.m., Albany Community Center, 1249 Marin Ave. Please bring finger dessert to share, and non-perishable food for the needy. free. Info@kolhadash.org 

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 

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 

City Council meets Tues., Feb. 21, at 7 p.m in City Council Chambers. 981-6900. www.ci. 

berkeley.ca.us/citycouncil 

Civic Arts Commission meets Wed., Feb. 22, at 6:30 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Mary Ann Merker, 981-7533.  

Disaster Council meets Wed., Feb. 22, at 7 p.m., at the Emergency Operations Center, 997 Cedar St. William Greulich, 981-5502.  

Energy Commission meets Wed., Feb. 22, at 6:30 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Neal De Snoo, 981-5434.  

Fire Safety Commission meets Wed., Feb. 22, at 7:30 p.m. at 997 Cedar St. David Orth, 981-5502.  

Berkeley Rent Stabilization Board meets Thurs. Feb. 23 at 7 p.m. in City Council Chambers, Pam Wyche, 644-6128 ext. 113.  

Zoning Adjustments Board meets Thurs., Feb. 23, at 7 p.m., in City Council Chambers. Mark Rhoades, 981-7410.   

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FRIDAY, FEB. 17 

THEATER 

Actors Ensemble of Berkeley, “Twelfth Night” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m., at Live Oak Theater, 1301 Shattuck Ave. 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 12. 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 Thrust Stage, 2025 Addison St., through March 5. Tickets are $30-$59. 647-2949.  

Black Repertory Group “The Piano Lesson” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m. at 3201 Adeline St., through Feb. 25. Tickets are $7-$15. 

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.  

Impact Theatre, “Hamlet” Thurs.-Sat. at 8 p.m. at La Val’s Subterranean, 1834 Euclid Ave., through March 18. Tickets are $10-$15. 464-4468.  

The Marsh Berkeley “Strange Travel Suggestions” monologue by Jeff Greenwald, Thurs. and Fri. at 7 p.m. through March 3, at 2118 Allston Way. Tickets are $15-$22. 800-838-3006.  

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.  

EXHIBITIONS 

“Love Letters” New works by Susie Lundy. Reception at 6 p.m. at Deep Roots Teahouse, 1418 34th Ave., Oakland. 436-0121. 

FILM 

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

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Deborah Tannen introduces “You’re Wearing That? Understanding Mothers and Daughters in Conversation” at 7:30 p.m. at Cody’s Books. 845-7852. www.codysbooks.com  

Joseph Massey and Graham Foust, poets, at 8 p.m. at Pegasus Books Downtown, 2349 Shattuck Ave. 649-1320. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Xylem Folkestra Project, Balkan music at 8 p.m. at First Unitarian Church of Oakland, 685 14th St., at Castro. Balkan dance lesson at 7 p.m. Tickets are $16, $12 for children under 12. www.kailaflexer.com 

Orquesta La Moderna Tradición at 9 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $12. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Perú Negro, Afro-Peruvian music on traditional instruments at 8 p.m. at Zellerbach Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $22-$40. 642-9988.  

Amy Likar, flute, Liisa Ruoho, flute, Miles Graber, piano at 8 p.m. at Giorgi Gallery, 2911 Claremont at Ashby. Cost is $12. 848-1228.  

Mobius Donut CD Release at 9:30 p.m. at Blakes on Telegraph. Cost is $8-$10. 848-0886. www.blakesontelegraph.com 

Ellen Robinson and her Trio at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $7. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

Lavay Smith and Her Red Hot Skillet Lickers at 9:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Frankie Manning at 7:30 p.m. Cost is $13. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Junius Courtney Big Band at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $17.50-$18.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Eddie Pasternack Trio at 9 p.m. at Downtown. 649-3810.  

Arnoldo Garcia and Linh Nguyen at 7:30 p.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344. www.nomadcafe.net 

Born/Dead, Direct Control, Strung Up, Greivous 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. 

Lauren and Judge Murphy with Lansdale Station at 9 p.m. at Roundtree's Rythym & Blues Museum, 2618 San Pablo Ave. Cost is $10. 663-0440. 

Vinyl, Get Down at 9:30 p.m. at Shattuck Down Low, 2284 Shattuck Ave. Cost is $5-$7. 548-1159.  

Poncho Sanchez Latin Jazz Band at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square, through Sun. Cost is $20-$24. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

SATURDAY, FEB. 18 

CHILDREN  

“Junie Jones and A Little Monkey Business” theater for ages 5 and up, at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. at Julia Morgan Center for the Arts. Tickets are $13-$18. 925-798-1300. 

Los Amiguitos de La Peña with Uncle Eye & The Strange Change Machine, at 10:30 a.m. at La Peña. Cost is $4 for adults, $3 for children. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

EXHIBITIONS 

“The Art of Seeing: Nature Revealed Through Illustration” opens at the Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak St. 238-2200. www.museumca.org 

Susan Jenkins, Tim Mooney, H. C. Hannah, abstract art. Reception for the artists at 7 p.m. at Fourth Street Studio, 1717D Fourth St. Exhibit runs to March 4. 527-0600. www.fourthstreetstudio.com 

“Beneath the Scratches” Paintings by Kazuyo Leue. Reception at 2 p.m. at Z Cafe, 2735 Broadway, Oakland. Exhibition runs to March 15. 663-2905. 

Zuni Fetish Carvers, Lena Boone and Evalena Boone, Sat. and Sun. at Gathering Tribes Gallery, 1573 Solano Ave. 528-9038. 

FILM 

Mikio Naruse “Yearning” at 7 p.m. and “Scattered Clouds” at 9 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

“The Art of Living Black” Artist talk at 2 p.m. at the Richmond Art Center, 2540 Barrett Ave. at 25th St. 620-6772. www.therichmondartcenter.org 

Michael Lerner introduces “The Left Hand of God: Taking Back Our Country from the Religious Right” at 7:30 p.m. at Cody’s Books. 845-7852. www.codysbooks.com 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Trinity Chamber Concerts presents John Partridge on piano and organ at 8 p.m. at Trinity Chapel, 2320 Dana St., bet. Durant & Bancroft. Tickets are $8-$12. 549-3864. http:// 

trinitychamberconcerts.com 

Ensemble Galatea “Curiose Invenzioni” Italian music at 8 p.m. at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 2727 College Ave. Tickets are $10-$25. 528-1725. www.sfems.org 

Golden Gate Youth Jam, in celebration of Black History Month at 2 p.m. at the Golden Gate Branch of the Oakland Public Library, 5606 San Pablo Ave. Free. 597-5023. 

West Coast Blues Hall of Fame Awards Show at 7 p.m. at the Scottish Rite Center, 1547 Lakeside Drive. Tickets are $20-$25, children 12 and under free. 836-2227. www.bayareabluessociety.net 

Noche Flamenca at 8 p.m. at Zellerbach Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $ 24-$48. 642-4864. http://music.berkeley.edu 

Stephen Varney and Naomi Sanchez “Pas de Duo” featuring works of Brahms, Poulenc, Rzewski and Tchaikovsky at 7 p.m. at Regents’ Theater, Holy Names University, 3500 Mountain Blvd., Oakland. Tickets are $5-$15. 436-1330. 

Robin Gregory and her Trio at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $10. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

Zydeco Flames at 9 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $13. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com  

Mas Con Menos, Afro-Cuban folkloric music and dance at 8 p.m.at La Peña. Cost is $18-$20. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Ken Mahru and Propel at 7:30 p.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344. www.nomadcafe.net 

Bill Tapia, Hawaiian ‘ukele maestro, at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $19.50-$20.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

A Band Called Pain, Black Sun, Black Snake Moan at 9 p.m. at Blakes on Telegraph. Cost is $8-$10. 848-0886. www.blakesontelegraph.com 

Matt Small’s Chamber Ensemble at 8 p.m. at the Jazz 

school. Cost is $12. 845-5373. www.jazzschool.com 

Snake Trio at 9 p.m. at Downtown. 649-3810. 

The Urban Monks at 8 p.m. at Spuds Pizza, 3290 Adeline St. Cost is $7-$10. 558-0881. 

Falsano Baiano, alternative Latin, at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 848-8277. 

Amber Asylum, Graves at Sea, Laudanum 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, FEB. 19 

FILM 

The Troubles We’ve Seen: A History of Journalism in Wartime at 3 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808.  

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Bootstrap Productions Poets Andrew Schelling, Derek Fenner and David Michalski at 7:30 p.m. at Moe’s Books, 2476 Telegraph Ave. 849-2087. 

Poetry Flash with Laynie Brown and Brian Teare at 7:30 p.m. at Cody’s Books. Donation $2. 845-7852. www.codysbooks.com 

“Let the People Speak” The International Women’s Writing Guild celebrates Black History Month with Bay Area poets and writers at 3 p.m. at Cody’s Books on Fourth St. 559-9500. 

Island Literary Series, jazz and poetry with Kathryn Takara, Ukali Johnson, Chandra Garsson, Karla Brundage and Wanda Sapir, at 3 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island. Cost is $3. 841-JAZZ. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

San Francisco Chamber Orchestra “Valentines for a Cello” with Matt Haimovitz, at 3 p.m. at First Congregational Church, 2345 Channing Way. Free. 415-248-1640. www.sfchamberorchestra.org 

Volti, chamber singers, featuring the premiere of “Sound Explanations” by Eric Lindsay at 4 p.m. at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 2300 Bancroft Way. Tickets are $8-$20. 415-771-3352. www.voltisf.org 

Jonathan Biss, pianist, at 3 p.m. at Hertz Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $42. 642-9988. www.calperfs.berkeley.edu 

Noche Flamenca at 7 p.m. at Zellerbach Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $ 24-$48. 642-4864. http://music.berkeley.edu 

Mas Con Menos, Afro-Cuban folkloric music and dance at 8 p.m. at La Peña. Cost is $18-$20. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

John Kiskaddon Quintet at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $7. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

Echo Beach at 11 a.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344. www.nomadcafe.net 

Allison Miller Trio at 4:30 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $12-$15. 845-5373.  

Bobby Hall and Friends Annual Gospel Concert at 5 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 201 Martina, at W. Richmond Ave., Point Richmond. 236-0527. www.point 

richmond.com/methodist 

Jez Lowe & The Bad Pennies at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $17.50-$18.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

MONDAY, FEB. 20 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Derek Fenner and Ryan Gallagher, poets, at 8 p.m. at Pegasus Books Downtown, 2349 Shattuck Ave. 649-1320. 

Poetry Express with Paradise at 7 p.m., at Priya Restaurant, 2072 San Pablo Ave. 644-3977. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Tom Russell with Andrew Hardin at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage Coffee House. Cost is $20.50-$21.50. 548-1761 www.freightandsalvage.org 

Jeremy Pelt Group at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $10-$16. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

TUESDAY, FEB. 21 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Modernism in Israel: Works on Paper” opens at the Judah L. Magnes Museum, 2911 Russell St., and runs through July 9. 549-6950. 

“Ansel Adams: Inspiration and Influence” opens at the Lindsey Wildlife Museum, 1931 First Ave., Walnut Creek. 925-935-1978. www.wildlife-museum.org 

FILM 

Women’s Preservation Film Fund with Alice Guy-Blanché, Meredith Monk, and actresses Grace Cunard and Francine Everett at 7:30 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Alan Halsey, Geraldine Monk at 7:30 p.m. at Moe’s Books, 2476 Telegraph Ave. 849-2087. 

Youth Speaks Teen Poetry Slam Prelim #1, for youth aged 13-19 at 7 p.m. at Berkeley High School, 2223 Martin Luther King Jr. Way. Tickets are $4-$6. 415-255-9035, ext. 22. www.youthspeaks.org   

Kenji Yoshino describes “Covering: The Hidden Assault on Our Civil Rights” at 7:30 p.m. at Cody’s Books. 845-7852. www.codysbooks.com  

MUSIC AND DANCE 

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

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

Mike Marshall & Hamilton de Holanda, mandolins, at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $19.50-$20.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Marcus Shelby Jazz Orchestra at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $10-$14. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

Jazzschool Tuesdays, a weekly showcase of up-and-coming ensembles from Berkeley Jazz 

school at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 848-8277. 

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 22 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Measure of Time” with works by Marcel Duchamp, Jackson Pollock, Robert Brer, Dennis Oppenhiem and many others, opens at the Berkeley Art Museum, 2626 Bancroft Ave. 642-0808.  

FILM 

Film 50 “The Murderers Are Among Us” at 3 p.m. and Weird America “Plagues & Pleasures on the Salton Sea” at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Sister Helen Prejean talks about “The Death of Innocents: An Eyewitness Account to Wrongful Executions” at 7:30 p.m. at Cody’s Books. 845-7852. www.codysbooks.com 

Youth Speaks Teen Poetry Slam Prelim #2, for youth aged 13-19 at 7 p.m. at Pro Arts Gallery, 550 Second St., Oakland. Tickets are $4-$6. 415-255-9035, ext. 22. www.youthspeaks.org  

MUSIC AND DANCE 

UC Jazz Ensembles 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.  

Candela at 9:30 p.m. at Shattuck Down Low, 2284 Shattuck Ave. Salsa dance lessons at 8 p.m. Cost is $5-$10. 548-1159.  

Benny Lackner Trio at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 848-8277. 

Mary Gauthier, American gothic orginals, at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $17.50-$18.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Marcus Shelby Jazz Orchestra at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $10-$14. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

THURSDAY, FEB. 23 

EXHIBITIONS 

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

“Charles Criner: A Colorful History” in honor of Black History Month. Reception at 4 p.m. at the LunchStop Cafe, Joseph P. Bort MetroCenter, 101 Eighth St., Oakland. 817-5773. 

FILM 

Human Rights Watch “Mardi Gras: Made in China” at 7 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

“Measure of Time” Curator’s talk with Lucinda Barnes at 12:15 p.m. in Gallery 5, at the Berkeley Art Museum, 2626 Bancroft Ave. 642-0808.  

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

Taylor Branch presents the final volume of his history of Martin Luther King Jr. and the history of the civil rights movement, “At Canaan’s Edge: America in the King Years, 1965-68” Reception at 6:15 p.m. followed by talk at Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant Ave. Tickets are $20, or $12 with purchase of the book. 845-7852. www.codysbooks.com  

Word Beat Reading Series with Lenore Weiss and Diana Q. at 7 p.m. at Mediterraneum Caffe, 2475 Telegraph Ave., near Dwight Way. 526-5985. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

New Century Chamber Orchestra “Baroque Festival” at 8 p.m. at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 2727 College Ave. Tickets are $28-$42. 415-357-1111. www.ncco.org  

Sheldon Brown Group at 8 p.m. at The Hillside Club, 2286 Cedar St. Cost is $10-$15. 701-1787.  

Zion-I, Crown City Rockers, Serendipity Project, reggae, at 9 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $13-$15. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Stephen Bennett, harp guitar, at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $17.50-$18.50. 548-1761. 

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

The Seventh Season at 10:30 p.m. at Expression College for Digital Arts, 6601 Shellmound St., Emeryville. All ages, free.  

Mark Little and Ricardo Peixoto at 8 p.m. at Downtown. 649-3810.  

Jessica Williams at 8 and 10 p.m., through Sun. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $10-$6. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

Junie B. Jones is a rambunctious 6-year-old—and 6-year-olds take things very literally. She doesn’t mean to get into trouble; it just kind of happens to her. 

When her grandmother comes back from the hospital and tells her that her new baby brother is “th e cutest little monkey you’ve ever seen,” Junie goes and brags during Show And Tell at school about her new brother, the monkey ... and the complications begin. 

That’s the hook to Junie B. Jones and a Little Monkey Business, a musical play adapted by Joa n Cushing from the popular children’s book series by Barbara Park, playing today at noon, as well as this Saturday and next, Feb. 18 and 25 at 11 a. m. and 1:30 p. m., at the Julia Morgan Center for the Arts on College Avenue.  

“We believe that giving ki ds a way to experience books encourages them to read,” said Nina Meehan, educational director of Active Arts For Young Audiences, the East Bay professional theater company for kids and their families that’s staging the play. “And that stories like Junie’s remind us of how many different ways there are of interpreting the world around us.” 

“Junie’s a little bit like what Ramona Quimby was for my generation, in the books by Beverly Cleary,” said Rachel Posamentier of Active Arts. 

She spoke of Active Artis ts and their mission to entertain whole families with shows drawn from both the real-life experiences of children and from literature, encouraging kids to read and to explore the other arts, without moralizing about lessons to be learned. 

“We’re adult ac tors who play all the parts, some of us trained specifically to perform for children and their families,” said Posamentier, “but all with longtime experience in Children’s Theater and as teachers and arts administrators in the performing and other arts. We work with visual artists and provide links to other artforms—music, dance, movement—to give a multi-arts dynamic to each show and the related workshops for our audiences.” 

Active Arts was founded by Posamentier, Meehan, Mina Morita and Jared and Tracy Randolph. Their first show was Heroes (a play about unexpected heroes, like a mouse, overcoming obstacles) during the fall 2004 at the Bay Area Discovery Museum, where the troupe maintains an ongoing program of performances as well as puppetry and storyte lling workshops. 

All five company members have been deeply involved in theater and children’s theater and education nationally and internationally. Locally, they’ve worked individually with companies like The Shotgun Players (Morita is on Shotgun’s Board of Directors), Berkeley Actors Ensemble, CalShakes, Playhouse West and Willows Theatre Co. in the East Bay, and A Traveling Jewish Theater and Thick Description in San Francisco, as well as with educational institutions like East Bay School of the Arts, Holy Names High School in Oakland and Playhouse West Academy.  

“We met through Kaiser Permanente’s Educational Theatre Programs [where Morita is a program coordinator],” Posamentier said. “Active Arts is modeled on Children’s Theatre Co. in Minneapolis a nd Seattle Children’s Theatre [where Jared Randolph worked in the drama school]; we’re geared to kids five and up and their families.” 

After Junie B. Jones, Active Artists will produce an original show, Building Bridges, in which the story of immigration and diversity in California is told by the workers building the Golden Gate Bridge. Building Bridges will premiere at the Discovery Museum in late April. 

“We aim to enchant audiences of all ages,” Posamentier said. “Entertaining, but with some kind of m eaning behind what we’re playing, taking our audience out of their own individual worlds for a moment. We believe kids in particular learn from seeing their own lives reflected back from the stage.” 

When the company does its job well, the actors, and the characters they play, connect well with the audience, she said. 

“It’s a challenge for the actors,” Posamentier said. “Kids are a very honest audience; they’ll believe in you. And we don’t underestimate their ability to get it. Something that tickles us is after bringing it alive onstage, at the end when we ask everybody to tell their friends about the show, the kids say, ‘It’s happening again? You mean, we can come back?’” 

Active Arts For Young Audiences presents Junie B. Jones and a Little Monkey Business at noon today (Friday), Feb. 18 and 25th at the Julia Morgan Center for the Arts, 2640 College Ave. $13, children 12 and under; $18 for adults. For more information, call (925) 798-1300 or see www.activeartstheatre.org. 

Active Arts will hold a Family Fun Workshop from 2:30-3:30 p.m. March 4 at at the Julia Morgan Center. Tickets are $10 for children and adults are free. Children are encouraged to bring their favorite Junie B. Jones book. 

Photo by Joshua Posamentier: Sharnee Nichols (Princess Lucille); Virginia Wilcox (Junie B. Jones); and Leslie Ivy (That Grace)..