TUESDAY, MAY 16 

Public Hearing on the David Brower Center at 7 p.m. in City Council Chambers, 2134 Martin Luther King, Jr. Way. 981-6900. 

Wilderness First Aid Basics with certified wilderness EMT David Yacubian at 7 p.m. at REI, 1338 San Pablo Ave. 527-4140. 

Strawberry Tasting at 2 p.m. at the Berkeley Farmers’ Market, Derby St. at MLK Jr. Way. Samples and book signing with Jessica Prentice, author of “Full MoonFeast: Food and the Hunger Connection.” 548-3333.  

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. 

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

“Pain-free Naturally” with Lorenzo Puertas, licensed acupuncturist at noon at the Maffly Auditorium, Herrick Campus, Alta Bates Summit Medical Center, 2001 Dwight Way. Please refrain from wearing fragrances. Free. 644-3273. 

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

Discussion Salon on “Predictions for the Future” at 7 p.m. at the BRJCC, 1414 Walnut St. at Rose. Please bring snacks to share, no peanuts please. 

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

WEDNESDAY, MAY 17  

Walking Tour of Oakland City Center Meet at 10 a.m. in front Oakland City Hall at Frank Ogawa Plaza. Tour lasts 90 minutes. Reservations can be made by calling 238-3234. 

“All About Reverse Mortgages” with Cherisse Baptiste of ECHO Housing at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Gray Panthers Office, 1403 Addison St., behind the Univ. Ave. Andronico’s. 548-9696. 

“The Making of a Revolutionary” a new film about Israel’s conscientious objectors at 7:30 p.m at Grand lake Theater, 3200 Grand Ave., Oakland. Cost is $10-$13. Benefits Jewish Voice for Peace. 465-1777.  

League of Women Voters Annual Meeting with guest speaker Daniel Purnell, Oakland Public Ethics Commission on “Let the Sun Shine on City Government” at 5 p.m. at the Northbrae Community Church, 941 The Alameda. Cost is $15. 843-8824. http://lwvbae.org 

“Invisible Ballots” and “Help America Vote ... On Paper” two documentaries on the problems with electronic voting at 7:30 p.m. at Humanist Hall, 390 27th St. Donation of $5 accepted.  

Safe Medicine Disposal Day Don’t flush or trash medicine! Bring old medicines to Oakland City Hall between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. for safe disposal. www.baywise.org  

Classes in English and Citizenship offered by the Oakland Adult Education program Mon.-Fri. from 6 to 9 p.m. Free. Register at Lincoln Elementary School, 225 11th St., room 205. 879-8131. 

American Red Cross Blood Ser Volunteer Orientation from 6 to 8 p.m. at its headquarters in Oakland. We need your help to support the more than 40 blood drives held each month all over the East Bay, evenings and weekends included. For more information, phone Anne at 594-5165.  

Lupus Research Update with Dr. Franc Barrat, Senior Scientist Dynavax Technologies, Inc. at 6:30 p.m. at the Doubletree Hotel, Berkeley Marina. Hosted the Alliance for Lupus Research. Please RSVP to 800-867-1743. 

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 

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.  

THURSDAY, MAY 18 

Bike to Work Day Ride your bike to work and see how fast, healthy, and fun it can be. Energizer Stations throughout Alameda County. 415-246-8078. www.511.org 

“Insects of Lake Merritt and Greater Oakland” with Eddie Dunbar at 12:30 p.m. at the Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak Sts. Cost is $5-$8. 238-2200. 

“Shopping with the Chef” with Jessica Prentice on how she makes shopping decisions at 3:30 p.m. at the North Shattuck Farmer’s Market. 548-3333. www.ecologycenter.org 

LeConte Neighborhood Association meets at 7:30 p.m. at the LeConte School cafeteria. Councilmember Worthington will give an update of City affairs. Paving over back and side yards, Earthquake retrofitting, Bus Rapid Transit and Helping curb auto theft will be discussed. 843-2602. 

Women’s Cancer Resource Center Benefit with a performance of “Jonna’s Body, Please Hold” at 8 p.m. at Montclair Women's Cultural Arts Club, 1650 Mountain Blvd., Oakland. Tickets are $125. www.wcrc.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.  

Historical & Current Times Book Group meets on Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Albany Library, 1249 Marin Ave. 548-4517. 

FRIDAY, MAY 19 

City Commons Club Noon Luncheon with Edward Holbrock, Prof. of Law on “Estate Planning” Luncheon at 11:45 a.m. for $13.50, speech at 12:30 p.m., at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant St. For information and reservations call 526-2925 or 665-9020.  

“A Quarter-Century of Preserving Oakland’s History” Fundraiser for Oakland Heritage Alliance at 6 p.m. at the historic Lake Merritt Hotel, 1800 Madison St. at Lake Merritt, Oakland. TIckets are $40-$50. 763-9218. info@oaklandheritage.org 

Conscientious Projector: “The Take” A documentary on the worker takeover of Argentina’s factories at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalist Hall, 1924 Cedar St. at Bonita. Donation $10. 528-5403. 

International House Garage Sale For Charity for Darfur and Red Cross Blood Drive from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 2299 Piedmont Ave. To volunteer email garagesaleforcharity@gmail.com 

Bay Area Classical Harmonies Benefit Dinner and Concert at 7:30 p.m. at Pro Arts Gallery in Oakland. Tickets are $60-$100. 290-3604. www.bayareabach.org  

“Organizing Your Life as a Spiritual Practice” with Eve Abbott at 7:30 p.m. at Unity of Berkeley, 2075 Eunice St. Cost is $15-$25, registration required. 528-8844.  

Berkeley Chess School classes for students in grades 1-8 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. A drop-in, rated scholastic tournament follows from 7 to 8 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. 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. 

SATURDAY, MAY 20 

Himalayan Fair from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sun. from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Live Oak Park, 1300 Shattuck Ave. at Berryman. Cost is $8, benefits grassroots humanitarian projects in the Himalayas. 869-3995. www.himalyanfair.org 

Kid’s Garden Club for ages 7-12 to explore the world of gardening, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Tilden Nature Area, Tilden Park. Cost is $6-$8, registration required. 636-1684. 

California Wildflower Show from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sun. from noon to 5 p.m. at the Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak Sts. Cost is $5-$8. www.museumca.org 

Botanical Illustration Workshop with Catherine Watters using fresh wildflowers from the Museum’s California Wildflower Show, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak Sts. For reservations call 238-3884. 

Basic Organic Vegetable Gardening Learn how to grow your own food, taught by Herman Yee, an avid gardener who has worked in many community garden projects in the East Bay. Bring sunscreen, hat, and sun protection if needed. Class will be held in Albany, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Pre-registration required. Cost is $15-$10. 548-2220, ext. 233. 

West Stege Marsh Restoration Volunteers are needed to assist with the on-going effort to restore a portion of West Stege marsh, its surrounding uplands, and adjacent grassland, on the UC’s Richmond Field Station from 9 a.m. to noon. 665-3689. www.thewatershedproject.org 

Berkeley Progressives Platform Convention at 2 p.m. at Unitarian Universalist Hall, Cedar and Bonita. 

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 

Berkeley History Center Walking Tour: “The Sisterna Tract in West Berkeley: A Small Chilean Ranch Transformed” led by Stephanie Manning, from 10 a.m. to noon. Cost is $8-$10. 848-0181.  

Walking Tour of Old Oakland uptown to the Lake to discover Art Deco landmarks. Meet at 10 a.m. in front of the Paramount Theater at 2025 Broadway. Tour lasts 90 minutes. Reservations can be made by calling 238-3234. 

“Designing for a Vertical Garden” with Gail Yelland at 10 a.m. at Magic Gardens Landscape Nursery, 729 Heinz Ave. 644-2351. 

Chef Demonstration with Jessica Prentice, author of “Full Moon Feast: Food and the Hunger for Connection” at 11 a.m. at the Farmer’s Market, Center St. at MLK, Jr. Way. 548-3333. www.ecologycenter.org 

Emergency Preparedness Class on Fire Supression from 9 a.m. to noon at the Berkeley Marina, 201 University Ave. Free, registration required. 981-5506. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/fire/oes 

Latino College Day for Chicanos and Latinos in the East Bay Area. Information on admissions, financial aid, scholarships and special programs, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Laney College, 900 Fallon St., Oakland. 464-3161. 

Foster Youth Alliance Walkathon & Resource Fair in support of youth transitioning from foster care. Registration begins 9 a.m., Walk begins 10 a.m.; Resource Fair open until 1:30 pm. at the Lake Merritt Band Stand Area near Fairyland, Oakland. Walkathon fee is $35, $15 for children and seniors, free for current and former foster youth up to age 24. 428-9821. www.fosteryouthalliance.org  

The West County Coalition to Inform Voters Democratic Candidates Forum from 1 to 5 p.m. at John and Jean Knox Center for the Performing Arts, Contra Costa College, 2600 Mission Bell Drive, San Pablo. 233-2786, 215-5780.  

California Writers Club meets to discuss “Surprise Characters: Animators or Antagonists?” at 10 a.m. at Barnes and Noble, Jack London Square. 272-0120. 

Satsuki Arts Festival & Bazaar with San Jose Taiko, other performers, a variety of Japanese food, Asian arts and crafts, a silent auction and carnival games. From 4 to 9 p.m. , and noon to 7 p.m. on Sun. at Berkeley Buddhist Temple, 2121 Channing Way. Free. 841-1356. 

Safe Medicine Disposal Day Don’t flush or trash medicine! Bring medicines to Walgreens, 5055 Telegraph, Oakland, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for safe disposal. www.baywise.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 

Pre-School Storytime for 3-5 year olds at 11 a.m. at the Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave., through June 22. 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 

Around the World Tour of Plants at 1:30 p.m., Thurs., Sat. and Sun. at UC Botanical Garden, 200 Centennial Drive. 643-2755. http://botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu 

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, MAY 21 

Himalayan Fair from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Live Oak Park, 1300 Shattuck Ave. at Berryman. Cost is $8, benefits grassroots humanitarian projects in the Himalayas. 869-3995.  

Celebration of Old Roses with heritage, hard-to-find, miniature, and modern roses from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the El Cerrito Community Center, on Loeser at Ashbury. Free.  

Community Labyrinth Peace Walk at 3 p.m., Willard Middle School, Telegraph Ave. between Derby and Stuart. Everyone welcome. Wheelchair accessible. Rain cancels. 526-7377. info@ 

eastbaylabyrinthproject.org 

Teens Touch the Earth Community Service from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Damon Marsh, Martin Luther King, Jr. Shoreline. Help remove invasive plants and shoreline debris while learning about protecting watersheds, wildlife and native plants. For ages 12-19. Registration required. 636-1684. 

Unselt Lecture on “Urban Bee Gardening” with Dr. Gordon Frankie of the College of Natural Resources, UCB, at 10 a.m. at UC Botanical Garden, 200 Centennial Drive. Free, but registration required. 643-2755. 

“Plentiful Poppies” Wildflower discovery day for children and thier families from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak Sts. Cost is $5-$8. www.museumca.org 

“Shake it, Don’t Break It” A family earthquake program from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak Sts. Cost is $5-$8. www.museumca.org 

Bug Patrol for ages 6 to 12 from 1:30 to 3 p.m. to hunt for local creepy crawlies around the Tilden Nature Center. Fee is $3. 525-2233. 

California Wildflower Show from noon to 5 p.m. at the Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak Sts. Cost is $5-$8. www.museumca.org 

Botanical Illustration Demonstration with Catherine Watters using fresh wildflowers from the Museum’s California Wildflower Show, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak Sts. www.museumca.org 

Victorian Preservation Center of Oakland invites the public to view the ongoing preservation projects at the Cohen-Bray House, built in 1884, from noon to 4 p.m. at 1440 29th Ave., Oakland. Donation of $10 requested. www.cohen-brayhouse.info 

Ecole Bilingue de Berkeley 's “La Place du Marché” French marketplace from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 1009 Heinz Ave. www.eb.org 

Berkeley CyberSalon “Is the Future of Music Now?” with Gerd Leonhard, author of “The Future of Music”; Tom Conrad, CTO of Pandora; Ann Greenberg, cofounder of ION; Brian Zisk, founder and board member of the Future of Music Coalition; and Amy Tobin, singer, composer, and multimedia show producer, at 5 p.m. at the Hillside Club, 2286 Cedar St. Cost is $15. 

Salem Salutes Recognition Banquet honoring the 2006 recipient of the Milton Moore Award, Joan Roberts, at 5 p.m. at Scott’s Seafood Restaurant at Jack London Square, 2 Broadway, Oakland. Tickets are $100 for dinner and entertainment. 434-2828. 

Young People’s Symphony Orchestra Auditions from 2 to 6 p.m. Rehearsals are every Mon. eve. in Berkeley. For audition time please call 849-9776.  

Hands-on Bike Clinic Learn how to fix a flat at 10 a.m. at REI, 1338 San Pablo Ave. Bring your bike and tools. Free. 527-4140. 

KIDsational Fashion Benefit for Music in the Community at 5 p.m. at Black Repertory Group, 3201 Adeline St. Tickets are $15-$20. 652-2120. 

Meet the Guinea Pigs Learn all about guinea pigs and how enjoyable they can be as companion animals for every family member, from 2 to 4 p.m. at RabbitEARS, 303 Arlington Ave., behind ACE Hardware, Kensington. 525-6155. 

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 Lama Palzang and Pema Gellek on “The Healing Mantras” at 6 p.m. at the Tibetan Nyingma Institute, 1815 Highland Pl. 843-6812.  

ONGOING 

Poll Workers Needed in Alameda County for June 6 Primary Election. Poll workers must be eligible to register to vote in California, have basic clerical skills. Training classes begin in May. 272-6971. 

Berkeley Youth Alternatives Youth Sports Classes NFL Flag Football for boys and girls ages 9 to 12 begins May 9, 4:30 to 6 p.m. Cost is $10-$15 for 5 weeks, and Pee Wee Basketball for boys and girls ages 6 to 8 begins May 13, 10 a.m. to noon. Cost is $25-$35 for 6 weeks. For more information contact BYA Sports & Fitness Department 845-9066.  

CITY MEETINGS 

City Council meets Tues., May 16, at 7 p.m in City Council Chambers. 981-6900. www.ci. 

berkeley.ca.us/citycouncil 

Citizens Humane Commission meets Wed., May 17, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Katherine O’Connor, 981-6601. www.ci.berkeley.ca. us/commissions/humane 

Commission on Aging meets Wed., May 17, at 1:30 p.m., at the South Berkeley Senior Center. William Rogers, 981-5344. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/aging 

Commission on Labor meets Wed., May 17 at 7 p.m., at the West Berkeley Senior Center. Delfina M. Geiken, 981-7550. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/labor 

Downtown Area Plan Advisory Commission meets Wed. May 17, at 7 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-7487. 

Library Board of Trustees meets Wed. May 17, at 7 p.m. at South Berkeley Senior Center., Jackie Y. Griffin, 981-6195. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/library  

School Board meets Wed. May 17 at 7:30 p.m., in the City Council Chambers. Queen Graham 644-6147 or Mark Coplan 644-6320. 

Design Review Committee meets Thurs., May 18, at 7:30 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Anne Burns, 981-7415. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/designreview  

Fair Campaign Practices Commission meets Thurs., May 18, at 7:30 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Prasanna Rasaih, 981-6950. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/faircampaign 

TUESDAY, MAY 16 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Shaunna Oteka McCovey, Yurok tribe member, reads from her book of poetry, “Smokehouse Boys” at 6:30 p.m. at the Dimond Branch of the Oakland Public Library, 3565 Fruitvale Ave. 482-7844. 

Shelby Steele describes “White Guilt: How Blacks & Whites Together Destroyed the Promise of the Civil Rights Era” at 7:30 p.m. at Cody’s Books on Telegraph Ave. 845-7852. www.codysbooks.com  

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Gerard Landry & The Lariats at 8:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cajun dance lesson at 8 p.m. Cost is $9. 525-5054.  

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

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

Howard Barken Trio, jazz, at 7 p.m. at Caffe Trieste, 2500 San Pablo Ave. 548-5198.  

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

WEDNESDAY, MAY 17 

CHILDREN 

“Zink: The Myth, The Legend, The Zebra” A musical play by Park Day School, Wed. and Thurs. at 8 p.m. at Julia Morgan Center for the Arts, 2640 College Ave. Suggested donation $10 for adults and $5 for children at the door.  

FILM 

“Caribe” Politics, passion, and environmentalism in Costa Rica at 7 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $5-$6. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Michelle Goldberg describes “Kingdom Coming: The Rise of Christian Nationalism” at 7:30 p.m. at Cody’s Books on Telegraph Ave. 845-7852.  

Café Poetry hosted by Paradise at 7:30 p.m. at La Peña. Donation $2. 849-2568.  

John Curl will read from his new books “Ancient American Poets” and “Scorched Birth” at 7:30 p.m. at Black Oak Books. 486-0698.  

Berkeley Poetry Slam with host Charles Ellik and Three Blind Mice, at 8:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $5-$7. 841-2082  

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Music for the Spirit with organ music of women composeers at 12:15 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Oakland, 2619 Broadway. 444-3555. 

Whiskey Brothers Old Time and Bluegrass at 9 p.m. at Albatross, 1822 San Pablo Ave. 843-2473. www.albatrosspub.com 

Le Jazz Hot at 8:30 p.m. at the Uptown Nightclub, 1928 Telegraph, Oakland. Cost is $5. 451-8100.  

Bernard Anderson & The Old School Band at 8:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $9. 525-5054. 

Mazacote at 9:30 p.m. at Shattuck Down Low, 2284 Shattuck Ave. Cost is $5-$10. 548-1159.  

Calvin Keys Trio at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. 841-JAZZ.  

Solo Bass Night with Michael Manring, Jean Baudin, Jeff Schmidt and Dave Grossman at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $17.50-$18.50. 548-1761.  

Blue Roots at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 848-8277. 

Delinquent Monastery, Lost and Found Generation, Bumbalo at 9 p.m. at Blakes on Telegraph. Cost is $8. 848-0886.  

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

THURSDAY, MAY 18 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Wood Sculpture by Paul Hoffman” Reception at 5 p.m. at The Sculpture Court, 1111 Broadway, Oakland. Exhibit runs through July 19. 238-6836. 

“Works by William Wareham and Keith Ferris” Reception at 5 p.m. at Gallery 555, 555 12th St., Oakland. Exhibit runs through July 28. 238-6836. 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

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

Alvin Toffler introduces his new book “Revolutionary Wealth” at 7:30 p.m. at Cody’s Books on Telegraph Ave. 845-7852. www.codysbooks.com  

Word Beat Reading Series with Robert Tricaro and Cherise Wyneken at 7 p.m. at Mediterraneum Caffe, 2475 Telegraph Ave. 526-5985. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Natya Indian Dance, the art of storytelling through classical Indian dance at 1 p.m. at the Brookfield Branch of the Oakland Public Library, 9255 Edes Ave. 615-5725. 

Albany High School Jazz & Rhythm Bound R&B Bands at 8 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $10-$10. 525-5054.  

Darol Anger’s Republic of Strings at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $19.50-$20.50. 548-1761.  

Maya Kronfeld Group at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island. Cost is $5. 841-JAZZ.  

Wayward Monks at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $5. 841-2082.  

Vienna Tang, singer songwriter, at 8 p.m. at Shattuck Down Low, 2284 Shattuck Ave. Cost is $15-$20. 548-1159.  

Showtime @ 11 Hip Hop at 10 p.m. at the Ivy Room, 585 San Pablo Ave. at Solano. 524-9220. 

Bop City at 8:30 p.m. at the Uptown Nightclub, 1928 Telegraph, Oakland. Cost is $8. 451-8100.  

Keiko Matsui at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square, through Sun. Cost is $24-$28. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

FRIDAY, MAY 19 

THEATER 

Altarena Playhouse “You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown” at 8 p.m. Fri. and Sat., 2 p.m. Sun. 1409 High St. through June 11. Tickets are $12-$15. 523-1553.  

Berkeley Rep “The Miser” at 8 p.m. at the Roda Theater, 2015 Addison St. Tickets are $53. Runs through June 25. 647-2949. www.berkeleyrep.org 

Berkeley Rep “The Glass Menagerie” at 8 p.m. at the Thrust Stage, 2025 Addison St. Tickets are $59. Runs through June 18. 647-2949.  

Contra Costa Civic Theater “Animal Crackers” at 8 p.m. Fri and Sat., and Sun. at 2 p.m. at Contra Costa Civic Theater, 951 Pomona Ave., El Cerrito, through May 20. Tickets are $12-$20. 524-9132.  

Impact Theater “Money & Run Episode 4: Go Straight, No Chaser,” Thurs.-Sat. at 8 p.m. at La Val’s Subterranean, 1834 Euclid Ave. Cost is $10-$15. Runs through May 27. 464-4468.  

Shotgun Players “King Lear” Thurs.-Sun. at 8 p.m. at the Ashby Stage, 1901 Ashby Ave. to June 18. Tickets are $15-$30, reservations suggested. 841-6500.  

Subterranean Shakespeare “Richard III” Thurs.-Sat. at 8 p.m. at Berkeley Art Center, 1275 Walnut St. at Rose in Live Oak Park, through May. 20. Tickets are $12-$17. 276-3871. 

TheatreFIRST “World Music” Thurs.-Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 3 p.m. at Old Oakland Theatre, 461 Ninth St. at Broadway. Tickets are $18-$22. 436-5085.  

EXHIBITIONS 

“Notations” Introducing artists Keiko Ishihara, Erik Schmitt, and Carol Lee Shanks. Reception at 6 p.m. at Cecile Moochnek Gallery, 1809-D Fourth St. 549-1018. 

“Mindscapes” Paintings by Dianne Arancibia. Reception at 6:30 p.m. at Red Oak Realty Gallery, 1891 Solano Ave. 849-9990, ext. 2160. 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

“Vision and Misperception: What Art Lovers Need to Know” with Ariella Popple, Vision Scientist, UCB, at 7:30 p.m. at 4th Street Studion, 1717D Fourth St. 527-0600. 

Paul Rieckoff describes “Chasing Ghosts: A Soldier’s Fight for America From Baghdad to Washington” at 7:30 p.m. at Cody’s Books on Telegraph Ave. 845-7852.  

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Kairos Youth Choir “We Travel Along, Singin’ Our Song ... Side by Side” at 4 p.m. at Live Oak Theater, Live Oak Park. Tickets are $8-$12. 704-4479. 

Oakland East Bay Symphony “Let Us Break Bread Together” Chorale Concert with the Oakland Symphony Chorus, the Kucy Kinchen Chorale, the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir and Mt. Eden High School Choir at 8 p.m. at Paramount Theater, 2025 Broadway, Oakland. Tickets are $15-$60. 625-8497.  

Soli Deo Gloria and the Russian Chamber Orchestra at 7:30 p.m. at Christ Episcopal Church, 1700 Santa Clara, Alameda. Tickets at the door are $20-$25. www.sdgloria.org  

Jacqueline Castro Ravelo, Chilean singer, with Raphael Manriquez at 8 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $10-$12. 849-2568.  

Culture Shock Oakland “Bringing Back the Boogie!” at 8 p.m., Sat. at 7:30 p.m. at Julia Morgan Center for the Arts, 2640 College Ave. Tickets are $12-$20. www.shockfamily.org  

Forensic Science, Enzyme Dynamite, Distant Relatives at 8:30 p.m. at Blakes on Telegraph. Cost is $8-$10. 848-0886.  

Beegie Adair Trio, piano jazz, at 8 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $15-$18. 845-5373.  

Ed Reed with Laura Klein Trio at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $7. 841-JAZZ.  

Don Neely’s Royal Society Five at 8:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $16. 525-5054.  

Amy Meyers, singer-songwriter, at 8 p.m. at Caffe Trieste, 2500 San Pablo Ave., at Dwight. 548-5198.  

Darol Anger’s Republic of Strings at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $19.50-$20.50. 548-1761.  

Terry Rodriguez Trio at 9 p.m. at Downtown. 649-3810.  

Jaia Suri and Renee Asteria, singer-songwriters, at 7:30 p.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344.  

Jonathan Segel, Victor Krummenacher, Lucio Menegon at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $7. 841-2082.  

Batalion of Saints, Deadfall at 8 p.m. at 924 Gilman St. Cost is $6. 525-9926. 

Santero, latin fusion, soul at 8 p.m. at Shattuck Down Low. Cost is $5. 548-1159.  

The Mad Youth Orchestra at 9 p.m. at the Uptown Nightclub, 1928 Telegraph, Oakland. Cost is $10. 451-8100.  

Gabriel Mann, Cas Lucas and Zack Hexum in an all ages show at 8 p.m. at Epic Arts, 1923 Ashby Ave. Cost is $5. 644-2204. 

The Regiment at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 848-8277. 

Keiko Matsui at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square, through Sun. Cost is $24-$28. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

SATURDAY, MAY 20 

CHILDREN  

“How to Be” Lisa Brown introduces her new picture book for children at 11 a.m. at Cody’s Books on Fourth St. 559-9500. 

“It’s NOT a Piece of Cake” Children’s Theater by the Berkwood Hedge School at 2 p.m. at the Julia Morgan Center for the Arts, 2640 College Ave. Tickets are $6 at the door. 

THEATER 

Living Arts Playback Theatre Ensemble Personal stories shared by audience members then transformed by the ensemble into improvised theater pieces at 8 p.m. at Live Oak Theater, 1301 Shattuck Ave. Cost is $12-$18. 595-5500, ext. 25.  

Livarte opens at 8 pm, with a stage appearance and art installation in a living room atmosphere, 3230 Adeline St. 601-5774. 

EXHIBITIONS 

“FinnArt” Art by Finns and art inspired by Finland From 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Finnish Kavela Hall, 1970 Chestnut St. Free. www.geocities.com/finnartexhibits/info.html  

“Fresh Paint - Second Coat” works by 25 Bay Area artists opens with a reception at 6 p.m. at Piedmont Lane Gallery, 4121 Piedmont Ave., Oakland. Exhibit runs to June 17. www.3lisha.com/freshpaint/  

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Jan Steckel reads from her new book of poetry, “The Underwater Hospital” at 5 p.m. at the Laurel Book Store at 4100 MacArthur Blvd., corner of 39th Ave., Oakland. 531-2073. 

Storytelling Festival from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and on Sun. from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Kennedy Grove Regional Recreation Area in El Sobrante. Tickets $11-$55. 869-4946. www.bayareastorytelling.org 

Matthieu Racard, a Buddhist monk, introduces “Happiness” at 7:30 p.m. at Cody’s Books on Telegraph Ave. 845-7852.  

MUSIC AND DANCE 

“Celebrating 25 Years of Integrated Dance in America” a festival of physically integrated contemporary dance featuring AXIS Dance Company, Dancing Wheels and Full Radius Dance at 8 p.m. at Malonga Casquelourd Center for the Arts, 1428 Alice St., Oakland. Tickets are $10-$20. 925-798-1300.  

Chamber Mix performs music of Tann, Hoover, Tower, Bilotta, McManus, and Stoddard, at 8 p.m. at Trinity Chapel, 2320 Dana St. bet. Durant and Bancroft. Tickets are $12-$18. 549-3864.  

“Till You Find Your Dream” Broadway selections, American folk and popular music by the Cantare Chorale and All Star Singers at 7:30 p.m. at Woodminster Amphitheater, 3300 Joaquin Miller Rd., Oakland. Tickets are $10-$25. 836-0789.  

Young People’s Symphony Orchestra at 8 pm at First Congregational Church of Berkeley, 2345 Channing Way. www.ypsomusic.net 

Hip Hop Festival at 7 p.m. and Dream, El Efe and Company of Prophets at 9:30 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $15 for both shows, or $10 for each. 849-2568.  

Robin Gregory & Bill Bell Trio at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $10. 841-JAZZ.  

Tom Rigney & Flambeau at 9 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cajun dance lesson at 8 p.m. Cost is $11-$13. 525-5054.  

Steve Taylor, folk-country-blues, at 7 p.m. at A Cuppa Tea, 3202 College Ave., at Alcatraz. 

Jared Karol, singer-songwriter, at 7:30 p.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344.  

Jody Stecher & Kate Brislin at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $18.50-$19.50. 548-1761.  

Re-Ignition, The Miserables, Index A, Displace at 9 p.m. at Blakes on Telegraph. Cost is $8-$10. 848-0886.  

Good for Cows and John Schott’s Dream Kitchen at 8 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $12. 845-5373.  

Caroline Chung Duo at 9 p.m. at Downtown. 649-3810. 

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

Ray Cepeda at 8 p.m. at Spuds Pizza, 3290 Adeline St. Cost is $7-$10. 558-0881. 

The Hoo, The Rave Ups, Sun Kings at 8 p.m. at the Uptown Nightclub, 1928 Telegraph, Oakland. Cost is $20. 451-8100.  

bonoR, Danny Partridge Experience at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $7. 841-2082.  

Jinx Jones Trio at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 848-8277. 

Corrupted Youth, Civilian Outbreak, The Deadly Rhythm at 8 p.m. at 924 Gilman St. Cost is $7. 525-9926. 

Keiko Matsui at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square, through Sun. Cost is $24-$28. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

SUNDAY, MAY 21 

CHILDREN 

Asheba, participatory Caribbean music concert, at 3 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $4-$6. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

“It’s NOT a Piece of Cake” Children’s Theater by the Berkwood Hedge School at 2 and 7 p.m. at the Julia Morgan Center for the Arts, 2640 College Ave. Tickets are $6 at the door. 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Healing Waters” paintings by Judi Miller, glass sculpture by Carol Holmes, and “Katrina’s Children” art and poetry by gulf coast youth from River of Words. Reception at 4 p.m. at the Community Art Gallery, Alta Bates Summit Medical Center, 2450 Ashby Ave. Exhibit runs through July 5. 204-1667.  

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Storytelling Festival from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Kennedy Grove Regional Recreation Area in El Sobrante. Tickets are $11 for a single event, $55 for the entire weekend. 869-4946. www.bayareastorytelling.org 

Joe Fischer will discuss his new book “Poker Passion” at 2 p.m. at Moe’s Books, 2476 Telegraph Ave. 849-2087. 

Poetry Flash with Lynne Knight and Kathleen Lynch at 7:30 p.m. at Cody’s Books on Telegraph. Donation $2. 845-7852. www.codysbooks.com 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Jazz on Fourth Street from noon to 5 p.m. with Bill Bell Quartet, Big Belly Blues Band, John Santos Quartet and the Berkeley High Jazz Orchestra & Combos. 526-6294.  

Volti and the San Francisco Chamber Orchestra “Our Voices Rise in Song Together” at 4 p.m. at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 2300 Bancroft Way, at Ellsworth. Tickets are $15-$20. 415-771-3352. www.voltisf.org 

Prometheus Symphony Orchestra performs Mahler’s Ruckert Lieder with Elspeth Franks, mezzo soprano, and Claudio Santome, tenor, at 3 p.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 114 Montecito Ave., Oakland. Admission is free, donation requested. www.prometheussymphony.org 

Kairos Youth Choir “We Travel Along, Singin’ Our Song ... Side by Side” at 4 p.m. at Live Oak Theater, Live Oak Park. Tickets are $8-$12. 704-4479. 

Golden Gate Boys Choir at 2 p.m. at Calvary Christian Center, 1516 Grand St., Alameda Tickets are $10 adlts, $5, children. 887-4311. www.ggbc.org 

Organ Music at St. John's with Roberta Gary, University of Cincinatti, in an an all-Bach recital on the Brombaugh organ at 4 p.m. at St. Johns Presbyterian Church, 2727 College Ave. Donation $15. Reception follows performance. 845-6830. 

Oakland School for the Arts Big Band, Drum Corp, and Percussion Ensemble at 2 p.m. at Chapel of the Chimes, 4499 Piedmont Ave., Oakland. Donations benefit Oakland School for the Arts. 228-3207. 

Kenny White at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $17.50-$18.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Ben Adams Quintet, CD release party, at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $10. 841-JAZZ.  

Americana Unplugged, bluegrass and oldtime showcase, with The Earl Brothers at 5 p.m. at Jupiter. 655-5715. 

Creative Aging Benefit Concert with Avotcja, Rafael Gonzalez, Judith-kate Firedman, and many others, at 7:30 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $12. 849-2568.  

Advanced High School Jazz Workshop Ensemble at 4:30 at the Jazzschool. Cost is $10. 845-5373.  

Stephanie Neira, flamenco open stage at 7 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $10. 525-5054.  

DJ Hamouris at 11 a.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344.  

Howard Alden Quartet at 8 p.m. at Downtown. 649-3810.

“Our definition of opera is that it has music more interesting and complex than musical theater,” said Harriet March Page, artistic director of Goat Hall Productions, which will be staging Fresh Voices VI with 10 short operas—as well as bookending their NOW Festival of new compositions and a program of art songs—Thursday through Sunday for the next two weeks at Thick House on Potrero Hill in San Francisco.  

Besides her expanded definition of opera, Page said that Fresh Voices is committed to accessible operatic storylines, even “to do something a little political.” This explains in part the festival’s subtitle or motto, “Pipers & Puppets,” taken from Music Director Mark Alburger’s piece, “The Pied Piper of Hamelin” (from the Robert Browning poem, but insinuating that a present-day president may be the piper to more than just hordes of terrorist rats), as well as the sock puppets that cropped up as choruses in a couple of the works that will be staged. 

The “motto” goes on to ask, “Who’s piping the tune ... and who’s dancing?”  

“This year, we wanted to do something thematic, “ said Page, “which followed as soon as I got onto the Pied Piper Principle. The Pied Piper is at once puppet and puppet master. I see at least a little bit of it in all our pieces—but of course, no theme is worthy unless it can be expanded to fit everything!”  

Music Director Alburger said the festival included a wide range of music and themes. 

“Lisa Scola Prosek’s ‘Leonardo’s Notebooks’ is highly melodic, with a minimalist thing, yet a feeling for traditional Bel Canto,” he said. “Steven Clark’s ‘Amok Time’ has vocal lines taken from a Star Trek episode, which will be played silently behind the singers, to a tongue-in-cheek insipid pop score that goes from swing to reggae. My own ‘Pied Piper’ features a severe reworking, or rat poisoning, of classic material, with ‘Cosi Fan Tutti’ under there, somewhere.” 

Other delights include: John Beeman’s four minute “Dear Composer” (rejection letters from festivals and conductors in counterpoint against a pseudo-jazz score) and Connie Tyler’s “relentlessly Celtic” hagiography of the Irish saint, “Brigid, Fiery Arrow.” Another legendary strong woman is eulogized in John Partridge’s “Joan of Arc.” Mark Alburger’s score is combined with Harriet Page’s words for “Cats, Dogs and Divas.” “The Music Department,” is Allan Crossman’s day in the life of a conservatory that goes from Mozart to “an intergalactic Ed Sullivan show.” 

The first of two operas featuring sock puppets is “Eye Eye Sailor” by Steven Clark and Michael Wertz. The other sock puppet entry, “The Fashion God,” Brian Holmes’ operatic settings of FEMA’s ex-director Michael D. Brown’s self-regarding emails. Holmes also is represented by “Tales of the Cultural Revolution,” based on an incident “I heard about from the Canadian Brass, who were among the first to tour China after the purges. Apparently, Madame Mao heard a piece with a tuba that so offended her sensibilities, she demanded the player be fired. This was interpreted that all tuba players should be fired.” 

Sundays will be dedicated to nonoperatic works, “Songs for the 21st Century” on May 21 and the NOW Festival on May 28, which Alburger said may have an entry by Lukas Foss. 

FRESH VOICES IV 

Thursday through Sunday May 18-21 and May 25-28 at the Thick House, 1695 18th St., San Francisco. $15-$25. For more information, including show times, call (415) 401-8081.