TUESDAY, SEPT. 5 

“The Politics of Bones: Dr. Owens Wiwa and the Struggle for Nigeria’s Oil” with J. Tompthy Hunt, Michael Watts, and Anna Zalik at 4 p.m. at 150 University Hall, UC Campus. Sponsored by the Center for African Studies and the Center for Human Rights. 642-0721. 

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

“Taste of Judaism: Are you Curious?” Explore Jewish spirituality, ethics and community, open to all. Tues. evenings, Sept. 5, 12, 19, in Berkeley. Free but registration required. 839-2900 ext 347. 

Torture Teach-in and Vigil every Tues. at 12:30 p.m. at the fountain on UC Campus, Bancroft at College. 

Discussion Salon on Humor at 7 p.m. at 1414 Walnut.  

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

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

St. John’s Prime Timers meets at 9:30 a.m. at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 2727 College Ave. We always welcome new members over 50. 845-6830. 

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 6  

Strawberry Creek Greenway Proposal Community discussion on daylighting the creek at the abandonned West Campus Schoolyard, at 6:30 p.m. in the Green Room, City Corporation Yard, 1326 Allston Way. For information call Carole Schemmerling 512 4005.  

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. 

“The Oil Factor: Behind the War on Terror” A documentary at 7:30 p.m. at Humanist Hall, 390 27th St., between Broadway and Telegraph, Oakland. Cost is $5. 393-5685. 

Density Bonus Workshop with the Planning Commission, Housing Advisory Commission, Zoning Adjustments Board at 6 p.m. at the West Berkeley Senior Center, 1900 SIxth St. at Hearst. 981-7490. 

“Homegrown Tomatoes Are Great, Unless They Are Toxic,” with Christopher Harkness of the San Jose Redevelopment Agency at 1 p.m. in Room 315A, Wurster Hall, UC Campus.  

American Red Cross Blood Services Volunteer Orientation at 10 a.m. at the Oakland headquarters. Various East Bay opportunities available. Advanced sign-up is required please call 594-5165.  

East Bay Food Not Bombs Volunteer Meeting at 7:30 p.m. at the Long Haul Infoshop, 3124 Shattuck Ave. 644-4187. 

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. 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.  

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

vigil4peace/vigil 

THURSDAY, SEPT. 7 

Buffalo Field Campaign Road Show discussion the plight of Yellowstone’s wild buffalo, with music by 7th Generation Rise at 7 p.m. at the Ecology Center, 2530 San Pablo Ave. 548-2220. 

9/11 Press for Truth A documentary and Q & A with Co-Executive Producer, Ken Ellis, at 7 and 9 p.m. at Grand Lake Theater, 3200 Grand Ave., Oakland. Tickets are $5-$10. Proceeds benefit Cooperative Research and Northern California 9/11 Truth Alliance. 

Full Moon Walk at John Muir National Historic Site See nocturnal animal and plant life and walk the same trail John Muir walked with his daughters. For reservations and details of meeting time and location, call 925-228-8860. 

Street Fair and Farmer’s Market at Fruitvale Village, Fruitvale BART, Oakland, from 5 to 8 p.m. with live music, melon and jicama tastings, and activities for children.  

Poetry Workshop with Donna Davis from 9 to 11:30 a.m. at Jewish Community Center, 1414 Walnut St. Offered by the Berkeley Adult School. 644-6130. 

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.  

Avatar Metaphysical Toastmasters Club at 6:45 p.m. at Spud's Pizza, 3290 Adeline at Alcatraz. 

FRIDAY, SEPT. 8 

Impeachment Banner Fridays at 6:45 to 8 a.m. on the Berkeley Pedestrian bridge between Seabreeze Market and the Berkeley Aquatic Park, ongoing on Fridays until impeachment is realized. www. Impeachbush-cheney.com 

City Commons Club Noon Luncheon with Russell A. Unbraco on “Antique Glass.” 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.  

Mad Scientist Surplus Sale and preview of green technologies at 7 p.m. at The Crucible, 1260 7th St., Oakland. Cost is $10. 444-0919. http://thecrucible.org 

Thoughts of A Hangman Film Industry Mixer and Fundraiser at 8 p.m. at Spengers, 1919 Fourth St. Cost is $20.  

“Seeking Jewish Community and Connection” Dinner at 6:30 p.m. at JGate, 409 Liberty Ave., El Cerrito. 559-8140. 

Womensong Circle, participatory singing for women at 7:15 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Berkeley, 2345 Channing Way. Donation $15-$20 sliding scale. 525-7082.  

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

SATURDAY, SEPT. 9 

Cerrito Creek Restoration Help Friends of Five Creeks volunteers control erosion and restore habitat on Cerrito Creek at the foot of Albany Hill, from 10 a.m. to noon. Wear clothes that can get dirty and shoes with good traction. Meet at Creekside Park, south end of Santa Clara St., El Cerrito, just north of Albany Hill. 848-9358. www.fivecreeks.org 

East Bay AIDS Walk at Lakeside Park, Oakland. Registration begins at 9 a.m., near the Edoff Memorial Bandstand, across from the Lakeside Park Garden Center. The walk around Lake Merritt begins at 10 a.m. 872-0568. http://eastbayaidswalk. 

kintera.org 

Tinkers Workshop Used Bike Sale from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 84 Bolivar Drive at Berkeley Aquatic Park. Benefit programs for at-risk youth. www.tinkersworkshop.org 

“How Has the New Medicare Drug Plan Affected You?” A community discussion at 10:30 a.m. at the Berkeley Co-Housing Community Room, 2220 Sacramento St. Presented by OWL, Older Women’s League, 528-3739. 

Senior Safety Forum, from 10 a.m. to noon at McGee Avenue Baptist Church, 1640 Stuart St. Sponsored by Berkeley Organizing Congregations for Action. 665-5821. 

NAACP Berkeley Branch meets at 1 p.m. to discuss voter registration and education for the Nov. 7th election at Church by the Side of the Road, 2108 Russell St. 845-7416. 

“Haiti Today: Occupation and Resistance” A panel discussion with Fr. Gerard Jean-Juste, Dr. Paul Farner, and Brian Concannon at 7 p.m. at St. Joseph the Worker Church, 1640 Addison St. Donation $7-$15, no one turned away. 483-7481. 

Walking Tour of Old Oakland around Preservation Park to see Victorian architecture. Meet at 10 a.m. in front of Preservation Park at 13th St. and MLK, Jr. Way. Tour lasts 90 minutes. Reservations can be made by calling 238-3234.  

Point Richmond Music and Arts Festival with live music, orginal art and jewelry, and food from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Park Place and Washington Ave. 231-6909. 

“Living Lightly: Simpler, Slower, Smaller” A day of discussions and resources from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Lake Merritt United Methodist Church, 1330 Lakeshore Ave., Oakland. Cost is $15-$20. www.worldcentric.org/ 

septsimplicityconf 

Free Electronic Waste Event Recycle your electronics Sat. and Sun. from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the El Cerrito Department of Motor Vehicles, 6400 Manila Ave. E-waste accepted: computer monitors, computers/computer components, televisions, VCR & DVD players, toner cartridges, printers, fax machines, copiers, telephone equipment, cell phones, MP3 players. NOT accepted are appliances, batteries, microwaves, paints, pesticides, etc. 1-888-832-9839  

Luna Kids Open House & Dance Class from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Grace North Church, 2138 Cedar St. 644-3629. 

The East Bay Baby Fair from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Berkeley Richmond Jewish Community Center, 1414 Walnut St. www.brjcc.org  

Great War Society, East Bay Chapter meets to discuss Military Development of Weaponry in WWI at 10:30 a.m. at 640 Arlington Ave. 527-7118. 

“Ghandi in his Youth” with Mary K. Earle at Dramatically Speaking Toastmasters at 9 a.m. at 1950 Franklin St. in the Kaiser Bldg., Oakland. 581-8675. 

Produce Stand at Spiral Gardens Food Security Project from 1 to 6 p.m. at the corner of Sacramento and Oregon St. 

Early Childhood Education Workshop on Nuitrition from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Oakland Asian Cultural Arts Center, 388 Ninth St., Suite 290, Oakland. To register call 639-1361. 

Spiritwalking: Aqua Chi(TM) at 10 a.m. at the Berkeley High Warm Pool. Also Wed. at 3:30 p.m. Cost is $5.50, $3.50 seniors & disabled. Bring your own towels. 526-0312. 

Urban Releaf Tree Tour of Oakland and workshops in urban forestry that teach tree planting, maintenance, GIS/GPS systems, and community advocacy. For information call 601-9062. www.urbanreleaf.org 

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.  

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

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, SEPT. 10 

Solano Stroll from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. A mile-long block party with a “Send in the Clowns Parade at 11 a.m. 527-5358. 

Montclair Village Jazz and Wine Festival from noon to 7 p.m. in Montclair Village, La Salle and Moraga Ave. 339-1000. 

Mercury Thermometer Exchange & Safe Medicine Disposal from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Solano Stroll, under BART tracks at 1270 Solano Ave., Albany. Bring mercury thermometers sealed in two plastic ziplock bags and medicine in original containers with personal information marked out. www.saveSFbay.org 

Breast Cancer Fund Bike Against the Odds from 6:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Lakeside Park, Lake Merritt, Oakland. Cost is $50-$65. 415-346-8223.  

Free Hands-on Bicycle Clinic Learn how to do a safety inspection at 10 a.m. at REI, 1338 San Pablo Ave. Bring your bike and tools. 527-4140. 

Pancake Breakfast on Board The Red Oak Victory Ship from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Cost is $6, includes tour of ship. Ship is located at 1337 Canal Blvd., Berth #6, Richmond. 237-2933. 

Self Defense Workshop for men and women from 5 to 8:30 p.m. in Berkeley. Cost is $115, scholarships available. For details call 800-467-6997.  

Nia Jam at 2 p.m. at Studio Rasa, 933 Parker St. Cost $15. 843-2787. 

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

Kickabout at Codornices Park Soccer for all, skill and talent not required. For more information contact cambour@hotmail.com  

Balinese Dance Class with Tjokorda Istri Putra Padmini at 11 a.m. at Ashkenaz, 1317 San Pablo Ave. 237-6849. 

Flexible Healing Class for all ages and fitness levels at 1:30 p.m. at Liberty Hill Missionary Baptist Church, 9th St. & University Ave. Free. 390-8644. 

Ancient Tools for Successful Living Workshops in Meditation, the I-Ching, and Qi Gong begin at 5272 Foothill Blvd. Oakland. Cost is $8 per class. 536-5934. 

Tibetan Buddhism with Santosh Philip on “Treasures of Tibetan Yoga” at 6 p.m. at the Tibetan Nyingma Institute, 1815 Highland Pl. 843-6812.  

MONDAY, SEPT. 11 

Candlelight Vigil for 9/11 Rememberance and Healing at 6 p.m. at Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, One Lawson Rd., Kensington. 525-0302. 

Family Day at the Magnes to see the exhibition “My America” at 6:30 p.m. at Magnes Museum, 2911 Russell St. Cost is $6-$8. 549-6950.  

Jim Wallis on “God’s Politics: Why the Right Gets It Wrong and the Left Doesn’t Get It” at 6 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Berkeley, 2345 Channing Way. Suggested donation $10. 559-9500. 

National Organization for Women Oakland/East Bay Chapter, with Deborah Berger, president of the CA Nurses Association, at 6 p.m. at the Oakland YWCA, 1515 Webster St. 287-8948. 

“9/11 the Myth and the Reality” A film premier at 7 p.m. at Grand Lake Theater, 3200 Grand Ave., Oakland. Q & A to follow with film maker, Ken Jenkins. Benefit for the Northern California 9/11 Truth Alliance. Tickets are $10.  

Berkeley Community Chorus rehearsals begin at 7 p.m. at First Congregational Church, Dana and Durant, and meet every Mon. night. No auditions, all are welcome. www.bcco.org 

Albany’s New Police Chief, Mike McQuiston will speak at the Brown Bag Forum at 12:30 p.m. at the Albany Library Edith Stone Room, 1247 Marin Ave. 

Nutrition for Optimal Health at 7 p.m. at Kensington Library, 61 Arlington Ave. 524-3043. 

Lead Abatement Repairs Find out about funding for lead hazard repairs for rental properties with low-income tenants, from 4 to 6 p.m. at 2000 Embarcadero, #300, Oakland. 567-8280.  

CITY MEETINGS 

Density Bonus Workshop with the Planning Commission, Housing Advisory Commission, Zoning Adjustments Board at 6 p.m. at the West Berkeley Senior Center, 1900 SIxth St. at Hearst. 981-7490. 

Downtown Area Plan Advisory Commission meets Wed. Sept. 6, at 7 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-7487. 

Berkeley Unified School Board meets Wed. Sept. 6, at 7:30 p.m., in the City Council Chambers. Mark Coplan 644-6320. 

Commission on the Status of Women meets Wed., Sept. 7, at 7:30 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Tasha Tervelon, 981-5190.  

Housing Advisory Commission meets Thurs., Sept. 7, at 7:30 p.m., at the South Berkeley Senior Center. 981-5400.  

Landmarks Preservation Commission meets Thurs. Sept. 7, at 7:30 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Gisele Sorensen, 981-7419.  

Mental Health Commission meets Thurs., Sept. 7, at 6:30 p.m. at 2640 MLK Jr. Way, at Derby. 981-5213.  

Public Works Commission meets Thurs., Sept. 7, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-6406.  

Creeks Task Force meets Mon. Sept. 11, at 7 p.m. the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-7410.  

Council Agenda Committee meets Mon. Sept. 11, at 2:30 p.m., at 2180 Milvia St. 981-6900. 

TUESDAY, SEPT. 5 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Geographic Premonitions” Group show of fifteen emerging artists opens at the Richmond Art Center, 2540 Barrett Ave., Richmond. Exhibition runs through Nov. 11. 620-6772.  

FILM 

Alternative Visions: Recent Avanat-Garde Films at 7:30 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808.  

READINGS AND LECTURES 

“Works In Progress” Women’s open mic at 7:30 p.m. at Montclair Women's Cultural Center, 1650 Mountain Blvd., Oakland. Donation $5.  

Susan Alcorn talks about “Camino Chronicle: Walking to Santiago” at 7:30 p.m. at Black Oak Books. 486-0698.  

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Bert Lams, classical guitar and Tom Griesgraber, Chapman Stick at 7:30 p.m. at A Cheerfull Noyse, 1228 Solano Ave., Albany. Seating is limited. Please bring a folding chair. 524-0411. 

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

Mal Sharp at 7 p.m. at Caffe Trieste, 2500 San Pablo Ave., at Dwight. 548-5198.  

Oscar Peterson at 8 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square, through Sun. Cost is $85-$100. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

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

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 6 

FILM 

2nd Annual International Small Film Festival to Sept. 10 at Berkeley Art Center Gallery, 1275 Walnut St. in Live Oak Park. Cost is $2-$10. 644-6893.  

Pirates and Piracy “The Sea Hawk” at 7:30 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808.  

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Andrew Lam will discuss ”Perfume Dreams: Reflections on the Vietnamese Diaspora” at 6:30 p.m. at Bookmark Bookstore, 721 Washington St. Space is limited, please RSVP to 531-3420. 

Robert Fuller will discuss “All Rise: Somebodies, Nobodies and the Politics of Dignity” at 7:30 p.m. at Black Oak Books. 486-0698. www.blackoakbooks.com 

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 

Wednesday Noon Concert, faculty recital performing Vivaldi’s Four Seasons at Hertz Hall, UC Campus. Free. 642-4864.  

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

Sean Smith, Matt Baldwin, and Adam Snider, acoustic guitars, at 7:30 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $8. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

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

Danilo, Orquestra Universal 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.  

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

Chirgilchin, throat singers from Tuva, at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $19.50-$20.50. 548-1761.  

Ten Ton Chicken, groove-rock, at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 848-8277. 

Lady Soul, Sonny, Mista Kista at 9:30 p.m. at Blakes on Telegraph. Cost is $10. 848-0886.  

THURSDAY, SEPT. 7 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Chroma” works by artists of the Chroma Collective opens with a reception at 5 p.m. at the Giorgi Gallery, 2911 Claremont Ave. Exhibition runs to Oct. 1. 848-1228. 

Kala Art Institute Residency Projects Part Two Opening reception at 6 p.m. at 1060 Heinz Ave. Exhibition runs to Oct. 14. Gallery hours are Tues.-Fri. noon to 5:30 p.m., Sat. noon to 4:30 p.m. 549-2977. 

“Edge of Desire: Recent Art in India” Guided tour at 12:15 and 5:30 p.m. at Berkeley Art Museum, 2626 Bancroft Way. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808. 

Works by Erin McGuiness, ceramicist. Reception at 6 p.m. at Earthworks Clay Co-op, 2547 8th St., at Dwight. 841-9810. 

“2 the Nines” Photography by Stephen Keller. Opening reception at 4 p.m. at Lavezzo Designs Studio, 5751 Horton St., Emeryville. 428-2384. 

“Vibration” Sound photographs of Hiroshi Morimoto. Opening reception at 5 p.m. at Transmissions Gallery, 1177 San Pablo Ave. Exhibition runs to Oct. 5. www.transmissions-gallery.com 

THEATER 

“Color Stuck” a one-man show by Donald E. Lacy, Jr. at 8 p.m. at Laney College Theater, 900 Fallon St., Oakland. Benefit for LoveLife Foundation. Tickets are $50. 663-5683. 

FILM 

The Mechanical Age “The Mechanical Man” at 5:30 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Free screening. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

“The Riddle of Tabo: The Origin and Fate of a West Tibetan Manuscript Collection” A colloquium with Paul Harrison, Visiting Professor, Dept of Religious Studies, Stanford at 5 p.m. at the IEAS Conference Room, 2223 Fulton St., 6th Flr. 643-6492. 

Annual Berkeley Faculty Reading at 7:30 p.m. in the Maude Fife Room, 315 Wheeler Hall, UC Campus. 642-3467. 

Phyllis Stowell, poet at 7 p.m. at the Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave. 526-3720, ext. 17. 

Leonard Pitt shows slides and talks about “Walks Through Lost Paris” at 7:30 p.m. at Mrs. Dalloways, 2904 College Ave. 704-8222. 

John Sumser will introduce his lastest book, “A Land Without Time: A Peace Corps Volunteer in Afghanistan,” at 7:30 p.m. at Black Oak Books. 486-0698.  

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Blue Roots, blues, gospel, New Orleans jazz and soul at 9 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $10. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Duamuxa & Ricardo Cuevas at 8 p.m. at La Peña. Cost is $10. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

David Berkeley, alt folk country, at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $17.50-$18.50. 548-1761. 

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

Mitch Landy at 7 p.m. at Caffe Trieste, 2500 San Pablo Ave., at Dwight. 548-5198.  

Tom Huebner, Kitty Rose at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $6. 841-2082.  

Buffalo Field Campaign Road Show with music by 7th Generation Rise at 7 p.m. at the Ecology Center, 2530 San Pablo Ave. 548-2220. 

Glass Candy, The Chromatics, Death of a Party, dance rock, at 8:30 p.m. at the Uptown Nightclub, 1928 Telegraph, Oakland. Cost is $7. 451-8100.  

FRIDAY, SEPT. 8 

THEATER 

Altarena Playhouse “The Foreigner” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2 p.m. at 1409 High St, Alameda, through Oct. 1. Cost is $12-$15. 523-1553.  

Aurora Theatre “Salome” at 8 p.m. at 2081 Addison St. and runs Wed. - Sun. through Oct. 1. Tickets are $38. 843-4822.  

Berkeley High “I Love You, Your’re Perfect, Now Change” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m., through Sept. 16 at the Schwimley Little Theater, 1930 Allston Way. Tickets are $6-$20. 

“Color Stuck” a one-man show by Donald E. Lacy, Jr. at 8 p.m. at Laney College Theater, 900 Fallon St., Oakland, through Sun. Tickets are $5-$15. 663-5683. 

Encore Theatre Company and Shotgun Players “The Typographer’s Dream” at 8 p.m. at The Ashby Stage, 1901 Ashby Ave., through Sept. 17. Tickets are $15-$30. 841-6500.  

Masquers Playhouse “Diary of a Scoundrel” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m. and Sun. at 2:30 p.m. at 105 Park Place, Point Richmond across from the Hotel Mac. Through Sept. 30. Tickets are $15. 232-4031. 

Their(R)evolution performances by Chileans Inés Villafañe-León and Julia Ahumada Grob at 8 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $10. 849-2568.  

FILM 

2nd Annual International Small Film Festival to Sept. 10 at Berkeley Art Center Gallery, 1275 Walnut St. in Live Oak Park. Cost is $2-$10. 644-6893. www.berkeleyartcenter.org 

Global Lens Film Festival “In the Battlefields” at 2 p.m., “The Night of Truth” at 7 p.m., “Almost Brothers” at 9:30 p.m. at Grand Lake Theater, 3200 Grand Ave., Oakland. www.globalfilm.org 

A Theater Near You “The Fallen Idol” at 7 p.m. and “The Third Man” at 8:55 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Clifford Chase reads from his new novel, “Winkie” at 7:30 p.m. at Black Oak Books, 1491 Shattuck Ave. 486-0698. 

Tucker Malarkey reads from her new novel, “Resurrection” at 7:30 p.m. at Mrs. Dalloways, 2904 College Ave. 704-8222. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

“Sing Against the Odds” benefit fundraiser for Breast Cancer Fund with Irina Rivkin, Marca Cassity, Emily Shore, at 8 p.m. at Rose Street House of Music, 1839 Rose St. Donation $5-$50. To RSVP call 594-4000 ext. 687. 

8 Past at 9 p.m. at Blakes on Telegraph. Cost is $10. 848-0886. 

Steve Smulian at 8 p.m. at Spuds Pizza, 3290 Adeline St. Cost is $7. 558-0881. 

African Roots of Jazz with E.W. Wainwright, clebrating Elvin Jones’ Birthday, at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $10. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

Diamante, Latin fusion, at 8 p.m. at Caffe Trieste, 2500 San Pablo Ave. 548-5198.  

Bill Monroe Tribute with Butch Waller, Bob Waller, Keith Little, Ed Nef and many others at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $17.50-$18.50. 548-1761.  

Dave Rocha Trio at 9 p.m. at Downtown. 649-3810.  

The Nomadics, jazz, at 7:30 p.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344.  

Stiff Dead Cat, 77 El Deora, Axton Kincaid at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $7. 841-2082.  

Sour Mash Hug Band, The Bad Tings, Dandelion Junk Queens at 8 p.m. at 924 Gilman St. Cost is $6. 525-9926. 

Albino, afro-beat, at 9 p.m. at Shattuck Down Low. Cost is $10. 548-1159.  

Dave Ellis & Guru Garage at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 848-8277. 

Oscar Peterson at 8 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square, through Sun. Cost is $85-$100. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

SATURDAY, SEPT. 9 

THEATER 

Shotgun Players “Ragnarok: Doom of the Gods” Sat. and Sun. at 4 p.m. at John Hinkle Park, through Sept. 10. Free, with pass the hat donation after the show. 841-6500.  

EXHIBITIONS 

“Through The Eye of The Artist” Group art show, mixed media. Opening reception at 6 p.m. at Expressions Gallery, 2035 Ashby Ave. Runs to Sept. 30. 644-4930. 

Veiled Threat: Works by Aaron Joseph Screenprints, digital prints, fiber art and fashion show inspired by the politicsof the 1970’s at 8 p.m. at The Living Room Gallery, 3230 Adeline St. Donation $3. 601-5774. 

FILM 

Global Lens Film Festival “Global Shorts” at 2 p.m., “Thirst” at 9:30 p.m. at Grand Lake Theater, 3200 Grand Ave., Oakland. www.globalfilm.org 

The Road to Damascus: Discovering Syrian Cinema “Stars in Broad Daylight” at 6:30 p.m and “Sacrifices” at 8:45 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808.  

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Rockey Jones & Friends with ToRead Ah, D’Jeli Musa, poetry, spoken word and music, at 4 p.m. at The Adeline Artist Lofts, 1132 24th St., off Adeline in West Oakland. Donation $5. 272-9349.  

Michael Gray will talk about “The Bob Dylan Encyclopedia” at 7:30 p.m. at Black Oak Books, 1491 Shattuck Ave. 486-0698. 

Douglas Kent discusses “Firescaping” creating fire-resistant landscapes, at 4 p.m. at Mrs. Dalloways, 2904 College Ave. 704-8222. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

The Temescal Trio at 8 p.m. at Trinity Chapel, 2320 Dana St. Tickes are $8-$12. 549-3864.  

Pacific Collegium 9/11 Memorial Benefit Concert at 7:30 p.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 114 Montecito Ave., Oakland. Tickets are $10-$30. www.pacificcollegium.org 

Point Richmond Music and Arts Festival with Cruchy Frog, Ron Matthews, Dve Crimmen, Andre Thierry and Lava from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Park Place and Washington Ave. 231-6909. 

Dreaming the Diaspora, with Georges Lammam and His Ensemble at 8 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $13-$15. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Maye Cavallero and Her Trio at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $10. 841-JAZZ.  

Ras Igel/Razorblade with Binghi Drummers at 7 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $10. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com  

Maya Dorn and Marca Cassity at 7:30 p.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344.  

Trout Fishing in America at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $17.50-$18.50. 548-1761.  

Aphasia, Anaura at 9 p.m. at Blakes on Telegraph. Cost is $10. 848-0886.  

Dave Bernstein Trio at 9 p.m. at Downtown. 649- 3810. 

Wu Li Masters at 9:30 p.m. at Beckett’s Irish Pub, 2271 Shattuck Ave. 647-1790.  

The Girlfriend Experience, Wire Graffiti, Jayde Blade at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $5. 841-2082.  

Swoop Unit at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 848-8277. 

Monster Squad, Whiskey Rebels, The Challenged at 8 p.m. at 924 Gilman St. Cost is $7. 525-9926. 

SUNDAY, SEPT. 10 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Workers at Ground Zero: A Glimpse Behind the Scenes” on display in the atrium of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, One Lawson Rd., Kensington. Conversation with the artist at 1 p.m., on display from Sept. 10-Sept. 14. 525-0302. 

Helen Krayenhoff Watercolors Opening reception at 5 p.m. at Sweet Adeline Bakeshop, 3350 Adeline St. Exhibition runs through to Oct 13. hkrayenhoff@yahoo.com 

“A Balanced Life” sculptures by Will Furth and “Ma Vie en Rose” paintings by Jennifer L. Jones. Reception at 4 p.m. at the Community Art Gallery, Alta Bates Summit Medical Center, 2450 Ashby Ave. through November 10. 204-1667.  

“Edge of Desire: Recent Art in India” Guided tour at 2 p.m. at Berkeley Art Museum, 2626 Bancroft Way. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808. 

FILM 

Global Lens Film Festival “In the Battlefields” at 7 p.m., “Almost Brothers” at 2 and 9:30 p.m. at Grand Lake Theater, 3200 Grand Ave., Oakland. www.globalfilm.org 

The Mechanical Age “Charlie Bowers: Dream Machines” at 3 p.m. and “Edward Scissorhands” at 5 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. 642-0808.  

“Secret Courage: The Walter Suskind Story” followed by discussion at 2 p.m. at JCC, 1414 Walnut St. Cost is $5. 848-0237. 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Quijeremá in a benefit concert for Rafael Manriquez at 7:30 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $12-$15. 849-2568.  

MUSIC AND DANCE 

“Soul at the Chimes” with Ricardo Scales, Simply Toya, Traika Lewis and others at 2 p.m. at Chapel of the Chimes, 4499 Piedmont Ave. Benefit for Bay Area Repertory Theater. Tickets are $35. www.brownpapertickets.com 

“Meeting the Man of the Heart” Vocal music from the Baul tradition at 3 p.m. at Berkeley Art Museum, 2626 Bancroft Way. Cost is $5-$8. 642-0808. 

The Hal Stein Quartet at 3:30 p.m. at the Montclair Jazz and Wine Festival, Montclair Village. 

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

Ayelet Cohen, an evening of opera at 7:30 p.m. at JCC, 1414 Walnut St. Cost is $$14-$18. 848-0237. 

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

Americana Unplugged with Joe Craven, bluegrass and oldtime showcase, at 5 p.m. at Jupiter. 655-5715. 

Atsuko Hashimoto, jazz organ trio, at 4:30 at the Jazzschool. Cost is $10. 845-5373. www.jazzschool.com 

Pressure Point, Red Tape, Giving Chase at 5 p.m. at 924 Gilman St. Cost is $6. 525-9926. 

MONDAY, SEPT. 11 

FILM 

Global Lens Film Festival “The Night of Truth” at noon at Grand Lake Theater, 3200 Grand Ave., Oakland. www.globalfilm.org 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Jim Wallis on “God’s Politics: Why the Right Gets It Wrong and the Left Doesn’t Get It” at 6 p.m. in the Sanctuary, First Congregational Church, 2345 Dana. Suggested donation $10. 559-9500. 

Actors Reading Writers “Locomotion” Short Stories by Stephanie Allen, Richard Ford and Dorothy Parker at 7:30 p.m. at Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant Ave.  

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

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Mark Atkinson Trio at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $17.50-$18.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Rafael Manriquez, songs of the poems of Gabriela Mistral at 6:30 p.m. at the Berkeley Public Library, Art & Music Room, 5th floor. 981-6100. 

Parlor Tango at 7 p.m. at Caffe Trieste, 2500 San Pablo Ave., at Dwight. 548-5198.  

Khalil Shaheed, all ages jam, at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $10. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

Oliver Mtukudzi, African pop, at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $24, fundraiser for Zimbabwe AIDS Relief. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

Conjurors, prestidigitators, sleight-of-hand mechanics and mentalists will appear tonight (Tuesday), as if by magic, on the stage of Oakland’s Bjornson Hall, home of the Sons of Norway (at MacArthur and Fruitvale), answering the call of the Oakland Magic Circle for their annual invitational magic competition and dinner, doors opening at 6:30 p.m., show at 8 p.m. 

“We invite all the magic clubs—about 15 of them—from Santa Cruz to Santa Rosa, and east to Sacramento, to send one contestant each,” said magician and Magic Circle President James Hamilton. “It’s a big, fun event, with all kinds of acts from comic to serious, slick sleight-of-hand to the bizarre. And families come to root for their local club’s favorite. There’s a spaghetti dinner included in the price of admission.” 

The event will be judged by a younger magician who has competed recently, a professional magician and longtime Circle member, and this reviewer. 

(In the interest of total disclosure, the present reviewer must confess his own debut in show business as a boy, performing a show of illusions put together by his father, himself a practitioner of stage magic and younger colleague of founding members of the Circle. This entree to the stage has led the reviewer down other arcane paths of performance as a result, including Noh and Kyogen—not to mention his present para-theatrical mode of expression.) 

The Oakland Circle is the preeminent club in the area—and the oldest west of the Mississippi. Founded in 1925, the club initiated the invitational competition over 25 years ago, at the behest of co-founder Lloyd Jones, proprietor of Oakland’s Magic Ltd., publishers and sellers of magic books. 

Hamilton recalled Jones from his first visit to the Circle over 20 years ago: “I knew Lloyd from magic conventions, and he’d reviewed me in his magazine. I came here in about 1980, but hadn’t performed much locally. A friend asked me to come to the meeting with him, and Lloyd came rushing up to me with his hand outstretched—and a membership application in it!” 

When asked what acts to expect, Hamilton shrugs. “There’s no screening. Everybody might do the same routine—who knows? One year I saw a guy all in leathers, looking like one of those Power Rangers, putting on an act. The kids got all excited.” 

Contestants are judged on appearance, technique, audience appeal and overall effectiveness of their act. 

Above all, stage magic goes over on style. Asked how he’d characterize the recent history of the art, Hamilton opined, “I think it’s come full circle. For awhile, it was out of favor. Then Doug Henning helped ignite the current interest, along with Blackstone, Jr. and Siegfried & Roy—both permanent shows in Vegas, of course. Technology helped, but the way some people modernized it, magic started to devolve into the same thing they complained about. Whether the boxes are black, or it’s chrome luggage, the props end up the same, and it can all look about as weird as the gold table they were all putting down as old-fashioned.” 

He smiled and went on: “The trend is to reach back and modernize. Magic is ancient, from the first time people asked why the leaves are shaking on the tree. It’s one of the things people are always going to want to see; they see a good magician and say, ‘Wow! What is that? That’s Cool!’ It’s the answer to the unknown.”