FRIDAY, OCT. 6 

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

Berkeley Sustainability Summit with presentations on sustainability projects in Berkeley from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Krutch Theater, Clark Kerr Campus, 2601 Warring St. Cost is $25. RSVP to 548-2220 ext. 235. 

Job and Resource Fair from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the garden of the Oakland Museum, 1000 Oak St., Oakland, with presentaions by local companies, workshops and resume clinics, and information on seasonal employment opportunities. www.jobtrain.info 

The Path of Transformation: Heal from Domestic Violence from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Alta Bates Summit Medical Center, Health Education Center, 400 Hawthorne Ave., Oakland. Cost is $25-$50, financial aid and scholarships available. 869-6763. 

City Commons Club Noon Luncheon with a debate between Dennis Kuby and Lisa Fullam on “The Morality of Legalizing Physician Aid in Dying” Luncheon at 11:45 a.m. for $14, speech at 12:30 p.m., at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant St. 526-2925.  

“Can We Spare Some Change?” An art exhibit of paintings by Milton Bowens and kick-off of a recruitment campaign to increase the number of African American bone marrow donors opens at 6 p.m. at the African American Museum & Library, 659 14th St., Oakland. 637-0200. 

“An Inconvenient Truth” Al Gore’s environmental documentary, at 7 p.m. at St. Joseph the Worker Church, 1640 Addison St. Free. 482-1062. 

“An Inconvenient Truth” Al Gore’s environmental documentary, at 7 p.m. at Hillside Community Church, 1422 Navellier St., El Cerrito. 236-4348. 

“An Inconvenient Truth” Al Gore’s environmental documentary, at 6:30 p.m. at 565 Bellevue St., at Perkins, Oakland. 541-3009. 

Friends of the Oakland Library Booksale at The Bookmark Bookstore from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. to Oct. 7 at 721 Washington St. 444-0473. 

Moonrise, Sunset Hike A 3.5 mile nature hike over varied terrain. Meet at 5:30 p.m. at the Big Springs Staging Area, Tilden Park. Bring flashlight, layered clothing, water and a sack dinner. 525-2233. 

Autumn Harvest Festival at Habitot Museum with storytelling and crafts, from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 2065 Kittredge St. 647-1111.  

Mid-Autumn Festival at 1:15 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-5190. 

“Investing in Emerging Markets: China, India, Russia” Conference from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Andersen Auditorium, Haas School of Business, UC Campus. www.haas.berkeley.edu/ 

HaasGlobal/emergingmarketsconference.html 

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

SATURDAY, OCT. 7 

11th Swim a Mile for Women with Cancer Sat. and Sun. from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Mills College, Trefethan Aquatic Center, 5000 MacArthur Boulevard, Oakland. 601-4040, ext. 180. www.wcrc.org/swim/index.htm  

Berkeley Path Wanderers Association leads a free walk exploring Pt. Richmond’s quaint and curious architecture, hillside staircases, and spectacular new waterfront viewpoints. Meet at 10 a.m. at the statue in the triangle bordered by E. Richmond, Park Place, and Washington Avenue. Wear comfortable shoes; dress for all weather; bring water. Optional no-host lunch at local restaurant follows walk. 848-9358. www.berkeleypaths.org 

“Criminal Folly of the Bush Administration: A Casre for Impeachment” with Lewis Lapham, editor emeritus of Harper’s Magazine, in conversation with Harry Kreisler, at 8 p.m. at King Middle School, 1781 Rose St. Tickets are $12-$15. Benefit for KPFA and Global Exchange. 559-9500. 

“The Big Buy: Tom Delay’s Stolen Congress” A documentary by Mark Birnbaum and Jim Schermbeck, 7:30 p.m. at The Oaks Theater, 1875 Solano Ave. 843-3699. 

Solar Richmond Tour of solar installations in Richmond from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Meet at Richmond Main Library, Richmond Civic Center, corner of Macdonald Ave. and Civic Center St. Free, but please register in advance. 758-1267. www.solarrichmond.org  

Autumn Arachnids Learn about the mysteries of the spider, and look for orb weavers, jumping spiders and more, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. 525-2233. 

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. 

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. 

An Evening with Lewis Lapham in conversation with Larry Bensky at 8 p.m. at King Middle School, 1781 Rose St. Benefit for KPFA and Global Exchange. Tickets are $12-$15. 415-255-7296, ext. 244. 

Benefit Bazaar for the Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists Sat. from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sun. from 1:30 to 6 p.m. at 1924 Cedar St., at Bonita. 540-8721. 

Black Panther Party 40th Anniversary with Elbert “Big Man” Howard, from Black Panther Party Minister of Information at 3 p.m. at the Rockridge Branch of the Oakland Public Library, 5366 College Ave. 597-5011. 

East Bay Environmental Training Program on Sat. from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Nov. 11 at the Ecology Center, 2530 San Pablo Ave. Cost is $75-$150 sliding scale. 548-2220, ext. 233. 

“The Overlooked Second Generation: Children and Transnational Families in the Global Economy” with Rhacel Salazar Parreñas Professor of Asian American Studies at UC Davis at 2 p.m. at Berkeley City College, Room 51. 

“Solar Electricity for Educators” A workshop on the global energy situation, the range of solar education projects, and how to address state curriculum standards with these projects, for teachers of grades 4-12. Teachers will receive a $150 stipend, materials, curriculum, and follow-up support. From 8:45 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. at Rising Sun Energy Center, 2033 Center St. 665-1501 ext.13. www.risingsunenergy.org 

“Basic Gardening Techniques Make for Amazing Gardens” Learn about soil preparation, planting techniques, mulching choices and more at 10 a.m. at Magic Gardens, 729 Heinz Ave. 644-2351. 

Introduction to Buddhist Teachings and Meditation with Richard Shankman, co-founder of the Sati Center for Buddhist Studies, at 9 a.m at Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, 1 Lawson Rd., Kensington. Donation $20. To register call 547-0757. 

“Enchantment: The Unique Relationship with the Guru” with Bill Gottlieb at 1 p.m. at the First Unitarian Church of Oakland. RSVP to 415-703-0330. 

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

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

Bilingual Storytime Stories in English and Spanish for toddlers and preschoolers at 10:30 a.m. in the Edith Stone Room at the Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave. 526-3720, ext. 17. 

“In God’s House: Asian American Lesbian & Gay Families in the Church,” A documentary at 7 p.m. at Pacific School of Religion, 1798 Scenic Ave. 849-8260. 

SUNDAY, OCT. 8 

Spice of Life Festival in North Berkeley’s Gourmet Ghetto with food, culinary demonstrations, live music and more from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m on Shattuck Ave. from Virginia to Rose. 

Architecture Tour of the Oakland Museum of California Tour of the building and gardens with architect Kevin Roche and landscape architect Dan Kiley. Meet at 1 p.m. at the koi pond on the first level. www.museumca.org 

A Day of Peace in People’s Park from 12:30 to 5 p.m. with music and speakers on stopping the war in the Middle East, and the war against civil liberties at home.  

Indigenous People’s Day at Habitot Museum. Learn about the native peoples of California with performances and crafts, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 2065 Kittredge St. 647-1111. www.habitot.org 

Desgin Charrette for Halcyon Commons Rejuvenation Project community workshop from 2:30 to 5 p.m. in the park on Halcyon Ct. at Prince St. In case of rain, meet at 3044-A Halcyon Ct. Free. 644-0172. 

“Green Sunday: Why Should Greens Be Interested In the Upcoming KPFA Local Station Board Election?” Speakers and discussion at 5 p.m. at Niebyl-Proctor Library, 6501 Telegraph Ave. at 65th in North Oakland. 

Turtle Time Meet Tilden’s turtles then walk to Jewel Lake to see the wild turtles that live there, from 11 a.m. to noon at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. 525-2233. 

The Joy of Rats Learn about basic guardianship of rats with Bay Area Rat Rescue at 2 p.m. at RabbitEars, 303 Arlington Ave., Kensington. 525-6155. 

Free Sailboat Rides from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Cal Sailing Club in the Berkeley Marina. Bring change of clothes, windbreaker, sneakers. For ages 5 and up. cal-sailing.org  

Free Hands-on Bicycle Clinic Learn how to do a safety inspection from 10 to 11 a.m. at REI, 1338 San Pablo Ave. Bring your bike and tools. 527-4140. 

Pancake Breakfast and Fleet Week Events from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. aboard the Red Oak Victory Ship, in Richmond Harbor. Take the Canal Blvd exit off 580 and follow signs to the ship. Cost is $6, children under 5 free. 237-2933. 

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

“A Generous Life” with Bill Hamilton-Holway at 9:30 a.m at Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, 1 Lawson Rd., Kensington. 525-0302, ext. 306. 

Tibetan Buddhism with Robin Caton on “Living Fully” at 6 p.m. at the Tibetan Nyingma Institute, 1815 Highland Pl. 843-6812.  

MONDAY, OCT. 9 

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

National Organization for Women, Oakland/East Bay Chapter with Dana Spatz, executive director of Lifeline, an advocacy program to boost higher education outcomes among mothers on welfare, at 6 p.m. at the Oakland YWCA, 1515 Webster St. 287-8948. 

World Affairs/Politics Discussion Group for people aged 60 and over meets at 9:45 a.m. at the Albany Senior Center, 846 Masonic Ave. Donation $3. 524-9122. 

Men’s Health Series: Prostate Cancer at 3 p.m. at Elephant Pharmacy, 1607 Shattuck Ave. 549-9200. 

Safety and Self Defense Seminar for Women at 7 p.m. at the JCC, 1414 Walnut St. Donation $5. 848-0237. 

“Osteoporosis: Risk, Detection and Prevention” with Beverly Tracewell at 7 p.m. at the Kensington Library, 61 Arlington Ave. 524-3043. 

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. 

Lead Abatement Repairs Find out about funding for lead hazard repairs for rental properties with low-income tenants or vacant units, from 4 to 6 p.m. at 2000 Embarcadero, #300, Oakland. Sponsored by Alameda County Lead Poisoning Prevention Program. 567-8280. 

TUESDAY, OCT. 10 

Tuesday is for the Birds An early morning walk for birders at Bear Creek Staging Area in Briones. Bring water, sunscreen, binoculars and a snack. This week we will visit. For meeting location or to borrow binoculars, call 525-2233.  

“The World According to Sesame Street” A documentary on the social impact of the Muppets, followed by a panel discussion at 6:30 p.m. at the Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak. 

“Adventuring in Australia” with Eric Armstrong and Sarah Baughn at 7 p.m. at REI, 1338 San Pablo Ave. 527-4140. 

Berkeley High School Governnace Council meets at 6 p.m. in the Community Theater Lobby. 644-4803. 

“The Role of Climate on Water Institutions in the Western Americas” with Justice Greg Hobbs of the Colorado Supreme Court at 5:30 p.m. at Goldman School of Public Policy, Room 250, 2607 Hearst Ave. at LeRoy. 642-2666. 

Batopia Learn the truth about bats with Maggie Hooper and her flying friends at 10 a.m. at the Golden Gate Branch of the Oakland Public Library, 5606 San Pablo Ave. 597-5023. 

Family Storytime at 7 p.m. at the Kensington Library, 61 Arlington Ave. 524-3043. 

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

“Senior Options to Remain in Your Home” A panel discussion at 1:15 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center, 1901 Hearst. 981-5190. 

Handbuilding Ceramics Class from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at St. John’s Senior Center, 2727 College Ave. Free, except for materials and firing charges. 525-5497. 

”Living with Threes and Fours” Informational night for parents at 7 p.m. at Bananas, 5232 Claremont Ave., Oakland. Registration required. 658-7353.  

Albany Library Homework Center is open from 3 to 5 p.m., Tues. and Thurs. for students in third through fifth grades.1247 Marin Ave. 526-3720 ext 17. 

How to Eat Well and Not Wear It at 7 p.m. at Elephant Pharmacy, 1607 Shattuck Ave. 549-9200. 

Sleep Soundly Seminar A free class on how hypnosis can help you sleep at 6:30 p.m. at 378 Jayne Ave., Oakland. To register call 465-2524. 

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

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

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 11  

Walking Tour of Historic Oakland Churches and Temples Meet at 10 a.m. at the front of the First Presbyterian Church at 2619 Broadway. Tour lasts 90 minutes. For reservations call 238-3234. 

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. 

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

“Protect Yourself from Identity Theft” with Timothy Yee, financial advisor at 6 p.m. at the Oakland Public Library, First Floor, 125 14th St. 238-3134. 

Spirited Child Series Learn how temperament affects children’s behavior and how to best live and work with inborn traits at 7 p.m. at Bananas, 5232 Claremont Ave., Oakland. To register call 752-6150. If you need child care, at $5 per child, call 658-7353.  

”Choosing Infant Care” A workshop for new parents at noon at Bananas, 5232 Claremont Ave., Oakland. Registration required. 658-7353.  

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

Current Events Discussion Group meets at 7 p.m. at the Niebyl Proctor Marxist Library, 6501 Telegraph Ave. Oakland. 597-4972. 

New to DVD “The Death of Mr. Lazarescu” Film and discussion at 7 p.m. at the JCC, 1414 Walnut St. 848-0237. 

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

THURSDAY, OCT. 12 

A Creek in Downtown Berkeley? Helen Burke, Kirstin Miller, and Gus Yates discuss costs/benefits to “daylight” Strawberry Creek and close Center St. to traffic between Oxford and Shattuck, at 7:30 p.m. at The Hillside Club, 2286 Cedar St. at Arch. 549-8790. 

“Temescal Legacies: Narratives of Change from a North Oakland Neighborhood” with author Jeff Norman at 7:30 p.m. at Chapel of the Chimes, 4499 Peidmont Ave., Oakland. Donation $8-$10. Sponsored by the Oakland Heritage Alliance. 763-9218. www.oaklandheritage.org 

Environmental Film Series “The Future of Food” on genetically engineered foods, at 7 p.m. at the Ecology Center, 2530 San Pablo Ave. 548-2220, ext. 233. 

“The Anza Trail and the Settling of California” with Vladimir Guerrero at 1 p.m. at the Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak, Oakland. Cost is $5-$8. 238-2200.  

“Oil and Global Warming Today: Voices from the Front Lines” with Ben Namakin, an environmental educator with the Conservation Society of Pohnpei, at 6 p.m. at the Free Speech Movement Cafe, UC Campus. 643-6445. 

An Evening with Margo Okazawa-Rey, feminist anti-militarist and scholar at 7 p.m. at Tehilla Synagogue, 1300 Grand Avenue, Piedmont. Donation $5. Sponsored by Bay Area Women in Black and the Women of Color Resource Center. info@bayareawomeninblack.org 

WriterCoach Connection seeks volunteers to help students improve their writing and critical thinking skills. Training session from noon to 3 p.m. 524-2319. 

Safety and Self Defense Seminar for Women at 1 p.m. at the JCC, 1414 Walnut St. Donation $5. 848-0237. 

Veterans Reflecting on War and Peace with Maxine Hong Kingston and war veterans at 7:30 p.m. at the JCC, 1414 Walnut St. Donation $5. 848-0237. 

Poetry Workshop with Donna Davis from 9 to noon at Jewish Community Center, 1414 Walnut St. An ongoing class offered by Berkeley Adult School.  

CITY MEETINGS 

City Council meets Tues., Oct. 10, at 7 p.m in City Council Chambers. 981-6900.  

Youth Commission meets Mon., Oct. 10, at 6:30 p.m., at 1730 Oregon St. 981-6670.  

Commission on Disability meets Wed., Oct. 11, at 6:30 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Don Brown, 981-6346. TDD: 981-6345.  

Homeless Commission meets Wed., Oct. 11, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Jane Micallef, 981-5426.  

Planning Commission meets Wed., Oct. 11, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. J981-7484.  

Waterfront Commission meets Wed., Oct. 11, at 7 p.m., at 201 University Ave. 981-6740.  

Community Health Commission meets Thurs., Oct. 12, at 6:45 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-5356.  

Transportation Commission meets Thurs., Oct. 12, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-7010.  

Zoning Adjustments Board meets Thurs., Oct. 12, at 7 p.m., in City Council Chambers. Mark Rhoades, 981-7410.  

FRIDAY, OCT. 6 

THEATER 

Berkeley Rep “Mother Courage” at 8 p.m. at the Roda Theater, 2025 Addison St., through Oct. 22. 647-2949. www.berkeleyrep.org 

California Shakespeare Theater “As You Like It” at the Bruns Amphitheater, 100 Gateway Blvd., Orinda. Tues.-Thurs., 7:30 p.m., Fri.-Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 4 p.m. through Oct. 15. Tickets are $15 and up. 548-9666. www.calshakes.org 

Contra Costa Civic Theater, “The Orchid Sandwich” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2 p.m. through Oct. 21. at 951 Pomona Ave. El Cerrito. Tickets are $11-$18. 524-9132. www.ccct.org 

Impact Theatre “Colorado” A dark comedy about celebrity worship, Thurs.-Sat. at 8 p.m. at La Val’s Subterranean, 1834 Euclid Ave. Tickets are $10-$15. Runs through Oct. 28. 464-4468. www.impacttheatre.com 

Masquer’s Playhouse “A Walk in the Woods” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2:30 p.m. at 105 Park Place, Point Richmond. Tickets are $10. 232-4031. www.masquers.org  

Shakespeare in the Yard “Mack, A Gangsta’s Tale” WordSlanger's version of Macbeth, Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 4 p.m. at Sister Thea, an outdoor theater at 920 Peralta St Oakland. Tickets are $5-$20. 208-6551. 

Shotgun Players “Love is a Dream House in Lorin” by Marcus Gardley, inspired by true stories of Berkeley’s historic Lorin District, Thurs.-Sun. at 8 p.m. at the Ashby Stage, 1901 Ashby Ave., through Nov. 5. Sliding scale $15-$30. 841-6500. www.shotgunplayers.org 

UC Dept. of Theater “Suburban Motel” six plays by George Walker at Zellerbach Playhouse, UC Campus, through Nov. 19. Tickets are $8-$14. For schedule see http://theater.berkeley.edu 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Whitework Embroidery” Opening reception at 6 p.m. at Lacis Museum of Lace and Textiles, 2982 Adeline St. Runs through Feb. 5. Hours are Mon.-Sat. noon to 6 p.m. Free. lacismuseum.org 

“The Secrets of Ousiders” Mixed media paintings by Diego Rios, oil paintings by Bernadette Vergara Sale and acrylic paintings by Liz Amini-Holmes. Reception at 5 p.m. at the Estaban Sabar Gallery, 480 23rd St. at Telegraph, Oakland. Runs through Nov. 1. 444-7411. www.estebansabar.com 

“Quilombo” Youth Graffiti Exhibition opens at Uhuru House, 7911 MacArthur Blvd., Oakland, at 7 p.m. Includes music, breaking cyphers and Capoeira rodas. www.weekendwakeup.com 

New Work by Travis Browne, Jerry Chang, Nat Chua, Michael Eli, Jose Guinto, and Ajene Zapp Moss. Reception at 7 p.m. at Boontling Gallery, 4224 Telegraph Ave., Oakland. 295-8881. 

FILM 

Berkeley Film and Video Festival at the Oaks Theater, 1875 Solano Ave., through Oct. 8. Three day pass is $20-$25. http://berkeleyvideofilmfest.org  

Discovering Syrian Cinema “The Dream” at 7 p.m. and “The Night” at 9:15 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808.  

READINGS AND LECTURES 

James Fallows describes “Blind into Baghdad: America’s War in Iraq” at 7 p.m. at Cody’s Books on Fourth St. 559-9500. 

Robert Olen Butler reads from “Severance” fictional monologues, at 7:30 p.m. at Black Oak Books. 486-0698.  

Aya de Leon and “Generation Five” spoken word at 8 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $12. 849-2568.  

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Falso Baiano Trio, Brazilian jazz choral group, at 8 p.m., at the Hillside Club, 2286 Cedar St. Cost is $15. 845-1350.  

Linda Rose Stonestreet, Tricia Godwin, and Irina Rivkin at 8 p.m. at Rose Street House of Music, 1839 Rose St. Donation $5-$20 sliding scale. To RSVP call 594-4000 ext. 687.  

Free Jazz Fridays with Damon Smith, Spirit, drums, and Jon Raskin, saxophone, at 8 p.m. at 1510 8th St., Oakland. sfjazzmusic@yahoo.com 

Oakland Arts Clash, music, dance and visual arts by local Oakland artists at 7 p.m. at Malonga Casquelourd Center Theater, 1428 Alice St., Oakland. All proceeds will benefit youth dance programs in Oakland. 

Terracotta Warriors, Chinese dance, music, martial arts and acrobatics at 2 and 8 p.m. at Paramount Theatre of the Arts, 2025 Broadway, Oakland, through Oct. 8. Tickets are $45-$95. 625-8497. 

Oakland Opera “Les Enfants Terribles” Fri. - Sun. at 8 p.m. at Oakland Metro Opera House, 201 Broadway, through Oct. 22. Tickets are $32-$36. www.oaklandopera.org 

On the Last Day, Karate High School, Four Letter Lie at 9 p.m. at Blakes on Telegraph. Cost is $10. 848-0886. www.blakesontelegraph.com 

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

The Flux, Baba Ken & Afro-Groove ConneXion at 9:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz Cost is $10-$12. 525-5054.  

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

Bobbe Norris & the Larry Dunlop Trio at 9 p.m. at Downtown. 649-3810.  

Jessie Turner and Megan McLaughlin at 7:30 p.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344. www.nomadcafe.net 

The Hellouts, Huckleberry Flint, Dave Hanley Band, Barefoot Nellies at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $10. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com 

Decry, Retching Red, Z.B.S. at 8 p.m. at 924 Gilman St., an all-ages, member-run, no alcohol, no drugs, no violence club. Cost is $5. 525-9926. 

Dave Ellis & Zoe Ellis at 8 p.m. at Shattuck Down Low, 2284 Shattuck Ave. Cost is $5. 548-1159.  

Seventeen Evergreen, Minmae, Pants Pants Pants at 9 p.m. at the Uptown Nightclub, 1928 Telegraph, Oakland. Cost is $5. 451-8100. www.uptownnightclub.com 

Bitches Brew at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 848-8277. 

Maraca and The New Collective 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, OCT. 7 

CHILDREN  

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

Dashka Slater tells stories from “Firefighters in the Dark” at 4 p.m. at Cody’s Books on Fourth St. 559-9500. 

THEATER 

“Meet Julia Morgan” A one-woman show performed by Betty Marvin at 2 p.m. at the Lakeview Branch of the Oakland Public Library, 550 El Embarcadero. 238-7344. 

EXHIBITIONS 

Past/Present/Future One year anniversary of the Living Room Art Gallery. Music by Antarctica Takes It, Social Studies and The Pets at 8 p.m. at 3230 Adeline St. 601-5774.  

“Can We Spare Some Change?” An art exhibit of paintings by Milton Bowens and kick-off of a recruitment campaign to increase the number of African American bone marrow donors opens at 6 p.m. at the African American Museum & Library, 659 14th St., Oakland. 637-0200. 

20th Annual Emeryville Art Exhibition from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 5630 Bay St., through Oct. 29. Free. 652-6122. www.EmeryArts.org 

FILM 

Ousmane Sembéne “Black Girl” at 6:30 p.m. and “Mandabi” at 8:15 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

Berkeley Film and Video Festival at the Oaks Theater, 1875 Solano Ave., through Oct. 8. Three day pass is $20-$25. http://berkeleyvideofilmfest.org  

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Bay Area Poets Coalition open reading, from 3 to 5 p.m., at Strawberry Creek Lodge, dining hall, 1320 Addison St. Park on the street. Free. 527-9905. poetalk@aol.com.  

Lewis Lapham, editor emeritus of Harper’s Magazine, in conversation with Harry Kreisler, at 8 p.m. at King Middle School, 1781 Rose St. Tickets are $12-$15. Benefit for KPFA and Global Exchange. 559-9500. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Four Seasons Concerts, with Leon Bates, piano, at 7:30 p.m. at Regents Theater, Holy Names University, Oakland. For tickets call 601-7919. 

Oju Eegun, Afro-Cuban ritual, music, song and dance at 8 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $15-$18. 849-2568.  

Callaloo Steel Drum Band with Jeff Narell at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $12. 841-JAZZ.  

The Zydeco Flames at 9:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cajun dance lesson at 8 p.m. Cost is $11-$13. 525-5054.  

Sotaque Baiano, Brazilian music, at 8 p.m. at Shattuck Down Low, 2284 Shattuck Ave. Cost is $10. 548-1159.  

John Craigie and Kurt Huget at 7:30 p.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344.  

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

Sitting Duck at 9 p.m. at Blakes on Telegraph. Cost is $10. 848-0886. 

Dayna Stephens Quintet at 8 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $12-$15. 845-5373.  

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

Jazz Fourtet at 9:30 p.m. at Albatross, 1822 San Pablo Ave. Cost is $3. 843-2473.  

Shiloh, hip hop, at 8 p.m. at Spuds Pizza, 3290 Adeline St. Cost is $7-$10. 558-0881. 

Two Ton Boa, The Thrones, Year Long Disaster at 8 p.m. at the Uptown Nightclub, 1928 Telegraph, Oakland. Cost is $10. 451-8100. 

Tippy Canoe, Naked Barbies Dandeline at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $8. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com 

The Jim Dangles at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 848-8277. 

Love Equals Death, Lucky Stiffs, Sugar Eater at 8 p.m. at 924 Gilman St. Cost is $5. 525-9926. 

SUNDAY, OCT. 8 

CHILDREN 

“Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good Very Bad Day” at 2 p.m., and Mon. at 2 p.m. at Julia Morgan Theater, 2640 College Ave. Tickets are $10-$18. 925-798-1300. 

Derek Anderson on friendship in the forest at 4 p.m. at Cody’s Books on Fourth St. 559-9500. 

EXHIBITIONS 

Photo Exhibit of Foster Children and Youth sponsored by the Bay Area Heart Gallery on display at the Berkeley Public Library central lobby, 2090 Kittredge St. and Downtown Berkeley YMCA, 2001 Allston Way, through Oct. 31. www.bayareaheartgallery.com 

Works by Paul Veres opens at 2 p.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344.  

THEATER 

“Shorts ‘N Champagne” eight short comedies from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Gaia Bldg., 2120 Allston Way. Tickets are $35. 704-8855. 

FILM 

The Mechanical Age “Steel Beast” at 3:30 p.m. and “La bete humaine” at 5:30 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Architecture Tour of the Oakland Museum of California Tour of the building and gardens with architect Kevin Roche and landscape architect Dan Kiley. Meet at 1 p.m. at the koi pond on the first level. www.museumca.org 

Salim Lamrani on “Superpower Principles” at 5 p.m. at Casa Cuba Resource Center, 6501 Telegraph Ave. Oakland. 219-0092. 

Poetry Flash with Robin Ekiss and Thomas Heise at 7:30 p.m. at Black Oak Books. 486-0698.  

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Gospel On High from 2 to 6 p.m. at Woodminster Amphitheater, 3300 Joaquin Miller Rd., Oakland. 238-3052.  

Prometheus Symphony Orchestra performs Rimsky Korsakov’s Le Coq d’Or suite and Dvorak’s Symphony #9 at 8 p.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 116 Montecito St., Oakland. Free, donations requested. 

Maxim Vengerov, violin, at 3 p.m. at Zellerbach Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $36-$68. 642-9988. www.calperfs.berkeley.edu 

Charles Hamilton Band at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $12. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

The Venezuelan Music Project with Aquiles Baez & Gonzalo Teppa at 6 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $12-$15. 849-2568.  

Wayne Wallace at 4:30 and 6:30 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $25. 845-5373.  

Pine Leaf Boys, Cajun, Zydeco at 8:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Dance lesson at 8 p.m. Cost is $10. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

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

Americana Unlpugged: The Shots at 5 p.m. at Jupiter. 848-8277. 

7 Generations, Eye of Judgement, Gather, Time for Change at 5 p.m. at 924 Gilman St., an all-ages, member-run, no alcohol, no drugs, no violence club. Cost is $7. 525-9926. 

MONDAY, OCT. 9 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Matthea Harvey and Cort Day, poets, read at 7:30 p.m. at Pegasus Books Downtown, 2349 Shattuck Ave. 649-1320. 

Steven Vincent and Charles Faulhaber introduce “Exploring the Bancroft Library: The Centennial Guide to Its Extraordinary History, Spectacular Special Collections, Research Pleasures, Its Amazing Future & How it All Works” at 7:30 p.m. at Black Oak Books. 486-0698. www.blackoakbooks.com 

Poetry Express with Terry McCarty from Los Angeles at 7 p.m., at Priya Restaurant, 2072 San Pablo Ave. berkeleypoetryexpress@yahoo.com 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Blue Monday Jam at 8 p.m. at the Uptown Nightclub, 1928 Telegraph, Oakland. Cost is $5. 451-8100. www.uptownnightclub.com 

Khalil Shaheed, all ages jam, at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $5. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

Tomasz Stanko Quartet at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $10-$14. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

TUESDAY, OCT. 10 

FILM 

Alternative Visions “Warhol Screen Tests” at 7:30 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

“Framing the Struggle: The Black Panther Party in Black and White” with photographers Stepehn Shames, Jeffrey Blankfort and Ilka Hartman at 6 p.m. at Oakland Public Library, West Auditorium, 125 14th St. 238-3134. 

Bart Ehrman describes “In the Lost Gospel of Judas Iscariot: A New Look at Betrayer and Betrayed” at 7:30 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Berkeley, 2345 Channing Way at Dana. Suggested donation $10. 559-9500. 

Michael Parenti and Salim Lamrani talks about “Superpower Principles: U.S. Terrorism Against Cuba” at 7:30 p.m. at Black Oak Books. 486-0698. www.blackoakbooks.com 

Barry Lopez describes, “Home Ground: Language for an American Landscape” at 7 p.m. at Cody’s Books on Fourth St. 559-9500. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Huun Huur Tu, Tuvan Throat Singers, at 8 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $15. 525-5054.  

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

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

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

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

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 11 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Laughing Bones/Weeping Hearts” An exhibition for Dias de los Muertos opens at the Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak, Oakland. Cost is $5-$8. 238-2200. www.museumca.org 

THEATER 

“The Secret Circus” Wed. and Thurs. at 8 p.m. at The Marsh Berkeley, 2120 Allston Way, through Oct. 19. Cost is $10-$20 sliding scale. 800-838-3006. www.themarsh.org  

FILM 

Pirates and Piracy “Madame X, An Absolute Ruler” at 3 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Sylvan Brackett and Sue Moore discuss “The Slow Food Guide to the San Francisco Bay Area” at 7:30 p.m. at Black Oak Books. 486-0698.  

Alisa Valdes-Rodriguez talks about “Haters” at 7 p.m. at Cody’s Books on Fourth St. 559-9500. 

Cafe Poetry with host Kira Allen at 7:30 p.m. at La Peña, 3105 Shattck Ave..Donation suggested. 849-2568. 

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 

Vagabond Opera, Bohemian cabaret, at 8 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $10-$12. 849-2568.  

Wednesday Noon Concert, with Gabriel Trop, cello, Jim Prell, piano, Jessica Ling, violin, Inning Chen, piano at Hertz Hall, UC Campus. Free. 642-4864. http://music.berkeley.edu 

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

Eddie Fitzroy, Dennis De Menace at 9:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. 525-5054.  

Orquestra Liberacion 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.  

Taarka, gypsy jazz, at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 848-8277. 

Hippe Granade at 9:30 p.m. at Blakes on Telegraph. Cost is $8. 848-0886.  

Hijack the Disco, Head Like a Kite, Elephone, indie rock, at 8:30 p.m. at the Uptown Nightclub, 1928 Telegraph, Oakland. Cost is $8. 451-8100. 

The Connie Doolan Quartet at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $17.50-$18.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

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

THURSDAY, OCT. 12 

FILM 

Discovering Syrian Cinema: Three by Omar Amiralay at 7:30 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

“Dramatic Results: The Role of Regional Theater” with Tony Taccone, Jonathon Moscone, and Brad Erickson at 7:30 p.m. at The College Preparatory School, 6100 Broadway, Oakland. Tickets are $12.50 in advance, $15 at the door. 652-011. www.college-prep.org/livetalk  

Maxine Hong Kingston and veterans of the Vietnam and Iraq wars present “Veterans of War, Veterans of Peace” at 7:30 p.m. at the JCC, 1414 Walnut St.. 486-0698. www.blackoakbooks.com 

Jeff Norman describes “Temescal Legacies: Narratives of Change from a North Oakland Neighborhood” at 7:30 p.m. at Chapel of the Chimes, 4499 Piedmont Ave., Oakland. Tickets are $8-$10. Sponsored by Oakland Heritage. 763-9218. 

George Katsiaficas on “Victories and Defeats: Autonomous Movements in South Korea” at 7:30 p.m. at AK Press Warehouse, 674-A 23rd St., Oakland. 208-1700. 

Cathy Davidson on “36 Views of Mount Fuji: On Finding Myself in Japan” at 7 p.m. at Cody’s Books on Fourth St. 559-9500. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Mac Martin & the California Travelers at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $17.50-$18.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

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

Ray Brown 80th Birthday Salute with Marlena Shaw, Benny Green, John Clayton and Jeff Hamilton at 8 and 10 p.m., through Sun. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $12-$24. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

Harvey Cartel, Shaken, Dig Jelly at 8:30 p.m. at the Uptown Nightclub, 1928 Telegraph, Oakland. Cost is $5. 451-8100. www.uptownnightclub.com 

Selector: Black Edgars Musicbox at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 848-8277. 

Showtime @ 11 Hip Hop at 10 p.m. at the Golden Bull, 412 14th St. at Broadway, Oakland. 893-0803. 

The late Arthur Miller’s last play, The Ride Down Mt. Morgan, a kind of stereoscopic screwball marital comedy, just opened at the San Francisco Playhouse, a block off Union Square, with the fine direction of Berkeleyan Joy Carlin. 

It poses a question: do parallel lives intersect for a bigamist in eternity? 

Miller’s earlier, more famous masterpieces don’t usually strike a theatergoer as comic. As the best-known postwar American playwright who spotlighted social issues on stage, his explorations into the downside of the American Dream—All My Sons, Death of a Salesman, A View from the Bridge, The Crucible—pitted the Normal Guy ironically against both the upshot of his own dreams and the society that promoted his dreaming them. 

But the apparent seamlessness of the plain, sensible fabric that Miller spun out into his socially conscious tales has been rent a little by recent exploration as memorial productions have sprouted up in the wake of the playwright’s death last year. Death of a Salesman, in an unusual production at Altarena Playhouse earlier this year, showed a humorous side to the dysfunctional family saga, as well as the lyricism Miller spoke of which rarely finds form on stage. 

And Joy Carlin’s excellently directed version of The Price for Aurora last year brought out what Miller referred to as his response to Absurdist humor, syncopating the story of two antagonistic brothers who’ve taken different paths in life, as well as different attitudes towards their father, a failed businessman.  

The protagonist of The Ride Down Mt. Morgan, Lyman Felt (a funny allegorical name at that), is like an escapee from the asylum of Miller’s middle-aging businessman types. A successful insurance salesman, proud of building a company on what we’d now call Equal Opportunity (an achievement which he explains to a black nurse from his hospital bed), has taken an unexpected drive through a snowstorm in upstate New York, landing himself in intensive care after a wreck, where he’s visited by his two wives, each unaware of the other’s existence ... or at least current status. 

There’s evidence—shades of Willy Loman—that Lyman, who in his “second marriage” has become a risk-taker, removed a police barrier before taking his fated drive down the mountain. Was it an unconscious wish for suicide, brought on by shame at the deception he’s wrought? So Tom, his Quaker lawyer and longtime associate would like to think. 

But Lyman remains recalcitrant, perversely shameless throughout as he confronts wives, a daughter (by the first wife), lawyer—and, yes, the nurse—insisting that what he did enabled nine years of happiness for them all. Why are they condemning him?  

In a swift progression of scenes on Bill English’s set, Lyman phases in and out of memory, dream and reality, often getting up from his bed as his interlocutors address a vacant pillow, both playing possum and confronting his questioners, as he goes over the vignettes of his life, including a wry African safari in which Lyman faces down a charging lion by kvetching defiantly at him, if the King of Beasts personifies what Lyman most resents, what challenges his freedom. 

Carlin’s stellar direction is matched by the casting: Lyman’s played with a wide-eyed leer at life by actor and playwright Victor Talmadge. His “trophy wife,” Theo Felt, a formerly pious, correct New Englander, is brilliantly delineated as she comes apart into her constituent elements by Karen Grassle, familiar from TV’s “Little House On The Prairie,” but also as a veteran of San Francisco’s fabled Actor’s Workshop. 

The “second wife,” Leah is played with spunk by a familiar figure on Bay Area stages (and the director’s talented daughter), Nancy Carlin. Keith Burkhardt presents a forthright, scrupulously ethical Tom, whether behind a desk or down on his knees in prayer—a marvelous straightman. Kristen Stokes as daughter Bessie runs a deliciously comic gamut from Daddy’s Girl to disappointed (and angry) ingenue. 

Marjorie Crump-Shears seems a natural for Nurse Logan, the most natural of the bunch, whose straightforward, blue collar family life Lyman valorizes ecstatically, flat on his back and shaking his head at the thought of it. 

“Why does anyone stay together once they realize who they’re with?” she asks. 

For producing Joy Carlin’s deft realization of a problem play gone a little wild ( Miller’s “old man’s tale,” as he regards his characters with kind detachment, as though they were in a terrarium), Bill English and Susi Damilano of the SF Playhouse deserve enormous credit. This is a final piece by an important playwright who even now still displays new facets of his multiplex vision of American life. 

THE RIDE DOWN MT. MORGAN 

Through Nov. 4 at the San Francisco Playhouse, 588 Sutter St. (near Powell Street). $36. (415) 677-9596. www.sfplayhouse.org.

The Berkeley Video and Film Festival makes its annual appearance this weekend, starting today (Friday) and running through Sunday evening at the Oaks Theater on Solano Avenue in Berkeley. This year’s program features more than 50 works, from brief clips by budding filmmakers, running just a few minutes in length, to full-length features by established directors.  

Festival Director Mel Vapour says this is their best and biggest yet. The festival has expanded over the years to include films from beyond the East Bay, and perhaps the most notable national product in this year’s program is The Big Buy, directed by Mark Birnbaum and Jim Schermbeck and produced by Robert Greenwald, who also produced last year’s Wal-Mart: The High Price of Low Cost. The Big Buy tracks the spectacular rise and fall of former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, from his early days as an apparent no-count in the Texas legislature to his ascent to national power as Newt Gingrich’s right-hand man, to his successful—and illegal—battle to gerrymander the Texas redistricting process, a move which helped send George W. Bush to the White House.  

If you’ve been following the news, you know the rest of the story. But what The Big Buy adds to the tale is the behind-the-scenes machinations of the investigation into DeLay’s organization. Along the way, we hear from the usual suspects when it comes to commentary on all things Texas: Molly Ivins, Jim Hightower, etc., names sure to find a welcoming audience in Berkeley. The Saturday evening screening will be followed by a question-and-answer session with Birnbaum. 

Other films in the festival have roots a little closer to home. Festival Director Vapour has watched director Hoku Uchiyama grow up, from a young, talented kid who took part in youth programs at Vapour’s East Bay Media Center to a film school graduate and accomplished filmmaker. Uchiyama’s 34-minute film Rose is an engaging short subject with a compelling story and evocative photography. In the film’s first few minutes, Uchiyama clearly and effectively delineates his characters with a series of shots of the young protagonist and just a few lines of dialogue, drawing the viewer immediately into young Travis’ world and setting the stage for a tale that seamlessly blends the mystic with the mundane. The compositions, camera movements and polished style demonstrate the young director’s confidence and control over his craft. 

Two other films concern Berkeley itself. Double-Spaced: A Berkeley Comedy has that “Hey everybody, let’s make a movie!” feel to it. The movie is about students and feels like it was made by students as well, almost as a lark. It features plenty of shots of the city, from downtown to Telegraph Avenue, and of course plenty of shots of the UC campus. It even contains a brief shot of the student protagonist reading this very newspaper, but before you have a second to ponder this stark breach of realism, a close-up reveals that he is fact reading the comics page.  

It’s an amateurish film that wears on its sleeve its aspirations toward Wes Anderson-style preciousness, with a wayward protagonist caught up in a loony bit of intrigue, a soundtrack consisting of light, catchy pop songs, and an optimistic ending meant to reinforce the humanity of all involved. It has an awkward feel to it, and most of its punchlines are oversold. But then there’s Meghan Kane, an actress who, in just two scenes totaling probably just 60 seconds of screen time, steals the show with a hilarious and uncanny depiction of a student many will recognize: the glib, patronizing, utterly self-satisfied graduate student, so taken with her own fabulousness that she must focus her every word and gesture on the never-ending effort to make all around her aware of their comparative lack of fabulousness. It’s just a few seconds, but it’s worth the price of admission.  

Another film takes on the Berkeley theme as well, this one with slightly higher aspirations and budget. Berkeley concerns a young man who comes to town as a freshman in the late ’60s and has his life transformed by what he finds. The film stars Nick Roth as the student and Henry Winkler as his father. The film attempts to capture the experience of Berkeley during the Vietnam War era, but doesn’t quite pull it off. For many viewers the film will probably be a moving evocation of the experience; for others, it may seem to merely trivialize it. The Saturday night screening will be followed by a question-and-answer session with director Bobby Roth.  

These examples only hint at the breadth of the festival’s offerings. For a complete schedule see www.berkeleyvideofilmfest.org. Day passes for the festival are just $12.  

BERKELEY VIDEO  

AND FILM FESTIVAL 

Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the Oaks Theater, 1875 Solano Ave., Berkeley.  

www.berkeleyvideofilmfest.org. 

Photograph: Kathryn Robinson as Rose and Phillip Rogers as Travis in Rose, a short film by Hoku Uchiyama.

Often the most compelling dramas are not found in novels or Hollywood movies, but in everyday life. This is the charm and allure of The Up Series, an extraordinary documentary film project now in its fifth decade. 

Begun in 1964 as a program for England’s Granada Television, the first film in the series, 7 Up, featured interviews with a group of 7-year-old children in an effort to catch “a glimpse of England in the year 2000.”  

Michael Apted worked as a researcher on the first program and, with the second program, 7 Plus 7, broadcast in 1971, he took over the project, directing another film every seven years to follow up on the lives of the original 14 participants. The latest film in the series, 49 Up, opens today (Friday) at Shattuck Cinemas in Berkeley. 

The project was begun all those years ago with very definite ideas in mind. The children were selected from various strata of English society with the intent of showing how one’s background may determine one’s future. “Give me the child until he is 7 and I will give you the man,” the narrator intones, and far more often than necessary. 

The premise may have been a bit contrived—even the 14-year-olds ridicule it for its simplistic approach in 7 Plus 7—and often it seems that Apted is far too determined to make the subsequent films conform to the expectations of the first. It might have helped to have had a sociologist involved with the formulation of the questions in order to give them a little more weight and validity; and perhaps someone with a background in therapy or counseling could have posed the questions in place of the director, someone with a better sense of how to communicate with people, to demonstrate the necessary curiosity and compassion. For Apted is often incapable of keeping the questions neutral or of phrasing his queries in such a way as to invite discussion. There are moments where his clumsy comments reveal as much about his own perceptions as those of the participants. In 7 Plus 7 he asks a trio of 14-year-old girls if they worry about the “danger” of finding themselves married and homebound with children when they’re in their early 20s. In 28 Up he asks a man if he’s worried about his sanity, and seven years later, when the man is 35 and still struggling to find his way in life, Apted asks if he has given up, to which the man snaps back “My life’s not over yet!”  

Perhaps this is a deliberate technique on Apted’s part, but if so it sometimes comes across as insensitive and rude, even if it now and then produces a valuable insight. At other times Apted seems too intent on validating the project’s original premises, attempting to draw definitive cause-and-effect links between the circumstances of childhood and adulthood. In effect, Apted, though he keeps himself off-camera, becomes a character in the drama, his leading questions often belying his own prejudices and preconceived notions. 

But these are minor flaws. Taken as a whole, the series is probably among the greatest documentaries ever made. And yes, there is much truth and value to the film’s premises, and to its aspirations toward sociological significance, and often its hypotheses are validated as children who seemed destined for a particular line of work or station in life indeed end up fulfilling those expectations. But the series is full of surprises, and overall it works best as simple human drama: Shamelessly cute 7-year-olds grow into awkward, gangly 14-year olds; budding, passionate adults of 21 become 28-year-olds settling into careers and families. The participants are honest, intelligent and interesting and their stories invite compassion; we take pleasure in their triumphs, we shed tears for their tragedies. We see them face rejection, take on new jobs and careers, search for love and companionship; we see them start families, raise children, and deal with the deaths of their own parents; we see them struggle to maintain marriages and face the setbacks of divorce; we see plans laid and hopes dashed, and then we see them rise again to rebuild their lives.  

The project itself has been something of a mixed blessing for its participants. One man even describes it as a bit of poison he is forced to swallow every seven years. Some opt out of later films, sometimes to return later, sometimes not. We don’t get the impression that any of them are participating in the project for the pleasure of being on television or on the big screen; they seem to participate out of a sense of duty, and not to the filmmakers, but rather to their fellow Englishmen. For even when they question the value of the project, they seem to evince a knowledge that their stories may in some way shed light for others on worthwhile issues.  

All the films leading up to 49 Up are available on DVD from First Run Features (www.firstrunfeatures.com). But you don’t necessarily need to have seen every film to appreciate the drama of the later productions. Each film features plenty of footage from the previous films to at least present the arc of each life. 

It must have been a wonderful experience for the original audiences to see this series begin and watch as these lives unfurled over the decades, to have grown up with these men and women and checked in with them every seven years. Undoubtedly many have found kinship with these 14 people as they have made their way through life. But to see the entire series, in sequence and all at once, is a revelation; full and rich human lives unfold in one film after another, the participants aging 40 years in just a few days’ time. The haughty are humbled, the meek gain confidence, the lost become found, the pampered lose everything. These are true human dramas, moving and fascinating, and unfolding in real time. 

49 UP 

Directed by Michael Apted. XXXX minutes. Playing at Shattuck Cinemas. 

THE UP SERIES 

Six Films by Granada Television and Michael Apted. $64.97. www.firstrunfeatures.com. 

Photograph Courtesy First Run Features 

Tony, a London taxi driver, is one of 14 participants in 49 Up, the latest in the long-running documentary project known as The Up Series.

The Jazz House, formerly on Adeline, will present a bi-weekly “Free-Jazz” series on the first and third Fridays of the month, starting at 8 p. m. tonight (Friday), at 1510 Eighth St. in Oakland, a block from the West Oakland BART station. 

The series features bassist Damon Smith, the founder of record label Balance Point Acoustics, leading a trio with East Bay drummer Spirit, and saxophonist Jon Raskin, the ‘R’ in Rova Saxophone Quartet. Admission is on a sliding scale, $5-15. 

The performance space was created by East Bay pianist Scott Looney, “an experimentalist, but not so much jazz,” said Jazz House founder Rob Woodworth. “He called me and asked, ‘any ideas?’ I chose free-jazz because I like it, it’s an emotional music—and there’s nothing much for it in the Bay Area right now.” 

The coming shows demonstrate its considerable width and breadth as an improvisational art taking off from traditional jazz: Oct. 20 features saxophonist Howard Wiley, familiar to Berkeley jazz listeners, in a collaboration with dancer Laurie Buenafe Krsmanovich, recently returned to the Bay Area, followed by a show by Nathan Clevenger Quintet on Nov. 3, and V-Neck, a duo of Sacramento guitarist Ross Hammond with drummer Tom Monson on Nov. 17. 

Clevenger, from New York, debuted at The Jazz House late last year, when it was still on Adeline Street near MLK. Shortly after, Woodworth lost his lease for the nonprofit’s home, and has been producing single shows and short-lived series in Berkeley and around the bay ever since. 

FREE-JAZZ 

Every third Friday at the Jazz House, 1510 Eighth St., Oakland. (415) 846-9432. www.thejazzhouse.com.