FRIDAY, NOV. 3 

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 

Zen and the Art of Mushroom Hunting at 7:30 p.m. at Live Oak Recreation Center, 1301 Shattuck Ave. Field trip on Sun. Nov. 5 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sponsored by the Golden Gate Audubon Society. Cost for lecture and trip is $30-$40. To register call 843-2222.  

Climate Change Fair featuring screenings of “An Inconvenient Truth” at 7 and 9:15 p.m. at Wheeler Auditorium, UC Campus. 415-559-9500.  

City Commons Club Noon Luncheon with Mary Breunig on “News from the Castle.” Luncheon at 11:45 a.m. for $14, speech at 12:30 p.m., at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant St. 526-2925.  

“Resisting Militarism” with speakers Carlos Mauricio, torture survivor, and Elizabeth Stinson, draft resistance organizer at 7 p.m. at St. Joseph the Worker Church, 1640 Addison. Benefit for School of the Americas Watch. Suggested donation $15. 504-7522. 

Screening of “Iraq for Sale” A Robert Greenwald documentary at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Community Media, Studio A, 2239 Martin Luther King Jr. Way. Free. 848-2288. 

Movies that Matter “Bowling for Columbine” at 6:30 p.m. at Neumayer Residence, 565 Bellevue St. at Perkins, Oakland. 451-3009.  

“Outfoxed: Rupert Murdoch’s War on Journalism” at 7:30 p.m. at Humanist Hall, 390 27th St., between Broadway and Telegraph, Oakland. Cost is $5. 

Red Cross Blood Drive from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Children’s Hospital Outpatient Center Basement, 747 52nd St., Oakland. To schedule an appointment call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE. 

SATURDAY, NOV. 4 

Animals on the Move A short walk for the entire family to learn the locomotion and migration patterns of Park residents at 2 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. 

“Bay-Friendly Gardening to Manage Pests Naturally” A workshop to learn about least-toxic methods for managing common garden pests, such as snails, slugs, aphids and yellow jackets, from 9 a.m. to noon at El Cerrito Community Center, 7007 Moeser, El Cerrito. 665-3546.  

“Natives Across the Americas” with performances by Medicine Warriors Dance Troupe, All Nations Singers and others, information and exhibits from noon to 5 p.m. in the West Auditorium, of the Oakland Public Library, at 125 14th St. 482-7844. www.oaklandlibrary.org 

“Solar Thermal and 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. 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 

Sick Plant Clinic Dr. Robert Raabe, UC plant pathologist, and Dr. Nick Mills, UC entomologist will diagnose plant illnesses and recommend remedies. Bring a piece of the plant in a securely sealed container. From 9 a.m. to noon at UC Botanical Garden, 200 Centennial Dr. 643-2755. 

“Partnership Not Dominance” Workshop by international mediator and peace researcher Johan GALTUNG with Barbara Becnel from 1:30 to 6 p.m. at Neighborhood House of North Richmond 820 23rd St., Richmond. SUggested donation $10-$50. No one turned away for lack of funds. 232-4493. www.transcend.org  

Native American Heritage Month Celebration of culture featuring performances, Native American vendors and Indian tacos from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Phoebe Hearst Museum of Anthropology, 103 Kroeber Hall , UC Campus. 643-7649.  

Doggy Tune Up A three session workshop to learn coming when called, walking without pulling, no jumping on people, and stay, Sat. from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Grace North Church, 2128 Cedar St. Registration required. 849-9323. www.companyofdogs.com 

Parent Voices’ a grassroots, parent led and parent run organization that advocates for more affordable and quality child care for working families. meets at 10 a.m. at Bananas, 5232 Claremont Ave., Oakland. Register by calling 658-7353. www.bananasinc.org 

“Mad Sheep: The True Story Behind the USDA’s War on a Family Farm” book signing with author Linda Faillace at 11 a.m. at the Berkeley Farmers’ Market, Center St. at MLK Jr. Way. 548-3333. www.ecologycenter.org  

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. 

Writing Your Ethical Will A workshop to learn how to evaluate your life, harvest your wisdom and share your beliefs, from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, 1 Lawson Rd., Kensington. Donation $35. 525-0302, ext. 306. 

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

Healing Power of Gratitude Workshop at 10 a.m. at Creating Harmony Institute, 828 San Pablo Ave., Suite 115C, Albany. Cost is $5. Registration required. 526-1559. 

Chi Kung, Guided Imagery from 1:30 to 6:30 p.m. at John F. Kennedy University, Berkeley Campus, 2956 San Pablo Ave., 2nd Floor. 649-0499. 

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

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 

Yoga for Peace at 9:30 a.m. at Ohlone Park, MLK at Hearst. Bring a yoga mat, warm blanket, and peace sign.  

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. 

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, NOV. 5 

Purr-casso Art Sale and Gala Cat themed art sale featuring decorative, wearable, and functional art pieces celebrating our feline friends, from noon to 5 p.m. at Hollis Street Project, Grand Hallway, 5900 Hollis St, Emeryville. Benefit for the Berkeley-East Bay Humane Society. 845-7735 ext. 13. www.berkeleyhumane.org  

Turtle Time Meet the turtles of the Tilden Nature Area, learn the difference between native and non-native and much more at 11a.m. at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. 525-2233. 

Hike to Sindicich Hike under diverse oak woodlands to the Sindicich Lagoon to look for dragonflies, newts and nymphs. Bring lunch for this four-mile hike. Meet at the Bear Creek Staging Area of Briones at 11 am. 525-2233. 

Open Garden at the Little Farm Join the gardener for composting, planting, watering and harvesting at 2 p.m. at the Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. Rain cancels. 525-2233. 

African/African Diaspora Film Society presents “Aristide and the Endless Revolution” at 2 p.m. at Parkway Speakeasy Theater, 1834 Park Blvd., Oakland. Cost is $5. www.parkway-speakeasy.com 

Afghan Friends Network presentation on the history of Afghanistan, a discussion about women’s rights, and information about the programs of the Afghan Friends Network with Elsie De Laere and Humaira Ghilzai at 2 p.m. at the Albany Library. 526-3720, ext. 16. 

Autumn in Asia Garden Tour at 10 a.m. at UC Botanical Garden, 200 Centennial Drive. Cost is $8-$12. Registration required. 643-2755, ext. 03. http://botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu 

Yiddish Films: The Dybbuk at 3 p.m. at JCC, 1414 Walnut St. 848-0237. 

“Stealing America: Vote by Vote” Documentary screening at 7 p.m. in Redwood Gardens Community Room, 2951 Derby St. Free.  

IRV Peace Meet-up and Rally at 1:30 p.m. at Splashpad Park, LakeShore and Grand Ave., Oakland. 644-1303. 

Harmony Center Open House from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Oakland Veteran’s Hall, 200 Grand Ave. at Harrison St. 451-3009 http://joyfulharmony.org  

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 

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

Tibetan Buddhism with Erika Rosenberg on “Eastern Wisdom Meets Western Psychology” at 6 p.m. at the Tibetan Nyingma Institute, 1815 Highland Pl. 843-6812. www.nyingmainstitute.com 

MONDAY, NOV. 6 

“Acting Locally Against Global Warming” with Tom Kelly of Kyoto USA on local efforts to lessen global climate change, at 7 p.m. at Albany Community Center, 1249 Marin. 848-9358. 

“Nonviolent Resistance in Palestine & Lebanon” Panel discussion with returning volunteers of the International Solidarity Movement at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists Hall, 1924 Cedar at Bonita. Suggested donation $5-$10, no one turned away.  

National Organization for Women Oakland/East Bay Chapter meets at 6 p.m. at the Oakland YWCA, 1515 Webster St. The speakers will be Ms. Sara Mostafavi and Ms. Christine Stouffer, both immigration lawyers practicing in Berkeley, on the particular immigration problems women face. 287-8948. 

“Beyond Conception: Men Having Babies” documentary about a gay male couple, an egg donor, and a lesbian surrogate building a modern family, at 6:30 p.m. at Bananas, 5232 Claremont Ave., Oakland. Registration required. 658-7353.  

East Bay Atheists will show the conclusion of Richard Dawkins’ video “Root of All Evil” at 1:30 p.m. at Berkeley Public Library, 2090 Kittredge St., 3rd Flr. 222-7580. 

Berkeley School Volunteers Training workshop for volunteers from noon to 1 p.m. at 1835 Allston Way. 644-8833. 

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. 

TUESDAY, NOV. 7 

Remember to Vote Today 

“Let’s Go Vote” Voting activities for children from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 2065 Kittredge St. 647-1111. www.habitot.org 

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

“Legacy: Portraits of 50 Bay Area Environmental Elders” with author John Hart and photographer Nancy Kittle at 7 p.m. at REI, 1338 San Pablo Ave. 527-4140. 

“Sacred Sites in Changing Landscapes: Shamans and Commercial Shrines in the Republic of Korea” with Dr. Laurel Kendall of the American Museum of Natural History, New York, at 7 p.m. in the Ges Chapel, 1735 LeRoy Ave. 649-2440. 

“Japan Remodeled: How Government and Industry Are Reforming Japanese Capitalism” with Steven K. Vogel, Professor of Political Science, UC Berkeley at 5 p.m. at IEAS Conference Room, 2223 Fulton St., 6th Flr. 642-2809. 

Discipline Strategies that Really Work with Young Children at 6 p.m. at Habitot Children’s Museum. Registration required. 647-1111, ext. 14. 

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

Red Cross Blood Drive from noon to 6 p.m. at UC Berkeley Tau Beta Pi, on Leroy, between Hearst and Ridge. To schedule an appointment call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE.  

Discussion Salon on Immigration at 7 p.m. at JCC, 1414 Walnut.  

Enhancing Immunity, from chicken soup to echinacea at 1 p.m. at Elephant Pharmacy, 1607 Shattuck Ave. 549-9200. 

Tuesday Tilden Walkers Join a few slowpoke seniors at 9:30 a.m. in the parking lot near the Little Farm.524-9992. 

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. 

Albany Library Homework Center is open from 3 to 5 p.m., for students in third through fifth grades. Emphasis is placed on math and writing skills. 1247 Marin Ave. 526-3720 ext 17. 

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

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

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 8  

“How We Stopped The War” and “The Vietnam Experience” two films presented by Country Joe McDonald at 7:30 p.m. at Berkeley Art Center, 1275 Walnut St. in Live Oak Park. Cost is $5-$10. 644-6893. www.berkeleyartcenter.org 

“We Are the Earth” An evening with David Suzuki at 7:30 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Berkeley, 2345 Channing Way. Tickets are $12 advance, $15 door. 415-255-7296, ext. 244. www.kpfa.org 

“Bi-National State or Jewish State?” with Prof. Joseph Heller, at 7:30 p.m. at Morrison Library, UC Campus. Sponsored by the Magnes Museum. 549-6950. 

“Post 9/11: A Students’ Perspective” at 6 p.m. at FSM Café at Moffitt Library, UC Campus. 643-7742. 

“Transit of Mercury” as it crosses in front of the face of the sun from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Chabot Space and Science Center, 10000 Skyline Blvd., Oakland. Cost is $7-$13. 336-7300. www.chabotspace.org 

“All About Osteoporosis and Why We Fall” at 10 a.m., followed by additional workshops at Center for Older Adult Services, 828 San Pablo Ave., Suite 104. To register please call 558-7800. 

Chosing Infant Care A workshop for parents from 10 a.m. to noon at Bananas, 5232 Claremont Ave., Oakland. To register call 658-7353. 

Dream Workshop at 1 p.m. at Elephant Pharmacy, 1607 Shattuck Ave. 549-9200. 

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

Fresh Produce Stand at San Pablo Park from 3 to 6:30 p.m. in the Frances Albrier Community Center. 848-1704. www.ecologycenter.org 

New to DVD “Adaptation” at 7 p.m. at the JCCEB, 1414 Walnut St. 848-0237. 

THURSDAY, NOV. 9 

“Voices of a People’s History of the United States” Narration, reading or singing by Alice Walker, Sandra Oh, Steve Earle, Aya de Leon, Leslie Silva, Marisa Tomei, John Trudell, Howard Zinn, Anthony Arnove, Melanie DeMore, Nora el Samahy at 7:30 p.m. at Berkeley Community Theater, Berkeley High campus, 1930 Allston Way. Tickets are $25-$150. Benefits Middle East Children's Alliance and Speak Out. 1-800-838-3006. www.brownpapertickets.com/event/5473 

“Gathering and Publishing Your Neighborhood History” with authors William Wong (Oakland's Chinatown), Erika Mailman (Oakland Hills), and Annalee Allen (Selections from the Oakland Tribune Archives and co-author of Oakland Postcards) at 7:30 p.m. at Chapel of the Chimes, 4499 Piedmont Ave. Oakland. Donation $8-$10. 763-9218. www.oaklandheritage.org  

Center for Independent Living Fundraiser with reception and readings by culinary authors, Bruce Aidells, Fran Gage and Peggy Knickerbocker at 6 p.m. at Ginn House, Preservation Park, 660 13th St. at Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Oakland. Tickets are $50-$60. 841-4776, ext. 153. 

“Comparing the Buddhisms of East and Southeast Asia: A World Historical Perspective” with John McRae of The University of Tokyo at 5 p.m. at IEAS Conference Room, 2223 Fulton St., 6th Flr., 643-6536.  

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

Workshops for Seniors Effective Estate Planning at 10 a.m. at Center for Older Adult Services, 828 San Pablo Ave., Suite 104. To register please call 558-7800. 

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.  

ONGOING 

Albany-Berkeley Girls Softball League Free Clinics Oct. 29- Nov. 6 in Berkeley, for girls in grades 1-9. For details see www.abgsl.org or call 869-4277. 

Volunteer at Emerson Elementary School Come anytime Mon.-Thurs. from 8:15 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. For details call 883-5247. 

Each One Teach One Mentoring Program of the Oakland Unified School District is curbing student absenteeism, decreasing suspensions and increasing student participation with the help of volunteer mentors like you. For more information call 495-4010, 495-4011.  

CITY MEETINGS 

Council Agenda Committee meets Mon. Nov. 6, at 2:30 p.m., at 2180 Milvia St. 981-6900. 

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

Planning Commission meets Wed., Nov. 8, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-7484.  

Police Review Commission meets Wed., Nov. 8, at the South Berkeley Senior Center, 981-4950. 

Commission on Early Childhood Education meets Thurs., Nov. 9, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-5428.  

Mental Health Commission meets Thurs., Nov. 9, at 6:30 p.m. at 2640 MLK Jr. Way, at Derby. 981-5213.  

West Berkeley Project Area Commission meets Thurs., Nov. 9, at 7 p.m., at the West Berkeley Senior Center. 981-7520. 

Zoning Adjustments Board meets Thurs., Nov. 9, at 7 p.m., in City Council Chambers. 981-7410.  

FRIDAY, NOV. 3 

THEATER 

Actors Ensemble of Berkeley “Hedda Gabler” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m. through Nov. 18 at Live Oak Theater, 1301 Shattuck Ave. at Berryman. Tickets are $12. 525-1620.  

Albany High School Theater Ensemble “Pretend-O-Cide” Thurs. at 7 p.m., Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m. at Albany High School Little Theater, 603 Key Route Blvd, Albany, through Nov. 11. Tickets are $5-$10. www.myspace.com/ahsuburoi 

Altarena Playhouse “Merrily We Roll Along” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2 p.m. at 1409 High St, Alameda, through Nov. 12. Cost is $15-$18. 523-1553.  

Aurora Theatre “Ice Glen” Wed.-Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2 and 7 p.m. at 2081 Addison St., through Dec. 10. Tickets are $38. 843-4822.  

Azeem’s “Rude Boy” Thurs.-Sat. at 8 p.m. at The Marsh, 2120 Allston Way, through Nov. 25. Tickets are $15-$22. 415-826-5750. www.themarsh.org 

Berkeley Rep “Passing Strange” at the Thrust Stage, 2025 Addison St. through Dec. 3. Tickets are $45-$61. 645-2949. www.berkeleyrep.org 

Central Works “Andromache” Thurs.-Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 5 p.m. at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant Ave. through Nov. 19. Tickets are $9-$25. 558-1382. 

Gate Theatre of Dublin “Waiting for Godot” Fri. at 8 p.m., Sat. at 2 and 8 p.m. and Sun. at 3 p.m. at the Roda Theater, 2025 Addison St. Tickets are $65. 642-9121. 

Masquers Playhouse “Company” by Stephen Sondheim and George Furth, Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2:30 p.m. at 105 Park Place, Point Richmond, through Dec. 16.. Tickets are $18. 232-4031.  

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. 12. Sliding scale $15-$30. 841-6500. www.shotgunplayers.org 

TheatreFirst “Criminal Genius” Thurs.-Fri. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 3 p.m. at Old Oakland Theatre, 481 Ninth St., at Broadway, Oakland, through Nov. 19. Tickets are $19-$25. 436-5085. www.theatrefirst.com 

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 

Youth Musical Theater Company “Guys & Dolls” Fri.-Sat. at 7:30 p.m. Sun. at 3 p.m. at Longfellow Middle School, 1500 Derby St. Tickets are $6-$15. 595-5514. www.ymtc.org 

EXHIBITIONS 

Abstract Paintings by Sibylle Szaggers opening reception at 5:30 p.m. at Joyce Gordon Gallery, 406 14th St., Oakland. Gallery hours are Wed.-Fri. noon to 7 p.m., and Sat. noon to 4 p.m. Exhibition runs to Nov. 30. 465-8928.  

“Terrorists, Aliens and Criminals” Graffiti Exhibit by Students from East Bay Schools, including Berkeley High School opens at 7 p.m. at Café Prism, 1918 Park Blvd., Oakland. Exhibit will remain on display until November 27. www.myspace. 

com/thebrownbuffaloproject 

“The Allure of Form” Works by Julie Alvarado, Scott Courtenay-Smith and Fernando Reyes. Opening reception at 5 p.m. at Esteban Sabar Gallery, 480 23rd St. at Telegraph., Oakland. Runs to Nov. 27. estebansabar.com 

“The Best of Boontling’s 2 Years” opening reception at 7 p.m. at Boontling Gallery, 4224 Telegraph Ave., Oakland. Exhibition runs to Dec. 17. www.boontlinggallery.com 

Therese Brown: Photographs & Tarra Lyons: Paintings Opening reception at 6 p.m. at Mercury 20 Gallery, 25 Grand Ave. at Broadway, Oakland. Gallery hours are Thurs.-Fri. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sat. 1 to 5 p.m. mercurytwenty@gmail.com 

“Recycled Runway” Artist reception for Sandy Drobny and Daphne Ruff at 6 p.m. at Pro Arts Gallery, 550 Second St., Oakland. 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Chris Baty, author of “No Plot? No Problem!” kicks off National Novel Writing Month at 7 p.m. at Mrs. Dalloways, 2904 College Ave. 704-8222. 

Wes “Scoop” Nesker and Perry Garfinkel on “Buddha or Bust: In Search of Truth, Meaning, Happiness and the Man Who Found Them All” at 7:30 p.m. at Black Oak Books. 486-0698. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Organists Ann Callaway and Richard Mix Recital of works by Mozart, Haydn and Beethoven at 11:15 a.m. at Saint David of Wales Catholic Church, 5641 Esmond Ave. at Sonoma, Richmond. 

“Side by Side” Dance by Dandelion Dance Theatre, Nina Haft, Randee Paufve, Sonja Del Waide, Laura Renaud-Wilson and Dancers at 8 p.m. at Julia Morgan Center for the Arts, 2640 College Ave. Tickets are $12-$15. 925-798-1300.  

University of California Alumni Chorus will perform Mozart’s Mass in c minor at 8 p.m. in Hertz Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $6-$15. 642-3880. 

Skyflower Ensemble “Music from Germany: 1676-1720” at 8 p.m. at MusicSources, 1000 The Alameda. Donation $10. 528-1685. 

Snake Trio “New Directions in Jazz and Venezuelan Music” at 8 p.m. at the Hillside Club, 2286 Cedar St. Cost is $15 at the door. 845-1350.  

Nathan Clevenger Quintet at 8 p.m. at 1510 8th St., Oakland. Donation $5-$15. sfjazzmusic@yahoo.com 

Hecho in Calfias Festival Ni de aqui, ni de alla. An evening of poetry, music and theater by and about immigrant communities at 8 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $10-$12. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Woman Sing the Dharma, Western musical setting of Buddhist teachings with Betsy Rose, Jennifer Berezan and Eve Decker at 7:30 p.m. at Berkeley Buddhist Monastery, 2304 McKinley Ave. Suggested donation $18. 525-7082.  

The Moscow Circus at 8 p.m. at Zellerbach Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $22-$42. 642-9988. www.calperfs.berkeley.edu 

“...and Words by Barry Warren,” a vocal jazz concert showcasing Barry’s lyrics to music by great jazz composers with Barry Warren and the Larry Dunlap Trio at 8 p.m. at Jazzschool, 2087 Addison St. Tickets are $15. 843-2459. 

Eric Swinderman Group at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $10. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

Shotwell 25 at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 848-8277. 

Orixa and Mucho Axe, Dia de los Muertos Festival, at 9:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Tickets are $10-$12. 525-5054.  

John Reischman & the Jaybirds at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $18.50-$19.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Zoe & Dave Ellis’ “Zadell” at 9 p.m. at Downtown. 649-3810.  

Shelly Doty, Green & Root, Carrie Katz at 7:30 p.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344. www.nomadcafe.net 

Plum Crazy, 7th Direction at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $6. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com 

The Mad Youth, Sueco at 8:30 p.m. at the Uptown Nightclub, 1928 Telegraph, Oakland. Cost is $5. 451-8100. www.uptownnightclub.com 

Flip the Switch, Issue 10, Dan Potthast 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. 

Dia de los Muertos with Santero and guests at 9 p.m. at Shattuck Down Low, 2284 Shattuck Ave. Cost is $7. 548-1159.  

Sadao Watanabe with the Peter Erskine Trio at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square, through Sun. Cost is $25. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

SATURDAY, NOV. 4 

CHILDREN  

Los Amiguitos de La Peña with Jerry Kennedy in a interactive sing along at 10:30 a.m. at La Peña. Cost is $4 for adults, $3 for children. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Contrasting Worlds” Three different perspectives on reality. Opening reception at 6:30 p.m. at The Stone Art Gallery, 600 50th Ave., Oakland. 536-5600. 

“Autumn: The Undertaker” featuring collected works from 5 local artists. Opening reception at 7:30 p.m. at Spasso Coffee House, 6021 College Ave. 428-1818. 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Robert Greenfeld talks about “Exile on Main Street: A Season in Hell with the Rolling Stones” at 7:30 p.m. at Black Oak Books. 486-0698.  

Katherine Min reads from her new novel “Secondhand World” at 3 p.m. at Eastwind Books of Berkeley, 2066 University Ave. 548-2350. www.ewbb.com 

Bay Area Poets Coalition Open Reading, at 3 p.m at Strawberry Creek Lodge, dining hall, 1320 Addison St. Park on the street, not in Lodge parking lot. Free. 527-9905. poetalk@aol.com 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

“Side by Side” Dance by Dandelion Dance Theatre, Nina Haft, Randee Paufve, Sonja Del Waide, Laura Renaud-Wilson and Dancers at 8 p.m. at Julia Morgan Center for the Arts, 2640 College Ave. Tickets are $12-$15. 925-798-1300.  

The Moscow Circus at 2 and 8 p.m. at Zellerbach Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $22-$42. 642-9988.  

Trinity Chamber Concerts Howard Wiley’s Angola Project exploring the roots and legacies of African American prison spirituals, at 8 p.m. at Trinity Chapel, 2320 Dana St. Tickets are $8-$12. 549-3864.  

The Jason Moran Trio and the Vijay Iyer Quartet at 8 p.m. in Wheeler Auditorium, UC Campus. Tickets are $32. 642-9988. www.calperfs.berkeley.edu 

Four Seasons Concerts with Rene Heredia, flamenco guitarist at 7:30 p.m. at Regents Theater, Holy Names University, 3500 Mountain Blvd., Oakland. Tickets are $35-$40.  

Carol Alban, flute, the Fluteville Flute Choir, and vocalist Alvenson Moore at 7 p.m. at Chapel of the Chimes, 4499 Piedmont Ave. Benefit concert for In Defense of Animals. Cost is $10-$20 sliding scale donation. www.myspace.com/carolalban 

Works in the Works Dance performance by Cherie Hill, Jeanne Disney, Linda Blair Dance Company and others at 7:30 p.m. at Eighth Street Studio, 2424 Eighth St. Tickets are $10 at the door. 527-5115. 

Hecho in Calfias Festival “We Got Issues” theater collective at 2 p.m. and “Mujeres de la frontera” at 8 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $10-$12. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Rene Heredia, Flamenco guitarist at 7:30 p.m. at Regents Theater, Holy Names University, 3500 Mountain Blvd., Oakland. Tickets are $35-$40. 601-7919. 

Stephanie Bruce & Her Trio at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $12. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

Caribbean Allstars and Callaloo at 9:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $11-$13. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Sotaque Baiano, brazilian, at 9 p.m. at Shattuck Down Low, 2284 Shattuck Ave. Cost is $5-$10. 548-1159. 

Stuart Rosh and Charlie Marvin at 7:30 p.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344. www.nomadcafe.net 

Rachel Garlin, original folk, at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $18.50-$19.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Michelle Amador Duo at 8 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $12-$15. 845-5373.  

Times 4 at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 848-8277. 

Pat Nevins & Ragged Glory in a tribute to Neil young at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $8. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com 

Blind Duck, traditional Irish music with Steven Donaldson & group at 9:30 p.m. at Albatross, 1822 San Pablo Ave. Cost is $3. 843-2473.  

Ellen Seeling’s “Deuce” at 9 p.m. at Downtown. 649-3810. 

Rafael Manriquez at 8 p.m. at Spuds Pizza, 3290 Adeline St. Cost is $12. 558-0881. 

Resistant Culture, A.D.T., Eskapo, Flatbush 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. 

SUNDAY, NOV. 5 

THEATER 

Hecho in Calfias Festival “Migritude” Shaija Patel’s one-woman show at 5 and 8 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $10-$12. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

EXHIBITIONS 

Semina Culture: Wallace Berman and His Circle Guided tour at 12:15 p.m. in Gallery 2, Berkeley Art Museum, 2626 Bancroft Way. 642-0808. 

Eyewitness II Photography Exhibition and Auction Benefiting the Graduate School of Journalism, Center for Photography Preview at 11 am., Reception at 2 p.m., Auction at 3 p.m. at North Gate Hall, corner of Hearst and Euclid. Cost is $25. http://journalism.berkeley.edu/events/photoauction 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Lunch Poems with Will Alexander at 12:10 p.m. in the Morrison Library, in the Doe Library, UC Campus. http://lunchpoems.berkeley.edu 

Gray Brechin and Richard Walker on “The Road to Serendip: A Scholar’s Discoveries in Urban Imperialism” at 3 p.m. at the Berkeley Art Museum Theater, 2626 Bancroft Way. 642-0808. 

“California as Muse: The Art of Arthur & Lucia Mathews” A walk through the exhibition with curator Harvey L. Jones at 2 p.m. at the Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak Sts. Cost is $5-$8. 238-2200. www.museumca.org 

Seminar on Jade with Don Kay and Leore Mason at 2 p.m. at Christensen Heller gallery, 5829 College Ave., Oakland. 655-5952. 

Naomi Seidman talks about “Faithful Renderings: Jewish-Christian Difference and the Politics of Translation” at 6 p.m. at Black Oak Books. 486-0698.  

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Angela Kraft-Cross, organist, at 3 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Oakland, Sanctuary, 2619 Broadway. Suggested donation $10. 444-3555. 

Volti “Baltic Traditions Now” at 4 p.m. at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 2300 Bancroft Way. Tickets are $8-$20 415-771-3352. www.voltisf.org 

San Francisco Chamber Orchestra and dancers from The SF Ballet School Trainee Program at 2 p.m. at Berkeley High School’s Little Theater, 1980 Allston Way. 415-248-1640. www.sfchamberorchestra.org  

“Blessed Rhythms” honoring Jacqui Hairston, with music by the KTO Project, Khalil Shaheed’s Oaktown Jazz Workshop, and the Voices of Praise at 5 p.m. at First Congregational Church, 2501 Harrison St., at 27th, Oakland. Tickets are $10-$15, $5 for children under 12. 444-8511, ext. 15. www.artsfirstoakland.org 

Works in the Works Dance performance by Cameron Kelly, Rachel Leshaw, Liliana Sandoval and others at 7:30 p.m. at Eighth Street Studio, 2424 Eighth St. Tickets are $10 at the door. 527-5115. 

The Duo-Tones, surf music, at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $18.50-$19.50. 548-1761.  

“Twang Cafe” with Three Mile Grade and Wee at 7:30 p.m. at Epic Arts, 1923 Ashby Ave. Cost is $5-$10. All ages welcome. 644-2204. www.epicarts.org 

Mariinsky Academy: Viktoria Yastrebova and Alexei Markov with pianist Larissa Gergieva at 3 p.m. at Hertz Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $42. 642-9988. www.calperfs.berkeley.edu 

The Moscow Circus at 3 p.m. at Zellerbach Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $22-$42. 642-9988. www.calperfs.berkeley.edu 

Jazzschool Advanced Jazz Workshop performs at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $10. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

Piano Trio Summit at 4:30 at the Jazzschool. Cost is $18. 845-5373.  

California Friends of Lousiana French Music with Mes Bon Amis at at 7 p.m. at Ashkenaz. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Jason Armstrong & Joe Kenny at 11 a.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344. www.nomadcafe.net 

MONDAY, NOV. 6 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Actors Reaading Writers “A Literary Feast” works by M.F.K. Fisher, Alice B. Toklas and Monique Truong at 7:30 p.m. at Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant Ave. Free.  

Duncan McNaughton & Micah Ballard read at 7:30 p.m. at Moe’s Books, 2476 Telegraph Ave. 849-2087. 

Leonard Pitt reads from “A Small Moment of Great Illumination: In Search of Valentine Greatrakes, the Master Healer” at 7:30 p.m. at Black Oak Books. 486-0698. www.blackoakbooks.com 

Last Word Poetry Series presents FrancEyE and Robert Lipton at 7 p.m. at Pegasus Bookstore, 2349 Shattuck Ave.  

Poetry Express featuring contributors to the East Bay lesbian anthology “What We Want From You” at 7 p.m., at Priya Restaurant, 2072 San Pablo Ave. berkeleypoetryexpress@yahoo.com 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Freight Open Mic at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $4.50-$5.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

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 

Scott Ammendola & Wil Blades Duo at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $10-$14. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

TUESDAY, NOV. 7 

EXHIBITIONS 

Wildlife Sculpture by Bob O’Neill opens at the Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park, and runs to Dec. 24. 525-2233. 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Charles Mann describes “1491: New Revelations of the Americas Before Columbus” at 7:30 p.m. at Black Oak Books. 486-0698. www.blackoakbooks.com 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Del Sol String Quartet “Premieres Without Borders” featuring premieres by Reza Vali (Iran), Marc Blitzstein (USA), Jack Brody (New Zealand), and Eric Lindsay (USA) at 8 p.m. at The Ashby Stage, 1901 Ashby Ave. Post-concert discussion with the musicians and composers facilitated by Charles Amirkhanian, Executive Director of Other Minds. Tickets are $7-$20 at the door. 415- 831-5672. delsolquartet.com 

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

Catie Curtis, contemporary folk originals, at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $19.50-$20.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

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

Ricardo Lemvo & Makina Loca, Election Night Dance Party at 8 and 10 p.m. Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $12-$20. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

Jazzschool Tuesdays, a weekly showcase of up-and-coming ensembles from Berkeley Jazzschool at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 848-8277. 

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 8 

EXHIBITIONS 

“At Thadeus Lake” by Sherri Martin, winner of the 2006 Kala Board Prize at Kala Art Institute, 1060 Heinz Ave. Exhibition runs to Nov. 25. 549-2977. www.kala.org 

“The Black Panthers” Photographs by Stephen Shames and posters from the archives of Alden Kimbrough on display at the Oakland Asian Resource Gallery, 310 8th St., Oakland., through Nov. 30. 532-9692. 

FILM 

“Animated Enemies” Selected and introduced by film historian James Forsher at 7:30 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

“We Are the Earth” with David Suzuki at 7:30 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Berkeley, 2345 Channing Way. Tickets are $10-$12 at independendt bookstores. 415-255-7296, ext. 253. www.globalexchange.org 

Michael Wex will talk about “Born to Kvetch: Yiddish Language and Culture in All its Moods” at 7:30 p.m. at Black Oak Books. 486-0698. www.blackoakbooks.com 

David Henkin discusses “The Postal Age: The Emergence of Modern Communications in Nineteenth Century America” at 5:30 p.m. at University Press Books, 2430 Bancroft Way. 548-0585. 

Poetry Flash with Elizabeth Arnold and Graham Foust at 7:30 p.m. at Berkeley City College Auditorium, 2050 Center St. 525-5476. 

Jean Ellison, storytelling, at 7 p.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344. www.nomadcafe.net 

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 www.starryploughpub.com 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Wednesday Noon Concert, with Takahashi & Imbrie, and an 85th birthday celebration of Andrew Imbrie, at Hertz Hall, UC Campus. Free. 642-4864. http://music.berkeley.edu 

Musica Antiqua Koln, with Marijana Mijanovic, contralto, at 8 p.m. at First Congregational Church, Dana at Durant. Tickets are $48. 642-9988. 

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

Akosua, Ghanaian-American singer-songwriter at 8 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $10-$12. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Red Archibald and the Internationals at 8:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Swing dance lesson at 7:30 p.m. Cost is $7. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Orquestra America 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.  

J Soul at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 848-8277. 

Beep, jazz jam at 8 p.m. at the Uptown Nightclub, 1928 Telegraph, Oakland. Free. 451-8100. www.uptownnightclub.com 

Catie Curtis, contemporary folk originals, at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $19.50-$20.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Cedar Walton Trio with guests Steve Turre and Vincent Herring, at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square, through Sun. Cost is $20-$24. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

THURSDAY, NOV. 9 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Whitework Embroidery” 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 

Semina Culture: Wallace Berman and His Circle Guided tour at 12:15 and 5:30 p.m. in Gallery 2, Berkeley Art Museum, 2626 Bancroft Way. 642-0808. 

THEATER 

Youth Musical Theater Company “Guys & Dolls” Thurs.-Sat. at 7:30 p.m. at Longfellow Middle School, 1500 Derby St. Tickets are $6-$15. 595-5514. www.ymtc.org 

FILM 

“New Work by Gunvor Nelson” with filmmaker Gunvor Nelson at 7:30 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Howard Zinn and Anthony Arnove reading of “Voices of a People’s History of the United States” at 7:30 p.m. at Berkeley Community Theater, 1930 Allston Way, Berkeley High Campus. Benefit for the Middle East Children’s Alliance. Tickets are $25. 1-800-838-3006. 

Culinary Authors Read in a Benefit for the Center for Independent Living, with Bruce Aidells, Fran Gage and Peggy Knickerbocker at 6 p.m. at Ginn House, Preservation Park, 660 13th St. at Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Oakland. Tickets are $50-$60. 841-4776, ext. 153. 

Anna Moschovakis and Elizabeth Treadwell, poets, read from their latest work, at 7:30 p.m. at Pegasus Books Downtown, 2349 Shattuck Ave. 649-1320. 

Maragret Schaefer reads from her new translation of Arthur Schnitzler’s “Bachelors” at 7:30 p.m. at Black Oak Books. 486-0698. www.blackoakbooks.com 

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

MUSIC AND DANCE 

“Past, Post, and ... Now!” Mills College Repertory Dance Concert at 8 p.m. Thurs.-Sat. at Lisser Hall, Mills College, 5000 MacArthur Blvd. Oakland. Tickets are $12-$15. 430-2175. 

Jamie Laval with Ashley Broder, Celtic violin and mandolin, at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $18.50-$19.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Pete Yellin Quartet at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $9. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

Rachel Sage, Joni Davis, DAnielle French at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $8. 841-2082 www.starryploughpub.com 

The Ramana Vieira Ensemble at 8 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $12. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Push to Talk, The Attachments at 8:30 p.m. at the Uptown Nightclub, 1928 Telegraph, Oakland. Cost is $5. 451-8100. www.uptownnightclub.com 

Jazz Mine at 6:30 p.m. at King Tsin Chinese Restaurant, 1699 Solano Ave. 525-9890.

50 YEARS OF GREAT ARTHOUSE CINEMA 

Pacific Film Archive kicks off a six-week retrospective of Janus Films, the premier U.S. distributor of foreign and classic arthouse cinema. Friday’s showings include Francois Truffaut’s The 400 Blows and Jules and Jim. 2575 Bancroft Way. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu.  

THE ALLURE OF FORM  

Artists Julie Alvarado, Scott Courtenay-Smith and Fernando Reyes reveal the sensuality of the physical landscape and the human form. Their works are on display at the Esteban Sabar Gallery, 480 23rd St., Oakland, through Nov. 27. Opening reception Fri. Nov. 3 at 5 p.m. Gallery hours are Mon., Thurs., Fri., and Sat. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sun. noon to 6 p.m. www.estebansabar.com 

AFRICAN AMERICAN PRISON SPIRITUALS 

Howard Wiley’s Angola Project explores the roots and legacies of African American prison spirituals, as part of the Trinity Chamber Concert Series at 8 p.m. on Sat. Nov. 4, at Trinity Chapel, 2320 Dana St. Tickets are $8-$12. 549-3864.  

ROOTS MUSIC COMES ALIVE AT TWANG CAFE 

Three Mile Grade, a Bay Area roots band with a repertoire spanning three centuries of music from the 1800s to their own ruminations on contemporary life, will bring their down-home music to the Twang Cafe at 7:30 p.m., Sunday. The Twang Cafe is a monthly Americana music series held the first Sunday of each month at Epic Arts, 1923 Ashby Ave. www.twangcafe.com.

Oakland director Stanley Nelson will attend screenings tonight (Friday) at Shattuck Cinemas for his new film, Jonestown: The Life and Death of People’s Temple.  

It’s the harrowing tale of the Rev. Jim Jones, an Indiana outcast drawn to the preacher’s life, who founded a temple, moved it to the Bay Area, and then when trouble came in the form of public scrutiny and allegations of financial corruption and physical and sexual abuse, flew his flock to Guyana where he built Jonestown, a supposed utopia where he and his followers could live free of “persecution.”  

It’s a story that, to Northern Californians, may seem at once both familiar and mysterious, a story we may have lived through but one that has been clouded by myths, misconceptions and gallows humor over the ensuing decades. Nelson’s film brings much unseen footage and documentation to the tale, including footage of Jones in the pulpit, audio and film from inside the Jonestown camp in Guyana, and even footage from the fateful day when Jones ordered the murder of Congressman Leo Ryan.  

Rep. Jackie Speier, aid to Ryan at the time, took a bullet that day and tells her story in one of the film’s many compelling and deeply emotional interviews. The footage from the assault was photographed by a cameraman who lost his life during the episode, essentially recording his own death. 

Other victims and followers of Jones tell their tales, candidly, passionately, tearfully and even at times with humor. It is a tribute to Nelson and co-producer Noland Walker that these people, after all they have gone through, are so comfortable before the camera.  

“For many, this was their best chance to talk to someone who would listen,” Nelson told the Daily Planet. Jim Jones, Jr. is one of the participants. He discusses the mixed feelings he still harbors for his infamous father. “This is the man who took him out of an orphanage,” Nelson says, “who taught him to shoot a basketball, who taught him how to read.” Yet he was also the manipulative megalomaniac who led 900 people to their deaths, a fate his son only survived by chance, having absented himself to play in a basketball tournament that day. 

It’s a gruesome tale and a difficult one to relive. It is Elmer Gantry come to life, only more violent and pathological, the sunglasses-clad rock star/preacher taking advantage of the vulnerability of people in need, of starry-eyed optimists looking for a home, for community, for friendship and love. “People’s Temple grew and became successful by promising many things and delivering on those promises: an integrated community, care for the elderly and social activism,” says Nelson. 

“If you want to see me as your father, I’ll be your father,” Jones told his flock. “If you want me to be your god, I’ll be your god.” He would be their Charon as well, whether they asked for it or not, shepherding them across international borders to a commune that would serve as their prison and as their graveyard.  

Nelson uses no narration to lead us through his film. Instead he allows his subjects to tell the story in their own words. And he provides never-before-heard audio of People’s Temple, final days, recently declassified by the CIA, in which a woman challenges Jones’ order to drink the poisoned Kool-Aid. Jones can be heard pleading with his followers. “Don’t be like this,” he says and assures them they are just “crossing over.” 

Nelson will attend one of the Friday evening screenings and will take questions and will be joined for the following screening by Jim Jones Jr. 

JONESTOWN: THE LIFE AND DEATH OF PEOPLE’S TEMPLE 

Directed by Stanley Nelson. Produced by Nelson and Noland Walker. Script by Walker and Marcia Smith. Photographed by Michael Chin. 85 minutes. Not rated. Playing at Shattuck Cinemas.

Quentin Tarantino once reminisced about the strange compliment that old master of maverick filmmaking, Sam Fuller, gave his heist film, Reservoir Dogs at an early screening. “So, you made that film about morons? That’s good; it’s been awhile since anyone’s made a film about morons.” 

That seemingly off-the-wall review could be applied to George Walker’s play, Criminal Genius, staged by TheatreFIRST at the Old Oakland Theatre. Walker’s savvy (and hilarious) take on a dysfunctional crime family—well, really a loopy menage operating out of a crummy motel—provides a rare glimpse into the very theatrical, imaginative yet worldly work of this accomplished Canadian playwright, who never fails to discover social dimension in the most solipsistic character’s comic soliloquies.  

Ironically, too, as TheatreFIRST artistic director Clive Chafer pointed out, it comes on the heels of a month-long run of Walker’s short plays on the UC campus. “Walker must be wondering about this sudden burst of interest in the East Bay!” he said. 

Non-violent father-and-son crime team Rolly (Soren Oliver) and Stevie (Mick Mize), holed up in the cheap motor lodge (glaring painting of an eagle aloft under the volcano hangs above the bedstead), find it hard to confront Phillie (John Sousa), the alcoholic motel clerk, who wants the 40 bucks they don’t have for another day’s stay, much less their hectoring boss Shirley (Amy Crumpacker), who wants to know why they haven’t torched the building she hired them to burn ... or even to communicate with each other without squabbling over everything. 

They are truly proud, however, of their trophy, proof of genuine malfeasance: a hostage, Amanda (Erin Carter), who turns out not only to be the daughter of the client who hired Shirley (who, of course, hired them), but her father’s antagonist—a driven, oddly charismatic figure who quickly reorganizes this little gang of losers, while recruiting sheets-to-the-wind Phillie to the cause, to follow her on a quixotic, ninja-like assault on daddy’s crime empire. 

The plot of this caper-gone-sideways veers all over the boards, concentrated within the four flimsy walls of the drive-in flophouse, constantly interrupted by all kinds of verbal (and physical) slapstick that keeps the characters convulsed—as well as the audience. 

Erin Gilley’s direction and the trouperish ensemble keep the jerky, idiosyncratic rhythms of Walker’s tale slouching onward towards its absurd Armageddon, each member of this little Wild Bunch putting in more than their two cents’ worth, over and over. Some of the syncopations and nuances aren’t quite there, yet; Walker’s Canadian comic idiom, wrangling over the most minute of discrepancies (think Doonesbury), hasn’t totally translated into Stateside-ese, but the lemming-like forward motion of the hellbent gang gains its dynamic as it goes, and it certainly does go. 

Valiant thespians TheatreFIRST have spent the past five weeks converting a former architectural office, removing cubicles and carpet, to a very serviceable performing space. It’s a pleasing addition to the nightlife of Oakland’s vigorous Old Town, across Broadway from Chinatown—an urbane East Bay treat. 

CRIMINAL GENIUS 

Presented by TheatreFirst at 8 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays and at 3 p.m. Sundays through Nov. 19. Old Oakland Theatre, 481 Ninth St., Oakland. $19-$25. 436-5085. www.theatrefirst.com. 

The Del Sol String Quartet will present ‘Premieres Without Borders,’ pieces by the late Marc Blitzstein (famous for The Cradle Will Rock), New Zealander Jack Body, Persian-American Reza Vali and West Coast native Eric Lindsay, at 8 p.m. Tuesday Nov. 7 at the Ashby Stage. 

Composers Body, Vali and Lindsay will be in attendance, and a post-concert discussion will be lead by former KPFA programmer and founder of Other Minds festival Charles Amirkhanian. Admission is $20 ($15 seniors, $7 students); information: (415) 831-5672; delsolquartet.com 

Amirkhanian, commenting on the different pieces and composers, was particularly excited by Blitzstein’s 1930 “Italian String Quartet,” a virtually unknown, unpublished and professionally unplayed piece he discovered in the collection of manuscripts held by the composer’s estate. Blitzstein’s centennial was celebrated by Other Minds at last year’s festival. “He was the most politically active of the composers, like Bernstein, who were close to Copeland; he studied in Paris with Nadia Boulanger, who wrote on this manuscript, ‘Brilliant for strings!’” Amirkhanian said. “Blitzstein was called ‘The American Kurt Weill;’ his translation and arrangement of Three Penny Opera played on Broadway. And this piece, in four movements, is rich with humor and irony.” 

Jack Body, who teaches at the University of Wellington, was featured at Other Minds two years ago. “He’s always searching for unusual instrumentation,” Amirkhanian commented, “and travels a great deal in his musical studies. But he’s not just inspired by ethnic music, whether Indonesian or from New Guinea. He’s also looking for something extra. There’s always a quirky filip in whatever he does; true personality. He takes chances, always refining.” 

Body’s piece, “Epicycle,” was originally composed in 1989 for Kronos Quartet, but now features a new final movement, from 2004, that changes the whole work’s quality. Body called “Epicycle”: “A cycle within a cycle, a circular melody that generates slower melodies from within itself. The first section is a kind of auditory kaleidoscope.” The second section is inspired by traditional Korean music “to explore different styles of vibrato.” 

Reza Vali, born in Iran, now teaching at Carnegie Mellon, is represented by his “Nayshaboorak (Calligraphy # 6),” written for Del Sol, “based in a system far removed from European Equal Temerament,” according to Amirkhanian. It’s based on the Dastgah system, Nava mode, of ancient Persian music, polyphonically constructed. 

Eric Lindsay, from Puget Sound, now based in Los Angeles, is known for his vocal music, but wrote “Hopkin and the Wired Night” for Del Sol, after seeing the handwritten posters of a little boy trying to find his lost frog, which also provoked an internet phenomenon. 

“His music is lush, evocative, with unusual lines,” Amirkhanian said, “Completely inventive.” The composer remarked that the piece shows “rapid exchange and mutilation of musical ideas.” 

Del Sol Quartet was founded in 1992 and will be featured at the next Other Minds festival in San Francisco this December.