TUESDAY, DEC. 12 

Anti-Torture Teach-in and Vigil with Trevor Paglen member of the UC Berkeley Geography Department, investigator and author of “Torture Taxi: On the Trail of the CIA’s Rendition Flights” at 12:30 p.m. at Boalt Hall, School of Law, UC Campus. 649-0663. 

“Adventures from the Mojave to the Antarctic” with Lucy Jane Bledsoe at 7 p.m. at REI, 1338 San Pablo Ave. 527-4140. 

Berkeley High School Governance Council meets at 8:30 p.m. in the Berkeley Community Theater Lobby. The agenda will cover the Advisory Plan. 644-4803. 

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. We welcome new members over 50. 845-6830. 

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 13  

Golden Gate Audubon Society Volunteer Orientation Learn about the ways you can help protect local birds and their habitats at 7 p.m. at 2530 San Pablo Ave, Suite G. RSVP to 843-7295.  

“New Treatments for Irregular Heartbeat” with Dr. Steven Kang, cardiologist at 9:30 a.m. at Alta Bates Summit, Merrit Pavillion, Cafeteria Annex B & C, 350 Hawthorne Ave., Oakland. Registration required. 869-6737. 

Poetry Writing Workshop led by Christina Hutchins at 7 p.m. at the Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave. 526-3720, ext. 17. 

New to DVD “The Devil Wears Prada” at 7 p.m. at the JCCEB, 1414 Walnut St. 848-0237. 

“Natural Treatments for Low Back Pain” with Dr. Jay Sordean, LAc, OMD, at 1:15 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-5190. 

Walk Berkeley for Seniors meets at 9:30 a.m. at the Sea Breeze Market, just west of the I-80 overpass. Everyone is welcome, wear comfortable shoes and a warm hat. 548-9840. 

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

Berkeley Peace Walk and Vigil at 6:30 p.m.at the Berkeley BART Station, corner of Shattuck and Center. www.geocities.com/ 

vigil4peace/vigil 

THURSDAY, DEC. 14 

“Robert Fisk on Iraq and Lebanon: Pointing the Finger of Guilt” at 7 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 2619 Broadway at 27th, Oakland. Donations $20, $50 for reception. 548-0542. 

“Natural Treatments for Low Back Pain” with Dr. Jay Sordean, LAc, OMD, at 1 p.m. at the South Berkeley Senior Center. 981-5174. 

Pt. Richmond Shores Design Charrette for the housing project planned at the Terminal One site, at 6 p.m. in Richmond City Council Chambers, 1401 Marina Way South St., tichmond. 307-8140. 

FRIDAY, DEC. 15 

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

City Commons Club Noon Luncheon with Rita Maran, Peace and Conflict Studies, UCB on “United Nations in a Hostile World.” Luncheon at 11:45 a.m. for $14, speech at 12:30 p.m., at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant St. For information and reservations call 526-2925.  

Conversation with Patricia Isasa, filmmaker and Argentine torture survivor, and screening of “El Cerco” at 6:30 p.m. at The Uptown, 356 26th St., between Telegraph and Broadway. Donations accepted. 654-5355. 

Before Columbus Foundation American Book Awards Celebration at 6:30 p.m. at the African Museum and Library, 659 14th St., Oakland. Free. 228-6775. 

“Lincoln Highway in California” a slide show and discussion with author Gregory M. Franzwa, at 7 p.m. at the Berkeley Public Central Library, 3rd floor Community Meeting Room, 2090 Kittredge St.  

Movies that Matter “Field of Dreams” at 6:30 p.m. at Neumayer Residence, 565 Bellevue Ave. at Perkins, Oakland. 451-3009. 

Kol Hadash Humanistic Judaism Pot Luck Chanukah Party at 6 p.m. at the Albany Community Center, 1249 Marin Ave. For potluck assignment and other info call 428-1492. 

SATURDAY, DEC. 16 

Celebration to Save the Oaks, with music, poetry and refreshments from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the threatened oak grove in front of Memorial Stadium. 841-3493. 

“Bringing the Condors Home” An exhibit of the Ventana Wildlife Society’s 20-year effort to restore California condors to the wild, opens at the Oakland Museum of California, 1000 Oak St., at 10th St., Oakland. 238-2200. www.museumca.org 

Berkeley Farmers’ Market Holiday Crafts Fair from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Center St. at Martin Luther King Jr. Way with local craftspepole, live music and prepared food. Benefits the Ecology Center. 548-3333.  

Telegraph Avenue Holiday Fair with more than 200 vendors, music and food, Sat. and Sun. from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

The Crucible Holiday Celebration with fire dancers, stilt walkers and art, Sat. and Sun. from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 1260 Seventh St. 444-0919.  

Muir Family Christmas Tours of the Muir House in Martinez decorated for the holidays on Sat. and Sun. Cost is $3. For details call 925-228-8860. 

Lake Temescal Water Quality Monitoring We will be performing our monthly water chemistry test at the inlet of Lake Temescal. Meet at 10:30 a.m. at the Broadway Terrace entrance. 415-561-7762. www.ebparks.org/resources/pdf/trails/temescal_map.pdf  

Restore Arroyo Viejo Creek Have fun while helping to improve our local watershed. Sponsored by the City of Oakland Arroyo Viejo Watershed Awareness Program and the Oakland Zoo. From 10 a.m. to noon at Arroyo Viejo Recreation Center, 7701 Krause Ave., Oakland. 665-3508.  

Progressive Democrats Celebration of the work we have done this past year at 4:30 p.m. at Albatross Pub, 1822 San Pablo Ave. 636-4149. 

“Behind the Mask” A documentary about people who take direct action to save animals at 6 p.m. at Humanist Hall, 390 27th St., Oakland. Cost is $10. Benefits Animal Rescue, Media & Education and East Bay Animal Advocates.  

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.  

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

Car Wash Benefit for Options Recovery Services of Berkeley, held every Sat. from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Lutheran Church, 1744 University Ave. 666-9552. 

SUNDAY, DEC. 17 

Christmas Caroling in Point Richmond Join us for chili at 5 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 201 Martina St., corner of Richmond Ave., Point Richmond, and then stroll with us through the town. 236-0527.  

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

“Impeach the President” Dahr Jamail, Peter Phillips & Larry Everest will discuss the case against Bush and Cheney at 7:30 p.m. at Revolution Books, 2425 Channing Way at Telegraph Ave. 848-1196. 

“The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict: It’s the Economy” with Israeli economist Arie Arnon at 3:30 p.m. at the JCC of the East Bay. Doantion $5. sf-bayarea@ 

btvshalom.org  

Code Pink’s Glad Voter Tea Party to celebrate recent election victories from 3 to 7 p.m. at Redwood Gardens Community Room, 2951 Derby St. 524-2776. 

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

Lake Merritt Neighbors Organized for Peace 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 

“The Divine Feminine in the World’s Religions: Christianity” with Anna Matt of the GTU at 9:30 a.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, One Lawson Rd., Kensington. 525-0302, ext. 306. 

Tibetan Buddhism with Bob Russo on “Holistic Work” at 6 p.m. at the Tibetan Nyingma Institute, 1815 Highland Pl. 843-6812.  

MONDAY, DEC. 18 

“Acupuncture for Parkinson’s Disease” with Jacqueline Sohn at 10 a.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center, 1901 Hearst Ave. 981-5190. 

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. 

ONGOING 

Help with Medicare Part D Enrollment Seniors who need to enroll in the prescription drug plan, or change their plan can get help and advice at Berkeley Senior Centers. Appointments required. Call 1-800-434-0222. www.lashicap.org 

Holiday Food Drive Sponsor a Food Drive at your business, school, place of worship or community center. Help the Food Bank reach its goal of collecting food for families in need during the holiday season. 635-3663, ext. 318. www.accfb.org  

UN Association’s UNICEF & Fair Trade Gift Center Closing Sale, Tues.-Sat. noon to 5 p.m. to Dec. 16, 1403 Addison St. 849-1752. 

Magnes Museum Docent Training Open to all interested in Jewish art and history. Classes begin Jan. 18th. For information contact cultural.arts@sbcglobal.net 

CITY MEETINGS 

Youth Commission meets Mon., Dec. 11, at 6:30 p.m., at City Council Chambers, Old City Hall. 981-6670.  

City Council meets Tues., Dec. 12, at 7 p.m in City Council Chambers. 981-6900. www.ci. 

berkeley.ca.us/citycouncil 

Commission on Disability meets Wed., Dec. 13, at 6:30 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Don Brown, 981-6346. TDD: 981-6345.  

Homeless Commission meets Wed., Dec. 13, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Jane Micallef, 981-5426.  

Planning Commission meets Wed., Dec. 13, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-7484. 

Police Review Commission meets Wed., Dec. 13, at the South Berkeley Senior Center, 981-4950.  

Waterfront Commission meets Wed., Dec. 13, at 7 p.m., at 201 University Ave. 981-6740.  

School Board meets Wed. Dec. 13 at 7:30 p.m., in the City Council Chambers. Mark Coplan 644-6320. 

Community Health Commission meets Thurs., Dec. 14, at 6:45 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-5356. 

Mental Health Commission meets Wed., Dec. 14, at 6:30 p.m. at 2640 MLK Jr. Way, at Derby. 981-5213.  

Zoning Adjustments Board meets Thurs., Dec. 14, Special Meeting at 6 p.m., regular meeting at 7 p.m., in City Council Chambers. Mark Rhoades, 981-7410.  

Berkeley Rent Stabilization Board meets Mon. Dec. 18 at 7 p.m. in City Council Chambers, Pam Wyche, 644-6128 ext. 113. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/rent 

TUESDAY, DEC. 12 

CHILDREN 

Opera Piccola “The Guest” at 7 p.m. at Oakland Public Library, Rockridge Branch, 5366 College Ave. 597-5017. 

EXHIBITIONS 

The Photography of Matt Heron “Voting Rights: The Southern Struggle, 1964-1965” on display in the Catalog Lobby, Berkeley Public Library, 2090 Kittredge St., through Jan. 6. 981-6100. 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Susan Snyder introduces “Past Tents: The Way We Camped” at 7 p.m. at Phoebe A. Hearst Museum, 102 Kroeber Hall, UC Campus. 643-7649. 

George Leonard reads from “The Silent Pulse: A Search for the Perfect Rhythm that Exists in Each of Us” at 7:30 p.m. at Black Oak Books. 486-0698. www.blackoakbooks.com 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Swamp Coolers at 8:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cajun/zydeco dance lesson at 8 p.m. Cost is $9. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

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

The Roches, with a Holiday Twist, at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $21.50-$22.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Charlie Hunter Trio at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square, through Sun. Cost is $16-$28. 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, DEC. 13 

THEATER 

Azeem’s “Rude Boy” Wed.-Thurs. at 8 p.m. at The Marsh, 2120 Allston Way, through Dec. 14. Tickets are $15-$22. 415-826-5750. www.themarsh.org 

FILM 

Janus Films “Throne of Blood” at 7:30 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Café Poetry hosted by Kira Allen at 7:30 p.m. at La Peña. Donation $2. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Daniel Lev and Bobby Kinkead, storytelling at 7 p.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344. www.nomadcafe.net 

Robert Marshall reads at 7:30 p.m. at Black Oak Books. 486-0698. www.blackoakbooks.com 

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

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Music for Advent with Ron McKean, organist, at noon at First Presbyterian Church of Oakland, 2619 Broadway. 444-3555. 

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

Zaatar at 8:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $10. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

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

Brown Bums, delta blues and soul at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 848-8277. 

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

Greenbridge, Celtic trio, at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $17.50-$18.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

THURSDAY, DEC. 14 

FILM 

Jacques Rivette “Va savoir” at 7 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Robert Fisk on Iraq and Lebanon at 7 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 2619 Broadway, at 27th, Oakland Tickets are $20, no one turned away. Benefit for children in Gaza, via the Middle East Children’s Alliance. 548-0542. www.mecaforpeace.org 

Eric Kos and Dennis Evanosky talk about “East Bay Then and Now” with historic photographs of Oakland at 7:30 p.m. at Chapel of the Chimes, 4499 Piedmont Avenue. Donation $8-$10. 763-9218. www.oaklandheritage.org  

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

Robert Hanson introduces “The Rough Guide to Climate Change” at 7:30 p.m. at Black Oak Books. 486-0698.  

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Berkeley Symphony performs Shostakovich “Leningrad” and works by Arvo Part at at 8 p.m. at Zellerbach Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $10-$56. 841-2800. www.berkeleysymphony.org 

Patrick Ball, “Christmas Rose” music from England, Ireland and Wales, at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $17.50-$18.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Steve Gannon’s Monday Blues at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $7. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

Tommy Carns, Sean McArdle, Sweetbriar at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $7. 841-2082 www.starryploughpub.com 

Razero the Band, Unequaled Clarity and Five Characters in Search of an Exit at 8 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $5-$7. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Charlie Hunter Trio at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square, through Sun. Cost is $16-$28. 238-9200.  

The Time Flys, The Pets, The Makes Nice at 9 p.m. at the Uptown Nightclub, 1928 Telegraph, Oakland. Cost is $5. 451-8100.  

FRIDAY, DEC. 15 

THEATER 

Altarena Playhouse “ The Man Who Saved Christmas” at holiday family musical Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2 p.m. at 1409 High St., Alameda, through Dec. 17. Tickets are $15-$18. 523-1553. www.altarena.org 

Berkeley Rep “All Wear Bowlers” at the Roda Theater, 2015 Addison St. through Dec. 23. Tickets are $45-$61. 647-2949. 

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. www.masquers.org  

Naked Masks “Far Away” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m. Sun. at 7 p.m. at Berkeley City Club. Tickets are $10-$20. Runs through Dec. 17. 883-9872. www.nakedmasks.org 

Shotgun Players “The Forest War” Thurs.-Sun. at 8 p.m. at the Ashby Stage, 1901 Ashby Ave., through Jan 14. Sliding scale $15-$30. 841-6500. www.shotgunplayers.org 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Wondrous Possibilities” Abstract art by Sibylle Szaggers. Reception at 5 p.m. at Joyce Gordon Gallery, 406 14th St., Oakland. 465-8928. 

FILM 

Janus Films “Kill!” at 7 p.m. and “Sword of Doom” at 9:15 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808.  

“El Cerco” screening and conversation with filmmaker and Argentine torture survivor, Patricia Isasa at 6:30 p.m. at The Uptown, 356 26th St., between Telegraph and Broadway. Donations accepted. 654-5355. 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Before Columbus Foundation American Book Awards Celebration at 6:30 p.m. at the Afircan Museum and Library, 659 14th St., Oakland. Free. 228-6775. 

Gregory M. Franzwa with show slides and discuss the “Lincoln Highway in California” at 7 p.m. at the Berkeley Public Library, Community Room 2090 Kittredge St. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Berkeley Ballet Theater, “The Nutcracker” at 7 p.m., Sat. at 2 and 7 p.m. and Sun. at 2 p.m. at Julia Morgan Center for the Arts, 2640 College Ave. Tickets are $16-$21. 843-4689. 

California Revels “Christmas Revels” Celebrating the stories, songs, dance, and drama of 19th century Quebec, at 7:30 p.m. at Scottish Rite Theater, 1547 Lakeside Drive near Lake Merritt, Oakland. Tickets are $15-$42. 452-3800. www.calrevels.org 

The Women’s Antique Vocal Ensemble, the Schola Cantorum of St. Albert Priory, and the instrumental ensemble Alta Sonora will perform 14th to 20th-century Christmas music from France, Italy, Spain and Germany at 8 p.m. at Lake Merritt United Methodist Church, 1330 Lakeshore Ave., Oakland. Tickets are $15-$5. www.wavewomen.org 

Rebecca Boblak, Ben Stolorow and Javier Trujillo perform Gershiwn and DeFalla at 8 p.m. at Giorgi Gallery, 2911 Claremont Ave. 848-1228. giorgigallery.com 

Remembering the Ancestors, Modern and Afro-Caribbean dance, at 8 p.m. at at Live Oak Theatre, 1301 Shattuck Ave. Cost is $5, children free. 841-5580.  

Somos at 9 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $10-$12. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

John Santos Quartet “Clasicos Criollos” at 8 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $10. 845-5373. www.jazzschool.com 

JukeJoint Sextet at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $15. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

Swingthing, holiday gala, at 9:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Swing dance lesson at 8 p.m. Cost is $11-$13. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Al Stewart at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $25.50-$26.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Bill Crossman Group at 8 p.m. at 1510 8th St., Oakland. Donation $5-$15. sfjazzmusic@yahoo.com 

John Thayer and Christina Kowalchuk at 7:30 p.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344. www.nomadcafe.net 

Built for the Sea, The New Centuries, Pants Pants Pants at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $6. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com 

Born/Dead, Young Offenders, Surrender at 8 p.m. at 924 Gilman St., an all-ages, member-run, no alcohol, no drugs, no violence club. Cost is $6. 525-9926. 

Bucho, soul and hip hop, at 9 p.m. at Shattuck Down Low, 2284 Shattuck Ave. Cost is $7. 548-1159.  

Sol Spectrum at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 848-8277. 

Rimshot at 9 p.m. at the Uptown Nightclub, 1928 Telegraph, Oakland. Cost is $7-$10. 451-8100. www.uptownnightclub.com 

Charlie Hunter Trio at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square, through Sun. Cost is $16-$28. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

SATURDAY, DEC. 16 

CHILDREN  

Los Amiguitos de La Peña with Fran Avni and Bonnie Lockhart at 10:30 a.m. at La Peña. Cost is $4 for adults, $3 for children. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

La Familia Peña-Govea plays Mexican children’s music at 11 a.m. at Studio Grow, 1235 10th St. Cost is $6. 526-9888. 

Elmwood Theater Matinee Benefit for local schools showing “Madagascar” at 10 a.m. and noon, and noon on Sun. Cost is $2. Sponsored by Elmwood merchants. 843-3794. 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Bringing the Condors Home” A look at the Ventana Wildlife Society’s 20-year effor to restore California condors to the wild opens at the Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak Sts. and runs through April 15. 238-2200. www.museumca.org 

“Gesture and Gestalt” Paintings of Albert Hwang and glass and metal sculpture of Victoria Skirpa opens at 6 p.m. at Float Art Gallery, 1091 Calcott Place, Unit #116., Oakland. 535-1702. 

Ceramics by Lizette Sanchez and Robert Bartlett-Edney Functional and decorative raku pottery and sculpture on display from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at 728 Liberty St., El Cerrito. 847-7380. 

FILM 

Jacques Rivette “Up/Down/ 

Fragile” at 5 p.m. and Janus Films “The Organizer” at 8:15 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Berkeley Ballet Theater, “The Nutcracker” at 2 and 7 p.m. and Sun. at 2 p.m. at Julia Morgan Center for the Arts, 2640 College Ave. Tickets are $16-$21. 843-4689. 

Carol Alban “Miracles at the Chimes” solo flute music at 3 p.m. at Chapel of the Chimes, 4499 Piedmont Ave., Oakland. Free. 228-3218. 

Pacific Boychoir “Harmonies of the Season” at 7 p.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 114 Montecito Ave., Oakland. Tickets are $20. 652-4722. www.pacificboychoir.org 

Voces Musicales “A Renaissance Christmas” Spanish and English music of the season at 8 p.m. at First Congregational Church, Dana and Durant. Tickets are $10-$25. 528-1725. 

California Revels “Christmas Revels” Celebrating the stories, songs, dance, and drama of 19th century Quebec, Sat. and Sun. at 1 and 5 p.m. at Scottish Rite Theater, 1547 Lakeside Drive near Lake Merritt, Oakland. Tickets are $15-$42. 452-3800. www.calrevels.org 

Black Nativity Holiday Pagent at 2:30 p.m. at Allen Temple Baptist Church Family Life Center, 8501 International Blvd, at 85th and A, Oakland. Tickets are $7-$20. 544-8924. 

“Remembering the Ancestors, An Eclectic Mix of Modern and Afro-Caribbean Dance,” directed by Cherie Hill, 8 p.m. at Live Oak Theatre, 1301 Shattuck Ave. Cost is $5, children are free. 841-5580. 

Melodikibolism, new works by graduates of Mills College at 8 p.m. at Trinity Chapel, 2320 Dana St. Tickets are $8-$12. 549-3864. 

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

Naivdad Flamenca at 8 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $18-$20. 849-2568. www.lapena.org  

Musical Night in Africa with Kotoja, West African Highlife Band, Afro-Groove Connexion at 8:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $15. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com  

“A Night in Persia” Persian dance celebration at 6 pm. at Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, One Lawson Rd., Kensington. Tickets are $20-$35. 925-462-6691. 

James Riddle and Heather Frederick at 7:30 p.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344. www.nomadcafe.net 

Henry Clement & the Gumbo Band at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $17.50-$18.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Fred Randolph Quintet at 8:30 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $12-$15. 845-5373. www.jazzschool.com 

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

Hammerlock, Cheap Skate, White Barrons at 8:30 p.m. at the Uptown Nightclub, 1928 Telegraph, Oakland. Cost is $8. 451-8100. www.uptownnightclub.com 

Dale Miller & Powell St. John at 8 p.m. at Spuds Pizza, 3290 Adeline St. Cost is $7-$10. 558-0881. 

Big B and His Snake Oil Saviors, Crooked Roads, Lariats of Fire at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $7. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com 

CV1, classic Jamaican dub grooves, at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 848-8277. 

Fuga, La Plebe, Manicato, Son Del Centro at 7 p.m. at Oakland Metro, 201 Broadway, Oakland. Cost is $10. 763-1146. www.oaklandmetro.org 

Babyland, Jewdriver, Yidcore at 8 p.m. at 924 Gilman St., an all-ages, member-run, no alcohol, no drugs, no violence club. Cost is $6. 525-9926. 

SUNDAY, DEC. 17 

FILM 

Janus Films “Yojimbo” at 4 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Dahr Jamail, Peter Phillips & Larry Everest will discuss the new book “Impeach the President: The Case Against Bush and Cheney” at 7:30 p.m. at Revolution Books, 2425 Channing Way at Telegraph Ave. 848-1196. 

Island Literary Series with Floyd Salas reading from “Love Bites: Poetry in Celebration of Dogs and Cats” at 3 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $2. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Berkeley Ballet Theater, “The Nutcracker” at 2 p.m. at Julia Morgan Center for the Arts, 2640 College Ave. Tickets are $16-$21. 843-4689. 

Berkeley Community Chorus and Orchestra presents Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms, Copland’s “American Songs” and others at 4:30 p.m. at St. Joseph the Worker Church, 1640 Addison St. Free, donations welcome. www.bcco.org 

Pacific Boychoir “Family Holiday Celebration” at 2 p.m. at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church, 400 Alcatraz, Oakland. Tickets are $10, children under 10 free. 652-4722. www.pacificboychoir.org 

Kitka “Wintersongs” music from Eastern European traditions at 7 p.m. at the First Unitarian Church, 685 14th St., Oakland. Tickets are $20-$25. 444-0323. www.kitka.org 

Cantabile Chorale “‘Tis the Season” at 7:30 p.m. at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 2727 College Ave. Tickets are $6-$25. 650-424-1310. www.cantabile.org 

Holiday Gospel Concert at 5 p.m. at the Linen Life Park Ave., Emeryville. 776-8222. 

Black Nativity Holiday Pagent Gala at 3:30 p.m., followed by performance, at Allen Temple Baptist Church Family Life Center, 8501 International Blvd, at 85th and A, Oakland. Tickets are $7-$20. Gala tickets are $35. 544-8924. 

Beth Custer Ensemble at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $18.50-$19.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Bowman/Beuthe/Wiitala Trio at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $9. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

John Santos and The Machete Ensemble at 7 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $6. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

The Everyone Orchestra, psychedelic improv, at 9 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $15. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Filly Fads Harp Trio at 11 a.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344. www.nomadcafe.net 

Radio Suicide, Heart Shed, Blue Mire at 6 p.m. at Oakland Metro, 201 Broadway, Oakland. Cost is $8-$10. 763-1146. www.oaklandmetro.org 

MONDAY, DEC. 18 

CHILDREN 

Fratello Marionettes “Peter and the Wolf” at 7 p.m.. at Oakland Public Library, Main Library Children’s Room, 125 14th St. 238-3615. 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

PlayGround Six emerging playwrights debut new works at 8 p.m. at Berkeley Repertory Theater, 2025 Addison St. Tickets are $18. 415-704-3177. www.PlayGround-sf.org 

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

MUSIC AND DANCE 

West Coast Songwriters Showcase at 7:30 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $5. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

E.W. Wainwright and friends in a tribute to John Coltrane, Annuel Youth Arts Benefit at 8 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com  

RISE OF ITALY’S TRADE UNION MOVEMENT 

A screening of Mario Monicelli’s The Organizer (1963) will close out Pacific Film Archive’s six-week retrospective of films from the Janus collection at 8:15 p.m. Saturday. The film, nominated for an Academy Award for best screenplay, examines the beginnings of the trade union movement in Italy at the end of the 19th century, with Marcello Mastroianni playing a Genoa schoolteacher who finds his way to Turin to lead textile workers in a strike. $4-$8. 2575 Bancroft Way. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu. 

EAST BAY THEN AND NOW 

Eric Kos and Dennis Evanosky talk about how the book East Bay Then and Now was written and photographed on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. at the Chapel of the Chimes. 

They will focus on historic photos of Oakland and the surrounding area including Fabiola Hospital, Harrison Street Produce Market and the bustling pier at the foot of Broadway. They will discuss their new San Francisco in Photographs, and Oakland’s surprising role in their latest project, California and the Civil War. 4499 Piedmont Ave. Donation: $8 members, $10 nonmembers. 763-9218, 

www.oaklandheritage.org.  

JAZZSCHOOL  

TUESDAYS 

A continuing weekly showcase of up-and -coming young jazz ensembles plays each Tuesday at Jupiter, 2181 Shattuck Ave, 8 p.m. 848-8277. 

Today (Tuesday) marks the return of Berkeley’s Charlie Hunter, one of the most innovative and entertaining performers in jazz, to Yoshi’s for six shows. For many years a regular on the Bay Area club scene, the guitarist, currently based in New York, will bring his trio back to the East Bay for his annual winter pilgrimage. 

Like Miles Davis and Herbie Hancock before him, Hunter never stands still long enough to be easily labeled, generating a diverse catalogue of music. 

He graduated from Berkeley High School, having played in the school’s renowned jazz band that has nurtured the talents of several other jazz greats, including saxophonists Joshua Redman and Peter Apfelbaum, and later worked as a guitar teacher for Subway Guitars on Cedar Street in Berkeley.  

After spending some time performing as a street musician in Europe, Hunter formed an acclaimed trio in 1992 with another local talent, tenor saxophonist Dave Ellis, and drummer Jay Lane, an original member of Primus. 

Hunter also records with the popular funk-infused band Garage A Trois, and while he was living in the Bay Area he was known for his performances with a guitar-based band TJ Kirk, a guitar band whose name is derived from the name of jazz multi-instrumentalist Rashaan Roland Kirk and from the first initials of Thelonious Monk and James Brown. 

Hunter plays an eight-string guitar rather than six, enabling him to play his own bass lines while soloing. This unusual style creates a sound that has been compared to a Hammond B Organ. And his repertoire is vast; throughout his career he has brought his vision to a wide array of genres, including a cover version of Nirvana’s “Come As You Are” and a startling remake of Bob Marley’s album Natty Dread.  

Performing popular pieces and standards has long been a practice in jazz, but Hunter doesn’t merely adapt each piece to a jazz signature, but rather imbibes each work with the spirit of the original, in the process creating a new take on old material that can stand on its own. 

Hunter manages to perform Nirvana’s simple grunge rock hit with the sophistication and swing of jazz without losing its intensity, and pays homage to one of the most revered of reggae albums without ever using a reggae beat. 

Hunter’s collaboraters also constitute a diverse group. He has performed as a duo with avant-garde percussionist Leon Parker, recorded with reggae guitar greats Ernest Ranglin and Chinna Smith and opened for the likes of J.J. Cale and U2. And in a 2001 appearance at Yoshi’s, Hunter brought a special surprise guest, a little-known singer named Norah Jones, who was on the brink of stardom with the release of her debut album Come Away With Me. 

But despite his skills as a guitarist, it is as a composer, arranger and bandleader that Hunter excels. Whether it’s the mellow sounds of “No Woman No Cry” that opens with a quote from “Tennesee Waltz” before melting into Marley’s famous melody or whether it’s “Two for Bleu” with its conga percussion underneath Hunter’s guitar and Apfelbaum’s Parisian nightclub-sounding sax, Hunter’s music is always eclectic and imaginative. 

Hunter has been bringing his sound to Yoshi’s every December since 2000. Yoshi’s Artistic Director Peter Williams explains, “He likes it because he gets to visit with friends and family for the holidays, and we like it because he is a great artist and it is a big time of year for us.” 

Hunter will be performing this month with his new trio, consisting of piano player Erik Deutsch and drummer Simon Lott. Williams admits that he hasn’t heard Hunter’s new lineup, and in the six years that they have been booking him, Hunter has never brought a trio centered around keyboards rather than saxophone. 

“But that is the great thing about Charlie,” says Williams. “He is always looking at doing new things, and it’s always great.” 

The Charlie Hunter Trio 

performs Tuesday through Sunday at Yoshis. $10-$18. 510 Embarcadero West, Oakland. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com.  

Among the Nutcrackers and Christmas Carols, another holiday show has sprouted up, Ron Lytle’s original musical comedy, The Man Who Saved Christmas, going into its last week at Altarena Playhouse on High Street in Alameda. 

The Man Who Saved Christmas has an intriguing hook. It’s the story of “Toy Baron” A. C. Gilbert, maker of Tinker Toys and Lincoln Logs (and, maybe later, the chemistry sets we thought would blow up the house), and his crusade against a nationwide ban on holiday toy sales during the First World War. 

It’s theme enough to animate a cast of 16—and of all ages—through a brisk 2 1/2 hours of song and dance, romance and general light-hearted good spirits. 

As it’s really centered around a love story, The Man Who Saved Christmas is a little bit more like The Music Man in its nostalgia than the various toy and candy fantasies the holidays usher in.  

Boston Gazette reporter Johnny Eli (a boyish David Irving) shows up at the New Haven toy factory, amid a swirling mass of happy, aproned toy makers singing and dancing out their last-minute holiday rush, as he hopes to interview notoriously press-shy A. C. Gilbert for a story. Gilbert (sanguine Scott Phillips) charges in like a Teddy Roosevelt of toys, and taking Johnny for a consultant, gives him a wind-up toy ferris wheel to fix—which he does, with a stickpin extorted from unxious factory manager Mr. Dixon (smarmy Gregory Lynch).  

Though thrown out on his ear by Gilbert (to the delight of Gilbert’s personal secretary Alice, whom Johnny’s been sweet-talking, played with pert humor by Rebecca Pingree) once the real purpose of his visit becomes plain, Johnny soon finds himself back in the factory at the magnate’s invitation, as Gilbert’s sure he’s spotted another toyman in the rough, and a partner in his crusade. They celebrate their joining forces with zest in “You and Me,” and all at once young Mr. Eli—who had confessed to Alice he wasn’t much of a reporter, or anything—finds himself writing his story, conferring with Gilbert for real (he advises that children be consulted on their preference in toys), courting the once-standoffish Alice—and the target of Dixon’s venomous enmity.  

Meanwhile, at the Gilbert home, their young niece Ellen (Jennifer Beall, a deadpan imp in a doughboy’s hat) is waiting for a reply to her letters from her father, who’s in the army Over There—and, unbeknownst to Ellen, missing in action, though she’s dreamed he’ll be home for Christmas. 

Ron Lytle’s score is quite serviceable, and his lyrics often clever. Lytle also stage- directs, keeping the show brisk and energetic. Armando Fox leads a quintet aloft (Josh Cohen, Randy Hood, Mike Wilson and Mike Wirgler) that cooks and sometimes swings along, giving the action its impetus. Though there’s the whole spectrum of musical comedy-type numbers (including a great comic buck-and-wing of self-righteous resentment by that Iago-at-the-water-cooler Dixon on exiting the factory), the most tuneful is a lullabye sung to a sleepless Ellen by her Aunt Mary (a warm, poised Jenifer Tice), “See You in the A.M.”—though the best set-up and delivery of a number is with “Daddy Has to Leave You,” Ellen upstairs remembering what her father (Lyle Nort) said (in song) to her when he shipped out for the war—joined by a chorus of other doughboys parting from their little girls. 

In Washington, Gilbert and Johnny win over the weary wartime council of Cabinet members, who play with the toys like kids—while back at home in New Haven, the kids themselves (Zoey Brandt and Maggie and Julia Franks as Ellen’s pals—as well as the newsboys yelling “Extra! Extra!” periodically, out in the audience), bored at the complications brought on by Dixon’s duplicity, straighten out the adults, first with a production number (“What’s Wrong with the Grownups?”), then with mischievous action, masterminded by Alice. 

It’s a good showcase for the Altarena’s cranked-up community theater, from musicians to set design (Frederick Chacon’s set of enormous wrapped presents that unfold into the Gilberts’ parlor), from principals to Ensemble (Lorie Franks, Amanda Gelender, Sadie Shaw, Matt Beall, Kevin Hammond, Paul J. White—as the names indicate, a few families are involved). There are particularly bright moments, and more pedestrian connectives, stock and standard fare for musicals when the moments just happen, rather than develop. Besides a few howlers—phrases that fit in more with the aftermath of the Second World War rather than the First (particularly sticky amid Kathleen Edmunds’ striving for a period feel in costumes), there are missed opportunities to cash in on the bounteous background color and flavor the theme suggests: Gilbert’s educational toys, more period Americana in story and song—not to mention the Christmas spirit itself. 

But the show springs from an opportune partnership with time to develop: Altarena plans to reprise Lytle’s first hit for them, Oh My Godmother, next year. The first edition featured Armando Fox’s musical direction, with Scott Phillips in the title role, Jenifer Tice as the Evil Stepmother, and other present cast members also embedded. His musical of Rumpelstilskin will debut with the East Bay Children’s Theatre in February.  

The Man Who Saved Christmas 

Alterena Playhouse 

1409 High St., Alameda 

Through Sunday 

Fri.-Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. 

Tickets $15-18 

523-1553, www.alterena.org