FRIDAY, FEB. 23 

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 

Free Compost for Berkeley Residents First priority is given to Berkeley Unified School District and Berkeley Community Gardens. Self-serve for the general public from 11:45 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. at Berkeley Marina Maintenance Yard, 201 University Ave. 644-6566. 

City Commons Club Noon Luncheon with Frayda Bruton on “Elder Options.” Luncheon at 11:45 a.m. for $14, speech at 12:30 p.m., at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant St. For reservations call 526-2925.  

Chinese New Year Celebration at 1:15 p.m. at North Berkeley Senior Center, 1901 Hearst St. 981-5190. 

“Jews and Arabs: Past, Present and Future” a weekend seminar led by Rabbi Sherwin T. Wine at the Albany Community Center, 1249 Marin Ave. To register call 415-543-4595. www.kolhadash.org 

Circle Dancing in El Cerrito, beginners welcome. Potluck supper at 7 p.m., followed by dancing, at the Hillside Community Church, 1422 Navellier St.El Cerrito. 528-4253.  

Kol Hadash Humanistic Judaism Family Pot Luck Shabbat at 6 p.m. at the Albany Community Center, 1249 Marin Ave. Please bring dinner food appropriate for children, and non-perishable food for the needy. 428-1492. 

SATURDAY, FEB. 24 

“New Era/New Politics” A walking tour of Oakland which highlights African-American leaders who have made their mark on Oakland. Meet at 10 a.m. and the African American Museum and Library at 659 14th St. 238-3234. www.oaklandnet.com/walkingtours 

“Cerrito Creek Work Party” Join Friends of Five Creeks to help remove invasive weeds to restore a creekside willow grove. Wear shoes with good traction and clothes that can get dirty. Meet at 10 a.m. at Creekside Park, south end of Santa Clara Ave., El Cerrito. 848-9358. www.fivecreeks.org 

Mt. Wanda Bird Walk Join Park Ranger Cheryl Abel for a walk up Mt. Wanda. The terrain is steep, so wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes. Bring water and binoculars. Meet at 8:30 a.m. at the Park and Ride lot at the corner of Alhambra Ave. and Franklin Canyon Rd., Martinez. 925-228-8860. 

David Seaborg, environmental leader and son of Nobel Laureate and UC Chancellor Glenn Seaborg will be at the Memorial Oak Grove at 2:30 p.m. to present copies of the “Earth’s Ten Commandments” to a delegation of local leaders and children. www.saveoaks.com 

Recycled Art Reuse some of your regular throwaways to make birdhouses, collages, masks, and more during this “open art”opportunity. All ages welcome. From 2 to 4 p.m. at Tilden Nature Area, in Tilden Park. 525-2233. 

War Tax Resistance Workshops More than half of our federal income taxes are used to wage war. Come find out about your options for conscientious objection from 2 to 4:30 p.m. at 3122 Shattuck Ave. 843-9877.  

African American Quilters’ Workshop from noon to 3 p.m. at the West Oakland Branch Library, 1801 Adeline St. Free. For information call 238-7352. 

LGBT Film Festival from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the César Chávez Branch, Oakland Public Library, 3301 East 12th St. 535-5620. www.oaklandlibrary.org 

Know Your Rights Training from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at CopWatch, 2022 Blake St. For information call 548-0425. 

Tea Tasting Learn about the horticultural and cultural history of tea from 2 to 5 p.m. at UC Botanical Garden, 200 Centennial Drive. Cost is $12-$15. Registration required. 643-2755. 

Lead-Safety for Remodeling, repair and painting of older homes. HUD & EPA approved class held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Alameda County Lead Poisoning Prevention Program, 2000 Embarcadero, #300, Oakland. 567-8280.  

Write for Your Life A workshop from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, One Lawson Rd., Kensington. Suggested donation $40. 524-2858.  

Music and Sacred Space from 1 to 3 p.m. at Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, One Lawson Rd., Kensington. Suggested donation $10. 236-0376.  

“Jews and Arabs: Past, Present and Future” A Kol Hadash Scholar-in-Residence Seminar with Rabbi Sherwin Wine, Sat. and Sun. at the Albany Community Center, 1249 Marin Ave. For registration information, visit www.kolhadash.org 543-4595. 

Picket at Woodfin Suites from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., 5800 Shellmound, Emeryville. 548-9334. 

The Berkeley Lawn Bowling Club provides free instruction 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, FEB. 25 

Tour of EcoHouse’s Greywater System Learn how to use waste water from your bathroom sink, shower and washing machine to safely irrigate your garden. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Berkeley EcoHouse, 1305 Hopkins St. Cost is $15 sliding scale, no one turned away. 548-2220 ext. 242. 

Hoot with Winter Owls Learn the night-time calls of owls that inhabit Tilden's forests and discover fact, fiction and fables about owls at 11 a.m. at Tilden Nature Area, in Tilden Park. 525-2233. www.ebparks.org  

“Open Garden” Join the Little Farm gardener for composting, planting, watering and reaping the rewards of our work, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Tilden Nature Area, Tilden Park. Cancelled only by heavy rain. 525-2233.  

French Broom Removal Lend a hand pulling out exotic broom plants so our native grasses and shrubs have a fighting chance. Bring gloves. We’ll provide hand tools and refreshments. From 1:30 to 4 p.m. at Tilden Nature Area, in Tilden Park. 525-2233.  

Seed Propagation and Sustainable Gardening from noon to 3:30 p.m. at UC Botanical Garden, 200 Centennial Drive. Cost is $40. Registration required. 643-7265. 

Berkeley City Club Tour of the “Lilttle Castle” designed by Julia Morgan at 1:15, 2:15 and 3:15 p.m. at 2315 Durant Ave. 883-9710. 

Hypertension Sunday Free Blood Pressure Screenings at churches and senior centers in Alameda County. For times and locations call 869-6763. 

“Karma: Do We Have Control Over Our Destiny?” Meditation and talk with Elizabeth Diamond at 12:30 p.m. at 7th Heaven Yoga Studio, 2820 Seventh St. 

Spartacist Forum: Black Liberation Through Socialist Revolution at 2 p.m. at 213 Wheeler Hall, UC Campus. 839-0851. 

“Duality and Non-Duality: Liberation” with Alex Pappas at 9:30 a.m. at Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, One Lawson Rd., Kensington. 535-0302, ext. 306.  

Tibetan Buddhism with Mark Henderson on “The Nyingma Mandala: A Dynamic Meditation for Peace” at 6 p.m. at the Tibetan Nyingma Institute, 1815 Highland Pl. 843-6812.  

MONDAY, FEB. 26 

Lawrence Berkeley Lab Expansion Plans Public Hearing at 6:30 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center. A CD version of the Long Range Development Plans is available. Call 486-4181. 

Congresswoman Barbara Lee’s State of the District Address at 6 p.m. at the Ron Dellums Federal Building Auditorium, 2nd floor, 1301 Clay St., Oakland. 763-0370.  

“Jazz on a Monday Afternoon” Films and discussion on the Jazz Age and the Harlem Renaissance at 2 p.m. at the Berkeley Public Library, 2090 Kittredge St., 3rd flr. 981-6100. 

“Brotherly Jazz: The Heath Brothers” A screening of the documentary followed by a discussion with the producer at 7 p.m. at Kensington Library, 61 Arlington Ave. 524-3043. 

Berkeley CopWatch organizational meeting at 8 p.m. at 2022 Blake St. 548-0425. 

TUESDAY, FEB. 27 

“Civil Rights Tales” A Black History Month celebration with Stagebridge at 1:15 p.m. at North Berkeley Senior Center, 1901 Hearst St. 981-5190. 

Community Celebration for Black History Month at 6:30 p.m. at James Kenney Recreation Center, 1720 Eighth St. 981-5158. 

Holocaust Remembrance Day Planning Meeting at noon at 2180 Milvia St., 5th Floor Redbud Room. Come help plan for Berkeley’s 5th Annual Holocaust Remembrance Day. 981-7170. 

“Project Censored” with Peter Phillips on how and why the mainstream corporate media make decisions about which stories to cover, at 7:30 p.m. at the mmeting af the El Cerrito Democratic Club, Northminster Presbyterian Church, 545 Asbury Ave., El Cerrito. 835-2727. 

Alaska’s Wilderness Rivers A slide show with Oliver Steinfels on rafting the Tatshenshini and Alsek rivers at 7 p.m. at REI, 1338 San Pablo Ave. 527-4140. 

Free Eating Disorders Screening from 10:00 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Alta Bates Summit Medical Center, Herrick Campus, CC Conference Room (Level A), 2001 Dwight Way. 204-4580. 

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

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

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, FEB. 28 

Teach-In and Vigil Against American Torture every Wed. at noon at Boalt Hall, Bancroft Way at College Ave.  

Disaster Preparedness for Seniors: Lessons from Katrina at 1:30 p.m. at North Berkeley Senior Center, 1901 Hearst. 548-9696. 

“What’s at Stake in the Ecology of Berkeley’s Strawberry Canyon” A walk at 5 p.m. every Wed. with Ignacio Chapela and expert guests Gray Brechin, Robert Hass, Brock Dolman, Gary-Paul Nabhan, Dan Siegel, Joe McBride and more to discuss what is at stake in the next proposed steps for the filling of the Canyon by the UC-LBL Rad-Labs, and now British Petroleum. http://canyonwalks.blogspot.com/  

“Immigration Reform: Problems and Prospects for the Community” a panel discussion from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Richmond Public Library’s Madeline F. Whittlesey Community Room, 325 Civic Center Plaza in central Richmond. 620-6561. 

Progressive Democrats of the East Bay meets at 7 p.m. at Spud’s Pizza, 3290 Adeline, to discuss against the war, electoral reform, and other issues in California and local politics. 636-4149. www.pdeastbay.org 

“Sustainability Education for Inspired Lives and Healthy Communities” with Trathen Heckman at 1 p.m. at Wurster Hall, 315A, UC Campus. Part of the Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning Colloquium. http://laep.ced.berkeley.edu/events/colloquium 

Live Free Box Clothing Swap from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Long Haul, 3124 Shattuck Ave. 540-0751. 

Exploring Jewish Responses to Big Questions at 6:45 at JGate near El Cerrito Plaza and BART station. Suggested donation of $5. Call for reservation and address. 559-8140. 

Berkeley School Volunteers Training workshop for volunteers interested in helping the public schools, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at 1835 Allston Way. 644-8833. 

El Grupito, a group for practicing and maintaining Spanish skills, meets at 7:30 p.m. at Diesel Books, 5433 College Ave., Oakland. 653-9965. 

WriterCoach Connection seeks volunteers to help students improve their writing and thinking skills. Training from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. 524-2319.  

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

Berkeley Peace Walk and Vigil e at 6:30 p.m. at the Berkeley BART Station followed by Peace Walk at 7 p.m. www. 

geocities.com/vigil4peace/vigil 

THURSDAY, MARCH 1 

“Feminism Transcends Borders” A panel discussion for Women’s History Month with Paola Bacchetta, Purnima Madhivanan and Beatríz Pesquera at 6 p.m. at the Free Speech Movement Cafe, UC Campus. 643-6445. 

What to Eat with Marion Nestle at 5 p.m. at Elephant Pharmacy, 1607 Shattuck Ave. 549-9200. 

Teen Book Club meets to discuss wordy books at 4:30 p.m. at the Claremont Branch Library, 2940 Benvenue at Ashby. Bring a book to share. 981-6107. 

Red Cross Blood Drive from noon to 6 p.m. at Unit 4 Dorms, UC Campus. To schedule an appointment go to www.BeADonor.com (code UCB) 

World of Plants Tours Thurs., Sat. and Sun. at 1:30 p.m. at the UC Botanical Garden, 200 Centennial Drive. Cost is $5. 643-2755.  

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

CITY MEETINGS 

Zero Waste Commission Mon., Feb. 26, at 7 p.m., at 1201 Second St. 981-6368.  

City Council meets Tues., Feb. 27, at 7 p.m in City Council Chambers. 981-6900. www.ci. 

berkeley.ca.us/citycouncil 

Energy Commission meets Wed., Feb. 28, at 6:30 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-5434.  

Planning Commission meets Wed., Feb. 28, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-7484.  

Police Review Commission meets Wed., Feb. 28, at 7:30 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-4950.

FRIDAY, FEB. 23 

THEATER 

Altarena Playhouse “Not a Genuine Black Man” with Brian Copeland, Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m. at 1409 High St., Alameda. Tickets are $35-$45. 800-838-3006. 

Aurora Theatre Company “The Birthday Party” Wed. - Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2 and 7 p.m. at 2081 Addison St., through March 11. Tickets are $38. 843-4822. www.auroratheatre.org 

Berkeley Rep “The Pillowman” at 8 p.m. at the Thrust Stage, 2025 Addison St., through March 11. Tickets are $33-$61. 647-2949. 

Black Repertory Group “Phyllis” Fri. and Sat. at at 3201 Adeline St. Tickets are $10. 652-2120. 

Central Works Theater Ensemble “Lola Montez” Thurs.-Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 5 p.m. at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant Ave. through March 25. Tickets are $9-$25. 558-1381. www.centralworks.org 

Contra Costa Civic Theater “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m. at 951 Pomona Ave., at Moeser, El Cerrito., through March 3. Tickets are $15-$24. 524-9132. www.ccct.org 

Impact Theatre “Cartoon” Thurs.-Sat. at 8 p.m. at La Val’s Subterranean, 1834 Euclid, through March 10. Tickets are $10-$15. www.impacttheatre.com 

The Marsh “Shopping for God” Thurs.-Sat. at 7 p.m. at 2120 Allston Way, through March 3. Tickets are $15-$22. 1-800-838-5750.  

Masquers Playhouse “Arsenic and Old Lace” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m., though Feb. 24, at 105 Park Playhouse, Point Richmond. Tickets are $15. 232-4031. 

Ragged Wing Ensemble “The Tempest” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m. at The Metal Shop Theater, 2425 Stuart St., behind Willard Middle School. Runs through Feb. 24. Tickets are $15-$25. 800-838-3006. www.raggedwing.org 

TheatreFirst “Nathan the Wise” Thurs.-Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 3 p.m. at Old Oakland Theater, 481 Ninth St. at Broadway, Oakland, through March 4. Tickets are $21-$25. 436-5085. www.theatrefirst.com 

Travelling Jewish Theater, “Rose” at The Ashby Stage, 1901 Asby Ave., through Feb. 25. For ticket information call 415-522-0786. 

EXHIBITIONS 

Tony Bellaver “Interventions” Performance art from 1 to 4 p.m. at Berkeley Art Center, 1275 Walnut St. Donations accepted. 644-6893.  

FILM 

“Who is Bozo Texino?” The Secret History of Hobo and Railworker Graffiti. Film Screening with film-maker, Bill Daniel at 7 p.m. at AK Press Warehouse, 674A 23rd St., Oakland Cost is $5, no one turned away. 

Human Rights Watch Film Festival “Total Denial” at 7 p.m. and “Black Gold” at 8:50 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808.  

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Ishmael Beah describes “A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier” at 7 p.m. at the First Congregational Church of Berkeley, 2345 Channing Way. Suggested donation $10, benefits Human Rights Watch. 559-9500. 

Amy Besa and Romy Dorotan describe “Memories of Philippine Kitchens” at 7:30 p.m. at Black Oak Books. 486-0698. www.blackoakbooks.com 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

“The Forsythe Company” the West Coast premiere of the ballet “Three Atmospheric Studies” at 8 p.m. at Zellerbach Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $32-$58. 642-9988.  

Oakland East Bay Symphony premieres Pierre Jalbert’s ”Fire and Ice” at 8 p.m. at Paramount Theater, 2025 Broadway, Oakland. Pre-concert lecture at 7 p.m.. Tickets are $15-$62. 652-8497. www.oebs.org 

The Kymata Band, songs of Greece at 7:30 p.m. at Pro Arts Gallery, 550 Second St. Tickets are $10-$15. 868-0695. www.bayareabach.org 

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

La Muñeca y Los Muertos, Latin ska/punk, at 9 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $10. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Jai Uttal & The Pagan Love Orchestra at 9:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $15-$18. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Martine Locke, singer/songwriter at 8 p.m. at Caffe Trieste, 2500 San Pablo Ave., at Dwight. 548-5198.  

The Junius Courtney Band, swing jazz, at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $17.50-$18.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Sara & Swingtime at 9 p.m. at Downtown. 649-3810.  

Robin Galante, Mario De Sio and Mary Elizabeth Beckman at 7:30 p.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344. www.nomadcafe.net 

Wil Blades vs. Scott Amendola, Jessica Lurie Ensemble at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $6. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com 

Ceremony, Verse, Allegiance, Internal Affairs at 8 p.m. at 924 Gilman St., an all-ages, member-run, no alcohol, no drugs, no violence club. Cost is $7. 525-9926. 

Sinclair at 9:30 p.m. at Beckett’s Irish Pub, 2271 Shattuck Ave. 647-1790. www.beckettsirishpub.com 

Radio Suicide, Broken October at 8:30 p.m. at Oakland Metro, 201 Broadway. All ages. Cost is $10. 763-1146. www.oaklandmetro.org 

Gris Gris, Restaurant, Oh Sees, indie rock, at 9 p.m. at the Uptown Nightclub, 1928 Telegraph, Oakland. Cost is TBA. 451-8100. www.uptownnightclub.com 

George Duke at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square, through Sun. Cost is $22-$26. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

SATURDAY, FEB. 24 

CHILDREN  

“Dragonwings” An Active Arts Theater production for ages 7-14, Sat. at 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. and Sun. at 2 p.m. at Julia Morgan Theater for the Arts, 2640 College Ave, through Feb. 25. Tickets are $14 children, $18 adults. 925-798-1300. 

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

EXHIBITIONS 

“All Heart” A collaborative show with Children’s Hospital Oakland and Art For Life Foundation. Afternoon tea at 3 p.m. at Expressions Gallery, 2035 Ashby Ave. Runs through March 9. 644-4930. 

Photographs by Hilary Marckx “50-Year Retrospective” a conversation with the photographer at 4 p.m. at the Pacific School of Religion’s Bade Museum, 1798 Scenic Ave. 849-8239.  

Berkeley City College Digital Arts Show Photographs on display at 1947 Center St., Lobby Gallery, through May 1. 981-7533. 

THEATER 

“Touch” a gospel music play on a young woman’s battle with breast cancer, at 7 p.m. at Scottish Rite Theater, 1547 Lakeside Dr., Oakland. Tickets are $25-$35. 466-5987. www.totallyled.org 

FILM 

LGBT Film Festival from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the César Chávez Branch, Oakland Public Library, 3301 East 12th St. 535-5620. www.oaklandlibrary.org 

Human Rights Watch Film Festival “The Camden 28” at 6:30 p.m. and “My Country, My Country” at 8:30 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

“Flight Out of Time” Gallery talk on the exhibition of contemporary prints by Barbara Foster, Jimin Lee and Tadayoshi Nakabayashi at 2 p.m. at Kala Art Institute, 1060 Heinz Ave. 549-2977. www.kala.org 

California West Coast Blues Summit and Seminar in celebration of Black History Month, from 1 to 6 p.m. at 554 Grand Ave., 2nd flr. Cost is $5. 836-2227. 

Poetry Flash with Rick Barot and Paisley Rekdal at 7:30 p.m. at Black Oak Books. 486-0698. www.blackoakbooks.com 

Woodruff Minor presents a slideshow on “The Architecture of Ratcliff” at 4 p.m. at Mrs. Dalloways, 2904 College Ave. 704-8222. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Oakland Bay Area Community Chorus in celebration of Black History Month at 3 p.m. at the African American Museum and Library, 659 154th St., Oakland. 637-0200. 

Life is Grand Oakland performers including music and dance from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Paramount Theater, 2025 Broadway, Oakland.  

Lizzy and the Redbirds A concert of the music of Laura Nyro at 8 p.m. at Trinity Chapel, 2320 Dana St. 549-3864 www.trinitychamberconcerts.com 

Susie Laraine and the Jazz Express at 8 p.m. at The Giorgi Gallery, 2911 Claremont Ave., behind Peet’s. 848-1228. 

Rhythm & Muse open mic series features Boundless Gratitude’s CD release party, at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Art Center, 1275 Walnut St., between Eunice and Rose. 644-6893. 

The Hot Club, gypsy jazz, at 2 p.m. at Downhome Music, 10341 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito. 525-2129. 

Karen Horner and Friends at noon at Cafe Zeste, 1250 Addison St. at Bonar, in the Strawberry Creek Park complex. 704-9378. 

Seth Montfort and Thomas Penders, piano, at 5:30 p.m. at Giorgi Gallery, 2911 Claremont Ave. 848-1228. 

Ballet Flamenco Sara Baras, premiere of “Sabores” at 8 p.m. at Zellerbach Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $28-$56. 642-9988. 

Conjunto Karabali, salsa, at 9:30 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $12. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Medea Sinkas at 8:30 p.m. at Oakland Metro, 201 Broadway. All ages. Cost is $10. 763-1146. www.oaklandmetro.org 

San Francisco’s Summer of Love Revue at 9 p.m. at the Uptown Nightclub, 1928 Telegraph, Oakland. Cost is $14. 451-8100. www.uptownnightclub.com 

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

Tom Rigney & Flambeau at 9 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Dance lesson at 8 p.m. Cost is $13. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com  

Rich Hubbard and Serenity FIsher at 7:30 p.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344. www.nomadcafe.net 

Ralph Stanley & the Clinch Mountain Boys at 8 p.m. at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 2727 College Ave. Cost is $32.50-$33.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Eric Swinderman Trio at 9 p.m. at Downtown. 649-3810.  

Tim Duarte, Latin jazz, at 9:30 p.m. at Albatross, 1822 San Pablo Ave. Cost is $5. 843-2473. www.albatrosspub.com 

Moh Allieche, world, folk, at 8 p.m. at Spuds Pizza, 3290 Adeline St. Cost is $7. 558-0881. 

Johnny Dilks & his Country Soul Brothers, 77 El Deora, Gerard Landry & the CA Cajuns at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. All ages show. Cost is $7. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com 

Go it Alone, Killing the Dream, Internal Affairs, The First Step at 8 p.m. at 924 Gilman St., an all-ages, member-run, no alcohol, no drugs, no violence club. Cost is $7. 525-9926. 

George Duke at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square, through Sun. Cost is $22-$26. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

SUNDAY, FEB. 25 

EXHIBITIONS 

“A Rose Has No Teeth: Bruce Nauman in the 1960s” Guided tour at 2 p.m. at the Berkeley Art Museum, 2626 Bancroft Way. 642-0808. 

THEATER 

“Touch” a gospel music play on a young woman’s battle with breast cancer, at 8 p.m. at Scottish Rite Theater, 1547 Lakeside Dr., Oakland. Tickets are $25-$35. 466-5987. www.totallyled.org 

FILM 

Human Rights Watch Film Festival “KZ” at 3:30 p.m. and “Source” at 5:20 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

“Jubilee Singers and the Rebirth of the Negro Spirituals” educational forum with Dr. Sandra Graham, musicologist and Assistant Professor of Music at UC Davis at 3:30 p.m. at West Oakland Senior Center, 1724 Adeline St., Oakland. Sponsored by Friends of Negro Spirituals. 869-4359. 

Bilingual Mushaira, South Asian spoken-word poetry performance at 3 p.m. at Berkeley Montessori School, 1310 University Ave. Sponsored by the Center for the Art of Translation. 415-512-8812. 

Diane Wolf reads from “Beyond Anne Frank” at 3:30 p.m. at Black Oak Books. 486-0698. www.blackoakbooks.com 

Scott Rosenberg describes “Dreaming in Code: Two Dozen Programmers, Three Years, 4,732 Bugs, and One Quest for Transcendent Software” at 5 p.m. at the Hillside Club, Cedar St. Sponsored by Black Oak Books. 486-0698.  

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Rudolf Buchbinder, piano, at 3 p.m. at Hertz Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $42. 642-9988. 

Ballet Flamenco Sara Baras at 7 p.m. at Zellerbach Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $28-$56. 642-9988. www.calperfs.berkeley.edu 

“Songs We Love To Sing” Gospel concert with Bobby Hall & Friends at 7 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 201 Martina St., corner W. Richmond Ave., Point Richmond. 236-0527. 

Cantare Chamber Ensemble “My God is a Rock” Spirituals by African-American composers, at 3 p.m. at Lakeshore Avenue Baptist Church, 3534 Lakeshore Ave., Oakland. Tickets are $10-$20. 836-0789. 

Jack Gates Ensemble at 7:30 p.m. at Berkeley Art Center, 1275 Walnut St. Cost is $10. 644-6893. 

Ralph Stanley & the Clinch Mountain Boys at 8 p.m. at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 2727 College Ave. Cost is $32.50-$33.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Olivia Corson “Whale Tales” improv movement, at 7 p.m. at Western Sky Studio, 2525 8th St. Cost is $10-$20 sliding scale. 649-1791. 

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

Sara Ayala and Riquezas, flamenco, at 7:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $10. 525-5054.  

Evelie Posch and Brook Schoenfield at 11 a.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344.  

MONDAY, FEB. 26 

THEATER 

Shakespeare Intensive “As You Like It” staged reading at 7:30 p.m. at Berkeley Unitarian Fellowship, Fireside Room, 1925 Cedar at Bonita. Cost is $5. 276-3871. 

Woman’s Will 24-hour Playfest Playwrights, directors and actors write, rehearse, memorize and perform seven new plays in 24 hours. Performance is at 8 p.m. at the Julia Morgan Center for the Arts, 2640 College Ave. Tickets are $10-$25 sliding scale. 420-0813. www.womanswill.org 

FILM 

“Jazz on a Monday Afternoon” Films and discussion on the Jazz Age and the Harlem Renaissance at 2 p.m. at the Berkeley Public Library, 2090 Kittredge St., 3rd flr. 981-6100. 

“Brotherly Jazz: The Heath Brothers” A screening of the documentary followed by a discussion with the porducer at 7 p.m. at Kensington Library, 61 Arlington Ave., Kensington. 524-3043. 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Caille Millner describes “The Golden Road: Notes on my Gentrification” at 7 p.m. at Cody’s Books on Fourth St. 559-9500. 

Floyd Salas and Reginald Lockett, poets, at 7:30 p.m. at Moe’s Books, 2476 Telegraph Ave. 849-2087. 

Poetry Express with Damnyo with open mic theme “when I was a teenager” at 7 p.m., at Priya Restaurant, 2072 San Pablo Ave. 644-3977. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Ed Neff and Friends, bluegrass, at 7 p.m. at Le Bateau Ivre, 2629 Telegraph Ave. 849-1100. www.lebateauivre.net 

Musica ha Disconnesso, traditional Italian music, at 7 p.m. at Caffe Trieste, 2500 San Pablo Ave., at Dwight. 548-5198.  

Blue Monday Jam at 9 p.m. at the Uptown Nightclub, 1928 Telegraph, Oakland. Cost is $5. 451-8100. www.uptownnightclub.com 

West Coast Songwriters Showcase at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage Coffee House. Cost is $5. 548-1761 www.freightandsalvage.org 

CSU East Bay Jazz Ensembles at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $10-$25. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

TUESDAY, FEB. 27 

CHILDREN 

Introduction to Musical Instruments with musical storyteller Deborah Bonet at 7 p.m. at the Kensington Library, 61 Arlington Ave. For age 3 and up. 524-3043. 

THEATER 

“Civil Rights Tales” A Black History Month celebration with Stagebridge at 1:15 p.m. at North Berkeley Senior Center, 1901 Hearst St. 981-5190. 

EXHIBITIONS 

“New Work” Paintings and intaglio prints by Carol Dalton and Seiko Tachibana opens at the Cecile Moochnek Gallery, 1809-D Fourth St. and runs though March 31. 549-1018. 

FILM 

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

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Leonard Susskind, Stanford physicist, talks about “The Cosmic Landscape: String Theory and the Illusion of Intelligent Design” at 7:30 p.m. at Black Oak Books. 486-0698. www.blackoakbooks.com 

ProArts Juried Annual Artists’ talk at 1 p.m. at 550 Second St., Oakland. 763-9425. www.proartsgallery.org 

Christopher Phillips introduces “Socrates in Love: Philosophy for a Passionate Heart” at 7 p.m. at Cody’s Books on Fourth St. 559-9500. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Motordude Zydeco at 8:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cajun/ 

Zydeco dance lesson at 8 p.m. Cost is $10. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

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

The David Munnelly Band at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $18.50-$19.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Randy Craig Trio at 7:30 p.m. at Caffe Trieste, 2500 San Pablo Ave., at Dwight. 548-5198.  

Myra Melford & Be Bread at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $10-$14. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 28 

THEATER 

Berkeley Rep “To the Lighthouse” opens at the Roda Theater, 2015 Addison St. and runs through March 25. Tickets are $45-$61. 647-2917. 

FILM 

History of Cinema “Sunset Blvd.” at 3 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

“Jewish Science Fiction and Fantasy” A conversation with Grania Davis at the JCC of the East Bay, 1414 Walnut St. Cost is $10-$20. Sponsored by Aquarian Minyan. 465-3935. 

Yael Hedaya, Israeli journalist, reads from her novel “Accidents” at 7:30 p.m. at Black Oak Books. 486-0698. www.blackoakbooks.com 

China Miéville introduces “Un Lun Dun” at 7 p.m. at Cody’s Books on Fourth St. 559-9500. 

Ann Hood reads from her new novel “The Knitting Circle” at 3 p.m. at Mrs. Dalloways, 2904 College Ave. 704-8222. 

Bayswater Book Club meets to discuss “I’m OK, You’re OK” by Thomas Harris at 6:30 p.m. at Barnes and Noble, El Cerrito. 433-2911. 

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

“Writing Teachers Write” monthly student/teacher readings at 5 p.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344. www.nomadcafe.net 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater at 8 p.m. at Zellerbach Hall, UC Campus, through March 4. Tickets are $32-$56. 642-9988. www.calperfs.berkeley.edu 

Music for the Spirit Music celebrating African-American composers at 12:15 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Oakland, 2619 Broadway. 444-3555. 

UC Jazz Ensembles at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $6. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

Tamsen Donner Band at 8:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. West Coast Swing dance lesson at 7:30 p.m. Cost is $10. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Orquestra Candela at 9:30 p.m. at Shattuck Down Low. Salsa dance lessons at 8 p.m. Cost is $5-$10. 548-1159.  

Charley Baker at 9 p.m. at the Uptown Nightclub, 1928 Telegraph, Oakland. Cost is $5. 451-8100. www.uptownnightclub.com 

Beckett’s Family Reunion with Nicole and the Sisters in Soul at 9:30 p.m. at Beckett’s Irish Pub, 2271 Shattuck Ave. 647-1790. www.beckettsirishpub.com 

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

THURSDAY, MARCH 1 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Through Women’s Eyes” featuring works by Frances Catlett opens at the Prescott Joseph Center for Community Enhancement, 920 Peralta St., Oakland, and runs through May 3. 835-8683. www.rescottjoseph.org 

“Gossamer Worlds & Quilted Quandries” Mixed media works by Patricia Gillespie, Bethany Ayres and Hillary Kantmann on display at Esteban Sabar Gallery, 480 23rd St. at Telegraph to April 2. 444-7411. 

“A Rose Has No Teeth: Bruce Nauman in the 1960s” Guided tour at 12:15 and 5:30 p.m. at the Berkeley Art Museum, 2626 Bancroft Way. 642-0808. 

FILM 

“Las Madres: The Mothers of Plaza de Mayo” with filmmakers Susana Muñoz and Lourdes Portillo at 5:30 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Free screening. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

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

Elmaz Abinadar and Suheir Hammad, Arab-American spoken word, at 7:30 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $10-$12. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Anne Barrows reads from her new poetry at 7 p.m. at the Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave. 526-3720, ext. 17. 

Stuart Skorman on “Confessions of a Serial Entrepreneur: Why I Can’t Stop Starting Over” at 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. at Cody’s Books on Fourth St. 559-9500. 

Len Lyons talks about “The Ethiopian Jews of Israel: Personal Stories of Life in the Promised Land” at 7:30 p.m. at Black Oak Books. 486-0698. www.blackoakbooks.com 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

The Uptones, ska, at 9 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $10. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Mary Youngblood & the Sisters of the Earth at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $18.50-$19.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

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

Elise Lebec, solo piano, at 7 p.m. at Caffe Trieste, 2500 San Pablo Ave., at Dwight. 548-5198.  

Or, the Whale, at 9:30 p.m. at Beckett’s Irish Pub, 2271 Shattuck Ave. 647-1790. www.beckettsirishpub.com 

Tourettes with Regrets at 8:30 p.m. at Oakland Metro, 201 Broadway. Cost is $8. 763-1146. www.oaklandmetro.org 

Kurt Elling at 8 and 10 p.m., through Sun. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $10-$20. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

Headnodic & Raashan Ahmad at 9:30 p.m. at Shattuck Down Low. Cost is $5. 548-1159.  

OEBS PREMIERE OF ‘FIRE AND ICE’ 

The Oakland East Bay Symphony presents the world premiere of “Fire and Ice,” the next Magnum Opus commission by Pierre Jalbert on Friday at 8 p.m. at the Paramount Theater, 2025 Broadway, Oakland, with a preconcert lecture at 7 p.m. Jalbert has been awarded two BMI and three ASCAP Foundation prizes, a Guggenheim fellowship, and the coveted Rome Prize in composition. Several years ago, he was the Young Composer-in-Residence with the California Symphony. In addition, this concert will showcase the winner of this year’s Young Artist Competition, violinist Margot Schwartz. Tickets are $15-$62. For details, 652-8497,www.oebs.org. 

PHOTOGRAPHING  

CALIFORNIA, 50 YEARS 

The Pacific School of Religion’s Bade Museum, 1798 Scenic Ave., presents a ‘50-year retrospective’ conversation with the California photographer Hilary Marckx, who has photographed the state’s varied terrain and topography for the past half century, on Saturday at 4 p.m. Marckx approaches his photographs as prayers and contends that his images gather divinity as they gather the reflected light that transforms film into photography, producing focal points for deep contemplation. For details, 849-8239, hilaryfmarckx.com. 

RALPH STANLEY 

Bluegrass legend Ralph Stanley and the Clinch Mountain Boys come to St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 2727 College Ave, on Sat. and Sun at 8 p.m. Berkeley High alum Laurie Lewis & the Right Hands open the show. Tickets $32.50-$33.50. For more information, 548-1761 or www.frieghtandsalvage.

“A barber had a wife—and she was beautiful!” So sings Sweeney Todd at the start of the eponymous musical by Sondheim, in its last two weekends at Contra Costa Civic Theater in El Cerrito. 

The unlikely lyric from a weary traveler is addressed to a friendly sailor on Todd’s arrival at the London Docks—the sailor unaware that he’s returning under a pseudonym after being transported Down Under. And back with a vengeance, to settle with those he blames for his misery. 

But the audience is in the know, thanks to the remarkable chorus that frames the show right from the start, declaiming Sweeney’s bloody reign o’er the barber chair, seething behind the many enclosures of the splendid set, flowing around the audience with song, or sprawling in the beer garden of Mrs. Lovett’s, clamoring for more of the toothsome, fleshly meat pies they just can’t get enough of. 

Sondheim’s great hit (which many consider his magnum opus) seemed an unlikely one, but the black humor of a vengeful barber whose bile engulfs all humanity, and the baker-manque he goes into business with in order to stuff her pies with his victims (‘farci’—or sick farce?) is leavened with a love story of the sailor with the lovely ward of a lewd judge--the magistrate Todd’s object of wrath and the girl his absconded daughter. 

Sondheim clearly is setting himself up to go head-to-head with that other great, dark crowdpleaser set in the underbelly of old London--and set to modern dissonance and sonorities—Brecht and Weill’s Threepenny Opera and its spinoff, Happy End. Sondheim’s entry didn’t attain to the subversive subtlety of its predecessor, but shows considerable mastery of the idiom, especially in its first half, as well as many little touches which the CCCT production catch very well. It set the standard for years afterwards, influencing the many musicals that aimed at a kind of epic theater, if not a Brechtian one. 

Derrick Silva and Anna Albanese are well-cast as dour Todd and his cheery helpmeet; Jennifer Stark as the ever-recurrent Beggar Woman is a strong presence with an interesting voice, though always seen and heard in quick sallies onstage and off. Eric Neiman and Allison Ward as Anthony Hope the sailor and his love Johanna put on an attractive show as ingenues amidst all the squalor and evil--the evil well-turned out by Ray Christensen as Judge Turpin and Steve Yates as Beadle Branford. There’s even a nice cameo for CCCT’s founder, 85 year-old Louis Flynn as the birdseller who blinds his birds so they sing night and day. 

CCCT runs a tight ship, from the cheerful, efficient house management to Daren A. C. Carollo’s stage direction (and set design) and the hard-working cast of 21, of which 12 serve in the dynamic chorus. 

It’s hard to catch a better local production of Sweeny (and Silva, as well as other cast members, has light opera experience). Sometimes higher registers lose comprehensibility, the lyrics lost up in the flies--a problem the management’s aware of and working to correct. 

But the solid technical quality of the show, its fine musicians (musical director Michael O’Dell and three others) and the choreography by Sharnee Nichols—as well as Adam Fry’s lighting and Michael A. Berg’s costumes—make this Sweeny Todd an entertainment which amuses the audience with its outrageous, off-kilter story and lyrics while massaging its sensibilties with Sondheim’s adventuresome—if, like the celebrated meat pies, sometimes gamey—score. 

Sweeny Todd 

Fri.-Sat. 8 p.m. 

Contra Costa Civic Theatre 

951 Pomona Ave., El Cerrito 

through March 3 

524-9132, www.ccct.org 

Asleep in a heap under blue skies with fleecy clouds, the cast of Cartoon is jangled awake and into manic song and dance by an alarm clock, squelched by a mallet-wielding gal, who turns out to be the dictator of the grinning, ‘toonish clan. 

The play by Steven Yockey is onstage down under LaVal’s in the Subterranean Theater Impact has for its home. Not exactly a musical, Cartoon is full of songs, some reprised from familiar sources, though there are long, untuneful stretches dedicated to the Cartoon form of character development, usually tongue-in-cheek. The cast is wired, and works hard under Mark Routhier ’s direction to achieve something akin to one of the side effects of Who Killed Roger Rabbit of yore—that is, exploit the irritating, even frightening aspect of Looney Tunes-type moving caricatures for dramatic purposes. 

It’s successful in spurts, rushes of nonsensical activity, or sometimes in quiet humor, as when the strange, strutting, roaring character with feathery arms and talons, known as Rockstar, who the twin dolly schoolgirls swoon over, seriously explains why he seldom utters a single sound besides his variously-nuanced "grawr!’ 

Other times, it’s just a bit too schematic, a symbolic equation with adolescent or post-adolescent life in a security state, losing its cartoonish quality for the texture of the news, or a taste of the soaps. 

But watching Damsel, the wind-up doll heroine, with meticulous clockwork movements, in a constantly frustrated courtship, initiated by Suitor, who presents her with a bouquet of dynamite sticks and other Warner Bros. gestures of tendresse, only to be blown away by a .45 when he finally overcomes his gaucherie and does the right thing with a bunch of roses, it’s possible to see where this exercise might have gone if the playwright had been consistent with the two-dimensional hysteria of his smiley brood.  

Perhaps some of the rolling gait of that big band jazz that used to accompany Mickey Mouse & co. would give a little more of the eyeball-rolling, toothily grinning schizophrenia that seems to be missing from these frames out of a little controlled universe. Maybe it’s the soundtrack, but the show, despite a lot of gratuitous hard work, needs something more. 

Cartoon 

La Val’s Subterranean Theater 

1834 Euclid Ave. 

through March 10 

Thu.-Sat. 8 p.m. 

Tickets $15 general/$10 students, seniors 

www.impacttheatre.com