FRIDAY, MARCH 16 

Interfaith Candelight Prayer Vigil for the 4th Anniversary of the US occupation of Iraq at 5 p.m., at First Congregational Church lawn on Dana St. 

“Killowat Ours” a documentary on our use of electricity, and “The Vineyard Energy Project” at 7:30 p.m. at Humanist Hall, 390 27th St., midtown Oakland. Donation $5. www.HumanistHall.net 

“Blowin’ in the Wind” A documentary on depleted uranium by David Bradbury at 5 p.m. 215 Dwinelle Hall, UC Campus. 415-485-9528. http://ucnuclearfree.org 

“Golden Gulag: Prisons, Surplus, Crisis, and Opposition in Globalizing California” with author Ruth Wilson Gilmore at 6 p.m. at Uptown Body & Fender, 401 26th St., Oakland. 444-0484. 

Rakkasah West: Middle Eastern Folk Festival from 7 to 11 p.m. at the Richmond Auditorium, Richmond. Tickets are $12. Festival continues all day Sat. and Sun. www.rakkasah.com/west 

Seldom Seen Acting Company, a group of homeless actors who share their life stories through theater perform at 10:30 a.m. at The SVdP Downtown Services Center, 675 23rd St., Oakland. To RSVP call Christine at 636-4255.  

Free Diabetes Screening from 8:30 to 11 a.m. at the West Berkeley Senior Center. Do not eat or drink anything for 8 hours beforehand. 981-5332. 

City Commons Club Noon Luncheon with Fed Collignon on “Famous Berkelyans in the Arts” 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.  

“Who Killed the Electric Car?” a documentary followed by discussion at 6:30 p.m. at the Long Haul, 3124 Shattuck Ave. 540-0751. 

“Globalization in Africa: The Catholic Church’s Response” with Rev. Dr. Patrick Kalilombe from Malawi at 7 p.m. at JSTB, GTU, 1735 Leroy Ave. Followed by symposium on Sat. from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. 549-5028. 

Circle Dancing, simple folk dancing with instruction at 7:30 p.m. at Finnish Brotherhood Hall, 1970 Chestnut St at University. Donation of $5 requested. 528-4253. www.circledancing.com 

SATURDAY, MARCH 17 

Unclothed Oak Grove Photo Shoot with photographer Jack Gescheidt at 10 a.m. at the Memorial Oak Grove. All welcome. for more information on the photographer see www.treespirit.com www.saveoaks.com 

Berkeley Alliance of Neighborhood Associations (BANA) meets at 9:30 a.m. at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, Sproul Room, 2727 College Ave. All welcome.  

Discussion on Health Care Reform with Oakland Mayor Ron Dellums, Assemblymembers Loni Hancock, Fabian Nuñez, Sandre Swanson and others at 9:30 a.m. at Oakland City Hall, 1 Frank Ogawa Plaza. 

St. Patrick and the Snakes Learn the story of St. Patrick and meet our snake at 2 p.m. at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. 525-2233. 

Canoe at Arrowhead Marsh in Oakland with Save the Bay. From 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Cost is $30-$40. To register call 452-9261, ext. 109. 

Tinkers Workshop Spring Used Bike Sale at 84 Bolivar Drive, West Berkeley. All types of bikes available, and proceeds benefit Tinkers Workshop programs form youth. www.tinkersworkshop.org 

“Starve War, Feed Peace” Fourth Anniversary March and Rally Against the War, in Walnut Creek. Progressive Democrats of the East Bay will meet at 11 a.m. at the Walnut Creek BART and march to Civic Park, Civic and Broadway, for a noon rally. 925-933-7850. 

Mt. Wanda Wildflower Walk Join a Park Ranger for a walk in the hills where John Muir took his daughters. Terrain is steep, wear walking shoes and bring water. Rain cancels. Meet at 9 a.m. at the Cal-Trans Park and Ride lot at the corner of Alhambra Ave. and Franklin Canyon Rd., Martinez. 925-228-8860. 

81st Annual Poets’ Dinner and Awards with Cheryl Dumesnil, at noon at Francesco’s in Oakland. Tickets are $26-$27. For reservations call 235-0361. 

“The Ground Truth” Iraq war documentary at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists, 1924 Cedar St. 528-5403. 

Lead-Safe Painting and Remodeling A free class on how to detect and remedy lead hazards in the home, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Ecology Center, 2530 San Pablo Ave. 548-2220, ext. 233. 

“Developing Livable Communities” A forum sponsored by Urbanists for a Livable Temescal Rockridge Area, The Ella Baker Center for Human Rights and The Sierra Club, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at North Oakland Senior Center, 5714 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, entrance at parking lot at 58th St., Oakland. Please bring a brown bag lunch. Pastries, drinks and other snacks will be provided. 925-376-0727. www.ultraoakland.org 

California Writers Club meets to discuss “A Celebration of Local Color” with Annalee Allen, at 10 a.m. at Barnes and Noble, Jack London Square. 272-0120. 

Rakkasah West: Middle Eastern Folk Festival from 11 a.m to 11 p.m, Sun. from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Richmond Auditorium, Richmond. Tickets are $15. www.rakkasah.com/west 

African Dance Class at 11 a.m. at Black Repertory Group, (Purple Bldg.), 3201 Adeline St. Open to all. Cost is $11. 368-2475. www. 

youmustdance.blogspot.com 

Celebrate Women’s History Month on the USS Hornet Events from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.. Tickets are $6 for children, $14 for adults. The Hornet is berthed at 707 W Hornet Ave., Pier 3, Alameda. 521-8448, ext. 237. 

Kids Garden Club for ages 6-9 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. 

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 

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

SUNDAY, MARCH 18 

Shoreline Discovery Walk along Lone Tree Point Regional Shoreline with Bethany Facendini, naturalist, from 3 to 4 p.m. Call for meeting place. 525-2233. 

First Signs of Spring A five mile hike in the Crockett Hills from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Meet at the Crockett Ranch Staging Area. Bring water and a lunch. 525-2233. 

“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. www.ebparks.org 

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

“Dancing Through My Spiritual Journey” with Roger Dillahunty at 9:30 p.m. at Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, 1 Lawson Rd., Kensington. 525-0302, ext. 306. 

Tibetan Buddhism with Jack van der Meulen on Tibetan yoga “Opening to Kum Nye” at 6 p.m. at the Tibetan Nyingma Institute, 1815 Highland Pl. 843-6812. www.nyingmainstitute.com 

MONDAY, MARCH 19 

Iraq War Anniversary Vigils at 5:30 p.m. at the Rockridge BART, at 6 p.m. at Live Oak Park, and at University and San Pablo, and at Shattuck and Cedar, and at 7 p.m. at The Alameda btwn Solano and Marin. 

Berkeley Partners for Parks presents a panel of local grant-givers to help aspiring activists start and fund community projects at 7 p.m. at the Berkeley Public Works Green Room, 1326 Allston (below Acton). 848-9358.  

Bill McKibben and Michael Pollan in Conversation on McKibben’s new book “Deep Economy: The Wealth of Communities and The Durable Future” at 7 p.m. at First Congregational Church, 2345 Channing Way. Tickets are $10-$12. 415-255-7296, ext. 253. www.globalexchange.org 

Women for Peace with Loulena Miles, staff attorney for TriValley CAREs at 10 a.m. at Redwood Gardens, 2951 Derby St. 

“The Story of Rosa Parks” video at 1 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-5190. 

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

Red Cross Blood Drive from noon to 6 p.m. at East Pauley Ballroom, MLK Student Union, UC Campus. To schedule an appointment go to www.BeADonor.com (code UCB) 

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. 

TUESDAY, MARCH 20 

Tuesdays for the Birds Tranquil bird walks in local parklands, led by Bethany Facendini, from 7 to 9:30 a.m. Today we will visit Martin Luther King Regional Shoreline. Call for meeting place and if you need to borrow binoculars. 525-2233. 

Sunshine Ordinance for Berkeley Workshop on open government at 5 p.m. at City Council Chambers 2134 Martin Luther King, Jr. Way. The public will have time to comment. 981-7170. 

Traditional Ringing of the Berkeley Peace Bell at noon at City Hall. Bring your own bells! 

César Chavez Commemoration with a showing of “No Grapes” at 6:30 p.m. at the Berkeley Public Library, 2090 Kittredge St. 981-6100. 

Berkeley Garden Club “Brighten Your Garden with Birds” presented by local birding author Pat Bachetti at 2 p.m. at Epworth Methodist Church, 1953 Hopkins St. 845-4482. 

Spring Equinox Gathering at the Solar Calendar at 6:30 p.m. in Cesar Chavez Park, Berkeley Marina. www.solarcalendar.org 

“Slow Is Beautiful: New Visions of Community, Leisure, and Joie de Vivre” with author Cecile Andrews at 7:30 p.m. at the Hillside Club, 2286 Cedar St. www.hillsideclub.org 

“Food Safety in Oakland” A public hearing with the Food and Drug Administration on recent outbreaks of food-borne illnesses associated with microbial contamination of fresh produce, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Federal Building, 13th St., at Clay, Oakland. 202-314- 4713. isabelle_howes@grad.usda.gov 

“Not For Sale: the Return of the Global Slave Trade and How We Can Fight It” with author David Batstone at 7:30 p.m. at the First Congregational Church of Berkeley 2345 Channing Way. Suggested donation $10. 559-9500. 

“How Japanese Pop Culture has Invaded the US” at 4 p.m. at the IEAS Conference, 2223 Fulton St. 642-2809. 

Free Diabetes Screening from 8:30 to 11 a.m. at the West Berkeley Senior Center. Do not eat or drink anything for 8 hours beforehand. 981-5332. 

“Your Favorite Stress Busters” Discussion at noon at the Herrick Campus of Alta Bates Medical Center, 2001 Dwight Way, Mafly Auditorium. 644-3273.  

“Hiking the Camino de Santiago” Susan Alcorn will show slides of her 400-mile trek along Spain’s ancient pilgrimage route at 7 p.m. at REI, 1338 San Pablo Ave. 527-4140. 

Elder Co-Housing presentation at 1:15 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-5190. 

Red Cross Blood Services Volunteer Oreintation from 6 to 8 p.m. at 6230 Claremont Ave. Registration required. 594-5165. 

Discussion Salon on “Nucular” Deterrence at 7 p.m. at JCC, 1414 Walnut.  

ADD & Autism with Dr. Thauna Abrin of Defeat Autism Now at 7:30 p.m. at 828 San Pablo Ave. Ste 115C. RSVP to 282-2104. 

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. Sponsored by the Ecology Center’s Farm Fresh Choice. 848-1704. www.ecologycenter.org 

Berkeley Camera Club meets at 7:30 p.m., at the Northbrae Community Church, 941 The Alameda. Share your digital images, slides and prints and learn what other photographers are doing. Monthly field 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. We offer ongoing classes in exercise and creative arts, and always welcome new members over 50. 845-6830. 

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 21 

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

Tilden Explorers An after-school nature adventure program for 5-7 year olds, at 3:15 p.m. at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. Cost is $6-$8. Registration required. 636-1684. 

Walk, Talk, Buck the Fence 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 to discuss what is at stake in the proposed steps for the filling of the Canyon by the UC-LBL Rad-Labs, and now British Petroleum. http://canyonwalks.blogspot.com  

Spring Hike in Briones from 1 to 4 p.m. to see wildflowers, lagoons, vistas and black oaks. Meet at the Bear Creek Staging Area. 525-2233. 

“Media Bias in the Middle East” with Khaled Abu Toameh, a Jerusalem Post writer, who also wrote for the Palestinian newspaper, at 7:30 p.m. at 60 Evans Hall, UC Campus. 818-419-6500. 

Free Diabetes Screening from 9 to 11 a.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Do not eat or drink anything for 8 hours beforehand. 981-5332. 

Albany Library Evening Book Club meets to discuss “Tortilla Curtain” by T. Coraghessan Boyle at 7 p.m. at The Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave. 526-3720, ext. 16. 

New to DVD: “Casino Royale” at 7 p.m. at JCCEB, 1414 Walnut St. Discussion follows. 848-0237. 

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

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

vigil4peace/vigil 

Stitch ‘n Bitch at 6:30 p.m. at Caffe Trieste, 2500 San Pablo Ave., at Dwight. 548-5198.  

THURSDAY, MARCH 22 

Dedication of the Maudelle Shirek Building at 4:30 p.m. at Old City Hall, 2134 Martin Luther King, Jr. Way. 981-7008. 

“Stopping the Destruction of Our Sierra Nevada Forests” at 7 p.m. at the Ecology Center, 2530 San Pablo Ave. 548-2220, ext. 233. 

Banff Mountain Film Festival Thurs. and Fri. at 7 p.m. at Wheeler Auditorium, UC Campus. Tickets are $13-$15 available from REI, 1338 San Pablo Ave. 527-4140. 

Women’s History Month “Legacy of Visionaries” a lecture on the women who helped form the East By Regional Park, Save Mount Diablo and Save the Bay at 3:30 p.m. at Tilden Nature Center. Registration required. 636-1684. 

“Homelands: Women’s Journeys Across Race, Place and Time” with Patricia Tumang and Jenesha de Rivera at 6 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Easy Does It Emergency Services Board of Directors Meeting at 6:30 p.m. at 1636 University Ave. 845-5513. 

Great Books Discussion Group meets to discuss “Billards at Half-Past Nine” by Heinrich Boll at 1:30 p.m. at the Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave. 526-3700, ext. 16. 

Family Story Time for children ages 3-7 at 7 p.m. at the Berkeley Public Library, North Branch, 1170 The Alameda, at Hopkins. 981-6107. 

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. http://botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu 

ONGOING 

Tax Help at the Berkeley Public Library Sat. from 11:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the South Branch. Call for appointment. 981-6260. Also every Tues. and Thurs. at the West Branch from 12:15 to 3:15 p.m. Call for appointment. 981-6270. 

Berkeley Youth Alternatives Girls Basketball Age 15 and under league begins April 11 and 18 and under begins April 13. From 5:30 to 8:30 at Emery High School, 1100 47th St. Emeryville. Cost is $175 per team. 845-9066. www.byaonline.org 

Medical Care for Your Pet at the Berkeley East Bay Humane Society low-cost veterinary clinic. 2700 Ninth St. For appointments call 845-3633. www.berkeleyhumane.org  

CITY MEETINGS 

Council Agenda Committee meets Mon. March 19, at 2:30 p.m., at 2180 Milvia St. 981-6900. 

www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/citycouncil/agenda-committee 

Homeless Commission meets Mon. March 19, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Jane Micallef, 981-5426.  

Berkeley Rent Stabilization Board meets Mon. March 19, at 7 p.m. in City Council Chambers, Pam Wyche, 644-6128 ext. 113. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/rent 

Citizens Humane Commission meets Wed., March 21, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-6601.  

Commission on Aging meets Wed., March 21, at 1:30 p.m., at the South Berkeley Senior Center. William Rogers, 981-5344.  

Commission on Labor meets Wed., March 21, at 6:45 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Delfina M. Geiken, 981-7550. 

Downtown Area Plan Advisory Commission meets Wed. March 21, at 7 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-7487. 

Human Welfare and Community Action Commission meets Wed., March 21, at 7 p.m., at the South Berkeley Senior Center. 981-5427.  

Library Board of Trustees meets Wed., March 21, at 7 p.m. at South Berkeley Senior Center. 981-6195.  

Mental Health Commission meets Thurs., March 22, at 6:30 p.m. at 2640 MLK Jr. Way, at Derby. Harvey Turek, 981-5213.  

Zoning Adjustments Board meets Thurs., March 22, at 7 p.m., in City Council Chambers. Mark Rhoades, 981-7410.

FRIDAY, MARCH 16 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Through Women’s Eyes” featuring works by Frances Catlett. Reception at 6 p.m. at the Prescott Joseph Center for Community Enhancement, 920 Peralta St., Oakland. Exhibition runs through May 3. 835-8683. www.rescottjoseph.org 

Paintings of Michael Murphy Reception for the artist at 5 p.m. at The LightRoom, 2263 Fifth St. Exhibition runs through April 13. 649-8111. 

THEATER 

Altarena Playhouse “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf” Fri and Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2 p.m. at 1409 High St., Alameda, through April 1. Tickets are $17-$20. 523-1553. www.altarena.org 

Seldom Seen Acting Company, a group of homeless actors who share their life stories through theater perform at 10:30 a.m. at The SVdP Downtown Services Center, 675 23rd St., Oakland. To RSVP call Christine at 636-4255.  

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

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 

Virago Theatre “Orphans” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m. at BridgeHead Studio, 2516 Blanding Ave, Alameda, through March 31. Tickets are $10-$15. 415-439-2456. www.viragotheatre.org 

FILM 

Asian America Film Festival “American Zombie” with director Grace Lee in person at 9 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is TBA. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Alfred Brendel in Conversation on Music and Culture with Prof. Anthony J. Cascardi at 5 p.m. at the Bancroft Hotel, 2680 Bancroft Way. 643-5694. 

Ruth Wilson Gilmore introduces her book “Golden Gulag: Prisons, Surplus, Crisis, and Opposition in Globalizing California” at 6 p.m. at Uptown Body & Fender, 401 26th St.., Oakland. 444-0484. 

Kate Greenstreet and Janet Holmes read from their poetry at 7:30 p.m. at Pegasus Books Downtown, 2349 Shattuck Ave. 649-1320. 

A Talk with Valentino Achak Deng one of Sudan’s “Lost Boys” at 7:30 p.m. at JCCEB, 1414 Walnut St. 848-0237. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Berkeley Opera Company “The Seraglio” at 8 p.m. at Julia Morgan Center for the Arts, 2640 College Ave. Tickets are $15-$40. 925-798-1300.  

Music from Iraq with Rahim Alhaj, part of the Beyond Walls, Beyond Wars series, at 8 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $15-$18. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Remembering Rachel Corrie concert with the Georges Lammam Ensemble, Huwaida Arraf & Francisco Herrera at 7 p.m. at the Berkeley Fellowship, Cedar and Bonita. Donation $10-$20. 236-4250. 

Music that Cooks with singer/songwriters: Jamie Jenkins, Chris Berkner, Sharon Michelle, to raise funds for meals for the less fortunate at 7:30 p.m. at College Avenue Presbyterian Church, 5951 College Ave. Donation $5-$10, all ages welcome. 

Stomp the Stumps benefit for Bay Area Coalition for Headwaters with Workingman’s Ed, Funky Nixons and Gary Gates Band at 8 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $10-$15. 525-5054.  

Lady Bianca CD Release Party at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $12. 841-JAZZ.  

Free Jazz Fridays with The Troublemakers Union at 8 p.m. at 1510 Eighth St. Performance Space, Oakland. Cost is $5-$15 sliding scale. 415-846-9432. events@thejazzhouse.com 

Lost Trio CD release party at 8 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $12-$15. 845-5373.  

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

Black Brothers at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $19.50-$20.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

The B Stars, Real Sippin’ Whiskeys, The Cowlicks at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $7. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com 

Spectacle, Ultra Gypsy, Zoe and others at 9:30 p.m. at Oakland Metro, 201 Broadway. Cost is $30. 763-1146. www.oaklandmetro.org 

Mario DeSio and Alex Walsh at 7:30 p.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344. www.nomadcafe.net 

Dave Matthews BLUES Band at 8 p.m. at The Warehouse, 402 Webster St., Oakland. 451-3161. 

This is My Fist, Love Songs, Final Fight 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. 

Wayward Sway at 9:30 p.m. at Beckett’s Irish Pub, 2271 Shattuck Ave. 647-1790.  

Roots Reggae from St. Croix at 9 p.m. at Shattuck Down Low, 2284 Shattuck Ave. Cost is $25-$28. 548-1159.  

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

Randy Weston’s African Rhythms Quartet, featuring Billy Harper at 8 and 10 p.m., through Sun. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $16-$22. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

SATURDAY, MARCH 17 

CHILDREN  

St. Patrick’s Day Songs with Tara Reinertson at 11 a.m. at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Part. 525-2233. 

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

Jacqueline Lynaugh as Lady Emerald celebrates National Reading Month Sat. and Sun. at 1:30 and 2:30 p.m. at Children’s Fairyland, 699 Bellevue Ave., Oakland. 452-2259. 

THEATER 

“Thieves in the Temple: The Reclaiming of Hip Hop” by Aya de Leon at 8 p.m. at Laney College Theater, 900 Fallon St. Oakland. Part of Women HerStory Month. Cost is $10-$15. http://laney.peralta.edu/womensherstorymonth 

“Chin-Checked” The magician Chin-Chin at 8 p.m. at Willies Mays Skybox Lounge, 6005 Shellmound St., Suite 200, Emeryville. Tickets are $25. www.chin-chin.com 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Bad Intentions” Counterculture expressed though painting, music and film, a collaboration by Scott J. Taylor and Clayton Glinton. Opening reception at 6 p.m. at Float Gallery, 1091 Calcot Place, Unit # 116, located in a store front loft of the historic cotton mill studios, Oakland. 535-1702. www.thefloatcenter.com 

“Ancient and Modern Tatoo Art” opens with a reception at 6 p.m. at Expressions Art Gallery, 2035 Ashby Ave. 644-4930. 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Cultural Exchanges Along the Silk Road An academic conference at 2 p.m. at Hertz Hall. Free. 642-3691.  

“Luck: How it Applies to the Writing Process” with Cheryl Dumesnil, and announcement of the winning poems, at the 81st Annual Poets’ Dinner, at noon at Francesco’s in Oakland. Tickets are $26-$27. For reservations call 235-0361. 

“Berkeley One and Only” with photographer Jon Sullivan at 2 p.m. at the Berkeley Public Library, 2090 Kittredge St. 981-6107. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Schola Cantorum San Francisco “In Exitu Israel” at 8 p.m. at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 2300 Bancroft Way. Tickets are $12-$20. www.scholasf.org 

Cantare Con Vivo perform Maurice Durufle’s “Requiem” at 7:30 p.m. at First Congregational Church, 2345 Channing Way. Tickets are $25. 925-798-1300. 

Norma Gentile, soprano, sings the songs of Hildegard von Bingen at 8 p.m. at Unity of Berkeley, 2075 Eunice St. Tickets are $15-$20. 528-8844. 

Ensemble Masques “Mensa Sonora: Biber and his Contemporaries” at 8 p.m. at St. John's Presbyterian Church, 2727 College at Garber. Tickets are $10-$25. 528-1725. www.sfems.org 

Jewish Music Festival “Tribute to Tzadik Music” at 2 p.m. at the Jazzschool, 2087 Addison St.. Tickets are $5-$10. 800-838-3006. www.jewishmusicfestival.org 

Jewish Music Festival “Pharaoh’s Daughter” at 8 p.m. at Berkeley Repertory Theater, 2025 Addison St. Tickets are $20-$25. 800-838-3006. www.jewishmusicfestival.org 

St. Patrick’s Day Celebration all day at The Starry Plough. Cost is $10. 841-2082.  

Martin Carthy in Concert at 8 p.m. at Hertz Hall, UC Campus. Free. 642-4864. http://music.berkeley.edu 

Juan del Gastor, Luis Pena, Lakshmi, gypsy flamenco, at 8 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $30-$40. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

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

The Venezuelan Music Project at 9 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $15. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com  

Roots Reggae from St. Croix at 9 p.m. at Shattuck Down Low, 2284 Shattuck Ave. Cost is $25-$28. 548-1159.  

Katie Knipp and Buxter Hoot’n at 7:30 p.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344. www.nomadcafe.net 

The Cave Painters at noon at Cafe Zeste, 1250 Addison St. at Bonar, in the Strawberry Creek Park complex. 704-9378. 

Melanie O’Reilly & Aisling Gheat at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $18.50-$19.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Frank Martin Group at 8 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $18. 845-5373. www.jazzschool.com 

Blind Duck, Irish music, at 7:30 p.m. at Albatross, 1822 San Pablo Ave. Cost is $5. 843-2473. www.albatrosspub.com 

Sweet Crude Bill and Fun with Finnoula St. Patrick’s Day Celebration at 9:30 p.m. at Beckett’s Irish Pub, 2271 Shattuck Ave. 647-1790. www.beckettsirishpub.com 

Joey Lent & Chuck Steed, folk rock, at 8 p.m. at Spuds Pizza, 3290 Adeline St. Cost is $7. 558-0881. 

Spectacle, Ultra Gypsy, Zoe and others at 9:30 p.m. at Oakland Metro, 201 Broadway. Cost is $30. 763-1146. www.oaklandmetro.org 

The Jury at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 848-8277. 

Resistant Culture, Naked Aggression, Mouthsewnshut 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, MARCH 18 

CHILDREN 

Celebrating 100 Families Oakland and make art with others from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak Sts. 238-2200. 

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. 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

“Growing Hunger: The Struggle of Small Farmers in the 21st Centruy” Artist talk at 2 p.m. in the 3rd flr Community Room, Berkeley Public Library, 2090 Kittredge St. through April 18. 981-6241. 

Michael Kammen, author of “Visual Shock: A History of Art Controversies in American Culture” will talk and show slides at 5 p.m. at Black Oak Books. 486-0698. www.blackoakbooks.com 

“California Landscape” Paintings by Jeff Levitch Artists Talk at 3 p.m. at ASUC Art Studio Gallery, Lower Spoul Plaza, UC Campus. 642-3065. 

Sylvia Boorstein, author of “Pay Attention for Goodness’ Sake: The Buddhist Past of Kindness” and Edie Hartshorne, author of “Light in Blue Shadows” in conversation with Arisika Razak, and Betsy Rose at 7 p.m. at Black Oak Books. 486-0698. www.blackoakbooks.com 

Clare Langley-Hawthone reads from her mystery novel “The Consequenses of Sin” at 4 p.m. at Mrs. Dalloways, 2904 College Ave. 704-8222. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Berkeley Opera Company “The Seraglio” at 2 p.m. at Julia Morgan Center for the Arts, 2640 College Ave. Tickets are $15-$40. 925-798-1300.  

“Jazz at the Chimes” with John Calloway at 2 p.m. at Chapel of the Chimes, 4499 Piedmont Ave. Oakland. Tickets are $10. 228-3218. 

Chamber Music Sundaes, San Francisco Symphony musicians and friends, at 3 p.m. at St. John's Presbyterian Church, 2727 College Ave. Tickets are $18-$22. 415-753-2792. www.chambermusicsundaes.org  

Jeanne Stark-Iochmans, pianist, at 4 p.m. at Scottish Rite Theater, 1547 Lakeside Drive, Oakland. Tickets are $30-$40. 601-7919. www.fourseasonsconcerts.com 

“Spirituals and the African/ 

American Experience” with soloist Marilyn Reynolds at 3 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Oakland, 2619 Broadway, Oakland. Suggested donation $10. 444-3555. 

Ricks Knudson, piano, works by Bach, Beethoven, Debussy, Chopin, Rachmaninoff at 4 p.m. at Northbrae Community Church, 941 The Alameda. Free. 849-2103. 

Univ. of Chicago Motet Choir Concert at 7:30 p.m. at Lakeshore Babtist Church, 3534 Lakeshore Ave., Oakland. Free. 893-2484. 

Cantare Con Vivo perform Maurice Durufle’s “Requiem” at 3 p.m. at First Congregational Church, 2345 Channing Way. Tickets are $25. 925-798-1300. 

Classic Jungle Jazz Piano Concert with Seth Montfort, at 5:30 p.m. at Giorgi Gallery, 2911 Claremont Ave. Cost is $15. 415-362-6080. 

Cantabile Chorale Rachmoninoff’s Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom at 7:30 p.m. at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 2727 College Ave. Tickets are $6-$25. 650-424-1410. www.cantabile.org 

Alfred Brendel, piano, at 5 p.m. at Zellerbach Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $38-$76. 642-9988. 

Jewish Music Festival “Diaspora Blues” with Steven Bernstein and Peter Apfelbaum at 7:30 p.m. at Berkeley Rep, 2025 Addison St. Tickets are $20-$25. 800-838-3006. www.jewishmusicfestival.org 

Jewish Music with Baguette Quartet members Odile Lavault, accordion and Rachel Duling, violin, at 1 p.m. at Afikomen Judaica, 3042 Claremont Ave. 

Fundraiser for Young People’s Symphony Orchestra with Phil Lesh at 7:30 p.m. at First Congregational Church, 2345 Channing Way. Tickets are $75. 845-5373. www.jazzschool.com 

Robin and Linda Williams at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $19.50-$20.50 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

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

MONDAY, MARCH 19 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

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

Allan Brandt describes “The Cigarette Century: The Rise, Fall, and Deadly Persistence of the Product That Defined America” at 7 p.m. at Cody’s Books on Fourth St. 559-9500. 

Page to Stage A conversation with playwright Adele Edling Shank at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Rep’s Roda Theater, 2015 Addison St. 647-2949. 

Bill McKibben and Michael Pollan in Conversation on McKibben’s new book “Deep Economy: The Wealth of Communities and The Durable Future” at 7 p.m. at First Congregational Church, 2345 Channing Way. Tickets are $10-$12. 415-255-7296, ext. 253. w 

G.P. Skratz and Summer Brenner read at 7:30 p.m. at Moe’s Books, 2476 Telegraph Ave. 849-2087. 

Jacob Needleman talks about “Why Can’t We Be Good?” at 7:30 p.m. at Black Oak Books. 486-0698.  

Poetry Express with Lenore Weiss at 7 p.m., at Priya Restaurant, 2072 San Pablo Ave. 644-3977. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Katherine Heater and Friends, viola de gamba and harpsichord at 7 p.m. at Le Bateau Ivre, 2629 Telegraph Ave. 849-1100.  

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

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

Ralph Alessi & This Against That, featuring Ravi Coltrane, Ben Street, Andy Milne and Gerald Cleaver at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $10-$16. 238-9200.  

TUESDAY, MARCH 20 

CHILDREN 

Magician and Comedian Timothy James at 6:30 p.m. at the Kensington Library, 61 Arlington Ave., Kensington. For ages 3 and up. 524-3043. 

EXHIBITIONS 

“City of Walls, City of People” The urban experience in Oakland, CA, and Venice, Italy, a collaboration with California College of the Arts, and Istituto Universitario di Architettura, Design e Arti, in Venice, on display at Pro Arts, 550 Second St., Oakland. 763-9425. 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

David Batstone discusses “Not For Sale: the Return of the Global Slave Trade and How We Can Fight It” at 7:30 p.m. at the First Congregational Church of Berkeley 2345 Channing Way. Suggested donation $10. 559-9500 

Joe Boyd reads from “White Bicycles: Making Music in the 1960s” at 7:30 p.m. at Black Oak Books. 486-0698.  

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Zydeco Flames at 8:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cajun dance lesson at 8 p.m. Cost is $10. 525-5054.  

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

Athena Tergis, John Doyle & Mick Moloney at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $17.50-$18.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

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

Terrence Brewer at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $6-$10. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

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

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 21 

EXHIBITIONS 

Youth Arts Festival Annual exhibition of artwork from Berkeley’s K-8 public school students at the Berkeley Art Center, 1275 Walnut St. in Live Oak Park. 644-9873. 

Honoring César Chavez Poster Exhibition on display at the Berkeley Public Library, 2090 Kittredge St., Through April 23. 981-6100. 

FILM 

Film 50: History of Cinema “Persona” with a lecture by Marilyn Fabe at 3 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

Asian America Film Festival “Virgin Stripped Bare by Her Bachelors” with director Hong Sang-soo in person at 7:30 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is TBA. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Kemble Scott introduces his new novel “SOMA” set in San Francisco, at 7 p.m. at Cody’s Books on Fourth St. 559-9500. 

Cafe Poetry and open mic, hosted by Paradise at 7:30 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Berkeley Poetry Slam on the Jewish Diaspora at 8:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $5-$7. 841-2082 www.starryploughpub.com 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Music for the Spirit with Ron McKean on harpsichord at 12:15 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Oakland, 2619 Broadway. 444-3555. 

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

UC Jazz Ensembles at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $5. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

Orquestra Bakan 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.  

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

Justin Hellman Trio at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 848-8277. 

Greg Brown at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $35.50-$36.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

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

THURSDAY, MARCH 22 

EXHIBITIONS 

“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. 

“Somebody” The New World of Figurative Art Works by seven artists exploring the human form at ACCI Gallery, 1652 Shattuck Ave. 843-2527. 

FILM 

Women’s HerStory Film Series “Water” at noon at 4 p.m. at Laney College Forum, 900 Fallon St. http://laney.peralta.edu/womensherstorymonth 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

“Homelands: Women’s Journeys Across Race, Place and Time” reading with Patricia Tumang and Jenesha de Rivera at 6 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

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

Megan Seely discusses “Fight Like a Girl: How to Be a Fearless Feminist” at 7 p.m. at Cody’s Books on Fourth St. 559-9500. 

Susannah Patton and Laura McPhee describe Flaubert’s Normany and Matisse’s South of France at 7:30 p.m. at Mrs. Dalloways, 2904 College Ave. 704-8222. 

Rebecca Chiyoko King-O'Riain on “Pure Beauty: Judging Race in Japanese American Beauty Pageants” at 4 p.m. at Center for Race & Gender, 642 Barrows Hall #1074, UC Campus. 643-848. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

New Century Chamber Orchestra at 8 p.m. at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 2727 College Ave. Tickets are $28-$42. 415-357-1111. 

Jewish Music Festival “Aires de Sepharad” at 8 p.m. at JCCEB, 1414 Walnut St.. Tickets are $20-$25. 800-838-3006. www.jewishmusicfestival.org 

“The Josquin Singers” Lenten Music from the Byzantine and Slavic traditions at 7:30 p.m. at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Ascension, 4700 Lincoln Ave., Oakland. Suggested donation $15. 868-0695. www.bayareabach.org 

The KTO Project and Aluna at 9 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $10. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Peter Mulvey 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 

YBSC, Latin jazz, at 7 p.m. at Caffe Trieste, 2500 San Pablo Ave., at Dwight. 548-5198.  

Los Nadies, Seth Newton, Luke Newton at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $6. 841-2082 www.starryploughpub.com 

Rico Pabon, CD release party at 9:30 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $7-$10. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

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

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

The Music Lovers, The Hot Toddies, at 8:30 p.m. at Oakland Metro, 201 Broadway. Cost is $10. 763-1146. www.oaklandmetro.org 

Rachelle Ferrell at 8 and 10 p.m., through Sun. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $26-$30. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

MAGICIAN CHIN-CHIN IN EMERYVILLE 

Chinese-Korean-American magician Chin-Chin sports a fire-red hair-do (both the hair and red are good luck to Chinese), white vinyl tails as formal wear and performs his magic to electronic music and hip-hop, featuring his florescent red birds. At 25, Chin-Chin is the only competitor ever to win three Stage Magician of the Year awards from SF Conjurors. The Montclair resident also placed in the top 10 at the International Brotherhood of Magicians convention in Miami. He’ll open his show, Chin-Checked, 8 p.m. this Saturday at the Willie Mays Skybox in Emeryville. 21 and over only. Tickets and information are available at www.chin-chin.com. 

‘ALL ABOUT EVE’ AT THE CERRITO THEATER 

Bette Davis stars in All About Eve this weekend as part of the Cerrito Theater’s classic film series. The film, written and directed by Joseph Mankiewicz, won the Best Picture Academy Award in 1950. 6 p.m. Saturday and 5 p.m. Sunday. x 10070 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito. www.picturepubpizza.com.  

FREE-JAZZ FRIDAYS AT THE JAZZ HOUSE 

The Troublemaker’s Union performs today (Friday) as part of the Jazz House “free jazz” series on the first and third Friday of every month. The show is 8 p.m. at 1510 8th St., Oakland. Tickets are $5-$15 sliding scale. The show is a tribute to Women’s History Month, featuring an experimental mix of Caribbean, South American, African American and north and west African sounds, deconstructed and reformulated as free jazz. For details, www.TheJazzHouse.com

Randy Weston—jazz pianist, composer, bandleader—turned 80 last year. Along with a few other generation be-boppers, such as Sonny Rollins, Hank Jones, Jimmy Heath and Benny Golson, he is one of the last survivors from the halcyon days of what was then being called modern jazz. 

Weston studied with Thelonious Monk at Monk’s apartment in the late ’40s. He sat and listened for three years while Monk played his eccentric, boppy, poignant style of Harlem stride piano. He remembers that Monk had a photo of Billie Holiday on the ceiling above his piano that served the purpose of a Greek Orthodox icon. From Monk he learned that conventional virtuosity was not all there was to playing jazz piano.  

Weston’s piano style is closer to Monk’s manner than any other jazz pianist, but with his own personal rhythmic and harmonic take on that style. He is like a Monk from an alternate universe or the son of Monk. He also learned from Ellington, Basie, Nat King Cole and Art Tatum. From Tatum he learned that conventional virtuosity was still a part of playing jazz piano. 

Weston’s task, and that of the whole second generation of boppers, was to synthesize and give system to the mercurial innovations of Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie. Sonny Rollins and Max Roach, Charlie Mingus and Sun Ra all responded to this task in their own unique ways. All of them, and many other jazz musicians throughout the history of this music, have shown an interest in the music of Africa. For the last 45 years Weston has applied what he received from Monk, Diz and Bird, especially Monk’s practice of thematic improvisation, to his study and work with African music and musicians.  

He first went to Africa in 1961 when he played in Lagos, Nigeria. He returned to Lagos two years later and in 1967 took his sextet across the whole continent. The next year he settled in Rabat, Morocco playing an increasingly African influenced music with his trio in a nightclub he ran through 1972.  

He learned that the piano, besides being capable of playing the harmonic and melodic complexities of a Mozart sonata, could also be a drum, a pitched percussion instrument. A wealth of classic compositions, including such jazz standards as Little Niles, Berkshire Blues, The Healers, Blue Moses and Hi-fly, were the fruit of that knowledge. Among a wealth of brilliant recordings, he has summed up his American roots with beautiful tribute albums to his heroes, Monk and Duke Ellington. Last spring, to celebrate his 80th birthday, he brought the Gnawa Master Musicians of Morocco with him for the SFJAZZ Festival, combining the power of Islamic Sufi mysticism with the jazz musicians’ voodoo mysticism.  

For his current gig, he is joined by tenor saxophonist Billy Harper, a long-time colleague. Harper has also worked extensively with Art Blakey, Max Roach and Elvin Jones, all of whom had a deep interest in African rhythms and percussion. Although Weston has played in concert in the Bay Area not infrequently over the last few years, this will be his first club date locally in a long time. The combination of Weston with a hard-edged reed player like Harper in the intimate setting of a jazz nightclub harks back to the good old days when hard bop was heard every night in Lower Manhattan at places like Slug’s and the Five Spot. Return with us now to those thrilling days of yesteryear and don’t miss this modern jazz master. 

Randy Weston, along with tenor saxophonist Billy Harper, will perform two shows daily Friday through Sunday at Yoshi’s, 510 Embarcadero West, Oakland. For more information, call 238-9200 or visit www.yoshis.com. 

Photograph: Jazz legend Randy Weston is one of the last survivors of the halcyon days of modern jazz. He performs this weekend at Yoshi’s in Oakland.

Mozart purists should not expect Berkeley Opera’s new production, Seraglio, to have much resemblance to the renowned opera The Abduction From The Seraglio. Nothing in this rendition follows the original except the music.  

The opera has been pushed across genre boundaries and become an immiscible dichotomy of clashing forms. Mozart’s plot is reinvented, updated, and made “relevant” by the use of street slang and hip lyrics. Characters are added: an invisible dog and a “cheeky” child. The directors, carried away by their own unconstrained enthusiasm, have taken a musical creation that reflects the rationality and elegance of the Enlightenment and superimposed upon it a text and plot that relies too heavily on chaos and vulgarity.  

Jonathan Khuner, Ross Halper, and Amanda Moody set about to “reinvent” the master’s work, reframing the characters, the period, and the locale. Granting that the original, though musically superb, has a libretto that, for our modern sensibilities, seems stilted and boring, still, how far should one go in trying to spruce it up?  

Here, the seraglio is not a harem but a whorehouse; the time is in a future post-petroleum world in which “oil is over, money is over, gold is over.” The characters reflect a bleakness usually associated with the rough Brechtian style. They are caught in a futureless trap in which the only remaining currency is pleasure. Yet here no one smiles and the Prima Donna is perpetually stoned. The Primo Tenore, the romantic lead, is the food editor of a defunct national newspaper. The cast looks like scrappy leftovers from The Three Penny Opera spouting a text that would be more appropriate in a Mel Brooks movie.  

Each disparate element by itself has some degree of value: The music remains, of course, a triumph of logic and equipoise, the text is at times indeed witty, and the plot certainly uniformly weird. The zany confusion onstage is augmented by an imaginary dog that eats drinks and defecates (imaginary stuff) onstage. Osmin scoops the excrement in a plastic bag, and flings it about, at one point looking like he is aiming it squarely at the conductor’s head!  

Saddled with this juvenility the performers nevertheless give their all. Maestro George Thompson, a top notch conductor, kept the performance under control with a firm hand. After a rough start, the orchestra pulled it together, and the Maestro was able to evince poised rhythms, especially important for the great bravura arias of Connie and Osmin. The cast was uniformly good. Soprano Sheila Wiley, as Connie, the journalist being held prisoner in the Seraglio, displayed a clear well articulated voice.  

Blondie (Ann Moss), described in the program as “a seraglio kitten,” sang and acted with verve: her agility and high voice impressive. Andrew Truitt, Brian Thorsett, and Roger McCracken, (Beau, Pedrillo and Osmin, respectively) displayed vocal assuredness and theatrical know-how. All in all it was a strong lively cast. One can only lament not being able to listen more attentively, given the incessant distraction of the flood of unexpectedly pungent surtitles.  

The excellent actor Armand Blasi played Gorgeous Jerome, described in the program as “previously a CEO of an international oil firm … now the feared boss of the oldest trade on earth … including other amusements, at his own establishment, The Seraglio.” Bald, wearing a long red robe, with white satin pants and a lace collar, he was a convincingly depraved figure. His blank faced cynicism was reminiscent of a Christopher Walken character.  

SERAGLIO 

Presented by the Berkeley Opera at 8 p.m. Friday and at 2 p.m. Sunday at the  

Julia Morgan Center, 2640 College Ave. 

(925) 798-1300. www.berkeleyopera.org.

Phillip and Treat are orphans, abandoned by their father when little, bereaved by their mother’s more recent death. But they still constitute a kind of nuclear family, however abbreviated and dysfunctional: Treat’s the breadwinner, a petty criminal who watches out for his little brother by keeping the allergic couchpotato Phillip indoors in their North Philadelphia tenement row house, with windows shut, subsisting mostly on tuna sandwiches (Phillip’s a gourmand of mayonnaise).  

One night, Treat brings home a middle-aged drunk, an attache-case-wielding businessman, apparently quite a character, who sees in Treat a new edition of The Dead End Kids that Harold (the drunk) used to watch in movie matinees as a kid in Chicago. Finding a wad of stock certificates in the case, Treat decides to keep Harold on the premises and ransom him through his associates. But the morning after proves more than a hangover: it turns out that Treat’s abducted a King Orphan, more streetwise—and just wise, in every sense—than the feral Philly boy. The tables are turned, and Harold sets about making an orphans’ home out of his seeming prison and captors, part of his project to orphanize the world. 

That’s the set-up to Lyle Kessler’s Orphans, which Robert Lundy-Paine has directed for Virago Theatre Co. at BridgeHead Studio, right off the Park Street Bridge in Alameda—a funny, perceptive, eerily engrossing chamber play. 

The claustrophobic little utopia that develops is a true Platonic republic, but standing on its head, kind of Sociology 101 upside down. Many are the lessons and the rewards the brothers are subject to—including Pierre Cardin suits (“Peer Card-In,” in Treatspeak), pale yellow loafers, bouillabaise (“I speak the French language now,” avers Phillip) and, more homey, “a slice” of corned beef, suitable for a Dead End Kid, Harold’s model citizen. 

But there are tests and trials as well. Treat’s violent streak casts a shadow over developments, and Harold runs him through the wringer to squeeze his sense of injured pride and thwarted justice out of him, so he can attain the poise necessary to be a businessman in Harold’s shadowy dealings. 

Robert Hamm, a familiar face on East Bay stages, is just the guy for the role of Harold: the kind of actor who consistently brings unusual, divided characters to life. He maintains Harold’s strange incognito best in moments of reminiscence, of openness and professed identity with the clueless boys who hold him—whom he holds. There are wry moments, half tender, half absurd, as when Harold teaches shut-in Phillip what a shoehorn is. 

Alec Mathieson plays Phillip with the naturalness of a kid who has only known the unnatural, only knowing of the world through late night TV. An eighth grader in Alameda, he already has a background in opera and musical theater, undoubtedly a reason why his portrayal of Phillip beginning to discover what’s outside the row house is such a mature one, capturing the precocious young man who’s as inexperienced as a little boy. 

As Treat, Kenneth Sears is intense, menacing—and terribly funny, making his character at times into an almost slapstick crook from those old serials Harold keeps recalling. His emotional outburst, a first for Treat, at the conclusion, is prolonged nicely, bringing the play back to reality yet skirting the sentimentality the script approaches at that crucial point. 

Virago specializes in making a sort of site-specific production; last year’s revival of The Threepenny Opera, gained much of its offbeat charm from the toe-to-toe audience contact and the archival oddity of the old upstairs fraternal hall (also in Alameda) it was played in. Orphans capitalizes on its location, too; spectators feel they’re somewhere just out of town, in the rundown fringe, a nearby but half-forgotten world.  

ORPHANS 

Presented by the Virago Theatre at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays through March 31 at Bridgehead Studio, 2516 Blanding Ave., Alameda. $10-$15.  

(415) 439-2456. www.viragotheatre.org.