FRIDAY, MAY 18 

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

City Commons Club Noon Luncheon with Ilana Crispi on “Art in San Francisco” Luncheon at 11:45 a.m. for $14, speech at 12:30 p.m., at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant St. 526-2925.  

Iraq War Resister Camilo Mejia reads from his book “Road From AR Ramadi” at 7 p.m. at St. Joseph the Worker, 1640 Addison St. Sponsored by Courage To Resist and the Fr. Bill O’Donnell Social Justice Committee of St. Joseph the Worker. 499-0537. 

“Homeland” A documentary of Native Americans and the destructive policies of coprporations at 7:30 p.m. at Humanist Hall, 370 27th St., Oakland. www.HumanistHall.net 

Wavy Gravy’s 71st Birthday and Benefit for Seva Foundation at 8 p.m. at the Grand Ballroom, 1300 Van Ness, corner of Sutter. Tickets are $50-$250. 845-7382, ext. 332. www.seva.org/specialevents 

Free Skin Cancer Screening at Alta Bates Summit. Oakland. Appointments required. 869-8833, ext. 2. 

Red Cross Blood Drive from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Kaiser Premanente Conference Room, 1950 Franklin, Oakland. To schedule an appointment call 625-6188. 

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.  

SATURDAY, MAY 19 

Berkeley Art Center 40th Birthday from 1 to 4 p.m. with guest speakers, concert, children’s activities and art exhibition, at 1275 Walnut St. in Live Oak Park. 644-6893. 

Berkeley Path Wanderers Walk on the Santa Fe Right of Way A five-mile walk to discover art, gardens and creeks. Meet at 10 a.m. at the ball court at the south end of Strawberry Creek Park, returning by BART. Bring water and a snack. 540-7223. www.berkeleypaths.org 

Bay Area Storytelling Festival Sat. and Sun. from 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Kennedy Grove Regional Recreation Area. Tickets are $33-$75. 869-4969. www.bayareastorytelling.org 

Berkeley Climate Action Kick-Off with ideas and resources for reducing your emissions at 10 a.m. at South Berkeley Senior Center.. www.cityofberkeley.info/mayor/GHG/index.htm 

Solidarity with the Tree-Sitters with the Rockin' Solidarity Labor Chorus and the Freedom Song Network at 2 p.m. at the Memorial Oak Grove, east side of UC Campus, just off Gayley Rd. 649-1423. halih@yahoo.com 

ACCI Gallery 50th Anniversary Celebration at 6 p.m. at 1652 Shattuck Ave. 843-2527.  

Himalayan Fair with arts and crafts, music, dance and food, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. in Live Oak Park, 1300 Shattuck Ave. Cost is $8-$20, benefits grassroots projects in the Himalayas. 869-3995.  

Faerie Masque Ball “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Unitarian Fellowship, 1924 Cedar St. at Bonita. Tickets are $2-$5. 

“Making Waves to Fight Cancer” A 15.5 mile sea kayak and canoe paddle around Alameda Island to raise money for breast cancer research, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Register and pledge online at www.calkayak.com 

Community Picket of the Port of Oakland to call for a halt to war shipments. Meet at 7 a.m. at the West Oakland BART station. There will be a shuttle to take people to the picketing site. 525-5497. 

A Clean Sweep: Thermometers, Medicine, and E-Waste Disposal from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at EmeryBay Market Place, Christie Ave. at 64th St., Emeryville. Bring unwanted or expired medication, mercury thermometers, and electronic waste, such as TVs, computers, monitors, cell phones and fax machines. No appliances. Bring thermometers sealed in two plastic zipper bags, and bring medication in original containers with your name marked out. 452-9261, ext 118. www.ebmud.com/cleanbay 

Tea Party and Old Time Music Jam at 3:30 p.m. in People's Park. Bring a teacup! 

Walking Tour of Oakland City Center Meet at 10 a.m. in front Oakland City Hall at Frank Ogawa Plaza. Tour lasts 90 minutes. Reservations can be made by calling 238-3234. 

Tela de la Vida/Fabric of Life A bilingual walk for the entire family at 2 p.m. at the Miller/Knox Regional Shoreline. For information call 525-2233. 

Multicultural Health Fair for Children with hands-on activities from 1 to 4 p.m. at Hall of Health, 2230 Shattuck Ave., lower level. 705-8527. 

Vegetarian Cooking Class “A Taste of Thai” from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at First Unitarian Church of Oakland, 685 14th St. at Castro. Cost is $45, plus 435 for food and materials. Registration required. 531-COOK. www.compassionatecooks.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.  

“U.S Weapons of Terror, the Global Proliferation Crisis and Paths to Peace” with Jacqueline Cabasso and Andrew Lichterman of the Western States Legal Foundation at 7 p.m. at the Alameda Public Affairs Forum, at the Home of Truth, 1300 Grand Street in Alameda. www.alamedaforum.org  

Friends of the Library Annual Book Sale from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sun. from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 1247 Marin Ave., Albany. 526-3720, ext. 16.  

“My People Are” A short film on racial identities experienced through the eyes of young people at 7 p.m. at Park Day School, 215 Ridegway, Oakland. For informationcall Tasha at Bananas, 658-7353. 

“The Hidden Life of the Wild Elephant Herds of Africa” with author and researcher Caitlin O’Connell-Rodwell at 6 p.m. at the Oakland Zoo, 9777 Golf Links Rd., off Hwy 580. 632-9525. www.oaklandzoo.org 

EcoVillage’s Earth Day and Spring Festival with keynote speaker Carl Anthony, Senior Ford Foundation Fellow, environmentalist, and social justice leader and workshops and lunch, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at EcoVillage Farm Learning Center, 21 Laurel Lane, Richmond. Cost is $15-$25. 329-1314. www.ecovillagefarm.org 

SoloSierrans Waterfront Biking from Emeryville to Berkeley Meet at 1 p.m. in front of the Watergate Clipper Club, 5 Captain Dr., Emeryville. 923-1094. 

Hopalong Animal Rescue Come meet your new best dog friend from noon to 3 p.m. at Pet Food Express Rockridge, 5144 Broadway, Oakland. 267-1915, ext. 500. www.hopalong.org  

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

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

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, MAY 20 

Celebration of Old Roses Heirloom and hard-to-find roses from specialty nurseries, plus crafts, books, jewelry and clothing inspired by roses, from 11 to 4 p.m. at El Cerrito Community Center, on Moeser at Ashbury, El Cerrito. 

Wild About Watersheds A 3.5 mile hike from the Steam Train parking area to Tilden Nature Area to explore the watershed. Meet at 1 p.m. For information call 525-2233.  

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

People’s Park Design Help to design an open, respectful, community based visioning process for People’s Park. Planning meeting 3 p.m. in People's Park NW corner grove. 658-9178. 

Himalayan Fair with arts and crafts, music, dance and food, from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. in Live Oak Park, 1300 Shattuck Ave. Cost is $8-$20, benefits grassroots projects in the Himalayas. 869-3995.  

Hidden Gems of Berkeley Bike Ride exploring the Elmwood and South Berkeley starting at 10 a.m. at Halcyon Court, Prince St. Bring snack, lunch and water. mayith@yahoo.com 

Bike Tour of Oakland Explore Arrowhead Marsh on a leisurly 5-mile ride. Meet at 10 a.m. at the 10th St. entrance to the Oakland Museum of California. 238-3514. www.museumca.org 

SoloSierrans Hike in Tilden Meet at 4 p.m. at Lone Oak parking area for a one hour hike through the woods. Optional dinner follows. 234-8949.  

“Summer Time at the Little Farm” A puppet show about life on the farm and the mishaps of a farmer, at 10:45 and 11:30 a.m. at the Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. 525-2233. 

Free Sailboat Rides from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Cal Sailing Club, Berkeley Marina. Wear warm, waterproof clothing and bring a change of clothes in case you get wet. www.cal-sailing.org 

CodePINK Newcomer Orientation & Activist Training at 3 p.m. at the CodePINK office, 1248 Solano Ave, Albany. RSVP to 524-2776. 

Bicycle Commuting Tips: Gear and Fixing Flats at 10 a.m. at REI, 1338 San Pablo Ave. 527-4140. 

Smart and Green Day at the Kensington Farmers’ Market with free thermometer exchange and free energy-efficient light bulbs, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 303 Arlington Ave., Kensington, behind Ace Hardware. 

EcoHouse Greywater Tour Learn about the first permitted residential constructed wetland greywater system in California. We will discuss the principles and process of safely irrigating with household waste water. Return home with ideas and plans of your own. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at EcoHouse, 1305 Hopkins St. Cost is $15 sliding scale, no one turned away. 548-2220 ext. 242.  

EarthTeam’s Environmental Film Festival and Awards Ceremony Screening of the student-created Our School/Our Planet videos, poetry, photography and silent auction from 2 to 5 p.m. at Ex’pression College for Digital Arts, 6601 Shellmound St., Emeryville. 704-4030. info@earthteam.net 

East Bay Atheists meets to discuss “Mormonism: the Goofiest Sect of All” with Don Havis at 1:30 p.m. at Berkeley Public Library, 3rd flr. meeting room, 2090 Kittredge St.  

“From Creeks to Coastline: Bay Watershed” Learn about our local San Francisco Bay Watershed through hands-on activities and exhibition from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Oakland Museum of California, 1000 Oak St., at 10th St., Oakland. www.museumca.org 

“Democratization of the Media through the Internet” with Andrew Keen, author of “Cult of the Amateur,” and Dan Gilmor, author of “We the Media” at 7 p.m. at the Hillside Club, 2286 Cedar St. Cost is $15. 527-0450.  

“The Dark Side of Gluten in Pet Foods” at 2 p.m. at RabbitEars, 303 Arlington Ave., Kensington, behind Ace Hardware. 525-6155. 

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 

Tibetan Buddhism with “Jack Petranker on “Precious Jewel of the Dharma” at 6 p.m. at the Tibetan Nyingma Institute, 1815 Highland Pl. 843-6812.  

Dharma Dialogue with Catherine Ingram, author of “Passionate Presence” at 7:30 p.m. at 1940 Virginia St. Cost is $15. www.eastbayopencircle.org 

Berkeley Chapter of Hadassah Annual Donor Lunch with Gerrey Tenney on the history of Klezmer music in Europe and the United States, at noon at Congregation Beth Israel. 524-5333. 

MONDAY, MAY 21 

Four Mile Monday Join a four mile hike with history, vistas and birdwatching at 11 a.m. at Point Pinole Regional Shoreline. Bring layers, lunch and your binoculars. 525-2233. 

“When the Levees Broke” Parts 3 and 4 Spike Lee’s documentary about Hurricane Katrina and New Orleans at 6:45 p.m. at the Upstairs Lounge at Geoffrey’s Inner Circle, 410 14th Street, off Broadway, Oakland. Suggested donation $10. 262-1001. info@wellstoneclub.org 

Benefit for Vukani Mawethu Choir Silent auction and dinner with seatings at 5:30, 7:30 and 9 p.m. at Unicorn Restaurant, 2533 Telegraph Ave. For reservations call 841-8098. 

CodePINK Dinner with Iran Report Back & Honoring our Foremothers at 6 p.m. at MudRakers Cafe, 2801 Telegraph Ave., at Stuart St. Tickets are $23. RSVP to 524-2776. 

Read Aloud Theater A free Berkeley Adult School class at 9 a.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center, 1901 Hearst. 981-5190.  

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

TUESDAY, MAY 22 

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 Redwood Regional Park. Call for meeting place and if you need to borrow binoculars. 525-2233. 

Half Dome: a Primer on Hiking to the Summit at 7 p.m. at REI, 1338 San Pablo Ave. 527-4140. 

Solo Sierrans Hike at Lake Chabot Reservoir Meet at 6:30 p.m. at the boat house. Optional dinner follows. For information call Delores 351-6247. 

“Rethinking the Market: How Conservatives Get It Wrong and Progressives Can Get it Right” with Dean Baker at 7:30 p.m. at Berkeley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 1924 Cedar St. at Bonita. Suggested donation $10. No one turned away for lack of funds.  

“A Crucial Conversation about the War between Religion and Law in America” with Peter Irons at 7:30 p.m. at the Hillside Club, 2286 Cedar St. Donation $5, no one turned away. lewis@litminds.org 

“Climate Change and US” with Andrew Hoerner, Director of the Sustainable Economics Program at Redefining Progress, at the El Cerrito Democratic Club’s meeting at 7:30 p.m. at Makemie Hall, Northminster Presbyterian Church, 545 Ashbury Ave., El Cerrito. 375-5647.  

“Movement and Healing: Coping With Cancer And With Trauma Of War” with Ilene Ava Serlin at 7:30 p.m. at Institute for World Religions/ Berkeley Buddhist Monastery, 2304 McKinley, at the corner of McKinley and Bancroft. Free. 527-2935. 

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

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.  

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, MAY 23 

Walking Tour of Old Oakland “New Era/New Politics” 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 

“Two Angry Moms” A documentary about mothers trying to get healthy food for their children at 7:30 p.m. at Hillside Club, 2286 Cedar St. Cost is $5-$10. 388-8932.  

“When the Levees Broke” Part 1 of Spike Lee’s documentary on New Orleans, post-Hurricane Katrina at 7 p.m. at CodePINK office, 1248 Solano Ave, Albany. Donation $5. RSVP to 524-2776. 

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

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

THURSDAY, MAY 24 

Tilden Tots Join a nature adventure program for 3 and 4 year olds, each accompanied by an adult (grandparents welcome)! We’ll explore pond life, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. Cost is $6-$8. Registration required. 636-1684. 

“Is God ... Great?” A discussion with Christopher Hitchens and Chris Hedges at 7:30 p.m. at King Middle School, 1781 Rose St. Tickets are $20-$25. 848-6767, ext. 609.  

Berkeley Retired Teachers Association Awards Luncheon at 11:30 a.m. at the Berkeley Yacht Club, Berkeley Marina. 251-2127. 

Baby and Toddler Storytime at 10:30 a.m. at Kensington Library, 61 Arlington Ave. 524-3043. 

CITY MEETINGS 

Berkeley Rent Stabilization Board meets Mon., May 21, at 7 p.m. in City Council Chambers. 644-6128 ext. 113. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/rent 

City Council meets Tues., May 22, at 7 p.m in City Council Chambers. 981-6900. www. 

ci.berkeley.ca.us/citycouncil 

Civic Arts Commission meets Wed., May 23, at 6:30 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-7533.  

Disaster and Fire Safety Commission meets Wed., May 23, at 7 p.m., at the Emergency Operations Center, 997 Cedar St. 981-5502.  

Planning Commission meets Wed., May 23,at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-7484. 

Police Review Commission meets Wed. May 23, at 7:30 p.m. at at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-4950.  

Zoning Adjustments Board meets Thurs., May 24, at 7 p.m., in City Council Chambers. Mark Rhoades, 981-7410.  

FRIDAY, MAY 18 

THEATER 

Altarena Playhouse “The Last Five Years” Fri and Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2 p.m. at 1409 High St., Alameda, through June 10. Tickets are $17-$20. 523-1553. www.altarena.org 

Aurora Theatre “Private Jokes, Public Places” Wed.-Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2 and 7 p.m. at 2081 Addison St., through May 20. Tickets are $38. 843-4822. 

Berkeley Rep “Blue Door” at 8 p.m. at 2025 Addison St., through May 20. Tickets are $45-$61. 647-2949. www.berkeleyrep.org  

Berkeley Rep “Oliver Twist” at 8 p.m. at the Roda Theater, 2015 Addison St. through June 24. Tickets are $45-$61. 647-2949. www.berkeleyrep.org  

Impact Theatre “Measure for Measure” Thurs.-Sat. at 8 p.m. at La Val’s Subterranean, 1834 Euclid Ave., through May 26. Tickets are $10-$15. 464-4468. 

Just Theater, “I Have Loved Strangers” Thurs.-Sat. at 8 p.m. at Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant Ave., to May 26. Tickets are $12-$25. 421-1458.  

Shotgun Players “The Cryptogram” Thurs.-Sun. at 8 p.m. at The Ashby Stage, 1901 Ashby Ave., through June 17. Tickets are $17-$25. For reservations call 841-6500. www.shotgunplayers.org 

“The Striders Club” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m. at Malonga Casquelourd Arts Center, 1421 Alice St., Oakland. Tickets are $5-$11. 450-0891. 

Subterranean Shakespeare “Macbeth” Thurs.-Sat. at 8 p.m. at the Berkeley Art Center, 1275 Walnut St., near Rose in Live Oak Park, to May 26. Tickets are $12-$17. 276-3871. 

TheatreFIRST “Serjeant Musgrave’s Dance” Thurs.-Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 3 p.m. at Old Oakland Theatre, 481 Ninth St., Oakland. Tickets are $18-$25. 436-5085. www.theatrefirst.com 

EXHIBITIONS 

fer•ma•ta UCB Master of Fine Arts Graduate Exhibition opens at the Berkeley Art Museum, 2626 Bancroft Way and runs through June 10. 642-0808. 

Richmond Art Center Spring Reception for all exhibitions at 6 p.m. at 2540 Barret Ave., Richmond. 620-6772. 

“Significant Others” Art from LGBTQ Communities. Opening reception at 6 p.m. at Women’s Cancer Resource Center Gallery, 5741 Telegraph Ave., Oakland. 601-4040, ext. 111. 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Camilo Mejia reads from his book "Road From AR Ramadi" at 7 p.m. at St. Joseph the Worker, 1640 Addison St. 499-0537. 

Representa! Bilingual spoken word and poetry with Paul Flores and Julio Cardenas at 8 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $15. 849-2568.  

Comics Out Loud! with cartoonists Julia Wertz, Shannon O’Leary, Justin Hall, Geoff Vasile and many others at 7 p.m. at Pegasus Books Downtown, 2349 Shattuck Ave. 649-1320. 

State of the Arts 2 Conference sponsored by UC Institute for Research in the Arts with Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive. Lectures on the current role and future of the arts in California and beyond, Sat. and Sun. at BAM/PFA. 2626 Bancroft Way. For complete schedule see www.ucira.ucsb.edu 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Berkeley Ballet Theater Spring Performances, including “Cinderella” at 7 p.m. at Julia Morgan Center for the Arts, 2640 College Ave. Tickets are $21. 843-4689. 

Oakland East Bay Symphony “Porgy and Bess” at 8 p.m. at Paramount Theater, 2025 Broadway, Oakland. Tickets are $20-$67. 625-8497. 

Women’s Antique Vocal Ensemble “Transitions: Spanish Influence in the New World” at 8 p.m. at Lake Merritt United Methodist Church, 1330 Lakeshore Ave. Tickets are $5-$15. www.wavewomen.org 

Volti “the San Francisco Experience” with the Piedmont Children’s Choirs at 8 p.m. at First Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, One Lawson Rd., Kensington. Tickets are $8-$20. 415-771-3352. www.voltisf.org 

Bay Area Classical Harmonies “The Passion of St. John” at 7 p.m. at St. Mary Magdalen Church, 2005 Berryman St. Tickets are $12-$25. 868-0695. www.bayareabach.org 

San Francisco Chamber Orchestra “Crossroads: Music from the African Diaspora” at 8 p.m., pre-concert talk at 7:30 p.m., at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 2727 College Ave. Free. 415-248-1640. www.sfchamberorchestra.org 

Jazz City Singers Spring Concert at 8:30 p.m. at Rockridge Methodist Church, 303 Hudson St., Oakland. Tickets are $5-$7. 658-7136.  

Nanette McGuiness, soprano, and flutist Marha Stoddard, at 8 p.m. at Giorgi Gallery, 2911 Claremont Ave. Cost is $12-$15. 848-1228. 

Jerry Kuderna Piano “From Bach to Babbitt” at 1 p.m. at 2323 Shattuck Ave. www.berkeleyartsfestival.com 

“Dance Elixir” with Leyya Tawil and Zari Le’on Fri. and Sat. at 8:30 p.m. at Temescal Arts Center, 511 48th St., Oakland. Tickets are $20. 435-6413. 

SFJazz All-Star High School Ensemble at 8 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $10-$12. 845-5373. www.jazzschool.com 

Hurricane Sam & the Hotshots at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $12. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

Gypsy Dances from the Romani Trail, belly dance performance at 8 p.m., Diiin at 10 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $15. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Rajeev Taranath on sarod with Abhiman Kaushal on tabla at 8 p.m. at Gaia Arts Center, 2118 Allston Way. Tickets are $18-$25. 517-8952. nssensalo@gmail.com 

Ron Thompson, blues, at 8 p.m. at Caffe Trieste, 2500 San Pablo Ave. 548-5198.  

Solo Bass Night with Michael Manring, Jean Baudin, Jeff Schmidt and Dave Grossman at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $19.50-$20.50. 548-1761.  

Avatara and The Wicker Men at 7:30 p.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344. www.nomadcafe.net 

Workingman’s Ed with guest Joe Rut at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $10. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com 

California Love, Drain the Sky 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. 

The P-PL at 9:30 p.m. at Beckett’s Irish Pub, 2271 Shattuck Ave. 647-1790.  

Ashkon, Bumbalo, Richie Cunning at 9:30 p.m. at Shattuck Down Low, 2284 Shattuck Ave. Cost is $5-$7. 548-1159.  

Socket, jazz, at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 848-8277. 

Resistoleros, New Faith, One Word Solution at 8:30 p.m. at Oakland Metro, 201 Broadway. Cost is $10. 763-1146. www.oaklandmetro.org 

SATURDAY, MAY 19 

EXHIBITIONS 

Berkeley Art Center 40th Birthday from 1 to 4 p.m. with guest speakers, concert, children’s activities and art exhibition, at 1275 Walnut St. in Live Oak Park. 644-6893. 

“Jazz Icons” photography by Carl Lewis at the Jazzschool, 2087 Addison St.  

ACCI Gallery 50th Anniversary Celebration with music by Red Wings and an exhibition honoring ACCI alumni Tim Baskerville, Elizabeth Kavaler, Bob Stocksdale and Catherine Webb, at 6 p.m. at 1652 Shattuck Ave. 843-2527.  

THEATER 

Eastenders Repertory Company “Fear and Misery of the Third Reich” by Bertolt Brecht at 7:30 p.m., Sun. at 3 p.m. at the JCC of the East Bay, 1414 Walnut St. Tickets are $20. 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Representa! Bilingual spoken word and poetry with Paul Flores and Julio Cardenas at 2 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $15. 849-2568.  

The Great Night of Rumi with spoken word, music and dance at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $20.50-$21.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

“Medieval Seminar: Music, Liturgy, and Architecture in Medieval England” with Professor William Mahr, Dept. of Music, Stanford Univ. from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at MusicSources, 1000 The Alameda. Cost is $15. 848-5591. 

“Stepping Away From the Stereotypes: Two Latina Authors Discuss Fact and Funny Fiction” with Marta Acosta, whose latest book is “Midnight Brunch at Casa Dracula” and Rose Castillo Guilbault, on her memoir “Farmworker’s Daughter” at 2 p.m. at the Rockridge Library, 5366 College Ave., Oakland. 531-4275. 

Bay Area Storytelling Festival Sat. and Sun. from 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Kennedy Grove Regional Recreation Area, El Sobrante. Tickets are $33-$75. 869-4969. www.bayareastorytelling.org 

Jazz in Literature, Photography and Fine Art with readings by Al Young and Michael McClure at 8 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $20. 845-5373. www.jazzschool.com 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Young People’s Symphony Orchestra Concerto Concert at 8 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Berkeley, 2345 Channing Way. Tickets are $12-$15. 849-9776. www.ypsomusic.net 

Voci Women’s Vocal Ensemble “Songs of Heavenly and Earthly Love” at 4 p.m. at Lake Merritt United Methodist Church, Oakland. Tickets are $15-$20. 531-8714. www.vocisings.com 

Contra Costa Chorale with the Kensington Symphony Mozart’s “Coronation Mass” at 7:30 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, One Lawson Rd., Kensington. Tickets are $12-$15, children free. 527-2026. 

Sacred and Profane “Summer on the Baltic Sea” Music from Latvia, Estonia, Finland and Sweden at 8 p.m. at All Souls Episcopal Church, 2220 Cedar St. Tickets are $12-$18. 524-3611. 

Chora Nova “Celebrating Peace – music to celebrate the end of war” at 8 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Berkeley, 2407 Dana. Tickets are $10-$15. contact@choranova.org 

Kairos Youth Choir Sat. and Sun. at 4 p.m. at Live Oak Theater, 1301 Shattuck Ave. Tickets are $8-$10. 704-4479. 

Ruth Botchan Dance Company and Shahrzad Dance Company “Bridging Jewish and Persian Cultures” at 7:30 p.m. at Congregation Beth El, 1301 Oxford St. Tickets are $10. 848-3988. 

Winds Across the Bay “Views From the Stage” at 2 p.m. at Hilltop Community Church, 3118 Shane Drive, Richmond, just across from Hilltop Mall. Tickets are $5-$10 at the door. 243-0514. info@WindsAcrossTheBay.org 

Jack L in a benefit for the Darfur Women’s Center at 7:30 p.m. at the Hills Swim and Tennis Club, 2400 Manzanita Dr., Oakland. Tickets are $85. 339-0234.  

Rockin’ Solidarity Labor Chorus and the Freedom Song Network in a performance to Save the Oaks at 2 p.m. at Memorial Oak Grove, east side of UC Campus, off Gayley Rd. 649-1423. halih@yahoo.com  

Las Mujeres del Hip-Hop Cubano with Las Krudas, DJ Leidis, and Magyori La Lave at 9 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $10-$15. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

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

Native Elements, Lakay, Caribbean, Haitian, at 9:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $11-$13. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com  

Stephanie Crawford, jazz, at 7:30 p.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344. www.nomadcafe.net 

Wayward Monks at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 848-8277. 

Gil Stancourt & Friends at 8 p.m. at Spuds Pizza, 3290 Adeline St. Cost is $7. 558-0881. 

Druid Sisters Tea Party at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $8. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com 

R’N’R Adventure Kids 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, MAY 20 

CHILDREN 

Orange Sherbert with members of Hot Buttered Rum at Ashkenaz at 3 p.m. Cost is $5-$20. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com  

“Summer Time at the Little Farm” A puppet show about life on the farm and the mishaps of a farmer, at 10:45 and 11:30 a.m. at the Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. 525-2233. 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Monoprints and Collage Works 1991-2005” by Larry Stefl Opening reception at 3 p.m. at Mudrackers Cafe Gallery, 2801 Telegraph Ave. Exhibit runs to June 30. 547-8846. 

Allison Smith “Notion Nanny” an exhibition exploring traditional art and craft-making from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Berkeley Art Museum Galleries, 2626 Bancroft Way. 642-0808. 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Representa! Bilingual spoken word and poetry with Paul Flores and Julio Cardenas at 7 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $15. 849-2568.  

Master of Fine Arts Graduate Exhibition Artsts’ Talks at 3 p.m. in the Berkeley Art Museum Galleries, 2626 Bancroft Way. 642-0808. 

UC Extension Writing Students read at 4 p.m. at Cody’s Books on Fourth St. 559-9500. 

Susan Southworth reads from her latest novel “The Last Kosovo Serb Won’t Leave” following the 3 p.m. performance of “Serjeant Musgrave” at Old Oakland Theater, 481 Ninth St., at Broadway, Oakland. Tickets are $21. For reservations, call 436-5085. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

11th Annual Jazz on Fourth Street from noon to 5 p.m. featuring the Marcus Shelby Quartet, Sugar Pie DeSanto, Wayne Wallace Latin Jazz Group and the Berkeley High Jazz Ensemble.  

Laurel Ensemble in celebration of Berkeley Art Center’s 40th Anniversary, at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Art Center, 1275 Walnut St. Cost is $15-$20. 644-6893. 

Songs from Spain and Cuba with Elizabeth Caballero, soprano and Leesa Dahl, piano at 5 p.m. at St. John’s Presbyterian Churhc, 2727 College Ave. Tickets are $10-$20. 845-6830. 

Oakland Public Conservatory of Music Student Recital at 7 p.m. at 1616 Franklin St., Oakland. 836-4649.  

Prometheus Symphony Orchestra at 3 p.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 114 Montecito Ave., Oakland. www.prometheussymphony.org 

Sacred & Profane “Summer on the Baltic Sea, Sounds of Latvia, Estonia, Finland and Sweden” at 4 p.m. at All Souls Episcopal Church, 2220 Cedar St. Tickets are $12-$18. 524-3611. www.sacredprofane.org 

Golden Gate Boys Choir and Bellringers at 2 p.m. at Calvary Christian Center, 1516 Grand Ave., Alameda.. 887-4311. www.ggbc.org 

“Jazz at the Chimes” featuring Shanna Carlson and Cathi Walkup at 2 p.m. at Chapel of the Chimes, 4499 Piedmont Ave. Oakland. Tickets are $10, children under 12 free. 228-3218. 

Voci Women’s Vocal Ensemble “Songs of Heavenly and Earthly Love” at 4 p.m. at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 2300 Bancroft Way. Tickets are $15-$20. 531-8714.  

Season of Praise Gospel Concert at 6 p.m. at St. Paul AME Church, 2024 Ashby Ave. Proceeds will help sponsor youth on a trip to a gospel convention in Phildelphia this summer. 848-2050. 

Spring Choirs Concert with Angel Choir and Joyful Noise Choir at 5 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 201 Martina St., corner of W. Richmond Ave., Point Richmond. Suggested donation $10. 236-0527. 

Concerto Festival with winners from the Concerto Competition at 4 p.m. at Valley Center Concert Hall, Holy Names University, 3500 Mountain Blvd., Oakland. Cost is $5-$10. 436-1225. 

Novello Quartet at 3 p.m. First Presbyterian Church of Oakland, 2619 Broadway. Donation $10-$15. www.novelloquartet.org 

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

Jenny Jens & Her Trio at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island. Cost is $10. 841-JAZZ.  

Americana Unplugged: The Whiskey Brothers at 5 p.m. at Jupiter. 848-8277. 

Willow Willow at 2 p.m. at Mod Lang Records, 6328 Fairmount Ave., rear, at San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito. 486-1880. 

Art Lande/Peter Sommer Duo at 4:30 at the Jazzschool. Cost is $20. 845-5373.  

Benefit for the Albany High School Music Fund at 7 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $10-$15. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Glen Staller at 11 a.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344.  

Gather, Risen, 7 Generation at 5 p.m. at 924 Gilman St. Cost is $6. 525-9926. 

Rwake, Black Cobra at 9 p.m. at the Uptown Nightclub, 1928 Telegraph, Oakland. Cost is $8. 451-8100. 

MONDAY, MAY 21 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Art for Food’s Sake!” Restaurant Industry Artists Exhibition, opening reception at 5 p.m. at Downtown Restaurant, 2102 Shattuck Ave. Cost is $5-$10. Bring a non-perishable food donation. Proceeds benefit the Alameda County Community Food Bank. RSVP to art@downtownrestaurant.com 649-3810. 

FILM 

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

“When the Levees Broke” Parts 3 and 4 of Spike Lee’s documentary about Hurricane Katrina’s effect on New Orleans at 6:45 p.m. at the Upstairs Lounge at Geoffrey’s Inner Circle, 410 14th St., Oakland. Suggested donation $10. 262-1001. info@wellstoneclub.org 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Artists in Berkeley: Is There a Future? at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Public Library, 2090 Kittredge St. 981-6150. 

Judith Goldman and Geoffrey G. O’Brien read at 7:30 p.m. at Moe’s Books, 2476 Telegraph Ave. This will be Judith’s last Bay Area reading before she moves to Chicago. Join her friends in wishing her farewell. 849-2087. 

Jeffrey Kripal describes “Esalen: America and the Religion of No Religion” at 7:30 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Berkeley, 2345 Channing Way. 559-9500. 

Susanna Moore introduces her novel “The Big Girls” at 7 p.m. at Cody’s Books. 559-9500. 

Poetry Express with John Moore and Roy Johnston 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 

Trovatore, 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 Songwriter’s Showcase at 7:30 p.m. at Freight and Salvage Coffee House. Cost is $5. 548-1761 www.freightandsalvage.org 

TUESDAY, MAY 22 

CHILDREN 

Comedy & Tricks with Dana Smith & his dog Lacey, for ages 3 and up at 6:30 p.m. at the Kensington Library, 61 Arlington Ave., Kensington. Free. 524-3043. 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Peter Irons, author of “God on Trial: Dispatches from America’s Religious Battlefields,” in conversation with Jeffrey Brand, dean of USF Law School, at 7:30 p.m. at the Hillside Club, 2286 Cedar St. lewis@litminds.org 

Rebecca Mead talks about “One Perfect Day: The Selling of the American Wedding” at 7 p.m. at Cody’s Books on Fourth St. 559-9500. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Debussy Trio at 8 p.m. at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant Ave. Tickets are $20. 525-5211. www.berkeleychamberperform.org 

Courtableu, cajun, zydeco, at 8:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cajun 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. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

Audrey Auld Mezera with Nina Gerber at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $18.50-$19.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

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

WEDNESDAY, MAY 23 

FILM 

International Latino Film Festival “Barrio Cuba” at 7 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $5-$6. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

David Talbot describes “Brothers: A Hidden History of the Kennedy Years” at 7 p.m. at Cody’s Books on Fourth St. 559-9500. 

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

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

MUSIC AND DANCE 

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

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

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

Hip Bones, instrumental jazz with funk and rock, at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 848-8277. 

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

THURSDAY, MAY 24 

THEATER 

“The Other Side of the Mirror” written and performed by Lynn Ruth Miller at 8 p.m. at Spud’s Pizza, 3290 Adeline. Cost is $10. 650-355-4296. 

Travelling Jewish Theater “Death of a Salesman” Thurs.-Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2 and 7 p.m. at Julia Morgan Center for teh Arts, 2640 College Ave., through June 10. Tickets are $15-$44. 1-800-838-3006. 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Residency Projects, Part I” Reception for Kala Fellowship artists, Freddy Chandra and Su-Chen Hung at 6 p.m. at Kala Art Institute, 1060 Heinz Ave. Exhibition runs to June 30. 549-2977. www.kala.org 

FILM 

POV 2 Bay Area Animation Festival at 9:15 p.m. at El Cerrito Speakeasy Theater, 10070 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito. Cost is $6. 848-1994. www.picturepubpizza.com  

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Christopher Hitchens and Chris Hedges on “Is God Great?” at 7:30 p.m. at King Middle School, 1781 Rose St. Tickets are $20 from www.kpfa.org/events/Hitchens 

Eric Drooker: Musical Slide Lectures, spoken word to projected graphics at 7:30 p.m. at Pegasus Books Downtown, 2349 Shattuck Ave. 649-1320. pegdowntown@sbcglobal.net 

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

Clotilde DuSoulier introduces her cookbook “Chocolate and Zucchini: Daily Adventures in a Parisian Kitchen” at 7 p.m. at Cody’s Books on Fourth St. 559-9500. 

Richard Walker reads from “The Country in the City: The Greening of the San Francisco Bay Area” at 7:30 p.m. at Mrs. Dalloways, 2904 College Ave. 704-8222. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Tim O’Brien at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $25.50-$26.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

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

Falso Baiano, Brazilian instrumental at 7 p.m. at Caffe Trieste, 2500 San Pablo Ave., at Dwight. 548-5198.  

Haale, Samvega, The Hobbyists at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $10. 841-2082 www.starryploughpub.com 

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

Selector: Cubik & Origami at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 848-8277. 

BERKELEY ART CENTER CELEBRATES 40 YEARS 

The Berkeley Art Center will  

celebrate its 40th anniversary from  

1-4 p.m. Saturday with guest speakers, a concert, children’s activities (including a “Recycollage” workshop) and an art exhibition of  

collages, found objects and installations by Bay Area artists Jenny Honnert Abell, Marya Krogstad, and Thomas Morphis. Admission is free. The celebration will continue at 7 p.m. Sunday with a benefit concert by the Laurel Ensemble. Admission is $20, $15 for members. Designed by Robert Ratcliff Architects in 1967, the Berkeley Art Center was built by the Rotary Club of Berkeley as a gift to the city.1275 Walnut St., in Live Oak Park. 644-6893. 

50TH ANNIVERSARY FOR ACCI GALLERY 

The ACCI Gallery will celebrate its 50th anniversary at 6 p.m. Saturday with music by the Red Wings, and an exhibition featuring ACCI alumni  

Tim Baserville, Elizabeth Kavaler, Bob Stocksdale and Catherine Webb.  

1652 Shattuck Ave. 843-2527. 

CLASSICS AND KIDDIE MATINEES IN EL CERRITO 

The Cerrito Theater will present Rob Reiner’s 1987 fairy tale The Princess Bride as part of its ongoing series of weekend matinees for kids. The film screens at noon and 3 p.m. Saturday and at 2 p.m. Sunday. The theater will also show the 1959 comedy Some Like it Hot (Marilyn Monroe, Jack Lemmon, Anthony Curtis) as part its ongoing Cerrito Classics series at 6 p.m. Saturday and 5 p.m. Sunday. 10070 San Pablo Avenue, El Cerrito. 814-2400. www.picturepubpizza.com.

In the prologue to his 1945 novel Cannery Row, John Steinbeck articulated the difficulties inherent in capturing a real time and place in a work of artistic fiction, likening the process to that of a marine biologist attempting to capture the most delicate of specimens. Ultimately, Steinbeck concluded, it is easier to simply open the jar and let the little creatures ooze in of their own accord, and this is the approach he took to his novel—“to open the page and to let the stories crawl in by themselves.” 

Charles Burnett’s 1977 Killer of Sheep, opening this weekend at Shattuck Cinemas, has this quality. It is an episodic film that moves at a languorous, summertime-like pace as it charts the life of Stan (Henry Gayle Sanders), a slaughterhouse worker struggling with depression amid the ghettoes of South Central Los Angeles. The film captures the dark reality of racism and poverty, of a bleak existence with little hope for the future, and yet it resorts neither to easy cynicism nor simplistic idealism. Images of despair and disillusionment are juxtaposed with the simple, almost transcendent joys of love and family and friendship: the embrace of a loved one; the gaze of a child; a quiet moment of togetherness in the fading light of evening. It is as though Burnett simply opened the lens and allowed the essence of 1970s Watts to flow into the frame, whole and untouched. 

One of the film’s most remarkable achievements may be its authentic portrayal of children at play. With the directness of a documentary, Burnett’s unassuming camera records the exploits of kids left to their own devices, staving off boredom and adulthood with improvised games amid tenement complexes and dusty vacant lots. They haven’t much, but they make do with what they have, from dirt clods to battered dolls, from passing trains to accessible rooftops. And Burnett succeeds beautifully in depicting the seemingly innate inclination of boys everywhere to take any opportunity to throw a rock. Put an unfamiliar object in its path and a dog will sniff it; an infant will put it in his mouth; and an 8-year-old boy will invariably throw a rock at it.  

The dangerous terrain between youth and old age is one of the film’s central themes. “You’re not a child anymore!” a father tells his son in the opening scene. “You soon will be a goddamned man! Start learning what life is about now, son.” The father’s scolding is punctuated by a mother’s slap across the face, a stark wake-up call delivered with a sad, maternal smile.  

Later an iconic shot expands on the theme, showing kids jumping from one roof to another across a two-story drop, symbolizing the perilous gap between childhood and adulthood. The camera then tilts downward to follow Stan as he descends a stairwell into that very chasm, looking up at the children as they hurdle over his head.  

Along the way, the adult world is burnished with echoes of a long-lost past in the form of old Southern words and phrases that suggest where these characters have come from and what they’ve left behind, evoking memories almost archetypal in their ability to comfort as well as afflict with nostalgia for days gone by.  

Rediscovering classic films can be like a series of “a-ha moments,” with missing links in the progression of cinematic style, technique and vision revealing themselves like long-lost Rosetta Stones. Burnett’s Killer of Sheep, while clearly drawing on preceding films and genres, is a seminal film for many reasons, but primarily for its application of the Italian neo-realist techniques of the ’40s and ’50s to black urban life in America; its low-budget indie aesthetic; and its use of popular music in shaping and defining its imagery.  

The film’s obscurity is in large part due to its soundtrack, a wonderful blend of classic jazz, blues, R&B and pop songs for which Burnett was unable to afford the legal rights. Thus Killer of Sheep never enjoyed commercial distribution and was bottled up under threat of litigation for three decades, until Dennis Doros of Milestone Films (with a bit of financial help from director Steven Soderbergh) undertook the daunting and expensive task of securing those rights and presenting a beautifully restored 35-millimeter print, courtesy of UCLA Film and Television Archive. 

Since the advent of MTV, the use of popular music in films as the all-consuming soundtrack to a scene has proliferated, most often in youth-centered films. At its worst it is a lazy method of direction, using the song rather than the image to carry the essence of the scene. But at its best, as in Killer of Sheep, lyrics and music deepen and amplify the impact of the imagery. One especially effective scene features Stan and his wife (Kaycee Moore) in a heartbreaking slow dance to Dinah Washington’s “This Bitter Earth,” played out in silhouette against the harsh glow of sunlight through a tenement window. Another scene, of a weekend outing derailed by a flat tire, is granted both gravity and humor by the strains of Louis Armstrong’s “West End Blues.” 

Only one song remained out of reach. Milestone was unable to secure the rights to Washington’s “Unforgettable,” which originally punctuated the final scene, so Burnett instead opted to repeat “This Bitter Earth,” which proves not just an adequate substitute but perhaps an improvement, providing a fitting reprise for the film’s central themes. 

Killer of Sheep poses no easy questions, seeks nor finds no easy solutions; it merely presents the African-American experience in a particular time and place. And, through a relentless focus on character—on everyday people and their everyday lives—Burnett manages to find the universal in the specific, depicting the timeless struggle of men and women to—as Washington sings—ensure that the dust does not obscure the glow of the rose. 

KILLER OF SHEEP (1977) 

Directed by Charles Burnett. Starring Henry Gayle Sanders and Kaycee Moore.  

Playing at Shattuck Cinemas, Rafael Film Center (San Rafael) and the Castro Theater (San Francisco). 80 minutes. Not rated. 

A Milestone release.  

Photograph: Henry Gayle Sanders and Kaycee Moore share a delicate moment in Charles Burnett’s Killer of Sheep, opening this weekend at Shattuck Cinemas.

“Alas, alas, that so bright a moon should be hidden by the clouds.” From this first translation of Rumi into a European language, circa 1780, by Sir William Jones in his Grammar of the Persian Language, through Ralph Waldo Emerson’s solitary version of a Rumi poem, to today’s outpouring of interpretations, the great mystic poet of Islam has become the bestselling poet in English today. 

“The Great Night of Rumi,” Dan and Dale Zola’s program of spoken poetry with music and a whirling dervish dance, set for 8 p.m. this Saturday night at Freight and Salvage, intends to return this revered verse to spoken, sung and performed poetry, taking an audience beyond what academic discussion or silent reading from the page can accomplish. 

“We’re not talking about Rumi, or about poetry, at ‘The Great Night of Rumi,’” said Dale, who has produced the events for six years with her husband. “We’re not plugging anything. Our readers all go up to the mic and recite from memory, while the musicians improvise. Aziz, our whirling dervish, does the turn. Hossein, our Kurdish friend, sings a Rumi poem in Farsi. Dan mc’s, announcing the next person. We modelled it after variety shows—after Ed Sullivan!” 

“We’re bringing people to poetry through the back door,” Zola continued, “though I think of the oral tradition as the front door, with the book as the back door. It’s like a communion; people come because they want that experience. To be in a roomful of people, to be transported—yet in the present moment.” 

The Zolas use the Coleman Barks translations of Rumi. Readers from all ethnic groups and walks of life recite, accompaned by Gary Haggerty (from Stella Mar), Arshad Said, Sheldon Brown of the Jazzschool and Claude Palmer playing on a panoply of instruments, both Eastern and Western, with singers Kirsten Falke (from Bobby McFerrin’s Voicestra) and Debbie Golata of the Berkeley Community Chorus and Orchestra. 

Readers include Ron Sebring (pastor of the Northbrae Community Church), Andre Andrae (father of Hit It!), Claressa Morrow of Stage Bridge, Shakespearean actress Chetana Karel and Barry and Maya Spector (who do oral tradition events in the South Bay), Alexis Bennett and dancer Guillermo Ortiz, among others.  

The event is co-produced by Cody’s Books, which will provide books for sale, and presented by Roger Housden, editor of 10 Poems to Change Your Mind and 10 Poems to Change Your Heart. Assisting is Victoria Lee, “a Rumi-inspired psychologist” and author of the forthcoming Rumi Secret (Outskirts Press).  

The Zolas have been involved in poetry for 20 years. “Dan was on the staff of the Mendocino Men’s Conferences,” said Dale, “where he worked closely with poet Robert Bly, with Michael Mead and James Hillman. About 15 years ago, we went to an event by Doug Von Koss, one of his one-man poetry shows. That made a big impression. A couple years after that, we began to produce poetry events.” 

They also produce “The Great Night of Soul Poetry,” featuring poems of W. B. Yeats, D. H. Lawrence, Mary Oliver and others. 

Dale, who lived in Istanbul and traveled around the Middle East and South Asia, emphasizes the humor in Rumi’s poetry and Barks’ translations. “That’s one reason we’re so into it. If it makes you laugh and cry, it’s a good one. The more it gets you laughing, the more you can get with the sad stuff.” 

Rumi’s contemporary success was preceded by that of another medieval Persian poet. For about a century, Edward Fitzgerald’s version of The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam was the bestselling single volume of poetry in English. Rumi, born in what’s now Afghanistan, founded the Mevlevi Sufi Order (”Whirling Dervishes”) in Turkey. His poetry, according to Marshall G. S. Hodgson in The Venture of Islam, “became prized even by non-mystics wherever Persian was used ... His work is addressed to a living, complex individual, and is meant to confront him time and time again throughout his complex life, and this process can never really be completed ... Rumi intended to illuminate the Islamic conscience of his time ... If [his] message is to be summed up, it can perhaps be described as a summons to go beyond the routine.” 

Other Rumi translators include R. A. Nicholson, A. J. Arberry, W. S. Merwin and Peter Lamborn Wilson.  

THE GREAT NIGHT OF RUMI 

8 p.m. Saturday at Freight and Salvage, 1111 Addison St. $20.50 - $21.50. 

548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org.

Berkeley’s Himalayan Fair celebrates its 24th year in Live Oak Park this weekend. It might be its last as the city of Berkeley has increased restrictions on the event which may force it to move next year or shut down, according to fair organizers. 

The fair—a constantly moving pageant of onstage South and Central Asian musicians, singers and dancers, and the vibrant fairgoers, straying down alleys of bazaar-like booths featuring the aroma of ethnic foods, many crafts and much artwork and a fabulous assortment of other goods, or gathering under the trees or on the rocks by the creek—was modelled by founder Arlene Blum on the village spring festivals she encountered on her mountaineering treks in Nepal and India. 

The fair is “a victim of its own success,” in the words of Fair Committee member Barbara Framm. She is asking for help from the community to determine how to continue the annual event after an escalation of restrictions by various city departments. 

“This could well be the last year of the Himalayan Fair at Live Oak Park,” said one committee member. “And maybe the last year of the fair.” 

At a meeting of the committee on Wednesday, members discussed options for different sites, and Blum presented a petition to be circulated at the fair to try to convince the City Council to keep the fair at Live Oak Park. 

“The petitions will be at all the food booths and at the information booth,” said Rosa Mendicino, who coordinates the food concessions and runs the popular vegetable curry and ice cream booths.  

Mendicino says that complaints, mostly about traffic and parking problems and some reports of noise in the neighborhood, have provoked the increase of city intervention. “We were told to put wooden floors under the food booths,” she said. “Yet Park and Rec said that would be bad for the grass. So this time the booths are on the basketball courts.”  

There have also been complaints about lack of wheelchair access. “Not all the booths are on walkways,” said Mendicino. “Two years ago we inaugurated a program with volunteers at the ready, to help disabled people, to push wheelchairs or get whatever they wanted from the stands.” 

This year there will also be a shuttle that will run a loop from North Berkeley BART, with stops on Shattuck at Lincoln and Berryman, to try to reduce traffic volume.  

“My children and now grandchildren have grown up at the Himalayan Fair,” Mendicino said. “I don’t want to see that tradition squelched. It can’t be so bad that we won’t be able to stay in Live Oak Park. We’ve looked at other parks, and come to the conclusion that no other place lends itself so well to the character of the fair.”