TUESDAY, JULY 3 

Alternative Fourth of July Celebration commemorating Frederick Douglass’ Independence Day Speech, at the Rochester Ladies’ Anti-Slavery Society, 1852, with a concert and BBQ dinner at 6 p.m. at Oakland Public Conservatory of Music, 1616 Franklin St., downtown Oakland. Tickets are $20-$30. www.opcmusic.org 

Fourth of July Celebration with music by the Milt Bowerman Band at 1:15 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center, 1901 Hearst. 981-5190. 

The Red Oak Victory Ship BBQ and Fireworks Viewing at 6 p.m. at 1337 Canal Blvd., off Hwy 580, in Richmond. Cost is $20. For information and reservations call 222-9200. 

Insect Discovery Lab See and touch live bugs as you learn more about them at 7 p.m. at the Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave. 526-3720, ext. 17. 

Tuesday Documentaries at 7 p.m. at the Gaia Arts Center, 2120 Allston Way. Donation of $5 benefits the Berkeley Food and Housing Project. 665-0305. 

Community Sing-a-Long every Tues, at 2 p.m. at the Albany Senior Center, 1247 Marin Ave. 524-9122.  

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

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. 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, JULY 4 

Fourth of July at the Berkeley Marina from noon to 9:30 p.m. with live entertainment, arts & crafts, food, and activities for children. Alcohol-free event. Free admission. Sponsored by the City of Berkeley. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us.  

Celebrate Inter-Dependence Day with a vegetarian potluck from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Laurel Picnic Area in Tilden Park. Bring a vegetarian dish to share. Dogs and musical instruments also welcome. Sponsored by The Network of Spiritual Progressives 644-1200. www.spiritualprogressives.org  

People’s World Barbeque “Que Viva Cuba!” with report-backs from recent visits, music, and Cuban and BBQ food, from 1 to 5 p.m. at 2232 Derby St. Cost is $10. 548-8764. 

Fireworks on the Bay Canoe Trip An easy paddle to see the wetlands before the fireworks show. All boating equipment and instruction is provided. Mimimum age is 10. Cost is $35-$45. For reservations call 452-9261, ext. 119. bayevents@saveSFbay.org  

Fourth of July on the USS Hornet with live music, games for all ages, and tours of the aircraft carrier, and firework viewing, from 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. at 707 W. Hornet Ave., Pier 3, Alameda. Tickets are $10-$25. 521-8448, ext. 282. www.hornetevents.com 

Walking Tour of Jack London Waterfront Meet at 10 a.m. at the corner of Broadway and Embarcadero. Tour lasts 90 minutes. Reservations can be made by calling 238-3234. www.oaklandnet.com/walkingtours 

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 

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. 

THURSDAY, JULY 5 

People’s Park Community Workshop on the future design and programs for People’s Park, at 7 p.m. at Berkeley YWCA, 2600 Bancroft Way. Pre-registration required. RSVP to 415-288-3390. taylor@mkthink.com 

“From Gaza, With Love” with Palestinian physician and human rights activist, Dr. Mona El-Farra at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists, 1606 Bonita at Cedar. 548-0542.  

California Telephone Access will display phone equipment for those with vision, hearing and mobility issues from 12:30 to 2 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center, 1901 Hearst. 981-5190. 

Cope with Creativity shows the video “The Gifts of Grief” at 6:30 p.m. at 4401 Howe St., Oakland. To register call 888-755-7855, ext. 4241. 

El Sabor de Fruitvale Farmers’ market, salsa making, and live music with La Familia Son from 3 to 7 p.m. at Fruitvale Transit Village, 3411 East 12th St., Oakland. 535-6900. 

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

Avatar Metaphysical Toastmasters Club meets at 6:45 p.m. at Spud’s Pizza, 3290 Adeline at Alcatraz. Free, all are welcome. namaste@avatar.freetoasthost.info  

FRIDAY, JULY 6 

“Native Plants of Yosemite” A slide show and talk with Ranger Erik at 6:30 p.m. at the Oakland Museum of California, 1000 Oak St., at 10th, Oakland. Cost is $5-$8. 238-2200. 

“The Spirit of John Muir” A performance highlighting Muir’s adventures in the western wilderness at 7:30 p.m. at the Oakland Museum of California, 1000 Oak St., at 10th, Oakland. Cost is $5-$8. 238-2200. 

“Pint for a Pint” Blood Drive Blood donors will receive a coupon for a free pint of gelato from Gelato Classico. The blood drive will be in Conference Room A from noon to 6 p.m. at Alameda Hospital, 2070 Clinton Ave., Alameda. To schedule an appointment call Louise Nakada at 814-4362. 

“The Iron Wall” A documentary with interviews with prominent Israeli and Palestinian peace activists, farmers, soldiers and political analysts at 7 p.m. at St. Joseph the Worker, 1640 Addison. Free. Sponsored by The Fr. Bill O’Donnell Social Justice Committee. 499-0537. 

International Working Class Film Festival with “Maquilapolis,” “My Bicycle,” “No Te Rajas,” and Estamos Aqui” at 7:30 p.m. at Humanist Hall, 390 27th St., Oakland. Suggested donation $5. www.HumanistHall.net 

Estacio Libre and Collectiva Zapatista Ramona Film Fest at 7:30 p.m. at AK Press, 674-A 23rd St., Oakland. 208-1700. 

Free Diabetes Screening Come find out if you might have diabetes with our free screening test and make sure not to eat or drink anything for 8 hours beforehand, from 8:45 to 1:30 a.m. at the Downtown Oakland Senior Center, 200 Grand Ave. 981-5332. 

Berkeley Women in Black weekly vigil from noon to 1 p.m. at Bancroft and Telegraph. Our focus is human rights in Palestine. 548-6310. 

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, JULY 7 

Oakland Heritage Alliance Neighborhood Walking Tour of the F.M. “Borax” Smith Estate from 10 a.m. to noon. Meets at the redwood tree, corner of McKinley Ave. and Home Place East. Tickets are $10-$15. info@oaklandheritage.org 

Walking Tour of Old Oakland around Preservation Park to see Victorian architecture. Meet at 10 a.m. in front of Preservation Park at 13th St. and MLK, Jr. Way. Tour lasts 90 minutes. Reservations can be made by calling 238-3234.  

Canyonero Hike A three-mile hike across habitats up to Wildcat Park, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Led by Meg Platt, naturalist. For information and meeting place, call 525-2233. 

Bicycle Trip Along the Hayward Shoreline Meet at 8:30 p.m. at San Leandro Marina Park for a 14-mile round trip excursion, partly paved. Bicycle helmet required. Bring bicycle lock, lunch and liquids. For information email Kathy_Jarrett@yahoo.com, www.trasit.511.org 

“Ice Scone” Benefit for Save Berkeley Iceland, at the Cheese Board, 1504 Shattuck Ave. All proceeds from the sale of this special scone will go to saving the family-friendly community center for ice skating. 599-4591. www.SaveBerkeleyIceland.org 

Artists Funding the Arts Silent Auction to benefit the SF AIDS Foundation. Bidding begins at 10 a.m. at 4th St. Studio, 1717D 4th St. Bidding closes Sunday at 8 p.m. 527-0600. 

Kensington Police Department Program for ages 3 and up at 2 p.m. at the Kensington Library, 61 Arlington Ave. 524-3043. 

“Brainiacs” An interactive neural anatomy lesson, at 1 p.m. for ages 7 and under, 2:10 p.m. for 8 and older at Hall of Health, 2230 Shattuck Ave., Lower Level. Cost is $5, no one turned away. 705-8527. 

Community Festival at The Way Christian Center with music, health and college fairs, and activities for children, from noon to 4 p.m. at 1222 University Ave. Free. 848-2117. 

Preschool Storytime for 3 to 5-year-olds at 11 a.m. at the Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave. 526-3720 ext. 17. 

Free Garden Tours at Regional Parks Botanic Garden Sat. and Sun. at 2 pm. Regional Parks Botanic Garden, Tilden Park. Call to confirm. 841-8732.  

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

The Berkeley Lawn Bowling Club provides free instruction 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, JULY 8 

People’s Park Community Workshop on the future design and programs for People’s Park, at 1 p.m. at First Church of Christ Scientist, 2619 Dwight Way. Pre-registration required. RSVP to 415-288-3390. taylor@mkthink.com 

Oakland Heritage Alliance Neighborhood Walking Tour of the Mountain View Cemetary from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Meet at Chapel of the chimes, 4400 Piedmont Ave. Tickets are $10-$15. info@oaklandheritage.org 

Solo Sierrans Walk to Explore the Albany Bulb and discover the unique works of art here. Meet at 2:30 p.m. at the entrance of the Bulb at Buchanan St. and I-80. Optional dinner afterwards. RSVP to Therese at 841-5493. 

“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. 525-2233.  

“Green Sunday” Upholding Our Rights to a Healthy Community A discussion on the California Healthy Communities Network and how its work affects our community, at 5 p.m. at the Niebyl-Proctor Library, 6501 Telegraph Ave. at 65th in North Oakland. 

Berry Tasting from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Kensington Farmers’ Market, 303 Arlington, behind ACE Hardware, Kensington.  

Family Day at the Magnes Museum, including tours of current exhibitions, at 11 a.m. at 2911 Russell St. 549-6950. 

Social Action Forum with Jacques Verduun on programs offered inside San Quentin Prison at 9:30 a.m. at Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, One Lawson Rd., Kensington. 525-0302. 

Free Hands-on Bicycle Clinic Learn how to keep your bike in excellent working condition through safety inspections, from 10 to 11 a.m. at REI, 1338 San Pablo Ave. 527-4140. 

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

Tibetan Buddhism with Betty Cook on “King Ashoka: An Ancient Model of Buddhist Social Responsibility” at 6 p.m. at the Tibetan Nyingma Institute, 1815 Highland Pl. 843-6812. www.nyingmainstitute.com 

MONDAY, JULY 9 

Red Cross Blood Drive from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the West 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. 

Drop in Knitting Class at the Albany Library Work on your own project or make pet blankets and children’s hats to be donated to charity organizations. Yarn and needles provided for donated items. At 3:30 p.m. at 1247 Marin Ave. 526-3720, ext. 17. 

CITY MEETINGS 

Housing Advisory Commission meets Thurs., July 5, at 7:30 p.m., at the South Berkeley Senior Center. 981-5400.  

Landmarks Preservation Commission meets Thurs. July 5, at 7:30 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-7419.

Healthy Living 

As part of an ongoing effort to print stories by East Bay residents, the Daily Planet invites readers to write about their experiences and perspectives on living healthy. Please e-mail your essays, no more than 800 words, to firstperson@berkeleydailyplanet.com. We will publish the best essays in upcoming issues. 

East Bay Guide 

The Daily Planet invites readers to contribute to a guide for newcomers to the area. Please e-mail your essays, no more than 800 words, describing a favorite or little-known aspect of East Bay life, to firstperson@berkeleydailyplanet.com. We will publish the best essays in upcoming issues.

TUESDAY, JULY 3 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Sambadá, Brasilia, funk, at 5 p.m. at Cerrito Vista Park, Moeser at Pomona St., El Cerrito.  

Tom Rigney & Flambeau, Cajun/Zydeco, at 8:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Dance lesson at 8 p.m. Cost is $10. 525-5054.  

Kutandara Marimba Band at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $17.50-$18.50. 548-1761.  

Dick Conte Quartet with Steve Heckman at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $6-$10. 238-9200.  

WEDNESDAY, JULY 4 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Mariachi San José, Voco, On Taiko, ObeyJah and other world music performers from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. at at Cerrito Vista Park, Moeser at Pomona St., El Cerrito. www.worldoneradio.org 

Whiskey Brothers at 9 p.m. at Albatross, 1822 San Pablo Ave. 843-2473.  

Orquestra America, salsa, at 9:30 p.m. at Shattuck Down Low. Cost is $5-$10. 548-1159.  

Mal Sharpe’s Big Money in Jazz with Faye Carol at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $5. 238-9200.  

THURSDAY, JULY 5 

EXHIBITIONS 

“A Lasting Impression” Group show of ceramic sculptures, and “Injuries, Improvised Paintings by Luke Riles” Artist reception at 6 p.m. at Estaban Sabar Gallery, 480 23rd St. at Telegraph, Oakland. Exhibition runs to July 30. 444-7411.  

THEATER 

Crowded Fire Theater “Anna Bella Eema” Thurs.-Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun at 2 p.m. at the Ashby Stage, 1901 Ashby Ave. Tickets are $10-$20. 415-439-2456.  

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Poetry Flash with Forrest Hamer and Joseph Millar at 7:30 p.m. at Berkeley City College Auditorium, 2050 Center St. 525-5476. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

United Capoeira Artists at noon at the downtown Berkeley BART station. info@downtownberkeley.org 

George Cotsirilos Trio at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island. Cost is $10. 841-JAZZ.  

Damon and the Heathens, October Allied, Kemo Sabe at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $5. 841-2082. 

“Un Regalo para Garabato” Music and spoken word to celebrate the life of Carlos Carabato Gonzales at 7 p.m at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $10-$50. 849-2568.  

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

FRIDAY, JULY 6 

THEATER 

Aurora Theatre “Bosoms and Neglect” Wed.-Sat. at 8 p.m., SUn. at 2 and 7 p.m. at 2081 Addison St., through July 22. Tickets are $38. 843-4822.  

California Shakespeare Theater “Man and Superman” by George Bernard Shaw at the Bruns Ampitheater, 100 Gateway Blvd., Orinda, through July 29. Tickets are $15-$60. 548-9666. www.calshakes.org 

Central Works “Bird in the Hand” Thurs-Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 5 p.m. at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant Ave., through July 29. Tickets are $9-$25. 558-1381. 

Contra Costa Civic Theater “Meet Me in St. Louis” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2 p.m. in July at 951 Pomona Ave., at Moeser, El Cerrito, through Aug. 4. 524-9132. 

Crowded Fire Theater “Anna Bella Eema” Thurs.-Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2 p.m. at the Ashby Stage, 1901 Ashby Ave. through July 15. Tickets are $10-$20. 415-439-2456. www.crowdedfire.org 

Impact Theatre “Impact Briefs 8: Sinfully Delicious” Thurs.-Sat. through July 21 at La Val’s Subterranean, 1834 Euclid Ave. Tickets are $10-$15. 464-4468. 

Masquers Playhouse “Ring Round the Moon” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m. at 105 Park Place, Point Richmond, through July 14. Tickets are $15. 232-4031. www.masquers.org 

Virago Theatre Company “The Death of Ayn Rand” and “A Bed of My Own” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m. at Rhythmix Cultural Works, 2513 Blanding Ave., Alameda to July 7. Tickets are $10-$17. 865-6237.  

EXHIBITIONS 

Paiul Lewin Solo Show Acrylic paintings and sketches. Opening reception at 7 p.m. at Eclectix, 7523 Fairmoount Ave., El Cerrito. 364-7261. www.eclectixgallery.com 

FILM 

International Working Class Film Festival with “Maquilapolis,” “My Bicycle,” “No Te Rajas,” and Estamos Aqui” at 7:30 p.m. at Humanist Hall, 390 27th St., Oakland. Suggested donation $5. www.HumanistHall.net 

Estacio Libre and Collectiva Zapatista Ramona Film Fest at 7:30 p.m. at AK Press, 674-A 23rd St., Oakland. 208-1700. 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Paul Ekman reads from “Emotions Revealed: Recognizing Faces and Feelings to Improve Communication and Emotional Life” at 7:30 p.m. at Mrs. Dalloways, 2904 College Ave. 704-8222. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Bay Area Blues Society: Hayward-Russell City Blues Festival, Fri.-Sun. from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Hayward City Hall Plaza, 777 B St., Hayward. Tickets are $10-$30. www.bayareabluessociety.net highsierratickets.com 

Craig Horton Blues Band at 5 p.m. at the Oakland Museum of California, 1000 Oak St., at 10th, Oakland. Cost is $5-$8. 238-2200. 

Les Percussions Malinke with drummer Bolokada Conde at 8 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $13-$15. 849-2568.  

A Deep Breath featuring Raffi and Noah Garabedian, Daniel Lubin-Laden and David Michael-Ruddy at 8 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $10. 845-5373. www.jazzschool.com 

Ed Johnson & Novo Tempo Quartet at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $12. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

Stompy Jones, East Coast swing, lindy hop, at 9:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Dance lesson at 8 p.m. Cost is $13. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Dani Thomas and Dulce, Latin and Caribbean, at 8 p.m. at Caffe Trieste, 2500 San Pablo Ave., at Dwight. 548-5198.  

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

Bob Harp and High Diving Horses at 7:30 p.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344. www.nomadcafe.net 

Stephen Taylor-Ramirez, Misner and Smith, Drew Harrison at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $5. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com 

Dave Stein’s Hub-Bub at 10 p.m. at Beckett’s Irish Pub, 2271 Shattuck Ave. 647-1790. www.beckettsirishpub.com 

Niyorah, Abja & The Red Eye Band, Binghi Ghost, at 9 p.m. at Shattuck Down Low, 2284 Shattuck Ave. Cost is $18-$20. 548-1159.  

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

SATURDAY, JULY 7 

EXHIBITIONS 

“New Works by Margaret Chavigny and Sheila Metcalf Tobin” Reception at 6 p.m. at the Mercury 20 Gallery, 25 grand Ave. at Broadway, Oakland. Exhibition runs to July 29. 

THEATER 

Women’s Will “Romeo and Juliet” Sat. and Sun. at 1 p.m. in John Hinkle Park. 420-0813. www.womenswill.org 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Bay Area Poets Coalition holds an open reading from 3 to 5 p.m., at Strawberry Creek Lodge, 1320 Addison St. Park on the street, not in Lodge parking lot. 527-9905. poetalk@aol.com 

Mike Young, Logan Ryan Smith and Elliot Harmon read their poetry at 7:30 p.m. at Pegasus Books Downtown, 2349 Shattuck Ave. 649-1320. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Mahea Uchiyama “Dance in the Key of Life” Dance from India, Bali, Hawai’i, Tahiti and more at 8 p.m. at Regents Theater, Holy Names University, 3500 Mountain Blvd., Oakland. Tickets are $25. 925-798-1300.  

The Ariel Quartet performs Hayden, Dvork, Suprynowicz at 8 p.m. at 2692 Shasta. RSVP to bob@cowart.com 

Schwenke y Nilo Chilean Nueva Cancíon with Los Materos at 8 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $20. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

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

Zydeco Flames, Cajun/Zydeco at 9 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $10. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Sotaque Baiano, Brazilian, at 8 p.m. at Shattuck Down Low, 2284 Shattuck Ave. Cost is $5-$10. 548-1159.  

Dave Lionelli, Bhi Bhiman and Greg Cross at 7:30 p.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344. www.nomadcafe.net 

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

Kaz George Quintet at 8 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $10. 845-5373. www.jazzschool.com 

On the One at 10 p.m. at Beckett’s Irish Pub, 2271 Shattuck Ave. 647-1790.  

Ragwater Review, 5 Cent Coffee, Knees and Elbows at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $7. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com 

Sarah Manning Trio at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 848-8277. 

SUNDAY, JULY 8 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Sing More Songs” Photographs by Misako Akimoto about the Music Therapy Fund in Richmond. Artist talk at 2 p.m. at the Community Meeting Room, Berkeley Public Library, 2090 Kittredge St. 981-6100. 

“David Goldblatt: Intersections” and “Abbas Kiarostami: Image Maker” photographs from South Africa and Iran at the Berkeley Art Museum, 2626 Bancroft Way. 642-0808. 

“Paintings by Jared Roses” opens at 4 p.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344. www.nomadcafe.net 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

“When Cities Unite” Spoken word and music from L.A. to the Bay at 7 p.m. at La Peña. Cost is $7-$10. 849-2568.  

Liza Dalby introduces “East Wind Melts the Ice: A Memoir Through the Seasons” at 7:30 p.m. at Mrs. Dalloways, 2904 College Ave. 704-8222. 

Michael Fee describes “Cycling’s Greatest Misadventures” at 4 p.m. at Cody’s Books. 559-9500. www.codysbooks.com 

“David Goldblatt: Intersections” Conversation with the photographer at 3:30 p.m. at Berkeley Art Museum, 2626 Bancroft Way. Cost is $5-$8. 642-0808. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Lineage Dance “Dancing Through the Ages” at 2 p.m. at Julia Morgan Center for the Arts, 2640 College Ave. Tickets are $25. 925-798-1300. 

Summer Jazz with Yancy Taylor at 3 p.m., The History of Jazz with Randy Moore at 4:30 p.m. at Open Jam Session at 5 p.m. at Oakland Public Library, Golden Gate Branch, 5606 San Pablo Ave., Oakland. 597-5023. 

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

Axis Mundi, sacred trance and dance, at 8 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $10. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Mariel Austin, trombone, at 4:30 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $10. 845-5373. www.jazzschool.com 

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

MONDAY, JULY 9 

CHILDREN 

“Get a Clue at Your Library” a musical by Gary Laplaw at 7 p.m. at the Oakland Library, Montclair Branch, 1687 Mountain Blvd., Oakland. 482-7810. 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Arthur Weil reads from his poetry at 6 p.m. at the Oakland Public Library, Lakeview Branch, 550 El Embarcadero, Oakland. 238-7344. 

Lisa See reads from her new novel “Peony in Love” at 7 p.m. at Cody’s Books. 559-9500. www.codysbooks.com 

Michael McClure and Diana Di Prima at 7:30 p.m. at Moe’s Books, 2476 Telegraph Ave. 849-2087. 

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

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Orquestra La Moderna Tradicion at 8 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $10-$16. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

FOURTH OF JULY AT THE BERKELEY MARINA 

The City of Berkeley will hold its annual Fourth of July celebration from noon to 9:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Berkeley Marina. The alcohol-free event includes live entertainment, arts and crafts, fireworks, food, and activities for children. Admission is free. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us. 

‘MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS 

The Contra Costa Civic Theater will present the stage version of the beloved Hollywood musical Meet Me in St. Louis at 8 p.m. Saturdays and at 2 p.m. Sundays through Aug. 4. The story concerns a family looking forward to the arrival of the 1904 World’s Fair in their hometown as disconcerting news arrives that their father is being transferred to a job in New York, threatening to uproot the family. Originally starring Judy Garland, the show features such classic songs as “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” “Skip to My Lou,” and “The Trolley Song.” $24 / $15. 981 Pomona Ave., El Cerrito.  

524-9132. www.ccct.org. 

ROBIN HOOD IN EL CERRITO 

A swashbuckling Errol Flynn robs from the rich and gives to the poor in the colorful crowd pleaser The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938) at 6 p.m. Saturday and 5 p.m. Sunday as part of the Cerrito Theater’s classic film series. 10070 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito. 814-2400. www.picturepubpizza.com.

Woman’s Will, the Oakland-based all-female Shakespeare company, is celebrating their tenth season—and tenth year of free Shakespeare in the parks—with Romeo and Juliet, beginning 1 p.m. this Saturday and Sunday, and the following weekend, July 14-15, at Berkeley’s John Hinkel Park.  

Other local performances will be July 21 at F. M. Smith Park and the 22nd Avenue Dimond Park, both in Oakland. Aug. 9-10 at 8 p.m. will see the play staged in a real mortuary, Chapel of the Chimes, the columbarium at the end of Piedmont Avenue, Oakland, in the Mountain View Cemetery. 

Director Erin Merritt commented on an all-female cast playing the most famous of love plays—and about how Woman’s Will approached one of the best-known of Shakespeare’s (or any playwright’s) plays. 

“People forget pretty early on that the cast’s all women,” said Merritt. “We emphasize the text and the acting—and understanding what’s going on. At rehearsals in the parks, kids get off the monkey bars and watch us, so response so far is pretty good! There are a few lines that comment on being a man that come off funny, like Romeo saying, ‘OJuliet, you have made me effeminate.’ But there’s a reason why in some ways, women come off better. These characters are really smart. Most productions either cast a guy who’s a young hunk, or one who’s smart, and neither is comfortable with the other side of the character. Women are used to having both sides open.” 

On the fame of Romeo and Juliet, Merritt remarked, “Everybody knows the plot, so we focus on how it happened, on how many times the story is headed for a happy ending, and how many bad choices make it a tragedy. If Romeo waited five minutes before killing himself, Juliet would be awake, not seemingly dead. After all, she finds his lips still warm!” 

Merritt finds the answer to why so many bad choices that lead to tragedy in the relationship of generations of the play’s characters. “We’re never told what the original problem is, and we don’t care. I saw a CalShakes production that emphasized Friar Laurence as the linchpin of the plot, and realized how important a reconciliation was to him, and what a tragedy its failure was. The oldest generation, the Friar and the other older characters, want peace, for life to be happy in their final years. The middle generation, the parents, are the combative ones, who blame somebody else for whatever gets in their way, and seek revenge. And the young generation, Romeo and Juliet’s, is a little bit of both. They want everything to be wonderful and beautiful, but they have no perspective. Influenced by their parents, when something goes wrong, they lash out and kill—or die.” 

The goal is to show the realization that “everybody is responsible for these deaths. When Romeo enters, and Tybalt’s ready to attack him, Capulet says, more or less, don’t kill him; I hear he’s a nice guy. What if he’d been advised to marry his daughter to the nice guy and gain a friend, not keep an enemy.” 

Merritt emphasizes Shakespeare’s humor. “People forget how much funny stuff there is. And it’s a bawdy play—nothing extra, just what’s in the text. There are three teenage guys who act out with each other, are suggestive with the way they handle swords ... but it’s really all in the spirit behind the action, nothing explicit.” 

There’s a study guide for young kids on the company’s website, with a comic book runthrough of the plot and discussion questions, as well as director’s notes and podcast interviews with the actors. 

The actors cast by Woman’s Will mostly fit the age ranges of the three generations. “The cast is terrific,” said Merritt. “Some are actors we’ve worked with before, but there are also new people, and it’s the enthusiasm that carries it, the infectious energy of youth.” 

ROMEO AND JULIET  

Presented by Woman’s Will at 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday this weekend and next at John Hinkel Park in Berkeley. Performances will continue at other locations through August. Admission is free, with donation requested. For locations and directions see www.womanswill.org or call 420-0813.