TUESDAY, JULY 17 

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 Arrowhead Marsh at the Martin Luther King Regional Shoreline. Call for meeting place and if you need to borrow binoculars. 525-2233. 

Return of the Over-the-Hills Gang Hikers 55 years and older who are interested in nature study, history, fitness, and fun are invited to join us on a series of monthly excursions exploring our Regional Parks. For information and to register call 525-2233.  

The Pit Stop: Peaches & Barbecue at the Tuesday Berkeley Farmers’ Market from 3 to 7 p.m. at Derby St. at MLK, Jr. Way. 548-3333. www.ecologycenter.org/bfm  

Prospective Parenting for the LGBT Community at 6:30 p.m. at Bananas, 5232 Claremont Ave., Oakland. RSVP to 415-981-1960. stephanie@ourfamily.org 

Feng Shui Your Mind with Maureen Raytis, acupuncturist, and Jill Lebeau, psychotherapist at 7 p.m. at the El Cerrito Library, 6510 Stockton Ave., El Cerrito. 526-7512. 

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. 

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. 

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 18 

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 

“You Have No Rights: Stories of America in an Age of Repression” with Matthew Rothschild, editor and publisher of The Progressive, at 7 p.m. at Black Oak Books, 1491 Shattuck Ave. 486-0698.  

Harry Potter Jeopardy Children up to the age of 15 can show off their Harry Potter knowledge at 2 p.m. at Berkeley Public Library, 2090 Kittredge St. 981-6223.  

Family Math and Science Night for children aged 7-10 and their families at 6 p.m. at Berkeley Public Library, West Branch, 1125 University Ave. 981-6270. 

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

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

geocities.com/vigil4peace/vigil 

THURSDAY, JULY 19 

Tilden Mini-Rangers Hiking, conservation and nature-based activities for ages 8-12. Dress to ramble and get dirty. From 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. Cost is $6-$8, registration required. 1-888-EBPARKS. 

Summer Family Film Festival Children’s film at 3 p.m. at Berkeley Public Library, 3rd flr., 2090 Kittredge St. 981-6223.  

“Global Warming Impacts on the Bay Area” a slideshow and lecture with Bruce Riordan at 7:30 p.m. at Mrs. Dalloways Bookstore, 2904 College Ave. 704-8222. 

“Alternatives to the Automobile in Berkeley” A public meeting to discuss ways the city can meet the greenhouse gass emissions reduction target, at 7 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center, 1901 Hearst. 981-7081.  

Estate Planning Essentials for the LGBT Community at 6:30 p.m. at Bananas, 5232 Claremont Ave., Oakland. RSVP to 415-981-1960.  

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 at 6:45 p.m. at Spud’s Pizza, 3290 Adeline. nam 

aste@avatar.freetoasthost.info  

FRIDAY, JULY 20 

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

International Working Class Film Festival with “The Scavengers” and “Central Bakery O, Dridi” at 7:30 p.m. at Humanist Hall, 390 27th St., Oakland. Suggested donation $5. www.HumanistHall.net 

Get a Clue at Your Library with musician Gary Lapow at 10:30 a.m. at South Branch, Berkeley Public Library, 1901 Russell St. 981-6260.  

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 21 

Trails Challenge in the Miller/Knox Regional Shoreline from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Bring water, lunch, sunscreen and sturdy walking shoes for this 4.5 mile excursion with steep ups and downs. For meeting place call 525-2233. 

Fresh Tracks in Point Pinole on a easy-paced 1.5 mile walk along the shoreline park preserved by dynamite. Walks begin at 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. For information and meeting place call 525-2233. 

Trees are Treasures Learn about the diverse species of trees in Tilden Park on a 2 mile walk. Meet at 2:30 p.m. at the Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. 525-2233. 

Chapel of the Chimes Historical and Botanical Tour of this Julia Morgan landmark and its maze of gardens, alcoves, chapels and more, from 10 a.m. to noon at 4499 Piedmont Ave., Oakland. RSVP to 228-3207. 

Art Deco Tour of Uptown Oakland Meet at 11:30 a.m. in front of the Oakland Paramount Theater, 2025 Broadway, for atour of Oakland’s Deco buildings including the Floral Depot, Fox Theater, I Magnin, Breuners and more. 415-982-3326. www.artdecosociety.org 

Walking Tour of Historic Oakland Churches and Temples Meet at 10 a.m. at the front of the First Presbyterian Church at 2619 Broadway. Tour lasts 90 minutes. For reservations call 238-3234.  

Introduction to Alameda County Bioregional Ecology A workshop in the Sausal Creek Restoration Area discussing interrelationships, and practicing hands-on learning techniques and restoration. Meet at Sausal Creek restoration area in Dimond Park at 8:30 a.m. Bring a bag lunch, good walking or hiking shoes, and work gloves. Cost is $35-$50, limited scholarships and work exchanges available. To register call 415-285-6556. www.planetdrum.org 

Standing Together for Accountable Neighborhood Development with author Jane Powell on the “Smart Growth” agenda and true green alternatives to enhance respect for neighborhood character, at 1 p.m. at Faith Presbyterian Church, 430 49th St. at Webster, Oakland. Free, donations accepted. 655-3841.  

“Animals, Sea Creatures and Animation” Paintings, sculpture, digital and fiber art and more, in a benefit for Hopalong Animal Rescue. Meet the artists, and join in art projects from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Expressions Gallery, 2053 Ashby Ave. 644-4930.  

SolarCity Informational Meeting Find out if your home or business is a good candidate for solar power, at 10 a.m. at Live Oak Park Rec Center in North Berkeley. 888-765-2489. www.solarcity.com 

Kite-Making in conjunction with the summer reading of “The Kite Runner” by Khaled Hosseini, at 2 p.m. at the Berkeley Public Library, 3rd floor community room, 2090 Kittredge St. 981-6275. 

El Cerrito Historical Society meets at noon in Huber Park, 7711 Sea View Drive, El Cerrito. Please bring a salad, a main dish, or a dessert. 526-7507. 

Weeding Work Party on Cerrito Creek to remove thornless blackberries and cape ivy on the south bank. Meet at 10 a.m. at Adams St., one block west of San Pablo, on the Albany/El Cerrito border, just north of Carlson. 848-9358.  

California Historical Radio Society Open House from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the old KRE radio Station Building, foot of Ashby. Best access is via 67th St. in Emeryville. 524-6798. 

Report on Health Care in Cuba with KPFA’s Emiliano Echeverria, at 8 p.m. at La Peña. Cost is $8-$10. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Nutrition Education and Food Demonstration on how to prepare simple, quick and nutritious family meals from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at San Pablo Liquor & Grocery, 2363 San Pablo Ave., Oakland. Free. 444-7144. 

Fast Pitch Softball for Adults at noon on Saturdays in Oakland. For information call 204-9500. 

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

The Berkeley Lawn Bowling Club meets at 10 a.m. at 2270 Acton St. 841-2174.  

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

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

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

SUNDAY, JULY 22 

“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. 

Family Birdwalk Learn birding basics during a 3 mile walk through a variety of habitats in Point Pinole, from 10 a.m. to noon. For information and meeting place call 525-2233. www.ebparks.org 

Butterflies and Butterfly Gardening for the whole family from 2 to 4 p.m. at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. 525-2233. www.ebparks.org 

Dog Park Behavior Training from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Ohlone Dog Park, Grant St. and Hearst Ave. Second class July 29. Cost is $25 for both sessions. Registration required. 845-4213. www.ohlonedogpark.org 

Progressive Democrats of the East Bay Annual Potluck Picnic & Politics from noon to 4 p.m. at Codornices Park, Euclid & Eunice, across from the Rose Garden. All welcome.  

Local Medicinal Herbs and Your Health Learn the benefits of herbs and their use in western herbal medicine from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at EcoHouse, 1305 Hopkins St. Bring small pots and hand shovels and leave with an easy to grow medicinal herb. Cost is $15 sliding scale, no one refused for lack of funds. 548-2220, ext. 242. 

How to Inspect a House A workshop for homeowners, prospective buyers and property sellers to learn how to get the most out of a home inspection from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Building Education Center, 812 Page St. Cost is $85. To register call 525-7610. www.bldgeductr.org 

Free Hands-on Bicycle Clinic Learn how to repair a flat, from 10 to 11 a.m. at REI, 1338 San Pablo Ave. Bring you rbike and tools. 527-4140. 

Tour of the Berkeley City Club, Julia Morgan’s “little castle” at 1:15, 2:15, and 3:15 p.m. at 2315 Durant Ave. Free, donations welcome. 883-9710. 

Social Action Forum on international environmental concerns at 9:30 a.m. at Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, One Lawson Rd., Kensington. 525-0302. 

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

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

Lake Merritt Neighbors Organized for Peace Peace walk around the lake every Sun. Meet at 3 p.m. at the colonnade at the NE end of the lake. 763-8712. lmno4p.org 

Tibetan Buddhism with Sandra Guimares and Roselene Costa on “Beyond Psychotherapy” at 6 p.m. at the Tibetan Nyingma Institute, 1815 Highland Pl. 843-6812. www.nyingmainstitute.com 

MONDAY, JULY 23  

Peace Corps 50+ An infomation session and volunteer panel at 6 p.m. at Rockridge Public Library, 5366 College Ave., Oakland. RSVP to 452-8444, nbosustow@peacecorps.gov 

Preserving California’s Japantowns Community meeting on the Historic Japantowns of Berkeley and Oakland at noon at Berkeley Methodist United Church, 1710 Carleton St. Community members are invited to bring historic photos and stories that document community life. 540-6809. 

LGBT Family Picnic from noon to 3 p.m. at Lake Temescal, Park View Picnic Area, 6500 Broadway Terrace, Oakland. Bring your own picnic food and blankets. 415-981-1960. stephanie@ourfamily.org 

Family Sing-a-long at 6:45 p.m. at the Fourth Flr. Children’s Library, Berkeley Public Library, 2090 Kittredge St. 981-6223.  

Sing-a-long Circles in the Oak Grove from 4 to 6:30 p.m. at the threatened Oak Grove in front of Memorial Stadium, Piedmont Ave., just north of Bancroft. 658-9178. 

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. 

Dragonboating Year round classes at the Berkeley Marina, Dock M. Meets Mon, Wed., Thurs. at 6 p.m. Sat. at 10:30 a.m. For details see www.dragonmax.org 

CITY MEETINGS 

Berkeley Housing Authority meets Tues., July 17, at 6:30 p.m. in City Council Chambers. 981-6900.  

City Council meets Tues., July 17, at 7 p.m in City Council Chambers. 981-6900. www.ci. 

berkeley.ca.us/citycouncil 

Citizens Humane Commission meets Wed., July 18, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-6601. 

Commission on Aging meets Wed., July 18, at 1:30 p.m., at the South Berkeley Senior Center. 981-5344.  

Downtown Area Plan Advisory Commission meets Wed., July 18, at 7 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-7487. 

Design Review Committee meets Thurs., July 19, at 7:30 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-7415.  

Commission on Labor meets Thurs., July 19, at 6:45 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-7550.  

Transportation Commission meets Thurs., July 19, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-7010.  

TUESDAY, JULY 17 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Burdened Dreams” Paintings and sculpture by Marty McCorkle and Victoria Skirpa opens at Float Gallery, 1091 Calcott Place, Unit #116, Oakland. 535-1702. 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Storytellers Bob and Liz tell tales for all ages at 7 p.m. at the Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave., Albany. 526-3720, ext. 17. 

Diana Abu-Jaber reads from her new novel “Origin” at 7 p.m. at Cody’s Books on Fourth St. 559-9500. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Jeffrey Broussard & The Creole Cowboys at 8:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cajun dance lesson at 8 p.m. Cost is $12. 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 

Dya Singh at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $18.50-$19.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

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

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

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

WEDNESDAY, JULY 18 

FILM 

International Latino Film Festival “Barrio Cuba” at 7 p.m. at Richmond Public Library, 325 Civic Center Plaza, Richmond. 620-6555. 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Matthew Rothschild, editor and publisher of The Progressive reads from his new book “You Have No Rights: Stories of America in an Age of Repression” at 7 p.m. at Black Oak Books, 1491 Shattuck Ave. 486-0698. www.blackoakbooks.com 

Samantha Schoech and Lisa Taggart, editors, read from “The Bigger the Better, the Tighter the Sweater: 21 Funny Women on Beauty and Body Image” at 7:30 p.m. at Diesel, 5433 College Ave., Oakland. 653-9965. 

Ellen Sussman describes “Bad Girls: 26 Writers Misbehave” at 7 p.m. at Cody’s Books on Fourth St. 559-9500. 

Café Poetry with Paradise at 7:30 p.m. at La Peña. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

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

MUSIC AND DANCE 

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

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

Bernard Anderson & The Old School Band at 8:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Swing dance lesson at 7:30 p.m. Cost is $10. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

La Verdad 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.  

Buxter Hoot’n at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 848-8277. 

Mikie Lee and Amber at 10 p.m. at Beckett’s Irish Pub, 2271 Shattuck Ave. 647-1790. www.beckettsirishpub.com 

The Energy Trio, funky jazz, at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 848-8277. 

Lower Class Brats, Career Soldiers, The Ghouls at 6 p.m. at Oakland Metro, 201 Broadway. Cost is $7. 763-1146. www.oaklandmetro.org 

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

THURSDAY, JULY 19 

THEATER  

San Francisco Mime Troupe “Making a Killing” at 7 p.m. at Montclair Ball Field, 6300 Moraga Ave., Montclair. 415-285-1717. www.sfmt.org 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Women by Women: The Dynamic Feminine Aspect” works by Jennifer Downey and Susan Matthews. Opening reception at 5 p.m. at the Craft & Cultural Arts Gallery, State of California Office Building Atrium, 1515 Clay St., Oakland. Exhibit runs to Aug. 31. 622-8190. 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

“Shipibo-Conibo Song Cloths from the Amazon” A lecture at 7 p.m. at Gathering Tribes, 1573 Solano Ave. 528-9038. 

Poetry Flash with Luis Garcia and Maurice Kenny at 7:30 p.m. at Berkeley City College Auditorium, 2050 Center St. 525-5476. 

Bruce Riordan on “Global Warming Impacts on the Bay Area” a slideshow and lecture at 7:30 p.m. at Mrs. Dalloways, 2904 College Ave. 704-8222. 

Jason Roberts describes “A Sense of the World: How a Blind Man Became History’s Greatest Traveller” at 7 p.m. at Cody’s Books on Fourth St. 559-9500. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Lloyd Gregory at noon at the downtown Berkeley BART station. info@downtownberkeley.org 

“Voices in the Virtual World” Oaktown Creativity Center House Choir at 8 p.m. at 447 25th St., Oakland. Suggested donation $5-$10. 568-6920. 

Ed Gerhard at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $18.50-$19.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

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

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

Brian Kenney-Fresno, 20 Minute Loop, Midline Errors at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $8. 841-2082 www.starryploughpub.com 

Eleggua, percussion from Venezuela with African roots, at 8 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $12-$14. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Mose Allison Trio at 8 and 10 p.m., through Sun. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $12-$22. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

FRIDAY, JULY 20 

THEATER 

Actors Ensemble of Berkeley “All in the Timing” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m. at Live Oak Theater, 1301 Shattuck Ave. at Berryman, through Aug. 11. Tickets are $12. 525-1620. www.aeofberkeley.org  

Altarena Playhouse “Oh My Godmother” Fri and Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2 p.m. at 1409 High St., Alameda, through Aug. 11. Tickets are $17-$20. 523-1553. www.altarena.org 

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. www.auroratheatre.org 

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. 

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. 

Woodminster Summer Musicals “West Side Story” at 8 p.m. through July 22 at Woodminster Amphitheater in Joaquin Miller Park, 3300 Joaquin Miller Rd., Oakland. Tickets are $23-$36. 531-9597. www.woodminster.com 

FILM 

International Working Class Film Fest “The Scavengers” and “Central Bakery” at 7:30 p.m. at Humanist Hall, 390 27th St., Oakland. Donation $5. www.HumanistHall.net  

Movies About Movies “Hearts of Darkeness” at 3:30 p.m. in the Community Meeting Room, Berkeley Public Library, 2090 Kittredge St. 981-6139. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Music that Cooks Steve Taylor-Ramírez, neo-folk, blues and Latin-hillbilly roots, in a benefit concert to feed the homeless at 7:30 p.m. at College Ave. Presbyterian Church, 5951 College Ave., Oakland. Donation $5-$10.  

The Latin Jazz Youth Ensemble of S.F. at 8 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $15. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Jeff Stein Group at 8 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $10. 845-5373. www.jazzschool.com 

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

Broun Fellinis, The Funkanauts, Winstrong & The 7th Street Sound and others at 7:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $15, or $12 with donation of a canned good. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Jessie Turner at 8 p.m. at Caffe Trieste, 2500 San Pablo Ave., at Dwight. 548-5198.  

Blame Sally at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $18.50-$19.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Brothers Goldman, funk, blues at 9 p.m. at Downtown. 649-3810.  

Elizabeth August and friends at 7:30 p.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344. www.nomadcafe.net 

Push to Talk, The Attachments, The Makes Nice, Poor Bailey at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $7. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com 

Phobia, Intronaut, Book of Black Earth at 7:30 p.m. at 924 Gilman St., an all-ages, member-run, no alcohol, no drugs, no violence club. Cost is $6. 525-9926. 

Jayson Bales at 10 p.m. at Beckett’s Irish Pub, 2271 Shattuck Ave. 647-1790. www.beckettsirishpub.com 

Sugar Shack at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 848-8277. 

Mose Allison Trio at 8 and 10 p.m., through Sun. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $12-$22. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

SATURDAY, JULY 21 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Burdened Dreams” Paintings and sculpture by Marty McCorkle and Victoria Skirpa. Artist reception at 6 p.m. at Float Gallery, 1091 Calcott Place, Unit #116, Oakland. 535-1702. 

Art in the Garden featuring Richmond and East Bay artists Sat. and Sun. from 10 a.m. to 2p.m. at Annie’s Annuals, 740 Market Ave., Richmond. 215-1326. 

FILM 

Old Oakland Outdoor Cinema “Ray” with screenwriter James L. White at dusk at Ninth St., between Braodway and Washington. 238-4734. www.filmoakland.org 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Jane Powell on the “Smart Growth” agenda and true green alternatives to enhance respect for neighborhood character, at 1 p.m. at Faith Presbyterian Church, 430 49th St. at Webster, Oakland. Free, donations accepted. 655-3841. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Berkeley Opera “Aïda” at 8 p.m. at Julia Morgan Center for the Arts. Tickets are $15-$40. 925-798-1300. 

Many Faiths, Many Forms: A Sacred Dance Concert at 8 p.m. at First Congregational Church in the Sanctuary, 2345 Channing Way. Tickets are $8.50-$15 adults. 849-0788. www.sacreddanceguild.org 

Meidoko “Unearth” Japanese drumming with electronic instrumentation at 8 p.m. at Capoeira Arts Cafe, 2026 Addison St. Cost is $10.  

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

Kalbass, Haitian at 9 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $12. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com  

Jon Roniger and Jacob Wolkenhauer at 7:30 p.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344. www.nomadcafe.net 

Sugar Shack at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 848-8277. 

Carol McComb & Kathy Larisch at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $19.50-$20.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Max Chanowitz Quartet at 8 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $10. 845-5373. www.jazzschool.com 

Nicole McRory at 10 p.m. at Beckett’s Irish Pub, 2271 Shattuck Ave. 647-1790. www.beckettsirishpub.com 

Buxter Hoot’n, Loretta Lynch at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $7. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com 

Kasey Knudsen Sextet at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 848-8277. 

SUNDAY, JULY 22 

THEATER 

San Francisco Mime Troupe “Making a Killing” at 2 p.m. at Mosswood Park, MacArthur and Broadway, Oakland. 415-285-1717. www.sfmt.org 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Second Bay Area Baby Beats with Sterling Bunnell, Marsha Campbell, Joie Cook, Deirdre Evans and Chris Trian, H.D.Moe and Mark Schwartz reading from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Ecology Center, 2530 San Pablo Ave. 548-3402. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Midsummer Mozart, Program I featuring pianist Janina Fialkowska at 7 p.m. at First Congregational Church. Tickets are $30-$60. 415-627-9145. www.midsummermozart.org 

Summer Jazz with Robert Stewards 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. 

“Stars and Pipes Concert” at 3 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Oakland, 2619 Broadway, Oakland. 444-3555. 

“Dietrich & Piaf, The Intimate Song” with Ellen Brooks and Shannon Nicholson at 7 p.m. at Altarena Playhouse, 1409 High St., Alameda. Tickets are $18-$20. Reservations recommended. 523-1553. www.altarena.org 

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

Rahmil & Barley at 11 a.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344. www.nomadcafe.net 

Americana Unplugged: Redwing Bluegrass Band at 5 p.m. at Jupiter. 848-8277. 

Joe Young/Hamir Atwal Group at 4:30 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $10. 845-5373. www.jazzschool.com 

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

MONDAY, JULY 23 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Color & Light” Photographic art by Bill Hannapple opens at The LightRoom Gallery, 2263 Fifth St., through Aug. 24. 649-8111. www.lightroom.com 

“Shaped by Water” Abstract landscape paintings by Jane Norling opens at the EBMUD Gallery, 375 11th St., Oakland. 287-0138. 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Marc Freedman describes “Encore: Finding Work That Matters in the Second Half of Life” at 7 p.m. at Cody’s Books on Fourth St. 559-9500. 

Richard Denner and David Mansfield Bromige at 7:30 p.m. at Moe’s Books, 2476 Telegraph Ave. 849-2087. 

Poetry Express open mic theme night on “folktales” at 7 p.m., at Priya Restaurant, 2072 San Pablo Ave. 644-3977. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

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

John McCutcheon at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage Coffee House. Cost is $24.50-$25.50. 548-1761 www.freightandsalvage.org 

Anthony Blea y su Charanga “A Night in La Havana” at 8 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $10-$16. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

For the last two weeks, Maestro George Cleve has been teasing Mozart aficionados with hints of what they can expect at this year’s upcoming 33rd Annual Midsummer Mozart Festival.  

A week ago Sunday, 150 fans were treated to a cornucopia of smoked salmon, brie cheese, Joseph Schmidt truffles and a delicious Gundlach Bundschu Pinot while members of the Festival Orchestra regaled them with a variety of duets, trios and quartets in an idyllic garden setting of roses, hummingbirds, violets and finches.  

Last Wednesday, the whole Ensemble previewed the opening piece of this year’s first program at a Noontime Concert at the historic St. Patrick’s Church at Yerba Buena Gardens. 

For the garden party there were contemporary transcriptions for flute and violin of arias from The Marriage of Figaro and The Magic Flute including some of the bird catcher Papageno’s most beloved songs; two movements from the intense, late Divertimento for String Trio, a masterpiece and, sadly, his only string trio; and the two movements of his brief 3rd Flute Quartet, whose second movement Mozart later transmuted into the sixth of his magnificent Gran Partitas. Flutist Maria Tamburino was outstanding, as always, in the duets and the quartet. 

At St. Patrick’s, the orchestra performed the Divertimento for Two Horns and Strings in B flat, which was probably composed to celebrate Mozart’s sister Nannerl’s name day on July 26, 1776. When Mozart penned this, he was 20, his sister was 25 and the United States was three weeks old. 

These performances in gardens and churches return this great composer’s music to the kind of informal and occasional settings in which they were first played. 

This is not to say that Mozart was never played in concert halls in his own lifetime, but almost all of his music was written for some specific event: the sacred music was presented as part of a service at a church or cathedral; the operas premiered in theaters as the equivalent of our Broadway musical openings; many of the piano sonatas were written as practice pieces for his students; the serenades and divertimentos were the background music to graduations and weddings; the Masonic pieces were played in the Lodge and at memorials for departed brothers; arrangements of Bach and Handel were done for the musical get-togethers in the home of his patron, Baron von Swieten. It would be easy to multiply examples.  

The first program of the festival, which runs from July 19-22, will feature the aforementioned Divertimento for Oboe, 2 Horns and Strings in D major. Mozart composed this work in the same month that he composed the Haffner Serenade and its accompanying march, the opening pieces of the festival’s second program. The strings called for in the title are a quartet, not the full ensemble, so this is an intimate chamber piece.  

The Piano Concerto No. 22 in E flat major, featuring internationally renowned pianist Janina Fialkowska, was the first of three that he wrote over a fourteen-week period for performance at Lenten concerts in 1786. Although No. 23 is the most famous, there is nothing shabby about any of them. The final rondo allegro of No. 22 begins with a child-like theme that becomes a happy march when picked up by the full orchestra.  

The Bassoon Concerto in B flat major, featuring Rufus Olivier, principal bassoonist with the San Francisco Opera and San Francisco Ballet, like all the wind concertos, is less well-known than the keyboard and violin concertos. It is a treat to hear Mozart composing for a more unusual horn sound. Like Shakespeare, he gets inside the personality of the voice for which he is writing and gives the bassoon a profound set of wordless arias full of lovely melodies and some amount of virtuosic gymnastics. 

Symphony No. 34 in C major is a transitional work, the last before the final six great symphonies. Scattered among the earlier numbers, none of which have a minuet movement, are such masterpieces as Nos. 25, 29 and 31, and the Paris Symphony. No. 34 is the last of these charming, early, small-scale gems.  

The second program of the festival, which runs from July 26-29, will begin with the March in D major, K.249, and the Serenade for Orchestra in D major, “Haffner,” featuring violinist and concertmaster Robin Hansen. Although the serenade and the later symphony of the same name were written for the Haffner family, there is no musical connection between them. The serenade was commissioned to celebrate the marriage of Marie Elisabeth Haffner and contains some exquisite solo violin writing by Mozart. 

“Chi sà, chi sà, qual sia?” aria, K.582 and “Vado, ma dove?” aria, featuring lyric mezzo-soprano Elspeth Franks, both have texts by Lorenzo da Ponte, Mozart’s great Italian librettist of the Marriage of Figaro, Cosi fan tutte and Don Giovanni. Neither of these pieces, though, is from a Mozart opera. Instead, they were written in 1789 for insertion into an otherwise forgotten opera by Martin y Soler featuring Louise Villeneuve. The emotionally charged Mozart arias would have spiced up an otherwise dull opera while also displaying the strengths of Villeneuve’s voice. The following year she was the first Doribella in Cosi fan tutte. 

This year’s Midsummer Mozart Festival concludes with the glorious Mass in C Major “Coronation,” sung by Cantabile Chorale. Two of Mozart’s greatest masses, the C minor and the famous Requiem, are incomplete, so the Coronation Mass is the only one of his sacred masterpieces that Mozart finished. It takes its name from the fact that Salieri, his supposed enemy, directed a performance of this mass at the 1791 coronation of Leopold II. Mozart applied all the resources he would have brought to an opera to this Latin text church composition. The soprano solo parts function as beautiful arias. 

We are often reduced to inadequate adjectives when we attempt to describe music, but the compositions of Mozart include masterpieces as great and greater than those of any other European classical composer.  

Yet even his lesser works have an inherent perfection that is unparalleled in the work of any other composer. Once they are begun, they have an inevitability that is the sign of their genius. George Cleve is one of the great living interpreters of Mozart and whether he chooses to open up some small unknown treasure otherwise ignored or to revisit a familiar masterpiece and give it new life, he always presents something revelatory about the work of this divinely gifted composer. 

The four performances of the first program take place on July 19 at 7:30 pm at St. Joseph Cathedral Basilica, San Jose; on July 20 at 8 p.m. at Herbst Theatre, San Francisco; on July 21 at 6:30 p.m. outdoors at Gundlach Bundschu Winery, Sonoma; and on July 22 at 7 p.m. at First Congregational Church, Berkeley.  

The four performances of the second program take place on July 26 at 7:30 p.m. at Mission Santa Clara, SCU Campus, Santa Clara; on July 27 at 8 p.m. at Herbst Theatre, San Francisco; on July 28 at 6:30 p.m. outdoors at Gundlach Bundschu Winery, Sonoma; and on July 29 at 7 p.m. at First Congregational Church, Berkeley. 

For tickets and information about the Midsummer Mozart Festival call (415) 627-9145 or see www.midsummermozart.org 

To the strains of “Makin’ Whoopie,” the Impact Briefs 8: Sinfully Delicious ensemble (Steve Budd, Elissa Dunn, Leon Goertzen, Jon Lutz and Monica Coretes Viharo) hits the stage with a round-robin confession, disguised as a survey: The Last Sinful Thing You’ve Done—ran over a frog, poked a badger with a spoon, talked to my ex under an assumed name, shoplifted an onion, mooned the Pope, touched myself and thought of Prince Gomovilas, had a secret orgasm onstage (“Just now?”) ... and the humor gets equally bad in proportion to the sins. 

But Bad is Good at impact, at least “in Brief”—brief also meaning the scanty attire of the four burlesque dancers (Jessica Kiely, Helen Nesteruk, Monica Santiago and Rachel Throesch) who punctuate the sketches with high-spirited, oldtime risqué’ dance numbers, whether as sailors or nuns in high heels, sometimes vaguely Busby Berkeleyish, in Helen Nesteruk’s choreography. 

The sketches range all over, though the theme seems to be pushing the envelope. There’s the jilted high school sweetheart who calls “1-800-SUICIDE,” cinched up with her ex’s necktie, ready to end it all—only to be asked out by the “older guy” who answers her plea for help. Or the poor jerk who gets off at the wrong underground stop, only to find himself trapped, still living, in a downsizing corporate Hell (“Haven’t had a Divine Comedy [code name for a live one] in centuries!”)—followed by the burlesque dancers in a catfight betwixt angels and devils. 

The most successful—and audibly appreciated—sketch features a wife’s dismay at her husband bringing home a dead clown. There’s time for a door prize for survey completions, though the prize turns out to be another bad gag: a condom, chocolate kisses and chocolate coffee beans ... “Are you of age, Joseph?” the winner is queried. 

Below LaVal’s Northside pizzeria, and offering student discounts to an already reasonable price, the audience is made up in great part of students and younger spectators. But last Friday, a good percentage were middle-aged and older—some obviously repeat customers, to judge by the Impact T-shirts. 

The show’s staged briskly enough, by Dawn Monique Williams, yet the performers have the opportunity to be personable. All-in-all, Impact serves up what they promise—and, as they note, “Nowhere else in the Bay Area can you eat pizza and drink beer while you’re watching a play.” Equity companies note: the gauntlet is down.  

Impact Briefs 8: Sinfully Delicious  

La Val’s Subterranean, 1834 Euclid Ave. 

through Saturday 

Tickets $10-$14 

464-4468