TUESDAY, OCT. 9 

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 Eastshore State Park and the Albany Bulb. Call for meeting place and if you need to borrow binoculars. 525-2233. 

Birding Class on Owls Learn about their habits and habitats, then look for them on Sat. field trips. Classes are Oct. 9, 16, and 23 at 7 p.m. at Oakland Museum of California, Oak at 10th St., Oakland. Field trips are Oct. 20 and 27. Offered in conjunction with the Audubon Society. Fee is $50. To register call 843-2222.  

“Tracking the Nation’s Groundwater Reserves” with William M. Alley of the U.S. Geological Survey at 5:30 p.m. in Room 112, Wurster Hall, UC Campus. 642-2666. 

“The Hidden Humor in Holy Scripture” with John L. Bell from the Iona community in Scotland at 7:30 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Berkeley, 2345 Channing Way. 848-3696. 

Berkeley School Volunteers Orientation from 4 to 5 p.m. at 1835 Allston Way. Come learn about volunteer opportunities. 644-8833. 

End the Occupation Vigil every Tues. at noon at Oakland Federal Bldg., 1301 Clay St. www.epicalc.org 

Street Level Cycles Community Bike Program Come use our tools as well as receive help with performing repairs free of charge. Youth classes available. Tues., Thurs., and Sat. from 2 to 6 p.m. at at 84 Bolivar Dr., Aquatic Park. 644-2577. www.watersideworkshops.org 

Family Storytime at 7 p.m. at Kensington Library. 61 Arlington Ave. 524-3043.  

Berkeley Camera Club meets at 7:30 p.m., at the Northbrae Community Church, 941 The Alameda. 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. 845-6830. 

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 10 

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. Reservations can be made by calling 238-3234.  

Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning Colloquium with Stephen R.J. Sheppard on “Global Warming in Everyday Places: Localizing, Spatializing, and Visualizing Climate Change” at 1 p.m. at Wurster Hall, Room 315A, UC Campus. All welcome. laep.ced.berkeley.edu/events/colloquium 

Pools for Berkeley meets to discuss the possibilities of an aquatic center at West Campus at 7 p.m. at City of Berkeley Corporation Yard, Public Meeting Room, 1326 Allston Way. All welcome. Childcare for ages 5 and up. www.poolsforberkeley.org 

“Matewan” A film about labor and race in a West Virginia mining town at 8 p.m. at Long Haul Infoshop, 3124 Shatttuck Ave. www.thelonghaul.org 

An Introduction to Marxism, a free class for beginners and students at every level from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at Niebyl-Proctor Marxist Library, 6501 Telegraph Ave., Oakland. 595-7417.  

CodePink Picket in front of the Marine Recruiting Station, 64 Shattuck Ave. from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 524-2776. 

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, OCT. 11 

“Hidden History of the East Bay: Photographs Tell Towns’ Stories” at 1 p.m. at the Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak Sts., Oakland. 238-2022. www.museumca.org 

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. 1-888-327-2757. 

35th Anniversary Celebration of Harbor House with Dr. Tony Campolo from 6 to 9 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Oakland, 2619 Broadway at 27th St., Oakland. Tickets are $30-$40, available from Harbor House, 1811, 11th Avenue, Oakland. 534-0165. 

University of California Press Book Sale from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 2120 Berkeley Way, one block north of University, between Shattuck and Oxford. www.ucpress.edu 

Jack London Aquatic Center Community Challenge and fundraiser to inspire diverse communiteis to participate in water sports, at 5 p.m. at Jack London Aquatic Center. For information call 208-6067. 

Food + Farming Film “Our Daily Bread” and “We Feed the World” with San Francisco area breadbakers Steve Sullivan, founder Acme Breads, and Julie Cummins, CUESA, at 6:40 p.m. at the Hillside Club, 2286 Cedar St. at Arch.  

Benefit for Sickle Cell Disease and Thalassemia Programs at Children’s Hospital & Research Center with an Evening Under the Stars at Chabot Space & Science Center. Tickets are $40-$90. 428-3452. www.childrenshospitaloakland.org 

“How to Have a Healthy Childbirth” at 5:30 p.m. at Pharmaca, 1744 Solano Ave. 527-8929. 

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.  

FRIDAY, OCT. 12 

City Commons Club Noon Luncheon with Regine Spector, on “United States-Russian Relations: A New Cold War?” Luncheon at 11:45 a.m. for $14.50, speech at 12:30 p.m., at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant St. For information and reservations call 526-2925.  

“Planet Earth: Pole to Pole, Mountains and Deep Ocean” A Conscientious Projector Film at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists Hall, 1924 Cedar at Bonita. 841-4824. www.bfuu.org  

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. 

Red Cross Blood Drive from 11:45 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. atUCB Unit 3 Dorms, 2400 Durant Ave. To schedule an appointment go to www.BeADonor.com  

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

SATURDAY, OCT. 13 

African People’s Solidarity Day with speakers from South Africa, Sierra Leone and the U.S. on conditions faced by African people around the world. Sat. from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Sun. from 1 to 5:30 p.m. at Beebe Memorial Cathedral, 3900 Telegraph Ave., Oakland. Sliding scale donation $10-$25. 625-1106. www.uhurusolidarity.org 

“Blood Money: Campaign Dollars and Health Care Policy in California” A panel discussion at 10 a.m. at First Congregational Church of Oakland, 2501 Harrison St. at 27th. Sponsored by the California Clean Money Campaign. www.caclean.org 

Walking Tour of Old Oakland uptown to the Lake to discover Art Deco landmarks. Meet at 10 a.m. in front of the Paramount Theater at 2025 Broadway. Tour lasts 90 minutes. Reservations can be made by calling 238-3234. 

Paws on the Square and a Katrina Pet Reunion from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Jack London Square, Oakland. Owner-Dog Look-Alike Contest, trick and costume contests for dogs and cats, and information on adoption and training. Sponsored by Hopalong Animal Rescue. For more informaion see www.jacklondonsquare.com 

“Berkeley in the 1930s” An exhibition exploring the development of transportation, businesses, and industries. Come see how Berkeley fared during The Depression at 3 p.m. at the Berkeley History Center, 1931 Center St. 848-0181. 

The Great War Society meets to discuss “American Volunteers in the Canadian Army-1914-17” by S. Compagno at 10:30 a.m. at 640 Arlington Ave. 527-7118. 

Keep Our Water Clean: Pharmaceutical Take-Back Campaign Bring in your over-the-counter medications and supplements as well as non-controlled prescriptions. Bring medication in original containers with personal information marked out. Bring mercury thermometers in two zipper bags to prevent breaks and spills and receive a free digital thermometer in exchange. From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Whole Foods Market, 3000 Telegraph Ave. For more infomation see www.teleosis.org  

School House Creek Commons Fall Clean Up and Sowing of Wild Flower Seeds at 9 a.m. at Virginia and Curtis streets, at the eastern end of the Berkeley Adult School. If the weather has cooled enough, we also hope to be planting a slope of a hill with plugs of native grasses. There’s a play area for kids, and coffee and snacks will be served. 559-8368. 

Codornices Creek Watershed Tour with different speakers along various points of the creek. Meet at 9 a.m. near the mouth of Codornices Creek at Albany Waterfront Park, where Buchanan St. dead ends north of Golden Gate Fields, west of I-580. There will be a complimentary lunch afterwards. Please bring your own water bottle to save plastic. RSVP required 540-6669.  

Celebrate Cerrito Creek by Making Art Join Friends of Five Creeks and environmental artist Zach Pine making art with natural materials on restored Cerrito Creek from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the south edge of the El Cerrito Plaza parking lot between Cornell and Kains, adjacent to Saturday El Cerrito Plaza Farmers Market. Free, all are welcome. 848-9358. www.fivecreeks.org  

Help Restore San Pablo Creek in El Sobrante from 9 a.m. ato 12:30 p.m. Sponsored by REI and SPAWNERS. Tools provided. To register call 665-3538. www.spawners.org 

“Thirteen Ways to Stop Global Warming and Have a Beautiful Garden” A workshop with Alrie Middlebrook from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Watershed Nursery, 155 Tamalpais Rd. Cost is $25-$45. 548-4714. www.thewatershednursery.com  

Autumn Arachnids Learn about the mysteries of the spider and then hunt for orb weavers, jumping spiders, wolf spiders and more at 2 p.m. at Tilden Nature Area, Tilden Park. 525-2233. 

Urban FIRE Walk-A-Thon A benefit for fund a Microloan Progam in Oakland. Meet at the Boathouse at Oakland’s Lake Merritt at 9 a.m. Donation $50. 655-1304. www.urbanvoice.org 

Indian Statue Day and Festival from noon to 5 p.m. in downtown Point Richmond. Music, arts and crafts, dress up your dog contest and a tour of the point’s Historic District. South of the Border luncheon from noon to 2 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 201 Martina St. 234-4219. 

Celebrating Indigenous People’s Day at Peralta Hacienda Historical Park with a presentation of Native American arts and music at 2 p.m. at Peralta Hacienda Historical Park, 2465 34th Ave., Oakland. Free. 532-9142. 

“Telling Tales” Storytelling Festival from noon to 5 p.m. at Berkwood Hedge School, 1809 Bancroft Way. Cost is $5, $15 per family. 883-6990. 

NAACP Berkeley Branch meets at 1 p.m. at 2108 Russell St. All are welcome. 

“Wal-Mart: The Face of 21st Century Capitalism” with Prof. Nelson Lichtenstein, UCSB, at 7 p.m. at Alamda Free Library, 1550 Oak St. Alameda. Conference on “Labor, Wal-Mart and China” begins at 1 p.m. Sponsored by California Healthy Communities Network and Alameda Public Affairs Forum. 814-9592. www.alamedaforum.org 

Vegetarian Cooking Class “Sensational Soul Food” Learn how to prepare Smokin’ Barbecued Tofu, Hoppin’ John (Black-eyed Peas and Rice) with Sauteed Greens, Spicy Okra Rice Soup, Creamy Vegan Macaroni & Cheese, Sweet Bread Pudding from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at First Unitarian Church of Oakland, 685 14th St. at Castro, Oakland. Cost is $45, plus $5 materials fee. To register call 531-COOK. 

Pancake Breakfast and Tiffany Tour of the Louis Comfort Tiffany glass mosaic mural triptych, “Te Deum Laudamus,” from 8 a.m. to noon at Lake Merritt United Methodist Church, 1330 Lakeshore Ave., Oakland. Cost is $7. 465-4793. www.lakemerrittumc.org  

“Sogetsu Ikebana Flower Show” Demonstration at 1 p.m. at the Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak Sts., Oakland. 238-2022.  

“Strong at the Heart: How it Feels to Heal from Sexual Abuse” with author Carolyn Lehamn at 1 p.m. at Berkeley Public Library, 2090 Kittredge St. 981-6107. 

The Berkeley Lawn Bowling Club provides free instruction every Wed. and Sat. 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.  

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, OCT. 14 

Spice of Life Festival in North Berkeley’s gourmet Ghetto, notrh Shattuck Ave., from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. with product demonstrations, a culinary stage and live music. www.spiceoflifefestival.com 

Reptile Rap Meet our resident snake and turtle friends with an interactive talk for the whole family, from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. 525-2233. 

Friends of the Alameda Wildlife Refuge Workday Help us prepare habitat for California Least Terns, which breed at the refuge. Meet at 9 a.m. at the main refuge gate at the northwest corner of former Alameda Naval Air Station, Alameda. Sponsored by Golden Gate Audubon Society. 843-2222. 

STAND Fundraiser and Garden Reception from 4 to 6 p.m. in the garden of a grand 115 year old Queen Anne Victorian in the heart of Temescal. 449 49th St., corner of 49th and Clarke. Speakers are Jeff D. Hoffman, the land-use/environmental attorney representing STAND, and Jeff Norman, Temescal historian. Cost is $25, $40 per couple. 655-3841. 

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 

7th Annual Crabby Chef Challenge benefiting Berkeley Art Museum & Pacific Film Archive from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Spenger's, 1919 Fourth St. Cooking competition begins at 2 p.m. 845-7771. 

The Friends of the Kensington Library Booksale from noon to 4 p.m. in the parking lot behind the library at 59 Arlington Blvd. A silent auction with ‘finds’ for book collectors from noon to 2 p.m. 524-3043.  

“The Revived Peace Process: Opportunities and Pitfalls” with Yossi Alpher, co-editor of bitterlemons, a web-based Israeli-Palestinian political dialogue magazine and columnist for Peace Now, at 7 p.m. at Congregation Netivot Shalom, 1316 University Ave. Donation $10. 525-3582. www.bridgestoisrael-berkeley.org 

“The Joy of Vegan Baking: Compassionate Cooks’ Traditional Treats & Sinful Sweets” Book party with author Colleen Patrick-Goudreau of Compassionate Cooks at 4:30 p.m. at First Unitarian Church of Oakland, 685 14th St. at Castro, Oakland. 531-2665. 

“Sogetsu Ikebana Flower Show” Demonstration at 2 p.m. at the Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak Sts., Oakland. 238-2022.  

Architecture Tour of the Oakland Museum of California Meet at 1 p.m. at the Admissions Desk, second level, 10th and Oak Sts., Oakland. 238-2022. www.museumca.org 

“China Blue” Film screening and discussion of the conditions of China’s workers at 10 a.m. at Niebyl-Proctor Marxist Library, 6501 Telegraph Ave., Oakland. 595-7417. www.tifcss.org 

“Unitarian Universalism, Why It Matters” with Bill Hamilton-Holway at 10 a.m. at Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, 1 Lawson Rd., Kensington. 525-0302, ext. 306. 

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 Hugh Joswick on “Dream and Illusion” at 6 p.m. at the Tibetan Nyingma Institute, 1815 Highland Pl. 843-6812. www.nyingmainstitute.com 

Sew Your Own Open Studio Come learn to use our industrial and domestic machines, or work on your own projects, from 5 to 9 p.m. at 84 Bolivar Dr., Aquatic Park. Cost is $3 per hour. 644-2577. www.watersideworkshops.org 

MONDAY, OCT. 15  

“New Public Policy Perspectives and the Power of Engaged Citizens” with Robert B. Reich, David L. Kirp, and Carol Chetkovich at 6 p.m. at FSM Cafe at Moffitt Library, UC Campus. fsm-info@ 

library.berkeley.edu 

Pumpkin Painting for Children at 3:30 p.m. at Elephant Pharmacy, 1607 Shattuck Ave. 549-9200. 

Books and Ideas Group discusses “The Poe Shadow” at 1:15 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center, 1901 Hearst. 981-5190. 

Teen Chess Club meets at 3:30 p.m. at the Claremont Branch of the Berkeley Public Library, Benvenue at Ashby. 981-6280. 

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 

Free Boatbuilding Classes for Youth Mon.-Wed. from 3 to 7 p.m. at Berkeley Boathouse, 84 Bolivar Dr., Aquatic Park. Classes cover woodworking, boatbuilding, and boat repair. 644-2577. www.watersideworkshops.org 

CITY MEETINGS 

City Council meets Tues., Oct. 9, at 7 p.m in City Council Chambers. 981-6900. www. 

ci.berkeley.ca.us/citycouncil 

Commission on Disability meets Wed., Oct. 10, at 6:30 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-6346. TDD: 981-6345.  

Homeless Commission meets Wed., Oct. 10, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-5426.  

Waterfront Commission meets Wed., Oct. 10, at 7 p.m., at 201 University Ave. 981-6740.  

Zoning Adjustments Board meets Thurs., Oct. 11, at 7 p.m., in City Council Chambers. 981-7410.  

TUESDAY, OCT. 9 

THEATER 

SporK Festival, a bi-racial, bi-cultural celebration of short plays featuring Leila Buck at 7 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $10-$25. 849-2568.  

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Poetry Flash with Lucille Lang Day, Ed Miller and Antohony Russell White at 7:30 p.m. at Berkeley City College auditorium, 2050 Center St. 525-5476. 

Peter Turchi talks about “maps of the Imagination: The Writer as Cartographer” at 7 p.m. at Cody’s Books on Fourth St. 559-9500. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

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

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

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

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

Jazzschool 10th Anniversary Concert at 7:30 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $125. 238-9200.  

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 10 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Ancient Roots/Urban Journeys: Expressions for Dias de los Muertos” opens at the Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak Sts., Oakland. 238-2022. www.museumca.org 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Ann Patchett reads from her novel “Run” at 7 p.m. at Cody’s Books on Fourth St. 559-9500. 

Deep Sports with authors Michael Lewis and Dave Zirin at 7:30 p.m. at King Middle School, 1781 Rose St. Benedit for KPFA. Tickets are $10-$13 at Cody’s. 559-9500. 

Anne Willan presents “Country Cooking of France” at noon at Mrs. Dalloways, 2904 College Ave. 704-8222. 

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  

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Young Musician’s Program perfroms at noon at Oakland City Center, 12th and Broadway. www.oaklandcitycenter.com 

Bach Festival with Angela Hewitt, piano, Wednesday, October 10 at 8:00 p.m. at First Congregational Church, 2345 Channing Way. Tickets are $42. 642-9988. www.calperformances.net; 

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

Balkan Folkdance at 8 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Dance lessons at 7 p.m. Cost is $7. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Orquestra Bakan 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.  

Buxter Hoot’n at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 843-8277. 

Fred O’Dell and the Broken Arrows at 10 p.m. at Beckett’s Irish Pub, 2271 Shattuck Ave. 647-1790.  

John Scofield Trio featuring The ScoHorns at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square, through Sun.. Cost is $16-$24. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

THURSDAY, OCT. 11 

EXHIBITIONS 

“One Way or Another: Asian American Art Now” Guided tour at 12:15 and 5:30 p.m. at Berkeley Art Museum, 2626 Bancroft. Cost is $5.50-$9.50. 642-0808. 

“A Class Act CCA-C” A group art show by students from California College of the Arts. Reception at 5:30 p.m. at Joyce Gordon Gallery, 406 14th St. 465-8928. 

THEATER 

“Whatever She Wants” a romantic comedy stage play by Je-Caryous Johnson, Thurs. and Fri. at 8 p.m., Sat. at 3 and 8 p.m. at the Paramount Theater, 2025 Broadway, Oakland. Tickets are $34.50-$49.50. 465-6400. 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

“Hidden History of the East Bay: Photographs Tell Towns’ Stories” at 1 p.m. at the Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak Sts., Oakland. 238-2022. www.museumca.org 

Omali Yeshitela, Black Power Movement veteran and Uhuru Movement leader reads from his latest work, “One Africa! One Nation!” at 7 p.m. at Barnes & Noble, 98 Broadway, Jack London Square, Oakland. 272-0120. 

“Opera and Sovereignty: Transforming Myths in 18th Century Italy” with author Martha Feldman in conversation with Mary Ann Smart at 5:30 at University Press Books, 2430 Bancroft Way. 548-0585. 

“History, Culture and the Art of Puppetry in Japan” with Peter Grilli at 7 p.m. in Wheeler Auditorium, UC Campus. www.calperfs.berkeley.edu 

Gabrielle Calvocoressi and Ken Weisner, poets and contibutors to “The Music Lover’s Poetry Anthology” at 7:30 p.m. at Mrs. Dalloways, 2904 College Ave. 704-8222. 

Edward J. Larson describes “Magnificanet Catastrophe: The Tumultuous Election of 1800, America’s First Presidential Campaign” at 7 p.m. at Cody’s Books on Fourth St. 559-9500. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Oakland Opera Theater “ Turn of the Screw” Thurs.-Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2 p.m. at Oakland Metro Operahouse, 630 3rd St., through Oct. 14. Tickets are $25. 763-1146.  

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

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

Five Dollar Suit, bluegrass, at 7 p.m. at Caffe Trieste, 2500 San Pablo Ave. 548-5198.  

Mark Growden, Professor Gall, Knees & Elbows at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $7. 841-2082 www.starryploughpub.com 

Todd Shipley at 10 p.m. at Beckett’s Irish Pub, 2271 Shattuck Ave. 647-1790.  

FRIDAY, OCT. 12 

THEATER 

California Shakespeare Theater “King Lear” at the Bruns Ampitheater, 100 Gateway Blvd., Orinda, through Oct. 14. Tickets are $15-$60. 548-9666.  

Contra Costa Civic Theatre “Rumors” by Neil Simon, Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m., selected Sundays at 2 p.m. at 951 Pomona Ave. at Moeser, El Cerrito, through Oct. 14. Tickets are $11-$18. 655-8974. www.cct.org 

Impact Theatre “Sleepy” Thurs.-Sat. at 8 p.m. at La Val’s Subterranean, 1834 Euclid Ave., through Oct. 13. Tickets are $10-$15. 464-4468. 

Ragged Wing Ensemble “Alice in Wonderland” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m. at Envision Academy, 1515 Webster St., Oakland, through Oct. 13. Tickets are $15-$30. 800-838-3006. www.raggedwing.org 

Shotgun Players “Bulrusher” Thurs.-Sun. at 8 p.m. at the Ashby Stage, 1901 Ashby Ave. through Oct. 28. Tickets are $17-$25. 841-6500. www.shotgunplayers.org 

“Whatever She Wants” a romantic comedy stage play by Je-Caryous Johnson, Fri. at 8 p.m., Sat. at 3 and 8 p.m. at the Paramount Theater, 2025 Broadway, Oakland. Tickets are $34.50-$49.50. 465-6400. 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Thread Count” An exhibition of works by eight fiber artists. Opening reception at 6 p.m. at ACCI Gallery, 1652 Shattuck Ave. Exhibition runs to Nov. 4. 843-2527. www.accigallery.com 

FILM 

Midnight Movies “Scarface” Fri. and Sat. at midnight at Piedmont Cinema, 4186 Piedmont Ave., Oakland. Cost is $8. 464-5980. 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Jonathan Kozol reads from “Letters to a Young Teacher” in a benefit for The Edible Schoolyard, at 7:30 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Berkeley, 2345 Channing Way. Tickets are $8-$10 at Cody’s. 559-9500.  

Susan Faludi describes “the Terror Dream: Fear and Fantasy in Post 9-11 America” in a benefit for KPFA at 7:30 p.m. at King Middle School, 1781 Rose St. Tickets are $10-$13 at Cody’s. 559-9500.  

“War and Peace 3: The Future” readings from the anthology at 7:30 p.m. at Moe’s Books, 2476 Telegraph Ave. 849-2087. 

“A Night of Poetry” with Andrew Bleeker, Maxwell Heller and Lindsey Boldt at 7 p.m. at Book Zoo, 6395 Telegraph Ave. 654-BOOK. 

Peg Kingman reads from her debut novel, “Not Yet Drown’d” at 7:30 p.m. at Mrs. Dalloways, 2904 College Ave. 704-8222. 

Ralph Dranow and Clara Hsu read at 7 pm at Nefeli Caffe, 1854 Euclid Ave. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Oakland Opera Theater “ Turn of the Screw” Thurs.-Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2 p.m. at Oakland Metro Operahouse, 630 3rd St., through Oct. 14. Tickets are $25. 763-1146.  

Kurt Ribak Ensemble at 8 p.m. at Hillside Club, 2286 Cedar St. Cost is $15. www.hillsideclub.org  

The Junius Courtney Big Band, featuring Denise Perrier, at 9 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $12-$14.. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Akosua, jazz-inspired folk fusion, at 8 p.m. at Maxwell's Lounge, 341 13th St. Oakland. Cost is $10. 839-6169. 

William Beatty, piano, at 6:30 p.m. at The Mount Everest Restaurant, 2011 Shattuck Ave. at University. 665-6035. 

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

Tito y su Son de Cuba at 9 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cuban dance lesson at 8:30 p.m. Cost is $13. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Katzen Kapell at 8 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $15. 845-5373. 

Ray Cepeda, Latin rock, at 8 p.m. at Caffe Trieste, 2500 San Pablo Ave. 548-5198.  

Tom Russell at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $22.50-$23.50. 548-1761.  

Tara Tinsley and Tim Jenkins at 7:30 p.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344.  

Devin Hoff, Willie Winant, Lisa Mazzacappa, Ralph Carney and others at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $7. 841-2082.  

Ceremony, Life-long Tragedy, Knuckle Puck at 8 p.m. at 924 Gilman St., an all-ages, member-run, no alcohol, no drugs, no violence club. Cost is $5. 525-9926. 

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

“Old to the New Throwback Concert” with The Attik, Ise Lyfe, Rico Pabon & Agualibre at 9 p.m. at Shattuck Down Low, 2284 Shattuck Ave. Cost is $15. 548-1159.  

NewBlue at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 843-8277. 

John Scofield Trio featuring The ScoHorns at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square, through Sun.. Cost is $16-$24. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

SATURDAY, OCT. 13 

CHILDREN  

Los Amiguitos de La Peña with Asheba at 10:30 a.m. at La Peña. Cost is $5 for adults, $4 for children. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

“Mexica: An Aztec Tale” Sat. and Sun. at 12:30 and 3:30 p.m. at Children’s Fairyland, 699 Bellevue Ave. 452-2259. 

THEATER 

Bunraku, The National Puppet Theater of Japan at 8 p.m. Sun at 3 p.m., at Zellerbach Hall, UC Campus Tickets are $76. 642-9988. www.calperformances.net 

Central Works “Every Inch a King” opens at 8 p.m. at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant Ave. and runs through Nov. 18. Tickets are $9-$25. 558-1381.centralworks.org 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Artists of Invention: A Century of CCA” Exhibition and celebration of the centennial of California College of the Arts opens at the Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak Sts., Oakland. 238-2022. www.museumca.org 

“The Memorial Leaves Devastation in its Wake” A painting and mixed media installation. Opening reception at 4 p.m. at The Gallery of Urban Art, 1746 13th St at Wood. Donation $5. Bring something to BBQ. www.thegalleryofurbanart.com 

Tea Pot Show Works by members of the Potters’ Studio in celebration of their 35th Anniversary. Sat. and Sun. from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 637 Cedar St. 528-3286. 

“Abundance of Color and Light” Opening reception at 6:30 p.m., light show at 8:15 p.m., at Expressions Gallery, 2035 Ashby Ave. 644-4930. 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Naomi Wolf introduces “The End of America: Letter of Warning to a Young Patriot, A Citizen’s Call to Action” at 4 p.m. at Mrs. Dalloways, 2904 College Ave. 704-8222. 

“Telling Tales” Storytelling Festival from noon to 5 p.m. at Berkwood Hedge School, 1809 Bancroft Way. Cost is $5, $15 per family. 883-6990. 

Gloria Frym, Ethan Paquin, and Chad Sweeney, poets, at 7:30 p.m. at Pegasus Books Downtown, 2349 Shattuck Ave. 649-1320. 

“One Way or Another: Asian American Art Now” Artists’ talk at 2 p.m.at Berkeley Art Museum, 2626 Bancroft. Cost is $5.50-$9.50. 642-0808. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

The Civil Rights Concert Series and Courage Awards from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak Sts., Oakland. Tickets are $27-$37. 238-2022. www.museumca.org 

Taylor Eigsti, jazz pianist at 8 p.m. at Wheeler Auditorium, UC Campus. Tickets are $32. 642-9988. www.calperformances.net 

Bryan Baker and Friends “If Music Be the Food of Love” at 8 p.m. at Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, One Lawson Road, Kensington. Suggested donation $15-$50. For reservations call 525-0302, ext. 309.  

The Freedom Song Network, in celebration of its 25th anniversary, at 7:30 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $10-$50. 849-2568.  

Bayside Jazz with Dan Hicks at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $15. 841-JAZZ.  

Lavay Smith & Her Red Hot Skillet Lickers at 9:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cajun dance lesson at 8 p.m. Cost is $15. 525-5054.  

Kirk Keeler and Meghan Baker at 7:30 p.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344. www.nomadcafe.net 

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

Al Young in Concert at 8 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $15. 845-5373.  

Royal Hawaiian Serenaders at 9 p.m. at Temple Bar Tiki Bar & Grill, 984 University Ave. 548-9888. 

Culann’s Hounds, The Bog Savages at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $7. 841-2082.  

Jinx Jones Trio at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 843-8277. 

Skitzo, Fog of War, Scarecrow, Witchaven at 8 p.m. at 924 Gilman St. Cost is $7. 525-9926. 

John Scofield Trio featuring The ScoHorns at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square, through Sun.. Cost is $16-$24. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

SUNDAY, OCT. 14 

THEATER 

“By George, It’s War!” A musical satarization of the Bush administration by Dale Polissar at 7:30 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $18-$20. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Berkeley in the 1930s” An exhibition exploring the development of transportation, businesses, and industries. Opening reception at 3 p.m. at the Berkeley History Center, 1931 Center St. 848-0181. 

Works by Mittie Cuetara Opening reception at 4 p.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344.  

FILM 

“The Magic of Chinese Animation” Introduced by Beijing Film Academy Prof. Duan Jia at 2 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $5.50-$9.50. 642-0808.  

READINGS AND LECTURES 

“Jewish Folk Art: Recalling the Lost World of Polish Jews” Panel discussion at 2 p.m. at the Magnes Museum, 2911 Russell St. Cost is $10-$12. 549-6950. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

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

Patrizia Ferrara & Isota at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island. Cost is $10. 841-JAZZ.  

Americana Unplugged: String Break at 5 p.m. at Jupiter. 843-8277. 

William Beatty and The Unconditionals at 6:30 p.m. at The Mt. Everest Restaurant 2011 Shattuck Ave. 665-6035.  

Don Neely’s Royal Society Orchestra at 5 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $20. 525-5054.  

Inga Swearingen and Bill Peterson at 4:30 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $15. 845-5373. www.jazzschool.com 

MONDAY, OCT. 15 

EXHIBITIONS 

Richard Whittaker and Rue Harrison Photography and Drawings opens at The LightRoom, 2263 Fifth St., and runs through Nov. 9. 649-8111. 

FILM 

“Runnin’Down a Dream: Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers” Premier showing at 8 p.m. at Elmwood Rialto Cinema, 2966 College Ave. at Ashby. Cost is $8-$9. 433-9730. 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

PlayGround Six emerging playwrights debut new works at 8 p.m. at Berkeley Rep, 2025 Addison St. Tickets are $15. 415-704-3177. 

“Listening to Classical Music” with Joseph Kerman at 12:30 p.m. at the Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave. 526-3720, ext. 17. 

Rebecca Brown & Lucy Corin read at 7:30 p.m. at Moe’s Books, 2476 Telegraph Ave. 849-2087. 

Adam Clay and Andrew Grace, poets, at 7:30 p.m. at Pegasus Books Downtown, 2349 Shattuck Ave. 649-1320. 

Harry Shearer reads from his novel “Not Enough Indians” at 7 p.m. at Cody’s Books. 559-9500. 

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

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Trovatore, traditional Italian music, at 7 p.m. at Caffe Trieste, 2500 San Pablo Ave. 548-5198.  

Songwriter’s Showcase at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $5. 548-1761. 

Julio Bravo y su Salsabor at 8 at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $10. 238-9200.

When the Bunraku (National Puppet Theater of Japan) begins a performance—as they will this Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. in Zellerbach Hall, for the first time since 1983—a particular kind of magic takes over.  

Some of it comes from the ritual of the appearance of the shamisen player and the Tayu, the narrator, onstage, sometimes popping into view on a turntable, with the Tayu bowing to the text of the play in his upheld hands. Some of it comes from the penetrating sound and rhythms of voice and instrument, as the emotions of the words play across the Tayu’s face. And when the three-foot-tall puppets start to “act,” despite the three puppeteers for each in full view, some spectators begin to squint, the illusion is at once so lifelike, yet fantastic, as if another world has opened up, in a perfect, completely charming imitation of the Genroku period of 17th-18th century Japan. 

The Bunraku (more formally “Ningyo Joruri,” indicating “doll storytelling, with music and chanting”), despite its reliance on actors of wood and paint, is one of the great theaters of the world. It has had a profound influence on the development of the texts and performing style of the Kabuki, and exciting the imaginations of theater practitioners and theorists everywhere, a literal realization of Romantic playwright Heinrich von Kleist’s great essay and parable, “On the Marionette Theater,” in which a stage dancer watching a puppet show asserts that “a puppet built to the right specifications could perform in such a way not to be equaled by any of the geniuses of our time ... never guilty of the least affectation.” 

The company, which includes four “Living National Treasures” of Japan (a government-designated status), will present ‘Date Musume Koi no Higanoko’ (“Oshichi of the Fire Watch Tower,” 1773) and ‘Tsubosaka Kannon Reigenki’ (“Miracle at the Tsubosaka Kannon Temple,” 1887), with an introduction to Bunraku. 

Other events around the Bunraku’s visit include a free symposium, 7 p.m. Wednesday at Wheeler Auditorium on the UC Berkeley campus, and a lecture-demonstration in Samsung Hall at the San Francisco Asian Art Museum, Fri. at 2 p.m. (free with museum admission).  

The Wheeler symposium includes a panel with Mary Elizabeth Berry (History Department chair), Janice Kanemitsu (East Asian Languages and Culture professor) and Peter Grilli, president of the Boston Japan Society (who also gives the free Sightlines pre-performance talks, half an hour before curtain). Both events will feature the screening of performance footage and a demonstration by puppeteers. 

Puppets were introduced to Japan in the 9th century, but it wasn’t until the late 16th century that the formula that would lead to the Bunraku was created, when Hikita, a puppeteer, joined forces with a shamisen player, Menukiya Chozaburo, to back the actions of the puppets with the musical storytelling of joruri. In 1685, the Takemoto-za was founded in Osaka, bringing together the talents of joruri narrator Takemoto Gidayu, puppeteer Tachimatsu Hachirobei, and “the Shakespeare of Japan,” playwright Chikamatsu Monzaemon, and the Bunraku was born. 

Chikamatsu had come from Kabuki and was influenced by the humanistic acting style of Sakata Tojuro of Kyoto. In contrast to Kabuki, an actors’ theater, Bunraku would become a playwrights’ venue, and Chikamatsu wrote about 100 plays for the puppets, many adapted back to Kabuki and among its greatest classics.  

As the puppets improved technically and could be used with greater virtuosity—by the middle 18th century, eyes, eyebrows, ears and individual fingers could move and the stomach swell—Bunraku competed with Kabuki in popularity, and for awhile pulled ahead, due to government restrictions on live actors (similar to the conditions that made puppet opera triumph in France at about the same time). 

To catch up, Kabuki actors imitated puppet movement and joruri voice, taking the lead again, as described by Faubion Bowers, longtime Kabuki simultaneous translator and commentator, in Japanese Theater: “However much the public liked to see puppets act as humans, they were more delighted to see actors perform as puppets.” 

Bowers, who studied Kabuki in Tokyo before World War II, and afterwards, as MacArthur’s theater censor, saved Kabuki from closure when zealous reformers endeavored to have it banned completely, discusses both Kabuki and Bunraku as the expression of the Genroku era, late 17th to early 18th century (especially in the Kansai region, Kyoto and Osaka): “The moment of awakening of the common man in Japan ... there was emancipation to a certain extent, but it was emancipation of the emotions from narrow moral restraints. There was desire for equality, but for equality in the pleasure districts only ... The political rule of the military classes continued ... irrationality, conventionality and formality were harmonized... .” 

The poeticized dramas of Bunraku deal with sentimental and social conflicts, expressed in the common speech of the time. In the first play to be presented, a girl separated from her secret lover almost burns down the city trying to reach him. In the second, an older couple is rewarded for their exceptional sacrifice and devotion. Smaller than life, the life-like puppets create emotional overtones that become larger than life. As Kleist’s dancer says in his parable, “Grace appears with the greatest purity in whatever human shape having either no consciousness or infinite consciousness—puppet or god!” 

BUNRAKU (NATIONAL PUPPET THEATER OF JAPAN) 

8 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday at Zellerbach Hall, UC Berkeley. $76. Rush tickets, for $10-20, are announced two hours before showtime and put on sale an hour before. 642-9988. www.calperfs.berkeley.edu. 

Photograph: Bunraku Kyokai 

Bringing Japan's centuries-old form of puppet theater, Bunraku National Puppet Theater of Japan comes to Cal Performances Oct. 13 and 14.  

Featuring Richard Roundtree—“Shaft” on the silver screen—and TV star Viveca A. Fox in her theatrical debut, Whatever She Wants, a romantic comedy by Je’Caryous Johnson, is onstage this week, Thursday through Sunday, at the Paramount Theater in Oakland. 

Boris Kodjoe (from Madea’s Family Reunion and Soul Food), “L’il G” (from Silk) and Scruncho (from BET’s “Comicview”) round out the cast. 

In the play, Fox’s character, Vivian Wolf, opens a private club where single women can meet men who have been screened: “No baby daddies, no bad credit, no pot bellies—and no living with your mama.” 

Roundtree plays Fox’s father Theodore. “I love the storyline,” he said. “It’s a black family trying to make it in America. What a novel idea.”  

Roundtree, with his resonant voice, has “always sort of fallen into the authority figure,” he said. Best-known for his signature film role, he began onstage as a member of the Negro Ensemble Company in New York, playing Jack Johnson in their production of The Great White Hope. “That need to hear that hand-clapping,” is how Roundtree credited his origins in live theater.  

Whatever She Wants is just one example of the newer touring romantic comedies that have provided a venue for black film, television and recording stars. Coming out of the musicals and “gospel dramas” that were a hit with audiences in the ’80s, these broad, sitcom-like stories told with humor appeal to a broad spectrum of spectators, including devout church-goers, due to their moral and social messages.