TUESDAY, DEC. 4 

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 Point Pinole. Call for meeting place and if you need to borrow binoculars. 525-2233. 

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. 

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. 

Tai Chi for Peace at 1:30 p.m. in front of the Marine Recruiting Station, Shattuck Square. Open Sidewalk Studios at 3 p.m. 524-2776. 

“Mapping Stem Cell Research: Terra Incognita” A doumetary on the work of Dr. Jack Kessler at 6:30 p.m. at the Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak St., Oakland. Cost is $5-$8. 238-2022. 

“Hiking the Torres del Paine National Park in Chilean Patagonia” A slide presentation with Treve Johnson at 7 p.m. at REI, 1338 San Pablo Ave. 527-4140. 

“A Japanese Religion in Brazilian Religious Milieu: How Brazilians have accepted the Church of World Messianity” with Prof. Hideaki Matsuoka, Shukutoku Univ., at 6:30 p.m. at Jodo Shinshu Center, 2140 Durant Ave. 809-1444. 

Berkeley School Volunteers Orientation from 10 to 11 a.m. at 1835 Allston Way. Come learn about volunteer opportunities. 644-8833. 

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

Train Week at Habitot Children’s Museum with a mini-train exhibit and hands-on activities at 2065 Kittredge St. 647-1111. 

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

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. We always welcome new members over 50. 845-6830. 

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 5 

Indigenous Autonomy and Resistance: A Report from Chiapas and the Indigenous Encuentro in Sonora at 7:30 p.m. at La Peña, 3105 Shattuck Ave. Suggested donation $7-$10. Proceeds Benefit Zapatista Autonomous Health Care in San Manuel. 654-9587. 

Cancer Prevention and Survival Cooking Class on Favoring Fiber at 8:30 a.m. at Bella Vista, 1025 E. 28th St., Oakland. To register call 595-6445. 

“Avalanche Awareness” A lecture at 6:30 p.m. at Marmot Mountain Works, 3049 Adeline St. Cost is $15. 209-753-6556 ext. 1. www.mtadventure.com  

American Red Cross Blood Services is holding a volunteer orientation from 10 a.m. to noon. Various East Bay opportunities available. Advanced sign-up is required; call 594-5165.  

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

THURSDAY, DEC. 6 

“It’s the Economy, Stupid: The Growing Anxiety of the Middle Class and the Future of American Politics” with Jacob Hacker, Yale University Political Science, professor and author of “The Great Risk Shift” at 6:30 p.m. at UC Berkeley Labor Center, 2521 Channing Way. 642-6371. andreabuffa@berkeley.edu  

The Homeschool Make-and-Take Craft Fair with handcrafted items, and opportunity to make some; food, entertainment and raffle, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Grace North Church, 2138 Cedar St. Benefits the Women’s Daytime Drop-in Center in Berkeley. www.womensdropin.org 

America’s Current and Impending Wars: From Campus to the Middle East. A teach-in at UC Berkeley at 7 p.m. in 155 Dwinelle. www.btiaw.org 

Teen Book Club meets to discuss post-apocalyptic futures at 4 p.m. at Claremont Branch Library, 2940 Benvenue at Ashby. 981-6121. 

Juggling for Peace Learn juggling and plate spinning at 11:30 a.m. in front of the Marine Recruiting Station, Shattuck Square. 524-2776. 

Babies & Toddlers Storytime at 10:15 and 11:15 a.m. at Kensington Library, 61 Arlington Ave. 524-3043. 

FRIDAY, DEC. 7 

Golden Gate Audubon Society Walk at Jewel Lake in Tilden Park. Meet at 8:30 a.m. at the parking lot at the north end of Central Park Drive. be prepared for muddy paths. Heavy rains cancels. 848-9156. 

City Commons Club Noon Luncheon with Jim Wilson on “Education Finance in California” 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.  

“Fair Trade Fair” Learn about fair trade porducts with Laurie Lyser of TransFair at 7 p.m. at St. Joseph the Worker School, 2125 Jefferson St., 2nd flr (not wheelchair accessible). Fair trade items will be available for purchase. 482-1062. 

“China’s Environment: What Do We Know and How Do We Know It?” A forum on the scientific as well as social, political, economic, public health and cultural aspects, Fri. and Sat. Free and open to the public. http://ieas.berkeley.edu/events/2007.12.07w.html 

Teen Playreaders meets to read “Hamlet” and other plays based on the classic, at 4 p.m. at Claremont Branch Library, 2940 Benvenue at Ashby. 981-6121. 

SATURDAY, DEC. 8 

PEN Oakland-Josephine Miles 17th Annual National Literary Awards & 11th Annual PEN Oakland Censorship Award from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Rockridge Branch Library, 5366 College Ave. Free and open to the public. 228-6775. 

Golden Gate Audubon Society Bike Trip in Coyote Hills via Alameda Creek and Quarry Lakes. Meet at 9 a.m. on the east side of the Fremont BART for an all-day trip, returning to BART at 3 p.m. Total distance is about 24 miles. Bicycle helmet required. Bring lunch and dress in layers. 547-1233. 

Dramatically Speaking Toastmasters with Victor Bogart on “Explore the Undiscovered You” at 9 a.m. at 1950 Franklin St., Oakland. RSVP required. ID required to get into building. 581-8675. 

The East Bay Chapter of The Great War Society meets to discuss “The Military Career of George Patton” by A. Melomet at 10:30 a.m. at the West Berkeley Library, 1125 University Ave. 527-7118. 

“The Care Crisis: How Women Are Bearing the Burden of a National Emergency” with Ruth Rosen, visiting professor of History and Public Policy at UCB at 7 p.m. at Alameda Free Library, Conference Rooms A, 1550 Oak St. at Lincoln, Alameda www.alamedaforum.org  

Oakland Public Conservatory of Music Annual Open House with food, fun and music for the whole family, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sun. from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at 1616 Franklin Ave Oakland. 836-4649. 

Palestinian Bazaar with embroidery, glassware, wood, ceramics, textiles and more, from noon to 6 p.m. at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 2727 College Ave. 548-0542. 

Berkeley Farmers’ Market Holiday Crafts Fair from 10 a.m. on with local crafts and live music. 

Berkeley Artisans Open Studios Sat and Sun. from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Dec. 16. 845-2612. www.berkeleyartisans.com 

Oakland Museum of California Community Celebration for differently-abled community members from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 10th and Oak St., Oakland. Cost is $5-$8. 238-2022. 

Berkeley Rent Board Housing Counselling available at 11 a.m. in the Berkeley History Room, second flr, Berkeley Public Library, 2090 Kittredge St. 644-6128, ext. 116. 

Winter Fest Learn about snowshoeing, skiing, snowboarding and more from noon to 4 p.m. at REI, 1338 San Pablo Ave. 527-4140. 

Program for Adults on Children’s Financial Literacy with Lu Vazquez, Edward Jones Financial Advisor, and John Abrate, Wells Fargo Bank Business Banking Specialist from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Berkeley Public Library Community Meeting Room, 2090 Kittredge. 548-1240. www.berkeleypubliclibrary.org 

Mini-Farmers in Tilden A farm exploration program, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. for ages 4-6 years, accompanied by an adult. We will explore the Little Farm, care for animals, do crafts and farm chores. Wear boots and dress to get dirty! Fee is $6-$8. Registration required. 1-888-EBPARKS. 

Vegetarian Cooking Class “Healthful and Humane Cooking and Baking” featuring savory tofu spread, corn-meal-crusted tempeh, brussel sprouts, chocolate bread pudding, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at First Unitarian Church of Oakland, 685 14th St. at Castro. Cost is $55 plus $5 material fee. to register call 531-COOK. www.compassionatecooks.com 

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.  

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

SUNDAY, DEC. 9 

Progressive Democrats of the East Bay Annual Holiday Gathering, from 4 pm on, at Albatross Pub, 1822 San Pablo Ave. 601-6456. 

Make Natural Holiday Wreaths Learn about fir, bay and other flora and how to use them, from noon to 3:30 p.m. at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. Please bring a pair of small hand-clippers, a large flat box and a bag lunch. Not appropriate for children under 8. Cost of $25-$34. Registration Required. 1-888-EBPARKS. 

Caffe Mediterraneum 50th Anniversary Party with music at 2, 7:30 and 8:30 p.m., poetry and anecdotes at 4 p.m. at 2475 Telegraph Ave. 549-1128. 

“Building Commons and Community” A book launch party for the late Karl Linn's book at 3 p.m. at Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarion Universalists Hall, Cedar at Bonita. www.KarlLinn.org 

Grow Edible Mushrooms at Home A worksop from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at EcoHouse, 1305 Hopkins St. Enter via garden entrance on Peralta. Bring extra newspaper, cardboard, sawdust, wax, cordless drills, drill bits, and leave with some mushrooms of your own. Cost is $15, sliding scale. 548-2220 ext. 242. 

Berkeley Artisans Open Studios from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Dec. 16. 845-2612. www.berkeleyartisans.com 

Oakland Museum of California Community Celebration for differently-abled community members from noon to 5 p.m. at 10th and Oak St., Oakland. Cost is $5-$8. 238-2022.  

Archecture Tour of the Oakland Museum of California at 1 p.m. at 10th and Oak St., Oakland. Cost is $5-$8. 238-2022. www.museumca.org 

“The Cross-Walk Walk” for war resistance, every Sun. at noon at the corner of Solano and San Pablo. Bring signs, ideas, young people. 

Lake Merritt Neighbors Organized for Peace Peace walk at 3 p.m. at the colonnade at the NE end of the lake. 763-8712. 

Tibetan Buddhism with Sylvia Gretchen on “The Path of Liberation” at 6 p.m. at the Tibetan Nyingma Institute, 1815 Highland Pl. 809-1000.  

MONDAY, DEC. 10  

Berkeley Green Mondays with a presentation on “What Progressives Can Learn from the Disability Movement” with Paul Longmore and Anne Finger, at 7:30 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. 848-4681. 

Human Rights Day 2007 “Update on Burma” with Nyunt Than, head of the Burmese American Democratic Alliance San Francisco, and Ruth Mauricio, educator at 7:30 p.m. at Home Room in International House, 2299 Piedmont Ave. www.unausaeastbay.org 

The logo for Berkeley’s Hillside Club was not designed by David Lance Goines as captioned in the last issue. The logo was designed by Hillside Club member Bernard Maybeck.

It’s time to submit your essays, poems, stories, artwork and photographs for the Planet’s annual holiday reader contribution issue, which will be published on Dec. 21. Send your submissions, preferably no more than 1,000 words, to holiday@berkeleydailyplanet.com. Deadline is 5 p.m. on Dec. 16.

TUESDAY, DEC. 4 

CHILDREN 

The Mountain Mushers and Their Sled Dogs at 6:30 p.m. at Kensington Library, 61 Arlington Ave. 524-3043. 

FILM 

“Xperimental Eros” with a panel discussion at 7:30 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $5.50-$9.50. 642-0808.  

READINGS AND LECTURES 

A Reading for “The Collected Poems of Philip Whalen” with Michael McClure, David Meltzer and Clark Coolidge at 7:30 p.m. at Moe’s Books, 2476 Telegraph Ave. 849-2087. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Jeffery Broussard & The Circle Cowboys at 8:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cajun dance lesson at 8 p.m. Cost is $10. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

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

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

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 5 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Strictly Speaking with Azar Nafisi, author of “Reading Lolita in Tehran: A Memoir in Books” at 8 p.m. at Zellerbach Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $18-$30. 642-9988.  

Christopher Felver on his historical record of tbe Beat Generation, “Beat” at 7:30 p.m. at Moe’s Books, 2476 Telegraph Ave. 849-2087. 

Thomas Lynch reads Truman Capote’s “A Christmas Memory” at 7:30 p.m. at Mrs. Dalloways, 2904 College Ave. 704-8222. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Oakland City Center Holiday Concert with Klezmania at noon at 12th and Broadway, Oakland.  

Helene Attia Octet, CD release party, at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $10. 841-JAZZ.  

Zoyres, Smyrna Time Machine at 8:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $10. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Rovira Orquestra at 9:30 p.m. at Shattuck Down Low, 2284 Shattuck Ave. Cost is $5-$10. 548-1159.  

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

THURSDAY, DEC. 6 

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. Free. 642-0808. 

FILM 

“Chaplin at the Mutual: Four Short Comedies” at 5:30 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Free. 642-0808.  

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Lunch Poems with Monica de la Torre at 12:10 p.m. at the Morrison Library, inside the Doe Library, UC Campus. 642-0137. 

Peter Dale Scott reads his poems at 7 p.m. at the Albany Library, Edith Stone Room, 1247 Marin Ave., Albany. 526-3720. 

“Jews, Chocolate and Tourism in the Diaspora” with Rabbi Deborah Prinz at 6:30 p.m. at the Magnes Museum, 2911 Russell St. 549-6950. 

Monica de la Torre and Garrett Caples read at 7:30 p.m. at Pegasus Books Downtown, 2349 Shattuck Ave. 649-1320. 

Corey Brooks reads from “Their Patriotic Duty: The Civil War Letters of the Evans Family of Brown County, Ohio” at 5:30 p.m. at University Press Books, 2430 Bancroft Way. 548-0585.  

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Jazz Night and Martin Luther King, Jr. Middle School with the MLK, Jr. Middle School Jazz Band, the Equanimous Jones Quartet and the Jazz School Middle School Jazz Project at 7:30 p.m. at Martin Luther King, Jr. Middle School, 1781 Rose St. at Grant. Admission is free, but donations accepted to support the Jazz Band.  

The Claire Lynch Band at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $18.50-$19.50. 548-1761.  

Pete Madsen Quartet, CD release party, at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. 841-JAZZ.  

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

Singer Songwriter Expose with Rodney Brillante, Rick Hardin and Audrey Howard at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $6. 841-2082. 

Mucho Axé at 8 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $8-$10. 849-2568.  

FRIDAY, DEC. 7 

THEATER 

Altarena Playhouse “The Man Who Saved Christmas” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2 p.m. at Altarena Playhouse, 1409 High St., Alameda, through Dec. 16. Tickets are $17-$20. 523-1553. www.altarena.org 

Aurora Theatre Company “Sex” Wed.-Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2 and 7 p.m. at 2081 Addison St., through Dec. 23. Tickets are $28-$50. 843-4822. www.auroratheatre.org 

BHS Drama and Shift Theatre “Noises Off” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m. at Florence Schwimley Little Theater, Berkeley High Campus. Tickets are $6-$12. 332-1931.  

Berkeley Rep “After the Quake” at the Trust Stage, 2025 Addison St., through Dec. 21. Tickets are $33-$69. 647-2949. www.berkeleyrep.org 

Black Repertory Group “A Rasin in the Sun” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2:30 p.m. at 3201 Adeline St., through Dec. 14. Tickets are $10-$20. 652-2120. 

Contra Costa Civic Theatre “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m., selected Sun. at 2 p.m. at Contra Costa Civic Theatre, 951 Pomona Ave., (at Moeser), El Cerrito, through Dec. 9. Tickets are $11-$18. 524-9132. ccct.org  

Impact Theatre “A Very Special Money & Run Winter Season Holiday Special” Thurs.-Sat. at 8 p.m. at La Val’s Subterranean, 1834 Euclid Ave., through Dec. 22. Tickets are $10-$15. 464-4468. http://impacttheatre.com 

Masquers Playhouse “Little Mary Sunshine” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m., selected Sun. at 2:30 p.m. at 105 Park Place, Point Richmond, through Dec. 15. Tickets are $18. 232-4031. www.masquers.org 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Duopolis” contemporary art from New York and San Francisco. Opening reception at 6 p.m. at Chandra Cerrito Contemporary, 25 Grand Ave., upper level, Oakland. www.chandracerrito.com 

“Made In Equilibrium” works by Michele Elizabeth Lee, Brady Nadell and Ross Drago. Reception at 6 p.m. at ABCo Artspace, 3135 Oakland, Oakland. www.abcoartspace.com 

Radical Graphics of Taller Tupac Amaru Reception at 6 p.m. at 550 Second St., Jack London Square. www.proartsgallery.org  

Touchable Stories “Richmond: The Story Continues” Fri. at 8 p.m., Sat. at 2 and 6 p.m. at Old Kaiser Cafeteria, Shipyard #3, 1303 Canal Blvd., Richmond. Cost is $6-$12. Reservations required. 619-3675. www.touchablestories.org 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

The Best of Actors Reading Writers “The Tender Trap” at 8 p.m. at Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant Ave. 932-0214. ricaisabella@yahoo.com 

MUSIC AND DANCE  

Berkeley Ballet Theater “Nutcracker” Fri. at 7 p.m., Sat. at 2 and 7 p.m., Sun. at 2 p.m. at Julia Morgan Center for the Arts, 2640 College Ave., through Dec. 16. Tickets are $16-$22. 843-4689. 

“Amahl and the Night Visitors” at 8 p.m. at St Augustine’s Catholic Church, 400 Alcatraz, between Telegraph and College, Oakland. Free. 653-8631. 

Sacred & Profane Annual Holiday Concert with traditional and contemporary music for Swedish Lucia, Channukah and Christmas at 8 p.m. at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 2300 Bancroft Way. Tickets are $12-$15. www.sacredprofane.org  

Piedmont Choirs “Silver Bells” at 7:30 p.m. at Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, 1 Lawson Rd. Kensington, Cost is $10-$15. http://piedmontchoirs.org 

Bay Area Classical Harmonies “Messiah” at 7:30 p.m. at the Arlington Community Church, 52 Arlington Ave., Kensington. Tickets at the door are $12-$15.  

University Symphony Orchestra, 19th century masterpieces and and new works at 8 p.m. at Hertz Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $4-$12. 642-4864. http://music.berkeley.edu 

The Christmas Revels at 7:30 p.m., Sat. and Sun. at 1 and 5 p.m. at Scottish Rite Theater, 1547 Lakeside Dr., Oakland. Tickets are $15-$50. 452-8800. www.calrevels.org 

Bobi Cespedes’ Grupo Bayano at 7 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $10-$15.. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

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

Sambada, Omo Aiya, Afro-Brazilian-funk at 9 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $13. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Oaktown Jazz Workshops at 8 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $10. 845-5373. www.jazzschool.com 

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

Teada with Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $24.50-$25.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Star Ledbetter and Theresa Perez at 7:30 p.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344. www.nomadcafe.net 

The Go Girls Animal Rights Benefit Concert with Phonofly, Vanessa Van Spall, Aoede and Jenn Grinels at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $10. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com 

Jennifer Johns & Doria Roberts perform for lesbian and bi-sexual women and their allies at 9 p.m. at Shattuck Down Low, 2284 Shattuck Ave. Cost is $7-$15. 548-1159.  

The Brothers Goldman at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 843-8277. 

SATURDAY, DEC. 8 

CHILDREN  

Young People’s Chamber Orchestra Concert for school age children and up at 3 p.m. at Kensington Library, 61 Arlington Ave. 524-3043. 

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

“Children’s Theater Holiday Program” Sat. and Sun. at 12:30 and 3:30 p.m. at Children’s Fairyland, 699 Bellevue Ave., off Grand Ave., Oakland. Cost is $6. 452-2259. 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Plein-air Landscape Paintings of Bodega Bay” by Adam Wolpert. Reception for the artist at 2 p.m. at the Environmental Education Center, Tilden Park. 525-2233. 

ActivSpace Open House Sat. and Sun. from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 2703 7th St. 508-8943. 

NIAD’s “Art from the Heart” Annual Holiday Festival from 2 to 5 p.m. at the National Institute of Art and Disibilities, 551 23rd St., Richmond. 620-0290. 

“The Great Outdoors” Group show of landscapes. Opening reception at 3 p.m. at A Different Day Gallery, 1233 Solano Ave., Albany. 868-4904. www.ADifferentDaygallery.com  

Albany Community Art Show from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Albany Community Center, 1249 Marin Ave., Albany. 524-9283 . 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

PEN Oakland, Josephine Miles 17th Annual National Literary Awards from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Rockridge Branch Library, 5366 College Ave., Oakland. Winners read from their works. www.penoakland.org 

Chad Sweeney and Kaya Oakes read their poetry at 7:30 p.m. at Pegasus Books Downtown, 2349 Shattuck Ave. 649-1320. 

The Best of Actors Reading Writers “The Tender Trap” at 8 p.m. at Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant Ave. 932-0214. ricaisabella@yahoo.com 

Michelle Bautista, author of “Kali’s Blade,” Eileen Tabios, author of “The Light Sang As It Left Your Eyes,” Jean Vengua, author of “Prau” at 3 p.m. at Eastwind Books of Berkeley, 2066 University Ave. 548-2350.  

Prosody Castle 4: Dont Rhine in Conversation at 7 p.m. at The Gallery of Urban Art, 1746 13th St., West Oakland. Cost is $5. 706-1697. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Berkeley Ballet Theater “Nutcracker” Sat. at 2 and 7 p.m., Sun. at 2 p.m. at Julia Morgan Center for the Arts, 2640 College Ave., through Dec. 16. Tickets are $16-$22. 843-4689. 

Bella Musica Chorus at 7:30 p.m. at Chapel of the Great Commission, Pacific School of Religion, 1798 Scenic Ave. Donation $12-$15.525-5393. www.bellamusica.org 

Voci “Voices in Peace: VII: Winter Stillness” at 8 p.m. at St. Mary Magdalen Parish, 2005 Berryman St. Tickets are $15-$20, free for children under 12. www.vocisings.com 

University Symphony Orchestra, 19th century masterpieces and and new works at 8 p.m. at Hertz Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $4-$12. 642-4864. http://music.berkeley.edu 

Oakland Youth Chorus “In the Arms of Winter” at 7 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Oakland 2501 Harrison St. Tickets are $5-$20. 287-9700. www.oaklandyouthchorus.org  

“Chimes Winter Starscape” with John Muir Holiday Choir at 3 p.m. at Chapel of the Chimes, 4499 Piedmont Ave., Oakland. Other events from noon on. 228-3207. 

Musica Viva, violin, cello and harpsichord at 7:30 p.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 114 Montecito Ave. Tickets are $10-$15. www.stpauloakland.org 

Mahealani Uchiyama “A Walk By the Sea” at 8 p.m. at Regents Theater, Holy Names University, Oakland. Tickets are $30-$55. For reservations call 925-798-1300. 

North Country at 1 p.m. at Down Home Music on Fourth St. 525-2129. 

Bomberas de la Bahia at 8 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $8-$10. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Eric Swinderman’s “In Pursuit of the Sound” at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $12. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

Motordude Zydeco at 7 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $13. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com  

Zoyres with Sandor Elix Katz at 7:30 p.m. at 1236 23rd Ave. at International Blvd., Oakland, Admission by donation; no one turned away for lack of funds. Bring jars to fill, some veggies to chop, a cutting board, knife, and grater. RVSP to Zoyres@gmail.com 

Mike Eckstein and Marc DiGiacomo Trio at 7:30 p.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344.  

Chris Williamson, Teresa Trull & Barbara Higbie at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $22.50-$23.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

The Snake Trio at 8 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $15. 845-5373. www.jazzschool.com 

Matt Lucas and Cotillion at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $8. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com 

CV Dub at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 843-8277. 

SUNDAY, DEC. 9 

EXHIBITIONS 

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

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Bella Musica Chorus at 4 p.m. at St. Mary Magdalen Church, 2005 Berryman St. at Milvia. Donation $12-$15. 525-5393.  

Berkeley Ballet Theater “Nutcracker” at 2 p.m. at Julia Morgan Center for the Arts, 2640 College Ave., through Dec. 16. Tickets are $16-$22. 843-4689. 

“Sounds of the Season” at 7 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 201 Martina St., Point Richmond. Donation $10. 236-0527. 

“Amahl and the Night Visitors” at 3 p.m. at St Augustine’s Catholic Church, 400 Alcatraz, between Telegraph and College, Oakland. Free. 653-8631. 

Organ Recital by Christopher Putnam at 6 p.m. at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 2300 Bancroft Way. Donations accepted. 845-0888. 

Lucy Kinchen Choir Holiday Concert at 4 p.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 114 Montecito Ave. www.stpauloakland.org 

Michael Jones, violin and John Burke, piano, perform sonatas by Bach and Mozart at 7:30 p.m. at Berkeley Art Center, 1275 Walnut St. Cost is $10. 644-6893.  

Soli Deo Gloria “Time Enough for Joy” at 3:30 p.m. at St. Philip Neri, 3108 Van Buren St., Alameda. Tickets are $20-$25, childen K-8 free. www.sdgloria.org 

Caffe Mediterraneum 50th Anniversary Party with music at 2, 7:30 and 8:30 p.m., poetry and anecdotes at 4 p.m. at 2475 Telegraph Ave. 549-1128. 

Chris Williamson, Teresa Trull & Barbara Higbie at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $22.50-$23.50. 548-1761.  

Mariusz Kwiecien, baritone, at 3 p.m. at Hertz Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $42. 642-9988.  

Jonathan Kreisberg Trio, CD release party, at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $15. 841-JAZZ.  

Tito y Su Son de Cuba at 4:30 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $15. 845-5373.  

MONDAY, DEC. 10 

CHILDREN 

“Snow Scene from the Nutcracker” by Kathryn Roszak’s Childrens’ Dance at 4:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz, 1317 San Pablo Ave., Free, but RSVP requested 233-5550. 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Debbie Stoller on “Son of Stitch ‘N Bitch: 45 Projects to Knit and Crochet for Men” at 7:30 p.m. at Moe’s Books, 2476 Telegraph Ave. 849-2087. 

Poetry Express with Donna M. Lane for United Nations Human Rights Day at 7 p.m. at Priya Restaurant, 2072 San Pablo Ave. 644-3977. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Chanticleer at 8 p.m. at Firdst Congregational Churhc, 2345 Channing Way. Tickets are $22-$44. 415-392-4400.  

Jazz Mime at 7 p.m. at Le Bateau Ivre, 2629 Telegraph Ave. 849-1100.  

Parlor Tango with Baguette quartette at 7 p.m. at Caffe Trieste, 2500 San Pablo Ave., at Dwight. 548-5198.  

Refugees: Cindy Bullens, Deborah Holland & Wendy Waldman at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage Coffee House. Cost is $18.50-$19.50. 548-1761. 

Christmas in wartime America—but it’s the First World War, and the administration is set to declare a moratorium on toy sales to encourage families to buy Liberty Bonds. 

Up to the plate steps A.C. Gilbert, toymaker of New Haven (whose Erector and chemistry sets appeared beneath many a tree in childhood for those now of a certain age) vigorously defending the joys—and toys—of the season, exhorting the Scroogelike bureaucrats to relive their own childhood through making young ones happy, those who are waiting for their fathers to come home from “Over There.” 

That’s the unusual historical hook for Ron Lytle’s original holiday musical, The Man Who Saved Christmas, at Alameda’s Altarena Playhouse for its second holiday season, this year’s production even more brisk and upbeat than the last.  

Hook it is, with a love story more nostalgic than old-fashioned hanging from it, which exercises the song-and-dance skills of a mostly new, enthusiastic cast.  

Nephi Speer plays the part of Johnny Eli, a young newspaper reporter (but one without vocation, as he later confesses), who seems to be barking up the wrong tree for a story, as Miss Alice Finch (Lisa Otterstetter), Gilbert’s busy personal secretary, firmly tries to convince him. It seems that the toy magnate whom Johnny wishes to interview has it in for “the honorable gentlemen of the Fourth Estate.” But Alice’s words—and visage—only rekindle Johnny’s ardor, and through a chain of musical comedy circumstances, he finds himself invited to join the company by the dynamic, if sanguine, Gilbert (a Teddy Roosevelt-ish Scott Phillips)—much to the chagrin of Dixon (John Erreca), the comic villain plant manager, who’s also enamored of Alice. 

The home front wartime theme crops up too in the Gilberts’ home, where Mrs. Gilbert (Jenifer Tice) cares for her precocious niece (Zooey Brandt), whose father is in France—and, unbeknownst to the little girl who dreams he’ll be home for Yuletide—missing in action. 

Speer puts a charming spin on Johnny, who could easily be just a bland, hail-fellow-well-met type, and gracefully paired with Overstetter, the romantic angle of the musical is secured. The return of Scott Phillips as Gilbert is fortunate; he’s got the drive and eccentricity of his enthusiast toymaker down pat. “Poppycock and balderdash!” he says.  

Jenifer Tice also returns this year as Mrs. Mary Gilbert, gentle counterpart, even a little bittersweet, to Phillips’ bluster. Erreca’s Dixon is all pop-eyes and gesticulations, a little bit the operetta ogre, especially when tormented by the seemingly ever-present kids, who provide the solution to the conundrum the busy grownups get all balled up in. 

There’s an ensemble of nine, including three kids, who exuberantly trade off parts, from newsboys yelling “Extra!” to doughboys saying good-bye to their families, to the harried factory workers, as well as the council of cabinet officers Gilbert and Eli approach for a rescission of the edict for a toyless Christmas. 

Tom Shaw directs a lively mostly ragtime-flavored ensemble in the flies. Lytle himself stage-directs. His songs are more than serviceable, and some evoke the period reasonably well, as do Alice’s various dresses and gowns, though there are occasional anachronistic howlers in the dialogue, more fitting in postmodern corporate America than during the Wilson administration.  

The Man Who Saved Christmas runs over two hours but is briskly paced; the children in the audience at the matinee last Sunday were attentive throughout. It’s a tip of the homburg to the nostalgic musicals of 50 years ago, of Meredith Willson, minus the lingering traces of Shaw. There’s plenty of holiday spirit on Altarena’s set, enormous Christmas presents that unwrap into the toy factory and the Gilbert family parlor.  

THE MAN WHO SAVED CHRISTMAS 

8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays through Dec. 16 at the Altarena Playhouse, 1409 High St., Alameda.  

$17-$20. 523-1553. www.altarena.org. 

Photograph by Patrick Tracy. 

Jenifer Tice as Mary Gilbert and Scott Phillips as toymaker A.C. Gilbert in Ron Lytle’s family musical The Man Who Saved Christmas currently playing at the Altarena Playhouse through Dec 16. 

TAJ MAHAL IN OAKLAND 

Legendary bluesman and Berkeley resident Taj Mahal will bring his electic music to Yoshi’s in Oakland Thurday through Sunday. 

www.yoshi’s.com.