Events Listings

Berkeley This Week

Friday February 01, 2008

FRIDAY, FEB. 1 

City Commons Club Noon Luncheon with Andrew Stern, Emeritus Journalism School Professor, UCB, on “Photojournalism Today: Including Photos from Pamplona, Running of the Bulls.” Luncheon at 11:45 a.m. for $14.50, speech at 12:30 p.m., at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant St. 526-2925.  

“Redefining the Occupation in Palestine” A presentation and discussion with Mark Turner at 7 p.m. at St. Joseph the Worker Church, 1640 Addison St. $10-50 donation, no one turned away for lack of funds. 499-0537. 

“King: A Man of Peace in a Time of War” A documentary of Martin Luther King Jr. with rare footage from the Mike Douglas Show and his views on the Vietnam War, at 7:30 p.m. at Berkeley Friends Church, Sacramento at Cedar St. 684-9303. 

“The End of Suburbia: Oil Depletion and the Collapse of the American Dream” A documentary on how “peak oil” affects life as we know it at 3 p.m. at Berkeley City College, 2050 Center St. Followed by discussion with Berkeley Oil Independence Task Force. www.relocalize.net/groups/oilindependentberkeley  

“The Story of Stuff” A documentary on the underside of our production and consumption patterns at 7 p.m. at Center for Urban Peace, 2584 Martin Luther King, Jr. Way. 549-3733. ext. 6. 

Friday Films for Teens at 3:30 p.m. at the Berkeley Public Library, 3rd flr., 2090 Kittredge St. For details call 981-6121. 

“Enlivening the Chakras” with Anodea Judith at noon at Elephant Pharmacy, 1607 Shattuck Ave. 549-9200.  

Mahea Uchiyama Center for International Dance Open House from 6 to 9 p.m. at 729 Heinz Ave. 845-2605. 

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, FEB. 2 

“Education is Everybody’s Business” Latino Education Summit with information on applying to college, financial aid, with workshops in both English and Spanish. From 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at CA State Univ. East Bay, 25800 Carlos Bee Blvd. Free, but registration required. 885-3516.  

Save the Bay Trash Removal Technology Tour at Lake Merritt from 10 a.m. to 1 pm. Cost is $25, free for Save the Bay members. Call for details 452-9261, ext. 119. 

Masked Bandits Learn about clever racoons through a craft and a nature walk, for ages 6+ at 2 p.m. at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. 525-2233. 

Grounhog Day Children’s events from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Storytelling at noon at Habitot Children’s Museum, 2065 Kittredge St. 647-1111.  

Winter Bird Walk at 9 a.m. at UC Botanical Garden. Cost is $12-$15. Registration required. 643-2755, ext. 03.  

Treasure Under Glass Tour of the Arid House, and Orchid, Fern and Carnivorous House from 10 a.m. to noon at UC Botanical Garden. Reservations required. 643-2755, ext. 03. “Where Have All the Rosies Gone?” with Betty Reid Soskin of the Rosie the Riveter/Home Front National Park at 2 p.m. at Rockridge Library, 5366 College Ave. 

Know Your Rights Training A workshop on your rights if you are detained or arrested, and how to be an effective police observer, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 2022 Blake St. Free. Sponsored by Berkeley Copwatch. berkeleycopwatch@yahoo.com 

Politcal Affairs Readers Group meets to discuss”Africa Today” by Libero Della Piana and “The Eagle Flies Over Africa” by Vijay Prashad at 10 a.m. at Niebyl-Proctor Marxist Library, 6501 Telegraph Ave. Sponsored by the Communist Party (Oakland Berkeley). 595-7417.  

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

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

Oakland Artisans Marketplace Sat. from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sun. from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Jack London Square. 238-4948. 

SUNDAY, FEB. 3 

Lunar New Year Celebration with activities for the whole family from noon to 5 p.m. at the Oakland Museum of California, Oak and 10th St., Oakland. Cost is $5-$8. 238-2002. 

Toddler Nature Walk, for 2-3 year olds, to look for salamanders at 10:30 a.m. at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. 525-2233. 

An Amphibian Amble A walk to look for newts, ensatinas and salamanders in local puddles, ponds and under logs, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. 525-2233. 

Alan Rinzler’s Writer’s Workshop on “Getting Published” at 3 p.m. at Cody’s Books on Fourth St. Other sessions on March 9 and April 6. 559-9500. 

“The Great Awakening: Reviving Faith and Politics in a Post-Religious Right America” with Jim Wallis at 7:30 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Berkeley, 2345 Channing Way at Dana. Suggested donation $10. 559-9500.  

“Radical Fatherhood and Political Parenting” Reading and discussion with Tomas Moniz and Rahula Janowski at 5 p.m. at Pegasus Books Downtown, 2349 Shattuck Ave. 649-1320. 

Berkeley Rep’s Family Series Monthly theater workshop for the entire family at 11 a.m. at Berkeley Rep School of Theatre, Nevo Education Center, 2071 Addison St. Free, but bring a book to donate to the library at John Muir Elementary School. 647-2973. 

Old Time Radio East Bay collectors and listeners gather to enjoy shows together at 5 p.m. at a private home in Berkeley. For more information email DavidinBerkeley at Yahoo.com. 

Kensington Farmers’ Market from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 303 Arlington Ave. at Amherst, Kensington. 525-6155. 

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

Tibetan Buddhism with Steve Randall on “A New Way of Inquiry” at 6 p.m. at the Tibetan Nyingma Institute, 1815 Highland Pl. 809-1000 www.nyingmainstitute.com 

MONDAY, FEB. 4  

Golden Gate Audubon Society Field Trip “Arrowhead Marsh, Oakland” with Bob Lewis. Meet at 9:30 a.m. From 880, exit at Hegenberger, and head west. Turn right on Pardee and then left on Swan and right into the park. 843-2222. 

Building a Movement in Oakland in Solidarity with African Liberation from 7 to 9 p.m. at Humanist Hall, 390 27th St., Oakland. Sponsored by the Uhuru Solidarity Movement. www.apscuhuru.org 

Berkeley School Volunteers Orientation from noon to 1 p.m. at 1835 Allston Way. Come learn about volunteer opportunities. 644-8833. 

Free Boatbuilding Classes for Youth Mon.-Wed. from 3 to 7 p.m. at Berkeley Boathouse, 84 Bolivar Dr., Aquatic Park. 644-2577.  

Berkeley CopWatch organizational meeting at 8 p.m. at 2022 Blake St. Join us to work on current issues around police misconduct. 548-0425. 

TUESDAY, FEB. 5 

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 the the EBMUD Velle Vista Staging Area. Call for meeting place and if you need to borrow binoculars. 525-2233. 

“Iron Ladies of Liberia” A documentary on a new generation of leaders in Africa at 6:30 p.m. at Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak St. Panel discussion follows. Free. 238-2022.  

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

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. 

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 welcome new members over 50. 845-6830. 

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 6 

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. 

Walking Tour of Old Oakland in Celebration of Black History Month “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 

“Beyond the Green Zone: Dispatches From an Unembedded Journalist in Occupied Iraq” with author and journalist Dahr Jamail at 7 p.m. at Revolution Books, 2425 Channing Way. 848-1196. 

“Peace is Every Step” a documentary on the life and work of Tich Nhat Hanh at 7:30 p.m. at Humanist Hall, 390 27th St., Oakland. Donation $5. www.Humanist Hall.org 

“Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail” with Ken and Marcia Powers at 7 p.m. at REI, 1338 San Pablo Ave. 527-4140. 

Writer Coach Connection Volunteers needed to help Berkeley students improve their writing and critical thinking skills from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. To register call 524-2319. www.writercoachconnection.org  

Red Cross Blood Services Volunteer Orientation from 10 a.m. to noon at 6230 Claremont Ave., Oakland. Registration required. 594-5165. 

Teen Chess Club from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the North Branch Library, 1170 The Alameda at Hopkins. 981-6133. 

“Omega-3’s & Optimal Health” at 4 p.m. at Elephant Pharmacy, 1607 Shattuck Ave. 549-9200. 

“Weight Loss 101” at 7:30 p.m. at Elephant Pharmacy, 1607 Shattuck Ave. 549-9200. 

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. Heavy rain cancels. 548-9840. 

Berkeley Peace Walk and Vigil at the Berkeley BART Station, corner of Shattuck and Center. Sing for Peace at 6:30 p.m. followed by Peace Walk at 7 p.m. www. 

geocities.com/vigil4peace/vigil 

Morning Meditation Every Mon., Wed., and Fri. at 7:45 a.m. at Rudramandir, 830 Bancroft Way at 6th. 486-8700. 

After-School Program Homework help, drama and music for children ages 8 to 18, every Wed. from 4 to 7:15 p.m. at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 2727 College Ave. Cost is $5 per week. 845-6830. 

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

THURSDAY, FEB. 7 

“Plan B 3.0: Mobilizing to Save Civilization” with Lester Brown, Earth Policy Institute President, at 7:30 p.m. at the First Congregational Church of Berkeley, 2345 Channing Way. Tickets are $5-$13, available at independent bookstores and at www.globalexchange.org. 415-255-7296, ext.253. 

The “War on Terror” and Human Rights with Major General (Ret.) Antonio M. Taguba at 7 p.m. at International House, Chevron Auditorium, Piedmont Ave. at Bancroft. Free admission, registration requested. http://www.acteva.com/booking.cfm?bevaid=150262 

“No Easy Victories: African Liberation and American Activists 1950-2000” A gathering of vteran activists of the anti-apartheid movement in the Bay Area at 6 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center, 3105 Shattuck Ave. 238-8080, ext. 309. 

Seniors Exploring Albany Hill Walkers age 50+ explore Cerrito Creek and Albany Hill from 9 aa.m. to 11 a.m. Meet at Peet’s Coffee, San Pablo and Carlson, El Cerrito (AC Transit 72). The pace will be moderate, but the walk gains almost 300 feet elevation. Wear shoes with good traction; bring walking sticks if you use them. Registration required. 848-9358. 524-9122. 

The Café Literario, book discussion group in Spanish, meets to discuss “El Túnel” by Ernesto Sábato at 7 p.m. at the West Branch Library, 1125 University Ave. 981-6270 or 981-6140.  

“Eight Twenty Eight” Lavi Ben Gal’s documentary of life on a kibbutz at 7:30 p.m. at JCC of the East Bay, 1414 Walnut St. tickets are $10-$12. 848-0237. 

“Elderhostel: Learn, Travel, Enjoy” Learn about the benefits of Elderhostel travel, a program for older adults at 1:30 p.m. at the Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave., Albany. 526-3720. 

Demystifying Organic Wines at 1 p.m. at Elephant Pharmacy, 1607 Shattuck Ave. 549-9200. 

Stroke and Osteoporosis Screening from 9 a.m. on at La Quinta Inn, 920 University Aven. Cost is $159. Appointments required. 1-888-754-1464. 

Quit Smoking Class for LGBT Smokers Three sessions from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Pacific Center for Human Growth, 2712 Telegraph Ave. Free, but registration required. 981-5330. 

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

Fitness Class for 55+ at 9:15 a.m. at Jewish Community Center, 1414 Walnut St. 848-0237. 

Avatar Metaphysical Toastmasters Club meets at 6:45 p.m. at Spud’s Pizza, Adeline and Alcatraz. namaste@ 

avatar.freetoasthost.info  

CITY MEETINGS 

Council Agenda Committee meets Mon., Feb. 4 , at 2:30 p.m., at 2180 Milvia St. 981-6900. 

Community Environmental Advisory Commission meets Thurs., Feb. 7, at 7 p.m., at 2118 Milvia St. Nabil Al-Hadithy, 981-7461.  

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

Landmarks Preservation Commission meets Thurs., Feb. 7, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-7419.  

Public Works Commission meets Thurs., Feb. 7, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-6406.  

West Berkeley Project Area Commission meets Thurs., Feb. 7, at 7 p.m., at the West Berkeley Senior Center. 981-7520.  

ONGOING 

Help a Newt Cross the Road Every year newts migrate across Hillside Drive to reach their breeding pools in Castro Creek. Volunteers prevent many of these creatures from being crushed by cars. We need volunteers every evening during January and February in El Sobrante. The newts are most active on rainy nights. annabelle11_3@yahoo.com 

Free Tax Help If your 2007 household income was less than $42,000, you are eligible for free tax preparation from United Way's Earn it! Keep It! Save It! Sites are open now through April 15 in Alameda and Contra Costa counties. To find a site near you, call 800-358-8832. www.EarnItKeepItSaveIt.org 

Donate the Excess Fruit from Your Fruit Trees I’ll gladly pick and deliver your fruit to community programs that feed school kids, the elderly, and the hungry. The fruit trees should be located in Berkeley and organic (no pesticides). This is a free volunteer/ 

grassroots thing so join in!! To scehdule and appointment call or email 812-3369. northberkeleyharvest@gmail.com http://botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu 

 

 

 

EDITOR’S NOTE 

The Planet has been notified that an individual is using our calendar listings to ask for cash donations for listed organizations, in particular for school tutoring. Donations should not be given to anyone on the basis of a calendar listing. We try to include a telephone number or website for all of our listings, and urge you to contact the organizations directly if you suspect that someone is using their name improperly. If you have any questions about our calendar, please e-mail calendar@berkeleydailyplanet.com or call 841-5600, ext. 102.


Arts Listings

Arts Calendar

Friday February 01, 2008

FRIDAY, FEB. 1 

THEATER 

Actors Ensemble of Berkeley “Barefoot in the Park” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m. at Live Oak Theater, 1301 Shattuck Ave. at Berryman, through Feb. 16. Tickets are $10-$12. 649-5999.  

Altarena Playhouse “Wait Until Dark” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2 p.m. at Altarena Playhouse, 1409 High St., Alameda, through Feb. 16. Tickets are $17-$20. 523-1553. www.altarena.org 

Aurora Theatre “Satellites” at 8 p.m. at 2081 Addison St. through March 2. Tickets are $40-$42. 843-4822.  

Black Repertory Group Theatre “A Raisin In The Sun” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2:30 p.m. at 3201 Adeline St. Tickets are $5-$25. 652-2120. blackrepertorygroup.com 

Contra Costa Civic Theatre “The Cocoanuts” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m., some Sun. matinees at 2 p.m., at 951 Pomona Ave., at Moeser, El Cerrito, through March 2. Tickets are $15-$24. 524-9132. www.ccct.org 

foolsFURY Theater “Monster in the Dark” Thurs.-Sat. at 8 p.m. and Sun. at 5 p.m., through Feb. 17, at the Ashby Stage, 1901 Ashby Ave. Tickets are $12-$30. 800-838-3006. www.brownpapertickets.com 

Masquers Playhouse “Angel Street” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2:30 p.m. through Feb. 23 at 105 Park Place, Point Richmond. Tickets are $18. 232-4031. www.masquers.org 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Tilden Odyssey” Textured paintings, collages, and monotypes by Sheila Sondick on display at the Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park, through Feb. 28. 525-2233. 

“Double Vision: Artist Partners” Opening reception at 6 p.m. at Chandra Cerrito Contemporary, 25 Grand Ave., upper level, Oakland. Exhibition runs to March 15. www.chandracerrito.com 

“Yea We Said It, And No We’re Not Sorry” works by Malik and Milton Bowens for Black History Month. Opening reception at 5:30 p.m. at Joyce Gordon Gallery, 406 14th St., Oakland. Exhibit runs to Feb. 29. 465-8928. 

Huey P. Newton Photography Exhibit Celebrating the achievements and influence of the founder of the co-founder of the Black Panther Party at the West Oakland Branch of the Oakland Public Libray, 1801 Adeline St., through Feb. 29. 238-7352.  

“Heart Attack: The Ying & Yang of Love” Group art show opens at Eclectix, 7523 Fairmunt Ave., El Cerrito. 364-7261. www.eclectixgallery.com 

“L I N E” Drawings by Keiko Ishihara. Opening reception at 7 p.m. at Front Gallery, 35 Grand Ave, Oakland. 444-1900. 

FILM 

The Medieval Remake “Lancelot of the Lake” at 7 p.m. and “The Knithgt” at 8:45 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $5.50-$9.50. 642-0808.  

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Kelly Corrigan reads form “The Middle Place” at 7 p.m. at Cody’s Books. 559-9500.  

MUSIC AND DANCE  

Noon Concert, with Kai Chou, cello and Wiggin Wi, piano at Hertz Hall, UC Campus. Free. 642-4864. 

Zydeco Flames in a celebration of Black History Month at 5 p.m. at Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak, Oakland. Cost is $5-$8. 238-2002. 

Andrea Prichett & Friends of Carol Denney, Funky Nixons, Phoenix, After Buffalo, MC Che X in a fundraiser for Carol Denney & Berkeley Liberation Radio at 7 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center, 3105 Shattuck Ave. Tickets are $12-$15 sliding scale. 849-2568. 

Dwight Tribble & Muzuki Roberson Quintet at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $14. 841-JAZZ.  

Soja, Rebellion, reggae, at 9:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $12-$15. 525-5054.  

Palm Wine Boys at 8 p.m. at Caffe Trieste, 2500 San Pablo Ave., at Dwight. 548-5198.  

Darryl Henriques at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $19.50-$20.50. 548-1761.  

Andrew Sammons and Friends, jazz, swing, at 9 p.m. at Downtown. 649-3810.  

Trick Kernan Combo, rock, jazz, at 7:30 p.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344. 

Dave Matthews Blues Band at 8 p.m. at The Warehouse Bar & Grill, 402 Webster St., Oakland. 451-3161. 

The Connie Lim Band, Tara Tinsley, Rabbitmotaei at 9 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $8. 841-2082.  

Kevin Seconds, Ryan Stark, Eric Core and others at 8 p.m. at 924 Gilman St. Cost is $6. 525-9926. 

3rd Date at 10 p.m. at Beckett’s Irish Pub, 2271 Shattuck Ave. 647-1790.  

The Immortals at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 843-8277. 

Greg Scott, R&B, pop, at 9 p.m. at Maxwell’s Lounge, 341 13th St., Oakland. Cost is $10-$15. 839-6169. 

SATURDAY, FEB. 2 

CHILDREN  

Los Amiguitos de La Peña with Joe Reilly singing environmental songs at 10:30 a.m. at La Peña. Cost is $5 for adults, $4 for children. 849-2568.  

Active Arts Theatre for Young Audiences “Little Women” Sat. and Sun. at 2 p.m., through Feb. 3, at Julia Morgan Center for the Arts, 2640 College Ave. Tickets are $14-$18. 925-798-1300.  

African Tales with storyteller Kirk Waller Sat. and Sun. at 1:30 and 2:30 p.m. at Children’s Fairyland, 699 Bellvue Ave., Oakland.  

FILM 

Screenagers: Bay Area High School Film Festival at 1 and 3:30 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $5.50-$9.50. 642-0808.  

Human Rights Watch Film Festival “Everything’s Cool” at 6 p.m. and “The Unforeseen” at 8 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $5.50-$9.50. 642-0808.  

READINGS AND LECTURES 

18th Annual African American Celebration through Poetry from 1 to 4 p.m. at the West Oakland Branch of the Oakland Public Library, 1801 Adeline St. 238-7352.  

David Rieff reads from his tribute to his mother “Swimming in a Sea of Death” at 3 p.m. at Cody’s Books. 559-9500. 

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

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Berkeley Arts Festival: Sarah Cahill, pianist, new music at 8 p.m. at 2213 Shattuck Ave. Cost is $10. 665-9496. 

The Laurel Ensemble, “French Romance and American Modernism” at 8 p.m. at Trinity Chapel, 2320 Dana St. Tickets are $8-$12. 549-3864.  

La Richie & Co. “Indoor Fireworks: The Pyrotechnics of Handel and his London Oboists” at 8 p.m. at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 2727 College at Garber. Tickets are $10-$25. 528-1725. www.sfems.org 

Ethiopian Arts Forum: Either/Orchestra, led by Russ Gershon, with special guest Mulatu Astatke at 9:30 p.m. at Historic Sweet‚s Ballroom, 1933 Broadway, Oakland. Tickets, available at the door, are $20, $30 for VIP area. 501-3413.  

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

Winds Across the Bay “Winds Goes to the Movies” with music from Star Wars, The Aviator, Henry V, Lord of the Rings, Fiddler on the Roof, King Kong, and more, at 2 p.m. at the Hilltop Community Church, 3118 Shane Drive, Richmond. Tickets are $5-$10. 243-0514. www.windsacrossthebay.org 

Mardi Gras Countdown with Chelle and Friends at 8 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $12-$15. 849-2568.  

Eric Swinderman Quintet “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 

Mardi Gras with Hot Pink Feathers and Blue Bone Express at Café Van Kleef, 1621 Telegraph Ave. Oakland. Cost is $10.  

Creole Belles with Andrew Carriere and Suzy Thompson at 9 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cajun dance lesson at 8 p.m. Cost is $13. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com  

Rodney Brillante, Lily Virginia, guitar, ukulele, at 7:30 p.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344.  

Jim Post “Mark Twain and the Laughing River” at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $19.50-$20.50. 548-1761.  

Brian Pardo Group at 8 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $15. 845-5373. www.jazzschool.com 

Caroline Chung Trio, jazz, at 9 p.m. at Downtown. 649-3810.  

Apple Pie Hopes, The Hobo Gobbelins and Jonathan Beast & the Bathroom Floors at 9 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $7. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com 

Mo’Fone at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 843-8277. 

Tera Mellos, Planets, Car at 8 p.m. at 924 Gilman St., an all-ages, member-run, no alcohol, no drugs, no violence club. Cost is $6. 525-9926. 

SUNDAY, FEB. 3 

EXHIBITIONS 

California Society of Printmakers Valentine Show from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Chamber Arts, 2924 Ashby Ave. between College and Claremont. art@lilahands.com 

Watercolors by Emily Weil Opening reception at 4 p.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344. www.nomadcafe.net 

FILM 

The Medieval Remake “The Seventh Seal” at 2 p.m. and “the Virgin Spring” at 4 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $5.50-$9.50. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Rumi: and 800th Birthday Party with Coleman Barks and musicians Stephen Kent, Geoffrey Gordon, Sukhawat Ali Khan and Kris Yenny at 8 p.m. at King Middle School, 1781 Rose St. Tickets are $15-$20 at Cody’s and at www.kpfa.org 

Jim Wallis on “The Great Awakening: Reviving Faith and Politics in a Post-Religious Right America” at 7:30 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Berkeley, 2345 Channing Way at Dana. Suggested donation $10. 559-9500.  

“Radical Fatherhood and Political Parenting” Reading and discussion with Tomas Moniz and Rahula Janowski at 5 p.m. at Pegasus Books Downtown, 2349 Shattuck Ave. 649-1320. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Young People’s Symphony Orchestra Winter Concert at 2 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Berkeley, 2345 Channing Way. Tickets are $12-$15. 849-9776. 

Live Oak Concert Solo Violin with Donna Lerew at 7:30 p.m. at Berkeley Art Center, 1275 Walnut St., near Eunice. TIckets are $10-$15. 644-6893.  

Angela Kraft-Cross, organ concert at 3 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Oakland, 2619 Broadway. 444-3555. 

Mamak Khadem Ensemble, Middle Eastern fusion, at 7 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $25. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

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

Ana Nitmar at 7 p.m. at La Peña. Cost is $10-$12. 849-2568. 

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

Az Samad, Shelley Leong at 11 a.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344.  

MONDAY, FEB. 4 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Real or Surreal” Art by Mari Kearney opens at Cafe Diem, 2224 MacArthur Blvd., Oakland. 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Art, Technology and Culture Colloquium “Giant Robot Architecture” with Greg Lynn and Angewandte at 7:30 p.m. at 160 Kroeber Hall, UC Campus. 643-9565.  

“The Adventures of a Wildlife Photographer” with Eleanor Bricetti at 12:30 p.m. at Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave. 526-3720, ext. 17. 

David Lance Goines will present an illustrated lecture on the process of making posters at 7:30 p.m. at the Hillside Club. 

Actors Reading Writers “Transformational Romance” stories by N.M. Kelby and Jonathan Lethem at 7:30 p.m. at Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant Ave. 932-0214. 

Aurora Theatre “Our Dad is in Atlantis” reading followed by discussion at 7:30 p.m. at 2081 Addison St. 843-4822.  

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

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Berkeley Arts Festival Jerry Kuderna Monday Lunch Piano Concert from noon to 1 p.m. at 2213 Shattuck Ave. Free.  

Quake City at 7 p.m. at Le Bateau Ivre, 2629 Telegraph Ave. 849-1100.  

SF Bluegrass & Old-Time Festival with Town Mountain, Spring Creek and Homespun Rowdy at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage Coffee House. Cost is $15.50-$16.50. 548-1761  

Larry Coryell with Bombay Jazz at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $12-$20. 238-9200.  

TUESDAY, FEB. 5 

CHILDREN 

Chinese New Year Program with Elaine Chui, for ages 3 and up, at 7 p.m. at Kensington Library, 61 Arlington Ave. 524-3043.  

EXHIBITIONS 

“Eye Gotcha Covered” multi-media exhibit by Oakland artist Milton Bowens. Opening reception at 4 p.m. at The June Steingart Gallery of Art, Laney Tower Lobby,one block south of Lake Merrit BART Station. 464-3161. 

FILM 

Experimental Documentaries “F is for Phony” at 7:30 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $5.50-$9.50. 642-0808.  

“Iron Ladies of Liberia” A documentary on a new generation of leaders in Africa at 6:30 p.m. at Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak St. Panel discussion follows. Free. 238-2022.  

READINGS AND LECTURES 

H.D. Moe, Garrett Lambrav, Blake More at 7:30 p.m. at Moe's Books, 2476 Telegraph Ave. 849-2087. 

James Martel reads from “Subverting the Leviathan: Reading Thomas Hobbes as a Radical Democrat” at 6 p.m. at University Press Books, 2430 BAncroft Way. 548-0585.  

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Fat Tuesday Mardi Gras Celebration with the Lloyd Family Players, Joyfull Noise Brass Band and The California Honeydrops at 8:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $12. 525-5054.  

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

SF Bluegrass & Old-Time Festival with Huckleberry Flint and Mighty Crows at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $15.50-$16.50. 548-1761.  

Barbara Linn and John Schott at 7 p.m. at Caffe Trieste, 2500 San Pablo Ave., at Dwight. 548-5198.  

Larry Coryell with Bombay Jazz at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $12-$20. 238-9200.  

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 6 

FILM 

History of Cinema “The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari” at 3 p.m. and Jazz at the Movies “Paris Blues” at 6:30 p.m., “All Night Long” at 8:30 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $5.50-$9.50. 642-0808.  

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Dahr Jamail discusses his book “Beyond the Green Zone: Dispatches From an Unembedded Journalist in Occupied Iraq” at 7 p.m. at Revolution Books, 2425 Channing Way. 848-1196. 

Ying Chang Compestine talks about “Revolution is not a Dinner Party” at 7 p.m. at Cody’s Books on Fourth St. 559-9500. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Music for the Spirit Celebrating Black History Month at 12:15 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Oakland, 2619 Broadway. 444-3555. 

Wednesday Noon Concert “Baroque and New Music for Viola” at Hertz Hall, UC Campus. Free. 642-4864.  

Hugh Masekela’s Chissa All-Stars at 8 p.m. at Zellerbach Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $28-$52. 642-9988.  

Calvin Keys Birthday Party at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island. Cost is $10. 841-JAZZ.  

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

Fourth Legacy, Armenian, at 8:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $10. 525-5054.  

The Wayside State at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 843-8277. 

Beckett’s Musical Forum, hosted by GG Tenaka, at 10 p.m. at Beckett’s Irish Pub, 2271 Shattuck Ave. 647-1790.  

Steve James with Eric & Suzy Thompson at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $18.50-$19.50. 548-1761.  

Quartet San Francisco at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $14. 238-9200.  

THURSDAY, FEB. 7 

FILM 

African Film Festival “Two By Sembene” at 5:30 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Free First Thursday. 642-0808.  

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Lunch Poems with Arthur Sze at 12:10 p.m. at the Morrison Library, inside the Doe Library, UC Campus. 642-0137. 

Lester Brown, Earth Policy Institute president, at 7:30 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Berkeley, 2345 Channing Way. Tickets are 45-$13. 415-255-7296, ext. 253. 

Richard Thompson Ford discusses “The Race Card: How Bluffing About Bias Makes Race Relations Worse” at 7 p.m. at Cody’s Books. 559-9500. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

The Bridge Crawl, Don’t Lokok Back, Settledown, rock at 9 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $TBA. 525-5054.  

Brazilian Guitar Festival with Sergio, Badi & Odair Assad at 8 p.m. at Zellerbach Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $24-$46. 642-9988.  

SF Bluegrass & Old-Time Festival with Carolina Chocolate Drops at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $18.50-$19.50. 548-1761.  

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

Alexis Harte Band, Kate Isenberg & Cindi Harvell at 7 p.m. at Caffe Trieste, 2500 San Pablo Ave., at Dwight. 548-5198.  

The Famous, Emily Herring, The Hooroders, alt twang and rock at 9 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $6. 841-2082 www.starryploughpub.com 

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

Eliane Elias, sings and plays Bill Evans, at 8 and 10 p.m., through Sun. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $12-$20. 238-9200.  


Magic Circle Hosts Annual Banquet

By Ken Bullock, Special to the Planet
Friday February 01, 2008

The Oakland Magic Circle, the oldest independent magic club in the United States west of the Mississippi, is hosting its annual Installation Banquet and Show this coming Tuesday at the Bjornson Hall at 2258 MacArthur Blvd. 

“It’ll be a very international show,” said Scott Alcalay, new president of the Oakland Magic Circle. “Our headliners, Goldfinger and Dove, have played the Crazy Horse in Paris and have twice won the best of the year award at The Magic Castle in Hollywood. They’re true ambassadors of magic. Their act is fast-paced, with music and dance—all kinds of surprises from a repertoire so large,”  

Other performers include Patrick Martin of Palo Alto, who’s played the Easter Egg Roll on the White House Lawn “for two or three presidents,” Benny Benedini and his silent, quick-change act that was called “150 faces under a hat” in 1920s vaudeville—and KTVU Channel 2’s Bob McKenzie, member of The Circle “for decades,” performing his mentalism act, “The Mysteries of Mind.” 

Spectators at Magic Circle events will recognize Alcalay as the usual M.C., genial and witty. On Tuesday, he’ll be inducted as president, along with vice president Mark Tarses of Berkeley, secretary Byron Walker of San Leandro, treasurer Monya Casto of Walnut Creek, sergeant-at-arms Dagmar Thielson of Berkeley and librarian David Sament of San Francisco. Walker, a longtime Circle member, is an antiquarian magic book dealer with the largest independent collection on the West Coast. 

The Circle meets at 6:30 p.m. on the first Wednesday of every month.  

“We’re always welcoming new members,” said Alcalay, “And at all meetings, members always have an audience, so they can stand up and perform, practice their skills, show us what they’re working on. We also have magic teach-ins.Magic enthusiasts who don’t perform are also welcome.”  

This April’s meeting will feature The Circle’s annual magic swap meet and flea market, the largest in Northern California. “You’ll find selections of how-to DVDs, illusions, packet tricks, books, great presentation books, parlor tricks, close-up and stage magic,” he said. 

If the banqueters come early (doors open at 6:30 p.m.), they’ll see close-up magicians circulating through the tables. “It’ll be one of the best shows ever,” said Alcalay. “They seem to get better and better every year.” 

The Magic Circle was founded in 1925 by Arthur Bullo, who performed as El Tap. 

 

 

OAKLAND MAGIC CIRCLE 

INSTALLATION BANQUET  

AND SHOW 

Tuesday, Feb. 5, Bjornson Hall, 2258 MacArthur Blvd. (near Fruitvale Boulevard). 

$20 for adult dinner and show, $10 for kids dinner and show, and $10 show only. Only tickets for the show (without dinner) will be sold at the door. For more information and to buy tickets, see www.oaklandmagiccircle.com.