FRIDAY, FEB. 8 

City Commons Club Noon Luncheon with Jennifer Watts, State Water Resources Control Board, on “Environmental Impacts of Fish Farming.” 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.  

Textile Society of America Luncheon with selections from the Hillside Club’s costume collection at 12:30 p.m. at the Hillside Club, 2286 Cedar St. Cost is $15, reservations required. 316-3528, president@hillsideclub.org 

Womansong Circle An evening of participatory singing for women at 7:15 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Berkeley, Small Assembly Room, 2345 Channing Way. Suggested donation $15-$20.no one turned away for lack of funds. betsy@betsyrosemusic.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. 

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, FEB. 9 

Pondering Ponds Listen to a tale about ponds, then explore this dynamic habitat filled with a variety of life, from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. 525-2233. 

Waterfalls of Berkeley Join Berkeley Path Wanderers and Greenbelt Alliance for a 5-mile walk with a 500 ft. elevation gain to vist two waterfalls and climb a volcanic rock. Meet at 10 a.m. at Liaison Cafe, NE corner of Shattuck and Hearst. Bring lunch and liquids, wear stur/dy shoes and dress in layers. www.berkeleypaths.org 

Dawin Day A celebration of the contributions of Charles Darwin with a short course on global climate change and evolution, diversification from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Museum of Palentology. For information and to register see www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/about/shortcourses/shortcourse08.php 

Bookmaking with Recycled Materials Learn how to make a book using coptic binding and creatively recycled materials from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Cost is $10-$15. Reservations required. 548-2220, ext. 233, erc@ecologycenter.org 

Children’s Book Marathon in Celebration of Black History Month from 1 to 4 p.m. at the African American Museum & Library, 659 14th St., Oakland. Free, but reservations strongly encouraged. 637-0200. 

NAACP meets at 1 p.m. at 2108 Russell St. All are welcome. 845-7416.  

“Evolution is in Action All Around Us” A discussion of the book “The Science of Evolution and the Myth of Creationism” at 7 p.m. at Revolution Books, 2425 Channing Way. 848-1196. 

“A Celebration of Diversity” with art and games, and a community potluck, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Peralta Historical Park, 2465 34th Ave., Oakland. Free. 532-9142. www.peraltshacienda.org 

The Great War Society meets to discuss “Killers of the Sea” and “The Log of U-35” by Andrew Melomet at 10:30 a.m. in the West Berkeley Library, 1125 University Ave. 527-7118. 

“The New Eugenics: Stem Cell Research and Cloning, What the Public Doesn't Know” sponsored by the Alameda Public Affairs Forum, at 7 p.m. at the Alameda Free Library, Conference Room A, 1550 Oak St. at Lincoln, Alameda. 814-9592.  

Healthy Gardens Learn how to minimize or eliminate the use of toxic chemicals in the garden, at 10 a.m. at Magic Gardens, 729 Heinz Ave., off 7th St. 644-2351. 

“Lead-Safety for Remodeling, Repair and Painting of Older Homes” HUD & EPA approved class from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Alameda County Lead Poisoning Prevention Program, 2000 Embarcadero, #300, Oakland. 567-8280. www.aclppp.org 

Mindful Drumming: The Secret Power of Rhythm and Sound at 5:30 p.m. at Attitudinal Healing Connection, 3278 West St., Oakland. Cost is $20. 652-5530. 

Kids Go Green Activities centered on ecology and climate change from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Chabot Space and Science Center, 10000 Skyline Blvd., Oakland. Cost is $9-$13. 336-7373.  

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

Adopt a Bunny Learn about habitat, feeding, playtime and grooming of rabbits at 1 p.m. at RabbitEars, 303 Arlington Ave. at Amherst, Kensington. 525-6155. 

Teen Knitting Circle at 3 p.m. in the 4th flr Story Room, Central Library, 2090 Kittredge St. Bring your own knitting needles in size 8, sample yarns provided. 981-6107. 

The Berkeley Lawn Bowling Club provides free instruction every Wed. and Sat. at 10:30 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. 10 

Green Sunday: “Courage in Life and Politics: The Dona Spring Story” with a film about Dona Spring, the longest serving Green Party elected official in the United States, and Berkeley City Council member for 15 years, at 5 p.m. at Niebyl-Proctor Library 6501 Telegraph Ave. at 65th in North Oakland. www.acgreens.org 

Lunar New Year Celebration and Parade starting at 1 p.m. at the top of Solano Ave. at 1 p.m. and ending with performances at the Main Stage at Cornell School, Solano and Cornell, ALbany at 2 p.m. 527-5358. www.SolanoStroll.org 

Golden Gate Audubon Society Field Trip “Tilden Regional Park” with Della Dash. Meet at 9 a.m. at the parking lot at north end of Central Park Drive near the Little Farm for a 4 mile hike to look at wintering birds. 843-2222. 

Darwin Day: “The History of Life on Earth” A talk by David Seaborg, evolutionary biologist, at 1 p.m. at Humanist Hall, 390 27th St., Oakland. Donations accepted. www.Humanist Hall.org 

“Latin America’s New Political and Economic Independence: Implications for a Multi-Polar World” with Mark Weisbrot of the Center for Economic and Policy Research, Washington D.C., at 3 p.m. at Berkeley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 1924 Cedar St. Suggested donation $10-$20. 415-924-3227. 

Sushi Basics Learn the natural and cultural history of this cuisine as you prepare and taste seven basic types of sushi. From 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. Cost is $25-$39. Parent participation required for children 8-12 years. Registration required. 1-888-EBPARKS 

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

Fullpower Workshop Learn simple effective skills to keep yourself safe from 6:30 to 10 p.m. in Berkeley Cost is $105, no one turned away. To register and for location call 831-426-4407 ext. 1. safety@kidpower.org 

Mantras of Henry Marshall, led by Marcia Emery, PhD. at 2 p.m. at Peralta Community Garden, Hopkins and Peralta. If by chance it rains, we will postpone until the following month. 526-5510. 

Berkeley Chess Club meets every Sun. at 7 p.m. at the Hillside School, 1581 Le Roy Ave. 843-0150. 

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 

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 

Tibetan Buddhism with Robin Caton on “Keeping an Open Heart” at 6 p.m. at the Tibetan Nyingma Institute, 1815 Highland Pl. 809-1000 www.nyingmainstitute.com 

MONDAY, FEB. 11 

“Berkeley: A City in History” with author Charles Wollenberg at 7:30 p.m. at Pegasus Books Dowmtown, 2349 Shattuck Ave. 649-1320. 

“Genomic Advances to Improve Biomass for Biofuels” with Dan Rokhsar, U.S. Department of Energy, Joint Genome Institute, UC Berkeley at 5:30 p.m. at Berkeley Repertory Theatre, Thrust Stage, 2025 Addison St., Berkeley. Free. Presented by Berkeley Lab Friends of Science. 486-7292. www.lbl.gov/friendsofscience 

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 

TUESDAY, FEB. 12 

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 Wildcat Canyon Regional Park. Call for meeting place and if you need to borrow binoculars. 525-2233. 

“Judgment Day: Intelligent Design on Trial” Documentary screening in celebration of Darwin Day at 7 p.m. at Revolution Books, 2425 Channing Way. 848-1196. 

“Is the U.S. Provoking an Arms Race in Space?” A talk by Mike Moore, author of “Twilight War: The Folly of U.S. Space Dominance” at 6:30 p.m. at The Independent Institute, 100 Swan Way, Oakland. Cost is $10-$15. RSVP to 632-1366. 

The California Colloquium on Water A Look at the Sonoma County North American Climate Initiative with Randy Poole, General Manager/Chief Engineer, Sonoma County Water Agency at 5:30 p.m. at 250 Goldman School of Public Policy, 2607 Hearst Ave. at LeRoy. 642-2666. 

“Love at First Sight: America’s Love Affair with the Rose” A documentary about people who grow roses for sale and competition at 6 p.m. at UC Botanical Garden. Registration required. 643-2755, ext. 03. Cost is $9-$12. http://botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu 

“First Ever Yo-yo Hike of the Continental Divide Trail: Mexico to Canada and Back” with Francis Tapon at 7 p.m. at REI, 1338 San Pablo Ave. 527-4140. 

Berkeley School Volunteers Orientation from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at 1835 Allston Way. Come learn about volunteer opportunities. 644-8833. 

Teen Playreaders meets to read and discuss Hamlet and related plays at 4:30 p.m. at Claremont Branch Library, 2940 Benvenue. 981-6121. 

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. 

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

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

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.  

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. www.ecologycenter.org 

Berkeley Camera Club meets at 7:30 p.m., at the Northbrae Community Church, 941 The Alameda. Share your digital images, slides and prints and learn what other photographers are doing. Monthly field trips. 548-3991. www.berkeleycameraclub.org 

St. John’s Prime Timers meets at 9:30 a.m. at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 2727 College Ave. We offer ongoing classes in exercise and creative arts, and always welcome new members over 50. 845-6830. 

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 13 

Berkeley Public Library Master Plan for Branch Libraries will be discussed at the Board of Library Trustees meeting at 7 p.m. in the Community Meeting Room 2090 Kittredge St. 981-6107. 

Celebrate Darwin Day with a talk by David Seaborg on “Principle of Evolution Today” at 7 p.m. at Berkeley City College Auditorium, 2050 Center St. www.defendscience.org 

East Bay Science Cafe “Celebrating Darwin” on Darwin’s 199th Birthday with Kevin Padian, UC Museum of Palentology at 7 p.m. at Au Coquelet Cafe, 2000 University Ave. http://bnhm.berkeley.edu 

“A Farewell to Israel: The Coming Break-Up of American Zionism” with Dr. Norman Finkelstein at 7 p.m. at King Middle School, 1781 Rose St. Benefit for Middle East Children’s Alliance. Cost is $15. 548-0542. ww.mecaforpeace.org 

“Compassion in Exile” A film about the 14th Dalai Lama at 7:30 p.m. at Humanist Hall, 390 27th St., Oakland. Donation $5. www.Humanist Hall.org 

“Encounter Point” A documentary featuring a Palestinian, Israeli, North and South American team from Just Vision profiling everyday leaders from all sides of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict who have suffered catastrophic losses and choose to seek common ground instead of revenge, at 7:30 p.m. at Congregation Beth El, 1301 Oxford St.  

The Inaugural Neil Gotanda Lecture in Asian American Jurisprudence with Prof. Neil Gotanda on his work on Critical Race Theory and Asian American Jurisprudence at 4 p.m. in the Goldberg Room, UC Berkeley School of Law, Bancroft at Piedmont. 415-290-0688. lisa_chin@berkeley.edu 

“The Concept of Race: Science or Social Construct?” with Dr. Martinez Hewlett, Prof. Emeritus of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Univ. of Arizona, at 9 a.m. at the Chapel of the Cross, Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary, 2770 Marin Ave. Free. 559-2731. 

Writer Coach Connection Volunteers needed to help Berkeley students improve their writing and critical thinking skills from noon to 3 p.m. or from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. To register call 524-2319. www.writercoachconnection.org  

Cycling Lecture with Jacquie Phelan, womens cycling advocate at 7 p.m. and Ted Kirkbride at 8:30 p.m. at Velo Sport Bicycles, 1615 University Ave., enter at 1989 California. RSVP to 849-0437. 

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

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. 

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. 

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

THURSDAY, FEB. 14 

Shoreline Nature Exploration for the Deaf or Hearing Impaired from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Eastshore State Park, Berkeley Meadow. For information call 525-2233. 

African American Cultural Celebration with African drumming, the music of Thelonious Monk and vocalist Melanie DeMore at 7 p.m. at the First Congregational Church, 2501 Harrison S., Oakland. The celebration is free of charge and the public is invited. Sponsored by St. Paul's Episcopal School. 285-9628. 

“Love of Humanity” Valetine’s Day Tea with Dr. Dacher Keltner on the biological and social origins of love at 3 p.m. at International House, Piedmont Ave. at Bancroft. Cost is $10. RSVP to 642-4128. http://ihouse.berkeley.edu 

“Forbidden Landscapes: Negotiating Sacred Space at Tateyama” with Prof. Caroline Hirasawa, Dept. of History, Univ. of British Columbia, at 5 p.m. at Jodo Shinshu Center, 2140 Durant Ave. 809-1444. events@shin-ibs.edu 

Teen Book Club meets to discuss love stories at 4 p.m. at Claremont Branch Library, 2940 Benvenue. 981-6121. 

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

CITY MEETINGS 

Berkeley Housing Authority meets Mon., Feb. 11 at 6 p.m. at the South Berkeley Senior Center, 2939 Ellis St. 981-5470. 

City Council meets Tues., Feb. 12, at 7 p.m in City Council Chambers. 981-6900. www.ci. 

berkeley.ca.us/citycouncil 

Commission on Disability meets Wed., Feb. 13, at 6:30 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-6346. TDD: 981-6345.  

Homeless Commission meets Wed., Feb. 13, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-5426.  

Library Board of Trustees meets Wed., Feb. 13, at 7 p.m. at the Main Library, 2090 Kittredge St.. 981-6195.  

Planning Commission meets Wed., Feb. 13, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-7484.  

Police Review Commission meets Wed., Feb. 13 , at the South Berkeley Senior Center. 981-4950.  

Waterfront Commission meets Wed., Feb. 13, at 7 p.m., at 201 University Ave. 981-6740.  

ONGOING 

E-Waste Recycling St. Vincent de Paul of Alameda County accepts electronic waste including computers, dvd players, cell phones, fax machines and many other ewaste products for disposal free of charge at many of its locations throughout Alameda County. Free bulk pick-up available. 638-7600. www.svdp-alameda.org 

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.  

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

Temescal Labs, the innovative Oakland theater company (nee Ten Red Hen) that notably staged both The 99-Cent Miss Saigon and Clown Bible at Willard Metalshop Theater, is performing Clean, a work-in-progress about Silicon Valley and toxicity, which includes the story of Hans Reiser, on a double bill with Brittney Brown Ceres’ Bodily File, 8 p.m. tonight (Friday) and Saturday at CounterPulse, 1310 Mission St. near Ninth Street in San Francisco. 

“CounterPulse chooses two artists per season for residency,” said Maya Gurantz, Temescal Labs’ founder and dynamic artistic director. “It’s a very supportive process. Remarkable to work with my company in this professional space—especially to be able to work on developing all these ideas, these dark stories, without having to worry about a final product.” 

The two major stories are those of Fernando Jimenez Gonzalez, an 18-year-old worker at a P.C. Board company in Silicon Valley, who drowned in a vat of sulphuric acid last September (and whose family, after months of an OSHA investigation, has just been compensated: $3,800), and Hans Reiser, now on trial in Oakland, accused of doing away with his wife.  

“The Reiser story is about the more invisible costs of the industry,” Gurantz noted. “He’s on the intellectual end of production, whereas Gonzalez was in manufacturing, at the opposite end.” 

The staging of Clean includes a 15x15-foot piece of fake turf in the middle of the CounterPulse space, and a tissue dancer, playing Gonzalez, performing his fatal tumble over and over. 

“There’s lots of movement for the Hans Reiser character, too,” said Gurantz, “and lots of found text. This has been a real exploration, deeply researched. I went over 10 years’ back issues of the San Jose Mercury and read the relevant books, and everybody joined in—actors, designers ... we had field trips to the Intel Museum. And I don’t know that we’re anywhere near finished. The ideas involved are too big to find answers to in three months.” 

Meanwhile, Gurantz is looking toward the future. “I’ll be directing for Shotgun in their Fall slot, then we’re trying to take Clown Bible [in which Biblical stories are performed as musical comedy by clowns] to New York. And figuring out what the next project is, though we’re not finished with this one at all! And we’d like to take something to Europe the summer after this one—a Commedia-type clown piece.” 

And why the name change from Ten Red Hen? “That’s the name of my blog!” said Gurantz. “It was chosen in a moment of haste to give the company a name when The 99-Cent Miss Saigon was opening. The blog will keep that name. But I think Temescal Labs is less confusing, communicates more what we do. And we’re permanent Oakland residents now. Besides, I like what ‘Temescal’ means—it’s the Ohlone word for sweat lodge.” 

Sometime in the early 1960s, Jan Faulkner, an undergraduate at Lincoln University in Missouri, saw some paper ephemera featuring black stereotypes and began a collection that has since been exhibited in museums, featured in monographs and the subject of a film documentary produced by Marlon Riggs in 1986.  

The collection is usually known by the name Ethnic Notions. More recently, Faulkner had hoped to sell the whole collection to a museum, but with no success. Where is the Smithsonian when you need them? 

Now, this whole remarkable assemblage is going to be broken up and offered for sale to collectors. If you saw the show at the Berkeley Art Center in 1982, you only saw a fraction of the whole collection. For this first scheduled sale all of the objects from the collection, not just the couple of hundred in the museum exhibition, will be shown and offered for sale. Paper ephemera items will be featured at a later sale. 

The observant flâneur in the contemporary supermarket will occasionally catch a glimpse of some brand survivors from as far back as the 1890s, fugitive images of Uncle Ben, Aunt Jemima, and Rastus, the chef on the Cream of Wheat box, still being used to sell products today. Few are aware that these taken-for-granted icons are only the tip of an enormous black iceberg of African-American stereotypes used to sell everything from pancakes, syrup, fried chicken, candy, coffee, yams, toothpaste, and laundry detergent to golf tees, tobacco, clothing, liquor, toys, novelties and greeting cards. 

Among the most famous advertising characters of the past were the Gold Dust twins, Goldie and Dustie, two “pickaninnies” who touted cleaning products for Lever Brothers. My own tiny collection includes a tube of Darkie toothpaste, made in Taiwan, showing a very black man with very white teeth. Even ofay Mrs. Butterworth comes in a synechdochal brown, Mrs. Butterworth-shaped bottle. 

Strangely, in America, blacks are both loved and hated, trusted and feared, taboo and desirable, divine and demonic. As far as merchandising, they have been used to sell products for at least two centuries. And this selling of products spills over into the images of blacks in literature, music, radio, film and television. All black performers know that their individual performances can be subsumed either by themselves or their audience into any number of stereotypes. Film scholar Donald Bogle explicates some of these types in his pioneering Toms, Coons, Mulattoes, Mammies and Bucks. Where Europe has Harlequin, Scaramouche, Columbine, Pierrot and Punch, America has Jim Crow, Uncle Remus, Amos and Andy and Sambo. 

Faulkner’s assembling of these enigmatic objects, each of which speaks with an eloquence that transcends the need for explanation or commentary, is a remarkable achievement by a unique individual who had a personal insight into race in America. The films Ghost World and Bamboozled hint at some of this vision, but it is even rawer and more immediate here. It is sad to think that Ms. Faulkner’s conception will be fragmented, but if you have never seen it, you will not want to miss this final showing of Ethnic Notions.

FRIDAY, FEB. 8 

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.  

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

Berkeley Rep “”Wishful Drinking” with Carrie Fisher, at the Roda Theater, 2015 Addison St., through March 30. Tickets are $33-$69. 647-2949. 

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.  

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.  

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 

“Still I Stand” written and performed by Marissa Saunders. Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m. at Longfellow School Theater, 1500 Derby St. Tickets are $15-$20.  

EXHIBITIONS 

“Real or Surreal” Art by Mari Kearney. Reception at 7:30 p.m. at Cafe Diem, 2224 MacArthur Blvd., Oakland. 

FILM 

Jean-Pierre Léaud “The Mother and the Whore” at 7 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $5.50-$9.50. 642-0808.  

“The Invisible Forest” A film by Antero Alli at 8 p.m. at 21 Grand, 416 25th St., Oakland. Tickets $8-$12. www.21grand.org  

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Charles Wollenberg reads from “Berkeley: A City in History” at 7:30 p.m. at Mrs. Dalloway’s. 704-8222. 

Carol Gilligan talks about her new book “Kyra” at 6:30 p.m. at Bette’s Oceanview Diner on Fourth St. 559-9500.  

Grace Grafton and Cherese Wyneken, poets, at 7 p.m. at Nefeli Caffe, 1854 Euclid Ave. 841-6374. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Anatolian Folk Music at noon at Hertz Hall, UC Campus. Free. 642-4864. 

Triskela, celtic harp trio,at 7:30 p.m. at the Arlington Community Church, 53 Arlington Ave. Tickets are $5-$15. 526-9146. 

History and Harmony Black History Concert Series at 7:30 p.m. at Allen Temple Baptist Church, 8501 International Blvd., Oakland. Tickets are $5-$10. 544-8924. 

Catalina Claroat 8:30 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $15. 849-2568.  

Pamela Rose & Danny Caron Quartet at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island. Cost is $12. 841-JAZZ.  

Slammin, Crosspulse at 9 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $12-$15. 525-5054.  

Justin Hellman at 8 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $15. 845-5373.  

Amy Meyers at 7:30 p.m. at Caffe Trieste, 2500 San Pablo Ave., at Dwight. 548-5198.  

SF Bluegrass & Old-Time Festival with The Freight Hoppers, Crooked Jades at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $18.50-$19.50. 548-1761.  

Bosssa Five-O, jazz, at 9 p.m. at Downtown. 649-3810.  

David Silverberg, Christina Kowalchuk at 7:30 p.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344.  

Scott Amendola, Matthais Bossi and Devin Ray Hoff at 9 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $10. 841-2082.  

Jimmie Reign, Rozi Crane, R&B, at 9 p.m. at Maxwell’s Lounge, 341 13th St., Oakland. Cost is $10-$15. 839-6169. 

A.P.P.L.E., Resistant Culture, Armistice, at 8 p.m. at 924 Gilman St. Cost is $5. 525-9926. 

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

The Jelly Roll Souls at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 843-8277. 

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. www.yoshis.com 

SATURDAY, FEB. 9 

CHILDREN  

Children’s Book Marathon in Celebration of Black History Month from 1 to 4 p.m. at the African American Museum & Library, 659 14th St., Oakland. Free, but reservations strongly encouraged. 637-0200. 

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.  

Music and Puppets with Jen Miriam at 11 a.m. at Studio Grow, 1235 Tenth St. Cost is $7. 526-9888. 

“The Wizard of Ahhhhs” Magic show with Blake Maxam Sat. and Sun. at 1:30 and 2:30 p.m. at Children’s Fairyland, 699 Bellvue Ave., Oakland.  

EXHIBITIONS 

“The Art of Living Black” and “Emory Douglas: The Art of Political Protest” Opening reception with Emory Douglas in person at 3 p.m. at Richmond Art Center, 2540 Barrett Ave., Richmond. 620-6772. 

National Institute of Art & Disabilities “NIAD Faculty & Artists” A 25th Anniversary Celebration. Opening reception at 2 p.m. at 551 23rd St., Richmond. 620-0290.  

“Tilden Odyssey” Textured paintings, collages, and monotypes by Sheila Sondick on display at the Tilden Nature Center, 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. 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. 465-8928. 

FILM 

African Film Festival “Clouds Over Conakry” at 8:30 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $5.50-$9.50. 642-0808.  

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Poetry Flash with Gillian Conoley and Jane Miller at 7 p.m. at Cody’s Books. 559-9500. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Moiseyev Dance Company at 2 and 8 p.m. at Zellerbach Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $24-$48. 642-9988.  

Community Women’s Orchestra at 4 p.m. at Lake Merritt United Methodist Church, 1331 Lakeshore Ave., Oakland. Suggested donation $10, children free. 463-0313.  

Philharmonia Baroque Beetoven’s “Emperor” piano concerto with Robert Levin, at 8 p.m. at First Congregational Church, 2345 Channing Way. Tickets are $30-$72. 415-392-4400.  

“Love Songs & Chocolate” at 7 :30 p.m. at Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, One Lawson Rd., Kensington. Suggested donation $15, includes a variety of desserts. 525-0302. 

Powell St. John at 2 p.m. at Down Home Music, 1809b Fourth Street. 525-2129. 

Gateswingers Jazz Band, for dancing or just listening, at 8 p.m. at Central Perk, 10086 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito. 558-7375. 

Ed Reed & his Quartet at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island. Cost is $14. 841-JAZZ.  

Yarie Toure, Djekouria Fanta Conde at 9:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Guinean dance workshop at 9 p.m. Cost is $15. 525-5054. 

Kurt Maire, Jesse Rubin at 7:30 p.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344.  

Junius Courtney Band with a staged reading of “The Billy Strayhorn Session” at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $17.50-$18.50. 548-1761.  

Kally Price Old Time Music at 9:30 p.m. at Albatross, 1822 San Pablo Ave. Cost is $3. 843-2473. 

Ray Obiedo & Mambo Caribe, Latin jazz, at 9 p.m. at Downtown. 649-3810.  

Mikie Prasand Band at 10 p.m. at Beckett’s Irish Pub. 647-1790.  

Beatbeat Whisper, Or, the Whale, Emily Jane White, indie folk country, at 9 p.m. at Starry Plough. Cost is $8. 841-2082.  

Terrence Brewer Trio at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 843-8277. 

Izzy Osbourne, Everything Must Go at 8 p.m. at 924 Gilman St. Cost is $7-$10. 525-9926. 

SUNDAY, FEB. 10 

CHILDREN 

Oliver Chin reads from “The Year of the Rat” at 2 p.m. at Cody’s Books. 559-9500. 

Matt Faulkner introduces “The Taste of Colored Water” at 4 p.m. at Cody’s Books. 559-9500. 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Homage to the Motherland” Oil paintings by Hongyun Suriwong. Reception at 4 p.m. at Albany Community Center, 1249 Marin Ave. 524-9283. 

FILM 

Human Rights Film Festival “Strange Culture” at 5:30 p.m., “City of Photographers” at 7:05 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $5.50-$9.50. 642-0808.  

MUSIC AND DANCE 

“Celebration of Music” with the Music School at Piedmont Piano Company to benefit Christopher Rodriguez who was shot while taking a piano lesson, from 2 to 7 p.m. at Chapel of the Chimes, 4499 Piedmont Ave. Tickets are $25. 547-8188. www.piedmontpiano.com 

Jen Baker, solo trombone, at 4 p.m. at 2213 Shattuck Ave. Cost is $5-$10. www.berkeleyartsfestival.com 

Live Oak Concert Jazz Duo with Laura Klein, piano, Ted Wolff, vibraphone, at 7:30 p.m. at Berkeley Art Center, 1275 Walnut St., near Eunice. TIckets are $10-$12. 644-6893. www.berkeleyartcenter.org 

San Francisco Chamber Orchestra and Piedmont Choir in a family friendly concert at noon at Julia Morgan Theater, 2640 College Ave. Free. 415-248-1640.  

Moiseyev Dance Company at 3 p.m. at Zellerbach Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $24-$48. 642-9988.  

Organ Recital with John Karl Hirten at 6 p.m. at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 2300 Bancroft Way. 845-0888.  

Philharmonia Baroque Beetoven’s “Emperor” piano concerto with Robert Levin, at 7:30 p.m. at First Congregational Church, 2345 Channing Way. Tickets are $30-$72. 415-392-4400. www.philharmonia.org 

Aleph Null Sextet at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $10. 841-JAZZ.  

Magic Carpet, world fusion, at 11 a.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344.  

Debbie Poryes Trio at 4:30 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $15. 845-5373.  

Ledward Kaapana & Mike Kaawa at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $19.50-$20.50. 548-1761.  

La Plebe, Carnal Knowledge, Zomo at 5 p.m. at 924 Gilman St. Cost is $6. 525-9926. 

MONDAY, FEB. 11 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Charles Wollenberg describes “Berkeley: A City in History” at 7:30 p.m. at Pegasus Books Dowmtown, 2349 Shattuck Ave. 649-1320. 

Aurora Theatre “Kings Play Chess on Fine Green Satin” reading followed by discussion at 7:30 p.m. at 2081 Addison St. Free. 843-4822. www.auroratheatre.org 

David Roche describes “The Church of 80% Sincerity” at 7 p.m. at Cody’s Books on Fourth St. 559-9500. 

Poetry Express with FrancEye from Los Angeles at 7 p.m. at Priya Restaurant, 2072 San Pablo Ave. 644-3977. 

Poetry Reading with Lynn Knight at 6:30 p.m.,at Kensington Library, 61 Arlington Ave., Kensington. 524-3043. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

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

Luciano Chessa “Nodi d'amore” at 8 p.m. at 2213 Shattuck Ave. Tickets are $5-$10. 665-9496. www.berkeleyartsfestival.com 

Dazzling Divas Opera at 7 p.m. at Le Bateau Ivre, 2629 Telegraph Ave. 849-1100.  

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

West Coast Songwriters Competition at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage Coffee House. Cost is $5. 548-1761 www.freightandsalvage.org 

Dave Eshelman’s Jazz Garden Big Band at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $15. 238-9200.  

TUESDAY, FEB. 12 

FILM 

Experimental Documentaries “Here Is Always Somewhere Else” at 7:30 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $5.50-$9.50. 642-0808.  

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Garrison Keillor at 8 p.m. at Zellerbach Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $34-$62. 642-9988. www.calperformances.net 

Peggy Orenstein reads from “Waiting for Daisy: A Tale of Two Continents, Three Religions, FIve Fertiltiy Doctors, An Oscar, An Atomic Bomb, A romantic Night, and One Woman’s Quest to Become a Mother” at 7 p.m. at Cody’s Books on Fourth St. 559-9500. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

‘Round Midnight Marathon at Berkeley Arts Festival with John Schott in an eight-hour tribute to Thelonious Monk from 2 to 10 p.m. at 2213 Shattuck Ave. 665-9496.  

“Sweet Soul Music: Rare Soul Music Performance Clips from the 1960s and Early 1970s” with Rickie Unterberger at 6:30 p.m. at the Berkeley Public Library, 2090 Kittredge St. 981-6100. 

Jeffrey Broussard and the Creole 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 Kelly Park at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island. Cost is $5. 841-JAZZ.  

Solo Bach Night with Lara St. John, Sam Bass, Dave Grossman, and others at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $18.50-$19.50. 548-1761.  

Kaspar/Sherman Jazz Quartet at 7 p.m. at Caffe Trieste, 2500 San Pablo Ave. 548-5198.  

Sierra Leone’s Refugee Allstars at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $14-$20. 238-9200.  

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 13 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Enrique Chagoya: Borderlandia” A twenty-five year survey of works opens at the Berkeley Art Museum, and runs through May 18. 642-0808.  

FILM 

History of Cinema “Battleship Potemkin” at 3 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $5.50-$9.50. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

African Film Festival “Young Rebels: New Visions from Africa” at 6:30 p.m. and “Life on Earth” at 8:10 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $5.50-$9.50. 642-0808.  

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Russell Banks reads from “The Reserve” a suspense novel set at the begining of WWII, at 7 p.m. at Cody’s Books. 559-9500. 

Daniel Alarcorn reads from “Lost City Radio” at 7:30 p.m. at Moe's Books, 2476 Telegraph Ave. 849-2087. 

“Cancer in Other Words” prose, poetry, at 11 a.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344.  

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Music for the Spirit Celebrating Black History Month with music by J. Roalnd Braithwaite, Bongai Ndodana and Fela Sowande at 12:15 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Oakland, 2619 Broadway. 444-3555. 

Wednesday Noon Concert, with students from the Young Musicians Program at Hertz Hall, UC Campus. Free. 642-4864. http://music.berkeley.edu 

Rebecca Griffin & her Trio at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island. Cost is $7. 841-JAZZ.  

Tamsen Donner Blues Band at 8:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. West Coast swing dance lesson at 7:30 p.m. Cost is $7. 525-5054. 

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

Jenna Mammina and guests at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $10-$14. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

THURSDAY, FEB. 14 

FILM 

A Theater Near You: “Let’s Get Lost” at 6:30 p.m. and Jean-Pierre Léaud “Masculine-Feminie” at 8:50 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $5.50-$9.50. 642-0808.  

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Charles Wollenberg introduces “Berkeley: A City in History” at 6 p.m. at University Press Books, 2430 Bancroft Way. 548-0585. 

“California Tile: The Golden Era 1910-1940” with Riley Doty tile expert and collector at 7:30 p.m. at Chapel of the Chimes, 4499 Piedmont Ave., Oakland. Sponsored by Oakland Heritage Alliance. Cost is $8-$10. 763-9218.  

Lonny Shavelson and Fred Setterberg discuss “Trading Traditions: California’s New Cultures” at 1 p.m. at Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak, Oakland. Cost is $5-$8. 238-2002. 

Nancy Polikoff describes “Beyond(Straight and Gay) Marriage: Valuing All Families Under the Law” at 7 p.m. at Cody’s Books. 559-9500. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

African American Cultural Celebration with African drumming, the music of Thelonious Monk and vocalist Melanie DeMore at 7 p.m. at the First Congregational Church, 2501 Harrison S., Oakland. Free. 285-9628. 

Nina Ananiashvili and The State Ballet of Georgia at 8 p.m. at Zellerbach Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $34-$90. 642-9988.  

Maeve Donnelly with Tony McManus at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $18.50-$19.50. 548-1761.  

Karina Denike & her Trio at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island. Cost is $8. 841-JAZZ.  

Melvin Seals & JGB, R&B, rock, funk, at 9 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $17-$20. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Flamenco, Candlelight and Roses dinner shows Thurs.-Sat. at Cafe de la Paz, 1600 Shattuck Ave. Tickets are $75-$115.  

Bekah Barnett & Joni Davis at 7 p.m. at Caffe Trieste, 2500 San Pablo Ave. 548-5198.  

Antioquia, Locura, Night Train at 9 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $7. 841-2082. 

Valentine’s Celebration with Aya de Leon at 7:30 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $12-$14. 849-2568.  

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

Cedar Walton Sextet at 8 and 10 p.m., through Sun. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $16-$22. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com