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.  

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. 

FRIDAY, FEB. 15 

City Commons Club Noon Luncheon with The Hon. Julian Evans, British Consul General, SF, on “Afghanistan and Pakistan: For Better or Worse.” 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.  

“Overcoming Zionism” Joel Kovel, longtime activist, professor at Bard College, will read from and discuss his most recent and most controversial book, “Overcoming Zionism” at 7 p.m. BFUU Hall, 1924 Cedar St. at Bonita. Cosponsored by the Northern California Support Group of the International Solidarity Movement and the Social Justice Committee of the Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian-Universalists. 

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. 16 

Mud, Slugs and Newts An exploration of the advantages of being slimy! Rain or shine from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. 525-2233. 

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 

“African Americans: Champions of Democracy” with Cassie Lopez, community activist, on the role of African Americans today and through history, at 4 p.m. at Niebyl-Proctor Library, 6501 Telegraph, at 65th St., Oakland. Donations accepted. 251-1120. 

Planetarium Showings of “Follow the Drinking Gourd” from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Chabot Space and Science Center, 10000 Skyline Blvd., Oakland. Cost is $9-$13. 336-7373.  

“Can a Confederation Help Solve the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict?” with Dr. Jhalil Barhoum of Stanford Univ., Francesca Giovannini, former U.N. employee and current lecturer in International and Area Studies, Peace and Conflict Studies Group Major, U.C. Berkeley, Rabbi Michael Lerner of Tikkun Magazine and Mitchell Plitnick former Policy Director at Jewish Voice for Peace and others at 4 p.m. at Martin Luther King Student Union, 5th flr, UC Campus.  

“Planning Your Bay Area Edible Garden” at 10 a.m. at UC Botanical Garden. Cost is $20-$25. Registration required. 643-2755, ext. 03. http://botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu 

“California Chronicles of Medical Marijuana” The screening of a Claire Burch film at 5 p.m. at the Regent Press Gallery, 4770 Telegraph Ave., Oakland. Free. 849-0153. 

California Writers Club with Susan Bono, editor in chief of “Tiny Lights: A Journal of Personal Narrative” at 10 a.m. at Barnes and Noble, Jack London Square. 272-0120. 

“Awakening the Dreamer, Changing the Dream” Videos from philosophers, scientists and community leaders, including Paul Hawken, Julia Butterfly Hill, Lynn Twist, Van Jones, Matthew Fox, Thomas Berry and more, from 1 to 6 p.m. at Hillside Community Church, 1422 Navellier St., El Cerrito. Sponsored by Pachamama Alliance. 665-6066. bohnert@sonic.net 

Akido for Peace: Training Across Borders Middle East peace fundraiser from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Aikido of Berkeley with instructor Hiroshi Ikeda, shihan. Suggested $75 donation; all proceeds go to Aiki Extensions’ Middle East Aikido Project. www.aikidoofberkeley.com  

Red Cross Blood Services Volunteer Orientation from 6 to 8 p.m. at 6230 Claremont Ave., Oakland. Registration required. 594-5165. 

“Meditation as Relationship, Relationship as Meditation” A workshop from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Urban Peace, 2584 Martin Luther King, Jr. Way. Cost is $35-$50, no one turned away. Please bring a bag lunch. Reservations required. 866-732-2320, ext. 1. 

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

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. www.nativeplants.org 

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

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. 17 

Winter Wildlife Hike Join us as we look for winter birds, slimy newts and slippery banana slugs along the muddy trails, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. 525-2233. 

Basics of Gardening Plan what to do in your garden for the rest of the year. We will cover the basics of what is appropriate for each season in Bay Area gardens. You will learn when to prune, look out for weeds, put down mulch, propagate, plant, and much more. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Botanic Garden, Tilden Park. Bring lunch. Cost is $40-$48. Registration required. 841-8732. www.nativeplants.org 

“The Afro-Caribbean and Black Native American Presence in California” with Lonny Shavelson at 2 p.m. at Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak, Oakland. Cost is $5-$8. 238-2002. 

“Women Philosophers by H. D. Moe” on Martha C. Nussbaum at 11 a.m. at the Humanist Fellowship Hall, 390 27th St., Oakland. Free. 451-5818. 

East Bay Atheists Berkeley meets at 1:30 p.m. in the Berkeley Main Library, 3rd Floor Meeting Room, 2090 Kittredge St. Fred Glynn will discuss his book, “Authors of the Bible,” which describes the men and women who wrote the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament. 222-7580. eastbayatheists.org 

Gut Health is Great Health! From 3 to 4 p.m. at Elephant Pharmacy, 1607 Shattuck Ave. 549-9200.  

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

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 

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

Tibetan Buddhism with Santosh Philip on “Increasing Awareness in the Dream State” at 6 p.m. at the Tibetan Nyingma Institute, 1815 Highland Pl. 809-1000 www.nyingmainstitute.com 

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

MONDAY, FEB. 18 

Golden Gate Audubon Society Bike Trip “Eastshore State Park and Aquatic Park” Meet at 8:30 a.m. at the southernmost pond of Aquatic Park, Bay and Potter Sts. Bring lunch and bike helmet. 843-2222. 

“Tillie Olsen: A Heart in Action” A new film by Ann Hershey at 7:30 p.m. at the California Theater, on Kittredge btwn Shattuck and Fulton. Q&A follows. Tickets are $10. annhersh@aol.com 

Berkeley Green Mondays “US Coverage of the Muslim World: Ignorance, Malice or Greed?” with Lisette B. Poole, CSU, at 7:30 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Open ot all. www.berkeleygreens.org 

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

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

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

CITY MEETINGS 

City Council meets Tues., 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. 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

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 

FRIDAY, FEB. 15 

CHILDREN 

Comedy Juggling with Owen Baker Flynn at 4 p.m. at the South Branch Library, 1901 Russell Street, near Ashby BART. Free. 981-6260. 

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. www.aeofberkeley.org 

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. www.auroratheatre.org 

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. www.brownpapertickets.com 

Impact Theatre “Jukebox Stories: The Case of the Creamy Foam” Thurs.-Sat. at 8 p.m. at La Val’s Subterranean, 1834 Euclid Ave., through March 22. Tickets are $10-$15. 464-4468. http://impacttheatre.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 

FILM 

Jean-Pierre Léaud “Weekend” at 7 pm. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $5.50-$9.50. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Stephen Gamboa, harpsichord, at noon at Hertz Hall, UC Campus. Free. 642-4864. http://music.berkeley.edu 

India Cooke-Bill Crossman Duo at 8 p.m. Berkeley Arts Festival, 2213 Shattuck Ave. Cost is $5-$10. www.berkeleyartsfestival.com 

Project Opera “Pagliacci” at 8 p.m. at the Hillside CLub, 2286 Cedar St. Tickets are $15-$20.  

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

History and Harmony Black History Concert Series with Kevin Monroe, Jono, Angelou Luster, Stabe Wilson and Roland Gresham at 7:30 p.m. at Allen Temple Baptist Church, 8501 Internationl Blvd., Oakland. Tickets are $5-$10. 544-8924. 

La Familia Son at 9 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $12. 849-2568.  

Muse Academy Students, from Tokyo, at 8 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Free. 845-5373. www.jazzschool.com 

Carla Zilbersmith & her Trio at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $14. 841-JAZZ.  

Frankie Manning with Lavay Smith & Her Red Hot Skillet Lickers Lecture and films at 7:30 p.m., show at 9:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $15. 525-5054. 

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

Henry Clement & the Gumbo Band at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $17.50-$18.50. 548-1761.  

Anthony Blea Trio, Latin percussion, at 9 p.m. at Downtown. 649-3810.  

Sarah Williams, Ashling Cole, R&B, at 9 p.m. at Maxwell’s Lounge, 341 13th St., Oakland. Cost is $10-$15. 839-6169 

The Landing, Abel Mouton at 7:30 p.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344.  

The Mother Hips, Lee Bob Watson at 9 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $15. 841-2082.  

Parasites Go, Skull Stomp, Rukkus at 7:30 p.m. at 924 Gilman St., an all-ages, member-run, no alcohol, no drugs, no violence club. Cost is $6. 525-9926. 

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

SATURDAY, FEB. 16 

CHILDREN  

Los Amiguitos de La Peña with Bonnie Lockhart and Fran Avni at 10:30 a.m. at La Peña. Cost is $5 for adults, $4 for children. 849-2568.  

Antoinette Portis introduces her new picture book “Not a Stick” and will demonstrate her illustrations at 4 p.m. at Cody’s Books on Fourth St. 559-9500. 

“Buki the Clown” magic show Sat. and Sun. at 1:30 and 2:30 p.m. at Children’s Fairyland, 699 Bellvue Ave., Oakland.  

EXHIBITIONS 

Huey P. Newton Photography Exhibit Celebrating the achievements and influence of the founder of the co-founder of the Black Panther Party. Reception at 1 p.m. at the West Oakland Branch of the Oakland Public Libray, 1801 Adeline St. 238-7352.  

“Lines, Patterns and Textures” Group show in a variety of media. Artist reception at 6 p.m. at Expressions Gallery, 2035 Ashby Ave. 849-3111.  

“Pods” Paintings by Kim Thoman opens at 1 p.m. at Oakopolis, 447 25th St., Oakland, and runs through March 22. 663-6920. 

FILM 

The Medieval Remake “Faust” at 6:30 p.m. and “the Flowers of St. Francis” at 8:40 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $5.50-$9.50. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Sarah O”Neal Rush, great grand-daughter and biographer of Booker T. Washington, will read at 2 p.m. at the African American Museum and Library, 659 14th St., Oakland. 637-0200. 

The Danzón Cuban Music lecture and demonstration with the John Santos Quintet at 8 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $10. 845-5373.  

“Gumby” Comic Book Creators in a presentation of the green, pliable, good-natured cartoon character and toy figure that’s been around since the 1950s, from 1 to 6 p.m. at Dr Comics and Mr Games, 4014 Piedmont Ave., Oakland. 601-7800. 

Susan Bono, editor in chief of “Tiny Lights: A Journal of Personal Narrative” at 10 a.m. at Barnes and Noble, Jack London Square. 272-0120. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Theresa Wong, improvisations on cello, bicycle, piano and voice at 8 p.m. at Berkeley Arts Festival, 2213 Shattuck Ave. Cost is $5-$10. www.berkeleyartsfestival.com 

Project Opera “Pagliacci” at 8 p.m. at the Hillside CLub, 2286 Cedar St. Tickets are $15-$20.  

Hesperion XXI & La Capella Reial de Catalunya at 8 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Berkeley. Durant at Dana. Tickets are $52. 642-9988.  

Donna Lerew, solo violin, at 8 p.m. at Trinity Chapel, 2320 Dana St. Tickets are $8-$12. 549-3864. www.trinitychamberconcerts.com 

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

Ellen Robinson & her Trio at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $14. 841-JAZZ.  

De Rompe y Raja, Afro-Peruvian, at 9:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $12-$15. 525-5054.  

The Courtney Janes, KC Turner at 7:30 p.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344. www.nomadcafe.net 

Eliza Gilkyson at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $20.50-$21.50. 548-1761.  

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

Charles Wheal and the Excellorators, blues, at 9 p.m. at Downtown. 649-3810.  

The Wayward Sway at 10 p.m. at Beckett’s Irish Pub, 2271 Shattuck Ave. 647-1790.  

The Mother Hips, Okie Rosette at 9 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $15. 841-2082.  

Lazima Modern Jazz Group with pianist Alex Specht, at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 843-8277. 

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

SUNDAY, FEB. 17 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Cultural Connections: The Art of Living Black” Conversations with the artists at 6:30 p.m., music at 5 p.m. at the Atrium, State of CA Office Bldg., 1515 Clay St., Oakland. 622-8190.  

“Photography of Aaron Cole” Reception at 5 p.m. at Schmidt’s Pub, 1492 Solano Ave.  

FILM 

African Film Festival “The Forgotten Man” at 5:30 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $5.50-$9.50. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Lonny Shavelson on “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. 

Parker Palmer on “The Courage to Teach” and “Leading From Within” at 7:30 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Berkeley, 2345 Channing Way. Cost is $5-$10. 559-9500. 

“Memory Deficiency in Recent Israeli Art” with Sarah Breitberg-Semel at 2 p.m. at Judah L. Magnes Museum, 2911 Russell St. Reservations recommended. 549-6950. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Nina Ananiashvili and The State Ballet of Georgia at 3 p.m. at Zellerbach Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $34-$90. 642-9988.  

Live Oak Concert Different Strokes, inoovative jazz duo, at 7:30 p.m. at Berkeley Art Center, 1275 Walnut St. Tickets are $10-$12. 644-6893.  

Jacqui Naylor at 2 p.m. at Chapel of the Chimes, 4499 Piedmont Ave. Oakland. Tickets at the door $10-$15, includes reception. Children under 12 free. 228-3218. 

Tokyo String Quartet at 3 p.m. at Hertz Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $46. 642-9988.  

Pappa Gianni and the North Beach Band at 2 p.m. at Caffe Trieste, 2500 San Pablo Ave., at Dwight. 548-5198.  

Annual Gospel Concert with Bobby Hall & Friends at 5 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 201 Martina Ave., Point Richmond. 236-0527.  

Hope Briggs and Friends “A Musical Valentine” at 3 p.m. at HErbst Theater, 401 Van Ness Ave., S.F. Tickets are $25-$50. 415-392-4400. 

La Gran Noche de la Canción Boricua with José Saavedra and Meli Rivera at 8 p.m. at La Peña. Cost is $8. 849-2568.  

Mads Tolling Trio at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $12. 841-JAZZ.  

Erik Yates & Friends, Americana, rock, at 8 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $12-$15. 525-5054. 

John Santos Quintet at 4:30 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $10. 845-5373.  

Glen Phillips at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $21.50-$22.50. 548-1761.  

MONDAY, FEB. 18 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Aurora Theatre “Sick” reading followed by discussion at 7:30 p.m. at 2081 Addison St. Free. 843-4822.  

Toby Barlow introduces his new novel “Sharp Teeth” at 7 p.m. at Cody’s Books. 559-9500. 

Andrew Demcak and Kaya Oakes at 7:30 p.m. at Moe’s Books, 2476 Telegraph Ave. 849-2087. 

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

MUSIC AND DANCE 

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

Don Coffin and Paul Ellis at 7 p.m. at Le Bateau Ivre, 2629 Telegraph Ave. 849-1100. www.lebateauivre.net 

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

Martyn Joseph at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage Coffee House. Cost is $18.50-$19.50. 548-1761 www.freightandsalvage.org 

Pagliacci, Leoncavallo’s “gritty realism” classic of verismo opera, the tale of the fatal crossover between stage and real life in a troupe of carnival performers, will be performed by Project Opera, founded by musical director-conductor Robert Ashens, 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday nights at the Hillside Club, on Cedar near Spruce, a venue associated with the beginnings and early years of Berkeley Opera—and one which has recently seen a diverse renaissance of concert programming. 

Featuring Todd Donovan as Tonio, Mark Narins as Canio, Eliza O’Malley as Nedda, Ross Halper as Beppe and Anders Froehlich as Silvio, with orchestra and chorus of local musicians and singers, Pagliacci’s fame has been so great that, according to Ashens, “it’s often been featured in pop culture, such as the movie The Untouchables, and lampooned on “Seinfeld” and “The Simpsons.” 

“My concentration with this particular project has been to return to a former approach in opera preparation,” said Ashens, who is also an opera coach, “continuous and intensive coachings prior to actual rehearsal. Rather than dictating to the singers what interpretation I want, the coaching sessions are highly collaborative, making it quite organic ... When that’s accomplished, stage director Ross Halper will give the movements shape and reasoning ...” 

The performance will begin with a brief talk and demonstration by Ashens, leading into the opera. 

The Hillside Club serves as concert venue for more than opera. At a recent show featuring “Hemispheres” (Paul McCandless of “Oregon” and the original “Paul Winter Consort” and Sheldon Brown on woodwinds, Frank Martin on piano, Bill Douglass on bass and woodwinds and Ian Dogole on percussion), a lively audience of about 80 was rapt by the often piquant tonality of the batteries of reed instruments in the frontline, offset by weaving rhythms—and, in the second set, the Kurdish and Persian verses (one by Rumi) sung by guest vocalist Hossein Massoudi. A profound blend of jazz, world and new musics, the audience’s delight was mirrored by the enthusiasm of the band in their first appearance at the club. 

Bruce Koball, who ran the electronics and served as M.C., later pointed out, “What you saw the other night has only been happening recently. The Hillside Club has been coming back after a near-death experience. Four or five years ago, the place was dark maybe 250 nights a year. Membership was under 70. But thanks to the foresight of a few members, after Jeff Ubois moved into the neighborhood and stopped in to see what was here—and within a year was president—the long history of the club as a center for arts and culture was reactivated. The old and new guards came together.” 

Ubois brought in Koball and drummer Brian Bowman, whose series of house concerts had just come to an untimely end. Since that time, the club has produced “75 or 76 shows,” according to Koball, “in an all-volunteer effort, with no guarantees for the performers, but the club only taking a little slice of the gate to pay the bills. Musicians love it—we have more requests now than we could possibly handle—the warmth and the beautiful acoustics of the club. But it’s also about getting an audience here, and we’ve been successful in all but a very few instances.” 

Koball cited Paulina Borssok, who serves as house manager, and Bill Woodcock as the two other members who are the “partners in crime ... in this labor of love.” He also gives credit to former club president John Govers “who saw the value” of a new concert series. 

The club was founded by three Berkeley women, hill-dwellers, appalled by the development already swamping what they loved about Berkeley in the later days of the 19th century. Architect Bernard Maybeck was president in 1910 and designed an earlier clubhouse, which burned in the disastrous Berkeley fire of 1923. “Talking in terms of continuity,” said Koball, “we have a member, now aged 102 or 103, who helped put out that fire. I’m proud of what the club’s become—and hope we can keep it alive another hundred years.”

Items on Display at Berkeley Main Library 

The Berkeley Historical Society recently opened a sealed chest found in the Veterans Memorial Building, which was placed there in 1939 for safekeeping by the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) Post 88.  

Post 88 was established in Berkeley on Nov. 14, 1885. After the war between the states ended, the veterans returned to their homes or established new homes throughout the U.S. Civil War veterans groups that were established all over the country, including 102 of them in California alone.  

The chapters or “posts” held regular meetings, collected dues, and went to “encampments,” a sort of campout-convention-get-together, where they exchanged stories and ideas. Quite a few were held in the Bay Area. Each post selected a name for their group in addition to the number and region in which it was located. Many of them chose the name of a famous battlefield or important location in the war. Berkeley chose Lookout Mountain in honor of the battle that took place there in Tennessee.  

The Lookout Mountain Post first met in the Odd Fellows Hall in Berkeley and later in the Veterans Memorial Building when it was completed in 1928. Post 88 had 221 members, who served in many Northern troop branches, including the U.S. Navy, Calvary, Infantry, Sharpshooters and Artillery. The post existed for 54 years. Many of the veterans were buried in Sunset Cemetery in El Cerrito or Mountain View Cemetery in Oakland.  

The last two members were Thomas H. Gilbert and Erie A. May, who both died at age 92. When the last member in a post died, the records of the group were packaged and entrusted to a civic group or location. The Berkeley records were packed in a handmade chest and placed in the Veterans Memorial Building for safekeeping.  

A note inside says, “This chest was prepared and disposal of contents placed by Erie A. May, the last Commander of the post, May, 1939.” The contents included: a framed charter dated 1885, assorted banners and flags, a photo of Lookout Mountain, a photograph of the group signed by Julia Dent Grant, Tent No. 32 (Daughter of General Grant), several veterans’ discharge papers, membership records, dues account books, rules and bylaws, copies of official rituals, day books, and printed reports of many encampments.  

The final encampment of the GAR in the United States was held in Indianapolis, Ind., in 1949. It was decided that the installed officers remaining would stay in office for the life of each organization. The last GAR member was Albert Woolson, who died in 1956 at the age of 109. The spirit of the GAR is carried on in many California chapters of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War.  

Berkeleyans are urged to visit the Berkeley Public Library Main Branch showcases to see the records of these veterans who served in the battle between the states. The display will run through March 3. 

John Aronovici is co-president of the Berkeley Historical Society.