TUESDAY, APRIL 22 

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 Inspiration Point in Tilden Regional Park. Call for meeting place and if you need to borrow binoculars. 525-2233. 

“The Costs of War: The U.S. in Iraq” with Prof. Samera Esmeir, Porf. Ramon Grosfoguel, at 6 p.m. at 145 Dwinelle, UC Campus. costofwar@gmail.com 

“Texts We Wish Were Not In the Bible” with Aaron Brody, associate professor of Bible and archaeology and director of Badé Museum, at 11:10 a.m. at Pacific School of Religion Chapel, 1798 Scenic Ave. 

Berkeley High School Governance Council meets at 4:15 p.m. in the Comunity Theater Lobby, Berkeley High. 644-4803. 

Berkeley PC Users Group meets at 7 p.m. at 1145 Walnut St. MelDancing@aol.com 

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 

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

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 

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

St. John’s Prime Timers meets at 9:30 a.m. at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 2727 College Ave. 845-6830. 

Sing-A-Long Group from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Albany Senior Center, 846 Masonic Ave., Albany. 524-9122. 

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

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23 

Tilden Tots Join a nature adventure program for 3 and 4 year olds, each accompanied by an adult (grandparents welcome)! We’ll look for signs of spring, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. Cost is $6-$8. Registration required. 1-888-EBPARKS. 

“Waking from the California Dream: How Our History Affects Your Future” with Gray Brechin and Jan Spencer at 6:30 p.m. at Cocina Poblana, Jack London Square, Oakland. to register see www.EWcoNowUSA.org 

Berkeley Gray Panthers with Jim Soper of the Voting Rights Task Force on electronic voting and Julia Cato on Prop. 98 at 1:30 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center, 1901 Hearst, corner MLK. 

“The Art of Being Present” A lecture and demonstration with Denise Berezonsky at 7 p.m. at Three Stone Hearth, 1 Bolivar Drive at Addison. Threestoneheath.com 

“With God on Our Side” A documentary tracing the roots of the Christian Right movement at 7:30 p.m. at Humanist Hall, 390 27th St., Oakland. Donation $5. www.Humanist Hall.org 

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. 

Theraputic Recreation at the Berkeley Warm Pool, Wed. at 3:30 p.m. and Sat. at 10 a.m. at the Berkeley Warm Pool, 2245 Milvia St. Cost is $4-$5. Bring a towel. 632-9369. 

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 

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

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, APRIL 24 

Tilden Tots Join a nature adventure program for 3 and 4 year olds, each accompanied by an adult (grandparents welcome)! We’ll look for signs of spring, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. Cost is $6-$8. Registration required. 1-888-EBPARKS. 

Tilden Explorers An after-school nature adventure program for 5-7 year olds. We will learn about plants from 3:15 to 4:15 p.m.. Cost is $6-$8, registration required. 1-888-EBPARKS. 

Are Peace and Impeachment Possible? Strategies to end the war, stop war on Iran, save our constitution and economy with David Swanson of afterdowningstreet.org; Daniel Ellsberg; Cindy Sheehan; Medea Benjamin, and others at 7 p.m. at Grand Lake Theater, 3200 Grand Ave., Oakland. Tickets are $8-$10 at independent bookstores.  

“Grandmothers Against the War” book party at 6 p.m. at North Branch, Berkeley Public Library. 981-6250. 

“Darfur Now” documentary screening at 6 p.m. at VLSB 2050, UC Campus. For more information see www.Darfurnowtour.com 

“American Earth: Environmental Writing Since Thoreau” with Paul Hawken at 7:30 p.m. at 2121 Bonar St., Studio A. RSVP required. 540-4800. 

Creative Movement and Sign Language for ages 5-10 at 3:30 p.. at Elephant, 1607 Shattuck Ave. 549-9200.  

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

World of Plants Tours Thurs., Sat. and Sun. at 1:30 p.m. at the UC Botanical Garden, 200 Centennial Drive. Cost is $5. 643-2755. http://botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu 

FRIDAY, APRIL 25 

“Saying No to Torture” with Fr. Louie Vitale, at 7:30 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Berkeley, 2345 Channing Way. Free, donations appreciated. Sponsored by Pace e Bene and Bay Area Religious Campaign Against Torture. 499-0537. 

“On Our Watch: The Urban Small Schools Symposium” Fri. and Sat. at EXCEL High School, 2607 Myrtle St., Oakland. For information see www.bayces.org 

Legacies of War and Center for Lao Studies Benefit performance of Refugee Nation and reception at 8 p.m. at La Pena Cultural Center, 3105 Shattuck Ave. 849-2568. www.lapena.org  

City Commons Club Noon Luncheon with Margaret Conkey, Prof. of Anthropology, on “The Human Engagement with Art: Going Back to the Caves.” 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 524-7468.  

“The Big Squeeze: Tough Times for the American Worker” with author Steven Greenhouse at noon at UC Berkeley Labor Center, 2521 Channing Way. 642-6371. 

“The Narrow Path” A film on the lifestyle of non-violence of Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Jr., Dorothy Day, Thomas Merton and Oscar Romero at 7:30 p.m. at Berkeley Friends Church Sacramento & Cedar. www.berkeleyfriendschurch.org  

“The Real Dirt on Farmer John” A film on Growing food in our neighborhoods at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists Hall, 1924 Cedar St at Bonita, a block east of MLK Jr Wy. Discussion follows. 540-1975 www.bfuu.org 

“Waiting to Inhale” A documentary on marijuana, medicine and the law at 6:30 p.m. at Wheeler Hall, UC Campus.  

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. 

SATURDAY, APRIL 26 

Berkeley Historical Society Walking Tour “The Elmwood: or “I Ain’t Gona Work on Kelsey’s Farm No More” from 10 a.m. to noon. Cost is $8-$10. For reservations call 848-0181. 

Berkeley Friends Church Annual Quaker Heritage Day “Quaker Testimonies in our Time Living the Quaker Question Now” from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Donation $15-$20. Reservations required. 524-4112. www.berkeleyfriendschurch.org 

Cerrito Creek Restoration Help Friends of Five Creeks on their resotation project, from 9 a.m. to noon at Creekside Park, south end of Santa Clara Ave., El Cerrito. Wear clothes that can get dirty, and shoes with good traction. BBQ for volunteers follows. 848-9358. www.fivecreeks.org 

Secret Garden Tour Benefit for the Park Day School, Oakland, on Sat. and Sun. For information call 653-6250. 

Vegetarian Cooking Class on Hearty Homestyle Italian from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at First Unitarian Church of Oakland, 685 14th St. at Castro. Cost is $49 plus $5 materials fee. Wheelchair accessible. Regsisration required. 531-COOK. www.compassionatecooks.com  

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

Native Plant Garden Tour “Meet the Designers” A self-guided tour of gardens in Oakland and Berkeley, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Cost is $30. To register see www.bringinbackthenatives.net 

International Family Fair with a variety of live entertainment, games and activities for children, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at New School of Berkeley, Bonita St. at Cedar. 548-9165. newschoolofberkeley.org 

Asian Food and Cultural Fair “Not an Asian Ghetto: More than Just Take Out” from noon to 3 p.m. on Telegraph Ave., between Channing and Durant. Sponsored by UC Berkeley Asian Pacific American Coalition and the Telegraph BID.  

UC Botanical Garden Spring Plant Sale from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 200 Centennial Dr. 643-2755. http://botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu 

Introduction to Homeopathy and Open House from 1 to 3 p.m. at Ohlone Herbal Center, 1654 University Ave. RSVP to health@homeopathy-academy.org  

Casino Royale Nite Benefit for Mercy Retirement & Care Center, with live music performed by Jazz 4U, food, raffle prizes, and games of chance, from 7 to 11 p.m. at St. Paschal’s Parish, 3700 Dorisa Ave., Oakland. Cost is $60. 534-8540, ext. 322 

Sparking Art with Soul: A Workshop for Arts Educators from noon to 4 p.m. at John F. Kennedy University Berkeley Campus, Berkeley Business Center, 2956 San Pablo Ave. Free, but registration required. www.jfku.edu 

Liturgical Praise Celebration in Dance at 3 p.m. at St. Paul AME Church, 2024 Ashby Ave. 848-2050.  

Ancestral DNA Testing Workshop from noon to 3 p.m. at the College of Alameda. Follow-up workshop to discuss results on May 17. Cost is $150. To register call 748-2352.  

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.  

SUNDAY, APRIL 27 

Berkeley City College Open House Noon to 5 p.m. at 2050 Center St., with games, tours, films, interactive workshops and more. 981-2852. www.berkeleycitycollege.edu  

People’s Park 39th Anniversary Celebration from noon to 6 p.m. with music and poetry, clowns and activities for children. 658-9178. 

“Berkeley and Military Recruiting: What is all the Fuss?” A town hall meeting at 4 p.m. at Redwood Gardens, 2951 Derby St. info@codepink.org 

“Environmental Heroes: Past, Present, and Future” An afternoon fundraising cruise on the San Francisco Bay, from 2-6 p.m., departing from the Berkeley Marina. Benefit for Shorebird Nature Center. Tickets are $65 per person; $75 for one adult and one child; $100 for two adults. Sponsored by Berkeley Partners for Parks at www.bpfp.org 

Meadow Meander Hike Join a five-mile hike to see the flowers, from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Inspiration Point, Tilden Park. Bring layers and lunch. 525-2233. 

Bay-Friendly Garden Tour from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. throughout Alameda County. Tour is free, but registration is required. www.BayFriendly.org 

Native Plant Garden Tour Meet designer Gary Schneider on a self-guided tour of gardens in Berkeley, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cost is $30. To register see www.bringinbackthenatives.net 

The Friends of Sausal Creek Plant Sale from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Joaquin Miller Native Plant Nursery, with a demonstration garden of local native plants and a propagation talk at noon. 928-6675. www.sausalcreek.org 

Berkeley Citizens Action Endorsement Meeting for candidates running for the 14th Assembly District and 9th Senate District. Also hear presentations on Props. 98 and 99. From 4 to 6 p.m. at North Berkeley Senior Center, MLK and Hearst. 

El Cerrito Historical Society meets at 1 p.m. at the El Cerrito Senior Center, behind the El Cerrito Library, 6510 Stockton Ave. 526-7507. www.elcerritowire.com/history 

“Boogie in the Books” meringue dance lessons with Gale Robinson followed by dancing, at 4 p.m. at Berkeley Public Library, 2090 Kittredge St. 981-6241. 

Oakland Community for Imigrant Rights Meeting for businesses and community members to defend against criminalization at 3 p.m. at Cesar Chavez Educational Center, 2825 International Blvd., Oakland. 535-1909. 

“Organic Gardening 101” Learn basics to get started growing your own food, herbs and flowers, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. in Oakland. Cost is $20-$25 sliding scale. www.sparkybeegirl.com/iuh.html 

“Creating Your Ecological House” Learn about natural building materials, solar design and alternative construction methods, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Building Education Center, 812 Page St. Cost is $85. RSVP to 525-7610. 

Berkeley City Club Tour of the “Little Castle” designed by Julia Morgan at 1:15, 2:15 and 3:15 p.m. at 2315 Durant Ave. 883-9710. 

Free Hands-on Bicycle Class on safety inpsections at 10 a.m. at REI, 1338 San Pablo Ave. 527-4140. 

Paddle Demonstration Day at the San Pablo Reservoir, from 10 a.m. to noon for REI members, noon to 3 p.m. for all. Free. Children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent/legal guardian. For information see www.rei.com/paddle 

4th Annual Circus for Arts in the Schools at 1 and 4 p.m. at Kofman Auditorium, 2200 Central Ave, Alameda. Tickets are $10-$15. 800-838-3006. www.circusforarts.org 

“The Internet and the Truth” with salon.com writer Farhad Manjoo, Wikipedia Foundation general counsel Mike Godwin, and blogger Zo Spencer at 4 p.m. at the Hillside Club, 2286 Cedar St. Cost is $15. Sponsored by Berkeley Cybersalon. www.sylviapaull.com 

“Women Philosophers: Nancy Cartwright” A lecture by H.D. Moe at 11 a.m. at Humanist Hall, 390 27th St., Oakland.  

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 Meet at 3 p.m. at the colonnade at the NE end of the lake. 763-8712.  

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

Tibetan Buddhism with Jack Petranker on “Experiments in Awareness: Going Deeper than Our Stories” at 6 p.m. at the Tibetan Nyingma Institute, 1815 Highland Pl. 809-1000. 

MONDAY, APRIL 28 

“Environmental Impact: The New Deal and Berkeley’s Environment” with Gray Brechin at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Public Library, central meeting room, 2090 Kittredge.  

Kensington Library Book Club meets to discuss “Blindness” by Jose Saramago at 7 p.m. at the Kensington Library, 61 Arlington Ave. 524-3043. 

World Affairs/Politics Discussion Group, for people 60 years and over, meets at 9:45 a.m. at Albany Senior Center, 846 Masonic Ave, Albany. Cost is $3. 

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

CITY MEETINGS 

City Council meets Tues., April 22, at 7 p.m in City Council Chambers. 981-6900.  

Civic Arts Commission meets Wed., April 23, at 6:30 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-7533.  

Energy Commission meets Wed., April 23, at 6:30 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-5434.  

Planning Commission meets Wed., April 23, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-7484. 

Police Review Commission meets Wed., April 23, at the South Berkeley Senior Center. 981-4950.  

Mental Health Commission meets Thurs., April 24, at 6:30 p.m. at 2640 MLK Jr. Way, at Derby. 981-5213. 

Zoning Adjustments Board meets Thurs., April 24, at 7 p.m., in City Council Chambers. 981-7410.

TUESDAY, APRIL 22 

CHILDREN 

First Stage Children’s Theatre “Inside/Outside Blues” at 7:30 p.m. at Julia Morgan Center for the Arts, 2640 College Ave. Tickets are $7, children under 12, $5.  

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Christina Gillis discusses her new “Writing on Stone: Scenes from a Maine Island Life” at 5:30 p.m. at University Press Books, 2430 Bancroft Way. 548-0585. www.universitypressbooks.com 

Garrett Caples on the poems of John Hoffman and Philip Lamantia at 7:30 p.m. at Moe’s Books, 2476 Telegraph Ave. 849-2087. 

Jen Sorensen discusses “ Slowpoke: One Nation, Oh My God!” book-length collection from the cartoonist at 7 p.m. at Cody's Books, 2201 Shattuck Ave. 559-9500. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Tri Tip Trio at 8:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cajun dance lesson at 8 p.m. Cost is $10. 525-5054.  

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

Matt Morrish with Beep at 7 p.m. at Caffe Trieste, 2500 San Pablo Ave. 548-5198.  

The Return of the Mo’Rockin Project at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $10-$14. 238-9200.  

Jazzschool Tuesdays, a weekly showcase of up-and-coming ensembles from Berkeley Jazzschool at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 843-8277. 

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Diversity in Play” Paintings by Rita Sklar. Reception at 3 p.m. at Dimond Cafe, 3430 Fruitvale Ave., Oakland. www.ritasklar.com 

FILM 

“Daughters of the Dust” at 3 p.m. at “Society of the Spectacle” at 7:30 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $5.50-$9.50. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Bernard Maybeck: An Arts and Crafts Architect in California Lecture by Sissel Hamre Dagsland at 8 p.m. at The Hillside Club, 2286 Cedar St. $15 at the door. 

Melanie Abrams reads from her debut novel, Playin” at 7 p.m. at Cody's Books, 2201 Shattuck Ave. 559-9500. 

College of Alameda Creative Writing Faculty, staff and studetns share their writings at noon at College of Alameda Library, first floor, L Building, 555 Ralph Appezzato Memorial Parkway, Alameda. 748-2213. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Wednesday Noon Concert, with Keynotes, exploring the interface between early and modern keyboard music at Hertz Hall, UC Campus. Free. 642-4864. http://music.berkeley.edu 

Ian Carey Group at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $8. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

Ed Neff and Friends, bluegrass, at 7 p.m. at Le Bateau Ivre, 2629 Telegraph Ave. www.lebateauivre.net 

Rebecca Riots, Melanie DeMore, Betsy Rose and Kelly Takunda-Orphan in a benefit concert for Code Pink at 7:30 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $10-$20. 849-2568. 

The Adrian Xavier Band at 9:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Green films for Earth Day at 7:30 p.m. Cost is $5-$8, free before 9 p.m. 525-5054.  

La Verdad at 9:30 p.m. at Shattuck Down Low, 2284 Shattuck Ave. Salsa dance lessons at 8:30 p.m. Cost is $5-$10. 548-1159.  

Regina Pontillo, songs from the 20s, 30s, and 40s, at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 843-8277. 

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

Afro-Cuban Latin Jazz Project at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $12-$20. 238-9200.  

THURSDAY, APRIL 24 

EXHIBITIONS 

Enrique Chagoya: Borderlandia Guided tour at 12:15 p.m. at Berkeley Art Museum. Cost is $5.50-$9.50. 642-0808.  

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Grandmothers Against the War Book Discussion at 6 p.m. at Berkeley Public Library North Branch, 1170 The Alameda. 981-6250. 

June Jordan’s Poetry for the People featuring Francisco X. Alarcón at 7:30 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $7-$15. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Ariana Reines and Angie Yuan read as part of The Holloway Series in Poetry at 6:30 p.m. in 315 Wheeler Hall, The Maude Fife Room UC Berkeley Campus. 642-3467. http://holloway.english.berkeley.edu  

James Howard Kunstler describes “World Made By Hand” at 7 p.m. at Cody's Books, 2201 Shattuck Ave. 559-9500. 

Pamela Ronald and Raoul Adamchak describe “Tomorrow’s Table: Organic Farming, Genetics, and the Future of Food” at 7:30 p.m. at Mrs. Dalloways, 2904 College Ave. 704-8222. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

The Four Bitchin’ Babes: Saly Fingerett, Debi Smith, Nancy Moran & Dierdre Flint at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $22.50-$23.50. 548-1761.  

Grace Woods Trio at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $10. 841-JAZZ.  

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

Speak the Music, beatboxing performances, at 8 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $8. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Akousa Mireku, Ghanaian-American folk-singer, at 9:30 p.m. at Beckett’s Irish Pub, 2271 Shattuck Ave. 647-1790.  

Mingus Big Band at 8 and 10 p.m., through Sun. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $12-$24. 238-9200.  

FRIDAY, APRIL 25 

THEATER 

Actors Ensemble of Berkeley “Uncle Vanya” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m. at Live Oak Theater, 1301 Shattuck Ave., through May 17. Tickets are $10-$12.. 649-5999. www.aeofberkeley.org  

Aurora Theatre “The Trojan Women” Wed.-Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2 and 7 p.m. at 2081 Addison St., through May 11. Tickets are $40-$42. 843-4822.  

Berkeley High School “Grease” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2 p.m., through May 3 at Florence Schwimley Little Theater, BHS Campus. Dance contest at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $5-$15. hypedrama@aol.com 

California Conservatory Theatre “The Turn of the Screw” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m., Sat. and Sun. at 2 p.m. at 999 East 14th St., San Leandro City Hall Complex, near BART, through April 27. Tickets are $20-$22. 632-8850. 

Contra Costa Cvic Theater “Foxfire” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2 p.m. at 951 Pomona Ave. at Moeser, El Cerrito, through May 11. Tickets are $11-$18. 524-9132. www.ccct.org 

Masquers Playhouse “Tartuffe” Fri.-Sat. at 8 p.m., at 105 Park Place, Pt. Richmond, through April 26. Tickets are $18. 232-4031. www.masquers.org 

“Refugee Nation” Stories of Laotian refugees and their descendants, Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $10-$12. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Shotgun Players “Mrs. Warren’s Profession” by George Bernard Shaw. Thurs.-Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 5 p.m., through April 27, at The Ashby Stage, 1901 Ashby Ave. Tickets are $17-$25. 841-6500. www.shotgunplayers.org 

Theatre de la Jeune Lune “Figaro” through June 8 at Berkeley Rep’s Roda Theatre, 2015 Addison St. Tickets are $13.50-$69. 647-2949. 

TheatreFirst “Future Me” Thurs.-Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 3 p.m. at Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant Ave., through May 3. Tickets are $23-$28. 436-5085. www.theatrefirst.com 

EXHIBITIONS 

El Cerrito Art Association Annual Art Show, featuring “How I See Emotion” and “Art from Scrap.” Reception at 7 p.m. at El Cerrito Community Center at 7007 Moeser Lane, El Cerrito. Exhibition open Sat. from 1o a.m to 5 p.m. and Sun. from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  

Works by Lori-Marie Jenkins, assemblage, collage and sculpture. Opening reception st 7 p.m. at Eclectix Gallery, 7523 Farimount Ave, El Cerrito. www.eclectixgallery.com 

FILM 

“Mad Hot Ballroom” at 3:30 p.m. at Berkeley Public Library, 2090 Kittredge St. Folowed by “Boogie in the Books” dance lessons in the library on Sun. April 27 from 4 to 6 p.m. 981-6241. 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Lynne Knight, Nina Lindsay, Murray Silverstein and Helen Wickes read their poems for National Poetry month at 7:30 p.m. at Pegasus Books Downtown, 2349 Shattuck Ave. 649-1320. 

Garrett Murphy and Steve Martinot read their poetry, followed by open mic at 7 p.m. at Expressions Gallery, 2035 Ashby Ave. www.expressionsgallery.org 

Steven Greenhouse describes “The Big Squeeze: Tough Times for the American Worker” at noon at UC Berkeley Labor Center, 2521 Channing Way. 642-6371. 

Kevin Phillips describes “Bad Money: Wreckless Finance, Failed Politics, and the Global Crisis of American Capitalism” at 7:30 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Berkeley, 2345 Channing Way at Dana. Free. 559-9500.  

Bill Soto-Castellanos reads from “16th & Bryant: My Life and Education with the San Francisco Seals” at 7:30 p.m. at Mrs. Dalloways, 2904 College Ave. 704-8222. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Bay Area Classical Harmonies with Donne Di Mezze at 7:30 p.m. at The Pro Arts Gallery, 550 Second St., Oakland. Tickets are $12-$18. 868-0695.  

Berkeley Dance Project 2008 Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2 p.m. at Zellerbach Playhouse, UC Campus. Tickets are $8-$14. 642-8827. theater.berkeley.edu 

Ramblin Jack Elliott and Country Joe McDonald An evening of song, stories and more at 7:30 p.m. at Cafe de la Paz, 1600 Shattuck Ave. Tickets are $40. 843-0662. 

David Berkman New Trio at 8 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $15-$18. 845-5373.  

Daria & Her Trio with Frank Martin at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $14. 841-JAZZ.  

The Uptones and a Shakin’ Dance Contest at 9:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $15. 525-5054. 

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

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

DJ Fflood, rare vinyl remixes and mashups, at 9 p.m. at Downtown. 649-3810.  

Pulling Teeth, Conquest for Death Circles at 8 p.m. at 924 Gilman St. Cost is $8. 525-9926. 

The P-PL at 9:30 p.m. at Beckett’s Irish Pub, 2271 Shattuck Ave. 647-1790.  

Raya Nova, alt rock and latin, at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 843-8277. 

SATURDAY, APRIL 26 

CHILDREN  

Los Amiguitos de La Peña with Colibri, songs from Latin America at 10:30 a.m. at La Peña. Cost is $5 for adults, $4 for children. 849-2568.  

Active Arts Theatre, “The Emperor’s New Clothes” Sat. and Sun. at 2 p.m. at Julia Morgan Center for the Arts, 2640 College Ave. Tickets are $14-$18. www.activeartstheatre.org 

EXHIBITIONS 

“In the Midst of Things: Street Photography 1988 - 2008” Black and white photographs by Ilona Sturm. Opening reception at 5 p.m. at Photolab Gallery, 2235 Fifth St. Exhibit runs through May 17. Gallery hours Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Sat. 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. 644-1400. 

THEATER 

San Leandro Players “Redwood Curtain” Sat. at 8 p.m. and Sun. at 2 p.m. at San Leandro Museum Auditorium, Casa Peralta, 320 W. Estudillo Ave., through May 4. Tickets are $10-$15. 895-2573. www.sanleandroplayers.org 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

National Poetry Month Reading Celebrating the Bicentennial of the Birth of John Greenleaf Whittier, at 2 p.m. in the Poetry Garden, Berkeley Arts Magnet/Whittier School, Milvia and Lincoln. Open Mic follows, children and their poems especially welcome. 

2nd Annual Bay Area JazzPoetry Festival at 7 p.m. at Hillside Club, 2286 Cedar St. Tickets are $20. 848-3227. www.hillsideclub.org 

Poems Here and There, featuring readings by Jeff T. Johnson, Kaya Oakes, Claire Donato, Jesse Nathan, Jared Hawkley, at 7:30 p.m. at Pegasus Books Downtown, 2349 Shattuck Ave. 649-1320. 

Jared Bernstein reads from “Crunch: Why Do I Feel So Squeezed (And Other Unsolved Economic Mysteries)” at 7 p.m. at Cody's Books, 2201 Shattuck Ave. 559-9500. 

Sparking Art with Soul: A Workshop for Arts Educators from noon to 4 p.m. at John F. Kennedy University, Berkeley Business Center, 2956 San Pablo Ave. Free, but registration required. www.jfku.edu 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Chelle and Friends “The Queens of New Orleans” at 2 p.m. at Chapel of the Chimes, 4499 Piedmont Ave., Oakland. Tickets are $10-$15, children under 12 free. 228-3218. 

Benefit Concert for AIDS/Lifecycle with GQ Wang, tenor, Gemini Soul, jazz quartet, members of Oakland Youth Orchestra and others at 7:30 p.m. at Northbrae Community Church, 941 The Alameda. Donation $15-$25. 449-4402. 

Heidi Hau, piano, performs works of Debussy, at 8 p.m. at Trinity Chapel, 2320 Dana St. Cost is $8-$12. 549-3864.  

Korean-American Annual Cultural Show at 8 p.m. at Julia Morgan Center for the Arts, 2640 College Ave. Cost is $5. 

Ramblin Jack Elliott and Country Joe McDonald An evening of song, stories and more at 7:30 p.m. at Cafe de la Paz. Tickets are $40. 843-0662. 

Kitka: Nostalgic Cafe Songs from Bosnia, Croatia and Beyond at 8 p.m. at First Unitarian Church, 685 14th St., Oakland. Tickets are $18-$25. 444-0323. 

University Chorus at 8 p.m. at Hertz Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $4-$12. 642-4864.  

Lady Bianca Blues Trio at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $14. 841-JAZZ.  

Baba Ken & the Afro-Groove Connexion at 9:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. African dance lesson at 9 p.m. Cost is $10-$15. 525-5054. 

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

“Archeology of Memory: Villa Grimaldi in Three Cantos” at 8 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $10. 845-5373.  

Zoe Ellis Group, jazz, blues, at 9 p.m. at Downtown. 649-3810.  

Big Lion, folk-rock, at 9:45 p.m. at Beckett’s, 2271 Shattuck Ave. 647-1790.  

Moment’s Notice Improvised music, dance and theater at 8 p.m. at Western Sky Studio, 2525 Eighth St. Tickets are $8-$15. 

Space Heater at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 843-8277. 

Guttermouth, United Defiance, Pour Habit at 8 p.m. at 924 Gilman St. Cost is $5. 525-9926. 

Mingus Big Band at 8 and 10 p.m., through Sun. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $12-$24. 238-9200.  

SUNDAY, APRIL 27 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Berkeley, A City of Firsts” Exhibition opening from 3 to 5 p.m. at Berkeley Historical Society, Vterans Memorial Building, 1931 Center St The exhibit runs to September 27. Regular hours are Thurs.-Sat. 1- 4 p.m. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/histsoc/ 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Caroline Murphy reads from “Murder of a Medici Princess” at 4 p.m. at Mrs. Dalloways, 2904 College Ave. 704-8222. 

MATRIX/REDUX A conversation with Peter Doig and Heidi Zuckerman Jacobson at 3 p.m. at Berkeley Art Museum. Cost is $5.50-$9.50. 642-0808.  

“Pearls from the Sea: Music & Dance of Tahiti” Lecture and video at 3 p.m. at Expressions Gallery 2035 Ashby Ave. www.expressionsgallery.org 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Berkeley Community Orchestra “The Mozart Requiem” at 4:30 p..m at St. Joseph The Worker Church, 1640 Addison St. Free, donations appreciated. 

California Bach Society Cantatas by Buxtehude and Bach at 4 p.m. atSt. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 2300 Bancroft Way, at Ellsworth. Tickets are $10-$25. 415-262-0272.  

Balkan Cabaret Sevdah Singing Workshop with Mary Sherhart from 3 to 5 p.m. at First Unitarian Church, 685 14th St., Oakland. Tickets are $20. 444-0323.  

Qui, Emerald Bay, hip-hop cypher for the whole family at 8 p.m. at Epic Arts Studios, 1923 Ashby Ave. Cos tis $5.  

University Wind Ensemble at 3 p.m. at Hertz Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $4-$12. 642-4864. http://music.berkeley.edu 

Salvadora Galan, flamenco, at 7 p.m. at La Peña. Cost is $12-$14. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Dima Birich & Calvin Keys at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $10. 841-JAZZ.  

Tribute to Vibraphonist Cal Tjader at 4:30 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $15-$18. 845-5373. www.jazzschool.com 

Patty Larkin with Peter Mulvey at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $24.50-$25.50. 548-1761.  

The Estranged, Spectres, Stiff Jeans at 5 p.m. at 924 Gilman St. Cost is $5. 525-9926. 

MONDAY, APRIL 28 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Subterranean Shakespeare Intensive staged reading of “Cymbeline” at 7:30 p.m. at The Berkeley Unitarian Fellowship, Fireside Room, 1924 Cedar at Bonita. Tickets are $5. 276-3871. 

Art, Technology and Culture Colloquium “The Medium is not the Message” with Heidi Zuckerman Jacobson, at 7:30 p.m. at 160 Kroeber Hall, UC Campus. 643-9565.  

Steven Farmer and Steve Dickison, poets, with music by John Schott, at 7:30 p.m. at Moe’s Books, 2476 Telegraph Ave. 849-2087. 

Poetry Express “Favorite Poems Night” for National Poetry Month at 7 p.m. at Priya Restaurant, 2072 San Pablo Ave. 644-3977. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Musica ha Disconnesso, Traditional Italian music, at 7 p.m. at Caffe Trieste, 2500 San Pablo Ave., at Dwight. 548-5198.  

Classical at the Freight: Johannes Brahms’ 175th Birthday Celebration at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage Coffee House. Cost is $6.50-$7.50. 548-1761 www.freightandsalvage.org 

Cowboy Junkies at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $30 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

What the eye don’t see, the heart don’t grieve.” Foxfire, now onstage at Contra Costa Civic Theatre in El Cerrito, is about the grieving of a vernacular culture for what’s gone, whether it’s seen or not. 

Aunt Annie Nations (portrayed splendidly by Pat Parker) has lived on the farm at Stony Lonesome in the Appalachian country, Rabun County, Georgia, “since I got married.” It’s all she’s looked at in her no-nonsense manner for a long while. 

Her husband, Hector (another sterling performance by T. Louis Weltz, showing a man both diffident and occasionally ebullient), who inherited the farm from his father and worked it all his life, died five years before the curtain goes up, buried in the orchard offstage. But Annie still sees him, talks to him, listens to him and argues with his jealously framed scriptural quotations, all designed by this matter-of-fact phantom to keep her there, on the land, tending to him in death as well as life. 

The neighbors have been selling out, moving on—or into trailers with TVs. Nearby Ruby Ridge is all development. Prince Carpenter (wryly played by Joe Fitzgerald) shows up, a realtor, trying to buy the farm from Annie, who instead gets him to pop out the eyes in a sow’s head for cooking and gather apples in the orchard. 

Prince mistakes Dillard (Malcolm Rodgers in a dead-on portrayal of a simple man grown complicated), Annie’s musician son visiting with a sack of oranges, for a rival developer from Florida. Dillard, touring for his career, wants Annie to move in with him, away from the mountains, and help care for her grandchildren, but resents the intrusion of the hick realtor, turning farmland into tract homes. 

“What is troubling you, Dillard?” “Nothin’. Just livin’” Rodgers’ Dillard shows the glib smile from town and honkytonk that is covered over the deadpan of the hills. Yet there is a mournful twinge to his grin, the same catch heard in his songs. 

When his mother finally consents to see a show of his, her first, the pretty schoolmarm who accompanies her, Holly Burrell (Jennifer Antonacci), later tells Dillard she doesn’t like him so much as an entertainer, a professional hillbilly, dressed up “like an ice cream soda” and talking about his old neighbors so they sound like they are “out of L’il Abner.” She preferred his amateur style, “just your voice and guitar.” “It wouldn’t pay the rent,” Dillard dryly replies. 

On Eugene DeChristopher’s set, rough-hewn wood structures above fog-shrouded valleys and distant ridges, where a picnic table serves in memory as the site both of a birth and of laying out the dead, a great deal unfolds in scenes from the past and present.  

There are some particularly fine moments: Wendy Welch as the young Annie, ecstatically stepdancing, when Matt Davis’ young Hector comes to awkwardly ask her hand, after pocketing a red cob of corn at the shucking so he could kiss the prettiest girl; Holly as a student, recording the Nations family’s stories, being put on and charmed by Hector as Dillard listens, amused, later singing “Sweet-Talkin’ Man”; fine repartees between the living and the dead over duty and steadfastness, and equally fine soliloquies delivered straight to the audience, which amount to Hector’s show-within-a-show, revealing both his hard life and not-so-stern humor at times. 

And throughout, from before the lights go down to the curtain call, there’s lots of good, well-played, well-sung country music, written by Jonathan Holtzman for the original show, directed for CCCT by Alan Spector, and performed by Rodgers, Chuck Ervin on bass, Polly Frizzell and Tony Phillips on fiddle and George Martin on banjo, with a few airs sung rough by other members of the cast. 

Foxfire’s a good entertainment that never quite becomes either a play or cabaret, not that its value as entertainment is compromised. The different modes of presentation, all enjoyable in themselves, sprawl rather than coalesce. The character of Holly seems important at first, then fades away. And the part of ghostly Hector, obviously a vehicle for coauthor (with Susan Cooper) Hume Cronyn for a star turn, ends out of proportion with how it began. 

But director Mark LaRiviere gets a lot of juice from his cast of nine (including Roger Craig and Zak Filler), making the contradictions of a homecoming yet leavetaking play that both goes against and plays off the hillbilly stereotype seem natural enough, and regretfully over too soon. CCCT has a hit with this one, in which simple folk, who seem to have the consolation Hector enunciates: “Maybe we’re lucky—we got no choices,” find out they have a few simple, difficult choices to make, after all. 

FOXFIRE 

8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays through May 11 at Contra Costa Civic Theatre 

951 Pomona Ave., El Cerrito. $11-$18.  

524-9132, www.ccct.org.