THURSDAY, SEPT. 18 

Berkeley Path Wanderers Association Annual Meeting with keynote speaker will be earthquake expert Katherine Stillwell on “The Hayward Fault: Living on the Edge.” The program will include a tribute to retiring council member Betty Olds, a longtime champion of Berkeley’s paths. at 7 p.m. at the Hillside Club, 2286 Cedar St. 

Tilden Tots Join a nature adventure program for 3 and 4 year olds, each accompanied by an adult (grandparents welcome)! We’ll look for our spider friends from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. Cost is $6-$8. Registration required. 636-1684. 

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

Urban Bicycle Safety Class Learn how to share the road with cars on busy streets of the East Bay, from 6 to 9:30 p.m. at Kaiser Oakland Meidcal Center. Sponsored by the East Bay Bicycle Coalition. Free. For information see www.ebbc.org/safety 

“Tracking Bay Area Birds with the San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory“ by Stephanie Ellis at 7 p.m. at Northbrae Community Church, 941 The Alameda, between Solano and Marin. Sponsored by Golden Gate Audubon Society. 843-2222. 

“A Community Guide to Environmental Health” with author Jeff Conant at 7 p.m. at the Ecology Center, 2530 San Pablo Ave., near Dwight Way. 548-3402. www.ecologycenter.org 

Researching and Conserving Pumas from California to Patagonia. A program on the Bay Area Puma Project and the Patagonia Puma Project at 7 p.m. at the Oakland Zoo, 9777 Golf Links Rd., Knowland Park, Oakland. Cost is $12-$20, sliding scale. 632-9525. 

“A Jihad for Love” Film and conversation on issues of faith and sexuality at JCC of the EAst BAy, 1414 Walnut St. 848-0237. 

Berkeley Public Library Master Plan discussion at 6:30 p.m. at Claremont Branch, 2940 Benvenue at Ashby. Plan available on-line at www.berkeleypubliclibaray.org 981-6195. 

The LeConte Neighborhood Association meets at 7:30 p.m. at the LeConte School, Russell St. entrance. Agenda items are welcome. Please contact karlreeh@aol.com 

Asian American Donor Program Marrow/Stem Cell Drive 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Upper Sproul Plaza and Campanile Esplanade, UC Campus. 800-593-6667. www.aadp.org 

Berkeley School Volunteers Orientation from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. at 1835 Allston Way. Come learn about volunteer opportunities. Bring photo ID and two references. 644-8833. 

Green Chamber of Commerce Business Mixer at 5:30 p.m. at Mechanics Bank, 801 San Pablo Ave. 558-2330. Cost is $10-$20. RSVP at www.greenchamberofcommerce.net 

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

Three Beats for Nothing South Mostly ancient part music for fun and practice meets every Thurs. at 10 a.m. at the South Berkeley Senior Center, Ellis at Ashby. 655-8863. asiecker@sbcglobal 

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 

Avatar Metaphysical Toastmasters Club meets at 6:45 p.m. at Spuds Pizza, 3290 Adeline at Alcatraz. Free, all are welcome. namaste@avatar.freetoasthost.info  

FRIDAY, SEPT. 19 

Volunteer in Berkeley Youth Alternatives Garden Tasks may include weeding, bed preparation, sowing, transplanting, and harvesting. Meet at 10 a.m. at Bancroft Way, between Bonar and West. 647-0709. www.byaonline.org 

Iraq Moratorium Day and Vigil to Protest the War from 2 to 4 p.m. at the corners of University & Acton. Sponsored by Strawberry Creek Lodge Tenant’s Assoc & Berkeley-East Bay Gray Panthers. 548-9696. 

Becoming a Certified Green Business in Alameda County Information session to learn about what the required steps are for certification, hear from businesses who have already been through the process and learn about funding opportunities, at 11 a.m. at Greenlining Institute, 1918 University Ave. RSVP to 559 -1406. www.greenbiz.ca.gov 

“Special Circumstances” A film about confronting the legacy of Pinochet and US intervention in Latin America, at 8 p.m. at La Peña. Cost is $8-$10. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Conscientious Projector Film Series “The New Deal” at 7:30 p.m. at Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists, 1924 Cedar at Bonita.  

“Walking Each Other Home” Film and discussion on race at 6 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Oakland, 2501 Harrison St., Oakland. Cost is $5-$10. www.walkingeachotherhome.com 

“1968: A Discussion On The Lessons and Vibrant Legacy Of The Year That Shook The World” with Robert Hillary King, Immanuel Wallerstein, Staughton Lynd, Andrej Grubacic, Paco Ignacio Taibo II, Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz at 7 p.m. at Julia Morgan Theater, 2640 College Ave. Cost is $10 at the door. www.juliamorgan.org 

“Flow” A documentary by Irena Salina on the world’s water crisis at showing at Shattuck Cinemas, 2230 Shattuck Ave. Cost is $8-$10. 464-5980. www.flowthefilm.com 

Cancer Prevention and Survival Cooking Course meets for four Fri. from 6 to 8 p.m. at Alta Bates Summit Cardiac Rehabilitation, 3030 Telegraph Ave. Free, but registration required. 869-6737.  

Tilden Tots Join a nature adventure program for 3 and 4 year olds, each accompanied by an adult (grandparents welcome)! We’ll look for our spier friends from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. Cost is $6-$8. Registration required. 636-1684. 

City Commons Club Noon Luncheon with Meg Burke on “Exploring the Exciting and Unique New Home of the California Academy of Sciences” 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. www.citycommonsclub.org 

Scottish Dance Party All dances taught, no experience or partner necessary, at 8 p.m. at Grace North Church, 2138 Cedar St. 653-7507. 

“Buddhism: Downloadable Dharma” with Clark Strand at 7 p.m., Center for Buddhist Education at the Jodo Shinshu Center, 2140 Durant Ave., at Fulton. Free or by donation. 809-1460. www.cbe-bca.org  

Walk the Line & Connect to the Home Front Walk the line of history and the keel of a victory ship, and learn about the men and women who contributed to victory on the home front during World War II, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. followed by optional 45 min. Bay Trail stroll. Meet park ranger at memorial by main parking lot at Rosie the Riveter Memorial, Marina Bay Park, Melville and Regatta, Richmond. 232-5050. www.nps.gov/rori/ 

All Hands on Deck: Building the Ships that Kept Democracy Afloat Learn about the 747 ships built at the Kaiser shipyards and the people that built them, from 2 to 3 p.m. at Historic Shipyard No. 3, 1337 Canal Blvd., Berth 6A, Richmond. Park outside SS Red Oak Victory gate. 232-5050. Directions to shipyard 237-2933. www.ssredoakvictory.com/contact.htm 

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. 

Three Beats for Nothing Mostly ancient part music for fun and practice meets every Fri. at 10 a.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center, Hearst at MLK. 655-8863. asiecker@sbcglobal 

SATURDAY, SEPT. 20 

California Coastal Clean-up Day from 8:30 a.m. to noon. Berkeley: Behind the Seabreeze Market at the corner of University and Frontage Rd. 981-6720; Emeryville at Emeryville Fire House at 2333 Powell St. 596-3728; Albany at the foot of Buchanan behind the Golden Gate Fields race track, by the big bench; Richmond at Shimada Friendship Park, Marina Bay Pkwy off 580. 374-3231. Point Pinole Regional Shoreline. 525-2233. For other sites see www.coastforyou.org 

West Berkeley Senior Center BBQ, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 1900 6th St. at Hearst. Cost is $10.50-$15. 981-5180. 

Walking Tour of the Dimond District A walking tour sponsored by Oakland Heritage Alliance. Meet at 10 a.m. at the Boy Scout hut in Dimond Park. Cost is $10-$15. 763-9218. www.oaklandheritage.org 

Alternative Energy Options including solar power and solar tubes for homeowners from 9 to 11 a.m. at Truitt & White conference room, 1817 2nd St. Free, but registration required. truittandwhite.com 

Tri-City Safety Day Meet public safety agency representatives from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at El Cerrito Plaza, San Pablo and Fairmount Ave., El Cerrito. 

Vegetarian Cooking Class Demystifying Tofu and Tempeh Learn to make Tofu Benedict, Sweet and Sour Tempeh, Noodle Kugel, Chocolate Mousse and more from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at First Unitarian Church of Oakland, 685 14th St. at Castro. Cost is $50, plus $5 food and material fee. Advance registration required. 531-COOK. www.compassionatecooks.com 

Shawl-Anderson Dance Center 50th Anniversary Gala from 5 to 10 p.m. at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 2727 College Ave. Tickets are $75-$125. 654-5921. www.shawl-anderson.org 

Friends of the El Cerrito Library Books Sale from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sun. from noon to 4 p.m. at El Cerrito Library, 6510 Stockton Ave., El Cerrito. 526-7512. 

Adopt A Special Kid Information workshop, in English and Spanish at 10 a.m. at 8201 Edgewater Dr. Suite 103. 553-1748 ext 12. www.aask.org 

Shu Ren International School Open House, a new Chinese (Mandarin) immersion school in Berkeley, Tour at 4 p.m. at 1333 University Ave. Please RSVP to Ping.Xie@ShuRenInternationalSchool.com 

Taste of Bay Street with music, food samples and Apple Fest from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Bay Street, Emeryville. 655-4002. www.baystreetemeryville.com 

California Writers Club meets to discuss “Are You Good Enough To Be Published?” with Alan Rinzler at 10 a.m. at Barnes & Noble, Jack London Square. 272-0120. www.berkeleywritersclub.org 

Jewish Literature and Discussion Series meets to discuss “A Simple Story” by S.Y. Agnon at 2 p.m. at the Kensington Library, 61 Arlington Ave. 524-3043. 

Deva Primal and Miten Voice Workshop from 4 to 7 p.m. at Rudramandir at 830 Bancroft Way. Cost is $60. 486-8700. www.rudramandir.com 

Meditation Class at noon at 7th Heaven Yoga Studio, 2820 7th St. Free. 665-4300. 

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.  

Car Wash Benefit for Options Recovery Services of Berkeley, held every Sat. from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Lutheran Church, 1744 University Ave. 666-9552. 

SUNDAY, SEPT. 21 

Run for Peace 5/10K walk/run at 9 a.m. at Cesar Chavez Park, Berkeley Marina. Sponsored by UNA-USA East Bay. to register see www.run4peace.org 

Take a Stand, Sit for Change Ait-A-Thon from noon to 5 p.m. at MLK Civic Center Park, MLK at Center St. Admission by donation/pledges, no one turned away. 549-3733. urbanpeace.org 

Berkeley Community Gardens Garden Party from 2 to 6 p.m. at Peralta Community Garden, Ohlone Greenway at Peralta near Hopkins. Learn about native plants and habitat restoration, and Eco-house and the Ohlone Greenway Project.  

“Climate Change and Peace” with Daniel M. Kammen, UC Prof., Energy and Resources Group, at 3 p.m. at International House, 2299 Piedmont Ave. Sponsored by United Nations Association East Bay. 849-1752. www.unausaeastbay.org 

Community Labyrinth Peace Walk at 3 p.m. at Willard Middle School, Telegraph Ave. between Derby and Stuart. Everyone welcome. Wheelchair accessible. 526-7377. info@eastbaylabyrinthproject.org  

East Bay Atheists Annual Picnic from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Big Leaf Picnic Area, Tilden Park. 222-7580. eastbayatheists.org 

Lawrence Hall of Science Community Day with ice cream making, bubbleology, and the science show “Flames, Flares, and Explosions” from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at LHS, Centennial Dr. 642-5132. www.lawrencehallofscience.org 

“Local Medicinal Herbs and Your Health” Learn the benefits of herbs and their use in western herbal medicine from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at EcoHouse, 1305 Hopkins St., enter via garden entrance on Peralta. Cost is $15, plus $5 materials fee. To register call 548-2220 ext. 242. 

Bike Tour of Oakland Meet at 10 a.m. at the 10th St. entrance of the Oakland Museum of California. Bring your bike, helmet and repair kit. Reservations required. 238-3514. 

Dynamite History Walk Discover the park preserved by dynamite on an easy-paced 3-mile walk, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. along Point Pinole Regional Shoreline. For meeting place call 525-2233. 

Walking Tour of Hidden Haddon Hill A walking tour sponsored by Oakland Heritage Alliance of a neighborhood of Mediterranean-style homes. Meet at 10 a.m. at the triangle at Kenwyn Rd. and McKinley Ave. Cost is $10-$15. 763-9218. www.oaklandheritage.org 

Friends of the El Cerrito Library Books Sale from noon to 4 p.m. at El Cerrito Library, 6510 Stockton Ave., El Cerrito. 526-7512. 

Jewish Coalition for Literacy Training for volunteer tutors arom 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at 300 Grand, Oakland. Register at www.jclread.org 

Personal Theology Seminar with Ruth Gendler on “An Invitation to Beauty” at 10 a.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, 1 Lawson Rd., Kensington. 525-0302, ext. 306. 

Gallery of Thingamajigs Explore sounds produced by unusual instruments created from found materials, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Oakland Museum of California, 10 and Oak, Oakland. Cost is $5-$8. 238-2200. 

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 Tom Mead on “Bringing Balance and Creativity to the Workplace” 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 4 to 8 p.m. at 84 Bolivar Dr., Aquatic Park. Also on Fri. from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cost is $5 per hour. 644-2577. www.watersideworkshops.org 

MONDAY, SEPT. 22 

How Will They Represent You? with the candidates for Berkeley City Council District 5: Sophie Hahn and Laurie Capitelli, and District 6: Phoebe Sorgen and Susan Wengraf, at 7:30 p.m. at Live Oak Park, 1301 Shattuck Ave. 486-8010. 

Autumnal Equinox Gathering at 6:15 p.m. at The Solar Calendar, Cesar Chavez Park, Berkeley Marina. Dress warmly. www.solarcalendar.org 

“Buildings That Think Green: The Next Generation of Smart Energy Technologies” with Arun Majumdar, LBNL, at 5:30 p.m. at Berkeley Rep, Thrust Stage, 2025 Addison St. 486-7292. 

Kensington Library Book Club meets to discuss “Their Eyes Were Watching God” by Zora Neale Hurston at 7 p.m. at 61 Arlington Ave., Kensington. 524-3043. 

Family Storytime at 7 p.m. at 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. 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 

TUESDAY, SEPT. 23 

New Deal Film Festival “WPA Theater Mark Blitzstien’s : The Cradle will Rock!” at 1 p.m. at North Berkeley Senior Center, 1901 Hearst. Sponsored by the Berkeley Gray Panthers. 548-9696. 

“Engage Her” A documentary by Victoria Ponce exploring why more than 30 million minority women in the U.S. do not vote, at 7 p.m. at the Hillside Club, 2286 Cedar St. Cost is $15. 388-8932. www.hillsideclub.org 

“What We Say Goes: Pakistan, Iran & U.S. Foreign Policy” with David Barsamian at 7 p.m. at Laney College Theater, 900 Fallon St., Oakland. Suggested donation $8-$25. 251-1332 ext. 105. www.radioproject.org 

Exploring Patagonia’s Northern Lake District, and opportunities for hiking, biking, horseback riding and more at 7 p.m. at REI, 1338 San Pablo Ave. 527-4140. 

Political Theater for Everyone! A class in experimental political/street theater technique at 6 p.m. at Rock-Paper-Scissors Collective, Telegraph at 23rd St., Oakland. http://rpscollective.com/new.php 

Berkeley School Volunteers Orientation from noon to 1 p.m. at 1835 Allston Way. Come learn about volunteer opportunities. Bring photo ID and two references. 644-8833. 

”Buddhism: “Tendai: Its Usefulness and Relevancy Today” with VK Leary Keisho at 7 p.m., Center for Buddhist Education at the Jodo Shinshu Center, 2140 Durant Ave. Free or by donation. 809-1460. www.cbe-bca.org  

“Revolutionary Communism at a Crossroads: Residue of the Past or Vanguard of the Future?” Discussion at 7 p.m. at Revolution Books, 2425 Channing Way. 848-1196. 

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 

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. 

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

Yarn Wranglers Come knit and crochet at 6:30 p.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344. www.nomadcafe.net 

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 24 

Be Ballot-Wise in November! with facts from Berkeley City Councilmember Kriss Worthington and other community activists at 1:30 p.m. at North Berkeley Senior Center, 1901 Hearst, corner of MLK. Sponsored by the Berkeley Gray Panthers. 548-9696. 

“The Wrecking Crew: How Conservatives Ruin It All” with author Thomas Frank at 7:30 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Berkeley, 2345 Channing Way. Cost is $12. 848-6767, ext. 609. 

Golden Gate Birding Walk at Lake Merritt and Lakeside Park with Hilary Powers and Ruth Tobey. Meet at 9:30 a.m. at the large spherical cage near Nature Center at Perkins and Bellevue. 549-2839. www.goldengateaudubon.org 

Appreciating Diversity Film Series “Unnatural Causes: In Sickness and in Wealth” Film showing followed by discussion at 7 p.m. at Ellen Driscoll Theater, Frank Havens School, 325 Highland Ave., Piedmont. 835-9227. diversityfilmseries.org 

Chilean Filmmaker Carlos Flores will give a workshop and show film clips from the work of young Chilean filmmkakers today at 7:30 p.m. at La Peña. Cost is $8-$10. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

“Chicago 10” Brett Morgan explores the buildup to- and unravelling of- the Chicago conspiracy trial after the 1968 Democratic Convention, at 6 p.m. at the Oakland Museum of California, 10 and Oak, Oakland. Cost is $5-$8. 238-2200. 

“The Story of Stuff” A short film by Annie Leonard on the underside of our production and consumption patterns, at 7:30 p.m. at Humanist Hall, 390 27th St., Oakland. Donation $5. www.Humanist Hall.org 

Spanish Conversation Classes Wed. and Thurs. at 9:30 a.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center, 1901 Hearst St. 981-5190. 

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. 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. 

Berkeley CopWatch Drop-in office hours from 6 to 8 p.m. at 2022 Blake St. 548-0425. 

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

THURSDAY, SEPT. 25 

“The Age of Warrior” with Robert Fisk on his new book of essays about the Middle East at 7 p.m. at Martin Luther King, Jr. Middle School, 1781 Rose St. Benefits the Middle East Children’s Alliance. Tickets are $20. 548-0542. www.mecaforpeace.org. 

Berkeley Public Library Master Plan discussion at 6:30 p.m. at West Branch, 1125 Univesrsity. Plan available on-line at www.berkeleypubliclibaray.org 981-6195. 

Conscientious Projector Film Series “What a Way to Go: Living at the End of Empire” at 7:30 p.m. at Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists, 1924 Cedar at Bonita.  

“Pursuit of Equality” A documentary and discussion about marriage equality at 7:15 p.m. at Rialto Cinemas Elmwood, 2966 College Ave. at Ashby. Cost is $20. Benefit for No On 8 / NCLR Social Justice Fund. 433-9730. 

Berkeley Community Gardening Collaborative Potluck with speakers and garden tour at 6 p.m. at Arts Magnet School, 1645 Milvia St. Enter playground off Virginia St. 883-9096. 

Easy Does It Board of Directors’ Meeting at 6:30 p.m. at EDI office, 1636 University Ave. 845-5513. www.easydoesitservices.org 

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

Three Beats for Nothing South Mostly ancient part music for fun and practice meets every Thurs. at 10 a.m. at the South Berkeley Senior Center, Ellis at Ashby. 655-8863. asiecker@sbcglobal 

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, SEPT. 26 

City Commons Club Noon Luncheon with Lisa Margonelli on “Oil on the Brain: Petroleum’s Long, Strange Trip to Your Tank” 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. www.citycommonsclub.org 

“Pakistan, Afghanistan and American Power” with Tariq Ali at 8 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Berkeley, 2345 Channing Way. Cost is $12-$15. 848-3696. www.kpfa.org 

mio: made in oakland The launch of Unity Council’s social venture enterprise to bring sustainable sewing manufacturing to Oakland. Workshop from 3 to 5 p.m at 3301 East 12th St., suite 201. Launch party at 5:30 p.m. at 3411 East 12th St., Suite 90. 384-3146. 

Walk the Line & Connect to the Home Front Walk the line of history and the keel of a victory ship, and learn about the men and women who contributed to victory on the home front during World War II, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. followed by optional 45 min. Bay Trail stroll. Meet park ranger at memorial by main parking lot at Rosie the Riveter Memorial, Marina Bay Park, Melville and Regatta, Richmond. 232-5050. www.nps.gov/rori/ 

All Hands on Deck: Building the Ships that Kept Democracy Afloat Learn about the 747 ships built at the Kaiser shipyards and the people that built them, from 2 to 3 p.m. at Historic Shipyard No. 3, 1337 Canal Blvd., Berth 6A, Richmond. Park outside SS Red Oak Victory gate. 232-5050. Directions to shipyard 237-2933. www.ssredoakvictory.com/contact.htm 

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. 

Three Beats for Nothing Mostly ancient part music for fun and practice meets every Fri. at 10 a.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center, Hearst at MLK. 655-8863. asiecker@sbcglobal 

SATURDAY, SEPT. 27 

Berkeley Historical Society Walking Tour of Nut Hill in the heart of “Bernard Maybeck country” of North Berkeley, from 10 a.m. to noon. Cost is $8-$10. For reservations and starting point call 848-0181. 

Walking Tour of Oakland’s Walkway & Streetcar heritage A walking tour sponsored by Oakland Heritage Alliance trhough Trestle Glen to Grand Lake. Reservations required. Cost is $10-$15. 763-9218. www.oaklandheritage.org 

Spiders in September Discover orb weavers, jumping spiders, wolf spiders and more form 10:30 a.m. to noon at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. 525-2233. 

“Witness Against War: the Iraqi Refugee Crisis” with Kathy Kelly, founder of Voices for Creative Non-violence and Voices in the Wilderness at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Friends Church, Sacramento and Cedar Sts. Donation $5-$35, no one turned away. 

Northern California Family Center Foster Parent Orientation for individuals who are interested in becoming a foster parent from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Berkeley Public Library, 2090 Kittredge St. 925-370-1990. 

Make a Box Sculpture with Emily Kuenstler from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, 1 Lawson Rd., Kensington. All ages welcome. Cost is $45. 525-0302, ext. 306. 

Introduction to Golf from 10:30 a.m. to noon at Tilden Golf Course. Golf balls and loaner clubs are provided. Cost is $50-$56. Participants will also receive a free $20 range card for use at the driving range and $20 off a future class at the golf course. Registration required 1-888-EBPARKS. 

Walk the Line & Connect to the Home Front Walk the line of history and the keel of a victory ship, and learn about the men and women who contributed to victory on the home front during World War II, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. followed by optional 45 min. Bay Trail stroll. Meet park ranger at memorial by main parking lot at Rosie the Riveter Memorial, Marina Bay Park, Melville and Regatta, Richmond. 232-5050. www.nps.gov/rori/ 

All Hands on Deck: Building the Ships that Kept Democracy Afloat Learn about the 747 ships built at the Kaiser shipyards and the people that built them, from 2 to 3 p.m. at Historic Shipyard No. 3, 1337 Canal Blvd., Berth 6A, Richmond. Park outside SS Red Oak Victory gate. 232-5050. Directions to shipyard 237-2933. www.ssredoakvictory.com/contact.htm 

Mooncake Festival at Habitot Children’s Museum with activities celebrating the Asian harvest festival from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 2065 Kittredge St. 647-1111. www.habitot.org 

Sushi for the More Adventurous from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Tilden Nature Center. Parent participation required for 8-10 year-olds. Cost is $25-$49. Registration required. 1-888-EBPARKS. 

Benefit for Girls Inc. of Alameda County from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Oakland Museum of California, 1000 Oak St., Oakland. Tickets are $75-$125. 357-5515, ext. 219. www.WomenofTaste.org 

Meditation Class at noon at 7th Heaven Yoga Studio, 2820 7th St. Free. 665-4300. 

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 

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. 

Car Wash Benefit for Options Recovery Services of Berkeley, held every Sat. from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Lutheran Church, 1744 University Ave. 666-9552. 

SUNDAY, SEPT. 28 

“How Berkeley Can You Be?” and Art Car Parade at 11 a.m. at California and University, followed by festival in Civic Center Park. www.howberkeleycanyoube.com 

Taste of El Cerrito with food samples, silent auction and music from 5 to 9 p.m. at El Cerrito Community Center, 7007 Moeser Lane at Ashbury Ave. Cost is $10-$20. www.tasteofelcerrito.com 

Little Farm Open House Come grind some corn to feed the chickens, pet a bunny or groom a goat, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Little Farm at Tilden Park. 525-2233. 

Berkeley Partners for Parks Afternoon Fundraiser with food, drinks and music from 3 to 5:30 p.m. at Halcyon Commons, on Halcyon Ct between Webster and Prince. Suggested donation $30. 

Walking Tour of Richmond Blvd A walking tour sponsored by Oakland Heritage Alliance along Glen Echo Creek, a residential neighborhood built between 1895 and the 1920s. Meet at 10 a.m. at Pergola, Croxton Ave. and Richmond Blvd. Cost is $10-$15. 763-9218. www.oaklandheritage.org 

The Art of Solar Cooking Learn the use, design, and practical applications of solar cookers nad solar water pasteurization, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Ecology Center, 2530 San Pablo Ave. Cost is $15 sliding scale, plus optional $5 materials fee. 548-2220, ext. 233. 

Medicine Take-Back Day Bring unwanted medication, in orginal containers with personal information marked out, for safe disposal between 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Jack London Square, 450 Water St. at Broadway. Sponsored by San Francisco Estuary Project and Teleosis Institute. 622-2452. 

Free Hands-on Bicycle Clinic Learn how to repair a flat, from 10 to 11 a.m. at REI, 1338 San Pablo Ave. Bring your bike and tools. 527-4140. 

UC Botanical Garden Fall Plant Sale from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 200 Centennial Drive. 643-2755. http://botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu 

“Iran (Is Not the Problem) Film and discussion with producer Aaron Newman at 6:30 p.m. at Revolution Books, 2425 Channing Way. 848-1196. 

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. 

Personal Theology Seminar with Rebecca Parker on “Saving Paradise: How Christianity Traded Love of this World for Crucifixion and Empire” at 10 a.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, 1 Lawson Rd., Kensington. 525-0302, ext. 306. 

Tibetan Buddhism with Sylvia Gretchen on “Light of the Buddha and the Modern World” at 6 p.m. at the Tibetan Nyingma Institute, 1815 Highland Pl. 809-1000. www.nyingmainstitute.com 

Jewish High Holidays Pot-luck and Discussion at 6:15 on Sat. and Sun. at JGate, near the El Cerrito Bart Station. RSVP to rabbibridget@jewishgateways.org 

Sew Your Own Open Studio Come learn to use our industrial and domestic machines, or work on your own projects, from 4 to 8 p.m. at 84 Bolivar Dr., Aquatic Park. Also on Fri. from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cost is $5 per hour. 644-2577. www.watersideworkshops.org 

CITY MEETINGS 

Design Review Committee meets Thurs., Sept. 18, at 7:30 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-7415.  

Fair Campaign Practices Commission meets Thurs., Sept. 18, at 7:30 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-6950.  

Transportation Commission meets Thurs., Sept. 18, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-7010. 

Parks and Recreation Commission meets Mon., Sept. 22, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-5158.  

Zero Waste Commission meets Mon., Sept. 22, at 7 p.m., at 1201 Second St. 981-6368.  

City Council meets Tues., Sept. 23, at 7 p.m in City Council Chambers. 981-6900. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/citycouncil 

Civic Arts Commission meets Wed., Sept. 24, at 6:30 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-7533.  

Disaster and Fire Safety Commission meets Wed., Sept. 24, at 7 p.m., at the Emergency Operations Center, 997 Cedar St. 981-5502.  

Energy Commission meets Wed., Sept. 24, at 6:30 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-5434.  

Planning Commission meets Wed., Sept. 24, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-7484.  

Police Review Commission meets Wed., Sept. 24, at the South Berkeley Senior Center. 981-4950.  

Mental Health Commission meets Thurs., Sept. 25, at 6:30 p.m. at 26

THURSDAY, SEPT. 18 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Love Never Fails” Works by Kelvin Curry. Opening reception at 5 p.m. at the Craft & Cultural Arts Gallery, State of California Office Building - Atrium, 1515 Clay St., Oakland. 622-8190. 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Unni Wikan reads from “In Honor of Fadime: Murder and Shame” at 6 p.m. at University Press Books, 2430 Bancroft Way. 548-0585. www.universitypressbooks.com 

Susan Dunlop reads from “Hungry Ghosts” the second installment in her Darcy Lott mystery series, at 7:30 p.m. at Mrs. Dalloways, 2904 College Ave. 704-8222. 

Jeff Conant discusses his new book “A Community Guide to Environmental Health” at 7 p.m. at Ecology Center, 2530 San Pablo Ave. 548-3402. www.ecologycenter.org 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Kent Nagano: Celebrating 30 Years at 8 p.m. at Zellerbach Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $20-$60. 841-2800. www.berkeleysymphony.org 

Willy Porter at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $19.50-$20.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

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

Berklee Latin Jazz All-Stars at 8 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $10. 845-5373. www.jazzschool.com 

The Dance, Dorado, Sean Hodge with High Heat, funk, rock at 9 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $5. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

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

The Gibson Brothers, Homespun Rowdy at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $10. 841-2082 www.starryploughpub.com 

“Encuentros 2: Dispatches from the Queer Borderlands” at 8 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $10-$15. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

The Sacred Profanities at 10 p.m. at Beckett’s Irish Pub, 2271 Shattuck Ave. 647-1790. www.beckettsirishpub.com 

Bill Evans & Megan Lynch Bluegrass & original music at 7:30 p.m. at 33 Revolutions Record Shop and Cafe, 10086 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito. All ages, free admission. 

Kanda Bongo Man at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $12-$20. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

FRIDAY, SEPT. 19 

THEATER 

Aurora Theatre “The Best Man” Wed.-Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2 and 7 p.m. at 2081 Addison St. through Sept. 28. Tickets are $40-$42. 843-4822. www.auroratheatre.org 

Berkeley Rep “Yellowjackets” by Itamar Moses, a Berkeley resident, set at Berkeley High School, Tues.-Sun. at the Thrust Stage, 2025 Addison St., through Oct. 12. Tickets are $27-$71. 647-2949. berkeleyrep.org 

California Conservatory Theatre “They’re Playing Our Song” Thurs.-Sat. at 8 p.m., 2 p.m. on Sat. and Sun. at 999 East 14th St, San Leandro City Hall Complex, near BART, through Oct. 12. Tickets are $20-$22. 632-8850. www.cct-sl.org 

Impact Theatre “Ching Chong Chinaman” Thurs.-Sat at 8 p.m. at La Val’s Subterranean, to Oct. 11. Tickets are $10-$17. 464-4468. impacttheatre.com 

Masquers Playhouse “The Petrified Forest” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2:30 p.m. at 105 Park Place, Point Richmond, through Sept. 27. Tickets are $18. 232-4031. www.masquers.org 

Oakland Public Theater, “Before the Dream: The mysterious death (and life) of Richard Wright” Thurs.-Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 5 p.m. at the Noodle Factory Performince Arts Center, 1255 26th St., corner of Union, Oakland, through Oct. 5. Tickets are $9-$20. 534-9529. www.brownpapertickets.com 

Rough and Tumble “Candide” Thurs.-Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun at 7 p.m. at Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant Ave. through Sept. 21. Tickets are $16-$22. 499-0356. www.randt.org 

Shotgun Players “Vera Wilde” Thurs.-Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 5 p.m. at The Ashby Stage, 1901 Ashby Ave. Tickets are $17-$25. 841-6500. www.shotgunplayers.org 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Portraits of Diversity” Works by Rita Sklar. Reception at 4 p.m. at LunchStop Cafe, Joseph P. Bort MetroCenter, 101 Eighth St., Oakland. 817-5773. www.ritasklar.com 

“And Thus ... Accordingly” Works from found materials by Robert Armstrong on display from 1 to 5 p.m. Fri.-Sun. at Garage Gallery, Berkeley Outlet, 3110 Wheeler St. near Ashby and Shattuck. 549-2896. 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Mark Richardson reads from “Zen and Now: On the Trail of Robert Pirsig and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance” at 7:30 p.m. at Mrs. Dalloways, 2904 College Ave. 704-8222. 

“Sex for America” An anthology of erotica inspired by Capitol Hill with Stephen Elliott, Daphne Gottleib and Sarah Fran Wisby at 7:30 p.m. at Pegasus Books Downtown, 2349 Shattuck Ave. 649-1320. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Lantana Koto Ensemble, Japanese and American ensemble in a concert of contemporary works composed and arranged for the traditional Japanese instruments at 8 p.m. at the Hillside Club, 2286 Cedar St. Tickets are $10-$15. 845-1350. www.hillsideclub.org/concerts.htm 

Schola Cantorum San Francisco “Western Wind, When Will Thou Blow?” at 8 p.m. at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 2300 Bancroft Way. Tickets are $12-$15, 18 and under, free. www.scholasf.org 

11th Annual Music for People & Thingamajigs Festival Artists working with made/ 

found objects, at 8 p.m. at 21 Grand, 416 25th St., Oakland. Cost is $10-$15 sliding scale. 444-1322. reserve@thingamajigs.org 

Andrew McKnight, guitar, accompanied by bassist Sean Kelly at 7:30 p.m. at Unity of Berkeley, 2075 Eunice St. Suggested donation $10-$20. 528-8844. 

Chad Manning, Jody Stecher & Keith Little at 8 p.m. at First Unitarian Church of Oakland, 685 14th St., Oakland. Tickets are $10-$18. www.utunescoffeehouse.org 

Otmaro Ruiz Group at 8 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $20. 845-5373. www.jazzschool.com 

Pamela Rose & Her Quartet at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $14. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

Entrenos, Aquarela, Brazilian, at 9 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $10-$12. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

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

Steve Seskin, Allen Shamblin & Chuck Jones at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $22.50-$23.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

The Patrick Winningham Band, Glider, Aiden Hawken at 9 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $15. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com 

Sabertooth Zombie, Zann, Graf Orlock at 8 p.m. at 924 Gilman St., an all-ages, member-run, no alcohol, no drugs, no violence club. Cost is $5. 525-9926. 

The PPL at 10 p.m. at Beckett’s Irish Pub, 2271 Shattuck Ave. 647-1790. www.beckettsirishpub.com 

Anthony B, Rootz Underground, reggae, at 9 p.m. at Shattuck Down Low, 2284 Shattuck Ave. Cost is $20-$25. 548-1159.  

Amel Larrieux at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square, through Sun. Cost is $26. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

SATURDAY, SEPT. 20 

CHILDREN  

“Aesop’s Fables” at 12:30 and 3:30 p.m. at Children’s Fairyland, 699 Bellevue Ave., Oakland. Cost is $6. 452-2259. www.fairyland.org 

FILM 

Jewish Film Series “Two Minutes from Faradis” at 7 p.m. at Temple Israel, 3183 Mecartney Rd., Alameda. Cost is $10. 522-9355. 

EXHIBITIONS 

Pro Arts New Visions 2008 Group Show Artists’ Talk at 1 p.m. at Pro Arts Gallery, 550 Second St., Oakland, and runs through Oct. 24. www.proartsgallery.org 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Tim Porter describes “Organic Marin: Recipes from Land to Table” at 4 p.m. at Mrs. Dalloways, 2904 College Ave. 704-8222. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Grosse Abfahrt with Tom Djll, Fred Frith and others at 8 p.m. at Trinity Chapel, 2320 Dana St. Tickets are $8-$12. 549-3864. www.trinitychamberconcerts.com 

“In Magdalene’s Garden” A vespers benefit for Katrina Tree Recovery at 7:30 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Berkeley. Proceeds will go to planting trees in the Gulf region devastated by the hurricane. 653-7196. www.sagrada.com 

Hillbillies from Mars at 3 p.m. at Wisteria Ways, outside venue, 383 61st St., Oakland. Bring something to sit on. Donation $15-$20. RSVP to info@WisteriaWays.org 

Grupo Araucaria in a celebration of Chilean Independence Day at 8 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $12. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Robin Gregory & Her Trio at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $12. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

Samba Ngo at 9:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $12-$15. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com  

Josh Jones Trio at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 843-8277. 

Lost Weekend at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $20.50-$21.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Joseph Israel, Lafa Taylor at 9 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $10. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com 

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

Amel Larrieux in a benefit for La Clinica de La Raza at 6:30 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $26. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

Phobia, In Disgust, Semetex Vest, Godstomper at 8 p.m. at 924 Gilman St., an all-ages, member-run, no alcohol, no drugs, no violence club. Cost is $5. 525-9926. 

SUNDAY, SEPT. 21 

CHILDREN 

Gallery of Thingamajigs Explore sounds produced by unusual instruments created from found materials, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Oakland Museum of California, 10 and Oak, Oakland. Cost is $5-$8. 238-2200. 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Albany at 100” Photographs by Dorothy Brown. Opening reception at 4 p.m. at Albany Community Center, 1249 Marin Ave., Albany. Exhibit runs to Dec. 21. 526-7032. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

11th Annual Music for People & Thingamajigs Artists working with made/found objects, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Oakland Museum of California, 1000 Oak St., Oakland. 444-1322. reserve@thingamajigs.org 

Rudolf Buchbinder, piano, at 3 p.m. at Hertz Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $46. 642-9988. www.calperformances.net 

Art Song Recital with Angela Arnold, soprano, and Jeffrey Sykes, piano at 2 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Berkeley. Free. 848-3696.  

Jazz at the Chimes featuring Vive Le Jazz at 2 p.m. at Chapel of the Chimes, 4499 Piedmont Ave., Oakland. Tickets are $10-$15 at the door. Children under 12 free. 228-3218. 

Terroritmo, música latina cumbia, salsa, reggaton, at 8 p.m. at La Peña. Cost is $5-$7. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Alexa Weber Morales Quartet at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $10. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

Kim Nalley at 4:30 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $15-$18. 845-5373. www.jazzschool.com 

Americana Unplugged at 5 p.m. at Jupiter. 843-8277. 

Chirgilchin, Tuvan throat singing at 7 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $15-$20. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Gandalf Murphy & the Slambovian Circus of Dreams at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $18.50-$19.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

MONDAY, SEPT. 22 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Piece to Piece: Works from Kala Art Institute” Reception at 6 p.m. at Downtown restaurant. www.kala.org 

“Games People Play” Paintings by Tom Clark at Fertile Grounds Cafe, 1796 Shattuck Ave. 548-1423. 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Itamar Moses talks about his new play “Yellowjackets” at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Rep’s Thrust Stage, 2025 Addison St. 647-2949. berkeleyrep.org 

Aurora Theatre Script Club Aristophanes’ “The Frogs” at 7:30 p.m. at Aurora Theatre, 2081 Addison St. 843-4822. www.auroratheatre.org 

Lee Slonimsky and Katherine Hastings read their poetry at 7:30 p.m. at Moe’s Books, 2476 Telegraph Ave. 849-2087. 

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

MUSIC AND DANCE 

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

Richard Julian and Bhi Bhiman at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage Coffee House. Cost is $14.50-$15.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Downtown Jam Session with Glen Pearson at 7 p.m. at Ed Kelly Hall, Oakland Public Conservatory of Music, 1616 Franklin St., Oakland. Cost is $5. www.opcmucsic.org 

Barbara Dennerlein at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $5-$14. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

TUESDAY, SEPT. 23 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

“Contemporary Photography in Japan” Gallery talk by curator Mika Kobayashi at 6 p.m. at Kala Art Institute. www.kala.org 

Larry Beinhart reads from “Salvation Boulevard” at 7:30 p.m. at Moe’s Books, 2476 Telegraph Ave. 849-2087. 

Dave Zirin presents his new book “A People’s History of Sports in the United States” at 6:30 p.m. Berkeley Public Library, 2090 Kittredge at Shattuck, in the 3rd floor Community Room. 981-6233. 

Poetry Workshop on La Paya with Eduardo Peralta y Manuel Sanchez at 7 p.m. at La Peña. In Spanish. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Freight and Salvage Open Mic at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $4.50-$5.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Kal, traditional and contemporary Romani music, at 8:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $15. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

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

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

Jose Gonzalez at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $25. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

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

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 24 

THEATER 

San Francisco Mime Troupe “Red State” at 7 p.m. at Chabot College, Hayward. Free, donations accepted. 415-285-1717. www.sfmt.org 

FILM 

Chilean Filmmaker Carlos Flores will give a workshop and show film clips from the work of young Chilean filmmkakers today at 7:30 p.m. at La Peña. Cost is $8-$10. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

“Chicago 10” Brett Morgan explores the buildup to, and unravelling of, the Chicago conspiracy trial after the 1968 Democratic Convention, at 6 p.m. at the Oakland Museum of California, 10 and Oak, Oakland. Cost is $5-$8. 238-2200. 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Barbara Epstein reads from “The Minsk Ghetto 1941-1943: Jewish Resistance and Soviet Internationalism” at 6 p.m. at University Press Books, 2430 Bancroft Way. 548-0585. www.universitypressbooks.com 

Thomas Frank discusses “The Wrecking Crew: How Conservatives Ruin It All” at 7:30 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Berkeley, 2345 Channing Way. Cost is $12. 848-6767, ext. 609. 

Berkeley Poetry Slam with host Charles Ellik and Three Blind Mice, at 8:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $7. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Music for the Spirit with Ron McKean on harpsichord at 12:15 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Oakland, 2619 Broadway. 444-3555. 

Wednesday Noon Concert, with Angela Arnold, soprano, and Jeffrey Sykes, piano, at Hertz Hall, UC Campus. Free. 642-4864. http://music.berkeley.edu 

Music on the Main with Greater Richmond Interfaith Program at 5 p.m. in the parking lot at the corner of Macdonald Ave. and Marina Way, next to the Richmond BART station. 236-4049.  

UC Jazz Ensembles at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $6. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

Lloyd Brown with 7th Street Sound at 9 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $12-$15. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Orquestra Borinquen 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.  

Rebecca Griffin at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 843-8277. 

Richard Shindell at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $24.50-$25.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Jose Gonzalez at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $25. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

THURSDAY, SEPT. 25 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Traje de la Vida” Maya textiles of Guatemala. Opening reception at 7 p.m. at The Phoebe Hearst Museum of Anthropology, Gallery and Patio, 103 Kroeber Hall. RSVP to 642-3682. http://hearstmuseum.berkeley.edu  

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Robert Fisk reads from “The Age of Warrior” a collection of his essays on the Middle East and other topics at 7 p.m. at Martin Luther King, Jr. Middle School, 1781 Rose St. Benefits the Middle East Children’s Alliance. Tickets are $20. 548-0542. www.mecaforpeace.org. 

Cecile Pineda reads from “Redoubt” and “Bardo 99” as part of Ethnic Studies Department 40th Anniversary Author Series at 6 p.m. at 30 Stephens Hall, UC Campus. 642-3947. 

“Lucasville: The Untold Story of a Prison Uprising” A dramatic reading Thurs.-Sat. at 7:30 p.m. at the Justice and Witness Ministry, Plymouth United Church of Christ, 424 Monte Vista Ave., Oakland. Cost is $13 at the door. 654-5044. www.clarencedarrowgaryanderson.com/lucasville.html 

Sixteen Rivers Press 10th Anniversary Poetry Reading at 7:30 p.m. at Mrs. Dalloways, 2904 College Ave. 704-8222. 

Ai Weiwei and Uli Sigg Gallery Talk on “Mahjong: Contemporary Chinese Art from the Sigg Collection” at noon at Berkeley Art Museum, 2626 Bancroft. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Mark Morris Dance Group “Romeo & Juliet” through Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 3 p.m. at Zellerbach Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $42-$94. 642-9988. www.calperformances.net 

Slaid Cleaves at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $18.50-$19.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Jenny Farris presents Cy Coleman at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $10. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

Evie Ladin & Evil Diane at 7 p.m. at Caffe Trieste, 2500 San Pablo Ave., at Dwight. 548-5198.  

The Blind, Walty, The Soft White Sixties at 9 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $7. 841-2082 www.starryploughpub.com 

Speak the Music, beat boxing with Butterscotch, Soulati, Infinite, and others at 8 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $8. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

John Seabury at 10 p.m. at Beckett’s Irish Pub, 2271 Shattuck Ave. 647-1790. www.beckettsirishpub.com 

Ashkenaz Dead Night at 10 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $5. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

The Duhks at 8 p.m., through Sun. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $20. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

FRIDAY, SEPT. 26 

THEATER 

“A Visit with Julia Morgan” Miss Morgan appears with the assistance of architectural historian Betty Marvin at 7:30 p.m. at College Avenue Presbyterian Church, 5951 College Ave., Oakland. Minimum donation $10. Benefits the restoration of CAPC’s organ. 658-3665. 

Altarena Playhouse “Bat Boy: The Musical” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2 p.m. at Altarena Playhouse, 1409 High St., Alameda, through Nov. 1. Tickets are $17-$20. 523-1553. www.altarena.org 

Aurora Theatre “The Best Man” Wed.-Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2 and 7 p.m. at 2081 Addison St. through Sept. 28. Tickets are $40-$42. 843-4822. www.auroratheatre.org 

Berkeley Rep “Yellowjackets” by Itamar Moses, a Berkeley resident, set at Berkeley High School, Tues.-Sun. at the Thrust Stage, 2025 Addison St., through Oct. 12. Tickets are $27-$71. 647-2949. berkeleyrep.org 

California Conservatory Theatre “They’re Playing Our Song” Thurs.-Sat. at 8 p.m., 2 p.m. on Sat. and Sun. at 999 East 14th St, San Leandro City Hall Complex, near BART, through Oct. 12. Tickets are $20-$22. 632-8850. www.cct-sl.org 

Contra Costa Civic Theater “Witness for the Prosecution” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2 p.m. at 951 Pomona Ave., El Cerrito, through Oct. 19. 524-9132. www.ccct.org  

Impact Theatre “Ching Chong Chinaman” Thurs.-Sat at 8 p.m. at La Val’s Subterranean, to Oct. 11. Tickets are $10-$17. 464-4468. impacttheatre.com 

Masquers Playhouse “The Petrified Forest” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2:30 p.m. at 105 Park Place, Point Richmond, through Sept. 27. Tickets are $18. 232-4031. www.masquers.org 

Oakland Public Theater, “Before the Dream: The mysterious death (and life) of Richard Wright” Thurs.-Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 5 p.m. at the Noodle Factory Performince Arts Center, 1255 26th St., corner of Union, Oakland, through Oct. 5. Tickets are $9-$20. 534-9529. www.brownpapertickets.com 

Shotgun Players “Vera Wilde” Thurs.-Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 5 p.m. at The Ashby Stage, 1901 Ashby Ave., through Oct. 19. Tickets are $17-$25. 841-6500. www.shotgunplayers.org 

FILM 

Berkeley Video & Film Festival Continuous screenings through Sun. at Landmark’s Shattuck Cinemas, 2230 Shattuck Ave. Program info 843-3699. Tickets 464-5980. 

“U-Carmen e Khayelitsha” with actor Pauline Malefane and novelist Ngugi wa Thiong’o in person, at 8:10 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $5.50-$9.50. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

EXHIBITIONS 

“And Thus ... Accordingly” Works from found materials by Robert Armstrong on display from 1 to 5 p.m. Fri.- Sun. at Garage Gallery, Berkeley Outlet, 3110 Wheeler St. near Ashby and Shattuck. 549-2896. 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

African and Afro-Caribbean Performance Conference Fri.-Sun., with speakers and performers including Gerard Aching, Pauline Malefane, Ngugi wa Thiong’o, and Tejumola Olaniyan. For details see www.berkeleytdps.org 

Walter Medeiros and S.G. Scott read from their new books at 7 p.m. at Regent Press Gallery, 4770 telegraph Ave., Oakland.  

Tariq Ali discusses “Pakistan, Afghanistan and American Power” at 8 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Berkeley, 2345 Channing Way. Cost is $12-$15. 848-3696. www.kpfa.org 

“Lucasville: The Untold Story of a Prison Uprising” A dramatic reading Thurs.-Sat. at 7:30 p.m. at the Justice and Witness Ministry, Plymouth United Church of Christ, 424 Monte Vista Ave., Oakland. Cost is $13 at the door. 654-5044. www.clarencedarrowgaryanderson.com/lucasville.html 

Larry Nolan reads from his short story collection “Perpetual Care” at 7:30 p.m. at Moe’s Books, 2476 Telegraph Ave. 849-2087. 

Zahid Sardar and Marion Brenner introduce their new book “New Garden Design: Inspiring Private Paradises” at 7:30 p.m. at Mrs. Dalloways, 2904 College Ave. 704-8222. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

“The Jewish Violin” with Donna Lerew, violin and Skye Atman, piano, at 8 p.m. at First Unitarian Church of Berkeley, 1 Lawson Road, Kensington. 524-5203. www.uucb.org 

Point Richmond Summer Music with Resin 7 and Mucho Axe at 5:30 p.m. outdoors at Park Place in downtown Point Richmond. www.pointrichmond.com 

VidyA, jazz and South Indian, at 8 p.m. at the Hillside Club, 2286 Cedar St. Cost is $10-$15. 845-1350. www.hillsideclub.org 

Eduardo Peralta and Manual Sanchez, Chilean paya at 8 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $12-$15. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Mark Morris Dance Group “Romeo & Juliet” through Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 3 p.m. at Zellerbach Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $42-$94. 642-9988. www.calperformances.net 

Tiffany Joy at 8 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $12. 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. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

Chiwoniso, contemporary Zimbabwean music, at 9:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $12-$15. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

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

Lucy Kaplansky at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $26.50-$27.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Or the Whale, The Mumlers, The Porchsteps at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $10. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com 

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

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

Dave Holland Sextet with Robin Eubanks, Eric Harland, Antonio Hart, Steve Nelson and Alex Sipiagin at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square, through Sun. Cost is $16-$22. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

SATURDAY, SEPT. 27 

CHILDREN  

“Harvest at the Lake” Native American stories at 12:30 and 3:30 p.m. at Children’s Fairyland, 699 Bellevue Ave., Oakland. Cost is $6. 452-2259. www.fairyland.org 

FILM 

Berkeley Video & Film Festival Continuous screenings through Sun. at Landmark’s Shattuck Cinemas, 2230 Shattuck Ave. Program info 843-3699. Tickets 464-5980. 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

“Lucasville: The Untold Story of a Prison Uprising” A dramatic reading Thurs.-Sat. at 7:30 p.m. at the Justice and Witness Ministry, Plymouth United Church of Christ, 424 Monte Vista Ave., Oakland. Cost is $13 at the door. 654-5044. www.clarencedarrowgaryanderson.com/lucasville.html 

Rhythm & Muse spoken word and music open mic, featuring poets May Garsson and Alice Templeton at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Art Center, 1275 Walnut St behind Live Oak Park. 644-6893. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Mark Morris Dance Group “Romeo & Juliet” at 8 p.m., Sun. at 3 p.m. at Zellerbach Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $42-$94. 642-9988. www.calperformances.net 

David Crosby & Graham Nash, Jackson Browne, Bonnie Raitt and others in a benefit for Seva Foundation at 8 p.m. at Oakland Paramount Theater. Tickets are $75-$125. 845-7382, ext. 332. www.seva.org 

Liche Oseguera, Julio Domínguez, Los Camperos de Valles, Artemio Pasadas, Mexican son, at 8 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $12-$15. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Kenny Washington & His Trio at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $15. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

Baba Ken & Kotoja at 9:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. African dance lesson at 9 p.m. Cost is $15. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com  

House Jacks at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $20.50-$21.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Karen Monté Group at 8 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $20. 845-5373. www.jazzschool.com 

David Jeffrey’s Jazz Fourtet at 9:30 p.m. at Albatross, 1822 San Pablo Ave. Cost is $3. 843-2473. www.albatrosspub.com 

Charlie Wilson’s War at 10 p.m. at Beckett’s Irish Pub, 2271 Shattuck Ave. 647-1790. www.beckettsirishpub.com 

The Revtones, Los High Tops at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $8. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com 

Wil Blades Quartet at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 843-8277. 

SUNDAY, SEPT. 28 

EXHIBITIONS 

“No Boundaries” Art show and music from Sonic Safari from noon to 6 p.m. at Sculpture Garden, 3618 Peralta St., Emeryville. 655-7374. 

FILM 

Berkeley Video & Film Festival Continuous screenings from 1 p.m. at Landmark’s Shattuck Cinemas, 2230 Shattuck Ave. Program info 843-3699. Tickets 464-5980. 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Roundtable of Music and Discussion with Eduardo Peralta and Manuel Sanchez from Chile, and Liche Oseguera and Julio Dominguez from Mexico, and Fito Reinoso from Cuba, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at La Peña. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

“Gods Who Hear Prayers, Personal Piety in Ancient Egypt”with Cindy Ausec, PhD candidate, at 2:30 p.m. at Barrows Hall, Room 20, UC Campus. 415-664-4767. 

Katie Hafner will discuss her new book, “Romance on Three Legs” the story of Glenn Gould’s beloved Steinway, at 2 p.m. at the Hillside Club, 2286 Cedar St. Three young pianists will illustrate her talk with recitals of Bach. Free. www.hillsideclub.org 

Julia Morgan’s “Little Castle” The Berkeley City Club, docent led tour from 1 to 4 p.m. at 2315 Durant Ave. 848-7800. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

“Sweet Temptations” Highlights of Berkeley Opera’s upcoming 30th anniversary season at 7 p.m. at Chapel of the Chimes, 4499 Piedmont Ave. Tickets are $25-$50. 800-838-3006. www.brownpapertickets.com 

Clerestory “Explorations” men’s a cappella ensemble performs music of LeJeune, Gesualdo, Milhaud, Vaughan Williams and Bay Area composers at 5 p.m. at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, Bancroft at Ellsworth. Tickets are $10-$20. 415-331-5544. www.clerestory.org 

“hahn/huhn” performance by Tris Vonna-Michel, in conjunction with the exhibition “Bending the Word” at 3 p.m. at 3 p.m. at Berkeley Art Museum Theater, 2626 Bancroft Way. Admission is $3-$8. 642-0808. 

Martha Toledo, songs from Oaxaca, at 7:30 p.m. at La Peña. Cost is $16-$18. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

“Jazz Idiom” Al Young & Charles Robinson at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $12. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

Americana Unplugged at 5 p.m. at Jupiter. 843-8277. 

Flamenco Open Stage at 7:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $10. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Doug Beavers Rovira & Nine “Two Shades of Nude” at 4:30 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $20. 845-5373. www.jazzschool.com 

The Ravines at 3 p.m. at Spuds Pizza, 3290 Adeline St. 558-0881. 

Richard Wright, the great African-American writer, whose novel Native Son (a deliberate black perspective to parallel Dreiser’s “Great American Novel,” An American Tragedy) and autobiographical book Black Boy have been taught in schools and colleges for generations, is featured at his centennial as the main character in Richard Talavera’s original play, Before the Dream: The Strange Death (and Life) of Richard Wright, staged by Oakland Public Theatre this weekend at the Noodle Factory in West Oakland, before a San Francisco run at Teatro de la Esperanza in the Mission District. 

The play concentrates on Wright’s final years, in the black American expatriate literary scene in France. Commenting on the title and the foreign setting of the play, Talavera said, “Before the Dream refers to what was going on before the height of the Civil Rights Movement, before the March on Washington and King’s famous speech. For those who are familiar with Native Son and Black Boy, it may seem surprising that the play’s action is in postwar Paris, among black expatriates. But that is where Wright—and the others—chose to live and where all the struggles and contradictions in his earlier life and books got discussed, argued over—and came to a head.” 

Researching Wright’s life, Talavera read of encounters between Wright and other expatriate writers, such as Chester Himes, who recounted them in his memoirs. “Himes’ voice is so different from Wright’s,” said director Norman Gee, “but he was there—and gave detailed descriptions of what went on.”  

The discussions and arguments Himes said he witnessed suggested scenes. “I knew there was a play there,” Gee said. Following up with other memoirs and biographies, a method of storytelling was suggested, too, by the different points of view of the various writers and participants, different interpretations, even diametrically opposed testimonies.  

Narration by different voices, representing the different points of view, sets the scene for dialogue and for soliloquy by Wright and other characters, including novelist James Baldwin, Ollie Harrington and the great poet Langston Hughes—who, meeting Wright after years apart, just before his still-puzzling death, was taken into his bedroom, where Wright was resting in a suit and tie, “looking like he was already lying in his coffin.” 

“We present the different remembrances of events,” said Talavera, “and let the audience put the pieces together.” 

Gee, of Oakland Public Theater, began working with Talavera early on in the project, with a background in staging narrative work in his own productions and with other troupes, like Word for Word. Gee found actors for a fascinating series of readings, which took place over much of the past year at Oakland Main Library, San Francisco Public Library and other venues, like Teatro de la Esperanza. The readings covered the different eras and work in Wright’s life, including his involvement with activism, the Communist Party, the African American community and churches, as well as with other writers. 

Wright’s death, reported as a heart attack in a Paris hospital, was preceded by Wright’s prediction of the possibility of his own demise, referred to cryptically. Various speculations about complicity include American intelligence services—who did have an interest in surveiling the expatriate black Americans—and Soviet agents. A mysterious woman visited Wright in his room shortly before his death, and Harrington was called, urgently asked to “get right over here!” All of this happened while Wright’s family was out of town.  

“There are a lot of questions,” Talavera remarked, “and Wright was paranoid. We show that. But there were forgeries in newspapers, false accounts of what he said—reasons for him to be paranoid, too.” 

Gee mentioned the casting of two of the principal actors. “In the beginning, I wasn’t worried about casting, just finding actors who’d do a good job with the text for the readings,” he said. “Reg Clay was somebody I’d known for a while, and knew he could do that. But at soon as he read, I could hear similar cadences, that he expressed himself in similar ways to Wright. Other actors moved around from part to part, reading to reading. But Reg was always Richard Wright.”  

And for the young James Baldwin, Gee picked Thanidiwe Thomas DeShazor, “who I met in downtown Oakland and first talked to about jazz, and found out he was a solo performer. Later, it became obvious he was right for Baldwin—his youthful energy, and that he loved Baldwin’s love of language.” 

The play also features Wright’s aphoristic haikus, unpublished during his lifetime.  

“They became a punctuation in the play,” said Gee. “I started thinking of them as snapshots, as commentary about different moments in his life.”  

One is allusive of much of his work: “In the falling snow/ a laughing boy holds out his palms/ until they are white.” Another, read by his daughter Julia at his memorial service (she commented, “That’s Daddy!”), proved personally elegiac: “Burning out its time/ and timing out its burning/ one lonely candle.” 

Before the Dream: The Mysterious Death (and Life) of Richard Wright 

8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 5 p.m. Sunday at the Noodle Factory, 1255 26th St.,  

Oakland. $9-20. 534-9529.  

www.brownpapertickets.com. 

“How have you made division of yourself?” Twelfth Night, or What You Will, now onstage outdoors at CalShakes’ Bruns Amphitheatre in Orinda, like other Bardic comedies, realizes some of its many confusions from love and some from questions of identity.  

Taking the conceit of shipwrecked and separated twins thrown into a scene of unrequited and triangular affairs of the heart from the romances of antiquity, Shakespeare plays with basic assumptions and questions of existence and meaning, multiplying the scene of recognition from conventional romantic comedy and tragedy and reflecting it in a series of sideshow mirrors, amid much festive jocularity, clownish trickery and revelry at winter holiday’s end. 

Often considered the cream of his elusive, sometimes bittersweet comedies on love, Twelfth Night, as “La Nuit des rois” (after the three kings, the wise men of Epiphany), proved, in its stylized but simplified staging by Jacques Copeau, one of the seminal productions of early 20th century drama, a point of departure for French modern theater and a touchstone for much of the movement-oriented “physical” theater that was to follow. 

The sense is carnivalesque. The subtitle (often the allegorical “caption” blazoning Elizabethan plays) is reminiscent of the inscription above the door of Rabelais’ Abbey of Theleme: “Do What You Will.”  

The antics are all over the map, and director Mark Rucker throws the kitchen sink at the text and the stage, decorated by David Zinn in hot, clashing colors, with a big, glossy foreground photo of a tropical beach at sunset, bright foam couches and roll-around wet bars scattered across it like an airport lounge, under the backdrop of an enormous, tangled grid, sometimes pulsing with light. 

A cage in the corner holds pink rabbit-eared Fabian (Liam Vincent), others passing him drinks, long before he enters the action speaking in a ditz German accent. Feste the clown (Danny Scheie) is on rollerskates, an old Scheie-ism, decked out in bathing suits, seashell bras, whatever.  

The overloading cloys at first, then makes the production go flat. Speaking of the conflation of painting and writing in certain Impressionist novels, V. S. Pritchett wrote, “The confusion ... need not be coloured; indeed ... if the parts are too prismatically brilliant, the whole will become grey instead of luminous.” Twelfth Night is a luminous comedy, with rich, very dense language and (speaking of painting) a Manneristic sense of perspective that brings different sensibilities, different planes of human existence, into focus simultaneously, with all resultant ambiguity surrounding the stage—and every word, every movement or gesture on it—like a halo. 

At the close of the holiday season, and of the comedy, marriage celebrates the union of opposites discovered out of the comic confusion. In too many ways, the CalShakes production exhausts itself along the way, subjecting what could be good performances if they were in a more coherent setting to a kind of entropy. Alex Morf, who debuted in Pericles earlier this summer, is particularly interesting, playing both shipwrecked sister Viola (who is disguised as a man and unwittingly wins the heart of melancholy Olivia [Dana Green, also new to CalShakes]) and brother Sebastian, though this doubling is not an original notion. Sharon Lockwood, cross-dressed (and gartered) as Olivia’s Puritan majordomo turned absurd suitor, Malvolio, turns in a well-delineated performance but seems out of place, or muffled.  

Associate artists like Andy Murray, Catherine Castellanos and Dan Hiatt, and comic favorites like Howard Swain, strive mightily but either seem constricted by the mix ’n’ match, mish-mash concept, or sidelined without much to do of importance—a problem in one or two other shows this season. 

“In Shakespeare,” Herman Melville wrote, “Truth is like a white doe in the woodlands,” flying from tree to tree, never visible except as a flash of whiteness—not sunbursts. The overtones are nipped in the bud. Performed at the close of summer in a riot of color, this Twelfth Night conceals a rare winter flower, unable to unfold.

This might be better than AARP. The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute has re-launched its Berkeley center in association with UC Berkeley. 

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) is a national network for “older learners”—50 and older—with 119 program centers across the U.S. and a central resource point at the University of Southern Maine.  

The local OLLI program uses space on the UC Berkeley campus and surrounding neighborhoods, all BART-handy and close to public parking.  

Membership at $50 a term and $100 for an academic year gives access to some 50 courses each year; course fees are an additional $75 to $160. (If that sounds expensive, consider that UC Berkeley Extension courses in comparable subjects apparently start at over $400 asemester.) Financial assistance is available, too. Courses run for six weeks.  

OLLI runs inexpensive lecture series and one-time events, too, at $5 each or free to members. 

This fall’s lecturers on “Politics and Science” include Rita Maran (Oct. 20: International Law, Human Rights, and Torture), David Presti (Oct. 27: Mind, Brain, and Consciousness), Michael Omi (Nov. 3: Racial Identity and the Census), and Lynne Elkin (Nov. 10: Rosalind Franklin and the Discovery of DNA).  

OLLI taps the locally plentiful resources of senior brains and UC and other local universities. Promising courses include Charles Darwin: His Life, Times, and Science taught by lecturer/curator John Dillon; Bay Area Documentary Filmmakers, by film critic Michael Fox (also host of the Mechanics’ Institute’s Friday night CinemaLit series); Psychology and Opera: Verdi’s Human Dilemmas, by research psychologist Gerald Mendelsohn; and Remembering History, by the stellar writer Susan Griffin.  

One special year-long course with Robert Cole will comprise discussions led by Cole or a guest on the Thursdays before six each of Cal Performances’ music and dance series, and discount tickets (sold separately) to those. Cole is retiring after directing Cal Performances for 23 years.  

Classes and lectures take place daytimes and evenings. Registration is happening now and right up to the start of classes on Oct. 1, but some courses will fill quickly.  

For more information, see http://olli.berkeley.edu, call 642-9934 or write to the office at 1925 Walnut St., No. 1570, University of California, Berkeley, 94720-1570 to ask for this semester’s brochure.  

Time and time again we’ve seen the word “independent” co-opted by the very corporate forces the independents claim independence from: “indie” record labels engulfed by a corporate parent; “indie” film festivals that draw Hollywood’s A-List roster to remote Western boomtowns. 

Well, there’s at least one independent film festival that has not only retained its true indie character, but prides itself on a “celebrity-free” environment. 

East Bay Media Center’s 17th annual Berkeley Video and Film Festival starts Saturday at Landmark’s Shattuck Cinemas in downtown Berkeley, running Friday through Sunday and screening more than 50 films. Shows start at 7:30 p.m. Friday and at 1 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, and continue to nearly midnight each night. 

This year’s program features the usual eclectic blend of wide-ranging fare, from student films to experimental short subjects to feature-length films with a high-gloss sheen—all of them truly independent and all of them unlike anything showing at your local megaplex. 

Things get off to an offbeat start Friday with Emma Strebel’s 45-second Self Portrait, an art project she says developed from “a radical intervention to remedy my head lice.” Get your popcorn early. 

Next up is Eli Akira Kaufman’s California King, a surprisingly moving tale of a mattress salesman who uses his lofty position to bed his more attractive female customers. That is, until he meets one that stirs more than his libido. Like a minimalist short story, the 22-minute California King manages to convey much about its characters with little or no background information; we know their states of mind without needing to know the details. It’s a pared-down love story, with no frills and really no surprises; it simply tells a simple story well. 

Another short subject, Attila Szasz’s Now You See Me, Now You Don’t (30 minutes), takes us in another direction entirely with a story that employs a touch of science fiction in a sort of dark parable of marriage and parenthood. When a work-a-holic scientist uses a formula to make his son invisible, he widens the rift between father and mother and child with tragic results. 

Screening between those two short films are two even shorter films, together adding up to just five minutes, but which open up a brand new world of filmmaking. George Aguilar, who created one of the best films in last year’s festival (The Diary of Niclas Gheiler), returns with two examples from his series of virtual films. Aguilar has immersed himself in the online world of Second Life and has used his avatar, an artist-borg by the name of Cecil Hirvi, to create a series of cinematic poems. The first film, Virtual Starry Night, shows Hirvi stepping into a 3-D world constructed by Second Life users based on the paintings of Vincent Van Gogh. The second film, First Love of a Borg, consists of camera movements that sensually trace the contours of a metallic sculpture of a ballerina on display in a virtual museum. 

Festival director Mel Vapour may have to put an asterisk behind his “celebrity-free” claim this year when poet Michael McClure makes an appearance Friday night. McClure will be on hand to answer questions following a screening of Rebel Roar: The Sound of Michael McClure, a 34-minute film that features that Beat Generation poet reading his own work and offering perspectives on his contemporaries. 

The festival’s opening night concludes with Fix (93 minutes), a feature by Tao Ruspoli. Shawn Andrews carries the film with a charismatic performance and a devilish grin that conveys love and arrogance and dissipation all at once. The film’s conceit—a cinephile films every aspect of his life, even as he ventures to Los Angeles to bail his drug-addict brother out of jail and get him into rehab—wears thin after a while, as the device of the first-person camera requires that much screen time be spent defending and justifying it. And the technique lends far less sympathy to the characterizations than Ruspoli probably hoped for. But when it works it strikes an almost voyeuristic tone that makes some scenes come to life. 

Saturday’s screenings include two documentaries. The first, Road to Bonneville (60 minutes), follows two hot-rod builders as they trek across the country in their homemade vintage race cars to the salt flats of Utah, spouting homespun, geeked-out hot rod jargon all the way. Documentaries can bring us into close contact with subcultures we might never otherwise encounter, and Road to Bonneville does just that, giving us a glimpse of a unique and highly specialized world. 

Stop the Presses (80 minutes) is another kind of documentary, giving us an extensive cataloging of a vexing societal problem, in this case the slow-motion death spiral of the newspaper industry. Mark Birnbaum and Manny Mendoza traveled the country and conducted more than 100 interviews to produce this examination of the shifting American media landscape and what it portends for the future, for an informed citizenry, and for the First Amendment. It’s hardly news to news industry insiders of course, but it elucidates for the uninformed the ramifications for democracy once the watchdogs have been put down. 

Tate Taylor’s feature Pretty Ugly People (100 minutes) closes out the festival’s second night. An animated prologue introduces us to Lucy, an overweight woman who undergoes gastric bypass surgery and stages a dramatic reunion to surprise her friends with her new body. But while attempting to enjoy the good and svelte life with them on an extended camping trip, a series of encounters with each friend’s dark side shows her that life isn’t necessarily all that better for the trim and fit. 

Also included in this year’s program are two Chilean features. Just to make things confusing, Sabado screens on Domingo, depicting a real-time drama of a marriage that falls apart just as it is about to begin. The film, with the exception of a single edit, appears to be shot in real time, using its 63 minutes to follow a would-be bride as she discovers her fiancé’s secret, confronts him with it, and then concocts a plan for moving forward, documenting it all with the help of a student cameraman. As with Fix, the first-person camera can be trying at times, and again the script and actors are called upon to continually justify its presence, but it adds up to a fun little experiment in cinema verite. 

The best feature film of the festival is also the strangest. Malta con Huevo is another Chilean entry and it’s quirky from the start as Vladimir, a sketchy cad-about-town, wakes up to find that he has somehow jumped ahead in time a few weeks. Yet when he sleeps and wakes again, he’s back where he began, and no one seems to know what he’s blathering about. We suspect early enough that his signature beverage of malt beer and raw eggs is playing tricks on his mind, but soon enough the film takes a stark left turn as a more nefarious and absurd comic-horror plot reveals itself. 

BERKELEY VIDEO AND FILM FESTIVAL 

One-day passes ($13, $10 for students and seniors) are available starting Friday at the Shattuck Cinemas box office, 2230 Shattuck Ave. 464-5980. One-day and three-day passes ($30) are available in advance at East Bay Media Center, 1939 Addison St. 843-3699. www.berkeleyvideofilmfest.org.