THURSDAY, OCT. 16 

Berkeley Solar Financing Program Information Session for residential and commercial property owners at 7 p.m. at South Berkeley Senior Center, 2939 Ellis St. solar@ci.berkeley.ca.us 

“Preservation Works” How the Berkeley community was able to save architectural and cultural treasures, and what we need to do to ensure that we will be able to save others in the future. Panelists for this illustrated talk include Susan Cerny, Stephanie Manning, Arlene Silk, Marie Bowman, and others. At 7:30 p.m. at The Hillside Club, 2286 Cedar St. Free. 841-2242. www.berkeleyheritage.org  

Bay Area National Latino AIDS Awareness Day with music and food, from 6 to 9 p.m. at La Peña. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

LeConte Neighborhood Association Meeting with Mayoral candidate Shirley Dean at 7:30 p.m. at the LeConte School, Russell St. entrance. Other agenda items include a mini-park for Oregon/Fulton, anti-blight procedures, better traffic control. karlreeh@aol.com  

First 5 Alameda Community Meeting on services for local children at 6 p.m. at Alameda Behavioral Health Care Services, 2000 Embarcadero, Oakland. 875-2400. www.first5ecc.org 

Workshops for Healthcare Activists, and those who want to be, Single Payer Health Care/SB840 Kuehl at 7 p.m. at Hillside Church, 1422 Navellier St., El Cerrito between Portrero and Moeser Lane. 526-0972. 

“Merritt College: Home of the Black Panthers” A documentary at 7 p.m. at James Moore Theater, Oakland Museum, 1000 Oak St., followed by a panel discussion. For tickets call 466-7373. 

University of California Press Annual Sidewalk Book Sale with hundreds of new and slightly scuffed books from the warehouse at a significant discount from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 2120 Berkeley Way, one block north of University, between Shattuck and Oxford. www.ucpress.edu 

“Starved for Attention: The Neglected Crisis of Childhood Malnutrition” with Dr. Buddhima Lokuge at 5:30 p.m. at Berdahl Auditorium, Stanley Hall, UC campus. Presented by Doctors Without Borders. 

College Night for High School Students to meet college representatives from 6 to 8 p.m. at the College of Alameda Gymnasium, Building G, 555 Ralph Appezzato Memorial Parkway, Alameda. 337-2314. 

“Voices of Courage” Family Violence Law Center’s Annual Dinner at 6 p.m. at Greek Orthodox Cathedral, Oakland. Tickets are $100. RSVP to christina@fvlc.org 

Hall of Health Educator's Open House with Eileen Murray, Children's Hospital & Research Center on “Sickle Cell Disease and Trait” at 4 p.m. at Hall of Health, 2230 Shattuck Ave. (lower level). RSVP to 705-8527. 

LiveTalk@CPS with Robert W. Fuller, former president of Oberlin College on “Overcoming the Abuse of Rank” at 7 p.m. at College Prepatory School, Buttner Auditorium, 6100 Broadway. Tickets are $5-$15 at the door. www.college-prep.org/livetalk 

“Natural History of Birds in Ecuador” at 7 p.m. at Northbrae Community Church, 941 The Alameda. 843-2222. 

“Turkey Vultures: Fact vs. Fiction” with Douglas Long, chief curator of Natural Sciences, at 12:30 p.m. at Oakland Museum of California, 1000 Oak St., Oakland. 238-2200.  

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. 

Transportation Forum for Northern Alameda County with a presentation of projects at 5:30 p.m. at ACTIA Offices, 1333 Broadway, Suite 300, Oakland. 893-3347. 

Reel Rock Film Tour Climbing adventure films at 8 p.m. at Pyramid Alehouse Boardroom. Tickets are $12-$14. www.reelrocktour.com 

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 

Avatar Metaphysical Toastmasters Club at 6:45 p.m. at Spud’s Pizza , 3290 Adeline at Alcatraz. namaste@avatar.freetoasthost.info  

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, OCT. 17 

City Commons Club Noon Luncheon with Linda Swift on “Climate Change: A Primer” 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 

“Global Slavery and the Plague of Poverty” A conference Fri. at 6 p.m., Sat. from 8:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m., Sun. from 8:30 a.m. to 6:15 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 2407 Dana St. Cost is $20-$60. To register see www.fpcberkeley.org/ 

gcc2008.asp 

“Dias de los Muertos” Community altar on display from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., through Nov. 3 at Chapel of the Chimes, 4499 Piedmont Ave. Families are invited to bring personal ofrendas. 228-3207. 

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. 

“Stand Against Poverty” with UCB’s Amnesty International and information on the UN’s Millennium Development Goals at noon at Upper Sproul Plaza, UC Campus. www.standagainstpoverty.org 

Berkeley Women in Black weekly vigil from noon to 1 p.m. at Bancroft and Telegraph. Our focus is human rights in Palestine. 548-6310. 

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, OCT. 18 

Brazilian Parade and Festival with Capoeira, Brazilian music and dance starting at 11:30 a.m. at the corner of Hearst and Sacramento, to Civic Center Park for a festival. www.capoeiraarts.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. 

Rebuilding Together Oakland Block Building Program in the Elmhurst neighborhood of East Oakland. Volunteers will work in teams to restore and rehabilitate the homes of six elderly or disabled low-income homeowners and the neighborhood school. Skilled and unskilled volunteers welcome and must be at least 14 years of age to volunteer. RSVP to 625-0316. www.rtoakland.org 

“Landscaping with Native Grasses” A class on how to use grasses in a variety of landscape situations from 9 a.m. to noon at Tilden Park. Cost is $40-$45. registration required. www. 

nativeplants.org/events.html 

Reptile Rendevous Learn about the reptiles that live in Tilden Park, from 2 to 3 p.m. at Tilden Nature Center. 525-2233. 

Bunny Adoption Day Come meet our rescued bunnies and learn how to train and care for a house rabbit, from 2 to 5 p.m. at RabbitEars, 377 Colusa Ave., Kensington. 525-6155. 

Native Plant Fair with plants, bulbs and books from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Native Here Nursery, 101 Golf Course Dr,. Tilden Park, across from Tilden Golf Course entrance. Sponsored by California Native Plant Society East Bay. www.ebcnps.org 

Telling Tales: A Fall Storytelling Festival featuring Awele Makeba, Kirk Waller, Nancy Schimmel and Walker Brents III, from noon to 5 p.m. at Berkwood Hedge School, 1809 Bancroft Way. Cost is $7, $20 per family. 883-6994.  

“Global Slavery and the Plague of Poverty” A conference Sat. from 8:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m., Sun. from 8:30 a.m. to 6:15 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 2407 Dana St. Cost is $20-$60. To register see www. 

fpcberkeley.org/gcc2008.asp 

University Students Cooperative Association 75th Anniversary Gala at 6:30 p.m. at Hs Lordships, Berkeley Marina. For ticket information and reservations see www.bsc.coop/75th 

Home Movie Day Screenings begin at 12:30 p.m., and a special progam at 4 p.m. at PFA, 2575 Bancroft Way. For information on how to submit your old home movies, see www.bampfa.berkeley.edu/film/FN17187 

Benefit for Chaplain James Yee, former U.S. Army Muslim Chaplain at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists, 1924 Cedar St. 495-5132. www.bfuu.org 

El Cerrito Democratic Club Annual Meeting and dinner with speaker Normon Solomon on “End of an Error - Beginning of an Era: Achieving Our Goals in a Post-Bush America” and music by Vukani Mawethu, at 6 p.m. at Arlington Community Church, 52 Arlington Ave. For reservations see www.ecdclub.org 

“An American Blackout” A film about the stolen elections of 2000 and 2004 at 5:30 p.m. with catered dinner at Sky Lounge in El Cerrito, 10458 San Pablo Ave. Donation $5-$10. Sponsored by the El Cerrito Green Party. 526-0972. 

Berkeley Alliance of Neighborhood Associations meets to discuss the three local tax/bond measures at 10 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 2407 Dana St., Westminster Bldg., 1st flr, College Lounge. www.berkeleycna.org 

“Writing a Memoir That Sells” with David Henry Sterry, Beth Lisick and Alan Black at the California Writers Club, at 10 a.m. at Barnes & Nobel, Jack London Square, Oakland. 272-0120. 

“Sufi Peacemaking: A New Model of Mediation” led by Nura Laird and Lynn Hammond from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, 1 Lawson Rd., Kensington. Cost is $45. To register call 233-2666. 

“Love, Loss and Longing” A conference on Cuban families torn apart from 10:30 a.m. to 230 p.m. at Chabot College, 25555 Hesperian Blvd., Hayward. 832-2372. 

Jewish Literature and Discussion Series meets to discuss “The Lover” by A.B. Yehoshua at 2 p.m. at the Kensington Library, 61 Arlington Ave. 524-3043. 

Ancestral DNA Testing A workshop from noon to 3 p.m. at College of Alameda, 555 Ralph Appezzato Memorial Parway, Alameda. Cost is $150. Registration required. 748-2352. 

USS Hornet Museum Open House with tours of the ship and its airplanes from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 707 W. Hornet Ave., Pier 3, Alameda. 521-8448. www.uss-hornet.org 

Free Internet Classes “All About Email” at 10 a.m. at the El Cerrito Library, 6510 Stockton St., El Cerrito. 526-7512. 

Jewish Harvest Holiday for Preschoolers at 10:30 a.m. at Jewish Gateways near the El Cerrito BART station. RSVP to Rabbi Bridget Wynne at 559-8140 or rabbibridget@jewishgateways.org.  

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

The Berkeley Lawn Bowling Club provides free instruction every Wed. and Sat. at 10:30 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, OCT. 19 

Spice of Life Festival from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on North Shattuck Ave. from Virginia to Rose. 800-310-6563. www.spiceoflifefestival.com 

Family Bird Walk Learn birding basics during a short walk through various avian habitats, from 3 to 4:30 p.m. at Tilden Nature Center. Tilden Park. 525-2233. 

Bountiful Berries A mile-long hike to learn about native berry-producing plants, and the wildlife that enjoys them, from 10:30 a.m. to noon at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. 525-2233. 

Native Plant Fair with plants, bulbs and books from noon to 3 p.m. at Native Here Nursery, 101 Golf Course Dr,. Tilden Park, across from Tilden Golf Course entrance. Sponsored by California Native Plant Society East Bay. www.ebcnps.org 

“Selecting and Pruning Young Native Trees and Shrubs” A class on choosing the right plant for the right place in the garden, placing the plant, what to expect in growth, and how to prune young plants in the garden from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Tilden Park. Cost is $40-$45. Registration required. www. 

nativeplants.org/events.html  

Friends of the Kensington Library Fall Book Sale from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the parking lot behind the Library at 61 Arlington Ave, Kensington. The ‘Bag Sale’ will begin at 2 p.m. 524-3043. 

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

“It Came From Berkeley: How Berkeley Changed the World” with author Dave Weinstein at 2 p.m. at the Berkeley History Center, 1931 Center St. 848-0181. 

El Cerrito Historical Society Meeting will feature a video about the Technical Porcelain and Chinaware Company, or “TEPCO” which was for years the biggest employer in El Cerrito, at 1 p.m. at the Senior Center, 6510 Stockton Ave. 526-7507. www.elcerritowire.com/history 

Berkeley CyberSalon with freelance Wired and Variety journalist Scott Kirsner at 6 p.m. at Hillside Club, 2286 Cedar St. Cost is $10-$15. whoisylvia@aol.com 

Berkeley/North East Bay Chapter of the ACLU Annual Meeting at 1 p.m. at the Albany Senior Center 846 Masonic Ave., Albany. Guests welcome. 558-0377. 

East Bay Atheists meets at 1:30 p.m. at Berkeley Main Library, 3rd Floor, 2090 Kittredge St. 222-7580. 

“Update on Childhood Vaccinations” with Dr Thauna Abrin on ingredients in vaccinations and how they affect the body and how to prepare your child's body for a vaccination at 10 a.m. at Pharmaca, 1744 Solano Ave. 282-2104. 

“The Roots of the Unitarian Controversy” with Bill Hamilton-Holway at 10 a.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, 1 Lawson Rd., Kensington. 525-0302, ext. 306. 

Free Garden Tours at Regional Parks Botanic Garden in Tilden Park Sat. and Sun. at 2 p.m. Call to confirm. 841-8732.  

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 Robin Caton on “The Silent Sound of the Mind” 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, OCT. 20 

Berkeley Mayoral Debate between Tom Bates and Shirley Dean, and a discussion of the Berkeley ballot initiatives at 7 p.m. at St. John’s Presbyterian Church Sanctuary, 2727 College Ave. Sponsored by Claremont Elmwood Neighborhood Assoc. www.claremontelmwood.org 

Carquinez Strait Trails Challenge An easy two mile stroll to learn some natural and cultural history, and view a beautiful sunset. Meet at 4 p.m. at Eckley Pier. 525-2233. 

“International Law, Human Rights, and Torture” with Rita Maran, United Nations Assoc., East Bay at 12:15 p.m. at Room 150, University Hall, 2199 Addison St. Free for OLLI members, $5 others. 642-5254. 

“The Recent Jump in Food Prices” and the relationship to oil price increases, biofuels policy, weather problems, and food import and export policies with Daniel Sumner, director of the UC Agricultural Issues Center at noon at 290 Hearst Memorial Mining Bldg., UC campus. 642-4274. 

“Google Scholar, What Is It Good For?” A workshop on the search engine for online scholarly material at 2 p.m. at 350C Moffitt Undergraduate Library, UC campus. 643-9959. 

“Wall St. Meltdown: Impacts on Venture Capital Funding?” A panel discussion with funders at 7 pm. at 1995 University Ave., Suite 375. Cost is free for eBig members, guests $15-$20. www.ebig.org 

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.  

Red Cross Blood Drive from noon to 6 p.m. at UC Berkeley, West Pauley Ballroom, MLK Student Union. To schedule an appointment go to www.BeADonor.com 

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, OCT. 21 

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 Pinole Shores, San Pablo Bay Regional Trail. Call for meeting place and if you need to borrow binoculars. 525-2233. 

Berkeley Garden Club with Emma Connery, Master Gardener, Contra Costa County, speaking on “Managing Common Garden Pests” at 2 p.m. at Epworth United Methodist Church, 1953 Hopkins St. 524-7296. 

Berkeley Solar Financing Program Information Session for residential and commercial property owners at 7 p.m. at West Berkeley Senior Center, 1900 Sixth St. solar@ci.berkeley.ca.us 

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. 

“Approaches to an International Career” A conversation with Peace Corps Deputy Director Dr. Jody Olsen at 7 p.m. at International House, 2299 Piedmont Ave., UC campus. Free. 452-8444. 

New Deal Film Festival “Our Hope for the Future: Building Community” at 1 p.m. at North Berkeley Senior Center, 1901 Hearst, Corner of MLK. Sponsored by the Berkeley Gray Panthers. 548-9696. 

“The Financial Meltdown and the Madness of Capitalism” discussion at 7 p.m. at Revolution Books, 2425 Channing Way. 848-1196. 

“Five Core Skills of Mentally Fit Athletes” at 7 p.m. at REI, 1338 San Pablo Ave. 527-4140. 

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

Caribbean Rhythms Dance Class begins at 5:30 p.m. at Redwood Gardens, 2951 Derby St., and meets every Tues. eve. Donations accepted for Community Rhythms Scholarship Fund. 548-9840. 

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 

Ceramics Class Learn hand building techniques to make decorative and functional items, Tues. at 9:30 a.m. at St. John's Senior Center, 2727 College Ave. Free, materials and firing charges only. 525-5497. 

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, OCT. 22 

“It’s Time for a New New Deal” with Harvey Smith of California’s Living New Deal Project at the Berkeley-East Bay Gray Panthers at 1:30 p.m. at North Berkeley Senior Center, 1901 Hearst Ave. 548-9696. graypanthers.org 

“Lioness” A documentary about five women in the military who went to Iraq as cooks, clerks and mechanics, at 6 p.m. at Oakland Museum of California, 1000 Oak St., Oakland. Cost is $5-$8. 238-2200. www.museumca.org 

Berkeley’s Climate Action Plan Learn about and comment on the city’s recommendations for reducing local greenhouse gas emissions at the Energy Commission at 6:30 p.m. at North Berkeley Senior Center, 1901 Hearst Ave. www.BerkeleyClimateAction.org 

Berkeley’s Climate Action Plan: How Berkeley Citizens Can Make a Difference with Nancy Skinner at 7 p.m. at the City Club, 2315 Durant Ave. Suggested donation to Livable Berkeley $5-$10. Please RSVP to info@livableberkeley.org 

“American Chestnut: The Life, Death and Rebirth of a Perfect Tree” at 6 p.m. at UC Botanical Garden, 200 Centennial Dr. Registration required. Cost is $7, free for members. 643-2755, ext. 03. 

Albany Reads Community reading of “Snow Mountain Passage” by James D. Houston about the Donner Party. Viewing of the PBS film “Donner Party” at 7 p.m. at Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave. For other related events, and for a copy of the book call 526-3720. 

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 Medical Center. Sponsored by the East Bay Bicycle Coalition. Free. For information see www.ebbc.org/safety 

“The Take” A documentary on the impact of globalization in Buenos Aires, at 7:30 p.m. at Humanist Hall, 390 27th St., Oakland. Donation $5. www.Humanist Hall.org 

“Revolution” newspaper discussion at 7 p.m. at Revolution Books, 2425 Channing Way. 848-1196. 

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

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 

Family Sing-Along for toddlers, pre-schoolers and their families at 4:30 p.m. at the Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave. 526-3720. 

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, OCT. 23 

Meet the Candidates for Mayor, City Council and School Board at 7 p.m. in the Chapel of the Northbrae Community Church, 941 The Alameda at Los Angeles. www.northeastberkeleyassociation.org 

The Oakland Bird Club “Birds of Asia” A slide presentation by Jeff Robinson at 7:30 p.m. at Oakland Public Library, Rockridge Branch, 5366 College Ave. 444-0355. 

MGO Democratic Club meets to discuss five government initiatives in a package called Real Oakland Administrative Reform with John Russo, City Attorney; Courtney Ruby, City Auditor; Ignacio De La Fuente, Council President, Dist 5, and Pat Kernighan, City Council Member, Dist. 2, at 7 p.m. at Dimond Branch Library, Oakland. 595-7402. www.mgoclub.org 

“Monterey Market Live” A documentary by Bill Fujimoto, owner of the produce market, at 7 p.m. at El Cerrito Library, 6510 Stockton Ave., El Cerrito. 526-7512. 

“California Native Plants for Your Garden” at 7 p.m. at El Sobrante Library, 4991 Appian WAy, El Sobrante. Free. 374-3991. 

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

“Wild & Scenic Environmental Film Festival” at 5 p.m. at Clif Bar Headquarters, 1610 Fifth St. Tickets are $10-$15. www.brownpapertickets.com 

Workshops for Healthcare Activists, and those who want to be, Single Payer Health Care/SB840 Kuehl at 7 p.m. at Hillside Church, 1422 Navellier St., El Cerrito between Portrero and Moeser Lane. 526-0972. 

Barbary Lane Senior Community Open House with East Bay Symphony Trio and author Armistead Maupin from noon to 5 p.m. at 1800 Madison St., Oakland. Free, but RSVP required 903-3600. 

Art from the Heart Silent Auction benfitting East Meets West Foundation, a nonprofit development agency serving the poor in Vietnam at 6 p.m. at Piedmont Community Church, Clara Barton Room, 400 Highland Ave., Piedmont. www.piedmontchurch.org 

“Life for Sale” A documentary on our ailing health care system at 7:30 p.m. at Shattuck Cinemas. Tickets are $10. 1-877-7LIFE4S. www.lifeforsalemovie.com 

Auditions for “That’s Our Snow White” with East Bay Children’s Theater for 14 M/F adult actors/singers from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Kahilla Community Synagogue, 1300 Grand Ave. For information call 537-9957. zaniladi@comcast.net 

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, OCT. 24 

City Commons Club Noon Luncheon with Antonio Rossman, Land Use Attorney on “How Communities Deal Effectively with Government Entities” including the Caldecott Tunnel issue and the UC Stadium issue. 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 

United Nations Day honoring East Bay Nobel Prize winners for work in climate change at 6 p.m. at International House at 2299 Piedmont Ave. Tickets are $15-$30. For reservations call 642-9461. www.unausaeastbay.org 

“The Phantom’s Masquerade” The East Bay Dance Center’s Fourth Annual Halloween Show and Dance, a family-friendly event featuring dance performance, party and treats at 7 p.m. at 1318 Glenfield Ave., off of Park Blvd., Oakland. Tickets are $2-$5. All proceeds benefit the EBDC’s Scholarship Fund. 336-3262. 

Cinema Dreaming “Nosferatu” Screening and discussion at 7 p.m. at The Dream Institute, 1672 University at McGee. Cost is $12. 845-1767. 

Kol Hadash Humanistic Shabbat at 7:30 p.m. at the Albany Community Center, 1249 Marin Ave. Please bring finger dessert or snack to share for the Oneg, and non-perishable food for the needy. 428-1492. info@kolhadash.org  

Berkeley Women in Black weekly vigil from noon to 1 p.m. at Bancroft and Telegraph. Our focus is human rights in Palestine. 548-6310. 

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, OCT. 25 

“Peace in the World and Social Services at Home” A gathering with Dan and Patricia Ellsberg, Cindy Sheehan, Barbara Becnel and others at the Civic Center Peace Wall in Civic Center Park from noon to 4:30 p.m. 841-4824. 

Community Celebration for Days of the Dead with craft activities, demonstrations, music, dance and food, from noon to 5 p.m. at Oakland Museum of California, 1000 Oak St., Oakland. Cost is $5-$8. 238-2200. www.museumca.org 

Infinity Walk Against Domestic Violence from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Mosswood Park at Broadway and MacArthur in Oakland and will include music, performances, refreshments, youth activities and more. Benefits A Safe Place, Oakland's domestic violence program for battered women and children. 205-0855. asafeplacedvs.org 

“Down Memory Lane” 35th Anniversary of the Oakland Community School from noon to 5 p.m. at 6118 International Blvd., Oakland. 434-1824, 652-7170. www.ocs-communications.com 

New School Halloween Bazaar with face painting, children’s games, rummage sale, book and bake sales, live entertainment and more from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 1606 Bonita at Cedar. 548-9165.  

Fiesta de los Angelitos Build a memorial kite, a “nicho” or other crafts from 2 to 4 p.m. at at Chapel of the Chimes, 4499 Piedmont Ave. Dias de las Muertos procession at 6 p.m. 228-3207. 

Haunted House in Berkeley with levels of scariness for all ages from 6:30 to 8:15 p.m. at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 2727 College Ave. Come in costume. Donations benefit homeless children. 845-6830. 

Skytown Preschool Fall Festival and Open House Age appropriate activities for 18 months to 5 years from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Skytown Preschool, One Lawson Road, Kensington. Come in costume. 526-8481. www.skytown.org 

Haunted House and Costume Contest for children at 5:30 p.m. at Rhythmix Cultural Works, 2513 Blanding Ave. Alameda. Cost is $5-$10. Haunted Cabare at 8 p.m. Cost is $35-$50. www.rhythmix.org 

“Boo at the Zoo” Oakland Zoo Halloween Celebration Sat. and Sun. from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with scavenger hunt, animal feedings, and a visit with creepy crawlies. Cost is $7-$10.50. 632-9525. www.oaklandzoo.org 

Monster Bash aboard the Aircraft Carrier USS Hornet, with music, haunted tours of the lower deck, and children’s activities at 7:30 p.m. at 707 W. Hornet Ave. Pier 3, Alameda. Tickets are $20-$25 for adults, $10 for children. www.hornetevents.com  

Halloween Music, with Broadway and television favorites for the whole family at 6:30 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Alameda, 2001 Santa Clara at Chestnut, Alameda. Party follows with tours of the Haunted Parlor. Free, but donations accepted. 522-1477. 

Farm Songs and Stories, including a visit to feed the chickens from 2 to 3 p.m. at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. 525-2233. 

Berkeley Historical Society Walking Tour of Claremont Paths from 10 a.m. to noon. Cost is $8-$10. For reservations and starting point call 848-0181. 

Fall Bird Walk to observe and listen to resident and migrant birds at 9 a.m. at UC Botanical Garden, 200 Centennial Dr. Registration required. Cost is $12-$15. 643-2755, ext. 03. 

Small Pet Adoption Day Come meet our rescued rats, hamsters, guinea pigs and mice, and learn how they can be a member of your family, from 1 to 5 p.m. at RabbitEars, 377 Colusa Ave., Kensington. Come in costume to have your photograph taken.525-6155. 

Pt. Richmond Silent Art Auction from 5 to 8 p.m. at Point San Pablo Yacht Club, 700 West Cutting Blvd., Pt. Richmond. For tickets, or to donate your artwork call 235-0165. 

SEEDS Community Resolution Center Celebrates 25 Years of Service with dinner, music and dancing from 7 to 11 p.m. at Berkeley Yacht Club, 1 Seawall Drive. Tickets are $40. 548-4051. Jaimee@ebcm.org 

Vegetarian Cooking Class Comfort Food from Around the World Learn to make Potato Latkes, Scotch Broth, Cuban Black Bean Soup 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 

Bay Area Cohousing Tour A guided bus tour of several communities Cost is $95, includes lunch. 834-7399. www.cohousing.org/tours 

Residential Earthquake Retrofits A free seminar at 10 a.m. at the Montclair Women’s Cultural Art’s Club, 1650 Mountain Blvd., Oakland. 418-1676.  

“Growing Herbs” Learn the climate needs, fertilizer requirements, watering techniques, and pruning of different herbs that you can grow all winter long at 10 a.m. at Magic Gardens, 729 Heinz Ave. Free. 644-2351. www.magicgardens.com 

Kennedy High School/Eagle Foundation Community Meeting to discuss the needs of the high school and the role of the community at noon in the cafeteria, Kennedy High School, 4300 Cutting Blvd., Richmond. 231-1433. www.jfkeaglefoundation.org 

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. Cost is $45. To register call 415-505-7827. 

Animation Film Festival Works by Bay Area middle and high school students at 9:30 a.m. at Bay Street AMC Theaters, Emeryville. 655-4002. 

Sacred Art & Sacred Space Art Auction at 6 p.m. at Rudramandir, 830 Bancroft Way. Proceeds will benefit Himalayan HealthCare. RSVP to auction@TantricArt.net 

Free Internet Classes “Useful Web Sites” at 10 a.m. at El Cerrito Library, 6510 Stockton St., El Cerrito. 526-7512. 

Floral Art and Design Class with Devon Gaster at 1 p.m. at Expressions Gallery, 2035 Ashby Ave. 644-4930.  

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

Free Garden Tours at Regional Parks Botanic Garden Sat. and Sun. at 2 pm. Regional Parks Botanic Garden, Tilden Park. Call to confirm. 841-8732. www.nativeplants.org 

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 B

THURSDAY, OCT. 16 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Walls” Paintings by Joel Isaacson on contemporary social and political concerns, at Flora Lamson Hewlett Library, 2400 Ridge Rd. Exhibition runs to Jan. 30. 649-2500. www.gtu.edu 

Karl Kasten Retrospective Tues.-Sat. noon to 4 p.m. at Worth Ryder Gallery, Kroeber Hall, UC campus, through Oct. 24. 642-2582. 

Habitot Children’s Museum Art Show Works by children on display at BirthWays, 1600 Shattuck Ave. and Children’s Hospital, Outpatient Center, 744 52nd St., Oakland. 647-1111. 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

“Preservation Works” How the Berkeley community was able to save architectural and cultural treasures, and what we need to do to ensure that we will be able to save others in the future. Panelists for this illustrated talk include Susan Cerny, Stephanie Manning, Arlene Silk, Marie Bowman, and others. At 7:30 p.m. at The Hillside Club, 2286 Cedar St. Free. 841-2242. www.berkeleyheritage.org  

Patrick Coffey describes “Cathedrals of Science: The Personalities & Rivalries that Made Modern Chemistry” at 6 p.m. at University Press Books, 2430 Bancroft Way. 548-0585. www.universitypressbooks.com 

Poetry Flash with Ed Pavlic and Sean Hill at 7:30 p.m. at Moe’s Books, 2476 Telegraph Ave. 849-2087. 

“Love Never Fails” Works by Kelvin Curry. Artist talk at 7 p.m., music at 5 p.m., at the Craft & Cultural Arts Gallery, State of California Office Building - Atrium, 1515 Clay St., Oakland. 622-8190. 

Peter Orner and Annie Holmes describe “Underground America: Narratives of Undocumented Lives” at 7:30 p.m. at Mrs. Dalloways, 2904 College Ave. 704-8222. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Bobby Tenor, Binghi Drummers, in a Perter Tosh Birthday Celebration at 9:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $12-$15. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Laura Love with Orville Johnson at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $18.50-$19.50. 548-1761.  

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

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

Bright Black Morning Light, Meara Feather’s Avocet at 9 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $10. 841-2082  

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

Faye Carol at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square, through Sun. Cost is TBD. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

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

FRIDAY, OCT. 17 

THEATER 

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 

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  

Galatean Players Ensemble Theater “Rivets” A musical based on Rosie the Riveter and Richmond’s Kaiser Shipyards, Thurs.-Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 3 p.m. onboard the SS Red Oak Victory, 1337 Canal Blvd., Berth 6A, Richmond, through Oct. 26. Tickets are $20. 925-676-5705. galateanplayers.com 

Ragged Wing Ensemble “The History of the Devil” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m. at Central Stage, 5221 Central Ave., Richmond, Through Nov. 1. Tickets are $10-$30. www.raggedwing.org 

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 

UC Dept. of Theater “Measure for Measure” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2 p.m. at Zellerbach Playhouse, UC campus. Tickets are $10-$15. 642-8827. 

Woman’s Will “Macbeth” Thurs.-Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2 p.m. at The Retail Theater Space, 95 Washington, Jack London Square, Oakland, through Oct. 26. Tickets are $15-$25. 420-0813. www.womanswill.org 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Manifest Dreams” Contemporary Aboriginal art. Opening reception at 7 p.m. at Gaia Arts Center, 2120 Allston Way. Tickets are $10-$15. Exhibition runs through through Jan. 6. 665-0305. 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Living Word Festival “Race is Fiction” at 7 p.m. at Oakland Museum of California, 1000 Oak St. A panel and presentation with Adam Mansbach and Jeff Chang, and Urban Word NYC. www.youthspeaks.org 

“China Transformed: Artscape/Cityscape” Keynote address by Wu Hung at 4 p.m. at Berkeley Art Museum Theater, 2651 Durant Ave. 642-2809. 

Dave Weinstein reads from “It Came from Berkeley: How Berkeley Changed the World” at 7:30 p.m. at Mrs. Dalloways, 2904 College Ave. 704-8222. 

“Love, Loss and Longing” The story, in photographs, of Cuban families torn apart. Reception at 5:30 p.m. Oakland City Hall, HR 3. 832-2372. 

Open Mic Literature and Poetry at 7 p.m. at Expressions Gallery, 2035 Ashby Ave. 644-4930. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Kirov Ballet & Orchestra of the Mariinsky Theater at 8 p.m. at Zellerbach Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $50-$125. 642-9988. www.calperformances.net 

Dave Matthews Soultet & Tony Lindsey at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $14. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

Arian Shafiee: Margin Project at 8 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $10. 845-5373. www.jazzschool.com 

Trio Garufa at 9:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Tango lesson at 8 p.m. Cost is $12-$15. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Orquesta La Moderna Tradición at 9 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $12. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

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

Eliza Gilkyson at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $22.50-$23.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Garrin Benfield at 7:30 p.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344. www.nomadcafe.net 

The Whoreshoes, The Barefoot Nellies, The Mighty Crows at 9 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $10. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com 

Plan 9, Verse, Killing the Dream 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. 

Justin Ancheta at 9:30 p.m. at Beckett’s Irish Pub, 2271 Shattuck Ave. 647-1790. www.beckettsirishpub.com 

“Prepare for a Future” Pre-election party with Valerie Troutt & The Fear of a Fat Planet Crew, Linda Tillery & The Cultural Heritage Choir, plus voter registration and ballot information at 9 p.m. at Shattuck Down Low, 2284 Shattuck Ave. Cost is $10. 548-1159.  

Jerry Kennedy, acoustic soul, at 7:30 p.m. at 33 Revolutions, 10086 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito. 898-1836. 

Arturo O’Farrill at 8 and 10 p.m., through Sun. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $18. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

SATURDAY, OCT. 18 

CHILDREN  

Los Amiguitos de La Peña with Asheba, Caribbean music, at 10:30 a.m. at La Peña. Cost is $5 for adults, $4 for children. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

John Weaver, storyteller, Sat. and Sun. at 12:30 and 3:30 p.m. at Children’s Fairyland, 699 Bellevue Ave., Oakland. Cost is $6. 452-2259.  

EXHIBITIONS 

Neighborhood Public Arts Project Artist reception at 2 p.m. at Richmond Art Center, 2540 Barrett Ave. at 25th St., Richmond. 620-6772. www.therichmondartcenter.org 

“Poorman’s Art Show” Works on cardboard. Opening party at 6 p.m. at Float Gallery, 1091 Calcot Place, #116, Oakland. Runs through Nov. 8. 535-1702. 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Telling Tales: A Fall Storytelling Festival featuring Awele Makeba, Kirk Waller, Nancy Schimmel and Walker Brents III, from noon to 5 p.m. at Berkwood Hedge School, 1809 Bancroft Way. Cost is $7, $20 per family. 883-6994.  

“An Evening of Spoken Word” with Charles Ekabhumi Ellik and Berkeley Poetry Slam team at 7 p.m. at Sconehenge Cafe, 2787 Shattuck Ave. 526-5075. 

Susan Quinn reads from “Furious Improvisation: How the WPA and a Cast of Thousands Made High Art Out of Desperate Times” at 5 p.m. at Mrs. Dalloways, 2904 College Ave. 704-8222. 

Lee Herrick and Jennifer Kwon Dobbs read from their works on the Korean Diaspora at 3:30 p.m. at Eastwind Books of Berkeley, 2066 University Ave. 548-2350. 

“China Transformed: Artscape/Cityscape” Symposium on art in contemporary China from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Berkeley Art Museum Theater, 2651 Durant Ave. 642-2809. 

Eliezer Sobel describes “The 99th Monkey: A Spiritual Journalist’s Misadventures with Gurus, Messiahs, Sex, Psychodelics, and Other Consciousness-Raising Experiments” at 7:30 p.m. at Pegasus Books Downtown, 2349 Shattuck Ave. 649-1320. 

Rhythm & Muse spoken word & music open mic with Leah Steinberg at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Art Center, 1275 Walnut St., between Eunice and Rose Sts., behind Live Oak Park. 644-6893.  

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Philharmonia Baroque “Bach Reconstructed” at 8 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Berkeley, 2345 Channing. Tickets are $30-$72. 415-252-1288. 

Tree Talk, music for two bassoons with Alice Benjamin and David Granger at 8 p.m. at Trinity Chapel, 2320 Dana St. Tickets are $8-$12. 549-3864. www.trinitychamberconcerts.com 

Ray Obiedo Group at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $14. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

Emeryville Taiko and Voices of Praise at 7 p.m. at First Congregational Churhc of Oakland, 2501 Harrison St. Tickets are $20. www.kellytakundaorphan.com 

Kabile, Balkan at 8:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $18. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com  

red black and green Environmental hip hop concert with Mos Def, Los Rakas and others from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at deFremey Park, 1651 Adeline St., West Oakland. Free. www.youthspeaks.org 

“Gimme a Cuppa Joe” with Country Joe McDonald at 7:30 p.m. at Café de la Paz, 1600 Shattuck. Tickets are $25. 843-0662. 

David Greco, not an Airplane at 7:30 p.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344. www.nomadcafe.net 

Eliza Gilkyson at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $22.50-$23.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Ed Reed, CD release, at 8 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $15. 845-5373. www.jazzschool.com 

Amy X Neuberg at 8 p.m. at Wisteria Ways, Rockridge, Oakland. Not wheelchair accesible. Cost is $15-$20. Reservations required. info@WisteriaWays.org 

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

Dave Matthews Blues Band at 8:30 p.m. at Royal Oak Pub, 135 Park Place, Pt. Richmond. 232-5678. 

The Lloyd Family Players, Gamelan X at 9 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $10. 841-2082.  

Harry Gray with the Kreinberg Brothers, rock’n’ reggae, at 7 p.m. at 33 Revolutions, 10086 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito. 898-1836. 

Oppressed Logic, SMD, Crucial Cause 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, OCT. 19 

FILM 

Envisioning Russia: “Jewish Luck” at 1:30 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $5.50-$9.50. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

Talk Cinema Berkeley Preview of new independent films with discussion afterwards at 10 a.m. at Albany Twin Theater, 1115 Solano Ave., Albany. Cost is $20. http://talkcinema.com 

EXHIBITIONS 

“crushed” An installation of manipulated paper by April Banks. Opening reception at 5 p.m. at Guerilla Cafe, 1620 Shattuck Ave. at Cedar. 845-2233. 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Day of the Dead Artists A conversation with Miriam Martinez and Yoland Garfias Woo at 2 p.m. at Oakland Museum of California, 1000 Oak St., Oakland. Cost is $5-$8. 238-2200. www.museumca.org 

Dave Weinstein on his new book “It Came From Berkeley: How Berkeley Changed the World” at 2 p.m. at the Berkeley History Center, 1931 Center St. 848-0181. 

Nayland Blake and Lawrence Rinder in conversation on the 30th Anniversary of the MATRIX Program for Contemporary Art at 3 p.m. at BAM/PFA Museum Theater. 642-8691. http://bampfa.berkeley.edu 

Stephen Ingram describes “Cacti Agaves, and Yuccas of California and Nevada” at 4 p.m. at Mrs. Dalloways, 2904 College Ave. 704-8222. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Leon Chisholm, organ, “Baroque Inventions and Re-inventions” at 4 p.m. at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 2727 College Ave. Tickets are $10-$20. 684-7563. 

California Bach Society performs “Gott ist mein König” and “Ich hatte viel Bekümmernis” at 4 p.m. at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 2300 Bancroft Way, at Ellsworth. Tickets are $10-$30. 415-262-0272. www.calbach.org 

Jazz at the Chimes with Jamie Davis, baritone, at 2 p.m. at Chapel of the Chimes, 4499 Piedmont Ave., Oakland. Tickets are $10-$15, children under 12 free. 228-3218. 

Teresa Trull & Barbara Higbie at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $24.50-$25.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Piotr Anderszewski, piano, at 5 p.m. at Hertz Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $46. 642-9988. www.calperformances.net 

Philharmonia Baroque “Bach Reconstructed” at 7:30 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Berkeley, 2345 Channing. Tickets are $30-$72. 415-252-1288. 

The Micha Patri and The Junk Jazz Symphony, celebrating the African roots of jazz, at 6:30 p.m. at La Peña. Cost is $10. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Classical Trio at 5 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 201 Martina St., Point Richmond. 236-0527. 

Brazilian Flavor with Dandara at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $10. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

Thomas Lavigne at 11 a.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344. www.nomadcafe.net 

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

UC Berkeley Folkdancers Reunion at 1:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $7. 525-5054.  

MONDAY, OCT. 20 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

PlayGround, short works from new and emerging playwrights at 8 p.m., pre-show discussion at 7:10 p.m., at Berkeley Rep, 2025 Addison St. Tickets are $15. 415-704-3177.  

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Adele Clara, flamenco, at 7:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $10. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

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

West Coast Songwriters Competition at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage Coffee House. Cost is $5. 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 

George Cole, gypsy jazz, at 8 p.m. at 33 Revolutions, 10086 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito. 898-1836. 

“An Evening of Blues, Jazz & Broadway” to benefit the Oakland Youth Chorus at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $25-$35. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

TUESDAY, OCT. 21 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

“Residency Projects, Part 4” Artists’ talk with Adriane Colburn and Leslie Shows at 7 p.m. at Kala Art Institute, 1060 Heinz Ave. Exhibition runs through Nov. 22. 549-2977. www.kala.org 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

CZ & the Bon Vivants at 8:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cajun dance lesson at 8 p.m. Cost is $10. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

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

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

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

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 22 

FILM 

Envisioning Russia: “Bed and Sofa” at 7 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $5.50-$9.50. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

“small film festival” through Sun. at 7:30 p.m. at Berkeley Art Center, 1275 Walnut St. in Live Oak Park. Free for BAC members, $6-$8 for non-members. 644-6893. 

“Lioness” A documentary about five women in the military who went to Iraq as cooks, clerks and mechanics, at 6 p.m. at Oakland Museum of California, 1000 Oak St., Oakland. Cost is $5-$8. 238-2200.  

EXHIBITIONS 

“Gas Zapper” an exhibition featuring an interactive online game about global warming opens at Berkeley Art Museum, 2626 Bancroft Way. Cost is $5-$8. 642-0808. 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Paul Ekman reads from his new book with the Dalai Lama at 6 p.m. at North Gate Library, UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism, Hearst and Euclid. www.greatergoodmag.org 

Richard Scheffler discusses “Is There a Doctor in the House? Market Signals & Tomorrow’s Supply of Doctors” at 6 p.m. at University Press Books, 2430 Bancroft Way. 548-0585. www.universitypressbooks.com 

Ishmael Reed on “Mixing It Up: Taking on the Media Bullies and Other Reflections” at 7:30 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Berkeley, 2345 Channing Way. Tickets are $10 at the door. 

Garth Stein reads from “The Art of Racing in the Rain” at 7:30 p.m. at Black Oak Books. 486-0698. www.blackoakbooks.com 

Writing Teachers Write at 5 p.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344. www.nomadcafe.net 

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 

Wednesday Noon Concert, with University Gamelan Ensembles at Hertz Hall, UC Campus. Free. 642-4864. http://music.berkeley.edu 

UC Jazz Ensembles at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $5. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

Nader Deaik, Mediterranean pop at 9 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $10. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Percussion Tribute Show with Little Johnny Rivero, Ralph Irizarry, Karl Perazo, Michael Spiro & Ten Piece All Star Band at 9:30 p.m. at Shattuck Down Low, 2284 Shattuck Ave. Dance lessons at 8:30 p.m. Cost is $5-$10. 548-1159.  

THURSDAY, OCT. 23 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Bay Area Basket Makers” An exhibition of contemporary basketry and gourd art. Opening reception at 6 p.m. at The Albany Arts Gallery, 1251 Solano Ave.  

THEATER 

Kung Pao Kosher Comedy “The 5th and Final George Bush Going Away Party” at 8 p.m. at Julia Morgan Center for the Arts, 2640 College Ave. Cost is $20-$30. 800-838-3006. 

FILM 

I Love Beijing: “For Fun” with filmmaker Ning Ying in person at 7:30 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $5.50-$9.50. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

“small film festival” through Sun. at 7:30 p.m. at Berkeley Art Center, 1275 Walnut St. in Live Oak Park. Free for BAC members, $6-$8 for non-members. 644-6893. www.berkeleysrtcenter.org 

Arab Film Festival “Paloma Delight” at 9 p.m. at Parkway Theater, 1834 Park Blvd., Oakland. Tickets are $10-$12. www.aff.org 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

“Strange Harbors: Two Lines World Writing in Translation” with translators from the Center for the Art of Translation at 6 p.m. at University Press Books, 2430 Bancroft Way. 548-0585. www.universitypressbooks.com 

Joshua Henkin reads from his novel “Matrimony” at 7:30 p.m. at Mrs. Dalloways, 2904 College Ave. 704-8222. 

Amistead Maupin reads at the Barbary Lane Open House, at 1:30 p.m. at 1800 Madison St., Oakland. Free, but RSVP required 903-3600. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Pat Nevins & Joe Balestreri at 9 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $6. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Berkeley Symphony conducted by William Eddins at 8 p.m. at Zellerbach Hall, UC campus. Tickets are $20-$60. 841-2800. www.berkeleysymphony.org 

Carol Lukenback & Her Trio at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $10. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

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

Form and Fate, Vir, Parker Street Cinema, post punk progressive rock at 9 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $7. 841-2082 www.starryploughpub.com 

Beat Boxing with Butterscotch, Soulati, Infinite, Syzygy, Eachbox and others at 8 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $6-$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 

Chris Dadzitus at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 843-8277. 

FRIDAY, OCT. 24 

THEATER 

Actors Ensemble of Berkeley “Doctor Faustus” Fri. and Sat at 8 p.m. at Live Oak Theater, 1301 Shattuck Ave., at Berryman, through Nov. 22. Tickets are $10-$12. 649-5999. www.aeofberkeley.org 

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 

Bay Area Performing Arts Collective "A Raisin in the Sun" Fri. at 8 p.m. and Sat. at 2 and 8 p.m. at Malonga Casquelourd Center for the Arts, 1428 Alice St., Oakland. Tickets are $25. 575-7112. www.araisininthesunplay.com 

Central Works “Blessed Unrest” by Paul Hawken, Thurs, Fri, Sat at 8 p.m., Sun at 5 p.m. at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant Ave. through Nov. 23. Tickets are $14-$25. 558-1381. centralworks.org 

Fusion Theater “The Piano Lesson” with Donal Lacy Thurs.-Sat. at Laney College Theaater, 900 Fallon St., Oakland, through Nov. 1. Tickets are $5-$10. 464-3543. 

Galatean Players Ensemble Theater “Rivets” A musical based on Rosie the Riveter and Richmond’s Kaiser Shipyards, Thurs.-Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 3 p.m. onboard the SS Red Oak Victory, 1337 Canal Blvd., Berth 6A, Richmond, through Oct. 26. Tickets are $20. 925-676-5705. galateanplayers.com 

Laurie Anderson “Homeland” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m. at Zellerbach Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $28-$56. 642-9988. www.calperformances.net 

Oakland Opera Theater “Histoire du Soldat” and “Renard” Thurs.-Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2 p.m. at Oakland Metro Operahouse, 630 3rd St., Oakland, through Nov. 2. Tickets are $25-$32. 763-1146. www.oaklandopera.org 

Ragged Wing Ensemble “The History of the Devil” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m. at Central Stage, 5221 Central Ave., Richmond, Through Nov. 1. Tickets are $10-$30. www.raggedwing.org 

Woman’s Will “Macbeth” Thurs.-Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2 p.m. at The Retail Theater Space, 95 Washington, Jack London Square, Oakland, through Oct. 26. Tickets are $15-$25. 420-0813. www.womanswill.org 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Karl Kasten Retrospective” the Berkeley School 1930-50, Students, 1950-83. Closing reception at 4 p.m. at the Worth Ryder Gallery, Kroeber Hall, UC campus. 642-2582. 

FILM 

Arab Film Festival Fri. through Sun. at Shattuck Cinemas, 2230 Shattuck Ave. Tickets are $10-$12. www.aff.org 

I Love Beijing: “On the Beat” with filmmaker Ning Ying in person at 8:30 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $5.50-$9.50. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Christian Lander describes “Stuff White People Like: The Definitive Guide to the Unique Taste of Millions” at 7:30 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Berkeley, 2345 Channing Way. Tickets are $10 at the door. 

Therese Poletti describes “Art Deco San Francisco: The Architecture of Timothy Pflueger” at 7:30 p.m. at Mrs. Dalloways, 2904 College Ave. 704-8222. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

“Witches Fly & Devils Dance” music from opera to Broadway at 7 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Alameda, 2001 Santa Clara at Chestnut, Alameda. Suggested donation $13-$15, children under 13 free. 522-1477. 

Cenk Karaferya, male soprano, at 8 p.m. at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, 1501 Washington Ave., Albany. Cost is $15-$20. 525-1716. 

Mal Sharpe & Big Money in Jazz! at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $14. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

Swingthing at 9:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Dance lesson at 8 p.m. Cost is $11-$13. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Montclair Women’s Big Band at 5:30 p.m. at Barbary Lane, 1800 Madison St., Oakland. Cost is $19.43 for age 65 and older, $25 for others. 903-3600. 

Maya Kronfeld Trio at 8 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $10. 845-5373. www.jazzschool.com 

“Treasure” with David Helpling and Jon Jenkins at 8 p.m. at Rudramandir, 830 Bancroft Way at 6th. Tickets are $15-$20. 486-8700. www.rudramandir.com 

Dave Matthews Blues Band at 8 p.m. at The Warehouse Bar & Grill, 4th St. and Webster, Oakland. 451-3161. 

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

Nell Robinson & Red Level at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $18.50-$19.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Dave Lionelli, Jason Gouveia at 7:30 p.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344. www.nomadcafe.net 

Todd Mack, Scen Eberlein, Josh Fix in a benefit for Daniel Pearl, at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Donation accepted. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com 

One in the Chamber, Maggot Colony, Progeria 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. 

Green Machine at 9:30 p.m. at Beckett’s Irish Pub, 2271 Shattuck Ave. 647-1790. www.beckettsirishpub.com 

Dana Salzman at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 843-8277. 

Jerry Kennedy, acoustic soul, at 7:30 p.m. at 33 Revolutions, 10086 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito. 898-1836. 

Chante Moore at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square, through Sun. Cost is $40. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

SATURDAY, OCT. 25 

CHILDREN  

Los Amiguitos de La Peña with Bonnie Lockhart in a Halloween sing-a-long at 10:30 a.m. at La Peña. Cost is $5 for adults, $4 for children. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

“Trickster Tales” Puppet show Sat. and Sun. at 11 a.m., 2 and 4 p.m. at Children’s Fairyland, 699 Bellevue Ave., Oakland. Cost is $10. 452-2259. www.fairyland.org 

FILM 

Arab Film Festival through Sun. at Shattuck Cinemas, 2230 Shattuck Ave. Tickets are $10-$12. For film details see www.aff.org 

“I Love Beijing” with filmmaker Ning Ying in person at 6:30 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $5.50-$9.50. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

“small film festival” through Sun. at 7:30 p.m. at Berkeley Art Center, 1275 Walnut St. in Live Oak Park. Free for BAC members, $6-$8 for non-members. 644-6893. www.berkeleysrtcenter.org 

Animation Film Festival Works by Bay Area middle and high school students at 9:30 a.m. at Bay Street AMC Theaters, Emeryville. 655-4002. 

Post-WWII Japanese Films with Prof. Frederick Hsia, in Mandarin and English, from 1:45 to 4:45 p.m. at Berkeley Public Library, 3rd flr., 2090 Kittredge at Shattuck. 981-6107. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Oakland Civic Orchestra Free Children’s Concert at 4 p.m. at Lake Merritt United Methodist Church, 1330 Lakeshore Ave., Oakland. 238-7275. http://www.oaklandnet.com/parks/programs/ca_civicorchestra.asp. 

Oakland Ballet Company’s Fall Program with excerpts from Ronn Guidi’s Romeo and Juliet; Michael Lowe’s Bamboo; and Ron Thiele’s How’d They Catch Me? at 2 and 8 p.m. at Paramount Theater, 2025 Broadway, Oakland. Tickets are $15-$50. 465-6400. 

Betsy Rose and Judy Fjell, “Musical Wit and Wisdom” at 7:30 p.m. at Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists, 1924 Cedar St. Suggested donation $15-$20. 525-7082. 

Coco Lopez, The Oakland -East Bay Gay Men’s Chorus and Leslie Hassberg at 6 p.m. at Barbary Lane, 1800 Madison St., Oakland. Free, but RSVP required 903-3600. 

Lloyd Gregory Sextet at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $14. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

Baba Ken & West African Highlife Band at 9:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Dance lesson at 9 p.m. Cost is $12-$15. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com  

“A Harmony Happening” with Fran Avni in an interactive musical event co-sponsored by the JCC and The Aquarian Minyan at 8:30 p.m. at JCC of the East Bay, 1414 Walnut St. Cost is $15. 528-6725. 

Bang Data, Latin Alternative/Hip Hop with Mezklah, The Hot Pocket, and DJ EKG at 9 p.m. at Uptown Nightclub, 1928 Telegraph Ave., Oakland. Cost is $7-$10. 418-6985. 

Joe Hickey, Scott Waters at 7:30 p.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344. www.nomadcafe.net 

Tempest, Celtic, at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $18.50-$19.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Avotcja & Modupue at 8 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $15. 845-5373. www.jazzschool.com 

Kurt Ribak Jazz Trio at 9:30 p.m. at Albatross, 1822 San Pablo Ave. Cost is $3. 843-2473. www.albatrosspub.com 

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

Dave Matthews Blues Band at 8:30 p.m. at Royal Oak Pub, 135 Park Place, Pt. Richmond. 232-5678. 

Dave Ridnell and Alex Calatayud, Brazilian jazz at 7:30 p.m. at 33 Revolutions, 10086 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito. 898-1836. 

The Mother Hips, Micki Bluhm and The Gamblers at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $15. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com 

Bucky Sinister, Us Kings, Wardogs 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, OCT. 26 

FILM 

Arab Film Festival at Shattuck Cinemas, 2230 Shattuck Ave. Tickets are $10-$12. For film details see www.aff.org 

I Love Beijing: “Railroad of Hope” at 1:30 p.m. and “Perpetual Motion” at 4 p.m., with filmmaker Ning Ying in person, at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $5.50-$9.50. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Randy Shaw discusses his new book “Beyond the Fields: Cesar Chavez, the UFW and the Struggles for Justice in the 21st Century at 4:30 p.m. at Fellowship Hall, 1924 Cedar St. at Bonita.  

Conversations on Art with Nomi Talisman on her work with the Magnes as part of META/DATA, an online project, at 2 p.m. at 2911 Russell St Cost is $6-$8. Seating is limited, RSVP to gmarkham@magnes.org  

Jan Wahl on “Food and Wine in Film” at 3:30 p.m. at Barbary Lane, 1800 Madison St., Oakland. Cost is $19.43 for age 65 and older, $25 for others. 903-3600. 

James D. Houston talks about “Snow Mountain Passage” as part of the Albany Reads program at 2 p.m. at Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave. 526-3720, ext. 16. 

Egyptology Lecture “Remembering the Ancestors: New Discoveries in Hierakonpolis, Egypt” with Dr. Renee Friedman, Heagy Research Curator, British Museum, and Director of Hierakonpolis Expedition, at 2:30 p.m. at Barrows Hall, Room 126, Barrow Lane at Bancroft Way, UC campus. 415-664-4767. 

Julia Glass reads from her novel “I See You Everywhere” at 4 p.m. at Mrs. Dalloways, 2904 College Ave. 704-8222. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Crowden Music Center Community Music Day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 1475 Rose St. Free. 559-6910. www.crowden.org 

Berkeley Symphony Under Construction “Democracy in America” conducted by William Eddins at 8 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Berkeley. Tickets are $10-$20. 841-2800. www.berkeleysymphony.org 

Duo Trujillo, Rebecca & Javier Trujillo, piano and guitar, perform Bach to Bossa Nova at 6:30 pm. at Giorgi Gallery, 2911 Claremont Ave. Donation $12-$25. 654-4053.  

Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra at 7 p.m. at Zellerbach Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $38-$80. 642-9988. www.calperformances.net 

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

Kellye Gray & Her Trio at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $10. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

The Ravines at 3 p.m. at Spud’s Pizza, 3290 Adeline St. at Alcatraz. www.spudspizza.net 

Ron Thompson at 11 a.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344. www.nomadcafe.net 

Jeff Johnson, Judah Retterman, gospel reggae, at 5 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $12. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Dave LeFebvre Group at 4:30 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $12. 845-5373. www.jazzschool.com 

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

Halloween Show with Violation, Gain to Use, Throat Oyster at 4 p.m. at 924 Gilman St., an all-ages, member-run, no alcohol, no drugs, no violence club. Cost is $7. 525-9926. 

Not since the 1930s, facing a previous great depression and the impending danger of a fascist New World Order, and the ’60s with a previous illegal and immoral war, has there been such a great outpouring of political art.  

At the present, a great many artists, working in media old and new, have again picked up their brushes, cameras, and computers to protest against foul war, destruction of the environment, obscene financial gains and abnegation of constitutional rights to express their rage and speak to the public. 

At present 40 exhibitions entitled “Art of Democracy” are taking place throughout the country. In the Bay Area, the Meridian Gallery in San Francisco is the venue of an exhibition of about 100 pieces by 45 artists. In the South Bay the Santa Cruz Art League will present its component, called “Visual Politics, Art and the American Experience.”  

The San Francisco show is called “War and Empire.” Here the roster of artists includes Fernando Botero, represented with two of his famed Abu Ghraib series of naked prisoners tortured by the American military, and evocative pieces by William T. Wiley, Enrique Chagoya and Sandow Birk as well as Oliphant cartoons.  

This review will focus on the fine selection of East Bay artists. Pride of place belongs to an installation of a series of War Toys (2003-present). These are invented deadly weapons, made of blown glass and steel; sculptures of true craftsmanship that manage to combine grace with malice. A series of words such as “Imminent Threat” and “Weapons of Mass Destruction” placed beside the Toys complete the narration. On the wall behind this installation the viewer will see a fine digital print by Ala Ebtekar in which we see a war story painted on a page of the Koran done in a style that is in keeping with the artist’s Iranian heritage.  

On the first floor, also, there is a large evocative panting by the Chinese-American Hung Liu of two strong-armed coolies straining to pull a weighty unseen object with the pigment’s drip signifying their sweat. Connoting the class struggle, Liu has put an elegant insert of lacquered wood showing a fine old Chinese vessel in the center of the painting. 

The exhibition’s second floor is dedicated to works on paper, including two watercolors done with informed sarcasm by Ariel; Rumsfeld Bush, shows the former Secretary of Defense and Vice President Cheney above the president, all caricatured as running hogs. Dubya is an explosion with Mr. Bush as a brainless Jack in the Box, a dancing puppet from which maggots, vermin and various demons seem to emerge. There is also an exemplary drawing with a huge imaginary bust of Bush with words like War, Speculation, Profit, Pollution, Waste supplying the message. Mary Marsh has two assemblages of book covers in the show, such as The Course of Empire. which has the seal of the University of California on its cover, pointing to the Imperialist mission of this university.  

Relating to the Botero paintings, there is Guy Caldwell’s The Abuse, in which we see three hooded naked men with electrodes on hands and genitals, administered by grinning American soldiers with the Stars and Stripes prominently displayed. Jos Sanches’ DaVinciWar Machine is one of his sardonic assemblages; there is an imaginary toy tank and cartoon figures on horseback and lying in blood on the floor. A painting of a clear blue sky with a fighter-bomber plane graces the background of the battlefield.  

There are also a number of well executed woodcuts on display. Reminiscent of the political graphics of the 1930s, they are made with expertise, progressive in their message but retardataire in style, ignoring that much has occurred in the history of modern art since that time. And a fine presentation of fiery political posters on the third floor is not to be missed. 

MERIDIAN GALLERY 

Society for Art Publications of the Americas 

535 Powell St., San Francisco. 

www.meridiangallery.org. (415) 398-7229. 

“All difficulties are but easy when they are known.” This line from Measure for Measure is like a key to The Bard’s comedies—and maybe comedy in general. Howard Hawks, who pioneered the screwball comedy on screen, said the difference between comedy and drama was one of perspective: in drama, obstacles are to be overcome; in comedy, they’re embarrassing roadblocks (or banana peels on the road), getting in the way of what’s desired, making the seeker look ridiculous. 

In Shakespeare’s comedies, the difficulties (many due to ignorance, of self and others) are resolved in marriage, justice, a communal enlightenment. In his tragedies, the realization is one of a communal mourning. 

Peter Glazer has directed a spare, elegant Measure for Measure in the Zellerbach Playhouse for the UC Department of Theater, Dance and Performance Studies. Both the comedy and the serious issues that play with and jeopardize the protagonists are rendered clearly in this version featuring both students and more seasoned performers. 

Measure for Measure isn’t played quite as much as, say, The Merchant of Venice, which also deals with justice and corruption, with a comparable storyline. Maybe something of the theological edge of meaning which pervades the story, and of the cruelty (maybe rigor is a better word, in Leonardo Da Vinci’s sense: Obstinate Rigor, his motto) of justice in a hierarchial society, where the law has cosmic significance and must uphold the heavens in every judgment, is incomprehensible or unpalatable to contemporary audiences.  

The Duke of Vienna gives over the reins of government to two gentlemen he deems incorruptible—then he pretends to go away, all the while observing them, disguised in the habit of a friar. A novice in a convent, the sister of a man condemned to death for impregnating his fiancee, pleads with one of the deputies for her brother’s life and receives the obvious proposition. She believes her brother would die to protect her chastity. (Perhaps it’s an incomprehension of codes of honor and the hierarchies which sustain them that lend this difficulty today—and the theater of the Baroque is fixed on honor and majesty. As Orson Welles said, “The problem with playing Shakespeare in America is, to an American, a king is a gentleman wearing a crown.”).  

Misunderstandings abound, all to be dissipated on the Duke’s triumphal return--or self-unmasking. But first there are a few hard words and hard knocks. And somebody’s head has to roll.  

Measure for Measure boasts an unusual gaggle of clowns, with Pompey (“servant to Mistress Overdone”) the chief one, rendered by Drew Ledbetter and Daniel Desmarais in black and shades as Lucio, “a Fantastic.” Froth, “a foolish gentleman,” is portrayed by Ricardo Salcido. Benedict N. Tufnell makes an impression as Barnadine, “a dissolute prisoner,” condemned to death. The aptly named Abhorson, a headsman, is played with relish by Nicholas S. LoCicero.  

Reya Sehgal is appealing as Isabella, loyal sister and novice, and as Mariana, Lyndsy Kail plays an abandoned fiancee, part of the solution to the conundrum. Will Austin as the disguised Duke gains in strength throughout the play, and Ken Jensen shows the magnanimity as “ancient lord” Escalus his fellow deputy, Angelo (Carl Holvick-Thomas) lacks. 

Melpomene Katakalos designed the spare set, lit by David K. H. Elliott, and the costumes, a mix of traditional with a swathe of various modern fashions, are by Caitlin Kagawa. 

Identities change; there’s a mortal substitution; the tone swings from dire to wry. “We must not make a scarecrow of the law” contrasts readily enough with the executioner’s cheery politeness: “Your friend, sir, the hangman. If you would be so good as to rise and be put to death.” What a way to wake up! As the clown echoes, “And sleep afterward!” 

TheatreFIRST is celebrating their 15th anniversary with a fete for supporters, 7 p.m. Saturday at Chapel of the Chimes on Piedmont Avenue with a staged reading and Paul Bregman’s piano music, special guests including performers Dana Kelly, Wanda McCaddon, Sandra Schlechter and Simon Vance, with co-founder and Artistic Director Emeritus Clive Chafer and TheatreFIRST’s new artistic and producing team, Dylan Russell and Allison Studdiford. 

The company had announced at the end of August that Chafer would be stepping down while negotiations were still in progress for a home performing base for TheatreFIRST near the Paramount Theatre, an effort that now seems exhausted. The company is continuing the search for a permanent theater in Oakland, where in recent years they were the only resident troupe with a season program. 

Dylan Russell, longtime Bay Area freelance director, staged World Music for TheatreFIRST two years ago, and this year’s successful Future Me, by British playwright Stephen Brown, last spring at the Berkeley City Club. Allison Studdiford, a founding member of the company, has been a Bay Area actor for over 25 years, Future Me being her most recent TheatreFIRST show. 

Clive Chafer recalled the history of the company and his involvement. Chafer, who came from the London area to UC Berkeley for the MBA program, “then found it was not my calling,” trained as an actor with the Drama School of London in Berkeley, “having thought I was going back to England and could transfer my credits.” But he stayed on, thinking “why go back and be one among so many others,” working as an actor locally (Berkeley Shakespeare Festival and Cal Shakes) as well as regionally (American Players in Wisconsin, Utah Shakespeare Festival) for a decade.  

“I came back to the Bay Area at one point,” Chafer said, “and realized I didn’t see in this very cosmopolitan area of an insular country the kind of international theater I was used to as an audience member in Britain. The population here at all levels was highly diverse, many being people like myself who had come for an education and stayed, or for work opportunities. There was a need to address multiculturalism, but in a more outward-looking sense, not just the cultures as represented in the Bay Area.” 

Inviting 12 theater artists to cofound a collective, the company began to produce in 1994. It grew to 18 members, “from the start insisting on high artistic standards within a restricted budget, staging plays having political or social interest with an international perspective.” During the first six years, four of them at the Julia Morgan Center, the company worked play to play, without a season program. 

They began their local “peregrinations,” never resident for more than two years at a time, at one point going dark for two years, then invited to Mills College in 2005 for a year residency, during which they found that, though their subscriptions increased, their ticket sales dropped. “We had been victims of the dotcom years,” Chafer said, “when any space right for a company like us was also suitable for a start-up, at a time of 1 percent commercial vacancy in the Bay Area.” After that peaked, they produced in storefronts in Old Oakland. “But as new tenants came in, we found theater didn’t fit in with development plans.”  

The troupe has always been based in Oakland, where Chafer has lived over 20 years. Chafer commenting that he was “passing on the reins at this time ... after wearing every hat in the closet. The company has been almost completely identified with my artistic vision—not a healthy basis for a theater that wants to become a permanent part of the community.” He remains on the board, an enthusiastic advocate. 

TheatreFIRST and fete info: 436-5085 or allison@theatrefirst.com. 

Jazz and soul singer Valerie Troutt and Linda Tillery and the Cultural Heritage Choir will headline “Prepare for a Future,” an intergenerational pre-election concert in downtown Berkeley, featuring more than a dozen other local performing artists, Friday Oct. 17, at Shattuck DownLow, 2284 Shattuck Ave. The concert comes three weeks before the election and three days before the deadline for voter registration in California, Mon., Oct. 20.  

The Berkeley League of Women Voters will collect voter registration cards at the event and present bipartisan ballot information for local voters. Doors open at 8 p.m., concert at 9:30 p.m. Tickets on a sliding scale of $12–$20 are available at myspace.com/valerietroutt. 

Other acts at “Prepare for a Future” include singer-songwriters Dana Salzman and Jo Boyer, the Oakland Passion, Fear of the Fat Planet Crew, dancer Rashad Pridgen, Hip Hop Theater spoken word artist Nicole Klaymoon and performing artist Thandiwe (most recently seen in Oakland Public Theater’s Richard Wright Project play, Before the Dream). The evening will close with dance music from DJ Afrikan Sciences. 

“Prepare for a Future” is named after Valerie Troutt’s debut album, which will be released this coming spring. EPs (extended plays) will be given out at the concert. Troutt, a Berkeley High and New School of New York alumna and member of Cultural Heritage Choir, sang alto in the Oakland Youth Chorus after starting to sing publicly with Love Center Ministries. Backed by noted Oakland jazz saxophonist Howard Wiley with Maya Kronfeld on piano, drummer Darian Grey, bassist Lorenzo Farrell and vocalist Kimiko Joy, Troutt has been praised by John Murph on National Public Radio: “her voice is a thing of rare beauty—stunning in its deceptive simplicity and expressive without resorting to melismatic melodrama.” 

About the songs collected on her forthcoming album and their tie-in to the spirit of this election, Troutt said she hoped her original music would “be the change you want to see” in the community. “Most of our learning takes place at home ... we have to work at rebuilding the trust in our families and within intergenerational communities ... if you think about it, we are the living dreams and visions of our ancestors. Look how far we’ve come.”