THURSDAY, NOV. 6 

“Greening Your Historic Building” A talk by Billi Romain, City of Berkeley Sustainability Coordinator, and Thomas Dufurrena, Principal at Page & Turnbull on preservation and sustainable design at 7 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center, 1901 Hearst. Sponsored by the City of Berkeley Landmarks Preservation Commission. RSVP to 981-7488. 

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

LiveTalk@CPS with Adair Lara, former SF Chronicle columnist, at 7 p.m. at College Prepatory School, Buttner Auditorium, 6100 Broadway. Tickets are $5-$15 at the door. www.college-prep.org/livetalk 

Human Rights Fellows Conference with reports on work with non-governmental organizations in 14 countries from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Toll Room, Alumni House, UC campus. 642-0965. 

Cheesemaking Learn how to make simple, healthy cheeses using organic goat and cow milks, at 7 p.m. at Women’s Cancer Resource Center, 5741 Telegraph Av., Oakland. Free, but registration required. 601-4040 ext. 111. www.wcrc.org 

“Tupperware: Building an Empire Bowl by Bowl” a film on the tupperware parties and the women who hosted them, at 1:30 p.m. at Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave. 526-3720. 

Away With All Gods Reading and discussion of the book by Bob Avakian at 6 p.m. at North Branch, Berkeley Public Library, 1170 the Alameda. 

Straight2Screen Writers’ Group monthly meeting at 7 p.m. at Kensington Circus Pub, 389 Colusa Ave., Kensington. straight2screen@yahoo.com 

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. 

Toastmasters Berkeley Communicators meets at 7:30 a.m. at Au Coquelet, 2000 University Ave. Rob.Flammia@gmail.com 

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

FRIDAY, NOV. 7 

Golden Gate Audubon Society Walk at Jewel Lake in Tilden. Meet at 8:30 a.m. at the parking lot at the north end of Central Park Dr. for a one-mile, two-hour plus stroll through this lush riparian area. Berries are ripening and migrants are here. Sponsored by Golden Gate Audubon Society. 843-2222. ggas@goldengateaudubon.org 

City Commons Club Noon Luncheon with Howard Maccabee, MD on “Natural Global Warming and its Positive Consequences for Our Health” 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  

“Can Unarmed Civilians Break the Siege of Gaza?” with Paul Larudee of the Free Gaza Movement, Jewish Voice for Peace, Fr. Bill O'Donnell Social Justice Committee at 7 p.m. at St. Joseph the Worker Church, 1640 Addison St. Free, donations accepted. www.stjtwc.org 

New Deal Film Festival The Dust Bowl Years “Grapes of Wrath” with Peter Fonda at 1 p.m. at North Oakland Senior Center, 5714 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Oakland. Sponsored by the Berkeley-East Bay Gray Panthers. 548-9696. 

“Dare to Struggle, Dare to Win” A film about the strike at the Renault factory in France in May/June 1968 at 7 p.m. at Niebyl-Proctor Marxist Library, 6501 Telegraph Ave. 595-7417. www.marxistlibr.org 

“Healing Ourselves, Making Connections” A weekend gathering for adoptees and foster care alums of African descent in downtown Oakland. For details email afaadinfo@gmail.com 

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, NOV. 8 

Wildlife Rescue Training and Recruitment To help strengthen a community’s response to wildlife casualties WildRescue is offering this training class designed for wildlife rehabilitators and their volunteers, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Shorebird Park Nature Center, 160 University Ave, at the Marina. Registration required. Cost is $30-$40. 831-869-6241. http://wildrescue.org 

Quarry Lakes/Alameda Creek/Coyote Hills Bicycle Trip Meet at 8:20 on the east side of the Fremont BART Station in the parking lot. Trip lasts to 3 p.m. Sponsored by Golden Gate Audubon Society. 843-2222. ggas@goldengateaudubon.org 

Greywater Workshop at 10 a.m. at Magic Gardens, 729 Heinz Ave. 644-2351. www.magicgardens.com 

“Autumn in Asia” A tour of the Asian Area of the garden at 10 a.m. at UC Botanical Garden, 200 Centennial Drive. Registration required. Cost is $12-$15. 643-2755. http://botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu 

“Mushrooms for Color” with dyer and artist Dorothy Beebee, learn how to identify mushrooms, extract dyes, and use them, from 1 to 4 p.m. at UC Botanical Garden, 200 Centennial Drive. Cost is $40-$45. Registration required. 643-2755. http://botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu 

Orchid Society of California Show and sale. Sat and Sun. from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Lakeside Park Garden Center, Lake Merritt, 666 Bellevue, Oakland, just south of Children's Fairyland. Free. 

“The American Economy After the Elections: What Are the Causes of this Crisis and What Can We Expect from the New Administration?” A panel discussion at 7 p.m. at Alameda Free Library, Conference Room A, 1550 Oak St. at Lincoln, Alameda. Suggested donation $5. www.alamedapublicaffairsforum.org 

“The Elections: What Happened and What Now” A discussion with the Political Affairs Readers Group of the Communist Party at 10 a.m. at the Niebyl-Proctor Library, 6501 Telegraph Ave. 595-7417. www.marxistlibr.org 

NAACP Berkeley Branch meets at 1 p.m. at 2108 Russell St. Officers will be elected. 845-7416. 

Math and Science Classes from the Lawrence Hall of Science for families with children in kindergarten through fifth grade from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at Richmond Public Library, 325 Civic Center Plaza, Richmond. Free. 620-6557. 

Berkeley Lab Job Fair from noon to 4 p.m. at Berkeley Lab Cafeteria, 1 Cyclotron Rd. Job openings fro drivers, electricians, facilities managers, admin staff and others. Bring several copies of your resume. 486-5627. 

Red Cross: Alameda County Heros Awards Gala at 6 p.m. at Hilton Oakland Airport Hotel. Tickets are $150. 595-4460. 

Video Production Seminar Learn production interview techniques, audio, lighting, Studio & Field w/HD & SD Cams from 9:30 a.m. on at East Bay Media Center, 1939 Addison St. Cost is $125. 843-3699. www.eastbaymediacenter.com 

“Ancient Tools for Successful Living” Workshops from 11:30 a.m. on, at Ausar Auset Society, 2811 Adeline St., Oakland. For details call 536-5934. 

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 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, NOV. 9 

Honoring Veterans Day 2008 from 3 to 6 p.m. at Chapel of the Chimes, 4499 Piedmont Ave. Oakland. 228-3207. 

Friends of the Alameda Wildlife Refuge Workday Help us prepare habitat for California Least Terns. Meet at 9 a.m. at the main refuge gate at the northwest corner of former Alameda Naval Air Station, Alameda. Sponsored by Golden Gate Audubon Society. 843-2222. ggas@goldengateaudubon.org 

Little Farm Goat Hike Join a short hike with the Little Farm goats as we explore the historic connections between humans and our ungulate friends. For ages 6 and up, at 10:30 a.m. at Tielden Little Farm, Tilden Park 525-2233. 

Little Farm Open House Come grind some corn to feed the chickens, pet a bunny or groom a goat, from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at the Little Farm at Tilden Park. 525-2233. 

Purr-casso Art and Craft Sale with decorative, wearable and functional art pieces celebrating our feline friends from noon to 4 p.m. at Hollis Street Project, 5900 Hollis St., Emeryville. Benefits the Berkeley-East Bay Humane Society. 845-7735, ext. 13. www.berkeleyhumane.org 

“The Middle East in the Post Olmert/Bush Era” with Yakov Katz of the Jerusalem Post, at 7 p.m. at Congregation Netivot Shalom, 1316 University Ave. Donation $10. 525-3582. 

“Odessey: My Journey from Childhood Faith to a Universalist, Eclectic Spirituality” with Martha Helming at 10 a.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, 1 Lawson Rd., Kensington. 525-0302, ext. 306. 

“May-June 1968: An Occasion Lacking in Workers’ Autonomy” A discussion with personal accounts at 1 p.m. at Niebyl-Proctor Marxist Library, 6501 Telegraph Ave. 595-7417. www.marxistlibr.org 

Family Day at the Magnes Museum and viewing of the installation “The Atheon: A Temple of Science for Rational Belief” from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 2222 Harold Way. 549-6950.  

Let’s Go Strolling: Donate A Stroller Bring your clean and working stroller to donate to East Bay families in need, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 344 Thomas L. Berkley Way, Harrison and 20th St. in the Kaiser Center Mall building, downtown Oakland. 834-2229. www.letsgostrolling.com 

Red Cross Blood Drive from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at United Methodist Church, 1188 12th St., Oakland. To schedule an appointment go to www.BeADonor.com 

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 Erika Rosenberg on “Relaxing the Mind” at 6 p.m. at the Tibetan Nyingma Institute, 1815 Highland Pl. 809-1000.  

Kol Hadash Community Reception at 2 p.m. at the Albany Community Center, 1249 Marin Ave. Suggested donation $5. 428-1492. 

MONDAY, NOV. 10 

Birding at Martin Luther King, Jr. Shoreline, Arrowhead Marsh, Oakland with Bob Lewis from 9:30 a.m. to noon to see returning shorebirds and waterfowl. Meet at the last parking lot at 9:30 a.m. Sponsored by Golden Gate Audubon Society. 843-2222. ggas@goldengateaudubon.org 

“Climate Change, False Solutions and the Road to Climate Action” with Orin Langelle and Anne Petermann, Co-Directors of Global Justice Ecology Project on the mounting global resistance to market-based and corporate-controlled “false solutions” to climate change, including agrofuels, genetically engineered tree plantations, carbon trading, “clean coal” and nuclear power at 7 p.m. at Niebyl-Proctor Library, 6501 Telegraph, Oakland (near Alcatraz). Suggested donation $10. suzannebaker@earthlink.net 

“Rosalind Franklin and the Discovery of DNA” with Lynn Elkin, Prof. Emerita, Biological Studies, CSU East Bay at 12:15 p.m. at Room 150, University Hall, 2199 Addison St. Free for OLLI members, $5 others. 642-5254. 

El Cerrito Art Association meets at 7:30 p.m. at the El Cerrito Community Center, 7007 Moeser Lane near Ashbury Ave. Speaker will be Julie Cohn, Bay Area watercolorist and instructor. There will be a mini art show before the talk and those wishing to show their work should arrive at 7 pm. 234-5028. 

East Bay Track Club for girls and boys ages 3-15 meets Mon. at 6 p.m. at Berkeley High School track field. Free. 776-7451. 

Red Cross Blood Drive from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Mills College Student Union, 5000 MacArthur Blvd, Oakland. To schedule an appointment go to www.BeADonor.com 

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, NOV. 11 

Veteran’s Day Ceremony aboard the USS Hornet at 1 p.m. at the former Naval Air Station, Alameda, 707 W. Hornet Ave., Pier 3. Cost is $6-$14, complementary admission for veterans with identification. 521-8448. www.uss-hornet.org 

Celebrate the 90th Anniversary of the End of the Great War at 10:30 a.m. at the Albany Veterans Memorial Building, 1325 Portland Ave. Sponsored by The Great War Society, this event will honor our veterans of all wars. 526-4423. 

Veteran’s Day with the Women of Color Resource Center and a screening of “Do Tell” digital storytelling by women of color and LGBTQ veterans, at 7 p.m. at Eastside Arts Alliance, 2277 International Blvd., Oakland. 444-2700, ext. 304. 

“The Green Collar Economy: How 1 Solution Can Fix Our Biggest Problems” with Van Jones at 7:30 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Oakland, 2501 Harrison St., Oakland. Tickets are $12-$15. 848-6767, ext. 609. www.kpfa.org 

East Bay Green Tour to visit green businesses, restaurants and more from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. beginning at Amanda’s restaurant. Cost is $50. To register call 704-0379. 

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

“Bottle Rocket” Film by Wes Anderson in a benefit for City Slicker Farms, at 9:15 p.m. at The Parkway Theatre, Oakland. Cost is $7. www.parkway-speakeasy.com 

“Know Your Rights” training for citizens and non-citizens on how to handle interactions with the police from 7 to 9 p.m. at 2022 Blake St. Sponsored by Berkeley Copwatch. 548-0425. 

Red Cross Blood Drive from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Mills College Student Union, 5000 MacArthur Blvd., Oakland. To schedule an appointment go to www.BeADonor.com 

Tuesday Tilden Walkers Join a few slowpoke seniors at 9:30 a.m. in the parking lot near the Little Farm for an hour or two walk. 215-7672, 524-9992. 

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

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

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. 

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. 

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. 

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

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 12 

Sudden Oak Death Preventative Treament Training Session Meet at 1 p.m. outside Tolman Hall at the oak tree, Hearst Ave. and Arch/LeConte, UC Campus for a two hour field session, rain or shine. Pre-registration required. SODtreatment@nature.berkeley.edu 

Sink or Swim: Navigating the Legendary Rapids in the Grand Canyon” with river guide Steven Law at 7 p.m. at REI, 1338 San Pablo Ave. 527-4140. 

“Emergent Thoughts on High School: What Teenagers Really Need to be Successful in High School, College and Life” with Dr. Michael Riera at 7 p.m. at Redwood Day School, 3245 Sheffield Ave., Oakland. 534-0800. www.rdschool.org 

“Pathways Through the Holidays” A workshop for people coping with grief at 6:30 p.m. at Pathways, 333 Hegenberger Rd. Suite 700., Oakland. Free, but RSVP to 888-905-2800, ext 4241. 

American Red Cross Blood Services Volunteer Orientation at 6 p.m. at 6230 Claremont Ave. To learn more or sign up, call 594-5165. 

“Breema: The Art of Being Present” A free workshop at 6 p.m. at 6076 Claremont Ave. at College, Oakland. 428-0937. 

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, NOV. 13 

Codornices Creek Environmental Education Community Design Workshop at 6:30 p.m. at Four Corners Room, University Village, 1125 Jackson St., Albany. 759-1689. codornicescreekwc@gmail.com 

“Facing Race” A conference examining race in the presidential election, racial justice, race and the global economy and other topics, Thurs.-Sat. at Oakland Marriot City Center, 1001 Broadway, Oakland. Sponsored by Applied Research Center. To register see www.arc.org 

“Give Thanks” A Benefit for the Elders of Big Mountain, with songs, stories, and visions to bring aid and awareness of the struggle of the Dine’ People (Navajo), at 7:30 p.m. at Cafe de la Paz, 1600 Shattuck Ave. Donation $5-$10 and organic food donations for the caravan to Black Mesa. 464-4615. 

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. 

East Bay Mac Users Group meets to discuss Miro and iDVD at 7 p.m. at Expression College for Digital Arts, 6601 Shellmound St., Emeryville. http://ebmug.org 

Circle of Concern Vigil meets on West Lawn of UC campus across from Addison and Oxford, Thurs. at noon and Sun. at 1 p.. to oppose UC weapons labs contracts. 848-8055. 

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, NOV. 14 

City Commons Club Noon Luncheon with Frederick Rolf on “Berlin-Shanghai-New York: My Family’s Flight From Hitler” 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 

Senior Driver Traffic Safety Seminar to help you improve driving skills, refresh knowledge of rules of the road, and identify normal age-related changes and how to adjust to become a safer driver, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at North Berkeley Senior Center, 1901 Hearst Ave. Free, but RSVP required. 268-5376. 

“An Evening with Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo” Book signing at 7 p.m., talk at 8 p.m. at at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, 1 Lawson Rd., Kensington. Suggested donation $30. 525-0302, ext. 306. 

“Fiat in the Hands of the Workers: The ‘Hot Autumn’ of 1969 in Turin” A discussion of the book at 7 p.m. at Niebyl-Proctor Marxist Library, 6501 Telegraph Ave. 595-7417. www.marxistlibr.org 

New Deal Film Festival Artists at Work “WPA and Public Art of the 1930s” at 1 p.m. at North Oakland Senior Center, 5714 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Oakland. Sponsored by the Berkeley-East Bay Gray Panthers. 548-9696. 

Cancer Prevention and Survival Cooking Class meets Fri. for four sessions, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Alta Bates Summit Cardiac Rehabilitation, 3030 Telegraph Ave. Free. To register, please call 869-6737. 

Womensong Circle An evening of participatory singing for women at 7:15 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Berkeley, small assembly room, 2345 Channing Way at Dana. Donation $15-$20. 525-7082. 

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 

“Why Do Jews Pray?” Explore this question at a no-experience-necessary Shabbat dinner at 6:15 p.m. at Jewish Gateways, El Cerrito. RSVP to 559-8140. rabbibridget@jewishgateways.org  

SATURDAY, NOV. 15 

Guided Community Creek Walk on Codornices Creek with Diana Benner, native plant specialist and co-owner of the Watershed Nursery, and the Codornices Creek Watershed Council. Meet at 10 a.m. at Codornices Creek Bridge at 5th St., one block of Harrison west of San Pablo. 759-1689. codornicescreekwc@gmail.com 

Invasive Plant and Trash Removal at Martin Luther King Jr. Shoreline, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Enter the park from Swan Way and follow the road to the end parking lot. Then look for the wooden observation platform, currently bring remodeled, adjacent to Arrowhead Marsh. Sponsored by Golden Gate Audubon Society. 843-2222. ggas@goldengateaudubon.org 

Explore the Albany Mudflats with Oliver James, and search for waterbirds on the mud and land birds on the bulb, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Bring a scope if you have one. Exit Buchanan in Albany and turn west. Park near raised wooden platforms. Sponsored by Golden Gate Audubon Society. 843-2222. ggas@goldengateaudubon.org 

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

Close the Farm Help us close the Little Farm and tuck in the animals for the night, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. at Tilden Little Farm, Tilden Park. 525-2233. 

Vegetarian Cooking Class Thanksgiving for the Birds Learn to make harvest-stuffed acorn squash, mashed potatoes with caramelized onions, roasted brussels sprouts, mushroom gravy, apple cobbler 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 

Math and Science Classes from the Lawrence Hall of Science for families with children in kindergarten through fifth grade from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at Richmond Public Library, 325 Civic Center Plaza, Richmond. Free. 620-6557. 

“Mushroom Hunt in the Garden” Learn to identify mushrooms with biologist Debbie Veiss at 10 a.m. at UC Botanical Garden, 200 Centennial Drive. Cost is $12-$15. Registration required. 643-2755. http://botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu 

“Life After Lawn: Toward New Naturalism” Learn about regionally appropriate ornamental grasses and grass-like plants for gardening at 1 p.m. at UC Botanical Garden, 200 Centennial Drive. Cost is $20-$25. Registration required. 643-2755. http://botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu 

“The Green and Yellow Festival” A Ugandan Marketplace from 6 to 10 p.m. at Piedmont Veterans Memorial Building, 401 Highland Ave. Proceeds will benefit KIDA, a grassroots charity in rural Uganda that provides education and medical help. Cost is $35. 925-376-0519 or www.FriendsOfRuwenzori.org  

Gratitude Art Faire with arts and crafts, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Bridgeside Shopping Center, 2671 Blanding Ave. Alameda. Sponsored by the Frank Bette Center for the Arts. 

Albany Library Book Sale, Sat. from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sun. from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 1247 Marin Ave., Albany. 526-3720, ext. 16. 

Music Business Seminar sponsored by Califonria Lawyers for the Arts from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Expression College for Digital Arts, 6601 Shellmound St., Emeryville. Cost is $10-$70. 415-775-7200.  

California Writers Club meets to discuss self-discovery and publishing with D. Patrick Miller at 10 a.m. at Barnes & Noble, Jack London Square, 98 Broadway, Oakland. www.berkeleywritersclub.org 

Jewish Literature and Discussion Series meets to discuss “The Mind-Body Problem” by Rebecca Goldstein at 2 p.m. at the Kensington Library, 61 Arlington Ave. 524-3043. 

Stress Reduction Workshop from 1 to 3 p.m. at Tibetan Nyingma Institute, 1815 Highland Pl. Free but please RSVP. 809-1000. www.nyingmainstitute.com 

Red Cross Blood Drive from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Alta Bates Summit Auditorium, 2450 Ashby Ave. To schedule an appointment go to www.BeADonor.com 

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

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

The Berkeley Lawn Bowling Club provides free instruction every Wed. and Sat. at 10:30 a.m. at 2270 Acton St. 841-2174.  

Oakland Artisans Marketplace Sat. from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sun. from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Jack London Square. 238-4948. 

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, NOV. 16 

Tales and Traditions of California Indians A program for families to learn about the food, tools and art of California’s First Peoples, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak Sts. Cost is $5-$8. 238-2200. www.museumca.org 

Fungus Safari Hike Join a hunt for mycelium, its fruiting bodies and learn about their natural history, from 10:30 a.m. to noon at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. For ages 6 and up. 525-2233. 

The Story’s in the Tracks Join a hike to look at the muddy footprints in the park, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. 525-2233. 

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  

“Cornucopia” West Berkeley Arts Festival from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 2016 7th St. Hosted by Black Pine Circle School. 644-1023, ext. 15. www.blackpinecircle.org/cornucopia 

Albany Library Book Sale from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 1247 Marin Ave., Albany. 526-3720, ext. 16. 

“Embodied Landscapes: Prayer of the Earth” with Barbara Bye at 10 a.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, 1 Lawson Rd., Kensington. 525-0302, ext. 306. 

Byron Katie Workshop on silence, listening, and meditation. led by Eduardo Zambrano, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 1929 Russell St. For cost see www.eastbayopencircle.org 

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 Robin Caton on “Attaining Inner Confidence” 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 

CITY MEETINGS 

Community Environmental Advisory Commission meets Thurs., Nov. 6, at 7 p.m., at 2118 Milvia St. 981-7461.  

Housing Advisory Commission meets Thurs., Nov. 6, at 7 p.m., at the South Berkeley Senior Center. 981-5400.  

Landmarks Preservation Commission meets Thurs., Nov. 6, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-7419.  

Public Works Commission meets Thurs., Nov. 6, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-6406.  

Council Agenda Committee meets Mon., Nov. 10, at 2:30 p.m., at 2180 Milvia St. 981-6900. 

www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/citycouncil/agenda-committee 

Youth Commission meets Mon., Nov. 10, at 6:30 p.m., at City Council Chambers, Old City Hall. 981-6670.  

Commission on Disability meets Wed., Nov. 12, at 6:30 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-6346. TDD: 981-6345.  

Police Review Commission meets Wed., Nov. 12, at the South Berkeley Senior Center. 981-4950.  

Commission on Early Childhood Education meets Thurs., Nov. 13, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-5428.  

Community Health Commission meets Thurs., Nov.13 , at 6:45 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-5356.  

West Berkeley Project Area Commission meets Thurs., Nov. 13, at 7 p.m., at the West Berkeley Senior Center. 981-7520.  

Zoning Adjustments Board meets Thurs., Nov. 13, at 7 p.m., in City Council Chambers. 981-7410. 

THURSDAY, NOV. 6 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Bay Area Landscape” Works by Vladimir Berberov, Francesca Giorgi, Michael Grove, Britt Marie Pazdirek, David Platford, opens at the Giorgi Gallery, 2911 Claremont Ave. 848-1228. 

FILM 

DocFest: “Operation Filmmaker” at Shattuck Cinemas, 2230 Shattuck Ave. 415-820-3907. www.sfindie.com 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Composer Colloquium with Merce Cunningham Dance Company musicians and composers at 4 p.m. at 125 Morrison Hall, Bancroft at College. Free. 642-9988. 

Artist Talk with Merce Cunningham at 7 p.m. at Wheeler Auditorium, UC campus. Free. 642-9988. 

Raj Patel describes “Stuffed and Starved: The Hidden Battle for the World Food System” at 7:30 p.m. at Pegasus Books Downtown, 2349 Shattuck Ave. 649-1320. 

Mark DeWitt discusses “Cajun and Zydeco Dance Music in Northern California” at 6 p.m. at University Press Books, 2430 Bancroft Way. 548-0585.  

Carlotta Caulfield, Rebecca Foust and Mari L’Esperance read their poetry at 7:30 p.m. at Mrs. Dalloways, 2904 College Ave. 704-8222. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

“The John Cage Legacy: Chance in Music and Mathematics” at 5:30 p.m. at Simons Auditorium, Mathematical Sciences Research Institute, 17 Gauss Way, near the intersection of Grizzly Peak Blvd. and Centennial Dr. 642-0143. 

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

Kelly Park & Friends at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $10. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

Daughters of Zion International Reggae Tour at 8:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $13-$15. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

The Sonando Project, Latin funk, at 9 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $5-$7. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com 

Broadcast Live, hip hop, indie rock, and spoken word at 8 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $tba. 849-2568.  

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

Jacob Fiss-Hobart Ensemble at 7 p.m. at Caffe Trieste, 2500 San Pablo Ave. 548-5198.  

FRIDAY, NOV. 7 

THEATER 

Aurora Theatre “The Devil’s Disciple” Wed.-Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2 and 7 p.m. at 2081 Addison St. through Dec. 7. Tickets are $40-$42. 843-4822. www.auroratheatre.org 

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 

Berkeley Rep “Joe Turner’s Come and Gone” at 8 p.m. at the Roda Theater, 2015 Addison St, through Dec. 14. Tickets are $13.50-$71. 647-2949. berkeleyrep.org 

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 

Masquers Playhouse “Do I Hear a Waltz?” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2:30 p.m. at 105 Park Place, Pt. Richmond, through Dec. 20. Tickets are $20. 232-4031. www.masquers.org 

Youth Musical Theater Company “Fiddler on the Roof” Fri. and Sat. at 7:30 p.m., Sun. at 2 p.m. at Julia Morgan Center for the Arts, 2640 College Ave. Tickets are $8-$20. 800-838-3006. 

FILM 

Movie Classic “North by Northwest” at 8 p.m. at Paramount Theater, 2025 Broadway. Tickets are $5. 625-8497. 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Veteran’s Voices” Art by Bay Area veterans. Opening reception at 6 p.m. at K Gallery, 2513 Blanding Ave., Alameda. Runs to Nov. 30. 865-5060. www.rhythmix.org 

“Rabblerousers: the Art of Reuse” Opening reception at 7 p.m. at Oakopolis, 447 25th St., Oakland. 663-6920. 

“Portals” A paired show of painting and installation by Robin Kuypers-Witte and Lisa Rasmussen. Opening reception at 6:30 p.m. at The Warehouse, 416 26th S.t, Oakland. http://reddoorgalleryandcollective.blogspot.com 

“Nature Speaks: Art from the Heart of Nature” Photography by Marianne Hale. Reception at 5 p.m. at Awaken Café, 414 14th St., Oakland. 836-2058. 

“Double Exposure” Works by Kevin Chen, Eleanor Harwood, Nicole Neditch, Narangkar Glover, Pete Glover, Carrie Lederer, Michelle Mansour, Jen Elia, Daniel Healey, and Margaret Tedesco. Reception at 7 p.m. at Blankspace, 6608 San Pablo Ave., Oakland. 547-6608. www.blankspacegallery.com 

“Rejoyce!” Group show of works by painters, photographers, and sculptors. Opening reception at 5:30 p.m. at Joyce Gordon Gallery, 406 14th St., Oakland. 465-8928. 

”Reverie” Works by Tarra Lyons and Anna Vaughn. Reception at 6 p.m. at Mercury 20 Gallery, 25 Grand Ave., Oakland. 701-4620. 

“Suenos Mensajeros/Dream Messengers” Works by Luz Marina Ruiz. Reception at 6 p.m. at NoneSuch Space, 2865 Broadway at 29th St., 2nd flr., Oakland. 625-1600. 

“October 9, 1969” by Scott Reilly. Reception at 7 p.m. at The Compound Gallery, 6604 San Pablo Ave., Oakland. 655-9019. 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Gallery Talk with Peter and Maureen Langenbach on “Evolution of a Sacred Space: Dias de los Muertos 2008” at 4 p.m. at Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak Sts. Cost is $5-$8, free for teachers. 238-2200. www.museumca.org 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

The Blind Boys of Alabama in a fundraiser for Ever Widening Circle and World Institute on Disability at 7 p.m. in the Main Ballroom, Oakland Marriott City Center, 1001 Broadway, Oakland. Tickets are $75. 800-838-3006. 

Nina Haft & Company “One Becomes Two” A dance installation, Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m. at Shawl-Anderson Dance Center, 2704 Alcatraz Ave. Tickets are $12-$15. www.shawl-anderson.org 

Big Moves Bay Area “Dance At Large” featuring the Phat Fly Girls at 8 p.m. at Laney College Theater, 900 Fallon St., Oakland. Tickets are $8-$12. www.bigmoves.org 

Candido Oye Oba and Friends at 5 p.m. at Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak Sts. Cost is $5-$8. 238-2200. www.museumca.org 

Merce Cunningham Dance Company at 8 p.m. at Zellerbach Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $26-$48. 642-9988. www.calperformances.net 

Starry Plough 35th Anniversary Kickoff with The Buffalo Roam Reunion Show at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $10. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com 

Happy Hour Jazz ensemble at 8 p.m. at the Hillside Club, 2286 Cedar St. Cost is $10-$15. 845-1350.  

Peter Anastos & Iter at 8 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $12. 845-5373. www.jazzschool.com 

Hurricane Sam & The Hotshots at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $14. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

Bay Area African Drum & Dance Festival with Ousseynou Kouyate at 9 p.m. at Shattuck Down Low, 2284 Shattuck Ave. Cost is $10-$112. 548-1159.  

Locura and Dgiin, Latin, flamenco, reggae at 9:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is tba. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

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

Femi at 9 p.m. at Maxwell’s, 341 13th St., Oakland. Cost is $15. 839-6169. 

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

Insect, The Holy Kiss, Swann Danger 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. 

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

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

Will Squared at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 843-8277. 

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

SATURDAY, NOV. 8 

CHILDREN  

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

Maggie the Clown Sat. and Sun. at 1:30 and 2:30 p.m. at Children’s Fairyland, 699 Bellevue Ave., Oakland. Cost is $6. 452-2259. www.fairyland.org 

Storytelling & Puppet Theater from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Habitot Children's Museum, 2065 Kittredge St. 647-1111. www.habitot.org 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Plein Air Watercolors” by Anne Poley, Annetta Fox, and Linda Oppen. Reception for the artists at 2 p.m. at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. Open Tues.-Sun. from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Dec. 28. 525-2233. 

“Dear Delhi and Rajasthan” Black and white photographs by Ilona Sturm. Reception at 2 p.m. at Berkeley Public Library, 2090 Kittredge St. Exhibit runs through Jan. 4. 981-6100. 

“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 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

“East Asian Influences in Contemporary Art” A symposium with with Jacqueline Baas, curator and former director of the University Art Museum, William T. Wiley, artist, Fred Martin, artist, writer and Dean Emeritus of the San Francisco Art Institute, Mark Levy, professor and author, and others, from 1 to 5 p.m. at JFK University Arts & Consciousness Gallery, 2956 San Pablo Ave., 2nd Floor. Enter at Ashby Ave. 649-0499. www.jfku.edu/asian  

Works in Progress Women’s Open Mic, hosted by Linda Zeiser, features Jan Steckel. Potluck at 6:30 p.m. at The Home of Truth, 1300 Grand St., Alameda. Cost is $7-$10. 238-7344.  

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Young People’s Chamber Orchestra “Autumn Harvest” performs Smith, Handel and Martin at noon at St. John's Presbyterian Church, 2727 College Ave. Suggested donation $5 youth, $10 adults. www.ypco.org  

Big Moves Bay Area “Dance At Large” featuring the Phat Fly Girls at 8 p.m. at Laney College Theater, 900 Fallon St., Oakland. Tickets are $8-$12. www.bigmoves.org 

Nina Haft & Company “One Becomes Two” A dance installation at 8 p.m. at Shawl-Anderson Dance Center, 2704 Alcatraz Ave. Tickets are $12-$15. www.shawl-anderson.org 

Merce Cunningham Dance Company at 8 p.m. at Zellerbach Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $26-$48. 642-9988. www.calperformances.net 

The Berkeley Baroque Band “Ground Round” at 8 p.m. at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, 1501 Washington Ave., Albany. Suggested donation $15.  

Starry Plough 35th Anniversary with The Unreal Band, The Naked Barbies, Pat Nevin’s Ragged Glory and many others from 3 p.m. on at The Starry Plough. Free. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com 

University Chorus & Chamber Chorus “Zigeunerlieder: Gypsy Music” at 8 p.m. at Hertz Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $5-$15. 642-4864. http://music.berkeley.edu 

Alex Calatayud’s Brasil! at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $14. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

Oscar Reynolds & Karumanta at 8 p.m. at Wisteria Ways, Rockridge, Oakland. Not wheelchair accesiible. Cost is $15-$20. Reservations required. info@WisteriaWays.org 

Tito y su son de Cuba at 9:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cuban dance lesson at 8:30 p.m. Cost is $13. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com  

Eric & Suzy Thompson, Disciples of Markos with Hank Bradley and Cathy Whitesides at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $18.50-$19.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Frank Jackson Trio at 8 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $20. 845-5373. www.jazzschool.com 

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

Larry Stefl Jazz Quartet 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 

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

Corrupted, Asunder, Amber Asylum at 8 p.m. at 924 Gilman St., an all-ages, member-run, no alcohol, no drugs, no violence club. Cost is $10. 525-9926. 

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

SUNDAY, NOV. 9 

FILM 

“Cage/Cummingham” at 5:30 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $5.50-$9.50. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Scott and Lauren Springer Ogden discuss “Plant-Driven Design” at 7:30 p.m. at Mrs. Dalloways, 2904 College Ave. 704-8222. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Merce Cunningham Dance Company “Craneway Event” a site-specific performance at the landmarked Ford assembly plant in Richmond, at 1 and 3 p.m. Tickets are $40. 642-9988. www.calperformances.net  

Chamber Music Sundaes SF Symphony musicians perform works by Rossini, Dittersdorf and Dvorak at 3 p.m. at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 2727 College Ave. Tickets are $20-$25. www.chambermusicsundaes.org 

Chalice Consort “Manchicourt's Requiem” at 4 p.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 114 Montecito Ave, Oakland. Tickets are $10-$20. www.chaliceconsort.org 

Inti-Illimani at 7:30 p.m. at La Peña. Cost is $35-$40. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

The Austin Lounge Lizards at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $18.50-$19.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

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

The Everlovin’, Americana, at 3 p.m. at 33 Revolutions, 10086 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito. 898-1836. 

Bandworks at 1 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $5. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Tyler Johnston and Jazzschool alums at 4:30 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $12. 845-5373. www.jazzschool.com 

Fireworks, The Time Next Year, First to Leave at 5 p.m. at 924 Gilman St., an all-ages, member-run, no alcohol, no drugs, no violence club. Cost is $7. 525-9926. 

MONDAY, NOV. 10 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

“Question of Identity” A panel discussion with three Jewish reporters, Frances Dinkelspiel, Lisa Alcalay Klug, Yoav Potash, at 6 p.m. at North Gate Library, Hearst and Euclid. Sponsored by Magnes Museum. 549-6950. 

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

MUSIC AND DANCE 

John Schott and Friends at 7 p.m. at Caffe Trieste, 2500 San Pablo Ave. 548-5198.  

Stephen Bell, Philip Rosheger, Pepino D’Agostino at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage Coffee House. Benefit for Carol Denney. Cost is $18.50-$19.50. 548-1761.  

Willem Breuker Kollektief at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $10-$18. 238-9200.  

TUESDAY, NOV. 11 

THEATER 

“SubHuman: True Tales from Beneath the Sea” a Veteran’s Day performance of life aboard a diesel submarine in the 60s at 8 p.m. at Rhythmix Cultural Works, 2513 Blanding Ave., Alameda. Tickets are $15. 865-5060. www.rythmix.org 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Harold Luft in conversation with John Ellwood on “Total Cure: The Antidote to the Health Care Crisis” at 6 p.m. at University Press Books, 2430 Bancroft Way. 548-0585. www.universitypressbooks.com 

Van Jones on “The Green Collar Economy: How 1 Solution Can Fix Our Biggest Problems” at 7:30 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Oakland, 2501 Harrison St., Oakland. Tickets are $12-$15. 848-6767, ext. 609. www.kpfa.org 

Rose Aguilar on “Red Highways: A Liberal’s Journey into the Heartland” at 7:30 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Berkeley, 2345 Channing Way. Cost is $10. berkeleyarts.org 

Estalla Halbal on “San Francisco’s International Hotel: Mobilizing the Filipino Community in the Anti-Eviction Movement” at 7:30 p.m. at Moe’s Books, 2476 Telegraph Ave. 849-2087. 

Alison Bechdel on “The Essential Dykes to Watch Out For” at 4 p.m. at Cal Student Store, UC campus, Telegraph and Bancroft. 642-9000 ext. 654. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Bandworks at 7:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $5. 525-5054. 

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

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

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

Cyro Baptista & Banquet of the Spirits at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $10-$18. 238-9200.  

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 12 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

“Loss” Artists’ Talk at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Art Center, 1275 Walnut St. 644-6893. www.berkeleyartcenter.org 

Candace Falk and Barry Pateman discuss “Emma Goldman: A Documentary History of the American Years” at 5:30 p.m. at University Press Books, 2430 Bancroft Way. 548-0585. www.universitypressbooks.com 

Annie Barrows reads from “The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society” at 6 p.m. at the North branch, Berkeley Public Library, 1170 The Alameda at Hopkins. 981-6250. 

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

MUSIC AND DANCE 

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

Double Vision at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $12. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

Sean Hodge with High Heat, Singing Bear and Butterful Bones at 9 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $5. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Conjunto Rovira 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.  

Eric Ronbinson at 9 p.m. at Maxwell’s, 341 13th St., Oakland. Cost is $15. 839-6169. 

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

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

THURSDAY, NOV. 13 

FILM 

“CRWSDSPCR” with an introduction by Merce Cunningham Dance Company archivist David Vaughan at 7:30 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $5.50-$9.50. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

“The Influence of Japanese Art on Design” with Hannah Sigur on Japanese art and America’s journey to modern architecture and design in the Gilded Age, from the Centennial of 1876 through the Louisiana Purchase Exposition of 1904 at 7:30 p.m. at the Hillside Club, 2286 Cedar St. Sponsored by Berkeley Architectural Heritage Association. Tickets $15. 841-2242. 

Caroline Grant, Lisa Harper, Irena Smith and others discuss “Mama, PhD: Women Write about Motherhood and Academic Life” at 6 p.m. at University Press Books, 2430 Bancroft Way. 548-0585. www.universitypressbooks.com 

Austin Grossman reads from his novel “Soon I Will Be Invincible” at 7:30 p.m. at Pegasus Books Downtown, 2349 Shattuck Ave. 649-1320. 

Sylvia Brownrigg reads from her novel “The Delivery Room” at 7:30 p.m. at Mrs. Dalloways, 2904 College Ave. 704-8222. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

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

Carmen Cansino’s “Listen Here!” at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $10. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

Avery Mast, acoustic/folk rock at 7 p.m. at Caffe Trieste, 2500 San Pablo Ave., at Dwight. 548-5198.  

Seneca, The New Centuries, Demons Wear Muted Colors at 9 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $6. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com 

Beat Boxing Concert with Soulati, Infinite, Syzygy, Eachbox and many others at 8:30 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $8-$10. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

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

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

Jessica WIlliams at 8 and 10 p.m., through Sun. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $10-$25. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

FRIDAY, NOV. 14 

EXHIIBITIONS 

“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 

Eclectix Group Show Opening reception at 7 p.m. at Eclectix Gallery, 10082 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito. www.eclectix.com 

THEATER 

Aurora Theatre “The Devil’s Disciple” Wed.-Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2 and 7 p.m. at 2081 Addison St. through Dec. 7. Tickets are $40-$42. 843-4822. www.auroratheatre.org 

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 

Berkeley Rep “Joe Turner’s Come and Gone” at 8 p.m. at the Roda Theater, 2015 Addison St, through Dec. 14. Tickets are $13.50-$71. 647-2949. berkeleyrep.org 

Berkeley Rep “The Arabian Nights” Tues.-Sun. at the Thrust Stage, 2025 Addison St., through Jan. 4. Tickets are $27-$71. 647-2949. berkeleyrep.org 

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 

Contra Costa Civic Theater “Greater Tuna” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2 p.m. at 951 Pomona Ave., El Cerrito, through Dec. 7. 524-9132. www.ccct.org  

Impact Theatre “Tallgrass Gothic” Thurs.-Sat at 8 p.m. at La Val’s Subterranean, to Dec. 20. Tickets are $10-$17. 464-4468. impacttheatre.com 

Masquers Playhouse “Do I Hear a Waltz?” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2:30 p.m. at 105 Park Place, Pt. Richmond, through Dec. 20. Tickets are $20. 232-4031. www.masquers.org 

UC Dept. of Theater “Top Girls” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2 p.m. to Nov. 23 at Durham Studio Theater, UC campus. Tickets are $10-$15. 642-8827. 

Youth Musical Theater Company “Fiddler on the Roof” Fri. at 7:30 p.m., Sat. at 2 and 7:30 p.m. at Julia Morgan Center for the Arts, 2640 College Ave. Tickets are $8-$20. 800-838-3006. 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Paul Unschuld discusses “Chinese Medicine and Natural HIstory: The Huang Di Nei Jing Su Wen” at 6 p.m. at University Press Books, 2430 Bancroft Way. 548-0585. www.universitypressbooks.com 

Jeanne Powell and Stephen Kopel, poets, at 7 p.m. at Nefeli Caffe, 1854 Euclid Ave. as part of the Last Word Reading Series. There is also an open reading. 841-6374.  

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

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Nina Haft & Company “One Becomes Two” A dance installation, Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m., sun. at 3 p.m. at Shawl-Anderson Dance Center, 2704 Alcatraz Ave. Tickets are $12-$15. www.shawl-anderson.org 

Merce Cunningham Dance Company at 8 p.m. at Zellerbach Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $26-$48. 642-9988. www.calperformances.net 

Panorama: Multi Media Happening with dance, theater, robotics, and digital games from 5 to 7 p.m. at Pauley Ballroom, MLK Student Center, UC campus. Free. 642-9988. 

The KTO Project, featuring Kelly Takunda Orphan Martinez at 8 p.m. at First Unitarian Church of Oakland, 685 14th St., Oakland. Tickets are $10-$18. brownpapertickets.com 

JazzSchool’s Advanced Jazz Ensemble at 8 p.m. at the Hillside Club, 2286 Cedar St. Cost is $5-$10. 845-1350.  

Sandy Owen, Spencer Owen & Sean Smith at 8 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $10-$12. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

The Taylor Texas Corrugators and Jambang at 9 p.m. at Blakes on Telegraph. Cost is $10. 848-0886. www.blakesontelegraph.com 

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

Dan Zemelman Quartet at 8 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $12-$15. 845-5373. www.jazzschool.com 

The Vowel Movement, beat box, at 9:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $15. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Judy Wexler, jazz, at 8 p.m. at Caffe Trieste, 2500 San Pablo Ave., at Dwight. 548-5198.  

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

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

Bernie Worrell and the Woo Warriors, The Eric Mcfadden Trio at 9 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $15. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com 

Trash Talk, Never Healed, Landmine Marathon at 8 p.m. at 924 Gilman St., an all-ages, member-run, no alcohol, no drugs, no violence club. Cost is $8. 525-9926. 

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

Cole Davis, Navery EAP at 9 p.m. at Maxwell’s, 341 13th St., Oakland. Cost is $15. 839-6169. 

Harley White Jr. Trio at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 843-8277. 

The Kenny Werner Trio at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square, through Sun. Cost is $22. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

SATURDAY, NOV. 15 

CHILDREN  

Los Amiguitos de La Peña with Rafael Manríquez & Ingrid Rubis at 10:30 a.m. at La Peña. Cost is $5 for adults, $4 for children. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

“Coppelia, the Doll with the Porcelain Eyes” a puppet show at 11 a.m., 2 and 4 p.m. at Children’s Fairyland, 699 Bellevue Ave., Oakland. Cost is $6. 452-2259. www.fairyland.org 

THEATER 

“Mrs. Pat’s House” A musical performed by Jovelyn Richards at 8 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $12-$15. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Made of Spirit” Mische technique oil paintings by Krista Augius. Reception at 6 p.m. at Studio 40, 933 Partker St. at 8th. Cost is $5. 415-548-0498. 

“Plasma Nation” Group show of plasma and neon sculptors. Opening reception at 6 p.m. at Float Gallery, 1091 Calcott Place, #116., Oakland. 535-1702. www.thefloatcenter.com 

FILM 

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

“Sherlock Jr.” A Buster Keaton comedy for all ages at 3 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $5.50-$9.50. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

Cinema Dreaming: Spirited Away Anime followed by discussion 2 p.m. at The Dream Institute, 1672 University at McGee. Cost is $10-$12. 845-1767. dream-institute.org 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Taubman Piano Seminar with John Bloomfield, Robert Durso, Marc Steiner, Elizabeth Swarthout, and Debbie Poryes. Lectures, master classes and demonstrations, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sat. and Sun. at Berkeley Piano Club, 2724 Haste St. Suggested donation $110. 523-0213. eswarthout@sbcglobal.net 

Frances Dinkelspiel reads from “Towers of Gold: How One Jewish Immigrant Named Isaias Hellman Created California” at 4 p.m. at Mrs. Dalloways, 2904 College Ave. 704-8222. 

Roshni Rustomji and Aamina Ahmad, contributors, introduce the new anthology “And the World Changed: Contemporary Stories by Pakistani Women” at 3:30 p.m. at East Wind Books of Berkeley, 2066 Universtiy Ave. 548-2350. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Nina Haft & Company “One Becomes Two” A dance installation at 8 p.m. at Shawl-Anderson Dance Center, 2704 Alcatraz Ave. Tickets are $12-$15. www.shawl-anderson.org 

Merce Cunningham Dance Company at 8 p.m. at Zellerbach Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $26-$48. 642-9988. www.calperformances.net 

Dimensions Dance 35th Anniversary Celebration at 8 p.m. at Oakland Inter-Stake Center, 4780 Lincoln Ave., Oakland. Tickets are $20-$25. 652-2344. 

Philharmonia Baroque “A Classic Triple” Beethovan, Haydn and Mozart at 8 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Berkeley, 2345 Channing. Tickets are $30-$72. 415-252-1288. 

“Music of Aaron Blumenfeld” at 8 p.m. at Trinity Chapel, 2320 Dana St. Tickets are $8-$12. 549-3864. www.trinitychamberconcerts.com 

Taubman Faculty Piano Concert with John Bloomfield, Robert Durso, Marc Steiner, Elizabeth Swarthout, and Debbie Poryes at 7:30 p.m. at Berkeley Piano Club, 2724 Haste St. Suggested donation $20. 523-0213. 

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

Kalbass Kreyol, Haitian Liberation from Slavery Celebration, at 9:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $12-$15. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com  

Collie Budz at 9 p.m. at Shattuck Down Low, 2284 Shattuck Ave. Cost is $20-$25. 548-1159. www.shattuckdownlow.com 

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

Sol do Brasil at 8 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $15-$20. 845-5373. www.jazzschool.com 

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

Revtones, The Mighty Lynchpins at 9 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $8. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com 

Five Dollar Suit at 7:30 p.m. at 33 Revolutions, 10086 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito. Albany Adult School performs jaz vocals at 2 p.m. 898-1836. 

Peligro Social, A.D.T., Sista Sekunden at 8 p.m. at 924 Gilman St., an all-ages, member-run, no alcohol, no drugs, no violence club. Cost is $7. 525-9926. 

SUNDAY, NOV. 16 

EXHIBITIONS 

“We Celebrate Together” figurative paintings by Salma Arastu and ceramics and textiles by Josie Jurczenia. Reception at 3 p.m. at the Community Art Gallery, Alta Bates Summit Medical Center, 2450 Ashby Ave. Exhibition runs through Jan. 22. 204-1667.  

“October 9, 1969” by Scott Reilly. Tea at 3 p.m. at The Compound Gallery, 6604 San Pablo Ave., Oakland. 655-9019. 

FILM 

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 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

“Berkeley Women in the Book Business” A panel discussion featuring Pat Cody, with participants from Moe’s Books, University Press Books, Pegasus Books, Mrs. Dalloway’s, and Rebecca’s Books, at 2 p.m. at the Berkeley Historical Society, Veterans Memorial Bldg., 1931 Center St. 848-0181. 

Day of the Dead Artists’ Talks with Guillermo Galindo, Gustavo Vazquez and Mary Andrade at 2 p.m. at Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak Sts. Cost is $5-$8. 238-2200. www.museumca.org 

Egyptology Lecture “The Amduat and its Relationship to Early Eighteenth Dynasty Tombs” with Barbara Richter, PhD Candidate, University of California, Berkeley at 2:30 p.m. at Barrows Hall, Room 20, Barrow Lane and Bancroft Way, UC campus. 415-664-4767. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Nina Haft & Company “One Becomes Two” A dance installation at 3 p.m. at Shawl-Anderson Dance Center, 2704 Alcatraz Ave. Tickets are $12-$15. www.shawl-anderson.org 

“Artiste—Portrait of Django Reinhardt” with Hot Club of San Francisco at 4 p.m. at Crowden Music Center, 1475 Rose St. Cost is $12. Freen for under 18. 559-2941. concerts@crowden.org 

Philharmonia Baroque “A Classic Triple” Beethovan, Haydn and Mozart at 7:30 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Berkeley, 2345 Channing. Tickets are $30-$72. 415-252-1288. 

Cançoniér “Brumas est Mort” Medieval Music from Times of War, Plague and Death at 4 p.m. at St. Alban’s Church, 1501 Washington Ave., Albany. Tickets are $12-$15. 486-2803. 

Pacific Collegium “Miserere mei” at 4 p.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 144 Montecito Ave., Oakland. Tickets are $10-$20. www.pacificcollegium.org 

Berkeley Symphony Under Construction conducted by Paul Haas at 8 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Berkeley. Tickets are $10-$20. 841-2800. www.berkeleysymphony.org 

Concerto Auditions at 8 p.m. at Hertz Hall, UC Campus. Free. 642-4864. http://music.berkeley.edu 

Albany Jazz Big Band at 2 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $10. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

“Jazz at the Chimes” featuring The Marcus Shelby Trio at 2 p.m. at Chapel of the Chimes, 4499 Piedmont Ave., Oakland. Tickets are $10-$15, children under 12 free. 228-3218. 

Junius Courtney Big Band with Denise Perrier at 7 p.m. at La Peña. Cost is $12-$14. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

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

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

The Winners, family square dance, at 3 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $4-$6. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

David Pinto & Syncopated Colors at 4:30 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $15. 845-5373. www.jazzschool.com 

Take the State Concert at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $8.50-$9.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Zap Guru, jazz, rock, jam band, at 2 p.m. at 33 Revolutions, 10086 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito. 898-1836. 

Roald Dahl’s classic story, Big Friendly Giant, is onstage now at the Ashby Stage, produced by Berkeley Playhouse; Fiddler on the Roof opens this weekend, produced by Youth Musical Theater Co. (YMTC) at the Julia Morgan Center.  

Berkeley Playhouse features professional adult actors. YMTC puts their professionally trained youth company onstage with full orchestra. What both companies have in common is a mission to bring professional standards to family theatrical entertainment. 

“I realized at some point that if audiences didn’t know what they were missing,” said Elizabeth McKoy, artistic director of Berkeley Playhouse, “the future of theater would be in trouble.” 

“The demand is there among young people for professional training,” said Jennifer Boesing, stage director of YMTC. “And they rise to those expectations when they experience it. But there’s not a ton of opportunity for training, especially year-round programs. In school, they can put on shows, but they don’t get that kind of training.” 

They echoed each other in their commitment to nurturing the love of live performance, building informed audiences for the future. “It’s keeping the muscle of the imagination in practice,” said McKoy. “We can’t compete with multimedia and special effects. But we can provide the illumination of the human character. And the audience has different physical reactions to theater in real time. When there’s music, toes have to tap, bodies have to move.”  

Boesing took it further: “Cultivating audiences of theater lovers makes for engaged citizens. They see what collaboration means, that articulateness makes for authenticity, being able to speak with your own voice.” 

There’s a giant mural—literally—outside the Ashby Stage, and the lobby is decorated with props from the show for interactivity with audience members. There’s a wall to write on, and the actors appear, in character, to meet the audience offstage.  

Inside, onstage, on Kim Tolman’s Victorian attic set, the cast of 15 characters are becoming giants together, several actors to each giant, using found objects—recycled coke bottles, an empty laundry basket—and it’s all to scale.  

“We use a stuffed doll, with an actor speaking the lines, as Sophie, whose birthday it is,” Boesing said. “So it’s a believable transformation, to have actors as giants. In the second act, there’s a helicopter scene using hula hoops and flashlights. The actors descend, making the sounds. All 15 engage in telling the story. It’s an actors’ production.” 

The audience is asked to make a card for Sophie that’s put up in the lobby. A play-within-a-play,  

Big Friendly Giant follows Sophie, from the present her father gives her—an empty box—into giant land. “It’s about a father-daughter relationship,” says McKoy. 

YMTC brings the excitement of a full production, with live orchestra, of the great musicals to family audiences. Last summer they put on Into the Woods—Sondheim’s take on fairytales that’s normally considered adult fare. 

Next summer, it’s Les Miserables, an ensemble epic if there ever was one.  

“It’s on the model of summer stock theater,” said Boesing. “We open it up to alumni, to university students—and some of our trainees are in the most prestigious programs now. Last summer some people thought we had ringers brought in from New York among the cast!” 

The fall and summer shows are competitive—and more and more students compete to be cast. 

“They’re not good in spite of being kids,” said Boesing, “But because they are. They have incredible energy. They pull it off, and with excitement. So much theater you go out to see seems phoned in.” 

YMTC began with a one-man show. “Bruce Wicinas was a parent who saw his kids didn’t have enough opportunity to learn and play in musical theater,” she said. “He put shows on in his living room, at first, paid out of his own pocket. He hired me as musical director; at first, for Kiss Me Kate in 2000. It was then Youth Musical Theater Commons. We played in middle school auditoriums, rehearsed where we could—and he was recruiting kids for the shows. In 2003, we staged Les Miz at Longfellow, became a 501-C3 in 2004, with Pam Crane as managing director, and Bruce stepped aside. We helped build the black box at Willard School Metalshop. We hired a professional music director, bigger and better orchestras of pros—and are now year-round, from our non-competitive Pocket Broadway spring show, which attracts younger students, to our competitive summer and fall shows. We want to give them the skills to be competitive, to be full singer-actors. And we have outreach programs, but aren’t recruiting anymore. 16 Bay Area schoolsare represented by the 35 castmembers of Fiddler.”  

Berkeley Playhouse began eight years ago when McKoy started Imagination Players. “My kids didn’t want any more of my two week camps,” she said. Since starting in her living room “with talented friends,” they’ve done 16 shows since being subsumed by Berkeley Playhouse.  

“We’re not a one-show wonder,” McKoy said. “We have a multi-pronged approach.” That includes classes with parents and their “walkers”—1-year-olds—singing together, all the way up through the family age chain. There’s an educational outreach, a partnership with Malcolm X School, workshops for kids—and a youth company besides the adult troupe now at Ashby Stage.  

“The kids are taught by professionals,” she said. “They get the real thing. People think there are teachers and then there’re artists. This way, we can bridge the gap.” 

Both McKoy and Boesing are mothers, and both come from theater backgrounds. Boesing’s from an artist family in Minneapolis. McKoy is from Manhattan, trained in New York and was with Seattle Children’s Theater before moving to Berkeley 9 years ago.  

“The care about the quality of the process is greater here,” she said. “There’s much more collaboration than in New York.”  

She singles out Kimberly and Patrick Dooley of Shotgun Players in particular. “We never could’ve started without such great friends.” 

BIG FRIENDLY GIANT 

Adapted from the Roald Dahl book by David Wood. Directed by Jon Tracy. Ages 5 and up. 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 7 p.m.; 3 and 7 p.m. Saturday; 1 and 5 p.m. Sunday through Nov. 23 at Ashby Stage 1901 Ashby Ave. Adults $28, Kids $22 (pay what you can Nov. 6 and 13) www.berkeleyplayhouse.org. 665-5565.  

FIDDLER ON THE ROOF 

7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays (Nov. 7, 8, 14, 15); 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 9 at the Julia Morgan Center, 2640 College Ave. $20; seniors, $15; 18 and under, $8. brownpapertickets.com or 1-800-838-3006. For information, call 595-5514. 

Choreographer Merce Cunningham—whom the New York Times has called “the high priest of the dance avant-garde,” and who, approaching 90, is one of the last great living figures of the postwar generation of American artists—will be making appearances beginning this afternoon (Thursday) in a two-week Berkeley residency. 

He will appear with his 14-member dance company, four multi-instrumentalists (music director Takehisa Kosugi, John King, David Behrman and Christian Wolff), as well as local artists, soprano Aurora Josephson and percussionist William Winant, both of Oakland.  

The Merce Cunningham Dance Company will perform for Cal Performances at Zellerbach Hall (8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Nov. 7, 8, 14, 15), as well as in a just-announced site-specific performance, Craneway Event, this Sun., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. at Ford Point in Richmond.  

Other events include a film series (5:30 p.m. this Sunday and 7:30 p.m. Thurs. Nov. 13 at Pacific Film Archive); a multimedia event, Panorama, featuring artists, dancers, engineers, roboticists and digital game makers from UC Berkeley, directed by UC Dance Program director Linda Wymore (5-7 p.m. Fri., Nov. 14, at Pauley Ballroom).  

Two events with Cunningham are today (Thursday) at UC Berkeley: a colloquium with his composers and musicians (including Stephan Moore), 4-5:30 p.m. at 125 Morrison Hall, followed by an artist talk with Cunningham at 7 p.m. in Wheeler Auditorium. 

This Friday’s Program A at Zellerbach features Suite for Five (1956), set to John Cage’s music and “laced with balletic themes”; “eyeSpace” (2006), a 20-minute version to Mikel Rouses’s score, “iPod shuffle friendly,” and a live, ambient environmental soundscape performed throughout the hall (iPods distributed for performance); and Biped (1999 world premiere in Berkeley), music by Gavin Bryars, using motion capture sensors on dancers transformed into projections.  

Program B Saturday, Nov. 8, features Second Hand—from a solo Idyllic Song (1944) set to Erik Satie’s Socrate, as arranged for solo piano by John Cage. Denied permission by Satie’s estate, Cage based a new work, Cheap Imitation on a rendition of Satie’s structure and phraseology, with Cunningham also renaming his work; and Split Sides, originally played by Radiohead and Sigur Ros, British rock band and Icelandic experimental ensemble.  

Program C, Friday, Nov. 14, will be a 40-minute version of “eyeSpace,” with additional music by David Behrman and Annea Lockwood.  

Program D on Saturday, Nov. 15, opens with Views on Stage (2004), filmdance with Charles Atlas set to John Cage’s music; Crises, “a dramatic though not narrative, dance ... between a man and four women,” according to Cage; and Cunningham’s most recent work, Xover (”Crossover,” 2007), set to two 1958 Cage compositions, Aria (with soprano Aurora Josephson) and Fontana Mix, set and costumes designed by late renowned painter, Robert Rauschenberg, longtime Cunningham-Cage collaborator. 

Craneway Event will be held at the 517,000-square-foot former Ford assembly plant in Richmond, designed by architect Albert Kahn in the 1930s, on the National Register of National Historic Places since 1988, where Jeeps and tanks were made during World War II. It boasts hundreds of windows and a panorama of the bay. The event will be choreographed on multiple stages, with live composed and improvised music, using chance operations, the audience encouraged to move around and view the performance from different angles. Cunningham has staged nearly 800 such events since the first in Vienna in 1964, a collaboration with Rauschenberg. 

Merce Cunningham, born in April 1919, in Centralia, Wash., was a soloist for Martha Graham from 1939 to 1945. He presented his first New York solo concert with John Cage, who would be his lifelong partner and collaborator, in April 1944.  

The Merce Cunningham Dance Company was formed in the summer of 1953 at Black Mountain College in North Carolina, during that school’s moment in the vanguard of interdisciplinary education and experimentation. Cunningham has choreographed nearly 200 works for the company. Long interested in contemporary technology, he has created a computer program, DanceForms. 

MERCE CUNNINGHAM 

Tickets for Zellerbach Hall: $26-48 (half off, UC Berkeley students; $10-20 rush tickets announced 2 hours before performance); Craneway Event: $40 (sold out; returns may be available). Colloquium and artist talk, free. 642-9988 (#2 for rush tickets announcements), www.calperformances.org, or Zellerbach Hall box office.

Jovelyn Richards of Richmond, a lifelong tale-spinner with her own twist on the traditional style of African-American storytelling, is staging her brand-new narrative with music, Mrs. Pat’s House, the story of a Midwestern Depression-era madam, in an unusual East Bay performance at La Peña Cultural Center, 8 p.m., on Saturday, Nov. 15. 

“Where I grew up in Milwaukee,” Richards said, “brothels were not just the place where people went to have sex. The madam and the other ladies took care of the community around them, of the families of the women whose men didn’t have steady work in those days. It was an African-American community, mostly, but included Latinos and Asian Americans. The madam would pay the grocery store to deliver eggs and milk to families, and loved the fact they didn’t know where these were coming from, that they could make up their own stories about how the box of groceries or the coal got to be on the front porch. One woman, whose man had died, told everyone his spirit had provided.” 

Storytelling, then, isn’t just the mode Richards uses to get her perspective on the past across; it’s a theme in itself. “There’s that old tale that the very first prostitute was a storyteller!” 

Richards plays Scheherazade to her own Arabian Nights. In costume as Mrs. Pat, she moves hypnotically cross-stage to the music, taking on the different voices and mannerisms of the characters in her tale in the telling. Backed by violin, piano, lead guitar, flute and percussion, with her musicians’ voices joining hers as she intones a snatch of song, Richards remarked that a collaborator “noted I’m dancing even more in this than the last piece.” (Come Home is her tale of black soldiers returning from World War II to lynchings in rural Arkansas—but framed as a love story.) 

Her characters include “three women and a drag queen. One, Miss Lucy, leaves home when her son returns from World War I, violent and a dope fiend; she doesn’t want to watch him destroyed. The second had been passing for white, marrying a prominent upstate New York man she met in Europe; the neighbors tip him off to her background when they return together. The third woman, a Pentacostal, left the South because they thought she was a witch, making it snow in Alabama by the way she moved! The drag queen was found stabbed in a sequined dress and sheer stockings by the men who had had sex with him but couldn’t share another part of themselves. They go in and out of the story—as do the men who visit them. ‘It’s evening time and the shadows have brought you home to me’—because they come in shame. Miss Lucy has a funky blues tune that repeats, ‘I’ll be obliged.’” 

The contradictions of society are all there. None of the women has children with them, but they take care of others, “and everybody tells their children, ‘Don’t go up to that door, walk on that side of the street,’ then whisper up from the alley, ‘Is my husband in there?’ 

“The local women, with babies hanging off them, look at this beautiful house across the street with flowers, where the women sleep all day and suddenly at night come out dressed beautifully, not having to ask a husband for money. Fantasy and fear! They laugh with men freely, sit them down and offer them a drink.” 

Richards went on: “But they had a code of honor. They didn’t go after neighborhood men. They’d try to help when someone’s husband was lost in a dream, drinking and gambling. The women I knew like that understood what segregation was, how difficult it was to make a home—which was so important—and how to use their bodies, control them. Men with responsibilities would come to that house to gain back their own spirit. They were looking for something; the ladies would tell them stories. So I tell the history behind who shows up in Mrs. Pat’s house. At the core of all that is a storyteller.”  

Richards described one woman who inspired her: former jazz singer, club owner and stripper, Satin Doll. “Being in her club, getting to know her before I left the Midwest—and knowing my grandmother made her clothes ... She was connected to Richard Pryor, schooled him when he was new in the business, once got him out of a club before he was beaten up. He pays tribute to her in ‘Jo Jo Dancer,’ coming out in drag in her costume.” 

Another longtime woman in show business, Richards’ friend Mila Llauger, will be at the show, and Richards hopes she’ll sing. “I knew her in Minneapolis. She’s from Puerto Rico—and Harlem. She lived for years in San Francisco, brought up her children here, had a jazz club in Chicago. An old singer and dancer. And cook! Her dinner parties in Minneapolis had people uttering such sounds of pleasure, anybody passing outside must’ve thought they were orgies!” 

There is great—and sly—humor to Richards’ tale-spinning. Reflecting on the bordello origins of the music, she says, “Ragtime may’ve come about when all the women in a house had their cycles in line with each other—and were out of action at the same time! So the madam, I’ve heard, would order the funkiest music be played, the drinks kept coming, dancing, laughing—the customers wouldn’t even remember they didn’t have sex!” 

Humor and high spirits, with an undertow of the most serious things in life. “I want to bring the audience into the heart of a woman’s passion. But not modern-day sex like on TV. I want to slow it down, like the original strippers did, who might take an hour to get a glove off, make music in conversation, so we can actually feel. To me, we have the obligation to live—not just the breath in ourselves but the energy to engage.” 

MRS. PAT’S HOUSE 

One night only: 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15 at La Peña Cultural Center, 3105 Shattuck Ave. $12 advance, $15 at the door. www.lapena.org. Box office hours: 1-6 p.m. Wednesday throug Friday; 1-5 p.m. Saturday.