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 

Grandmothers Against the War hosts Yalda Asmatey, an Afghan-American PhD student at Berkeley on “Afghanistan and the United States: The Next Four Years” at 1 p.m. at the Berkeley Public Library Conference Room, Kittredge and Shattuck. 845-3815.  

Hillside Club Annual Fundraiser with entertainment, food and auctions, at 6 p.m. for $45, or 7:30 p.m. for $20. 388-8932. www.hillsideclub.org 

UNA/UNICEF Center Open House with UNICEF holiday cards, free trade gifts, music and more, from 1 to 4 p.m. at 1403B Addison St., facing the parking lot of Andronico’s. 849-1752. www.unausaeastbay.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 

“Safe Cosmetics” Learn about contaminants in popular brands of shampoo, lotion and make-up linked to health problems at 2 p.m. at Rockridge Branch Library, 5366 College Ave., Oakland. Sponsored by AAUW Oakland-Piedmont and Oakland-East Bay NOW. 597-5017, 531-4275. 

“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 California 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. 

The Berkeley Lawn Bowling Club provides free instruction 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.  

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.  

“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. 

Chiapas Support Committee Community Celebration 10th Anniversary, with speakers, displays, progressive auction, music and dancing from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. at The Humanist Hall, 390 27th St., Oakland. Sliding scale $25-$50. For reservations see www.chiapas-support.org 

“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 

East Bay Atheists “The Shroud of Turin” with Ken Miller at 1:30 p.m. at Berkeley Public Library, 3rd flr meeting room, 2090 Kittredge. 222-7580. 

Lake Merritt Neighbors Organized for Peace Peace walk around the lake 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 

MONDAY, NOV. 17 

Briones Mud Hike to discover the geology of this former ocean floor. Bring lunch and water and appropriate shoes for this slippery five-mile hike. Meet at 10 a.m. at Bear Creek Road Staging Area. 525-2233. 

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

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. 

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.  

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. 

Berkeley CopWatch organizational meeting at 8 p.m. at 2022 Blake St. Volunteers needed. 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. 18 

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 Tidewater Staging Area at Martin Luther King Regional Shoreline. Call for meeting place and if you need to borrow binoculars. 525-2233. 

Berkeley Garden Club meets to discuss pruning with Jocelyn Cohen, arborist and member of San Francisco Urban Forestry at 2 p.m. at United Methodist Church,1953 Hopkins St. 524-7296. 

The Phoenix Project for UC Democracy To build a movement to democratize the UC Board of Regents, with speakers from faculty, staff, students and community at 7 p.m. at The Hillside Club, 2286 Cedar St. Donation $22 and up, no one turned away. www.ucdemocracy.org 

The Future of Rosie the Riveter/World War II Home Front National Historical Park A visioning workshop for the public from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Harbor Master Building, 1340 Marina Way South, Richmond. For more information about the park, visit www.nps.gov/rori. 

Yogurt and Cheesemaking Class at 7 p.m. in Oakland. Cost is $30-$50, plus $12 supply fee. To register call 431-9016. 

Berkeley School Volunteers Orientation from 10 to 11 a.m. at 1835 Allston Way. Come learn about volunteer opportunities. Bring photo ID and two references. 644-8833. 

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

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

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

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

Music for Monotones An opportunity for non-singers to improve their skills at 7 p.m. at JCC of the East Bay, 1414 Walnut St. Cost is $10-$15. 528-6725.  

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. 

Berkeley Camera Club meets at 7:30 p.m., at the Northbrae Community Church, 941 The Alameda. 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 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. 

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 19 

Santa Fe Right-of-Way Community Meeting to discuss the future of this valuable community open space at 7:30 p.m. at Frances Albrier Community Center in San Pablo Park, 2800 Park St. 415-397-2220. Benjamin@railstotrails.org 

Tilden Mini-Rangers Hiking, conservation and nature-based activities for ages 8-12. Dress to ramble and get dirty. From 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. Cost is $6-$8, registration required. 1-888-EBPARKS. 

Berkeley Swimming Pools Meeting to address citywide needs and interests related to pools and aquatic programs at 7 p.m. in the library of Malcolm X Elementary School, 1731 Prince St. 501-0256. johncaner@gmail.com 

Project Censored 2009 Prof. Peter Phillips and Prof. Mickey Huff discuss the top 25 censored news stories of 2007-2008 at 7 p.m. at Revolution Books, 2425 Channing Way. 848-1196. www.revolutionbooks.org 

Appreciating Diversity Film Series “Brazil in Black and White” A documentary about racial justice and affirmative action in Brazil at 7 p.m. at Ellen Driscoll Auditorium, Havens Elementary School, 325 Highland Ave., Piedmont. Free. http://diversityfilmseries.org 

“Unnatural Causes” A documentary about the economic and social inequality in our healthcare system at 7:30 p.m. at Humanist Hall, 390 27th St., Oakland. Donation $5. www.Humanist Hall.org 

“March Point” A documentary of teenagers fighting two oil refineries which were built on land once part of the Swinomish Reservation in Washington, at 6:30 p.m. at Oakland Museum of California, James Moore Theater, 1000 Oak St., Oakland. Free. www.itvs.org 

“I.O.U.S.A.” A film on the rapidly growing national debt and its consequenses at 6 p.m. at Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak Sts. Discussion follows. Cost is $5-$8. 238-2200. www.museumca.org 

“California and California Authors” is the subject of the Albany Library Evening Book Group at 7 p.m. at 1247 Marin Ave., Albany. 526-3720, ext. 16. 

Simplicity Forum on Finances with Katherine McKay at 6:30 p.m. at the Claremont Library, 2940 Benvenue Ave. at Ashby. 

Bonita Hollow Writers Salon meets at 7 p.m. at Bonita Hollow, 1631 Bonita Ave. 266-2069. 

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. 

Jump Start Entrepreneurs Network meets at 8 a.m. at Cuppa Tea, 3202 College Ave. at Alcactraz. Cost is $5-$6, includes breakfast. 899-8242. www.jumpstartten.com 

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. 20 

Green Gathering V + Sustainability Summit on ways to make Berkeley sustainable at 4 p.m. at Bancroft Hotel, 2680 Bancroft Way. Tickets are $35. To register see www.ecologycenter.org/GGSS 

Tilden Tots Join a nature adventure program for 3 and 4 year olds, each accompanied by an adult (grandparents welcome)! We’ll look for signs of animals, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. Cost is $6-$8. Registration required. 1-888-327-2757. 

Tilden Explorers An after-school nature adventure program for 5-7 year olds. We will learn about the mammals that live in Tilden Park from 3:15 to 4:15 p.m. Cost is $6-$8. Registration required. 1-888-327-2757. 

“Save Our Sandhill Cranes” A talk by Gary Ivey, researcher on cranes in the Pacific Flyway, and Mike Eaton, crane habitat conservation expert at 7 p.m. at the Oakland Zoo, Marian Zimmer Auditorium. Cost is $5-$20. amy@oaklandzoo.org 

“It Came from Berkeley” A slide show and talk by Dave Weinstein at 7 pm. at El Cerrito Library, 6510 Stockton Ave., El Cerrito. 526-7512. 

“Sustainability and the Living Roof at the Cal Academy of Sciences” with Dr. Frank Almeda at 12:30 p.m. at Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak Sts. 238-2200. www.museumca.org 

LeConte Neighborhood Association meets at 7 p.m. at Mudraker’s Cafe, Telegraph and Stuart. To submit agenda items or get information contact karlreeh@aol.com 

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

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. 21 

City Commons Club Noon Luncheon with Paolo Gianturco, photographer, writer on “Women Who Light the Dark” 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 

Tilden Tots Join a nature adventure program for 3 and 4 year olds, each accompanied by an adult (grandparents welcome)! We’ll look for signs of animals, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. Cost is $6-$8. Registration required. 1-888-327-2757. 

“The Price of Fire” with Ben Dangl on the new social movement in Bolivia at 7 p.m. at AK Press, 674-A 23rd. St., Oakland. 208-1700. www.akpress.org 

Demonstrate for Peace! Bring your signs and determination to bring our troops home now at 2 p.m. at Acton and University aves. Sponsored by Berkeley-East Bay Gray Panthers and Strawberry Creek Lodge Tenants Association and the Iraq Moratorium. 841-4143. 

New Deal Film Festival Artists at Work “Housing, Farm and Rural Electrical Cooperatives 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. 

Red Cross Blood Drive from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Children’s Hospital, Outpatient Center basement, 747 52nd St., Oakland. To schedule an appointment go to www.BeADonor.com 

Kol Hadash Humanistic (non-theistic) Judaism Shabbat service 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. 

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. 22 

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

Cerrito Creek Work Party Help Friends of Five Creeks plant natives on Cerrito Creek at Albany Hill. Meet at 10 a.m. at Creekside Park, south end of Santa Clara Ave. (internet maps 3499 Santa Clara; AC Transit 72 or 52L). Wear clothes that can get dirty and shoes with good traction. 848-9358. www.fivecreeks.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. 

East Bay Baby Fair with information on pregnancy, birth and parenting, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Albany Veterans Memorial Building, 1325 Portland Ave., Albany. www.eastbaybabyfair.com 

Emeryville Marina Sunset Walk Meet at 3 p.m. for an hour walk through the Marina, with quiet views of San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge, on paved trail, wheel chair accessible. Optional early dinner after walk at the Emery Market. Meet at the back of Chevy’s Restaurant, by picnic tables. 234-8949. 

Demonstration of Mayan Backstrap Weaving with Celia Sántiz Ruiz and Maria Gutierrez, members of the Jolom Mayaetik weaving cooperative in Chiapas, Mexico, at 5 p.m. at Talavera Ceramics, 1801 University Ave., at Grant. 665-6038. 

Health & Science Festival with hands-on activities for children and families from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Hall of Health, 2230 Shattuck Ave., lower level. Cost is $5. Children under three free. 705-8527. 

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. 

Santa Paws Benefit for Berkeley-East Bay Humane Society Have your pet photographed with Santa from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Redhound, 5523 College Ave., Oakland, and Sun. from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Dog Bone Alley, 1342 Park St., Alameda. Cost is $30. 845-7735, ext.13. cshelby@berkeleyhumane.org 

Origami Workshop with Nga Trinh for all ages, at 2 p.m. at the North Branch, Berkeley Public Library, 1170 The Alameda at Hopkins. 981-6250. 

“Rebel Shamans: Indigenous Women Confront Empire” with Max Dashu of the Suppressed Histories Archives aat 7 p.m. at Redwood Gardens Community Room, 2951 Derby St. Donation $15-$20, sliding scale. www.suppressedhistories.net 

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. 23 

Memorial for Peter Camejo at 2 p.m. at International House, 2299 Piedmont Ave. 831-246-1888. 

Thangs Taken: Rethinking Thanksgiving with music, poetry and film at 7 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $8-$25, sliding scale. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Tilden Mini-Gardeners Explore the wonderful world of gardens for ages 5-8 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. Cost is $6-$8. Registration required. 1-888-327-2757. 

Mayan Woman Weavers with Celia Sántiz Ruiz and Marla Gutierrez on the Jolom Mayaetik weaving cooperative in Chiapas, Mexico, at 2 p.m. at The Hillside Club, 2286 Cedar St. 

Working with Wool Watch as the spinning wheel turns wool into yarn, try a drop spindle and create a felted holiday ornament, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. 525-2233. 

“Tellabration” Celebrate National Storytelling Day with Randy Rutherford and others at 3:30 p.m. at Arts First Oakland, 2501 Harrison St., Oakland. Ticekts are $10. 444-4755. www.stagebridge.org 

“Garden Inspired Holiday Decoration” with Leslie Piels and Ann Leyhe at 4 p.m. at Mrs. Dalloways, 2904 College Ave. 704-8222. 

“Where Do We Go From Here?” Ecumenical Peace Institute’s Autumn Gathering with Byron Williams, pastor of the Ressurection Community Church, at 6 p.m. at Redwood Gardens, 2951 Derby St. Suggested donation $15-$35, includes dinner. RSVP to 655-1162. www.epicalc.org 

“Getting Unblocked” with Ann Wise Cornell 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. 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 Judy Rasmussen on “Gratitude for the Simple Life” at 6 p.m. at the Tibetan Nyingma Institute, 1815 Highland Pl. 809-1000. www.nyingmainstitute.com 

Increase Your Social and Moral Intelligence: Read a Play! Bagel and coffee brunch sponsored by Kol Hadash, Jewish Humanistic congregation at 10 a.m. at the Albany Community Center, 1249 Marin Ave. Suggestion donation $5. To register email info@kolhadash.org  

Jewish PJ Party For Very Young Children Songs, puppets, bubbles, snacks, crafts for children up to age 5 and their parents, Jewish or just curious at 10:30 a.m. at Jewish Gateways. To RSVP email rabbibridget@jewishgateways.org  

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

CITY MEETINGS 

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. 

Berkeley Rent Stabilization Board meets Mon., Nov. 17at 7 p.m. in City Council Chambers. 981-7368. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/rent 

City Council meets Tues., Nov. 18, at 7 p.m in City Council Chambers. 981-6900. www.ci. 

berkeley.ca.us/citycouncil 

Citizens Humane Commission meets Wed., Nov. 19, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-6601. 

Civic Arts Commission meets Wed., Nov. 19, at 6:30 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-7533.  

Commission on Aging meets Wed., Nov. 19, at 1:30 p.m., at the South Berkeley Senior Center. 981-5344. 

Commission on Labor meets Wed., Nov. 19, at 6:45 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-7550.  

Human Welfare and Community Action Commission meets Wed., Nov. 19, at 7 p.m., at the South Berkeley Senior Center. 981-5427.  

Planning Commission meets Wed., Nov. 19, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-7484. 

Design Review Committee meets Thurs., Nov. 20, at 7:30 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-7415.  

Fair Campaign Practices Commission meets Thurs., Nov. 20, at 7:30 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-6950.  

Transportation Commission meets Thurs., Nov. 20, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-7010. 

ONGOING 

Help Low-wage Families with Their Taxes United Way’s Earn it! Keep It! Save It! needs Bay Area volunteers for its 7th annual free tax program. No previous experience necessary. Sign up at www.earnitkeepitsaveit.org

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 

“The State of Preservation in California” with Cindy Heitzman at 7:30 p.m. at Chapel of the Chimesm 4499 Piedmont Ave. Sponsored by Oakland Heritage Alliance. Cost is $8-$10. 763-9218. 

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. 

San Francisco Opera Cabaret “Opera Apocalypse” 3 one-act operas at 8 p.m. at Chapel of the Chimes, 4499 Piedmont Ave., Oakland. Tickets are $20-$30. 415-289-6877. 

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.  

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

Terry Disley Experience at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island. Cost is $14. 841-JAZZ.  

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

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.  

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. 

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 University 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.  

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

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 jazz vocals at 2 p.m. 898-1836. 

Peligro Social, A.D.T., Sista Sekunden at 8 p.m. at 924 Gilman St. 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. Free 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 

San Francisco Opera Cabaret “Opera Apocalypse” 3 one-act operas at 7 p.m. at Chapel of the Chimes, 4499 Piedmont Ave., Oakland. Tickets are $20-$30. 415-289-6877 

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. 

MONDAY, NOV. 17 

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. www.PlayGround-sf.org 

“Tell It On Tuesday” Storytelling Workshop Performance at 7:30 p.m. at the Julia Morgan Center For the Arts, 2640 College Ave. Not recommended for children. Cost is $8-$12 sliding scale.  

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

MUSIC AND DANCE 

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

West Cast Songwriters Competition at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage Coffee House. Cost is $5. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Jazzschool Benefit with Taylor Eigsti, Madeline Eastman, Marcos Silva and owthers at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $125. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

TUESDAY, NOV. 18 

FILM 

“Collisions in Forms” Experimental videos from Shanghai and Beijing at 7:30 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $5.50-$9.50. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Martha & Monica Cello and piano duo perform Beethoven, Schumann, and Elliot Carter at 8 p.m. at Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant Ave. Cost is $20. Students via high school, free. 525-5211. www.berkeleychamberperform.org 

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

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

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 19 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Tweed Conrad discusses “Oscar Wilde in Quotation” at 6 p.m. at University Press Books, 2430 Bancroft Way. 548-0585. www.universitypressbooks.com 

Project Censored 2009 Professor Peter Phillips and Professor Mickey Huff discuss the top 25 censored news stories of 2007-2008 at 7 p.m. at Revolution Books, 2425 Channing Way. 848-1196. www.revolutionbooks.org 

Rabbi Sholom Groesberg on “Jewish Renewal: A Journey” at 7:30 p.m. at JCC East Bay, 1414 Walnut St. Sponsored by Aquarian Minyan. 528-6725. 

Karen Volkman and Andrew Joron at 7:30 p.m. at Moe’s Books, 2476 Telegraph Ave. 849-2087. 

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. 

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

Urubanda, music from Uruguay, at 8 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $13-$15. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Whiskey Brothers, old-time and bluegrass at 9 p.m. at Albatross, 1822 San Pablo Ave. 843-2473. www.albatrosspub.com 

Tangonero at 9 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Tango dance lesson at 7:30 p.m. Cost is $7. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Nada Lewis, Eastern European music, at 7 p.m. at Le Bateau Ivre, 2629 Telegraph Ave. www.lebateauivre.net 

Mazacote 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.  

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

THURSDAY, NOV. 20 

FILM 

International Latino Film Festival “Cuba, el valor de una utopia” at 6 p.m. “Matar a Todos”/”Kill Them All” at 8:30 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center, 3105 Shattuck Ave. Cos tis $5-$7 each film. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Anna Deavere Smith “We Are What We Say” at 4 p.m. at Berkeley Art Museum Theater, 2621 Durant Ave., access via sculpture garden. Sponsored by Townsend Center for the Humanities. 643-9670. 

Linda Williams and Kristen Whissel discuss their new books on film “Screening Sex” and “Picturing American Modernity” at 5:30 p.m. at University Press Books, 2430 Bancroft Way. 548-0585. www.universitypressbooks.com 

Poetry Flash with Michael McGriff and Andrew Grace at 7:30 p.m. at Moe’s Books, 2476 Telegraph Ave. 849-2087 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

“Fall Forward 2008” Mills College Repertory Dance Concert Thurs.-Sat. at 8 p.m. at Lisser Hall, Mills College, 5000 MacArthur Blvd., Oakland. Tickets are $12-$15. 430-2175. 

Bay Area Classical Harmonies “Incarnation: Advent and Christmas Music of Eastern Orthodox Traditions” at 7:30 p.m. at Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Ascension, 4700 Lincoln Ave., Oakland. Suggested donation $20. www.bayareabach.org 

The Rubber Souldiers, The Rowan Brothers, David Gans at 9 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $10. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

The Rova, Nels Cline Celestial Septet 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 

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

Dogwood Speaks, Alex Lee, The Knockout Brothers, progressive fink and hip hop, at 9 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $8. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com 

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

Adrian Gormley Jazz Ensemble at 10 p.m. at Beckett’s Irish Pub, 2271 Shattuck Ave. 647-1790. www.beckettsirishpub.com 

McCoy Tyner Trio featuring Mac Ribot at 8 and 10 p.m., through Sun. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $20-$35. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

FRIDAY, NOV. 21 

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. at Durham Studio Theater, UC campus. Tickets are $10-$15. 642-8827. 

EXHIBITIONS 

“The Gift of Art” group show of smaller works in various mediums. Reception at 6 p.m. at Cecile Moochnek GAllery, 1809-D Fourth St.  

FILM 

International Latino Film Festival “Utopía 79” at 6 p.m. “Calle Santa Fe” at 8 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center, 3105 Shattuck Ave. Cost is $5-$7 each film. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Movie Classic “Singin’ in the Rain” at 8 p.m. at Paramount Theater, 2025 Broadway. Tickets are $5. 625-8497. 

The Films of Robert Aldrich “Vera Cruz” at 6:30 p.m. and “The Last Sunsert” at 8:45 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $5.50-$9.50. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Leslie Carol Roberts reads from “The Entire Earth and Sky: Views on Antartica” at 7:30 p.m. at Mrs. Dalloways, 2904 College Ave. 704-8222. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Bay Area Classical Harmonies “From Constantinople to Tblisi: An Armenian Legacy” at 7:30 p.m. at St. Vartan Armenian Church, 650 Spruce St., Oakland. Tickets are $15-$35. 868-0695. www.bayareabach.org 

“Music of War for Harpsichord and Organ” at 8 p.m. at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, 1501 Washington Ave., Albany. Donation $10. 525-1716. 

Marcus Shelby Quartet at 8 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $12-$18. 845-5373. www.jazzschool.com 

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

Sila & The Afrofunk Experience at 9:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is tba. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

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

Sean Johnson and the Wild Lotus Band from New Orleans “Calling the Spirits - An Evening of Mystical Mantra Music” at 8 p.m. at Sacred Space at Rudramandir, 830 Bancroft Way, at 6th. TIckets are $15-$20. 486-8700. 

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

Izabella, 2Me at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $10. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com 

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

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

Nathan Clevenger Trio at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 843-8277. 

Voetsek, Mind of Asian, Lack of Interest 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. 

Soul Magic, roots, rock, reggae at 9 p.m. at Shattuck Down Low, 2284 Shattuck Ave. Cost is $10. 548-1159.  

SATURDAY, NOV. 22 

CHILDREN  

Los Amiguitos de La Peña with Gary Lapow 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 

The Bubble Lady at 11 a.m. at Studio Grow, 1235 10th St. Cost is $7. 526-9888. 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Art from the Heart” Reception at 2 p.m. at NIAD Center for Art and Disabilities, 551 23rd St., Richmond. Exhibition runs through Dec. 19. 620-0290. www.niadart.org 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

“Literary Works on Trial” with David Green, Exec. Dir. of the First Amendment Project at 3 p.m. at African American Museum and Library, 659 14th St., Oakland. 637-0200. 

Peter Glazer, co-editor, reads from James Neugass’s “War Is Beautiful: An American Ambulance Driver in the Spanish American Civil War” at 4 p.m. at Mrs. Dalloways, 2904 College Ave. 704-8222. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

San Francisco Taiko Dojo International Taiko Festival at 7 p.m. at Zellerbach Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $38-$49. 642-9988. www.calperformances.net 

“Fall Forward 2008” Mills College Repertory Dance Concert at 8 p.m. at Lisser Hall, Mills College, 5000 MacArthur Blvd., Oakland. Tickets are $12-$15. 430-2175. 

Garrett McLean, violin, Jenness Hartley, viola, Ting Chen, ‘cello, Marvin Sanders, flute, perform music of Bach, Haydn, and Mozart. Nov 22 at 8 p.m. at Giorgi Gallery, 2911 Claremont Ave. Cost is $10. 848-1228. www.giorgigallery.com 

Afsaneh Art and Culture Society “Miriam’s Well” Sacred dance, music and poetry at 8:30 p.m. at Julia Morgan Theater, 2640 College Ave. Tickets are $24-$28. 848-2192. 

Rhythm & Muse spoken word and music open mic series features singer/songwriter Olmec at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Art Center, 1275 Walnut St., between Eunice & Rose Sts., behind Live Oak Park. 644-6893.  

The Function at 9:30 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $7-$8. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Ed Reed & His Trio at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $14. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

Mark St.Mary Lousiana Blues & Zydeco Band at 9 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $10-$13. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com  

All Ones, jam band, at 7:30 p.m. at 33 Revolutions, 10086 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito. 898-1836. 

Woody Guthrie Tribute with Country Joe McDonald at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $20.50-$21.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

The German Projekt at 8 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $15. 845-5373. www.jazzschool.com 

Gaucho Gypsy Swing Music at 9:30 p.m. at Albatross, 1822 San Pablo Ave. Cost is $5. 843-2473. www.albatrosspub.com 

Midnight Train 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. 

Gooferman, The Fuxedos, Party of Ten at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $10. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com 

McCoy Tyner Trio featuring Mac Ribot at 8 and 10 p.m., through Sun. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $20-$35. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

Stitches, Bodies, The Forgotten, Wild Weekend 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. 23 

CHILDREN 

Asheba at Ashkenaz at 3 p.m. Cost is $4-$6. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

“Tellabration” Celebrate National Storytelling Day with Randy Rutherford and others at 3:30 p.m. at Arts First Oakland, 2501 Harrison St., Oakland. Ticekts are $10. 444-4755. www.stagebridge.org 

“Inside/Outside: The Great Wall of China” a conversation with Michael Meyer and David Spindler at 3 p.m. in the Berkeley Art Museum Theater. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

The Prometheus Orchestra at 3 p.m. at Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church, 114 Montecito Ave., Oakland. Free. www.stpaulsoakland.org 

“Kafka Fragments” Music of Gyorgy Kurtág at 7 p.m. at Zellerbach Playhouse, UC campus. Tickets are $68. 642-9988. www.calperformances.net 

University of California Alumni Chorus “Voices of Light/The Passion of Joan of Arc” A oratorio with silent film at 7:30 p.m. at Hertz Hall, UC campus. Tickets are $6-$15. 

Family Fall Concert “Music & Dance” with San Francisco Chamber Orchestra and San Francisco Ballet School Training Program at noon at Julia Morgan Center for the Arts, 2640 College Ave. Free.  

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

Thangs Taken: Rethinking Thanksgiving with music, poetry and film at 7 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $8-$25, sliding scale. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

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

San Francisco Taiko Dojo International Taiko Festival at 3 p.m. at Zellerbach Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $38-$49. 642-9988. www.calperformances.net 

Birol Topaloglu with George Chittenden, Lisa Liepman and Ruth Sali Shopov at 8 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $12-$15. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Johannes Wallmann Quintet at 4:30 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $15. 845-5373. www.jazzschool.com 

“Opera Apocalypse!” The title of San Francisco Cabaret Opera’s show of three short, new pieces conjures up Wagnerian images of The End. Some might say it’s a tautology. But the trio of operas—Mark Alburger’s Antigone, Ophelia Forever by Amy Beth Kirsten and John G. Biloota’s Quantum Mechanic—offer a mix of humor, intensity and thoughtfulness “exploring a post-apocalyptic future focused on women.” 

Some of that future is abstracted from a famous past. Ophelia Forever features a trio (sopranos C. A. Jordan and Megan Cullen and mezzo Cary Ann Rosco) essaying, in both solo and ensemble, the three aspects of Ophelia’s character: Mad Mermaid, Faithfull, Seductress and Violated Saint, with a voiceless Melancholy Prince (Terence Bennan) wandering through, enjoying the attention but seemingly oblivious to the derogation, in a libretto derived from The Bard, Baudelaire, Rimbaud, Christina Rossetti—and the composer.  

At the start, Keisuke Nakagoshi burns up the keyboard, while Mark Alburger, Cabaret Opera musical director, conducts with one hand, fingering his oboe with the other, the music both torrential and haunting. 

Bilotta’s Quantum Mechanic, winner of last year’s Opera-in-a-Month competition, receives its first full staging here, opening with a strange tableau: three turquoise-coiffed beauties in basic black with pale blue scarves posed above an old industrial refrigerator plastered with nuclear-plant-type warning signs. Mrs. Schrodinger (Elizabeth Henry), housewife and professor’s spouse, tears into the scene with the happy aplomb of a ’50s commercial, almost dancing as she whisks up a special fluffy dessert.  

But it falls flat in the futuristic fridge, and she calls a bumbling Quantum Mechanic (Michael Desnoyers), who mistakenly opens up a wormhole, letting in the Quark Sisters (the now-animated Erin Lahm, Maria Mikheyenko and Laryssa Sadoway as Misses Up-Down, Charm-Strange and Top-Bottom) from the parallel universe next door, along with Aesop the fabulist (who delivered a genial prologue), Mark Alburger again, now in robe and ubiquitous pale blue scarf, with a dollop of white cotton on his chin, an archaic Diz beard. Pulling a wire (and what’s a wire doing in hi-tech? Or is it the eponymous String Theory that’s pulled?), the Mechanic vanishes, the tuneful trio retreat to their dimension with fabulist in tow—and the soufflé emerges, perfectly stiff. 

Alburger’s Antigone is the most serious and truly apocalyptic piece of all, less Sophocles than the also-credited (for inspiration) Jean Anouilh, lacking the blind, androgynous seer Tiresias (unless he’s subsumed by The Fixer, played by set designer Adam Broner) and almost devoid of the white spaces of classical irony (something Satie strove for in Socrate), but filled with wonderful harmonies and much emotion, with a kind of humor in some exchanges and The Puppetmaster (Bennan again) lurking behind a swing-like throne.  

Creon (an impressive bass-baritone, Micah Epps) and Antigone (emotionally charged soprano Eliza O’Malley, who alternates with Letitia Page) spar furiously, their high and low registers (and those of tenor Desnoyers as Antigone’s intended, Haemon, Creon’s son) exploited in the solos. But the solos come out of and return to the wonderful choral sound of the 13-strong ensemble—the one thing, Alburger quipped, truly Greek about it all—though he quotes Greek chant along with everything from Bach to the Beach Boys in this “grid opera” drawn from The Magic Flute, which will stand up with Honegger’s music for Cocteau’s Antigone and Carl Orff’s wild, percussive setting with soloists for Holderlin’s hyperliteral translation. 

Alburger and Harriet March Page, artistic director, continue to realize a performance style in the grand old West Coast tradition: eclectic, professional—and fun.  

OPERA APOCALYPSE 

Featuring Antigone, Ophelia Forever, Quantum Mechanic. 8 p.m. Friday; 7 p.m. Sunday at Chapel of the Chimes, 4499 Piedmont Ave., Oakland. $25 general; $20 seniors, students. Telephone Reservations: (415) 289-6877. Online discounts at www.wehavemet.org.

Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra will perform a challenging program, featuring violinist Colin Jacobson, cellist Tanya Tomkins and fortepianist Eric Zivian, with the orchestra conducted by musical director Nicholas McGegan, at First Congregational Church this weekend. 

The program features Beethoven’s unusual “Triple Concerto,” the Concerto for Violin, Violoncello and Fortepiano in C major (Op. 56), followed by Haydn’s Symphony no. 88 in G major and Mozart’s Symphony no. 35 in D major (KV 385), the “Haffner.” 

McGegan, in his program notes, stressed his enthusiasm for the Triple Concerto, commenting that “the fortepiano is much softer than the modern piano, which offers us the chance to hear Beethoven’s exquisite and challenging cello passages” and “Beethoven pushes the edge of what instruments of the time could do.” 

Tanya Tomkins and Eric Zivian talked about the work. “It pushes all the instruments in many ways,” said Tomkins, “and it’s a totally virtuosic cello piece. Beethoven composed it knowing Anton Kraft, a great virtuoso would play the part. The pianist and violinists were amateurs—though those aren’t easy parts, either. It’s really unusual for a concerto to feature a trio like this. Mendelsohn wrote for piano and violin, but you almost never hear piano trio with orchestra.” 

Tomkins will play a period violoncello, with gut strings and no endpin (or “spike,” which was introduced around 1830; previously, the cello was held between the player’s calves).  

“It’s a major thing, gut strings and the lack of an endpin,” she said. “A friend at the Conservatory said, ‘You have a death wish or something?’ The violin will have gut strings, too, and no shoulder-rest. And it’s great with the fortepiano. I can only think of one recording with period instruments, with Anner Bylsma, my teacher, on cello. With the fortepiano’s softer sound, we can all think of other musical matters than loudness. ‘Let the piano come up more!’ You never hear that said with modern piano!” 

Tomkins spoke more of the pleasures of working with the period instruments: “Eric and I have played Beethoven sonatas together. Beethoven writes many notes for piano. With fortepiano, we can do a lot of colors and not be concerned with the volume. You can really get the feeling of what a crazy, funny piece it is, too. It’s stodgier on modern instruments, easier to get into the thickness of the sound. The wit comes across a lot better on the earlier ones; it’s inherent in the sound ... there are circus things, gypsy things ...” 

It’s been noted that Beethoven has more of a reputation for melancholy and high-mindedness than for wit or humor. Eric Zivian noted, “Anything of Beethoven’s from this time—about 1805—is looking back, at least a little bit, more like Haydn, who was not always so happy with Beethoven. It’s got a classical structure, a grand first movement, but the last movement’s a Rondo alla Polacca, with an ethnic, Eastern European flavor. Beethoven had a very special, a unique brand of humor.” 

Haydn’s symphony, from 1787, was composed for violinist Johann Peter Tost to capitalize on the “extraordinary” popularity of Haydn’s six “Paris” symphonies (ironically, a city Haydn never visited).  

Mozart’s “Haffner” Symphony, 1782-23, is reminiscent of “the many earlier serenades Mozart had composed for use in Salzburg ... [It] was originally intended to simply be another serenade to celebrate the elevation of Sigmund Haffner, a boyhood chum of Mozart’s, to the nobility.” 

The Haydn and Mozart symphonies “are symphonies with great contrasts that the orchestra really enjoys and plays with great skill,” said McGegan. “The composers’ ‘late greats’ [Mozart’s “Jupiter” and Haydn’s “London” symphonies] often overshadow these works.” 

PHILHARMONIA BAROQUE 

8 p.m. Saturday; 7:30 p.m. Sunday at  

First Congregational Church, 2345 Channing Way. $30 and up. (415) 392-4400 or www.philharmonia.org.

Oakland East Bay Symphony will premiere an unusual commissioned work by San Francisco composer Nathaniel Stookey, Zipperz, with a libretto by Dan Harder, also of San Francisco, to be sung by Berkeley-native Eisa Davis and Manoel Felciano, both recently featured on Broadway in New York, at the opening night of the Symphony’s 20th anniversary season, this Friday at 8 p.m. at the Paramount Theatre in downtown Oakland. 

Zipperz, which is described as “a soap opera, with the passion of opera and the sizzle of pop,” will be preceded by George Antheil’s Jazz Symphony and followed by suites from Romeo and Juliet by Serge Prokofiev. 

Michael Morgan, OEBS musical director, who will conduct, commented on how the unusual show came together: “We did a piece by Nat Stookey three or four years ago, and had been talking about something else. It was his idea, from Dan Harder’s poetry, and he recommended Manoel and Eisa to sing it. I added the Prokofiev—Romeo and Juliet seemed logical, following a love story—before I knew his piece would need the intermission in the middle! It has two acts. I added the Antheil piece at the beginning. It’s only eight or nine minutes; I thought it would be fun, used as an overture for the evening—a wacky, coked-out midcentury jazz piece. I came upon it at some point, researching jazz-influenced pieces for the concert hall, something not so easy to find! And of course, Antheil’s reputation as an iconoclast makes it even more attractive to do.” 

(Antheil, a prolific composer, dubbed “The Bad Boy of Music,” was an Ernest Bloch piano student in New York, composed ç in 1925, the year after his notorious score for painter Fernand Leger’s film, Ballet Mechanique, featuring an aeroplane propeller onstage. Supporters included Satie, Stravinsky, poet Ezra Pound and artist Man Ray. In 1936, he became a Hollywood composer, best-known for the theme for Walter Cronkite’s later, long-running CBS TV Sunday news-show The 20th Century. He also invented frequency skipping transmission and torpedo guidance systems with actress Hedy Lamarr. His legacy includes students Henry Brant and Benjamin Lees and influence on diverse musicians, including Frank Zappa.)  

Responding to a joking remark that such a program would’ve been relegated to “Pops” status 20 years ago, Morgan replied “what would constitute a Pops concert in a city as diverse as Oakland? We do a lot of crossover types of things. We want composers who can engage the audience, then let them go where they want to go. That’s why so far we’ve never done a Pops series. We cover a pretty wide range of genres—and even the Prokofiev is popular!” 

Nathaniel Stookey, who at 17 was the youngest composer ever commissioned for the San Francisco Symphony’s New and Unusual Music Series in 1987, also talked about the genesis of his piece: “The impetus was Dan Harder sending to me a collection of poetry in which he uses a form he calls ‘zipperz,’ where the poems printed on left and right pages opposite each other can be read independently or alternating lines across both poems, becoming more than the sum of the parts. It reminded me of counterpoint in composition. Because the language is so important, I didn’t want to use supertitles. Originally, I thought of using opera singers. Then I went to see Manoel, who like Dan is an old friend, sing in Sweeney Todd on Broadway and his own songs in a weekend of pop shows. From that point, I wrote the piece for him, and for Eisa, who he suggested.” 

Asked about the theme, Stookey said, “I don’t want to give too much of the plot away, but with such a compelling title, it’s pretty hard to imagine it without the removal of clothing! It does involve a certain amount of that—and something happens, an important piece of action in the relationship, offstage between acts, which they have to deal with when they come back on, all I’ll tell you about it is it has to do with zippers! But zippers are also a metaphor for how people mesh. And I think the most shocking thing for the audience won’t be the subject matter, but listening to pop singers singing pop music in counterpoint with an orchestra. It’s part opera, part pop, part daytime TV.” 

Commenting on working with OEBS, Stookey said, “Michael Morgan’s special. He likes to take risks—and the Symphony putting its neck out for a big, unorthodox 40-minute piece like this, with Broadway and pop singers as a season opener, that’s valuable for a composer. Few orchestras in this country would go for such an unknown quantity. Everything else I’ve done for orchestra is very different from this. Michael likes to have something popular alongside something classical, knowing people don’t listen to just one kind of music. Michael’s vibe with the orchestra is great, too. They’re allies, not opponents. If that relationship is adversarial, the composer ends up siding with the conductor. If the conductor can’t sell the music to his own band, the composer’s left out to dry!” 

Eisa Davis remarked, “As always, it’s so good to be home, and so good to be onstage in a classical music environment. Most of what I’ve done is pop or in musicals, but I started performing as a classical pianist. This will make my teachers happy! I’ve sung with Mano before and just realized he’s playing violin on my record. It’s fun to perform with friends; you can go a lot further.” 

Davis, a Berkeley High and UC Young Musicians Program graduate, had her Pulitzer Prize-nominated play Bulrusher produced at Shotgun Players last year, just months after she performed in the musical Passing Strange at Berkeley Rep, which went on to win Tony Awards (and an Obie for Eisa) for its New York run. She sings on the original cast album, and will be seen in the upcoming Spike Lee-directed film version. Her other plays include Angela’s Mix Tapes, inspired by her aunt, Angela Davis. She has also recorded her own songs on CD, like her debut album Something Else.  

Manoel Felciano was nominated for a Tony Award in 2006 for his portrayal of Tobias Ragg in Sweeney Todd and has been performing in Tom Stoppard’s Rock ‘n’ Roll at ACT in San Francisco. His debut album of original songs, Moonshot, was released in 2007.  

ZIPPERZ 

Presented by Oakland East Bay Symphony 

at 8 p.m. Friday at the Paramount Theatre, 2025 Broadway, Oakland. $20-65. 444-0801. oebs.org.

A young boy looks out from a picture frame hung askew, calling out for his mother, who is herself surrounded by a frame, in the throes of a bad dream, finally waking up and running out into the countryside. 

It’s the 1870s, outside Paris, and in Virago Theatre Co.’s new production of Heather McDonald’s Dream of a Common Language at Rhythmix Cultural Center in Alameda, a painter and his wife (Steve Budd as Victor, Angela Dant as Clovis), whom he met at the Academy, are living simply. Victor is painting Clovis’ portrait, though Clovis’ dreams and her anguish—partly over an accident at first just referred to, and even more from a sense of being out of place as a woman who wanted to paint—absent her from the house as she rambles outside. Their son Mylo (Hank Smith) is cared for by Dolores (Adrienne Krug), a woman who seems to have no past, to be drifting through life herself. 

When another old classmate, Pola (Laura Lundy-Paine), arrives from her life of riding her bicycle and painting flowers from nature, more of the unease and resentments of the women are expressed—especially when other male artist friends, including Marc (Michael Cappelli), who seems wistful when Clovis is near, come for dinner and a meeting about exhibiting, expecting the women to wait on them but not be part of the meal or the discussion. 

There are a number of ripe moments, besides the staging of the opening: Victor painting Clovis nude, while she keeps verbally probing him; the women holding their own dinner “backstage” from the men’s meeting, declaring “the sopranos must sing louder!”; the women playing games together from their childhood memories—and other fertile moments. Especially at such moments, it’s an attractive cast, which clearly revels in collaboration with Rachel LePell, the first director in Virago’s history from outside the fold. 

These moments aren’t played out, though, at least not in the script, which relies a great deal on exposition in an arch, sometimes cloying idiom, which seems to be a version of the “Lust for Life” syndrome, when Anglo-Saxon misconceptions of anything Gallic miss even the purple prose of the era in question. Skill and the best of intentions notwithstanding, the actors sometimes seem as if they’ve got kid gloves on, at other times seems a little over the top, as if to emphasize the real passions over the stilted expression.  

There’s plenty of great, leading material about painters and that general period, too, from the letters and stories about Cézanne and Van Gogh, Berthe Morisot and Mary Cassatt (who seem to be referred to familiarly in the play, as “Mary” and “Bertha”) and Jean Renoir’s great trove of a book about the Belle Epoque, Renoir, My Father. Morisot and Cassatt figured in the recent Legion of Honor exhibit, The Women Impressionists; Virago has a docent from that show coming to talk to its audience before one of the performances. 

Dream of a Common Language 

Through Nov. 22 at Rhythmix Cultural Works, 2513 Blanding Ave., Alameda. $15 advance, $20 at the door ($12-15 students, seniors, TBA members).  

865-6237. viragotheatre.org.