Arts Listings
Arts Calendar
THURSDAY, DEC. 4
THEATER
Nursha Project of the Oakland Public Theater “Children of the Last Days” Written and performed by Thandiwe Thomas De Shazor Thurs.-Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 5 p.m. at The Noodle Factory Performing Arts Center, 1255 26th St., #207 at Union, Oakland. Tickets are $9-$20.
EXHIBITIONS
“Fidel y el Moncada vistos por Canet” A slide show of prints by artist Antonio Canet Hernandez at 6:30 p.m. at Richmond Public Library, 325 Civic Center Plaza, Richmond. 620-6559.
READINGS AND LECTURES
International Body Music Festival a lecture on the origins of body music with Crosspulse Artistic Director Keith Terry and others at 8 p.m. at Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak sts., Oakland. Tickets are $5-$10. 238-2200.
Osha Neumann reads from “Up Against the Wall Motherfker: A Memoir with Notes on Reason, Obsession, and the Dream of Revolution” at 7 p.m. at La Peña. Cost is $5-$10. 849-2568. www.lapena.org
Ronald Sundstrom reads from “The Browning of America” at 6 p.m. at University Press Books, 2430 Bancroft Way. 548-0585. www.universitypressbooks.com
Poetry Flash with Peter Neil Carroll and Jared Smith at 7:30 p.m. at Moe’s Books, 2476 Telegraph Ave. 849-2087.
MUSIC AND DANCE
Eliyahu & Qadim, music of the Near East, at 8 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $12-$15. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com
George Coles & Vive le Jazz at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $18.50-$19.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org
Kelly Park and Friends at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $8. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com
The Sonando Project, Michael Bello and Kevin Odea at 9 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $5-$7. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com
John Seabury at 10 p.m. at Beckett’s Irish Pub, 2271 Shattuck Ave. 647-1790. www.beckettsirishpub.com
Jesse Michaels, Kevin Seconds at 7:30 p.m. at 924 Gilman St., an all-ages, member-run, no alcohol, no drugs, no violence club. Cost is $5. 525-9926.
B-Side Players at 8 and 10 p.m., through Sun. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $14-$20. 238-9200.
FRIDAY, DEC. 5
THEATER
Altarena Playhouse “A Taffeta Christmas” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2 p.m. at Altarena Playhouse, 1409 High St., Alameda, through Dec. 21. Tickets are $17-$20. 523-1553. www.altarena.org
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
Berkeley High School and SHIFT Theatre “Madwoman of Chaillot” by Jean Giradoux, Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m. at Florence Schwimley Little Theater, 1929 Allston Way. Tickets are $6-$12.
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.
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
“Bruising for Besos” A solo play examining domestic violence, written and performed by Adelina Anthony, Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $10-$13. 849-2568. www.lapena.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.
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
Nursha Project of the Oakland Public Theater “Children of the Last Days” Written and performed by Thandiwe Thomas De Shazor Thurs.-Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 5 p.m. at The Noodle Factory Performing Arts Center, 1255 26th St., #207 at Union, Oakland. Tickets are $9-$20.
“Oakland 1946” Perfromance celebrating the General Strike at 8 p.m. at Latham Square, downtown Oakland. www.oakland1946.blogspot.com
EXHIBITIONS
“L.A. Paint” Gallery Tour with Phil Linhares, curator and Ron Tuner at 7 p.m. at Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak sts., Oakland. Cost is $5-$8. 238-2200.
NIAD 25th Anniversary Retrospective Works by artists with developmental and other disabilities. Artist reception at 6 p.m. at Pro Arts Gallery, 550 Second St., Oakland. Exhibition runs to Jan. 13. 763-9470.
“Christmas and Other Colors” Paintings by Julie Ross at Britt Marie, 1369 Solano Ave. through Dec. 21. 527-0173.
“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.
“Out of Darkness” A show of Winter Solstice altars. Opening reception Dec. 5 at 7 p.m. at Oakopolis, 447 25th St., Oakland. 663-6920.
“Color is King” Art by eight Bay Area artists. Open Fri. from 6 to 10 p.m. and Sat. from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Uptown Body & Fender, 401 26th St., Oakland. 420-7900 ext. 111.
“Plein Air Watercolors” by Anne Poley, Annetta Fox, and Linda Oppen. Open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park, through Dec. 28. 525-2233.
“Pen, Paint, and Paper Through Time” Paintings, drawings, prints and giclees from 1970 to 2008 by Laura Basha. Opening reception at 5 p.m. at Awaken Cafe, 414 14th St., Oakland. 836-2058.
“Retrograde: New Work” Opening reception at 6 p.m. at Mercury 20 Gallery, 25 Grand Ave., at Broadway, Oakland. www.mercurytwenty.com
“Open Space” Works by Zachary Royer Scholz. Opening reception at 6 p.m. at Chandra Cerrito Contemporary, 25 Grand Ave., upper level, Oakland. 415-577-7537.
READINGS AND LECTURES
“Handsome Books: Decorative Bindings of the 19th and 20th Centuries” with Martin Holden at 6 p.m. at University Press Books, 2430 Bancroft Way. 548-0585. www.universitypressbooks.com
Deborah Nelson discusses her new book, “The War Behind Me: Vietnam Veterans Confront the Truth” at 7 p.m. at Revolution Books, 2425 Channing Way. 848-1196.
Dave Weinstein describes “It Came From Berkeley” at 7 p.m. at Black Oak Books. 486-0698. www.blackoakbooks.com
MUSIC AND DANCE
Wednesday Noon Concert, Holiday Jazz Classics at Hertz Hall, UC Campus. Free. 642-4864. http://music.berkeley.edu
Bay Area Classical Harmonies “Incarnation: Advent and Christmas Music of Eastern Orthodox Traditions” at 7:30 p.m. at Arlington Community Church, 52 Arlington Ave., Kensington. Tickets are $15-$28. 868-0695. www.bayareabach.org
“Advent Lessons and Carols” at 6 p.m. at the Pacific School of Religion, 1798 Scenic Ave. Free.
Larry Vann Band at 7 p.m. at Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak sts., Oakland. Cost is $5-$8. 238-2200. www.museumca.org
Deno Gianopoulos, piano, performs works of Mozart, Chopin and Brahms, at 8 p.m. at The Hillside Club, 2286 Cedar St. Cost is $10-$15. www.hillsideclub.org
Ballet Flamenco José Porcel at 8 p.m. at Zellerbach Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $24-$48. 642-9988.
Linda Tillery and the Cultural Heritage Choir at 8 p.m. at Sacred Space at Rudramandir 830 Bancroft Way, at 6th. TIckets are $25-$30. 486-8700.
Dick Hindman Trio at 8 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $15-$18. 845-5373.
Eric Swinderman’s Quintet “Straight Outta Oakland” at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $14. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com
Bongo Love, Chinyakare Ensemble, music from Zimbabwe, at 9 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $12-$15. 525-5054.
House Jacks at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $20.50-$21.50. 548-1761.
The Royal Deuces, The High Rhythm Hustlers at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Dance lesson at 8 p.m. Cost is $8. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com
Social Unrest, Arnocorps, United Defiance at 7:30 p.m. at 924 Gilman St., an all-ages, member-run, no alcohol, no drugs, no violence club. Cost is $8. 525-9926.
The Green Machine at 10 p.m. at Beckett’s Irish Pub, 2271 Shattuck Ave. 647-1790.
MURS, hip hop, at 9 p.m. at Shattuck Down Low, 2284 Shattuck Ave. Cost is $15-$20. 548-1159.
Gato Barbieri at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square, through Sun. Cost is $18-$30. 238-9200.
SATURDAY, DEC. 6
CHILDREN
Los Amiguitos de La Peña with Colibrí at 10:30 a.m. at La Peña. Cost is $5 for adults, $4 for children. 849-2568. www.lapena.org
Tony Borders Puppets for 3-7 year olds at 10:30 a.m. at Berkeley Public Library, 2090 Kittredge St., 3rd Flr. 981-6223.
“Some Babies Sleep” with illustrator Paul Tong at 1 p.m. at Museum of Children’s Art, 538 Ninth St., Suite 210, Oakland. 456-8770. www.mocha.org
Jean Paul Valjean “Short Attention Span Circus” 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
Andy Z at 11 a.m. at Studio Grow, 1235 10th St. Cost is $7. 526-9888.
EXHIBITIONS
“Lines of Communication” A group art show at 4th Street Studio, 1717d 4th St. Reception at 7 p.m. www.fourthstreetstudio.com
Albany Community Art Show from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Albany Community Center, 1249 Marin Ave., Albany. Artwork includes oil and acrylic paintings, giclee prints, photography, jewelry, cards and other gift items.
Mongolian Papercut Exhibit from 1 to 4 p.m. at Silk Road House, 1944 University Ave. 981-0700. www.silkroadhouse.org
THEATER
“Playback Theatre” Personal stories shared by audience members instantly transformed by the ensemble into improvised theatre pieces at 8 p.m. at Live Oak Theater, 1301 Shattuck Ave. Tickets are $12-$15. 595-5500, ext. 25. www.livingartscenter.org
Shotgun Players “Macbeth” Thurs.-Sun. at 8 p.m. at The Ashby Stage, 1901 Ashby Ave., through Jan. 11. Tickets are $18-$30. 841-6500. www.shotgunplayers.org
Stone Soup Improv Comedy at 8 p.m. at Temescal Arts Center, 511 48th St. at Telegraph, Oakland. Cost is $6-$9. www.stonesoupimprov.com
FILM
“Attack!” with introduction by critic David Thomson at 6 p.m., “Kiss Me Deadly” 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
Winners of the PEN Oakland-Josephine Miles 18th Annual National Literary Awards & 12th Annual PEN Oakland Censorship Award, with keynote address by poet Michael McClure at 2 p.m. at the Rockridge Branch Library, 5366 College Ave., Oakland. Free. 681-5652.
Bay Area Poets Coalition open reading from 3 to 5 pm. at Strawberry Creek Lodge, 1320 Addison St. Park on the street. 527-9905.
Harold Davis, featured artist in “100 Views of the Golden Gate” at 7 p.m. at Black Oak Books. 486-0698. www.blackoakbooks.com
MUSIC AND DANCE
Berkeley Community Chorus & Orchestra “The Geography of Emotions” Selections of Opera Choruses with Marcelle Dronkers, soprano, and Richard Goodman, baritone at 8 p.m. at St. Joseph The Worker Church, 1640 Addison St. Free, donations greatly appreciated.
“Meet the Symphony!” Family concert with Berkeley Symphony at 9:45 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. at Malcolm X Elementary School Auditorium, 1731 Prince St. Tickets are $5-$10. 841-2800. www.berkeleysymphony.org
San Francisco Mandolin Orchestra Renaissance and modern mandolin compositions at 7:30 p.m. at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church. 1501 Washington Ave., Albany. Cost is $10-$15. 525-1716 www.sfmandolin.com
Oakland-East Bay Gay Men's Chorus “Oh What Fun, A Holiday Variety Show” at 7:30 p.m., Sun. at 5 p.m. at Lakeshore Avenue Baptist Church, 3534 Lakeshore Ave., Oakland. Tickets are $12-$20. 800-706-2389. www.oebgmc.org
Philharmonia Baroque “Natale Barocco” Scarlatti, Corelli, Vivaldi and more at 8 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Berkeley, 2345 Channing. Tickets are $30-$72. 415-252-1288.
Contra Costa Chorale and Kensington Symphony Orchestra “Tidings of Joy” at 7:30 p.m. at the Unitarian Church of Berkeley, One Lawson Rd., Kensington. Admission is free. 527-2026.
Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir Holiday Concert at 7:30 p.m. at Paramount Theater, 2025 Broadway, Oakland. Tickets are $5-$30. 465-6400.
Voci Women's Vocal Ensemble “Voices in Peace VIII: Fire in the Air” at 8 p.m. at St. Mary Magdalen Parish, 2005 Berryman St. Tickets are $17-$20, free for children under 12. 531-8714. www.vocisings.com
Pacific Boychoir Academy “Harmonies of the Season” at 7 p.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 114 Montecito Ave., Oakland. Tickets are $15-$20. 652-4722. www.pacificboychoiracademy.org
Senior Chamber Symphony Fall Concert including Mozart’s Magic Flute Overture and Haydn’s Symphony No. 83 by senior members of the Young People’s Chamber Orchestra at 7 p.m. at All Souls Church, 2220 Cedar St. Tickets are $5-$10. www.ypco.org
Neema Hekmat and Friends “A Musical Journey through Persia” at 5 p.m. at Julia Morgan Center for the Arts, 2640 College Ave. Tickets are $15-$20. 800-838-3006.
Ballet Flamenco José Porcel at 8 p.m. at Zellerbach Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $24-$48. 642-9988. www.calperformances.net
Ellen Robinson & Her Quartet at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $15. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com
MJ Greenmountain with members of Hamsa Lila at 9 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $15. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com
Sotaque Baiano, Brazilian, at 9 p.m. at Shattuck Down Low. Cost is $5-$10. 548-1159. www.shattuckdownlow.com
Tom Russell at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $26.50-$27.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org
Laurie Antonelli “Intrinsic Music” at 8 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $18. 845-5373. www.jazzschool.com
Fred Randolph Jazz Group at 9:30 p.m. at Albatross, 1822 San Pablo Ave. Cost is $3. 843-2473. www.albatrosspub.com
Guns for Sebastian at 10 p.m. at Beckett’s Irish Pub, 2271 Shattuck Ave. 647-1790. www.beckettsirishpub.com
The SAGA: Saturday Afternoon Gallery Acoustic, music open mic with Philip Rodriguez at 2 p.m. at Frank Bette Center for the Arts, 1601 Paru St., at corner of Lincoln and Paru, Alameda. Donations appreciated. 931-7646.
Burlesque ‘n’ Brass, featuring Hot Pink Feathers & Blue Bone Express, Orleans-inspired jazz, at 9 p.m. at Café Van Kleef, 1621 Telegraph Ave., Oakland. Cost is $10. 763-7711.
The Devil Makes Three, the Brother Comatose at 9 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $15. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com
“Circle Fest 2008” at 7:30 p.m. at 924 Gilman St., an all-ages, member-run, no alcohol, no drugs, no violence club. Cost is $8. 525-9926.
Gato Barbieri at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square, through Sun. Cost is $18-$30. 238-9200.
SUNDAY, DEC. 7
THEATER
“Oakland 1946” Perfromance celebrating the General Strike at 2 p.m. at Latham Square, downtown Oakland. www.oakland1946.blogspot.com
EXHIBITIONS
“L.A. Paint” Tour of the exhibition at 2 p.m. at Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak sts., Oakland. Cost is $5-$8. 238-2200. www.museumca.org
“EIGHT peace is ...” Photographs printed on wood, copper and books by Keba Konte, through Jan. 18 at Guerilla Cafe, 1620 Shattuck Ave. 845-2233. www.guerillacafe.com
FILM
African Diaspora Film Society “Negroes with Guns” the story of Robert F. Williams who fought racist terrorism of the Jim Crow South, at 2 p.m. at Parkway Theater, 1834 Park Blvd., Oakland. Cost is $5. 814-2400.
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
NaNoWriMo Young Writers read from their works at 4 p.m. at Mrs. Dalloways, 2904 College Ave. 704-8222.
Poetry Flash with Rick Barot and Victoria Chang at 3 p.m. at Diesel, 5433 College Ave., Oakland. 653-9965.
Egyptology Lecture “Horses and Chariots in Ancient Egypt” with Kathy Hansen, independent scholar at 2:30 p.m. at Barrows Hall, Room 20, Barrow Lane and Bancroft Way, UC campus. 415-664-4767.
MUSIC AND DANCE
Berkeley Community Chorus & Orchestra “The Geography of Emotions” Selections of Opera Choruses with Marcelle Dronkers, soprano, and Richard Goodman, baritone at 4:30 p.m. at St. Joseph The Worker Church, 1640 Addison St. Free, donations greatly appreciated.
Martin Luther King Jr., Middle School Jazz Concert with the Jazz Workshop Ensemble and the Equanimous Jones Quartet at 8 p.m. at the school auditorium, 1781 Rose St.
“Blue Christmas” at 6:30 p.m. at Lake Merritt United Methodist Church, 1330 Lakeshore Ave., Oakland. Donations accepted. 465-4793.
“Central Javanese Gamelan Music from Village and Court” at 7 p.m. at Hertz Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $5-$15. 642-4864. http://music.berkeley.edu
Elizabeth Blumenstock, violin, perfroms Bach’s Partita No. 2 in D minor at 4 p.m. at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 2727 College Ave. Tickets are $10-$20. 684-7563.
Oakland-East Bay Gay Men's Chorus “Oh What Fun, A Holiday Variety Show” at 5 p.m. at Lakeshore Avenue Baptist Church, 3534 Lakeshore Ave., Oakland. Tickets are $12-$20. 800-706-2389. www.oebgmc.org
“Messiah-Sing” in Baroque style, at 6 p.m. at Unitarian Universalist Church, One Lawson Rd., Kensington. Suggested donation $15, no one turned away. 525-0302.
Philharmonia Baroque “Natale Barocco” Scarlatti, Corelli, Vivaldi and more at 7:30 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Berkeley, 2345 Channing. Tickets are $30-$72. 415-252-1288.
Soli Deo Gloria “Mixed Blessings” at 3:30 p.m. at St. Philip Neri, 3108 Van Buren St., Alameda. Tickets are $20-$25. www.sdgloria.org
“Hidden Saints and Drunken Sages” Songs and stories inspired by Jewish spirituality at 7 p.m. at JCC East Bay, 1414 Walnut. Tickets are $10-$18. 848-0237.
Nicolas Bearde’s Holiday Jazz and Blues Concert at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $15. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com
Po’Girl at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $18.50-$19.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org
MONDAY, DEC. 8
READINGS AND LECTURES
Dan Piraro, creator of “Bizarro” discusses his cartoons at 7:30 p.m. at Moe’s Books, 2476 Telegraph Ave. 849-2087.
Poetry Express with Clive Matson at 7 p.m. at Priya Restaurant, 2072 San Pablo Ave. 644-3977.
MUSIC AND DANCE
Swedish Folk Music with Mark Walstrom at 7 p.m. at Kensington Library, 61 Arlington Ave., Kensington. 524-3043.
TUESDAY, DEC. 9
READINGS AND LECTURES
“Poetry Beyond Borders” A multimedia poetry reading featuring live music and local artists, at 7 p.m. at Heller Lounge, MLK Jr. Student Union, UC campus. Proceeds go to Save Darfur. poetrybeyondborders@gmail.com
MUSIC AND DANCE
Tri Tip Trio at 8:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cajun dance lesson at 8 p.m. Cost is $10. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com
Singers’ Open Mic with Kelly Park at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $5. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com
Chris Botti at 8 and 10 p.m. through Sun., at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $24-$40. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 10
READINGS AND LECTURES
Berkeley Poetry Slam with host Charles Ellik and Three Blind Mice, at 8:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $7. 841-2082 .www.starryploughpub.com
MUSIC AND DANCE
Afro Cuban Ensembles of San Francisco State, directed by John Calloway, at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $5. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com
Balkan Folkdance at 8 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $7. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com
Rumbache at 9:30 p.m. at Shattuck Down Low. Salsa dance lessons at 8:30 p.m. Cost is $5-$10. 548-1159.
Bill Evans & Megan Lynch at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $18.50-$19.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org
Eric Roberson at 8 p.m. at Maxwell’s, 341 13th St., Oakland. Cost is $15.
THURSDAY, DEC. 11
EXHIBITIONS
“Fresh Work” Kala Artists’ Annual Exhibition Opening reception at 6 p.m. at Kala Art Institute, 1060 Heinz Ave. 549-2977. www.kala.org
“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
“Christmas and Other Colors” Paintings by Julie Ross at Britt Marie, 1369 Solano Ave. through Dec. 21. 527-0173. julierossart.com
READINGS AND LECTURES
Story Hour in the Library with Sylvia Brownrigg reading from her latest novel “Morality Tale” at 5 p.m. in 190 Doe Library, UC Campus. 643-4715. storyhour.berkeley.edu
MUSIC AND DANCE
New Century Chamber Orchestra “Celebrate the Holidays” at 8 p.m. at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 2727 College Ave. Tickets are $32-$54. 415-357-1111. www.ncoo.org
The Dance, Blake Williams, Spohia at 9 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $5. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com
“Three Decembers” An opera by Jake Heggie at 7:30 p.m. at Zellerbach Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $48-$86. 642-9988. www.calperformances.net
“An Evening Down Under” with didjeridu artist, Stephen Kent at 7 p.m. at Gaia Arts Center, 2120 Allston Way. Tickets are $10-$15. 665-0305.
Kenny White at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $18.50-$19.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org
Epicenter at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $10. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com
Funk Revival Orchestra, Snake Plissken Quintet, Kiyoshi Foster Group at 9 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $7. 841-2082 www.starryploughpub.com
The Sacred Profanities at 10 p.m. at Beckett’s Irish Pub, 2271 Shattuck Ave. 647-1790. www.beckettsirishpub.com
Chris Botti at 8 and 10 p.m. through Sun., at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $24-$40. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com
FRIDAY, DEC. 12
CHILDREN
“Coppelia: The Doll with the Porcelain Eyes” Puppet Show at 2, 4 and 6 p.m. at Children’s Fairyland, 699 Bellevue Ave., Oakland. Cost is $6. 452-2259. www.fairyland.org
THEATER
Altarena Playhouse “A Taffeta Christmas” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2 p.m. at Altarena Playhouse, 1409 High St., Alameda, through Dec. 21. Tickets are $17-$20. 523-1553. www.altarena.org
Berkeley High School and SHIFT Theatre “Madwoman of Chaillot” by Jean Giradoux, Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m. at Florence Schwimley Little Theater, 1929 Allston Way. Tickets are $6-$12.
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
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
“Mi Bandera es la Tierra” written and performed by Nicolas Valdez and Maria Ibarra at 8 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $10-$12. 849-2568. www.lapena.org
Shotgun Players “Macbeth” Thurs.-Sun. at 8 p.m. at The Ashby Stage, 1901 Ashby Ave., through Jan. 11. Tickets are $18-$30. 841-6500. www.shotgunplayers.org
EXHIBITIONS
“Elevating Art” An eclectic winter showcase. Reception at 6 p.m. at Berkeley City College Raw Space Gallery, 2050 Center St. 526-1143.
READINGS AND LECTURES
The Best of Actors Reading Writers short story readings by local actors, Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2 p.m. at Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant Ave. Suggested donation $8-$15. 932-0214.
Joe Shakarchi and Alice Templeton will read their poetry at 7 p.m. at Nefeli Caffe, 1854 Euclid Ave., a little north of Hearst, in Berkeley, as part of the Last Word Reading Series. There is also an open reading. 841-6374.
MUSIC AND DANCE
Berkeley Ballet Theater “The Nutcracker” at 7 p.m., Sat. at 2 and 7 p.m., Sun. at 2 p.m. at Julia Morgan Center for the Arts, 2640 College Ave. Tickets are $17-$23. 843-4689. berkeleyballet.org
Sacred & Profane “All-Britten Holiday Concert” at 8 p.m. at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 2300 Bancroft Way. Tickets are $15-$20. www.sacredprofane.org
“Three Decembers” An opera by Jake Heggie at 8 p.m. at Zellerbach Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $48-$86. 642-9988. www.calperformances.net
The Irrationals at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $15. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com
Steve Lucky & The Rhumba Bums at 9:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. East Coast Swing dance lesson at 8 p.m. Cost is $10-$13. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com
Al Stewart at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $29.50-$30.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org
The California Honeydrops, CD release party, at 9 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $8-$10. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com
Justin Ancheta at 10 p.m. at Beckett’s Irish Pub, 2271 Shattuck Ave. 647-1790. www.beckettsirishpub.com
Beep! Trio at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 843-8277.
Netta Brielle at 9 p.m. at Maxwell’s, 341 13th St., Oakland. Cost is $10.
SATURDAY, DEC. 13
CHILDREN
Los Amiguitos de La Peña with Jerry Kennedy at 10:30 a.m. at La Peña. Cost is $5 for adults, $4 for children. 849-2568. www.lapena.org
Tony Borders Puppets for 3-7 year olds at 10:30 a.m. at Claremont Branch of the Berkeley Public Library, 2940 Benvenue Ave. 981-6280.
“Coppelia: The Doll with the Porcelain Eyes” Puppet show, Sat. and Sun. at 2, 4 and 6 p.m. at Children’s Fairyland, 699 Bellevue Ave., Oakland. Cost is $6. 452-2259. www.fairyland.org
EXHIBITIONS
“Letters from Noto, Living in Japan, 1955 to 1964” Photography of David Beckman. Opening reception at 1 p.m. at Alta Galleria, 2890 College Ave., Suite 4. 414-4485. www.altagalleria.com
“Celebrate Diversity” New paintings by Rita Sklar, at Bucci’s, 6121 Hollis St., Emeryville, through Jan. 8. 531-1404.
THEATER
Women’s WIll “Holiday Memories” Sat. at at 7 p.m. and Sun. at 4 p.m. at Chapel of the Chimes, 4499 Piedmont Ave., Oakland. Tickets are $10-$15. 420-0813. www.womanswill.org
FILM
“Ulzana’s Raid” with introduction by Adell Aldrich at 8:40 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $5.50-$9.50. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu
Jewish Film Series “Every Time We Say Goodbye” at 7 p.m. at Temple Israel, 3183 Mecartney Rd., Alameda. Cost is $10. 522-9355.
READINGS AND LECTURES
Carolyn R. Crampton describes “Bunny Language or ‘Are You going to Eat That?’” at 2 p.m. at RabbitEars, 377 Colusa Ave. Kensington. 525-6155.
The Best of Actors Reading Writers short story readings by local actors, at 8 p.m. and Sun. at 2 p.m. at Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant Ave. Donation $8-$15. 932-0214.
MUSIC AND DANCE
Berkeley Ballet Theater “The Nutcracker” at 2 and 7 p.m., Sun. at 2 p.m. at Julia Morgan Center for the Arts, 2640 College Ave. Tickets are $17-$23. 843-4689. berkeleyballet.org
Winterberry Carollers “A Gaelic Christmas Choral Concert” at 3 p.m. at Chapel of the Chimes, 4499 Piedmont Ave., Oakland. Tickets are $8-$15. 800-838-3006.
Elizabeth-Baptista Gaston, flutist, at 8 p.m. at Trinity Chapel, 2320 Dana St. Tickets are $8-$12. 549-3864. www.trinitychamberconcerts.com
Sacred & Profane “All-Britten Holiday Concert” at 8 p.m. at St. Leo’s Catholic Church, 176 Ridgeway Ave., Piedmont. Tickets are $15-$20. www.sacredprofane.org
The Venezuelan Music Project at 8 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $16-$18. 849-2568. www.lapena.org
Miss Faye Carol Holiday Concert at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $18. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com
Kotoja, West African Highlife Band, Nigerian Brothers at 9:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $12-$15. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com
Cris Williamson with Vicki Randle and Julie Wolf at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $22.50-$23.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org
Paul Manousos at 10 p.m. at Beckett’s Irish Pub, 2271 Shattuck Ave. 647-1790. www.beckettsirishpub.com
Polkacide, Gun and Doll Show, Carmichael & Las Frijolitas at 9 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $9. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com
Chris Botti at 8 and 10 p.m. through Sun., at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $24-$40. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com
Youth Brigade, Pressure Point, Troublemaker at 8 p.m. at 924 Gilman St., an all-ages, member-run, no alcohol, no drugs, no violence club. Cost is $5. 525-9926.
SUNDAY, DEC. 14
THEATER
Women’s WIll “Holiday Memories” at 4 p.m. at Chapel of the Chimes, 4499 Piedmont Ave., Oakland. Tickets are $10-$15. 420-0813. www.womanswill.org
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
Architecture Tour of the buildings and grounds designed by Kevin Roche and Dan Kiley at 1 p.m. at Oakland Museum of California, 1000 Oak St., Oakland. Free Admission. 238-2200. www.museumca.org
All Star Reading Extavaganza with Michael Palmer, Lyn Hejinian, Rusty Morrison, Craig Perez and many others from 2 to 4 pm. at Small Press Distribution, 1341 7th St., at Gilman. 524-1668.
Actors Reading Writers short story readings by local actors at 2 p.m. at at Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant Ave. 932-0214.
MUSIC AND DANCE
Voci Women’s Vocal Ensemble “Voices in Peace VIII: Fire in the Air” at 4 p.m. at Lake Merritt United Methodist Church, 1330 Lakeshore Ave., Oakland. Tickets are $17-$20, free for children under 12. 531-8714. www.vocisings.com
Berkeley Ballet Theater “The Nutcracker” at 2 p.m. at Julia Morgan Center for the Arts, 2640 College Ave. Tickets are $17-$23. 843-4689. berkeleyballet.org
Under Construction: New Music Series with Berkeley Symphony at 7 p.m. at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 2727 College Ave. Tickets are $10. 841-2800. www.berkeleysymphony.org
“Three Decembers” An opera by Jake Heggie at 3 p.m. at Zellerbach Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $48-$86. 642-9988. www.calperformances.net
Oakland Civic Orchestra Holiday Concert at 4 p.m. at St Paul’s Episcopal Church, 114 Montecito Ave., Oakland. 238-7275. www.oaklandnet.com
Cris Williamson with Vicki Randle and Julie Wolf at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $22.50-$23.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org
Babtunde Lea Sextet at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $14. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com