THURSDAY, DEC. 18 

Town Hall Meeting on the Berkeley Climate Action Plan Hosted by Council Members Darryl Moore and Max Anderson at 7 p.m. at the Frances Albrier Center, in San Pablo Park at 2800 Park St. www.BerkeleyClimateAction.org 

Health Care Community Discussion in response to the Obama transition team invitation to offer ideas to achieve health care reform at 7:30 p.m. at the Hillside Club, 2286 Cedar St. at Arch. info@hillsideclub.org 

Holiday Crafts and Tree Trim for ages five and up from 3 to 5 p.m. at Kensington Library, 61 Arlington Ave. 524-3043.  

Larry Everest and Norman Solomon Debate “U.S. Foreign Policy and Opposing Wars during the Obama Presidency” at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists, Cedar and Bonita. Donation $5-$10. 495-5132. 

Santa’s Wonderland Thurs. though Sun. until Dec. 23 at 1809 Fourth St. Donate socks filled with toiletries or an unwrapped book for the Children’s Learning Center at Harrison House Homeless Shelter. 644-3002.  

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

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

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

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

Fitness Class for 55+ at 9:15 a.m. at Jewish Community Center, 1414 Walnut St. 848-0237. 

FRIDAY, DEC. 19 

City Commons Club Noon Luncheon with Jeff Robinson, photographer on “Wildlife of Asia.” 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.  

Demonstrate for Peace! Bring your signs and determination to bring our troops home now and keep out of Iran, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Acton and University Aves. Sponsored by Berkeley-East Bay Gray Panthers, Strawberry Creek Lodge Tenants Association and the Iraq Moratorium. 841-4143. 

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. 

Kol Hadash Humanistic Judaism Chanukah Celebration at 6:30 p.m. at Albany Community Center, with a farewell party for Rabbi Jay. Please bring non-perishable food for the needy. For more info about the potluck email info@kolhadash.org 

SATURDAY, DEC. 20 

Women on Common Ground Holiday Decorations Join this annual workshop to make holiday decorations for the Women’s Drop-In Shelter and for yourself also, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. Bring a small pair of hand-clippers and a bag lunch if you wish to join the afternoon solstice hike at 2 p.m. 525-2233. 

Holiday Crafts Fair at the Berkeley Farmers’ Market with live music, hot lunches and a variety of handcrafted gifts, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Civic Center Park, Center St. at MLK Jr. Way. 548-2220, ext. 227. www.ecologycenter.org 

Telegraph Avenue Holiday Street Fair with over 200 street artists, merchants, community groups and entertainment, Sat. and Sun. from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. between Dwight and Bancroft. 234-1013. 

Temescal Holiday Skate and Stroll from 1 to 5 p.m. at the outdoor skating rink at 49th and Telegraph, Oakland. Cost is $3 for skating. 

Revolution Books Open House from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. at 2425 Channing Way. 848-1196. 

Berkeley Open Studios Sat and Sun. from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Dec. 21. 845-2612. www.berkeleyartisans.com 

“Paws and Claus” Santa visits the Oakland Zoo Sat. and Sun. from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 9777 Golf Links Rd., Oakland. 632-9525. www.oaklandzoo.org 

“Hanging Around” Create winter ornaments and decorations from 1 to 4 p.m. at Museum of Children’s Art, 538 Ninth St., Suite 210, Oakland. Cost is $7. 456-8770. www.mocha.org 

Edwardian Holidays Dunsmuir Hellman Historic Estate Weekends through Dec. 21 with costumed docents, festive trolley, live music, entertainment, cozy tea in the cottage, and Breakfast with Father Christmas, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cost is $7-$12. For reservations call 925-275-9490. www.dunsmuir.org  

Hanukkah Event with Latkes Sat.-Mon. from 11 a.m. to p.m. on the sidewalk in front of Saul's Delicatessen, 475 Shattuck Ave. Latkes are $2.25 or $27 per dozen. www.saulsdeli.com 

Pre-Winter Trash Clean-up of Ohlone Greenway from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Meet on Moeser and the Ohlone Greenway, behind Safeway in El Cerrito. Wear jacket, long sleeves, pants and closed toe shoes. For information contact 215-4353. 

“I Sit and Stay” Survival guide for children with author Leah Waarvik at 2 p.m. at REI, 1338 San Pablo Ave. 527-4140. 

Tree of Life Qi Gong Workout at 10 a.m. at 2929 Summit St., Ste. 103, Oakland. Cost is $15. 253-8120. 

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 every Wed. and Sat. at 10:30 a.m. at 2270 Acton St. 841-2174.  

SUNDAY, DEC. 21 

Winter Solstice Celebration Learn the solstice’s cultural history on a short walk, then share seasonal stories, poems and music around the campfire from 1 to 4 p.m. at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. For ages 5 and up. Cost is $6-$8. Registration required. 1-888-327-2757. 

Winter Solstice Gathering, led by Alan Gould, Lawrence Hall of Science, at 4:10 p.m. at the Interinm Solar Calendar, Cesar Chavez Park, Berkeley Marina. Dress warmly. www.solarcalendar.org 

Winter Solstice Labyrinth Walk from 6 to 8 p.m. at Willard Middle School, Telegraph Ave. between Derby and Stuart. Everyone welcome. Wheelchair accessible. 526-7377. info@eastbaylabyrinthproject.org  

Winter Solstice and Open Talent Show at 6 p.m. at The Deep Green Humanist Church, 390 27th St., Oakland. Free, bring healthy potluck food to share, donations welcome. 451-5818.  

Telegraph Avenue Holiday Street Fair with over 200 street artists, merchants, community groups and entertainment, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. between Dwight and Bancroft. 234-1013. 

Temescal Holiday Skate and Stroll from 1 to 5 p.m. at the outdoor skating rink at 49th and Telegraph, Oakland. Cost is $3 for skating. 

Test your Child’s Toys for Lead with the Center for Environmental Health from 12:30 to 3 p.m. at Berkeley Fellowship Hall, corner of Cedar and Bonita St. For information call 655-3900. www.ceh.org 

“Home Sweet Home” Build candy cottages and cookie castles from 1 to 4 p.m. at Museum of Children’s Art, 538 Ninth St., Suite 210, Oakland. Cost is $7. 456-8770. www.mocha.org 

Kol Hadash Bagel Brunch with Prof. Bernard Rosen on “Why I am Not an Atheist” at 10 a.m. at Albany Community Center, 1249 Marin, Albany. Suggested donation $5. 525-2296. Programs@kolhadash.org  

Community Multi-Traditional Holiday Sing-Along at 5 p.m. at GNC, 2138 Cedar St. www.downhomedancing.org 

Community Menorah Lighting at 4 p.m. at Bay Street Emeryville Mall, across from Barnes & Noble. 540-5824.  

Kehilla Chanukah Celebration at 4 p.m. at Kehilla Community Synagogue, 1300 Grand Ave., Piedmont. Tickets are $10. www.KehillaSynagogue.org  

“Spiritual Perspectives for Independent Thinkers in a World of Paradox” with Jeremy Taylor at 10 a.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, 1 Lawson Rd., Kensington. 525-0302, ext. 306. 

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

Lake Merritt Neighbors Organized for Peace Peace walk around the lake every Sun. Meet at 3 p.m. at the colonnade at the NE end of the lake. 763-8712. lmno4p.org 

Berkeley Chess Club meets every Sun. at 7 p.m. at the Hillside School, 1581 Le Roy Ave. 843-0150. 

MONDAY, DEC. 22 

Christmas Caroling at 6 p.m. in front of Sweet Dreams, 2921 College Ave. Song sheets provided. 

Berkeley Potters Guild 38th Holiday Sale from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 73 Jones St. at Fourth St. www.berkeleypotters.com 

Berkeley CopWatch organizational meeting at 8 p.m. at 2022 Blake St. 548-0425. 

TUESDAY, DEC. 23 

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 the Marina at Lake Chabot Regional Park. Call for meeting place and if you need to borrow binoculars. 525-2233. 

Telegraph Avenue Holiday Street Fair with over 200 street artists, merchants, community groups and entertainment, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.between Dwight and Bancroft. 234-1013. 

Red Cross Blood Drive from noon to 5 p.m. at Gelateria Naia, 2106 Shattuck Ave. To schedule an appointment go to www.BeADonor.com  

“The Barefoot Doctors of Rural China” A documentary at 7 p.m. at Revolution Books, 2425 Channing Way. 848-1196. 

Berkeley PC Problem Solving meeting at 7 p.m. at 1145 Walnut St. at Eunice.  

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

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

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

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

Boffers and Board Games from 3 to 5:30 p.m. at Codornices Park, 1201 Euclid Ave. across from the Rose Garden, or 33 Revolutions Record Shop & Cafe, 10086 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito when bad weather. Free, but parental supervision required. 526-5985 

Berkeley Camera Club meets at 7:30 p.m., at the Northbrae Community Church, 941 The Alameda. Share your digital images, slides and prints and learn what other photographers are doing. Monthly field trips. 548-3991. www.berkeleycameraclub.org 

St. John’s Prime Timers meets at 9:30 a.m. at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 2727 College Ave. We offer ongoing classes in exercise and creative arts, and always welcome new members over 50. 845-6830. 

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

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

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

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 24 

Telegraph Avenue Holiday Street Fair with over 200 street artists, merchants, community groups and entertainment, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.between Dwight and Bancroft. 234-1013. 

Berkeley Potters Guild 38th Holiday Sale from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 73 Jones St. at Fourth St. www.berkeleypotters.com 

Golden Gate Birding Walk at Lake Merritt and Lakeside Park. Meet at 9:30 a.m. at the large spherical cage near Nature Center at Perkins and Bellevue. 549-2839.  

SATURDAY, DEC. 27 

Mini-Farmers in Tilden A farm exploration program, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. for ages 4-6 years, accompanied by an adult. We will explore the Little Farm, care for animals, do crafts and farm chores. Wear boots and dress to get dirty! Fee is $6-$8. Registration required. 1-888-EBPARKS. 

“Ring in the New” Make noisemakers and party hats for New Years, Sat. and Sun. from 1 to 4 p.m. at Museum of Children’s Art, 538 Ninth St., Suite 210, Oakland. Cost is $7. 456-8770. www.mocha.org 

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. 

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

SUNDAY, DEC. 28 

“A Short History of Islam” A film by Karen Armstrong at 10 a.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, 1 Lawson Rd., Kensington. 525-0302, ext. 306. 

“What Would Steady State Economics Look Like?” with Sterling Bunnell at 11 a.m. at Humanist Hall, 390 27th St., Oakland. www.HumanistHall.org 

Family Restoration Day for families who care about the environment with interactive games and working in the park, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at Tilden Nature Area, Tilden Park. Registration required. 1-888-327-2757. 

Winter Wanderland Hike Series An invigorating fast-paced hike from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. This week we will visit Tilden Nature Area. Call for meeting place. Bring water, layered clothing and a snack to share. 525-2233. 

Nature Theater nature games, a movie, popcorn and cider for the whole family from 2 to 4 p.m. at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. 525-2233. 

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 

Tibetan Buddhism with Sylvia Gretchen on “Healing Mind, Heart, and Spirit” at 6 p.m. at the Tibetan Nyingma Institute, 1815 Highland Pl. 809-1000. www.nyingmainstitute.com 

MONDAY, DEC. 29 

Kensington Library Book Club meets to discuss “The Reluctant Fundamentalist” by Mohsin Hamid at 7 p.m. at 61 Arlington Ave., Kensington. 524-3043. 

Red Cross Blood Drive from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Albany YMCA, in the parking lot at 921 Kains Ave., Albany. To schedule an appointment go to www.BeADonor.com 

Berkeley CopWatch organizational meeting at 8 p.m. at 2022 Blake St. 548-0425. 

TUESDAY, DEC. 30 

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

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

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

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

Boffers and Board Games from 3 to 5:30 p.m. at Codornices Park, 1201 Euclid Ave. across from the Rose Garden, or 33 Revolutions Record Shop & Cafe, 10086 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito when bad weather. Free, but parental supervision required. 526-5985 

Berkeley Camera Club meets at 7:30 p.m., at the Northbrae Community Church, 941 The Alameda. Share your digital images, slides and prints and learn what other photographers are doing. Monthly field trips. 548-3991. www.berkeleycameraclub.org 

St. John’s Prime Timers meets at 9:30 a.m. at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 2727 College Ave. We 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. 

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 31 

New Year’s Eve Onboard the USS Hornet with live music, dancing, and views of the Bay Area skyline, from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. at 707 W. Hornet Ave., Pier 3, Alameda.Tickets are $50-$98. 521-8448, ext. 282. 

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 corner of Shattuck and Center. Sing for Peace at 6:30 p.m. followed by Peace Walk at 7 p.m. www.geocities. 

com/vigil4peace/vigil 

Teen Chess Club from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the North Branch Library, 1170 The Alameda at Hopkins. 981-6133. 

Morning Meditation Every Mon., Wed., and Fri. at 7:45 a.m. at Rudramandir, 830 Bancroft Way at 6th. 486-8700. 

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

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

CITY MEETINGS 

Medical Cannabis Commission meets Thurs. Dec. 18 at 1:30 p.m. at City Hall, Cypress Room, 2180 Milvia. 981-7402. 

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

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, DEC. 18 

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 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Crazy After All These Years” NIAD faculty art show. Performance at 6 p.m., artists’ presentation at 7 p.m. at Craft & Cultural Arts Gallery, State of CA Office Bldg., Atrium, 1515 Clay St., Oakland. 622-8190. www.oaklandculturalarts.org 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Berkeley High School’s African American Dance Program “Breaking The Chains of the New Generation” at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Community Theater. Tickets are $3-$10. 644-6120. BrownPaperTickets.com  

Berkeley Symphony Orchestra Joana Carneiro, conductor, at 8 p.m. at Zellerbach Hall, UC Campus Tickets are $20-$60. 841-2800. www.berkeleysymphony.org 

Oakland Ballet Company “Ron Guidi’s Nutcracker” at 10 a.m. at Paramount Theater, 2025 Broadway, Oakland. Tickets are $15-$50. www.ticketmaster.com 

Caribbean Allstars at 9:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $10-$13. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

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

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

Chabela, music from the Latin American Songbook at 8 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $12. 845-5373. www.jazzschool.com 

I’m a People, The Jug Dealers, bluegrass, at 9 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $8. 841-2082 www.starryploughpub.com 

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

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

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

FRIDAY, DEC. 19 

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 Company “The Coverlettes Cover Christmas” Mon.-Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 7 p.m. through Dec. 23 at 2081 Addison St. Tickets are $23-$25. 843-4822. auroratheatre.org 

Berkeley Rep “The Arabian Nights” Tues.-Sun. at the Thrust Stage, 2025 Addison St., through Jan. 18. Tickets are $27-$71. 647-2949. berkeleyrep.org 

“The Christmas Revels” A celebration of the Winter Solstice at 7:30 p.m., Sat. and Sun. at 1 and 5 p.m. through Dec. 21 at Scottish Rite Theater, 1547 Lakeside Dr., Oakland. Tickets are $15-$50. 452-8800. www.calrevels.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 

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 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

“A Christmas Carol” read by English actor Martin Harris at 7:30 p.m. at Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant. Donation $5-$10. Dinner available with reservation. 848-7800. 

The Best of Actors Reading Writers short story readings by local actors, at 8 p.m. at Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant Ave. Donation $8-$15. 932-0214. 

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 

Oakland Ballet Company “Ron Guidi’s Nutcracker” at 10 a.m. at Paramount Theater, 2025 Broadway, Oakland. Tickets are $15-$50. www.ticketmaster.com 

Pacific Mozart Ensemble & Quartet San Francisco “Bruebeck & Brahms: Canticles and Love Songs” at 7:30 pm Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant Ave. Tickets are $15-$25. 848-8022. www.pacificmozart.org 

San Francisco Girls Chorus East Bay Holiday Concert at 8 p.m. at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 2300 Bancroft Way. Tickets are $25. 415-863-1752. 

The Women's Antique Vocal Ensemble “Shepherds Arise!” at 8 p.m. at Montclair Presbyterian Church, 5701 Thornhill Drive, Oakland. Tickets are $5-$15. 233-1479. www.wavewomen.org 

Vince Ho, organ and harpsichord at 8 p.m. at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, 1501 Washington Ave., Albany. Suggested donation $10. 525-1716. 

Clarinet Thing at 8 p.m. at The Hillside Club, 2286 Cedar St. Tickets are $10-$15. 845-1350. 

Arab Orchestra of San Francisco at 8 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $13-$15. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Nathan Clevenger Group and Lisa Mezzacappa's Bait & Switch at 8 p.m. at Temescal Arts Center, 511 48th St. at Telegraph, Oakland. Tickets are $5-$10.  

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

Andre Thierry & Zydeco Magic, Creole Belles at 9 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $15. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Girlyman at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $20.50-$22.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Masahiro Nitta with Monsters of Shamisen at 8 p.m. at Rhythmix Cultural Works, 2513 Blanding Ave., ALameda. Tickets are $12-$15. 865-5060. www.rhythmix.org 

Plays Monk, ROVA Saxophone Quartet at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $8. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com 

D.I., Opressed Logic, Neighborhood Watch 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. 

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

Dan K Harvest Holiday Bash at 9 p.m. at Shattuck Down Low, 2284 Shattuck Ave. Cost is $10. 548-1159.  

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

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

Adesha at 9 p.m. at Maxwell’s, 341 13th St., Oakland. Cost is $15.  

SATURDAY, DEC. 20 

CHILDREN  

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

THEATER 

Berkeley Rep “Ennio” comedy and mime for the whole family at 2 and 8 p.m. at the Roda Theater, 2015 Addison St, through Dec. 31. Tickets are $20-$45. 647-2949. berkeleyrep.org 

Berkeley Public Library’s Teen Playreaders “Bizarre Shorts” Short plays, monologues and musical numbers from Shakespeare to Sondheim to Stoppard, at 7:30 p.m. at the Willard Middle School Metal Shop Theater, 2425 Stuart St. at Telegraph. 981-6236. 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

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. 

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

MUSIC AND DANCE 

“Amahl and the Night Visitors” and “Christmas Oratorio” at 7:30 p.m. at Unitarian Universalist Church, One Lawson Rd., Kensington. Tickets are $15-$20. 525-0302. 

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 

Musae “Waitin’ for the Light to Shine” women’s vocal ensemble with the Menlo Brass Quintet at 8 p.m. at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 2300 Bancroft Way. Tickets are $10-$25. www.musae.org 

Oakland Ballet Company “Ron Guidi’s Nutcracker” at 2 and 8 p.m. at Paramount Theater, 2025 Broadway, Oakland. Tickets are $15-$50. www.ticketmaster.com 

“Pomegranates & Figs: A Feast of Jewish Music” featuring Nikitov & Teslim at 8 p.m. at Zellerbach Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $20-$32. 642-9988. www.calperformances.net 

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

Terrence Kelly with Ellen Hoffman, Annual Holiday Caroling at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $12. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

In Harmony’s Way at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $18.50-$19.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Suzanna Smith at 8 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $12. 845-5373. www.jazzschool.com 

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

Blue Turtle Seduction, Feels Like Fire at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $12. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com 

Taj Mahal Trio at 8 and 10 p.m., through Sun. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $18-$18. 238-9200.  

SUNDAY, DEC. 21 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

The Best of Actors Reading Writers short story readings by local actors, at 2 p.m. at Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant Ave. Donation $8-$15. 932-0214. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

“Amahl and the Night Visitors” and “Christmas Oratorio” at 1 p.m. at Unitarian Universalist Church, One Lawson Rd., Kensington. Tickets are $15-$20. 525-0302. 

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.  

Vivaldi’s “Gloria” at 2 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 26th and Broadway, Oakland. Free.  

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 appreciated. 

Oakland Ballet Company “Ron Guidi’s Nutcracker” at 2 p.m. at Paramount Theater, 2025 Broadway, Oakland. Tickets are $15-$50. www.ticketmaster.com 

San Francisco Choral Artists “Glorious Early Music” with the premier of Ted Allen’s “Earth’s Winter Song” at 4 p.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 114 Montecito Ave., Oakland. Tickets are $12-$28. 415-979-5779.  

Messiah Sing-Along at 6 p.m. at St. David of Wales Church, 5641 Esmond Blvd. Richmond. Admission by donation; extra scores will be available for rental. 237-1531.  

Joyful Noise Choir “Old and New Christmas Carols” at 5 p.m. at El Sobrante First United Methodist Church, 670 Appian Way, across from El Sobrante Post Office, El Sobrante. 223-0790. 

Mariachi Los Camperos de Nati Cano “Fiesta Navidad” at 3 p.m. at Zellerbach Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $24-$38. 642-9988.  

The Sephardic Music Experience with vocalist Kat Parra at 7:30 p.m. at La Peña. Cost is $12-$15. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

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

Everyone Orchestra, Chris Haugen’s Seahorse Rodeo at 8 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $15. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Trumpet Supergroup at 4:30 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $15. 845-5373. www.jazzschool.com 

Debbie Faigenbaum “Stories from the Heart” at 8 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $15. 845-5373. www.jazzschool.com 

Freight Holiday Revue hosted by Laurie Lewis at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $15.50-$16.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

MONDAY, DEC. 22 

CHILDREN 

Tony Borders Puppets for 3-7 year olds at 4 p.m. at South Branch of the Berkeley Public Library, 1901 Russell St. 981-6260. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

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

African Roots of Jazz Youth Drummers at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Benefit for Youth Arts. Cost is $10. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

TUESDAY, DEC. 23 

CHILDREN 

The Blue Fairy Storyteller for 3-7 year olds at 10:30 a.m. at West Branch of the Berkeley Public Library, 1125 University Ave. 981-6270. 

Chin-Chin for 5 year olds and up at 2:30 p.m. at Berkeley Public Library, 2090 Kittredge St. 981-6223. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Oakland Ballet Company “Ron Guidi’s Nutcracker” at 2 p.m. at Paramount Theater, 2025 Broadway, Oakland. Tickets are $15-$50. www.ticketmaster.com 

Zydeco Flames at 8:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cajun dance lesson at 8 p.m. Cost is $10. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 24 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Oakland Ballet Company “Ron Guidi’s Nutcracker” at 2 p.m. at Paramount Theater, 2025 Broadway, Oakland. Tickets are $15-$50. www.ticketmaster.com 

Natasha Miller’s Christmas Eve Concert at 8 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $16. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

THURSDAY, DEC. 25 

MERRY CHRISTMAS 

FRIDAY, DEC. 26 

THEATER 

Berkeley Rep “Ennio” comedy and mime for the whole family at 2 and 8p.m. at the Roda Theater, 2015 Addison St, through Dec. 31. Tickets are $20-$45. 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 

Paul Mooney “Black Man in the White House” comedy, through Dec. 31 at Black Repertory Theater, 3201 Adeline St. Tickets are $25-$100. 652-2120. 

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 

FILM 

Movie Classics “Mary Poppins” the 1964 film starring julie Andrews at 8 p.m. at Paramount Theater, 2025 Broadway, Oakland. Tickets are $5. 625-8497. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Danny Caron Trio at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $12. 841-JAZZ.  

We A Dem, Messenjah Selah, Luv Fyah, Reggae Boxing Day celebration at 9:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $10. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

The Cavepainters at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Free. 841-2082.  

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

Patrick Wolff Trio at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 843-8277. 

Roy Hargrove Big Band at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square, through Wed. Cost is $18-$28, Dec. 31 $100. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

SATURDAY, DEC. 27 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

String Circle with special guest Ian Swenson “There were Shepherds, abiding in the Fields” at 8 p.m. at Trinity Chapel, 2320 Dana St. Tickets are $8-$12. 549-3864.  

Dangerous Rhythm with Tim Fox at 9:30 p.m. at Albatross, 1822 San Pablo Ave. Cost is $3. 843-2473.  

Macy Blackman & The Mighty Fines at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $14. 841-JAZZ.  

MC Zion, Jack Sprat Collective, hip hop and funk, at 8:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $13. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com  

David Grisman Bluegrass Experience at 5 and 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $34.50-$35.50. 548-1761.  

2ME, CD release party, at 10 p.m. at Beckett’s Irish Pub, 2271 Shattuck Ave. 647-1790.  

Lost Cats, with Jim Passard at 8 p.m. at Spuds Pizza, 3290 Adeline St. Cost is $7-$10. 558-0881. 

Stymie and the Pimp Jones Luv Orchestra, The Funkanauts at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $10. 841-2082.  

Roy Hargrove Big Band at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square, through Wed. Cost is $18-$28, Dec. 31 $100. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

SUNDAY, DEC. 28 

THEATER 

“The Big Fat Year End Kiss Off Comedy Show XVI” with Will Durst, Johnny Steele, Steven Kravitz, Debi Durst and others at 7 p.m. at Julia Morgan Center for the Arts, 2640 College Ave. Tickets are $15-$20. brownpapertickets.com 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Mike Marshall & Catrina Lichtenberg at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $20.50-$21.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Val Mih Quartet, with special guest Eddie Gale, at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $14. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

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

MONDAY, DEC. 29 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Poetry Express “Between the Holidays Erotic Poetry Night” at 7 p.m. at Priya Restaurant, 2072 San Pablo Ave. 644-3977. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Singing For Your Life with members of SoVoSó and special guests, from noon to midnight at First Congregational Church of Oakland, 2501 Harrison St., at 27th. Suggested donation $10 and up, benefits Arts First Oakland. 444-8511, ext. 15.  

Roy Hargrove Big Band at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square, through Wed. Cost is $18-$28, Dec. 31 $100. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

TUESDAY, DEC. 30 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Tee Fee Swamp Boogie at 8:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cajun dance lesson at 8 p.m. Cost is $10. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 31 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

San Francisco Chamber Orchestra “Leading Ladies” with Amanda King, vocalist, Robin Sharp, violinist, and Gwen Mok, pianist, at 8 p.m. at First Congregational Church, 2345 Channing Way. Free. 415-248-1640. www.sfchamberorchestra.org 

Bobi Cespedes & Her Quintet at 7 and 10 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is tba. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

High Country, Dix Bruce & Jim Nunally at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $26.50-$27.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Orquesta La Moderna Tradición, Cuban dance music, at 9:30 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $25-$28. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Balkan Bash with Edessa, Brass Menageri, Joe Finn & Friends, at 8 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $20. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

The 2008 Beatdown, hosted by The Mundaze, at 10 p.m. at Beckett’s Irish Pub, 2271 Shattuck Ave. 647-1790. www.beckettsirishpub.com 

Chuck Prophet, Aiden Hawken at 9:45 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $25-$30. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com 

Code Name: Jonah at 9 p.m. at Jupiter. 843-8277. 

Roy Hargrove Big Band at 9 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square, through Wed. Cost is $100. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

More than two years ago (April 25, 2006) the Daily Planet published my profile of Margot Blum Schevill. In that piece I emphasized Margot’s successful, even smooth, transition from one creative phase to another. A well-known singer when I first knew her over thirty years ago, Margot had completed a degree in anthropology and had become an authority on the Maya textiles of Guatemala, both as art and as history of a culture.  

At that time she had completed two books about Maya textiles: “Maya Textiles of Guatemala and The Maya Textile Tradition (with photos by Jeffrey Jay Foxx). In addition, she had just narrated and coauthored Splendor in the Highlands, a half-hour documentary DVD with videographer Kathleen Mossman Vitale, introducing the weaving styles and techniques of 22 Maya weavers of Guatemala. As soon as they could get funding, Margot and Kathleen planned make an hour-long documentary, covering a longer time period. It would start with the 1902 collection gathered by Dr. Gustavus A. Eisen, during an expedition financed by Phoebe Hearst, and continuing up to the present (A Century of Color: Maya Weaving & Textiles now available from Endangered Threads Documentaries, 1530 Tuolumne St., Vallejo, CA 94590).  

As if that were not enough to keep her busy, Margot had been asked to curate an exhibition of Guatemalan/Maya textiles at—appropriately enough—the Phoebe A. Hearst Museum at Kroeber Hall on the UC campus. The exhibition, titled “Traje De La Vida: Maya Textiles of Guatemala,” opened on Sept. 25 and will run through most of next year, with rotating exhibits, in the tidy space reached by going through the Museum Bookstore. 

For an ignorant layperson like myself (as well as for the better-informed who know what to look for!), Margot and the PAHMA staff have made impressive, yet welcoming, use of this space. On the walls of a far corner in the back of the hall, facing each other, are ongoing, silent films of Guatemala in the early 20th century and today, giving images of historical context.  

If you can visit the museum by Jan. 9, you might catch Martina Jimenez weaving a piece using the traditional “backstrap loom.” (Ms. Jimenez speaks not only her native Mayan language, Mam, but Spanish too, if you want to ask her a question about her ongoing demonstration.) 

Among the displays of glass-enclosed garments, well lit and hung to show their intricate design, there are videos by Kathleen Vitale of other Guatemalan Maya, each speaking one of the 22 Mayan languages, then translating their remarks into Spanish, with English subtitles. There are family scenes too, but, says Kathleen, “I never photograph a child unless he or she is enrolled in school—their best chance for a good life in these times—otherwise I would be exploiting child labor!” 

Which brings up the ways in which the tortured history of Guatemalan oppression and civil wars (as Margot explains) are woven into these textiles—in the very fabrics used, the materials available, the dyeing processes, the uses of the clothing. Margot points out that most of the Maya men “wear jeans and T-shirts now, and speak Spanish, lest they be targeted for ‘execution’ in the still ongoing violence.” Yet the beauty of the displayed clothing seems to triumph over the dangers that threaten these people and their traditional art.  

But this is not an overtly political exhibit. It has a lighter side. We are invited to try on some colorful shirts, pantalones, or exquisite and elaborate blouses or huipiles, and then admire ourselves in a conveniently placed full-length mirror. We can laugh (as the Maya obviously succeeded in doing) at the silly ferocity of a spangled, life-sized figure of a conquistador. And we may even hope for good luck emanating from a life-sized image of Marimón—a saint? a god?—even the Maya aren’t sure. 

This is a classy exhibit, worth visiting several times as it changes through the next year, displaying other examples of clothing that is art. Or just to take a second look at some of the intricate, decorative complexities of what is hanging there now. 

Of course, the danger is that you might not be able to leave through that gift shop without buying a unique huipil, a documentary DVD, a book, or, at least, a woven handbag. So relax, already, and do it. The money will go to a good cause, helping the Maya artists and these “endangered threads” to survive. 

Teachers: There are one-hour docent tours that meet California State Content Standards in Social Studies, Visual Arts, and Language Arts. Call 643-7649 or contact pahmaeducation@berkeley.edu. 

Traje De La Vida:  

Maya Textiles of Guatemala 

10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday;  

noon-4 p.m. Sunday, at the Phoebe A. Hearst Museum, 103 Kroeber Hall, UC Berkeley (Bancroft at College). Free admission.  

Mz. Dee’s Medicine Show, a new musical variety TV series, hosted by lifelong local jazz and R&B singer Mz. Dee, will be cable- and web-cast live on BETV Channel 28 and BETV.org, 2 p.m., this Saturday, from the Berkeley Community Media studio. 

The show will feature local talent and locations. Guests will include guitarist Risa Gratiano, harmonica player Bird Leg, Berkeley High student and pianist Andre Couture, musical members of Mz. Dee’s family—her brother, Mr. Pockets, on drums and nephew, Playboy, as MC—and her band, the VIPs. “It’ll be a big party, live with a live studio audience, party favors, balloons and dancing.” 

The show will also include interviews with a range of artists from different disciplines, as well as public service announcements focusing on agencies that help the disadvantaged in the Bay Area. 

Future locations will include Anna’s Jazz Island, the JazzSchool in Berkeley and Dorothy King’s Q-Lounge at her Everett & Jones BBQ Restaurant in Oakland. 

Mz. Dee was a featured vocalist with bandleader Johnny Otis and has sung on CD with Bonnie Raitt and at Italy’s Umbria Jazz Festival, besides playing in Ascension of the Blues with Berkeley singer Nicholas Bearde and others. She characterizes herself as “fortunate enough to sing all different styles—jazz, blues, soul, classical, popular tunes ... My mother’s a church organist—not so much Gospel, per se, more Methodist anthems and classical arias. She played for the Church by the Side of the Road on Adeline and for Phillips Temple, for Taylor Methodist and now for Mills Grove Disciples of Christ. It sounds like a bunch of gigs! I call her the Minister of Music, though she corrects me by saying she’s not a minister, but she’s directed massed choirs, been voted best organist in the area, and is a great singer. She used to sing opera.” 

Her mother didn’t teach her music, however.  

“She’d say ‘Not my own children!’ Didn’t think that would work out. But I heard her instructions, just picked it up from her—and growing up, heard all that good music from the Beatles ... I wanted to be a rock star! Then got more into Soul and R&B, listening to Sly and the Family Stone, Tower of Power—the best. I opened for James Brown and he later told a friend of mine, ‘She’s got a lot of Soul.’”  

She also cites “hanging out with Ruth Brown, a wonderful influence in my life. I miss her. And I’ve been fortunate to go on tour in Europe 14 or 15 times. I’m going back to Germany in April for two weeks.” 

Mz. Dee has a CD available on CD Baby, Mz. Dee—Real Woman/Real Soul. “I play a little piano and write songs that way. Some will be on my new CD, hopefully out by summer.” 

Mz. Dee has hosted a TV show before, “about seven years ago, in Alameda, ‘Dee Talks’—people thought it was ‘Detox’! I want to network using television, to help promote other musicians and show good places to hear music. Club business is bad now. We’re making the same money we did in 1980. That’s where the blues is from, trying to get that paycheck, feed your family. And it’s hard to go out and party like we used to—to see a good band costs a lot. People are sitting at home at their computers. They can see us on the web stream.” 

Mz. Dee sums it all up: “You got to keep giving back, remember where you came from. Taking care of everything. I’ve been out of the circuit about a year now, I think. I’ve got no sense of time, except within the song! Some might think I’m emerging again. I’ve been here all the time, but I got to get it back in gear!”

Teen Playreaders, which meets weekly at the Berkeley Public Library to read aloud from plays and monologues, have invited the whole community to their free show of Bizarre Shorts, featuring short plays, musical numbers and monologues (some original), “something for everybody, from Shakespeare to Sondheim to Stoppard,” 7:30 p.m., this Saturday at the Willard Middle School Metal Shop Theater, 2425 Stuart St. (off Telegraph). 

Debbie Carton, who organized Teen Readers eight years ago as a program of Teen Services and Friends of the Library, noted the free price tag at the door “wasn’t a case of getting what you pay for.” 

“It’s good!” she said. “That’s my role: I play the Roman emperor the night before the show, thumbs up or down. I’m ruthless! The kids start out ambitious—when you get a bunch of them together, they want to put on a show—but we don’t want to hurt the audience, so what doesn’t work gets nibbled away.” 

Even if “there’s no torture, there’s a tortuous piece” from Sweeney Todd, “and the kids can sing!” Then there’s “the catfight scene” from A Midsummer Night’s Dream (“teens can relate to it—like high school romance!”) and “the ‘Dead in a box’ scene” from Rosenkrantz and Guildenstern. There are two original monologues, one from a poetry slam that starts with prose and goes into rap, and “a surprise finale, ‘I’m So Glad to Be a Girl,’ with the girls dressed as men, singing the chorus, while the boys mince out onstage in drag!” All the pieces performed are “no more than 10 minutes, no more than six people.”  

Andy Cantor, a Berkeley High student who has been into theater since age 9, started going to Teen Playreaders “about eight months ago. I heard about it from Libby Vega, who I met in the summer program of the California Shakespeare Conservatory, assistant-directing a production of King Lear.” 

Cantor was “kind of nervous” going to Playreaders, but “everybody was so sweet, so accepting,” she felt a part of the group.  

She characterizes it as “a bunch of kids, some really talented, putting on characters, playing all the parts to the hilt, getting goofy—but even when it’s quieter, we’re still getting together to have fun.”  

Everybody plays all the roles—they often switch off at the punctuation in a line—and even “very quiet kids, with little voice” that Cantor has observed “really enjoyed themselves and kept coming back.”  

There’s been hard work—“a lot of singing lessons, tons of rehearsing,” said Cantor, but “every single person is so committed. It’s fun because we all know each other. We’re determined to make it a really good show. What strikes me about Playreaders is that we can do that with hardly any adult involvement. It’s inspired me to go off and do my own stuff, to direct.” 

“It shows what happens when you empower kids. I hate that word!” laughs Cantor. “They participate as much as they like. Teens like to gender-bend—so let ’em!”  

And she promises the audience won’t be “just warm bodies in folding chairs.” There’s some audience participation, which she calls “the hat trick—but it involves only those who want to participate. The others get let off the hook. But there’s always an element of chance. There’re no ringers in Teen Playreaders!” 

BIZARRE SHORTS 

Presented by Teen Playreaders at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 20, at the Willard Middle School Metal Shop Theater, 2425 Stuart St. Free admission. 981-6236. berkeleypubliclibrary.org.

From the staged, stylized Gospel story of the door-to-door search for shelter and the adoration of the wise men in a stable in Bethlehem to the full-out testifying, choral singing and social pageantry of the African-American church, Lorraine Hansberry theater company’s Black Nativity: A Gospel Celebration of Christmas, now in its 10th year (and Hansberry’s 28th), is playing through Dec. 28 at San Francisco’s PG&E Auditorium. 

With a new script and staging, the show bursts forth with the exuberance of its assembled voices, dancers, musicians and narrator. Its dynamic storytelling, often full of humor, constantly shifts focus, just as the music does for each voice, always bringing it back together in community to tell of the love of birth and creation in exciting rhythms and harmonies. 

Hansberry’s artistic director, Stanley Wil-liams, first gives us the sacred story as told, with the earthy embellishments theater has always brought to the hallowed—then brings on the congregation that enacts and celebrates it in their own Come Sunday glory, a direct address to our emotions, thoughts and all our senses.  

The singing, both choral and solo, is almost continuous, a mix of Gospel songs with a few “gospelized” Christmas carols. Each soloist is distinguished not only by differences in range and timbre from the others, but in mood, manner of delivery, movement and facial expression. 

In the first part on opening night, the story of the nativity itself, the shepherds—as was true in the medieval miracle plays—clown around. The older herdsmen alternate with the younger as cut-buddies, disapproving of the kids’ contemporary singing and rap, ducking in with Motown and Stax numbers. The audience rocked with laughter. 

This lightening of the stylized biblical material, overseen by Allison L. Payne’s warm narration (in the church-going part, she preaches lustily), was just a hint of the opening up of the second part.  

Coming back from intermission to our seats, the audience watched the congregation shown to theirs onstage, white-gloved ushers (Demure Adrianna Bre Harris and the lithe Michael Montgomery, who danced Mary and Joseph in the first half, now come into their own, choreographed by Pjay Phillips), worshippers in full regalia—and attitude, bringing the humor out of the fields of Bethlehem, and a little closer to home. There are some deft touches of satire, even in the midst of stirring anthems.  

Arvis Strickling-Jones, raised in the Bay Area and a world traveler as performer and choir director, who brought the San Quentin Inmates Choir to “Good Morning, America” on TV with her song “A Friend,” has returned to shine as music director and principal artist (Robin Hodge-Williams, another past music director of Black Nativity, will step in Dec. 20-21). 

Yvonne Cobb and Sherral Strickling-McCall assist in musical direction and sing with the choir, which—with the dancers joining in—comes close to 20 voices. Each deserves her own review. On this crowded—sometimes overwhelmed—stage, the musicians are invisible but never unheard, swinging away behind the scenes: Kenneth Little, conducting from the keyboards, James “Booyah” Richard on bass and drummer Troy Hill. 

The designers (Rose Plant, costumes; set, Robert Broadfoot; Matthew Royce, lights; Ian Hunter, sound) and the techs have transformed a handsome corporate auditorium into a theater (Hansberry having just lost their longtime downtown SF home) to stage a tabernacle. 

Easy to praise Black Nativity and its wonderful cast and crew; hard to get across the sheer exuberance—and fun—they convey their deep-down message for the holidays. It’s delightful just to sit and watch it unfold. But the audience never just sits—toes tap, hands are clapping or being shaken by the choir, moving from the stage, up and down the aisles. 

BLACK NATIVITY 

Through Dec. 28 at the PG&E Auditorium, 77 Beale St., San Francisco. $18–36. 

(415) 474-8800. LHTSF.org