THURSDAY, MARCH 12 

Blake Garden Walk for Age 50+ Tour the UC Berkeley Landscape Architecture Department’s 10-acre Kensington estate from 9 to 11 a.m. Meet at garden gate at 70 Rincon Rd., Kensington (AC Transit 7). Free but numbers limited; register at Albany Senior Center, 846 Masonic Ave., 524-9122, or Albany Community Center, 1249 Marin. 524-9283. For information contact walk leader Susan Schwartz, f5creeks@aol.com, 848-9358. 

Golden Gate Audubon Society Field Trip to the Berkeley Fishing Pier. Meet at 8 a.m. at the beginning of the pier, just south of Skates restaurant. 540-8749. www.goldengateaudubon.org 

Berkeley Housing Authority Annual Plan discussion at 2 p.m. at BHA, 1901 Fairview St. Plan is available at www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/bha 

Tilden Nature Area Docent Training from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fee. is $35. For an application or information call 544-3260. www.ebparks.org 

14th Collages des Cultures Africaines series of West African Dance & Drum Workshops taking place at the Malonga Casquelourd Center for the Arts, 1428 Alice St., Oakland, through Sun. For details contact 733-1077. www.DiamanoCoura.org 

Purim Carnival & Silent Auction from 12:30 to 3 p.m. at Temple Beth Hillel, 801 Park Central, Richmond. 223-2560. www.templebethhillelrichmond.org 

East Bay Mac Users Group meets to discuss UPEK, biometric fingerprint security solutions, at 7 p.m. at Expression College for Digital Arts, 6601 Shellmound St., Emeryville. http://ebmug.org 

Red Cross Blood Drive from 1 to 7 p.m. at 2106 Shattuck Ave. To schedule an appointment go to www.BeADonor.com  

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

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. 

Free Meditation Class at 7 p.m. every Tues. and Thurs. at Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarians, 2nd flr. , 1606 Bonita Ave. at Cedar. 931-7742. 

Buddhist Class on Shikan Meditation at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists, Cedar at Bonita, through May 28. http://caltendai.org 

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, MARCH 13 

City Commons Club Noon Luncheon with Kiyolo Woodhouse, docent, Asian Art Museum, “Japanese Art and Its Context in Japanese Daily Life” Luncheon at 11:45 a.m. for $15, speech at 12:30 p.m., at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant St. For information and reservations call 524-7468. www.citycommonsclub.org 

Dafur Take Action Event with student-led workshops, discussion and plans for action from 6 p.m. to midnight in Room 159, Mulford Hall, UC campus. Donation $3. 972- 567-1605.  

“American Sandinista” A documentary about the life and execution of Ben Linder, a young American supporter of the Sandinista revolution in Nicaragua, at 7 p.m. at Berkeley City College Auditorium, 2050 Center St. Both the film-maker and the author of the investigation the film is based on will be present for questions after the film. Free. 

Conscientious Projector Film Series “9/11 Press for Truth” at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists, 1924 Cedar St. 841-4824. 

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. 

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

SATURDAY, MARCH 14 

Race Judicata: 10k Run/5k Run-Walk Fundraiser for UC Berkeley Environmental Law Summer Fellowship, from 10 a.m. to noon, registration starts at 9:15 a.m. at the Kroeber Fountain, corner of Bancroft Way and College Ave. Cost is $30. 619-992-9619. 

Disaster Preparedness Workshop with representatives from Albany Fire Department and Bay Area Seismic Retrofit, at 4 p.m. at Albany High School, 603 Key Route Blvd., Albany. 229-9651. http://albanytoday.org 

Improve AC Transit Line #51 Community Meeting at 10:30 a.m. at AC Transit General Offices, 1600 Franklin St. 891-4755. Report is avaiable at http://www2.actransit.org/planning_focus/details.wu?item_id=50 

Little Farm Poultry Pals Learn about the different breeds and their personalities at 2:30 p.m. at the Little Farm, Tilden Park. 525-2233. 

Workshop: Eat Local Learn about how to eat more from your local foodshed, by gleaning and foraging edible weeds, alternative food sources and food preservation. Includes a short walk. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Ecology Center, 2530 San Pablo Ave. Cost is $10-$15. Advanced registration required. 548-2220, ext. 233. 

Spring Equinox Compost and Cultivation at 10 a.m. at The Edible Schoolyard. To register, contact Kyle Cornforth, Program Coordinator kyle@chezpanissefoundation.org 

Rhododendron Walk through the Garden from 10 a.m. to noon at UC Botanical Gardens. Cost is $12-$15. Reservations required. 643-2755. botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu 

“The Tyranny of Oil: The World’s Most Powerful Industry—And What We Must Do To Stop It” with activist and author Antonia Juahsz, at 7 p.m. at the Alameda Free Library, 1550 Oak St., Alameda. Suggested donation $5; no one is turned away. 814-9592. 

Healthy Communities Financial Freedom Conference from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., registration at 9:30 a.m. at Richmond Auditorium, 403 Civic Center Plaza, Richmond. 568-5899. 

The Richmond Plunge: A Remarkable Look Inside” The public is invited to look at the restoration in progress from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Garrard Blvd at West Richmond Ave., Richmond. www.richmondplunge.org 

Strait Talk Symposium with student from China, Taiwan and the U.S. on their historic discussions at 10 a.m. at IEAS Conference Room, 6th flr., 2223 Fulton St.  

“Vietnam Journey” A report-back by members of the CCDS delegation at 10:30 a.m. at Savo Island Community Caenter, 2017 Stuart St. 841-0738. 

Annual Burma Human Rights Day Benefit Join us for a Burmese style dinner and Burma documentary film along with two speakers on Burma, Min Zin and Zoya Phan at 6 p.m. at Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists Hall, 1924 Cedar, at Bonita. Suggested donation of $15 benefits the Burmese American Democratic Alliance. 485-3751. www.badasf.org 

“Grow Your Own Salad” with Stefani Bittner, at 10 a.m. at Magic Gardens, 729 Heinz Ave. 644-2351. 

Family Yoga at 10:30 a.m. at Niroga Center for Healing, 1808 University Ave. between MLK Way and Grant St. All classes by donation. 704-1330. www.niroga.org 

“Keeping Cool in the Fire: Becoming More Skillful with Inner or Outer Conflict” A two-day training with Lawrence Ellis and Donald Rothberg, Sat. from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sun. from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at East Bay Meditation Center, 2147 Broadway, Oakland. Donations accepted. Register at www.eastbaymeditation.org/event/55 

The East Bay Chapter of The Great War Society meets to discuss “The Russians Are Coming To the Western Front” by Michael Hanlon at 10:30 a.m. at the Albany Veterans Hall, 1325 Portland Ave., Albany. 527-7718. 

Head Shaving Event to benefit Children's Hospital & Research Center Oakland from noon to 6 p.m. at Bay Street Plaza, Emeryville. 655-4002. www.baystreetemeryville.com 

American Red Cross Free CPR Training throughout the East Bay. Register today and learn lifesaving skills that will better prepare you and your family for emergencies. For a detailed list of other training sites and to pre-register, visit RedCrossCPRSaturday.org. Registration is also available by phone at 888-686-3600. 

Train Your House Rabbit Learn how to get your pet bunny to come when called and other tricks at 10 a.m. at RabbitEARS, 377 Colusa Ave., Kensington. 525-6155. 

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.  

Lawn Bowling on the green at the corner of Acton St. and Bancroft Way every Wed. and Sat. at 10 a.m. for ages 12 and up. Wear flat soled shoes, no heels. Free lessons. 841-2174.  

SUNDAY, MARCH 15 

“California’s Families” A family exploration day from 1 to 4 p.m. at Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak sts., Oakland. Cost is $5-$8. 238-2200. www.museumca.org 

“Compost 101” Learn the basics of composting and how to use this nutrient-rich material in your home garden, at 11 a.m. at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. 525-2233. 

“Allensworth: California’s African-American Town” A panel discussion with historians Susan Anderson and Guy Washington and authors Alice C. Royal, Mickey Ellinger and Scott Braley, at 2 p.m. at Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak sts., Oakland. Cost is $5-$8. 238-2200. www.museumca.org 

Trails Challenge: Kennedy Grove This hike explores the hills, early flowers and late winter wildlife. Bring a lunch. Meet at Fern Cottage, at 11 a.m. 525-2233. 

Solo Sierrans Wildflower Walk, Mitchell Canyon, Mount Diablo State Park, Clayton. Leisurely loop walk to enjoy spring wildflowers in a scenic canyon. Meet at 2 p.m. in Interpretive Center parking area at end of Mitchell Canyon Rd. $5 parking fee. Rain cancels. After hike, optional stop nearby for refreshments. 925-458-0860. 

Fiber & Dye Exhibit opens at the UC Botanical Gardens, and runs through April 5. Cost is $12-$15. 643-2755. botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu 

“Learning from the Absurd” lecture by South African artist William Kentridge and hosted by the Townsend Center for the Humanities, at 5 p.m. at Hertz Hall, UC campus. Free and open to the public. 643-9670. 

Red Cross Blood Drive from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Temple Beth Abraham, Social Hall, 327 MacArthur Blvd., Oakland. To schedule an appointment go to www.BeADonor.com  

Personal Theology Seminars with Helene Knox on “My Spiritual Odyssey as Embodied in my Poems” at 10 a.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, 1 Lawson Rd., Kensington. 525-0302, ext. 306. 

East Bay Atheists meet to watch a video of Richard Dawkins at the 2007 Atheists Alliance International Convention, at 1:30 p.m. at Berkeley Main Library, 3rd Floor Meeting Room, 2090 Kittredge St. 222-7580. 

Tibetan Buddhism with Mark Henderson on “Sacred Art and Prayer Wheels: An Avenue to Light” at 6 p.m. at the Tibetan Nyingma Institute, 1815 Highland Pl. 809-1000.  

“Today’s Global Meltdown and the Dialectics of Organization and Philosophy” at 6:30 p.m. at Niebyl-Proctor Marxist Library, 6501 Telegraph Ave., Oakland. 658-1448. 

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 

Sew Your Own Open Studio Come learn to use our industrial and domestic machines, or work on your own projects, from 2 to 6 p.m. at 84 Bolivar Dr., Aquatic Park. Also on Thurs. from 2 to 6 p.m. Cost is $5 per hour. 644-2577.  

MONDAY, MARCH 16 

“Thinking Green: How Can Information Replace Energy and Finesse the Biosphere?” with Stewart Brand at 7:30 p.m. in Sibley Auditorium, Bechtel Engineering Center, UC campus. 642-0635. http://bcnm.berkeley.edu 

Mills College MBA Information Session with concentrations in socially responsible business, nonprofit management, global business, finance, and marketing at the Lorry I. Lokey Graduate School of Business at 7 - 8:30 p.m. in Reinhardt Hall, Mills College, 5000 MacArthur Blvd., Oakland. Please RSVP to mba@mills.edu www.mills.edu/mba/ 

“Rachel Corrie Rememberance” with a report back from Gaza by Darlene and Donna Wallack at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists, 1924 Cedar St. 841-4824. 

Red Cross Blood Drive from noon to 5 p.m. at the University Village Gymnasium, 1125 Jackson St., Albany. To schedule an appointment go to www.BeADonor.com 

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. 

Community Yoga Class 10 a.m. at James Kenney Parks and Rec. Center at Virginia and 8th. Seniors and beginners welcome. Cost is $6. 207-4501. 

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

Small-Business Counseling Free one-hour one-on-one counseling to help you start and run your small business with a volunteer from Service Core of Retired Executives, Mon. evenings by appointment at Berkeley Public Library, 2090 Kittredge St. For appointment call 981-6148. www.eastbayscore.org 

ASUC Student Legal Clinic provides free legal research and case intake. Drop-in hours Mon.-Thurs. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. anfd Fri. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., UC campus. 642-9986. asuclegalclinic@gmail.com 

World Affairs/Politics Discussion Group, for people 60 years and over, meets at 9:45 a.m. at Albany Senior Center, 846 Masonic Ave, Albany. Cost is $3.  

Berkeley CopWatch organizational meeting at 8 p.m. at 2022 Blake St. Join us to work on current issues around police misconduct. Volunteers needed. For information call 548-0425. 

Dragonboating Year round classes at the Berkeley Marina, Dock M. Meets Mon, Wed., Thurs. at 6 p.m. Sat. at 10:30 a.m. For details see www.dragonmax.org 

Free Boatbuilding Classes for Youth from 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 5 p.m. at Berkeley Boathouse, 84 Bolivar Dr., Aquatic Park. Classes cover woodworking, boatbuilding, and boat repair. 644-2577. www.watersideworkshops.org 

TUESDAY, MARCH 17 

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 Miller/Knox Regional Shoreline. Call for meeting place and if you need to borrow binoculars. 544-3265. 

Tilden Explorers An after-school nature adventure program for 5-7 year olds. We will explore spring ponds from 3:15 to 4:15 p.m.. Cost is $6-$8, registration required. 1-888-EBPARKS. 

“Extending Your Garden Season with Perennials” with Nicole Hackett at 2 p.m. at the United Methodist Church,1953 Hopkins St. 524-7296. 

“Growing Sustainability in a Low-Carbon World” Speaker series sponsored by Inst. for Urban and Regional Development at 6 p.m. at the UCB Faculty Club. http://iurd.berkeley.edu 

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Open House from 10 a.m. to noon at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant at Ellsworth. RSVP to 642-9934. http://olli.berkeley.edu 

“Evolution: The First Four Billion Years” with Eugenie Scott and David Wake at 5:30 p.m. at University Press Books, 2430 Bancroft Way. 548-0585. www.universitypressbooks.com 

“If I Were You, I Wouldn't Start from Here: Understanding Oxford Through Its Past” Illustrated talk by Christopher Day, M.A., FSA, university lecturer and Fellow of Kellogg College at Oxford University at 4:30 p.m. at UC Berkeley Extension, 1995 University Ave. Call for reservations 642-4111. 

Habitot’s Shamrock Day For children ages 0-6. Irish music at 10:30 a.m. Interactive storytelling at 11:30 a.m. at 2065 Kittredge St. Cost is $7-$8. www.habitot.org 

“Adventures in East Africa: Kilimanjaro Climb and Safari” at 7 p.m. at REI, 1338 San Pablo Ave. 527-4140. 

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., Sat. and Sun. from 2 to 6 p.m. at at 84 Bolivar Dr., Aquatic Park. 644-2577. www.watersideworkshops.org 

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

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

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. 

Bridge for beginners from 1 to 2:15 p.m., all others 1 to 4 p.m. Sing-A-Long at 2:30 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-5190. 

Rhythm Tap Exercise Class Tues. at 5 p.m. at Redwood Gardens, 2951 Derby St. Donation $2. 548-9840. 

Qi Gong Meditation 7:30 p.m. at 830 Bancroft Way, Lotus Room 114. Cost is $5-$10. 883-1920. tgif@tiangong.org 

Free Meditation Class at 7 p.m. every Tues. and Thurs. at Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarians, 2nd flr. , 1606 Bonita Ave. at Cedar. 931-7742. 

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18 

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 Retired Teachers Association Annual Meeting with Jenefer Baune, founder of Elder Financial Protection Network at 12:30 p.m. at Northbrae Community Church, 941 Tha Alameda.  

Foreclosure Prevention Information Session at 6 p.m. at The HomeOwnership Center, 3301 East 12th St., Suite 201, Oakland. To register call 535-6943. homeownership@unitycouncil.org 

Alameda County History Day Competition for students in grades 4-12 at 3:30 p.m. at the Oakland Museum of California, 1000 Oak St., Oakland. To register call 670-4329. ablack@acoe.org 

Forum on the Death Penalty with Deldep Medina, California Crime Victims spokesperson, Delane Sims, ACLU-NC Outreach Coordinator, Judy Kerr, California Crime Victims spokesperson, Darryl Stallworth, Former Alameda County prosecutor, Aaron Owens, wrongfully convicted in Alameda County at 6 p.m. at Berkeley City College Auditorium, 2050 Center St. www.AlamedaDeathPenalty.org  

“Trashed” A doumentary on the garbage business at 7:30 p.m. at Humanist Hall, 390 27th St., Oakland. Donation $5. www.Humanist Hall.org 

“Eat To Live, Don't Live To Eat!” at 6:30 p.m. at the Gertonson Institute, 828 San Pablo Ave, Suite 115, Albany. 

Simplicty Forum on permaculture and rabbit raising with Dawn Pillsbury, at 6:30 p.m. at Claremont Branch Library, 2940 Benvenue Ave. 

Rosie the Riveter/World War II Home Front National Historical Park General Management Plan discussion from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Richmond City Council Chambers, interim Richmond City Hall, 1401 Marina Way South. For information on the plan call 232-5050.  

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

Walk Berkeley for Seniors meets every Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. at the Sea Breeze Market, just west of the I-80 overpass. Everyone is welcome, wear comfortable shoes and a warm hat. 548-9840. 

Theraputic Recreation at the Berkeley Warm Pool, Wed. at 3:30 p.m. and Sat. at 10 a.m. at the Berkeley Warm Pool, 2245 Milvia St. Cost is $4-$5. Bring a towel. 632-9369. 

Berkeley Peace Walk and Vigil at the Berkeley BART Station, corner of Shattuck and Center. Sing for Peace at 6:30 p.m. followed by Peace Walk at 7 p.m. www.geocities.com/vigil4peace/vigil 

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

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, MARCH 19 

“Tracking South Bay Birds” a talk by Stephanie Ellies of the San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory at 12:30 p.m. at Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak sts., Oakland. 238-2200. www.museumca.org 

“Common Murre Breeding Ground Restoration” with Peter Kappes of the UC Fish and Wildilfe Service, at 7:30 p.m. at Northbrae Community Churhc, 941 The Alameda. Sponsored by Golden Gate Audubon Society. 843-2222. www.goldengateaudubon.org 

Tilden Nature Area Docent Training from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fee. is $35. For an application or information call 544-3260. www.ebparks.org 

“Our Life in Gardens” with Joe Eck and Wayne Winterrowd at 2 p.m. at UC Botanical Gardens. Cost is $12-$15. Reservations required. 643-2755. botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu 

“Creating Affordable Homes: Challenges and Opportunities” a symposium at 7 p.m. at 112 Wurster Hall, UC campus. Sponsored by Resources for Community Development. 841-4410, ext. 10. 

Berkeley Entrepreneurs Forum “Surviving and Thriving during the Downturn” at 6:30 p.m. at Andersen Auditorium; Haas School of Business. UC campus. http://entrepreneurship.berkeley.edu 

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

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

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. 

Free Meditation Class at 7 p.m. every Tues. and Thurs. at Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarians, 2nd flr. , 1606 Bonita Ave. at Cedar. 931-7742. 

Buddhist Class on Shikan Meditation at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists, Cedar at Bonita, through May 28. http://caltendai.org 

“Four Actions to Resolve Conflict Inside & Out” at 7:15 p.m. at Center for Transformative Change, 2584 Martin Luther King Jr Way. RSVP to register@transformativechange.org 

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, MARCH 20 

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

City Commons Club Noon Luncheon with Leigh Robinson on “Hiking to the Mount Everest Base Camp” Luncheon at 11:45 a.m. for $15, speech at 12:30 p.m., at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant St. For information and reservations call 524-7468. www.citycommonsclub.org 

Demonstrate for Peace! Bring your signs and determination, at 2 p.m. at Acton and University Ave. 

“Unleaded, Please!” Art auction to benefit West Oakland and the Environmental Movement for Clean Air, with art, documentary showing, live entertainment, and more, from 5 to 8:30 p.m. at Excel High School, 2607 Myrtle St., Oakland. Suggested donation $3-$20. RSVP to www.mobaganda.com/unleadedplease 

“Shutdown: The Rise and Fall of Direct Action to Stop the War” Film Screening at 7 p.m. at the AK Press Warehouse, 674-A 23rd St., Oakland. Free. 208-1700. akpress.org 

Free Yoga Classes with Sofia Diaz March 20-29 at Rudramandir, 830 Bancroft Way, at 6th. 486-8700. www.rudramandir.com 

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

Three Beats for Nothing Mostly ancient part music for fun and practice meets every Fri. at 10 a.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center, Hearst at MLK. 655-8863. asiecker@sbcglobal 

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

SATURDAY, MARCH 21 

Golden Gate Audubon Society Field Trip to Arrowhead Marsh, Martin Luther King Jr. Shoreline. Meet at 9:30 a.m. at the last parking lot. 316-8932. www.goldenagteaudubon.org 

Help Restore the Berkeley Meadow with Friends of Five Creeks by removing invasives and restoring habitat. Meet at 10 a.m. at the north side of University Ave., opposite Sea Breeze market. Tools, gloves and snacks provided. Dress for all weather, in clothes that can get dirty. 848-9358. www.fivecreeks.org 

Lakeshore Neighborhood Plant Exchange from noon to 4 p.m. at 3811 Lakeshore Ave., Oakland. Recycle and trade your cuttings and divided plants. Other gardening accessories also available. Open to all. For information see www.plantexchange.wordpress.com 

Green Thumb Workshop for ages 8 and up from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the James Kenney Recreation Center garden, 1720 Eighth St. Bring a sack lunch and gardening gloves. 981-6650. 

Youth Spirit Artwork’s Tile Painting and Mosaic Making Day from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the east side of the intersection at Fairview and California sts. We’ll paint tiles on the topic of health and pledge ways to take better care of ourselves in 2009. Free. Rain cancels. 282-0396. 

Spring Equinox Gathering, with a mini-workshop on the seasons, at 6:30 p.m. at Chavez Memorial Solar Calendar at Sesar Chavez Park. Dress warmly. www.ecologycenter.org/chavez 

St. Mary’s High School Panther Pride Night Fundraiser with “The Magic of Music” by J’ LaChic, and sports memorabilia auction, at 5:30 p.m. at the high school. Tickets are $65, includes buffet. 521-3256. www.saintmaryschs.org 

Rosie the Riveter Trust Annual Fundraising Dinner in the historic Machine Shop at Shipyard No. 3, a building not usually open to the public. Tickets are $150. 235-1315. www.rosietheriveter.org 

East Bay Baby Fair An event for new and expecting parents from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Albany Veterans Memorial Building, 1325 Portland Ave., Albany. www.eastbaybabyfair.com 

Bees and Backyard Beekeeping with the Kenyan Top Bar System Learn about the life cycles and biology of the honey bee, basic management strategies and equipment needed to get started as a backyard beekeeper from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at The Institute of Urban Homesteading.Cos tis $50-$75. 927-3252. 

Super Smash Brothers Video Game Legacy Tournament benefit for Berkeley High students’ trip to Washington DC. at 6:30 p.m. at Eudemonia at 2154 University Ave. Cost is $10. 705-3193. 

Princess Project East Bay Dress Giveaway for deserving high school students, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 2201 Broadway, Oakland. CA school ID required. www.princessproject.org 

“How Not To Be Funny at Your Own Expense” with Charlotte Cook at the California Writers Club meeting at 10 a.m. at Barnes & Noble, Jack London Square, 98 Broadway, Oakland. 272-0120. www.berkeleywritersclub.org 

“Science Discovery Theatre: Brainiacs” An interactive neural anatomy lesson through performance at 1 p.m., followed by lecture at 2 p.m. at Hall of Health, 2230 Shattuck Ave. (lower level). www.hallofhealth.org 

Little Farm Rabbit Tales Enjoy some bunny-inspired stories, and learn what makes our fuzzy friends’ noses twitch, at 2:30 p.m. at the Little Farm, Tilden Park 525-2233. 

The Houdini Magic Weekend Mentalists, escape artists, sides show artists, ventriloquists and more perform Sat. and Sun. from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Playland-Not-at-the-Beach, 10979 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito. Cost is $10-$15. 592-3002. www.playland-not-at-the-beach.org 

Arroyo Viejo Creek Work Day Help clean up the creek at the Oakland Zoo, from 9 a.m. to noon. All ages welcome. 632-9525, ext. 207. 

“Introduction to Greywater Systems” at 10 a.m. at Magic Gardens, 729 Heinz Ave. 644-2351. 

Sustainable Gardening Class for Children ages 4-9 and their parents 3/21 and 4/4 from 10 a.m. to noon, rain or shine, at East Bay Waldorf School, 3800 Clark Rd., El Sobrante. Cost is $10 per family. Call to reserve a space, 223-3570, ext. 2101. 

Homebuyers Education Workshop from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at The HomeOwnership Center, 3301 East 12th Street, Suite 201, Oakland. To register call 535-6943. homeownership@unitycouncil.org. 

“Is Anybody Out There? Searching for ET with Help from 8 Million Volunteers” Lecture on the possibility of life in the universe, the search for radio and optical signals from other civilizations, and how you can help in the search for ET at 11 a.m. at Genetics and Plant Biology Building Rm 100, UC campus. Free. http://astro.berkeley.edu/~scroft/iya/  

Graphic Design for Middle School Students, six Sat. from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Ex'pression College for Digital Arts, 6601 Shellmound St., Emeryville. Free, but registration required. 289-1295. www.inneractproject.org 

ZooKids Art: Foil Embossing Explore different art techniques with inspiration from animals, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Oakland Zoo. For ages 9-11. Cost is $20-$25. To register call 632-9525, ext. 200. 

Small Critter Adoption Fair with mice, rats, hamsters, guinea pigs and rabbits from 1 to 4 p.m. at Rabbit Ears, 377 Colusa Ave, Kensington. 525-6155. 

Persian New Year with painting “tokhme-morgh” eggs and planting “sabzeh” wheatgrass, and story-telling, from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Habitot at 2065 Kittredge St. Cost is $7-$8. www.habitot.org 

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 

Lawn Bowling on the green at the corner of Acton St. and Bancroft Way every Wed. and Sat. at 10 a.m. for ages 12 and up. Wear flat soled shoes, no heels. Free lessons. 841-2174.  

Car Wash Benefit for Options Recovery Services of Berkeley, held every Sat. from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Lutheran Church, 1744 University Ave. 666-9552. 

SUNDAY, MARCH 22 

Eco-House Tour A tour of the Ecology Center’s environmental demonstration site to learn about simple improvements you can make to green your home, from 10 a.m. or 1 p.m. Cost is $10-$15. Registration required. 548-2220, ext. 242.  

Golden Gate Audubon Society Field Trip to Berkeley Waterfront to see the last of winter ducks and shorebirds. Meet at 9 a.m. in the last parking lot on the right before University Ave. 549-2839. www.goldenagteaudubon.org 

“Pond, James Pond” Hear aquatic tales of intrigue and use nets to spy on this dymanic habitat, from 10:30 a.m. to noon at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. 525-2233. 

Gone Trackin’ Study tracks, scat and other signs left behind by critters to learn who is doing what, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. 525-2233. 

“Black Passenger, Yellow Cabs” Jamaican author Stefhen Bryan will read from his memoir of life in Japan at 3 p.m. at Jamaican Soul Café, 2057 San Pablo Ave., at Addison. 260-4647. www.blackpassenger.com 

“People’s Park Then and Now” A film by Claire Burch in a benefit for Food Not Bombs at 6 p.m. at Unitarian fellowship, 1924 Cedar St. 841-4824. 

“Total Denial” A documentary about Burmese jungle villagers suing an oil company for human rights abuses at 7 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $12-$25. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Super Smash Brothers Video Game Legacy Tournament benefit for Berkeley High students’ trip to Washington DC. at 3:30 p.m. at Eudemonia at 2154 University Ave. Cost is $10. 705-3193. 

Citizen Tribunal: The Murder of Oscar Grant and the Epidemic of Police Brutality from 2 to 6 p.m. at Calvin Simmons Middle School Cafeteria, 2101 35th Ave, Oakland. 725-8754. bayarearevolutionclub@gmail.com 

Tour of the Berkeley City Club, designed by Julia Morgan, from 1 to 4 p.m. at 2315 Durant Ave. 848-7800. 

Michael Harris of San Francisco Voice for Israel at a Temple Beth Hillel Bagel Brunch at 10:15 a.m. at Temple Beth Hillel, 801 Park Central, located off Hilltop Drive at I-80, Richmond. 223-2560. www.templebethhillelrichmond.org 

Free Hands-on Bicycle Clinic Learn how to do a safety inspection, from 10 to 11 a.m. at REI, 1338 San Pablo Ave. Bring your bike and tools. 527-4140. 

Seminar on Estate Jewelry with Elizabeth D’Mitrova from 1 to 3 p.m. at Christensen Heller Gallery, 5829 College Ave., Oakland. 655-5952. 

Personal Theology Seminars with Lynn Gardner on “Transformation Thoughts from a Seminarian: When in doubt, laugh, love and eat chocolate” 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 

Tibetan Buddhism with Sylvia Gretchen on “Teachings on Death and Change” at 6 p.m. at the Tibetan Nyingma Institute, 1815 Highland Pl. 809-1000. www.nyingmainstitute.com 

Sew Your Own Open Studio Come learn to use our industrial and domestic machines, or work on your own projects, from 2 to 6 p.m. at 84 Bolivar Dr., Aquatic Park. Also on Thurs. from 2 to 6 p.m. Cost is $5 per hour. 644-2577. www.watersideworkshops.org 

CITY MEETINGS 

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THURSDAY, MARCH 12 

EXHIBITIONS 

Justice for Oscar Grant Photography Exhibition by Keba Konte. Reception at 5 p.m. at East Side Arts Alliance, 2277 International Blvd., Oakland. 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

“Wild Women of California” A talk by Autumn Stephens at 1p.m. at Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak sts., Oakland. Cost is $5-$8. 238-2200. www.museumca.org 

ZZ Packer at the Story Hour at 5 p.m. at 190 Doe Library, UC campus. Free. 643-0397. storyhour.berkeley.edu 

Poetry Flash with Dobby Gibson and Matt Hart at 7:30 p.m. at Moe’s Books, 2476 Telegraph Ave. 849-2087. 

Fred Kaplan reads from “Lincoln: The Biography of a Writer” at 7:30 p.m. at Mrs. Dalloways, 2904 College Ave. 704-8222. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Diamano Coura West African Dance Company “Collage des Cultures Africaines” dance and drum workshops through Sun. at th e Malonga Casquelourd Center for the Arts, 1428 ALice St., Oakland. For details see www.DiamanoCoura.org 

Little Wolf & The Hell Cats at 8 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $10. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Alasdair Fraser & Natalie Haas at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $22.50-$23.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

“Truth Be Told” Hip Hop and spoken word with Rico Pabon at 8 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $5. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

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

Genralissimo, Ferocious Eagle, Ovipositor at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $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 

FRIDAY, MARCH 13 

THEATER 

Altarena Playhouse “Gypsy” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2 p.m. at Altarena Playhouse, 1409 High St., Alameda, through April 5. Tickets are $17-$20. 523-1553. www.altarena.org 

Berkeley Playhouse “Once On This Island” a family musical, Thurs. at 7 p.m., Fri. and Sat. at 7:30 p.m., Sun. at 1 and 5 p.m. at Ashby Stage, 1901 Ashby Ave., through March 15. Tickets are $22-$28. 665-5565, ext. 397. berkeleyplayhouse.org 

Berkeley Rep “In the Next Room (or the vibrator play)” at 2015 Addison St., through March 15. Tickets are $33-$71. 647-2949. berkeleyrep.org 

Berkeley Rep “Crime and Punishment” at 2025 Addison St., through Mar. 29. Tickets are $27-$71. 647-2949. berkeleyrep.org 

Central Works “The Window Age: A Guided Tour of the Unconscious” Thurs.-Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 5 p.m., through March 22, at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant Ave. Tickets are $21-$25. 558-1381. centralworks.org 

Contra Costa Civic Theater “Nine (The Musical)” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2 p.m. at 951 Pomona Ave., El Cerrito, through March 28. Tickets are $15-$24. 524-9132. www.ccct.org 

Impact Theatre “A Midsummers Night’s Dream” Thurs.-Sat. at 8 p.m. at La Val’s Subterranean, 1834 Euclid Ave., through March 14. Tickets are $10-$17. impacttheatre.com 

Virago Theatre “The Hermit Bird” through March 28 at Bridgehead Studios, 2516 Blanding Ave., Alameda. Tickets are $12-$20. www.viragotheatre.org 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Eat It!” Group art exhibit based on any and all things food and “Bunny-licious” Mary Patterson’s paintings inspired by matchbook cover art, reception at 7 p.m. at Eclextix Gallery, 10082 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito. Exhibition runs to April 26. www.eclectix.com 

“Returning to El Centro: Street Photography of Mexico City” Ilona Sturm’s photography exhibit. Artists reception at 5 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. 849-2568.  

FILM 

S.F. International Asian American Film Festival “Half-Life” with filmmaker Jennifer Phang in person at 8:20 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $5.50-$9.50. 642-0808.  

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Alan Boss describes “The Crowded Universe: The Search of Living Planets” at 7:30 p.m. at Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant Ave. Cost is $10. 

Tom Odegard and Howard Dyckoff will read their poetry at 7 p.m. at Nefeli Caffe, 1854 Euclid Ave., a little north of Hearst, as part of the Last Word Reading Series. There is also an open reading. 841-6374. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

San Francisco Cabaret Opera “The Marriage of Fiagaro” at 8 p.m. at The Hillside Club, 2286 Cedar St. Tickets are $15-$30. 415-289-6877. www.goathall.org 

Womansong Circle An evening of participatory singing for women celebrating International Women’s Month, at 7:15 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Berkeley, Small Assembly Room, 2345 Channing St., at Dana. Suggested donation $15-$20, no one turned away. www.betsyrosemusic.org 

Jewish Music Festival: Shir Hashirim at 7:30 p.m. at JCC of East Bay. www.jewishmusicfestival.org 

Voices of Music Young Artist Concert at 8 p.m. at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, 1501 Washington Ave., Albany. Donation of non-perishable food. 236-9808.  

The Stairwell Sisters at Utunes Coffe House at 8 p.m. at First Unitarian Church of Oakland, 685 14th St., Oakland. Tickets are $10-$18. www.brownpapertickets.com 

“Aqui te traigo una rosa” with Rafael Manriquez and Ingrid Rubis at 8 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $12-$20. 849-2568.  

Hurricane Sam & The Hotshots at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $114. 841-JAZZ.  

Stompy Jones at 9:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Swing dance lesson at 8 p.m. Cost is $11-$13. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Geoff Muldaur at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $18.50-$19.50. 548-1761.  

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

Saviors, Agenda of Swine at 7 p.m. at 924 Gilman St., an all-ages, member-run, no alcohol, no drugs, no violence club. Cost is $5. 525-9926. 

Kymberly Jackson 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. 

Mark Holzinger at 8 p.m. at Spuds Pizza, 3290 Adeline St. Cost is $7-$10. 597-0795. 

SATURDAY, MARCH 14 

CHILDREN  

“Adventures in Music” Family Concert with the Berkeley Symphony at 9:45 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. at Malcolm X Elementary School Auditorium, 1731 Prince St. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for 18 and under. 841-2800. www.berkeleysymphony.org 

Stagebridge “Grandpa’s Teeth” the musical, at noon and Sun. at 2 p.m. at Arts First Oakland, 2501 Harrison St. at 27th. Tickets are $5 for children $12 for adults. 444-4755. www.stagebridge.org 

Abby and the Pipsqueaks at 10:30 a.m. at La Peña. Cost is $5 for adults, $4 for children. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Kids Matinee Series “A Hard Days Night” Sat. and Sun. at noon at Elmwood Theater, 2966 College Ave. Cost is $4, and benefits local elementary school PTAs. 433-9730. 

Blake Maxam “The Wizard of Ahhhhs” 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 

THEATER 

Blended Voices “Another Antigone” at 8 p.m. at Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, 1 Lawson Rd, Kensington. Tickets are $10. www.uucb.org  

EXHIBITIONS 

“Elza & Valters 1981-2001” Sibila Savage will talk about her photographs of an elderly immigrant couple at 2 p.m. in the Central Catalog Library, at the Berkeley Public Library, 2090 Kittredge St. Exhibition runs to May. 1. 981-6240. 

“Dusk on Lucy’s Pond” Oil paintings by Juliana Harris opens at the Christensen Heller Gallery, 5829 College Ave., Oakland, and runs through May 3. 655-5952. www.christensenheller.com 

Valerie Raven: “Urban Casualty...Little Known and Seldom Seen Birds” Sat. and Sun. from 1 to 5 p.m. at Garage Gallery, 3110 Wheeler Street, near Shattuck and Ashby. www.berkeleyoutlet.com 

FILM 

S.F. International Asian American Film Festival “Tokyo Sonata” with filmmaker Kiyoshi Kurosawa in person at 3 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $5.50-$9.50. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

6th Annual Dance IS Festival at 3 and 8 p.m. at Julia Morgan Arts Center, 2640 College Ave. Tickets are $8-$12. www.juliamorgan.org 

Diamano Coura West African Dance Company “Drum Call – Diaspora Drum Explosion” at 8 p.m. at Berkeley Community Theater, BHS campus, 1980 Allston Way. Doors open at 6 p.m. for African Marketplace. Tickets are $15-$30 from www.BrownPaperTickets.com 

American Bach Soloists “Favorite Bach Cantatas” at 8 p.m. at First Congregational Church, 2345 Channing Way at Dana St. Pre concert lecture at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10-$44. 800-838-3006. americanbach.org  

AIDS/Lifecycle Concert with WAVE, UC Berkeley Chorale Ensemble, Young People’s Symphony Orchestra at 7 p.m. at Chapel of the Chimes, 4499 Piedmont Ave. Oakland. Tickets are $10-$20. 449-4402. 

Voyage Kreyol with Michelle Jacques and Chelle, sounds of New Orleans, at 8 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $12-$15. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

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

Moh Alileche, Cheb I Sabbah, Triple Dog Devils, and Danse Magreb at 9 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $10-$13. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com  

Susan Werner at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $22.50-$23.50. 548-1761.  

Kerry Marsh and Julia Dollison at 8 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $15. 845-5373.  

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

Strange Angels at 8 p.m. at Spuds Pizza, 3290 Adeline St. Cost is $7-$10. 597-0795. 

The Eric Mcfadden Trio, The New Up at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $10. 841-2082.  

RWH & The Jazz Triad, CD release, at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 843-8277. 

The Prids, Disaster Strikes, Swann Danger 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, MARCH 15 

THEATER 

Blended Voices “Another Antigone” at 3 p.m. at Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, 1 Lawson Rd, Kensington. Tickets are $10. www.uucb.org 

UC TDPS “Sauce for the Goose” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2 p.m., at Zellerbach Playhouse, UC campus, through March 15. Tickets are $10-$15. 642-8827. tdps.berkeley.edu 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Animals Have Souls” Reception with artist Patricia Leslie at 1 p.m. at RabbitEars, 377 Colusa Ave., Kensington. 525-6155. 

FILM 

S.F. International Asian American Film Festival “Project Kashmir” with filmmakers Senain Kheshgi and Geeta V. Patel in person at 3:30p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $5.50-$9.50. 642-0808.  

READINGS AND LECTURES 

“Allensworth: California’s African-American Town” A panel discussion with historians Susan Anderson and Guy Washington and authors Alice C. Royal, Mickey Ellinger and Scott Braley, at 2 p.m. at Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak sts., Oakland. Cost is $5-$8. 238-2200.  

Poetry Flash with Etel Adnan, Hayan Charara and Fady Joudah at 3 p.m. at Diesel, 5433 College Ave., Oakland. 653-9965. 

“Learning from the Absurd” a lecture by South African artist William Kentridge and hosted by the Townsend Center for the Humanities, at 5 p.m. in Hertz Hall, UC campus. Free. 643-9670. http://townsendcenter. 

berkeley.edu 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Berkeley High School Alumni Jazz All-Stars with Peter Apfelbaum, Will Bernard, Steven Bernstein, Dave Ellis and many others at 3 p.m. at Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School, 1781 Rose St. Tickets are $24.50-$25.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

San Francisco Cabaret Opera “The Marriage of Fiagaro” at 2 p.m. at The Hillside Club, 2286 Cedar St. Tickets are $15-$30. 415-289-6877. www.goathall.org 

Chamber Music Sundaes with San Francisco Symphony musicians and friends at 3 p.m. at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 2727 College Ave. Tickets at the door $20-$25. 415-753-2792. www.chambermusicsundaes.org  

San Francisco Chamber Orchestra “Mendelssohn Madness” at 3 p.m. at First Congregational Church, 2345 Channing Way. Free. www.sfchamberorchestra.org 

California Bach Society with Paul Flight, director and counter-tenor, Brian Staufenbiel, tenor, Curtis Cook, bass at 4 p.m. at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 2300 Bancroft Way. Tickets are $10- $30. 415-262-0272. www.calbach.org 

Sine Nomine, a cappella, at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Art Center, 1275 Walnut St. Tickets are $8-$10. 644-6893.  

Soli Deo Gloria with Orchestra Gloria at 3:30 p.m. at St. Joseph Basilica Parish, 1109 Chestnut, Alameda. Tickets are $20-$25. Children in grades K-8 are free. www.sdgloria.org 

Oakland Civic Orchestra Hilda Li, violin, at 4 p.m. at Lake Merritt United Methodist Church, 1330 Lakeshore Ave., Oakland. Free. 238-7275. 

Chalice Consort presents “Music of the Spirit & of the World” at 4 p.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal, 116 Montecito Ave, Oakland. Tickets are $10-$20. 415-520-6928.  

Oakland Bay Area Community Chorus “Sing into Spring” at 4 p.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 2808 Lakeshore Ave., Oakland. Tickets are $10-$20.  

Belly Dance Medley at 7:30 p.m. at La Peña. Cost is $10-$20. 849-2568.  

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

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

7 Generations, From the Depths, Acts of Sedition at 4:30 p.m. at 924 Gilman St., an all-ages, member-run, no alcohol, no drugs, no violence club. Cost is $7. 525-9926. 

MONDAY, MARCH 16 

FILM 

Monday Afternoon at the Movies: Krzysztof Kieslowski’s “The Decalogue” Segments 7 and 8. at 1:15 p.m. at JCCEB, 1414 Walnut St. Free, donations accepted. 848-0237. www.jcceastbay.org 

Buddhism Meditation and Film “I Heart Huckabees” with lecture by Robert Sharf at 3 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $5.50-$9.50. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

“Kensington’s Architectural Gems” with author Dave Weinstein at 7 p.m. at Kensington Library, 61 Arlington Ave., Kensington. 524-3043. 

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

Joel Berg, executive director of the New York City Coalition Against Hunger, will discuss his book “All You Can Eat” about the pervasive and often hidden problem of hunger in the United States at 7:30 p.m. at Pegasus Books Downtown, 2349 Shattuck Ave. 649-1320. 

Vikki Law author of “Resistance Behind Bars, The Struggles of Incarcerated Women” at 7:30 p.m. at Moe’s Books, 2476 Telegraph Ave. 849-2087. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

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

TUESDAY, MARCH 17 

CHILDREN 

Timothy James and his Sidekick Rocky the Racoon, magician, comedian, for ages 3 and up, at 6:30 p.m. at Kensington Library, 61 Arlington Ave. 524-3043. 

FILM 

S.F. International Asian American Film Festival “Lust, Caution” with Ang Lee and Linda Williams in conversation at 7 p.m. at Wheeler Auditorium, UC campus. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

“The Imperfect Garden” an evening of poetry, stories, and photography celebrating the soul of gardening with Adina Sara and Rachel Michaelsen at 7:30 p.m. at JCC of the East Bay, 1414 Walnut St. Cost is $10-$20. 528-6725. 

Eugenie Scott and David Wake on “Evolution: The First Four Billion Years” at 5:30 p.m. at University Press Books, 2430 Bancroft Way. 548-0585. www.universitypressbooks.com 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Quin Irish Band at noon at Oakland City Center, 12th and Broadway.  

Blind Duck Irish Music at 7:30 p.m. at Albatross, 1822 San Pablo Ave. Cost is $3. 843-2473. www.albatrosspub.com 

Driving with Fergus at 7:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $10. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com 

Celebrating the Golden Age of Arab Music at 8 p.m. at Zellerbach Hall, UC campus. Tickets are $30 and up. 642-9988. www.calperformances.net 

Tom Rigney & Flambeau at 8:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cajun dance lesson at 8 p.m. Cost is $10. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

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

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

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

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18 

THEATER 

Word for Word “More Stories” by Tobias Wolff. Wed.-Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2:30 p.m. at Julia Morgan Center for the Arts, 2640 College Ave. Tickets are $20-$25. www.brownpapertickets.com 

FILM 

“Murmer of the Heart” at 3 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $5.50-$9.50. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Kala Fellowship Talk: Samantha Lautman and Chris Turbuck at 7:00 p.m. at Kala Gallery, 1060 Heinz Ave. www.kala.org 

Tom Davis in Conversation with Dennis McNally on “Thirty-Nine Years of Short-Term Memory Loss: The Early Days of SNL from Someone Who Was There” at 7:30 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Berkeley, 2345 Channing Way. Cost is $10. 

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 Organ arrangements of Irish folksongs at 12:15 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Oakland, 2619 Broadway. 444-3555. 

Wednesday Noon Concert, with University Symphony Orchestra at Hertz Hall, UC campus. Free. 642-4864. http://music.berkeley.edu 

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

Ed Neff and Friends, bluegrass, at 7 p.m. at Le Bateau Ivre, 2629 Telegraph Ave. www.lebateauivre.net 

UC Jazz Ensembles at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $6. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

Monthly Milonga, Argentine Tango, at 9 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Dance lessons at 7:30 p.m. Cost is $7. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

THURSDAY, MARCH 19 

THEATER 

Sun & Moon Ensemble “Twobird” Benefit at 8 p.m. for South Berkeley Community Church. Fri.-Sun at 8 p.m. through March 29 at the South Berkeley Community Church, 1802 Fairview St., at Ellis. Tickets are $10-$25 sliding scale. 800- 838-3006. www.sunandmoonensemble.org 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Dr. Robert Root on “Imagining Istanbul” at 7 p.m. at Black Oak Books. 486-0698. www.blackoakbooks.com 

Poetry Flash with D.A. Powell and Hugh Behm-Steinberg at 7:30 p.m. at Moe’s Books, 2476 Telegraph Ave. 849-2087. 

Women’s History Month Showcase A multi-generational poetry conversation featuring Patricia Smith, Emcee Jen Ro, Deema Shehabi and Aya de Leon at 7:30 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center, 3105 Shattuck Ave., Cost is $5-$10. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Elaine Showalter describes “A Jury of Her Peers: American Women Writers from Anne Bradstreet to Annie Proulx” at 7:30 p.m. at the Hillside Club, 2286 Cedar St. Cost is $10.  

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Melodians, reggae, at 9:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $15. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Todalo Shakers 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 $8. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

Sun House, Somori Pointer and the Skinny Guns at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $7. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com 

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

FRIDAY, MARCH 20 

THEATER 

Altarena Playhouse “Gypsy” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2 p.m. at Altarena Playhouse, 1409 High St., Alameda, through April 5. Tickets are $17-$20. 523-1553. www.altarena.org 

Berkeley Rep “Crime and Punishment” at 2025 Addison St., through Mar. 29. Tickets are $27-$71. 647-2949. berkeleyrep.org 

Central Works “The Window Age: A Guided Tour of the Unconscious” Thurs.-Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 5 p.m., through March 22, at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant Ave. Tickets are $21-$25. 558-1381. centralworks.org 

Contra Costa Civic Theater “Nine (The Musical)” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2 p.m. at 951 Pomona Ave., El Cerrito, through March 28. Tickets are $15-$24. 524-9132. www.ccct.org 

Sun & Moon Ensemble “Twobird” Fri.-Sun at 8 p.m. through March 29 at the South Berkeley Community Church, 1802 Fairview St., at Ellis. Tickets are $10-$25 sliding scale. 800- 838-3006. www.sunandmoonensemble.org 

Word for Word “More Stories” by Tobias Wolff. Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2:30 p.m. at Julia Morgan Center for the Arts, 2640 College Ave. Tickets are $20-$25. www.brownpapertickets.com 

EXHIBITIONS 

“frost, fog, flora” Black and white photographs by Michele Hofherr. Artist reception at 5 p.m. at Photolab, 2235 Fifth St. 644-1400. www.photolaboratory.com 

“Unleaded, Please!” Art auction to benefit West Oakland and the Environmental Movement for Clean Air, with art, documentary showing, live entertainment, and more, from 5 to 8:30 p.m. at Excel High School, 2607 Myrtle St., Oakland. Suggested donation $3-$20. RSVP to www.mobaganda.com/unleadedplease 

FILM 

“The Big Lebowski” followed by discussion at 7 p.m. at The Dream Institute, 1672 University, at McGee. Cost is $10. 845-1767. dream-institute.org 

“Fruit Fly” with filmmaker H.P. Mendoza at 6:30 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $5.50-$9.50. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Friday Night Poetry Readings and open mic from 7 to 9 p.m. at Expressions Gallery, 2035 Ashby Ave. 644-4930. www.expressionsgallery.org 

Susan Cohen and Christine Cosgrove describe “Normal at Any Cost: Tall Girls, Short boys, and the Meidcal Industry;s Quest to Manipulate Height” at 7:30 p.m. at Mrs. Dalloways, 2904 College Ave. 704-8222. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Oakland East Bay Symphony Concert performance of Verdi’s “Otello” Act 1 at 8 p.m. at Paramount Theater, Oakland. TIckets are $20-$65. 444-0801. www.oebs.org 

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

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

Trombonga, trombone quartet, at 6:45 p.m. at Mrs. Dalloways, 2904 College Ave. 704-8222. 

Wake the Dead at 9 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $13-$15. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

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

Country Casinovas, Delilah Monroe and the Tom Cats at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $9. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com 

California Love, Laughing Dog, Maggot Colony at 7 p.m. at 924 Gilman St., an all-ages, member-run, no alcohol, no drugs, no violence club. Cost is $5. 525-9926. 

Mo’Fone at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 843-8277. 

SATURDAY, MARCH 21 

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 

Lady Emerald 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 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

“Reflections of Rebirth and Survival from the Clutches of War” Dramatic readings on the wars in Iraq and Palestine at 8 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $10-$12. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Annual Poets’ Dinner Awards With Laverne Srith on “Surprise” Luncheon at noon at Francesco’s Restaurant, 8520 Pardee Drive, Oakland. Tickets are $28-$29.  

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra “Winds & Waves” at 8 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Berkeley, 2345 Channing Way. Tickets are $30-$72. 415-392-4400. www.philharmonia.org 

“Two Cherries” MaryClare Brzytwa and Annie Lewandowski, original compositions for voice, flute, prepared piano and electronics at 8 p.m. at Trinity Chapel, 2320 Dana St. Tickets are $8-$12. 549-3864. www.trinitychamberconcerts.com 

Barbara Nissman Benefit Piano Recital at 7:30 p.m. at R. Kassman Piano, 843 Gilman St., Suite B. Tickets are $25. 558-0765. www.rkassman.com  

Kathleen McIntosh at 7 p.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 114 Montecito, near Grand and Harrison, Oakland. Benefit for Alameda County Community Food Bank and the Friends of Music of St. Paul’s Church. Suggested donation $10-$20. Bring non-perishable food items for the Food Bank. 834-4314. 

Kosher Gospel with Joshua Nelson and Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir at 8 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Oakland, 2501 Harrison St., Oakland. Tickets are $24-$28. 800-838-3006. www.jewishmusicfestival.org 

Spring Equinox Concert and Ritual “One Soul Sounding” featuring vocalists Linda Tillery, Eda Maxym, Lisa Rafel, and Evelie Delfino Såles, at 7:30 p.m. at Lake Merritt United Methodist Church, 1330 Lakeshore, Oakland. Tickets are $15-$22. 654-3234. www.lisarafel.com 

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

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

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

Melanie O’Reilly and “Aisling” at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $18.50-$19.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Kalley Price Old Blues & Jazz Band at 9:30 p.m. at Albatross, 1822 San Pablo Ave. Cost is $3. 843-2473. www.albatrosspub.com 

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

Bowman’s Jammer Showcase at 8 p.m. at Spuds Pizza, 3290 Adeline St. Cost is $7-$10. 597-0795. 

SFSC All-Stars perfom The Beatles White Album at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $9. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com 

In Disgust, Kill the Client, Final Draft at 7 p.m. at 924 Gilman St., an all-ages, member-run, no alcohol, no drugs, no violence club. Cost is $5. 525-9926. 

SUNDAY, MARCH 22 

CHILDREN 

Octopretzel at 11 a.m. at Studio Grow, 1235 10th St. Cost is $8. 526-9888. 

EXHIBITIONS 

Asian Folk Art: Balinese Painting and Chinese Paper Cuts. Reception at 1 p.m., lecture at 2 p.m. at Giorgi Gallery, 2911 Claremont Ave. 848-1228. 

Linda Lorraine and Salma Arastu A exhibition of gloves, paintings, drawings, digital photos, from 2 to 5 p.m. at Jamie Erfurdt Art Gallery, 1966 University Ave. & Milvia, through May 10. 849-1312. 

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 

“Black Passenger, Yellow Cabs” Jamaican author Stefhen Bryan will read from his memoir of life in Japan at 3 p.m. at Jamaican Soul Café, 2057 San Pablo Ave., at Addison. 260-4647. www.blackpassenger.com 

Egyptology Lecture “Theban Tomb 16: The Tomb of Two Ramesside Chanters” with Dr. Suzanne Onstine, University of Memphis, at 2:30 p.m. at Barrows Hall, Room 20, Barrow Lane and Bancroft Way, UC campus. 415-664-4767. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra “Winds & Waves” at 7:30 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Berkeley, 2345 Channing Way. Tickets are $30-$72. 415-392-4400. www.philharmonia.org 

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

Still on the Hill at 8 p.m. at Wisteria Ways, Rockridge, Oakland. Not wheelchair accessible. Cost is $15-$20. Reservations required. info@WisteriaWays.org 

Mac Martin & the California Travelers at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $18.50-$19.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Olehole, Dateless, Hudson Falcons, The Albert Square at 5 p.m. at 924 Gilman St., an all-ages, member-run, no alcohol, no drugs, no violence club. Cost is $7. 525-9926.

The Berkeley High School Alumni Jazz All-Stars, featuring musical director Peter Apfelbaum, will perform Sunday afternoon in almost 20 different groups to honor band director and teacher Charles Hamilton’s 27 years of service. 

The event, emceed by radio personality Greg Bridges, is a truly stellar gathering of more than 30 musicians who played with the Berkeley High School Jazz Ensemble over the past 40 years, many of whom were students in the jazz program started in Berkeley schools by Dr. Herb Wong in 1966. 

Hamilton, who will close the concert by conducting the current ensemble, took over the group in 1981 when Phil Hardymon, its original leader, stepped down. Hamilton, who was the recipient of the NFAA Distinguished Teacher of the Year Award, has led the ensemble in venues around the world, including the Montreux and North Sea Jazz Festivals in 1997, a tour of Japan in the summer of 1999 and an appearance at the Monterey Jazz Festival at the beginning of the 1999-2000 school year. 

Multi-instrumentalist and composer Peter Apfelbaum (class of ’78), musical director of the event, leader of the New York Hieroglyphics, talked about how it all came about: “Several months ago, it came to light Charles Hamilton—who’s been threatening for a few years now—would be retiring, so there was the idea to throw him a surprise party, and several of us from past bands agreed to play and a date was set. Of course, Hamilton was going to find out about it—and he did. Sooner, not later. When they asked me to be musical director, I sat down and made a list. In the space of 10 minutes I came up with 35 people I knew who came through the program and are professional musicians. Some of it spread through word of mouth. I called a few, in particular Rodney Franklin, who I wanted to talk with. I hadn’t, in a long time. It was great to reconnect. Rodney and I started in the program in 1967; I was in second grade, he was in the fourth—and had the good luck to be in it all the way through school.. We all collectively realized it was a great reason to bring a lot of people together who had gone together through the program.” 

Apfelbaum talked about the musicians gathering this Sunday and the ensemble and program in the schools over the years. “I’m still working with people who came through the program, like [slide trumpet player, composer-arranger] Steve Bernstein and [tenor saxophonist/pianist] Jessica Jones, who is herself important in jazz education and setting up jazz camps. Most of us are approaching 50 now, but some have surfaced who I didn’t know, from different times, as early as the 1960s. And there’ll be a young rock band, Thirst Busters, playing, who are all currently in the Ensemble. [Pianist/singer/rapper/composer] Kito Gamble—Sistah Kee—will play with her band. And Dayna Stephens, a great young saxophonist who also plays bass, who like me lives in New York now, but continues to play out here.” 

Apfelbaum played in the ensemble under Phil Hardymon, but “kept close ties; when the ensemble toured Japan under Charles Hamilton, I went along as guest soloist and director. They brought in a piece of mine, too, and I sat in with them. Then, in 2006, they commissioned a whole suite. I came out and rehearsed it with them for four weeks; we premiered it at Yoshi’s. 

“What’s a great thing about the way the show’s taking shape for Sunday,” Apfelbaum continued, “is there’s lots of variety. It all somehow fits under the umbrella of jazz. The program always celebrated diversity. That’s what it did so beautifully, what Herb Wong managed to do, with Phil Hardymon and Charles Hamilton: tap into kids’ natural creativity. Rather than learning a particular style, we were encouraged to improvise, to create, to develop as a musician. It harnessed our natural curiosity; most of us became composers, improvisers—involved with the creation of music.” 

Dr. Herb Wong, founder of the jazz program in the schools, KJAZ radio personality for 36 years and founder of the Palo Alto Jazz Alliance, called Sunday’s show “a keystone event which points back to the genesis of the program in ’66.” He recalled how they “got the trail started” in great part with a grant from the National Science Foundation—and how he brought in pianist Oscar Peterson for a concert “and Rodney Franklin, then in grade school, tugged at my sport jacket, pointed up to Oscar and said, ‘That’s what I want to do!’ I put my arms around him and said, ‘If that’s what you want to do, I’ll help you.’ When Rahsaan Roland Kirk played for us with three horns simultaneously, Peter Apfelbaum—another of my earliest—looked at Rahsaan and wound up doing it with two saxophones at only 12 years old. We had the entire Ellington Orchestra here. When I drove Duke from the airport to the playground where a thousand kids were waiting for him, and a little girl said, ‘Mr. Ellington, I know you’re very old, but your music’s so young,’ Duke started saying, ‘Nirvana! Nirvana!’ And like the Ellington band’s music, the program is holistic, not only for musicians or to teach instrumental playing. 

“But there’s no question in my mind that Charles needs to be celebrated; his incredible capability to carry on the torch lit by Phil, me, Dick Whittington and others. It’s rare to find somebody to do this. They’ve played a lot of festivals I’ve adjudicated; I knew what the results were going to be! It’s buoyed my spirit each time, knowing Charles is carrying the torch.” 

Other performing alumni, spanning over 30 years of BHS graduates, include: Mike Aalberg, Ravi Abcarian, Mariel Austin, Andrew Baltazar, Cale Brandley, Billy Buss, Sarah Cline, Phillip Coffin, Dave Ellis, Jonathan Finlayson, Peter Hargreaves, Toby Hargreaves, Colin Hogan, Whitney Jacobson, Erik Jekabson, Josh Jones, Yanos Lustig (aka Johnny Bones), Mariana Martinez, Dave McFarlane, Hitomi Oba, Rafa Postel and Howard Wiley. 

BERKELEY HIGH ALUMNI JAZZ ALL-STARS 

3 p.m. Sunday (doors open at 2) at Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School Auditorium, 1781 Rose St. Tickets throuch Freight & Salvage Box Office (cash or check), 1111 Addison St., or online at freightandsalvage.org. Adults $24.50; students 18 and under, $12.50. Proceeds benefit Berkeley Schools Jazz Program. www.berkeleyhighjazz.org.

Going into Bridgehead Studio in Alameda—practically across the street from the Nob Hill Market on Blanding—the newly-collaged doorway, a real portal now, is the first thing to catch attention. Then, inside, is the “Isolated Beauty” exhibit, featuring works in different visual media which parallel the theme of The Hermit Bird, the original play by John Byrd that Virago Theatre Co. is premiering at the studio. (The band Pike County will play before this Friday’s performance—also thematic to the region in which the play is set.) 

A play about a dysfunctional—and strange—family, set in a trailer home, staged in a warehouse studio... “I grew up in West Virginia,” comments Byrd in the program. “I watched a lot of television. I liked television because it didn’t resemble anything or anyone that I knew.... At Harvard I learned of the existence of Southern dramatists.... Their plays, while rich and elegant in cadence, weren’t the stories of anyone I knew. I wanted to tell the stories of the people who never got stories told about them.” 

Virago featured The Hermit Bird in their “Visions and Voices” program of readings of new plays a couple years ago. With this production, Michael Storm (directing for the company for the first time after serving as fight coordinator) and Virago put the play they’ve developed with the author out into the world—the world The Hermit Bird’s characters seem lost in. It isn’t Southern Gothic or its offshoots, but uncanny nonetheless. And it isn’t an update on God’s Little Acre. Instead, it’s an unusually sensitive telling of what goes on just beneath the surface, behind the back door, in the unscheduled moments of a family living in this rude place, living in a way that’s usually the butt of jokes (and there’s plenty of humor in The Hermit Bird) or strung out on the line as pathos for a tearjerker. 

In The Hermit Bird, the usual simile is reversed: Rain—any kind of water—flows like tears. 

We see Missy (stunningly enacted by Molly Holcomb), dancing all alone in “the crick,” or the rain, possessed by water, the weather she seems to predict or remember precisely like an idiot savant. A Sensitive (in an older meaning of that term), childlike, she’s watched over closely by her parents. 

Missy also seems to mirror, to crystalize the contradictory nature of her parents’ menage. Her slack, sweet-talking father seems to understand her. A good old boy mourning quietly for his youth, his talent is to smooth things over. Virago co-founder Robert Paine-Lundy is very impressive in the role, delineating Roger’s laissez-faire character. 

Linda, Missy’s mom, is the responsible party, cross with her daughter and husband for adding to her work load through their obliviousness. Linda loses herself in her collection of ceramic birds, bought off TV (including the bird of the title). They are touchstones of her own lost beauty and young love, her hopes to get out, to move to the California revealed to her in televsion specials and in the pages of glossy magazines. Angela Dant, another Virago founder, is both precise and forceful as a frustrated woman, wistful under a no-nonsense exterior. 

Missy not only reels off the weather from the remote past in response to her father playfully shooting dates at her from an almanac, but, in a rush, recites TV shows verbatim along with her mother’s commentary on them, taking it as gospel, the way the world is—or should be. 

Into this insular scene comes Tom, local boy who’s known Missy—and apparently idealized her, as something different—since they were kids. He’s watched her dancing alone in the stream and thinks of her all the time. Tom wants something else in his life after losing his family one by one, maybe a way out, or just this strange girl enshrined in loneliness in their isolated backwoods. Harold Pierce—who just played in another saga of familial dysfunctionality, James Keller’s excellent Leave of Absence at the City Club—performs very well again as a sincere young man obsessed with something he doesn’t understand, hesitant and awkward, but determined. There’s a simple yet subtle humor, a shade pathetic, then grotesque, to the nervous grin and big, helpless eyes of a young fellow capable in everything save when faced with ambiguity.  

Different forms of that humor, that pathos, that grotesqueness, serve as the chiaroscuro of this otherwise brown study of a chamber play, trailer for chamber, lit by TV, quenched by blackout and flash flood. 

It’s an unusual play, something truly original, which Byrd has—with Virago’s help—extracted from his own past and personal grief. The dialogue is nicely long-limbed, with relaxed rhythms that counterpoint catastrophe perfectly. 

One criticism, a quibble maybe, in light of what’s unusual here: Those long lines of dialogue and timing sometimes get choked up by the author attempting to add it all up, to make it all make sense, to make the pieces fit together—in effect, to satisfy all sensibilities at once. That also allows some things to become too vague, or change tone abruptly, as with Roger’s startling aggressiveness when Tom visits. It makes sense, but maybe it would make more left alone, unresolved, as with Missy, who is—and is not—the inverse image of her mother, reflected in a mirror, or water. There’s something truly mythic—not the myth of psychological quest, but what’s unspoken, fragmentary, pieces of a whole that can’t quite fit back together—something of the essence of John Byrd’s vision. Inelegant, perhaps, in its setting, but enriched by simple cadence. 

THE HERMIT BIRD 

Presented by Virago Theatre Co. at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday at Bridgehead Studio, 2516 Blanding Ave., Alameda. Pike County bluegrass band plays at 7:15 p.m. Friday. $15 advance, $20 at door Students/seniors, $12 advance, $15 at door. 865-6237. viragotheatre.org.

Stripped of its overtly political satire, Mozart and Lorenzo Da Ponte premiered their adaptation of Marriage of Figaro, proclaiming a new form of musical theater. San Francisco Cabaret Opera’s production (under the aegis of Goat Hall) teases out the vaudeville still lurking in the sleek new—or Neo-Classical—model, once again fusing entertainment with lavish singing. The show started last weekend in San Francisco and now, with some changes in cast and accompaniment, migrates to the Hillside Club, a few bucolic blocks east of the Gourmet Ghetto. 

This production—and Figaro itself—inspires a playful anachronism reminiscent of the Captain of the Guard in The Scarlet Empress, reassuring Marlene Dietrich as the young Catherine the Great, who is shocked by his advances: “This is the 18th Ccentury! Live a little!” 

They live a lot—and very quickly—in Le nozze di Figaro. During one breathless day in the palacio of a Spanish count, scheme and cabal are met by counter-scheme and cabal, authored by all hands. Marriages are arranged, broken, rearranged and broken again; libelous testimony is superceded by the surprise of family reunion, and love trysts carried out with jealous husbands lurking in the shadows—but who’s trysting with whom? And wherefore? It’s a true comedy, poking fun at social identity but ending in marriage and reconciliation, and every moment, big and little, exhales a youthful free spirit. There’s always something new; Figaro always refreshes itself. 

Librettist Da Ponte, a friend of Casanova, grew up in the Venice where Goldoni introduced psychological characters into the stock comic types of Commedia Dell’Arte with The Servant of Two Masters, and where Carlo Gozzi countered him with a renewal of romance tied to burlesque in The Love of three Oranges and Turandot. De Ponte dialectically combined and exceeded these innovations of the mid-century on the eve of the Revolution. He and Mozart, without being aware of Diderot’s innovations in dramaturgy, which replaced the old surprises and reversals of Baroque theater with a more classic sense of “tableaux”—images and scenes that, as his German counterpart Lessing said, showed “the pregnant moment”—arrived at an original and very flexible style that gracefully incorporated the older contradictory forms. The innovation seems to invite oxymorons: a comedy that is bawdy yet graceful, youthfully innocent but with the wisdom and detachment of age.  

When Da Ponte (who would end his long life in New York as the first Jew on the faculty at Columbia) presented himself before the Holy Roman Emperor in Vienna (after fleeing Venice, where he’d opened a brothel with the married mistress he’d taken as a young seminarian) to plead for the post of court poet, Joseph II asked what plays he’d written. “None,” replied Da Ponte. “So we shall have a virgin muse!” exclaimed the Defender of the Faith, who hired him on the spot. 

Even before Cabaret Opera’s curtain goes up, the audience is treated to some sparkling diversions, with tables in front of the house, and the choruses, male and female, waiting on the patrons at arrival, looking like lusty footmen and demure maids in their antediluvian weeds. There’s a lot of chasing around, in and out of the as-yet-unraised curtain, as Cherubino (Meghan Dibble in the San Francisco production, Elizabeth Henry in Berkeley), having just discovered love, pursues Barbarina (Sarah Sloan/Shauna Fallihee), the gardener’s daughter. (Adam Broner takes the role of Antonio).  

Once the curtain is raised, the complications begin. Figaro (Steven Hoffmann) and Susanna (Suzanna Mizell/Eliza O’Malley) are preparing to celebrate their wedding—but are grimly aware their master, Count Almaviva (Joaquin Quilez-Marin), intends to exercise “doite du seigneur” on Susanna, the aristocrat’s right over his female subjects, by hook or crook. Meanwhile, Almaviva is jealous of his Countess, Rosina (Pamela Connelly/Letitia Page), whom the scamp Cherubino is pursuing. In true comic fashion, the lies mount, dreamt up on the spot to explain away the discovery of the last deceit—a palimpsest of hypocrisy—and the opposing sides scheme and the individuals soliloquize their own thoughts, versus what they say to each other. And what is said may change when a character dons a disguise or takes another’s place, as when Figaro, who has pretended to escape out a window to cover for Cherubino (the real defenestrator), is confronted with a witness to the boy’s flight, and counters with, “If he jumped, why couldn’t I?” 

Cabaret Opera’s cast acts out their parts with piquant zest and sings wonderfully. Last weekend, Pamela Connelly’s arias were stunning; Suzanna Mizell and Mehan Dibble excelled in acting and singing their roles. And Robert Ashens’ piano accompaniment (Hadley McCarroll will play in Berkeley) backed these troupers with excellence and brio. Ashens’ musical direction and Goat Hall founder Harriet March Page’s artistic and stage direction combined artistic success with the fun of the comedy and the pleasure of cabaret style, with refreshments and conversation before the show, at intermission and after. Bravo Figaro—and Cabaret Opera! 

THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO 

Presented by San Francisco Cabaret Opera 

at 8 p.m. Friday, March 13 and at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 15 at the Hillside Club, 2286 Cedar St. $15-$30. (415) 289-6877. www.goathall.org.

If you think Jewish music is confined to singing Hava Nagila at Jewish summer camp, well get ready to have another nagila. The Jewish Music Festival, now in its 24th year, features music in Hebrew, Ladino, Yiddish and English performed by a cosmopolitan array of singers and musicians representing traditions that range from the Sephardic Balkans, European classical, Eastern European Chasidic and klezmer, Indo-European Gypsy, Middle Eastern Mizrachi as well as blues, jazz, swing, bluegrass, gospel, rock, punk and hip-hop. In whatever lands that Jews have lived, they have absorbed musical influences and in turn have influenced the music of their adopted lands. Nowhere has this been truer than in the United States. 

The festival kicks off at 8 p.m., Saturday, March 21, when African-American cantor Joshua Nelson brings his kosher gospel to Oakland’s First Congregational Church (2501 Harrison St.), along with special guests Mark Rubin, a bluegrass virtuoso on tuba and bass, and the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir, directed by Terrance Kelly. Many people, even Jews, are unaware of the tradition of black Hebrews or Black Israelites that dates back to the 1880’s in the United States. I first became aware of them through photographs of black Hebrew congregations taken by pioneering Harlem Renaissance photographer James Van Der Zee in the 1920s. More recently, black Hebrew congregations made the news because the First Lady’s cousin is Rabbi Caspers Shmuel Funnye of Beth Shalom B'nai Zaken Ethiopian Hebrew Congregation in Chicago. 

Cantor Nelson is a native of Newark, New Jersey, where he grew up singing the Hebrew liturgy in an African-American Sephardic congregation. If you have heard his recordings, you know that he sings traditional texts and melodies, but with the spiritual power of the great gospel singers. In fact, Mahalia Jackson was his earliest influence and he is as concerned to preserve the authentic sound of gospel music as he is in bringing that power to the music of the Jewish liturgy.  

Mixing the gospel sound with Hebrew words and Jewish cantillation may seem strange, but after hearing Nelson’s stunning version of “Shema Yisrael” (“Here, O Israel”), I was reminded of Gershom Scholem’s remarks about the author of the mystical Zohar, that “the true interpretation of certain passages of the Torah may…after all be found here and nowhere else!...Again and again a hidden and sometimes awful depth opens before our eyes, and we find ourselves confronted with real and profound insight.” Indeed, Nelson imparts to his chosen texts that quality that Freud calls unheimlich, the uncanny, at once strange and familiar. In his voice we witness the confluence of two great mythic currents: the ancient Exodus story of enslavement and freedom merging with the modern history of an African diaspora, slavery and liberation. If you have usually been disappointed with the chanting heard in American synagogues, Nelson’s beautiful interpretations will come as a revelation. 

The following are some of the highlights from the rest of the festival that promise to be just as fascinating: 

The Young People’s Symphony Orchestra commemorates the music of Swiss-American Jewish composer Ernest Bloch (1880-1959) on the 50th anniversary of his yahrzeit with performances of Bloch’s Schelomo featuring cellist Bonnie Hampton, a klezmer concerto by Berkeley composer Arkadi Serper featuring violinist Jeremy Cohen, and Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue” featuring pianist Chloe Pang. 2 p.m. Sunday, March 22 at the Castro Valley Arts Center, 19501 Redwood Road, Castro Valley. 

Andy Statman, clarinet and mandolin virtuoso, performs with his trio in a blending of bluegrass and avant-garde jazz with klezmer and Hasidic nigunim, among other influences. 8 and 10 p.m. Monday, March 23 atYoshi’s San Francisco, 1330 Fillmore St. 

Flory Jagoda, Sarajevo native, octogenarian, composer of the Chanukah classic “Ocho Kandelikas,” and NEA National Heritage Fellow sings in Ladino, the Judeo-Spanish language of the Sephardim. 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 25 at JCC of the East Bay, 1414 Walnut St., Berkeley. 

Di Goldene Pave (the Golden Peacock): Yiddish Muse and Mystery features Lenka Lichtenberg, Toronto native and Yiddish singer, composer and multi-instrumentalist, in duet with Kinneret Sagee, master clarinetist, for two programs of Yiddish standards and originals. 1 p.m. Thursday, March 26 at JCC of the East Bay, and again at 6 p.m. at the San Francisco Public Library, Koret Auditorium, 100 Larkin St. (at Grove). 

Daniel Kahn and The Painted Bird with Beatboxer Yuri Lane perform their mix of contemporary klezmer, Yiddish song and political cabaret at the release party for their second CD Partisans and Parasites. 9 p.m. Thursday, March 26 at Rickshaw Stop Club, 155 Fell St., San Franicisco, and at 8 p.m. Thursday, April 2 at Congregation Beth Am, 26790 Arastradero Road, Los Altos Hills. 

The all-female Sisters of Sheynville, created by Lenka Lichtenberg, and Django Reinhardt-influenced Gaucho present an evening of Klezmer and Gypsy swing. 8 p.m. Saturday, March 28 at JCCSF, 3200 California St., San Francisco. 

The festival concludes with a family music day, instrument petting zoo and finale dance party featuring Brass Menazeri, a klezmer/Balkan brass band; Yuri Lane; Daniel Kahn and members of Painted Bird; Elana Jagoda and Sisters of Sheynville. 11 a.m., Sunday, March 29 at JCC of the East Bay. 

24TH JEWISH MUSIC FESTIVAL 

Begins at 8 p.m. Saturday, March 21 and continues through April 2. (800) 838-3006. jewishmusicfestival.org.