THURSDAY, MARCH 26 

Eco-Access An exploratory nature adventure for people with developmental disabilities. Meet at 10 a.m. at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. 525-2233. 

“Climate Change and Central Berkeley” a panel discussion hosted by Councilmember Jesse Arreguín at 7 p.m. at North Berkeley Senior Center, 1901 Hearst. 981-7140. 

“Welcome to Yanayo” A documentary about an impoverished village in Bolivia at 7 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. With an art auction and entertainment. Donation $10. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Cesar Chavez Commemoration Film “Immokalee USA” on a migrant farming community in Florida at 7 p.m. at the Ecology Center, 2530 San Pablo Ave. 548-2220, ext. 233. 

“Immigration Reform: Issues & Implications for Our Community” An ACLU presentation at 7 p.m. at Richmond Public Library, Madeline F. Whittlesey Community Room, 325 Civic Center Plaza, Richmond. 620-6561. www.acluberkeley.org 

“Big Boy Rules: America’s Mercenaries Fighting in Iraq” with Steve Fainaru, Washington Post correspondent at 7 p.m. at El Cerrito Library, 6510 Stockton Ave., El Cerrito. 526-7512. 

“Rosie and the Railroaders” A celebration of trains for ages 3 and up at 3:30 p.m. at Berkeley Public Library, North Branch and 7 p.m. at West Branch. 981-6100. 

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 

East Bay Assoc. for Women in Science “Finding Work in Tough Times” with Toby Freedman at 7 p.m. at Novartis, Room 4.104, 4560 Horton St., Emeryville. All welcome. Cost is $5-$10. 

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. 

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 

FRIDAY, MARCH 27 

City Commons Club Noon Luncheon with Allan Solomonow, Jewish Pacifist, AFSC, “The Most Recent Violent Conflict of Israel vs Hamas in Gaza” 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 

Berkeley Food and Housing Poject “Blues & Jazz Benefit” with dinner and entertainment at 6 pm. at Gaia Arts Center, 2120 Allston Way. Tickets are $30-$40. 649-4965, ext. 312.  

“The New American Olive Oil” profiles of artisan producers with author Fran Gage at 5:30 p.m. at The Pasta Shop, 1786 Fourth St. 250-6004. 

“27 Days of Change: Practice Period” Opening ceremony at 6:30 p.m. at Center for Transformative Change, 2548 Martin Luther King, Jr. Way. Register at www.27daysofchange.com 

Jewish Humanist Forum Dr. Joel Crohn talks about “Tom, Dick, or Haim: Jewish Women and Intermarriage” at 8 p.m. at Albany Community Center, 1249 Marin Ave. at Masonic in Albany. Shabbat service at 7 p.m. 428-1492. www.kolhadash.org 

“Jewish Life: Where Do I Fit?” at 6:15 p.m. at Jewish Gateways, 409 Liberty St., El Cerrito. Cost is potluck dish or $7. 559-8140. 

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.  

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

SATURDAY, MARCH 28 

Berkeley Historical Society Spring Walking Tour “Mme. Chaing Kai-Shek and her Claremont Elmwood Neighborhood” led by Burl Willis, from 10 a.m. to noon. Cost is $8-$10. For reservations and starting point call 848-0181. 

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. 

Compost Give-Away from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Berkeley Farmers’ Market, Center St. at MLK. Bring your own container, two large buckets or large garbage bags. 543-3333. 

Vegetarian Cooking Class: Demystifying Tofu and Tempeh from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at First Unitarian Church of Oakland, 685 14th St. at Castro. Cost is $55, plus $5 food and material fee. Advance registration required. 531-COOK. www.compassionatecooks.com 

“What is Microfinance?” with Dana Whitaker with photographs and stories from her book, “Transforming Lives $40 at a Time,” and Gail Uilkema of the Lantern Project, and Hava Maloku, at 2 p.m. at the Rockridge Branch Library, 5366 College Ave., Oakland. Co-sponsored by AAUW Oakland-Piedmont Branch. Free. 531-4275. 

Foreclosure Help, Information and Counselling for Contra Costa County homeowners from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Richmond Recreation Center, 323o Macdonald Ave. Bring your loan documents. For infromation see www.ci.richmond.ca.us/ForeclosureHelp 

“9/11 Blueprint for Truth” with architect Richard Gage at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists, 1924 Cedar St. 841-4824. 

Arts at St. Alban’s: Drama with Patrick Moore A multi-disciplinary series for children, ages 5 to 10, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at St. Alban's Episcopal Church, 1501 Washington Ave., Albany. Free, donations accepted. To register call 525-1716. info@st-albans-albany.org  

Know Your Rights Training Do you know what your rights are if you're questioned by the police? Join Berkeley Copwatch for a free training from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 2022 Blake St. www.berkeleycopwatch.org 

“Our Oakland: Eastside Stories” Community Storytelling Day from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the shared campus of ACORN Woodland Elementary School and EnCompass Academy, corner of Rusdale St. and 81st. Ave, East Oakland. Pre-registration required. adapinkston@gmail.com, 350-7492. 

Super Smash Brothers Video Game Tournament benefit for Berkeley High students’ trip to Washington DC. at 6:30 p.m. at Eudemonia at 2154 University Ave.  

“Rosie and the Railroaders” A celebration of trains for ages 3 and up at 10:30 a.m. at Berkeley Public Library, Claremont Branch. 981-6100. 

“Bookmaking with Recycled Materials” Learn coptic binding for scrapbooks, blank books and journals. All materials provided. From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Ecology Center, 2530 San Pablo Ave. Cost is $10-$15. Advanced registration required. 548-2220, ext. 233. 

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.  

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 29 

“Miya of the Quiet Strength” Screening of the documentary on the life of Miya Rodolfo-Sioson at 2 p.m. at El Cerrito Speakeasy, 10070 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito. Tickets are $6. miyafilm.com 

Jewish Music Festival Family Day with activities and performances from 11 a.m., dance party at 4 p.m. at JCC East Bay, 1414 Walnut St. Tickets are $7-$20. 800-838-3006. www.jewishmusicfestival.org 

Garden Chores for Children Lend a hand for some seeding and weeding in the Kids Garden. Each child will go home with a seedling to nurture. For ages 3 to 5 with a parent at 11 a.m. at Tilden Nature Center. 525-2233. 

Point Pinole Potpourri A 3.5 mile stroll to search for early flowers and enjoy bay views, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Bring a lunch. For meeting place call 525-2233. 

Berkeley Hiking Club: Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Meet at Shattuck Ave. and Berkeley Way at 8:30 a.m. for a 6.8 mile hike with 1500’ elevation gain. Rain cancels. Riders and drivers please call leader. 237-3206. 

“Vivir” A documentary about young adults in Richmond/San Pablo who are brought together by their love of music at 7 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $5-$10, sliding scale. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

“Seder Made Simple” How to host a fun and festive Passover celebration from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Jewish Gateways, 409 Liberty St., El Cerrito. Free, but RSVP required. 559-8140. www.jewishgateways.org 

Personal Theology Seminars with Natalie DaSilva on “Mindful Parenting: The Practice of Bringing a Mindful Presence to Parenting” at 10 a.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, 1 Lawson Rd., Kensington. 525-0302, ext. 306. 

“Sacred Text Revealed: The Oral Torah—Moral Evolution in the Talmud” taught by Rabbi Dean Kertesz, at 10:15 a.m. at Temple Beth Hillel, 801 Park Central, Richmond. 223-2560. www.templebethhillelrichmond.org 

Tibetan Buddhism with Dave Abercrombie on “Achieving All Goals” at 6 p.m. at the Tibetan Nyingma Institute, 1815 Highland Pl. 809-1000. www.nyingmainstitute.com 

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. www.watersideworkshops.org 

MONDAY, MARCH 30 

Community Workshop for Grants from the UC Berkeley Chancellor’s Community Partnership Fund at 7 p.m. in Room B, North Berkeley Senior Center, 1901 Hearst. Please RSVP to calpartnershipfund@ 

berkeley.edu 

“The Hidden Life of Bay Area Wildflowers” with Ken Lavin at at 10:30 a.m. at Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak sts., Oakland. 238-2200. www.museumca.org 

Quit Smoking Class from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center, 1901 Hearst Ave. Free. Hypnosis available to assist in quitting smoking. Please pre-register. 981-5330. QuitNow@ci.berkeley.ca.us 

“Where the Girls Are: Women Artists, Science, and Tech” with Marcia Tanner at 7:30 p.m. at 160 Kroeber Hall, UC campus. Sponsored by Berkeley Center for New Media/Art Techonology & Culture Colloquium. http://bcnm.berkeley.edu  

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 

Three Beats for Nothing South Mostly ancient part music for fun and practice meets every Mon. at 3 p.m. at the South Berkeley Senior Center, Ellis at Ashby. 655-8863.  

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 31 

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 Middle Harbor Regional Shoreline. Call for meeting place and if you need to borrow binoculars. 544-3265. 

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. 

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. 

Conscientious Projector Film Series “Unrepentant” The story of Kevin Annett and Canadian indigenous human rights abuses at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists 1924 Cedar St. at Bonita. Kevin will be present. Suggested donation $10. 841-4824.  

National Nutrition Month Cooking Demonstrations at 2:30 p.m. with Leif Hedendal and 4:30 p.m. with Christine Manoux at the Tuesday Farmers’ Market, Derby St. at MLK. 548-3333. 

“Growing Sustainability in a Low-Carbon World” Speaker series sponsored by Inst. for Urban and Regional Development at 5:15 at Wurster Hall, UC campus. http://iurd.berkeley.edu 

Hillside Club Book Lust Salon meets to discuss “Shakespeare’s Wife” with Germaine Greer at 7:30 p.m. at 2286 Cedar St. Non-member donation $5. 845-4870. www.hillsideclub.org/booklust 

“Financial Fitness” A five-week series on Tues. from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at The HomeOwnership Center, 3301 East 12th St., Suite 201, Oakland. To register call 535-6943. homeownership@unitycouncil.org. 

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 

Improv Acting Class Play fun games that unleash your imagination, creativity, and confidence. Meets 6 p.m., Tues. at YWCA, 2600 Bancroft Way. Beginners welcome. Cost is $10. BerkeleyImprov.com 

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.  

Wheelchair Yoga at 4:30 p.m., Family Yoga on Sat. 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. 

Berkeley Camera Club meets at 7:30 p.m., at the Northbrae Community Church, 941 The Alameda. 548-3991.  

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. 

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. 

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

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1 

Berkeley Technology Academy Career Educational Fair with information on educational and career options other than the traditional four-year college and university route, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Berkeley Technology Academy, 2701 Martin Luther King Jr. Way. Free and open to all. 644-6159. 

The 20th Anniversary Outstanding Woman of Berkeley Awards at 6 p.m. at the City of Berkeley’s Commission on the Status or Women meeting, North Berkeley Senior Center, 1901 Hearst Ave. 981-5347. 

Berkeley Path Wanderers: Holy Hill Theme Walk As a thematic companion to her tour of churches in central Berkeley, Barbara Robben will lead this Easter exploration of the paths and institutions of Holy Hill. Meet at 10 a.m. at Scenic Ave. at the intersection of LeConte and Ridge. 528-3246.  

“In An Age of Depoliticization” a lecture by Chinese political theorist Wang Hui and hosted by the Townsend Center for the Humanities, at 4 p.m. in the Geballe Room, 220 Stephens Hall, UC campus. Free. 643-9670.  

Native Plant Nursery Workday from 1 to 3 p.m. at the MLK Jr. Shoreline, Oakland. Help plant 8,000 native seedlings at this shoreline park, including California poppy, western goldenrod, California bee plant and sticky monkey flower that will showcase beautiful flowers and provide habitat and food resources for pollinators and other animals. 452-9261 ext. 119.  

UNA East Bay Chapter Book Club meets at noon to discuss “Chasing the Flame: Sergio de Mello and the Fight to Save the World” by Samantha Power at noon at United Nations Association East Bay Center, 1403B Addison St. Bring a bag lunch. 849-1752. unaeastbay@sbcglobal.net 

Foreclosure Prevention A six-week class that meets Wed. at 6 p.m. at the The HomeOwnership Center, 3301 East 12th St., Suite 201, Oakland. To register call 535-6943. homeownership@unitycouncil.org. 

“The Crash Course” Part 1. A documentary on the consequenses of having a monetary system that must grow tied to an energy system that can’t grow, at 7:30 p.m. at Humanist Hall, 390 27th St., Oakland. Donation $5. www.Humanist Hall.org 

“Primitive Skills for Wilderness Survival” A presentation covering boatbuilding, fire-making and more at 7 p.m. at REI, 1338 San Pablo Ave. 527-4140. 

East Bay Innovation Group meets to discuss financially informed agile software development at 6 p.m. at RHI, 1999 Harrison St., Suite 1100. Oakland. Cost is $10 for non-members. to register see www.ebig.org 

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, APRIL 2 

Toy Testing Clinic offered by the Center for Environmental Health which recently found high levels of lead in children’s jewelry and other products at stores such as Wal-Mart and Target. CEH is offering free testing to help parents in the Bay area know if their children’s toys are safe. New toys that test positive for lead at a clinic may be eligible for cash exchange, up to $25 for the first toy, $10 for second toy. From 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. at Kaiser Permanente Oakland Medical Center, Dept. of Pediatrics, 11th Floor Conference Room, 3505 Broadway, Oakland. 752-7397. www.ceh.org 

Shorebird Migration A Thurs. evening class with Sun. field trips on the migration and reproduction strategies of shorebirds, reviews worldwide shorebird taxonomy, and identification issues of our local shorebirds. Held at the Oakland Museum of California. Cost is $70. Registration required. 843-2222. www.wingbeats.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 

3rd “Not-A-Seder” Passover Cabaret at 7 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center, 3105 Shattuck Ave.Free. Hosted by the Progressive Jewish Alliance. 

Red Cross Blood Drive from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Holy Names Univ., Brennan Lounge, 3500 Mountain Blvd., Oakland. To schedule an appointment go to www.BeADonor.com 

Red Cross Blood Drive from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Kaiser Center Lobby, 300 Lakeside Dr., Oakland. To schedule an appointment go to www.BeADonor.com 

Improv Acting Class Play fun games that unleash your imagination, creativity, and confidence. Meets 6:45 p.m., Thurs. at YWCA, 2600 Bancroft Way. Beginners welcome. Improv perfromance class at 8:15 p.m. Cost is $10. BerkeleyImprov.com 

“High Power Laser Therapy: A New Advancement in the Treatment of Neuropathy” with Colle Hunt, Jr. at 1 p.m. at Seventh Day Adventist Church at 278 Grand Ave., Oakland. 653-8625. 

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. 

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

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, APRIL 3 

Golden Gate Audubon Soicety Walk Around Jewel Lake in Tilden Park. Meet at 8:30 a.m. at the parking lot at the north end of Central Park Dr. for a one-mile, two-hour-plus stroll through this lush riparian area. Breeding birds are returning, and we may be treated to some wonderful bird song. Heavy April showers cancels. www.goldengateaudubon.org 

City Commons Club Noon Luncheon with Richard C. Boly, National Security Affairs Fellow, Hoover Institution, on “Promoting Entrepreneurship as US Foreign POlicy: Good for Business & and Our Image.” 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 

Ferment Change A celebration of urban agriculture, food justice, fermented food and community. A benefit for City Slicker Farms in West Oakland, at 7:30 p.m. at Humanist Hall,390 27th St., Oakland. Cost is $10-$30, no on turned away. fermentchange.wordpress.com 

“NASA 100 Hours of Astronomy” free viewing through the telescopes Fri. and Sat. from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. at Chabot Space & Science Center, 10000 Skyline Blvd., Oakland. www.chabotspace.org 

Red Cross Blood Drive from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Waste Management, Large Training Room, 172 98th Ave., Oakland. To schedule an appointment go to www.BeADonor.com 

April Fool’s Weekend At Playland-Not-At-The-Beach Celebrate April Fools with our crew of professional jokesters, play pranks and get them played on you from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fri. and Sat. at Playland-Not-At-The-Beach, 10979 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito. Cost is $5-$10. 592-3002. www.playland-not-at-the-beach.org 

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, APRIL 4 

Sustainable Gardening Class for Children Have fun getting your hands dirty and come away with seeds & ideas for your garden. For ages 4-9 and their parents 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. 

Creating Year-Round Edible Gardens Learn how to garden care, reducing chores and using as few resources, from water to fertilizer, as possible. This hands-on workshop will offer vegetable gardening basics including: soil preparation, when and what to plant for our local climate, companion planting and pest control, plus creative ways to use your bountiful harvest. Seeds, catalogs, regional food source information, and other handouts will be provided. From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Ploughshares Nursery, 2701 Main St., at the old naval base, Alameda. Register online. www.stopwaste.org/home/index.asp?page=625 

“Spring Blooming Perennials and Shrubs” a talk by Aerin Moore, at 10 a.m. at Magic Gardens, 729 Heinz Ave. 644-2351. www.magicgardens.com 

“Afghanistan: What is A Progressive Solution?” discussion led by Conn Hallinan at 10 a.m. at Niebyl-Proctor Library, 6501 Telegraph Ave. between Alcatraz and 66th, Oakland. 595-7417. 

Wildcat Summer Camp Open House A preview of games and activities from the summer from 1 to 4 p.m. at East Bay Waldorf School, 3800 Clark Rd., El Sobrante. 223-3570. www.eastbaywaldorf.org 

Artists’ Marketing Workshop “How To Find and Keep Collectors” from 10:30 a.m. to noon at Frank Bette Center for the Arts, 1601 Paru St., Alameda. Cost is $15 members, $25 non-members. 523-6957. info@frankbettecenter.org 

Arts at St. Alban’s Storytelling and Music with Joyce Parry Moore and Jack Hayes, a multi-disciplinary series for children, ages 5-10. Parents invited. From 10 to 11:30 a.m. at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, 1501 Washington Ave., Albany. Free, donations accepted. To register call 525-1716. info@st-albans-albany.org  

“David Ramadanoff, This is Your YPSO Life” A night at the movies celebrating David’s 20 years as music director, at 7:30 p.m. at Auctions by the Bay Theater, 2700 Saratoga St., Alameda. Tickets are $10-$15. RSVP to 849-9776. 

Preschool Storytime, including crafts and finger plays at 11 a.m. at The Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave., Albany. 526-3720 ext. 16. 

Passover Celebration for Young Children at 10:30 a.m. at Jewish Gateways, 409 Liberty St., El Cerrito. Free. 559-8140. www.jewishgateways.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, APRIL 5 

A Peak Hike Join a vigorous 3-mile nature hike to Wildcat Peak for a view of the Bay and beyond, from 10 a.m. to noon. Bring water and snack. Call for meeting place. 525-2233. 

Spring Spiders Learn about the life of a spider, then explore the meadow for wolf spiders, jumping spiders, crab spiders and more, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at Tilden Nature Area, Tilden Park. 525-2233. 

East Bay Tracking Club meets every first Sunday of the month in the East Bay to share tracking, survival, wilderness, nature awareness and naturalist skills from 8:30 a.m. to noon at Seabreeze Market, University Ave. and Frontage Rd. To subscribe to the group email eastbaytrackers-subscribe@yahoogroups.com  

Berkeley Hiking Club goes to Muir Woods Meet at Shattuck Ave. and Berkeley Way at 8:30 a.m. or meet at Mountain Home at 9:30 a.m. We will hike a variety of trails at a moderate pace for approx 7-8 miles. Rain cancels. 654-3148. 

Eggstravaganza: The Wonder of Eggs A family exploration event from 1 to 4 p.m. at Oakland Museum of California, 1000 Oak at 10th, Oakland. Cost is $5-$8. 238-2200. www.museumca.org 

“Naturally-Dyed Easter Eggs” A workshop to introduce children to natural dyes from 1 to 2 p.m. at UC Botnical Garden. Cost is $15-$20. Registreation required. 643-2755. 

Berkeley Rep Family Series “Fools, Clowns and Jesters” from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Nevo Education Center, 2071 Addison St. Free, but bring a book to donate to a school library. 647-2973. 

“Pesach for Preschoolers” for children ages 2-5 and their grown-ups from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at . Kehilla Community Synagogue, 1300 Grand Ave., Piedmont. Learn with your child about the joy and meaning of the Passover holiday and enjoy an age-appropriate model seder. Cost is $18 per family. Pre-registration required. 547-2424, ext. 100. www.KehillaSynagogue.org 

Personal Theology Seminars with Beth Glick-Rieman on “The Scared Scriptures and How they Shaped my Life” 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 

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 

Mental Health Commission meets Thurs., March 26, at 5 p.m. at 2640 MLK Jr. Way, at Derby. 981-5217.  

Zoning Adjustments Board meets Thurs., March 26, at 7 p.m., in City Council Chambers. 981-7430.  

Disaster and Fire Safety Commission meets Wed., April 1,at 7 p.m., at the Emergency Operations Center, 997 Cedar St. 981-5502.  

Landmarks Preservation Commission meets Thurs., April 2, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-7429.  

Community Environmental Advisory Commission meets Thurs., April 2, at 7 p.m., at 2118 Milvia St. Nabil Al-Hadithy, 981-7460.

THURSDAY, MARCH 26 

THEATER 

PEN Oakland “4 X 4 Plays” staged readings of new works by local playwrights, Thurs. and Fri. at 8 p.m. at Live Oak Theater, 1301 Shattuck Ave. at Berryman. Tickets are $7-$10. 681-5652. www.penoakland.org 

FILM 

“Wholphin” A quarterly DVD magazine with short movies, documentaries and uncategorizable films at 7:30 p.m. at Pegasus Books Downtown, 2349 Shattuck Ave. 649-1320. 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Steve Fainaru, Washington Post correspondent and author of “Big Boy Rules: America’s Mercenaries Fighting in Iraq” at 7 p.m. at El Cerrito Library, 6510 Stockton Ave., El Cerrito. 526-7512. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

“Di Goldene Pave” Yiddish Muse and Mystery with Lenka Lichtenberg at 1 p.m. at JCC East Bay, 1414 Walnut St. Tickets are $12-$15. 800-838-3006.  

“The Miracle of the Negro Spiritual” An evening of lecture and song with Prof. Lucy Kinchen, soloists and The Lucy Kinchen Chorale at 7 p.m. at Laney College, Room G189. 

Santa Ferenc, Hungarian Gypsy music, at 8 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $15-$20. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

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

Alex Calatayud’s Brasil and Farewell Party at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $12. 841-JAZZ.  

TAARKA, Elephant Revival at 9 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $10. 841-2082.  

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

FRIDAY, MARCH 27 

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 

Black Repertory Group “Mrs. Streeter” Fri. at 8 p.m., Sat. at 2:30 and 8 p.m. at 3201 Adeline St., through April 25. Tickets are $15-$20. 925-812-2787. www.blackrepertorygroup.com 

Brookside Rep “Basha Rubenchek from Minsk, Comrade of Petaluma” Thurs.-Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 5 p.m. at Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant, through May 3. Tickets are $19-$24. www.BrooksideRep.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 

Destiny Arts “Dreaming Awake” Movement theater work created by young artists Fri. and Sat. at 7:30 p.m. through April 5, at Laney College Theater, 900 Fallon St., Oakland. Cost is $12-$20. www.brownpapertickets.com 

Masquers Playhouse “The Last Five Years” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2:30 p.m. at 105 Park Place, Point Richmond, and runs through May 2. Tickets are $18. 232-4031. www.masquers.org 

“Memories and Dreams of the Twentieth Century: stories and a couple of songs” A one-man show by Michael Brown, Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m. at Da Silva Ukulele Co., 2547 8th St., Suite 28, in the Sawtooth Bldg., through April 4. Suggested donation $15. 868-3280. 

PEN Oakland “4 X 4 Plays” staged readings of new works by local playwrights, at 8 p.m. at Live Oak Theater, 1301 Shattuck Ave. at Berryman. Tickets are $7-$10. 681-5652.  

Shotgun Players “Skylight” Thurs.-Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 5 p.m. at the Ashby Stage, 1901 Ashby Ave., though April 26. Tickets are $25. 841-6500. www.shotgunplayers.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 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Descent” Photographs by Peter Tonningsen on display until May 1 at A Different Day Gallery, 1233 Solano Ave., Albany. 868-4904. 

FILM 

“Iron Jawed Angels” A fictionalized account of the young activists in the women’s suffrage movement at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Friends Church 1600 Sacramento at Cedar St. 524-4112. www.berkeleyfriendschurch.org 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Blair Kilpatrick reads from “Accordian Dreams: A Journey into Cajun and Creole Music” at 7:30 p.m. at Mrs. Dalloways, 2904 College Ave. 704-8222. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

“Blues & Jazz Benefit” with Rhonda Benin & Company, Dave Matthews Blues Band, Beverly Johnson and others in a benefit for Berkeley Food and Housing Project, at 6 pm. at Gaia Arts Center, 2120 Allston Way. Tickets are $30. 649-4965, ext. 312. www.bfhp.org 

Whitworth Symphony Orchestra performs Haydn’s Symphony No. 100 and other selections at 8 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Berkeley, 2407 Dana St. Free, donations accepted. 509-777-3280. 

Opera Piccola Youth Performance at 7 p.m. at Oakland Technical High School Auditorium, 4351 Broadway, Oakland. Donations accepted. www.opera-piccola.org 

Que viva el canto/Songs of Chile with Eduardo Peralta at 8 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $13-$15. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

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

Blue Turtle Seduction, Seah Hodge & High Heat at 9 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $10. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Escalay, middle-eastern jazz, at 7:30 p.m. at Pro Arts Gallery, 550 Second St., Oakland. Tickets are $12-$18. proartsgallery.org  

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

The Botticellis, Winters Fall, Belly of the Whale at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $10. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com 

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

Terrence Brewer Trio at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 843-8277. 

Monophonics & Grease Taps at 9 p.m. at Shattuck Down Low, 2284 Shattuck Ave. Cost is $6-$8. 548-1159.  

Lynne Smith, Vickie Hopper Claudia Russell at 8 p.m. at Spuds Pizza, 3290 Adeline St. Cost is $7-$10. 597-0795. 

SATURDAY, MARCH 28 

CHILDREN  

East Bay Children’s Theatre “That’s Our Snow White” at 1 and 3 p.m. at The James Moore Theater, Oakland Museum, 1000 Oak St., Oakland. Tickets are $10. www.childrens-theatre.org 

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

Owen Baker Flynn “Act in a Box” 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 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Go Figure” Works interpreting the human form by Prabin Badhia, Bernice Gross and Gail Machlis. Reception at 7 p.m. at 4th Street Studio, 1717D 4th St. www.fourthstreetstudio.com 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Conrgresswoman Barbara Lee will read from her memoir “Renegade for Peace and Justice” and discuss her political career at 3 p.m. at Pegasus Books Downtown, 2349 Shattuck Ave. 649-1320. pdtevents@gmail.com 

Rhythm & Muse Young Writers’ Night, with Maurisha and Michelle Williams, Terry Taplin, Anthony Atlas, Poetry Thomas & others, at 7 p.m. at 1275 Walnut St., between Eunice and Rose Sts. 644-6893.  

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Gamelan Sekar Jaya 30th Anniversary Benefit with auction, Balinese music and performance from 1 to 6 p.m. at the Berkeley City Club, Durant Ave. Cost is $25. 655-1227. 

Los Cenzontles, Mexican-American Roots band, at 2 p.m. at Down Home Music, 10341 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito. 525-2129. 

Pellejo Seco, Cuban, at 9:30 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $10-$13. 849-2568.  

Mal Sharpe’s Gumbo Band at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $14. 841-JAZZ.  

Baba Ken & the Afro-Groove Connexion at 9:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $10-$13. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com  

Kenny “Blue” Ray at 8:30 p.m. at Bobby G’s, 2072 University Ave.  

Take the Stage at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $8.50-$9.50. 548-1761.  

Mitch Green at 8 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $12. 845- 

Roger Rocha and the Goldenhearts at 10 p.m. at Beckett’s Irish Pub, 2271 Shattuck Ave. 647-1790. 

Hali Hammer and Khadejah Waverly at 8 p.m. at Spuds Pizza, 3290 Adeline St. Cost is $7-$10. 597-0795. 

Or, the Whale, The Flagpoles, Strix Vega at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $10. 841-2082.  

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

Dan Potthast, Davenpport Totem 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. 

SUNDAY, MARCH 29 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Congresswoman Barbara Lee on her new book “Renegade for Peace & Justice” at 1 p.m. at Barnes & Noble, 98 Broadway, Jack London Square, Oakland. 272-0120. 

Andrea Mock, spoken word performance at 4 p.m. at Mrs. Dalloways, 2904 College Ave. 704-8222. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Berkeley Opera 30th Anniversary Celebration Concert with soprano Ruth Ann Swenson, at 7 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Berkeley. Tickets are $48-$58. www.berkeleyopera.org 

Jewish Music Festival Family Day with activities and performances from 11 a.m., dance party at 4 p.m. at JCC East Bay, 1414 Walnut St. Tickets are $7-$20. 800-838-3006. www.jewishmusicfestival.org 

Namâd Ensemble, Ossyan (Rebellion), Persian Classical Concert at 7 p.m. at The Julia Morgan Young People’s Performing Arts Center, 2640 College Ave. Tickets are $30. 823-5990.  

“Requiem” by Gabriel Faure at 2 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Oakland, 2619 Broadway, Oakland. 444-3555.  

Berkeley Unified School District’s Performing Arts Showcase at 1 p.m. in Berkeley Community Theater at Berkeley High School. 644-6320. 

Joshua Moshier & Andre Bush at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $12. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

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

Mary Jensen at 4:30 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $12. 845-5373.  

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

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

MONDAY, MARCH 30 

EXHIBITIONS 

“RE/FORMATIONS: Disability, Women and Sculpture” opens at the National Institute of Art & Disabilities, 551 23rd St., Richmond, and runs through May 11. 620-0290.  

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Bloch Lecture: Steven Feld on “Jazz Cosmopolitanism: A View from Acra, Ghana” at 8 p.m. at Hertz Hall, UC campus. Tickets not required. 642-4864. 

“Where the Girls Are: Women Artists, Science and Tech” with Marcia Tanner at 7:30 p.m. at 160 Kroeber Hall, UC campus. Free. bcnm.berkeley.edu 

Bill Berkson reads from “Portrait and Dream: New & Selected Poems” at 7:30 p.m. at Moe’s Books, 2476 Telegraph Ave. 849-2087. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Classical at the Freight in celebration of Mendelssohn’s 200th Birthday at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage Coffee House. Cost is $8.50-$9.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

TUESDAY, MARCH 31 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Walter Mosley, crime writer and creator of Easy Rawlins, at 7:30 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Oakland, 2501 Harrison St., Oakland. Tickets are $10-$13. www.kpfa.org 

Germaine Greer on “Shakespeare’s Wife” at 7:30 p.m. at the Hillside Club, 2286 Cedar St. Cost is $10. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Farallon Recorder Quartet at 7:30 p.m. at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, 1501 Washington Ave., Albany. Tickets are $15-$20. 559-4670. farallonrecorderquartet.com 

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

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

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Human/Nature: Artists Respond to a Changing Planet” opens at the Berkeley Art Museum. Curator’s talk with Lucinda Barnes at 12:15 p.m. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

“As the World Turns: The World of the 1890s” Staged tableaux of garments, linens and laces in everyday setting, opens at the Lacis Museum of Lace and Textiles, 3163 Adeline St. 843-7178. lacismuseum.org 

“Flowers Revealed” Photographs by Karen Preuss at the Joseph P. Bort MetroCenter, 2nd flr., 101 Eighth St., Oakland, through April 30. 817-5773. 

FILM 

“The Spirit of the Beehive” at 3 p.m. and “Wild Boys of the Road” at 6 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $5.50-$9.50. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

From Riches to Rags: Hollywood and the New Deal “Our Daily Bread” Introduced by Eric Rauchway, author of The Great Depression and the New Deal: A Very Short Introduction at 7 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $5.50-$9.50. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

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

“Sacred Music of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam” with recordings presented by UC Prof. of Middle Eastern Studies, Martin Schwartz; and a live performance by cantor Richard Kaplan at 7:30 p.m. at Northbrae Community Church, 951 The Alameda. Free. 526-3805.  

Dazzling Divas, opera, at 7 p.m. at Le Bateau Ivre, 2629 Telegraph Ave. www.lebateauivre.net 

The Big Cheese & Jive Rats at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $10. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

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

The Northside Band at 7:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $6. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Rumbache at 9:30 p.m. at Shattuck Down Low, 2284 Shattuck Ave. Salsa dance lessons at 8:30 p.m. Cost is $5-$10. 548-1159.  

Mike Marshall & Darol Anger with Vasen at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $32.50-$33.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

THURSDAY, APRIL 2 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Human/Nature: Artists Respond to a Changing Planet” Converstaion with ecologist Gretchen Daily and Artist Iñgo Manglano-Ovalle at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Art Museum. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Catherine Ramirez in conversation with Jose Saldivar on her new book “The Woman in the Zoot Suit: Gender, Nationalism, and the Cultural Politics of Memory” 6 p.m. at University Press Books, 2430 Bancroft Way. 548-0585. www.universitypressbooks.com 

Holloway Poetry Series with Cyrus Console at 6:30 p.m. in the Maude Fife Room, 315 Wheeler Hall, UC campus. http://holloway.english.berkeley.edu 

Ric Salinas and Herbert Siguenza of Culture Clash read from their new anthology “Oh Wild West” at 7 p.m. at Oakland Museum of California, 1000 Oak at 10th, Oakland. Cost is $5-$8. 238-2200. www.museumca.org 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

The Rubber Soldiers Revue with The Rowan Brothers and David Gans at 9 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $10. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

3rd “Not-A-Seder” Passover Cabaret at 7 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center, 3105 Shattuck Ave.Free. Hosted by the Progressive Jewish Alliance. 

Bill Evans & Megan Lynch at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $18.50-$19.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

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

Luce Band, Annie Bacon and her O-Shen, The Wicked Oysters at 9 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $8. 841-2082  

Dave Stein Hub-Bub at 10 p.m. at Beckett’s Irish Pub, 2271 Shattuck Ave. 647-1790.  

FRIDAY, APRIL 3 

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 

Black Repertory Group “Mrs. Streeter” Fri. at 8 .m., Sat. at 2:30 and 8 p.m. at 3201 Adeline St., through April 25. Tickets are $15-$20. 925-812-2787. www.blackrepertorygroup.com 

Brookside Rep “Basha Rubenchek from Minsk, Comrade of Petaluma” Thurs.-Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 5 p.m. at Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant, through May 3. Tickets are $19-$24. www.BrooksideRep.org 

Destiny Arts “Dreaming Awake” Movement theater work created by young artists Fri. at 7:30 p.m., Sat. at 2 and 7:30 p.m., and Sun. at 2 p.m. at Laney College Theater, 900 Fallon St., Oakland. Cost is $12-$20. www.brownpapertickets.com 

Masquers Playhouse “The Last Five Years” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2:30 p.m. at 105 Park Place, Point Richmond, and runs through May 2. Tickets are $18. 232-4031. www.masquers.org 

“Memories and Dreams of the Twentieth Century: stories and a couple of songs” A one-man show by Michael Brown, Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m. at Da Silva Ukulele Co., 2547 8th St., Suite 28, in the Sawtooth Bldg., through April 4. Suggested donation $15. 868-3280. 

Round Belly Theatre Co. “Twelfth Night” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 5 p.m. Subterranean Art House, 2179 Bancroft Way. Suggested donation $8-$10. 415-728-5975. 

Shotgun Players “Skylight” Thurs.-Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 5 p.m. at the Ashby Stage, 1901 Ashby Ave., though April 26. Tickets are $25. 841-6500. www.shotgunplayers.org 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Descent” Photographs by Peter Tonningsen. Opening reception at 6 p.m. at A Different Day Gallery, 1233 Solano Ave. Albany. 868-4904. 

“Earth Days” Works by Tyrell Collins, Ralph Singer, and John Wood. Opening reception at 7 p.m. at Oakopolis, 447 Twenty-fifth St., Oakland. oakopolis@gmail.com 

“Intersectionality of Sisters” Panel discussion and poetry at 5:30 p.m. at Joyce Gordon Gallery, 406 14th St., Oakland. 465-8928. 

“Myth Magic Mystery: Art of the Inner Worlds” Group show. Opening reception at 6 p.m. at The Red Door Gallery and Collective in the Warehouse, 416 26th St., Oakland. 292-7061. 

“Confluence” Painting and sculpture by Margaret Chavigny and Laura van Duren. Opening reception at 6 p.m. at Mercury 20 Gallery, 25 Grand Ave. at Broadway, Oakland. 701-4620. www.mercurytwenty.com  

“Modality Room” Installation by Renee Gertler. Reception at 7 p.m. at Blankspace, 6608 San Pablo Ave., Oakland. 547-6608. www.blankspacegallery.com 

“Beyond the Studio: Community Collaborations” Community-based Public Art Projects and Final Exhibition through April 5 at Work-in-Progress Gallery, John F. Kennedy University’s Arts Annex, 2956 San Pablo Ave., 2nd Flr. 486-8118. 

FILM 

“An American in Paris” at 7 p.m. at the Paramount, 2025 Boradway. Tickets are $5. Box office opens at 6 p.m.  

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Teen Poetry Slam Semi-Finals with eighteen semi-finalists from across the Bay Area, Fri. and Sat. at 7 p.m. at The Julia Morgan Theater, 2640 College Ave. Tickets are $6-$10. 800-828-3006. www.brownpapertickets.com 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Friday Noon Concert with Dept. of Music students at Hertz Hall, UC campus. Free. 642-4864. http://music.berkeley.edu 

“Cal Band Spring Showcase” a variety of acts from rock bands to dances to comedy skits at 7:30 p.m. at Haas Pavilion, UC campus. Tickets are $5-$10. 642-3436. tickets.berkeley.edu.  

San Francisco City Chorus “Spring Rhapsody” choral works from the Romantic Period at 8 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Berkeley, 2345 Channing Way. Tickets are $18-$25. 415-701-7664. www.sfcitychorus.org 

Sergio Caputo Quartet at 8 p.m. at 155 Dwinelle Hall, UC campus. Free.  

Bill Crossman, First Fridays Free Jazz and Improv at 7:30 p.m. at OPC Music, 1616 Franklin St., Oakland. Cost is $5, free for ages 16 and under. 836-4649. 

Clifton Burton’s Upside Down & Backwards at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $12. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

The Phenomenauts, Peelander-Z, The Secretions, Tabaltix at 8:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $10-$12. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Mark Hummel with Jerry Zybach at 9 p.m. at Bobby G’s, 2072 University Ave.  

Bob Frank with John Murray & the Lansky Brothers at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $18.50-$19.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Beth Nielsen Chapman, singer/songwriter, at 8 p.m. at Rudramandir, 830 Bancroft Way, at 6th. Cost is $15-$25. 486-8700. www.rudramandir.com  

Marcus Shelby Trio at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 843-8277. 

Lloyd Family Players, Alex-Lee, The Rad Girls at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $10. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com 

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

Danny Torres & Friends at 8 p.m. at Spuds Pizza, 3290 Adeline St. Cost is $7-$10. 597-0795. 

SATURDAY, APRIL 4 

CHILDREN  

John Weaver, storyteller, Sat. and Sun. at 1:30 and 2:30 p.m. at Children’s Fairyland, 699 Bellevue Ave., Oakland. Cost is $7. 452-2259. www.fairyland.org 

“Orca, The First Whale” A puppet show based on a tale from Native Americans in the Northwest, at 11 a.m., and 2 and 4 p.m. at Children’s Fairyland, 699 Bellevue Ave., Oakland. Cost is $7. 452-2259. www.fairyland.org 

Arts at St. Alban’s Storytelling and Music with Joyce Parry Moore and Jack Hayes, a multi-disciplinary series for children, ages 5-10. Parents invited. From 10 to 11:30 a.m. at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, 1501 Washington Ave., Albany. Free, donations accepted. To register call 525-1716. info@st-albans-albany.org  

EXHIBITIONS 

“RE/FORMATIONS: Disability, Women and Sculpture” Opening reception at 2 p.m. at the National Institute of Art & Disabilities, 551 23rd St., Richmond. Exhibition runs through May 11. 620-0290. www.niadart.org 

THEATER 

Stone Soup Improv Comedy at 8 p.m. at Temescal Arts Center, 511 48th St. at Telegraph, Oakland. Cost is $7-$10. www.stonesoupimprov.com 

TheatreFIRST “Old Times” Wed.-Sat. at 8 p.m. at Gaia Arts Center, 2120 Allston Way, through April 18. Tickets are $23-$28. 436-5085. www.theatrefirst.com 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Teen Poetry Slam Semi-Finals with eighteen semi-finalists from across the Bay Area at 7 p.m. at The Julia Morgan Theater, 2640 College Ave. Tickets are $6-$10. 800-828-3006. www.brownpapertickets.com 

Poetry Reading with Ariana Reines at 7 p.m. at Alphonse Berber Gallery, 2546 Bancroft Way. 649-9492. 

Benito M. Vergara, Jr. on “Pinoy Capital: The Filipino Nation in Daly City” at 3:30 p.m. at Eastwind Books of Berkeley, 2066 University Ave. www.asiabookcenter.com 

Bay Area Poets Coalition open reading from 3 to 5 pm. at Strawberry Creek Lodge, 1320 Addison St. Park on the street. 527-9905. 

Thaddeus Rutkowski on “Tetched: A Novel in Fractals” at 7 p.m. at Eastwind Books of Berkeley, 2066 University Ave. www.asiabookcenter.com 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

“Gloria” Combined Choirs and Symphony at 8 p.m. at Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, One Lawson Road, Kensington. Suggested donation $15-$20, no one turned away for lack of funds. 525-0302, ext. 309. www.uucb.org 

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

Yolanda Rhodes, jazz standards, arias, spirituals and art songs, at 8 p.m. at Trrinity Chapel, 2320 Dana St. Tickets are $8-$12. 549-3864. 

San Francisco Bay Area Chamber Choir “Tonight My Heart Sings” at 7 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Alameda, 2001 Santa Clara at Chestnut, Alameda. Suggested donation $10-$15, children under 13, free. 522-1477. www.AlamedaChurch.com 

Las Bomberas de la Bahía at 8 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $12. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

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

Steve Freund at 8:30 p.m. at Bobby G’s, 2072 University Ave.  

Beat Box Showcase with The Vowel Movement and others at 9 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $10. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com  

Sotaque Baiano at 9 p.m. at Shattuck Down Low, 2284 Shattuck Ave. Cost is $5-$10. 548-1159. www.shattuckdownlow.com 

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

Disappear Incompletely and Kapowski at 8 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $15-18. 845-5373. www.jazzschool.com 

Zarate Pollace Brazillian Band at 9:30 p.m. at Albatross, 1822 San Pablo Ave. Cost is $3. 843-2473. www.albatrosspub.com 

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

Celu Hamer & Friends at 8 p.m. at Spuds Pizza, 3290 Adeline St. Cost is $7-$10. 597-0795. 

Mitch Marcus Quartet at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 843-8277. 

Berkeley Guitar Festival with Michto Pelo, George Cole and Vive le Jazz, The Terrence Brewer Group at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $12. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com 

SUNDAY, APRIL 5 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Prints and Posters” Reception at 5:30 p.m. p.m. at Berkeley Art Center, 1275 Walnut St. Sale and auction runs through April 12. 644-6893. www.berkeleyartcenter.org 

“Human/Nature: Artists Respond to a Changing Planet” Guided tour at 2 p.m. at Berkeley Art Museum. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

“The Lyrical Line: Embracing All & Flowing” Works by Salma Arastu on display from 2 to 5 p.m. at Numi Tea Gardens, 2230 Livingston St., Oakland. 261-1315. 

FILM 

African Diaspora Film Society “Zora Neale Hurston: Jump at the Sun” at 2 p.m. at Parkway Theater, 1834 Park Blvd., Oakland. Cost is $5. 814-2400. 

Earth Dance Film Festival at 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. at Oakland Museum of California, 1000 Oak at 10th, Oakland. For ticket information call 701-4019. www.earthdancefilms.com 

From Riches to Rags: Hollywood and the New Deal “Wild Boys of the Road” Introduced by Harvey Smith, board member of the National New Deal Preservation Association, at 6 p.m. at Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $5.50-$9.50. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

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 

Poetry Flash with Diane di Prima, Maichael McClure and David Meltzer at 3 p.m. at Diesel, 5433 College Ave., Oakland. 653-9965. 

Small Press Distribution Poetry Blow-Out with readings by Clark Coolidge, Norma Cole, Graham Foust, Tennessee Reed and many others, from noon to 4 p.m. at 1341 7th St. at Gilman. 524-1668. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Pocket Opera “La Favorita” at 2 p.m. at Julia Morgan Theater, 2640 College Ave. Tickets are $20-$37. 415-346-7805. www.pocketopera.org 

Moira Smiley & VOCO at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is 18.50-$19.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Fiesta de Marimba with Ana Nitmas and Ixim Tinamit at 7 p.m. at La Peña. Cost is $12-$15. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

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

California Coast Music Camp Spring Dance at 4 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $$15-$25. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Clairdee at 4:30 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $15-$18. 845-5373. www.jazzschool.com 

In a back room of an historic Lorin District church, the man in the yellow rubber apron sharpens his knife, intoning in the low light, “In my hometown, everybody knows that everybody had to work in the chicken factory or the prison—and I’ve been in both....” 

The portentous words contrast with the speaker’s easygoing manner, and again with his air of constant activity. So Michael McCamish spins out his one-man storytelling show, Twobird, at the old South Berkeley Community Church, doing a stint of recollection, both offhanded and mesmerizing, of the Tennessee roots of his protagonist, Malcolm Bruce. 

It’s a solo show, but the name of the presenter, Sun & Moon Ensemble, tells what really goes on during the show as well as behind it. McCamish’s yarn ravels out in the portraits he tells and enacts: Malcolm’s shattered namesake grandfather, called a war hero for surviving the Bataan Death March and POW camp, but who doesn’t even leave a footprint when he slips away and disappears; his father, a fire-eating Scots-Irish preacher, thundering out a sermon like the Reverend Ian Paisley; Uncle Ed, schoolyard bully grown up to be the toughest prison guard; his elegant and ghostly mother, appearing in dreams; his mentor Vidar, a wayward and worldly-wise musician living in the woods outside the segregated town; Mae Bella, the traveling jazz lady, niece of his black “mammy,” whom he falls for; even a skittering, finally high-steppin’ chicken, hatched from the blanket McCamish bursts out from, a ruff of feathers around his neck like an amulet. 

McCamish is a one-man ensemble, sketching his characters with stylized gestures and body language. (He was a student of Eugenio Barba of Denmark’s Odin Teatret—but a longtime social worker, too.) He fills out the cast of his story with a languorously elegant masked dance as the dream apparition of Malcolm’s mother and a romantic and funny pas-de-deux with an expressive puppet standing in as Mae Bella.  

McCamish, who moved to the neighborhood over a year ago, has been practicing at the church, developing the show for months with director Maria Lexa, who founded Sun & Moon in San Francisco eight years ago on returning after two decades in European theater, giving another facet of meaning to “ensemble.” 

But integral to the show in every sense are lighting designer Allen Willner, the half-dozen artists who came up with the costumes, masks and puppets (including chicken shadow puppets), and the musical duo who shade, underline and accent every movement and moment with the sounds of flutes, electric guitar, harmonium, drums and a slew of percussion instruments and voices—singer and multi-instrumentalist Nils Frykdahl and drummer Chuck Squier (who collaborated on set and program art). 

Twobird explores both the dark and idyllic sides of coming of age in a Southern town, a while back. The mood seems deceptively simple, but manages many happy surprises in the midst of not-so-happy moments of alienation, crimes of passion and familial grief. Twobird is also capable of pulling humor and good sense out of uplift—Malcolm seeming to soar above his factory bondage, only to crash, waking up in chicken shit, and learning you have to “take it step by step by step.” 

The show’s leisurely pacing eases the story along, making 90 minutes paradoxically short. Afterwards, as part of Sun & Moon’s partnering with the church, there’s a tasty meal available—real Southern fried chicken, appropriately, with good sides, dessert, lemonade and iced tea—for a nominal sum that benefits the congregation’s youth programs, a chance to sit down convivially with fellow spectators and the Ensemble for a bite and a chat—a perfect close to a seamless evening of real storytelling theater. 

TWOBIRD 

Presented by Sun & Moon Productions at 8 p.m. Thursday through Sunday at South Berkeley Community Church (Fairview at Ellis). Tickets: $10-25 sliding scale. (800) 838-3006. www.brownpapertickets.com. 

Information: (415) 282-4331. sunandmoonensemble.org.

Do you feel like you’re reliving the 1930s Great Depression? Compare and contrast the nature of economic hardship and social and political unrest then and now, through a short film series in April at UC Berkeley’s Pacific Film Archive. 

“Americans sought relief from the grim reality of the Depression in movie palaces supplied with escapist fare, but studio heads and stars, like everyone else, were not neutral about ‘that man in the White House’ and his policies,” historian Gray Brechin writes in the program notes introducing the series, which focuses on Franklin Roosevelt’s New Deal. 

Titled “From Riches to Rags: Hollywood and the New Deal,” the series includes four main films and five short subjects, filmed and produced between 1930 and 1960.  

Curated by PFA’s Steve Seid, it ranges from documentaries to government films to fictional dramas. “Each evening of the series a notable activist or historian will redirect the themes and issues of each film toward the present, so that we may reflect upon our newest of New Deals,” says Seid. 

The series begins at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 1 with Our Daily Bread, King Vidor’s 1934 parable of a “penniless urban couple” moving to a derelict farm and organizing a utopian “cooperative community.” Followed by The Plow That Broke The Plains (Pare Lorentz, 1936), a “melodrama of nature” and the Dust Bowl. Introduced by Eric Rauchway, author of The Great Depression and the New Deal: A Very Short Introduction.  

Wild Boys of the Road is the main feature at 8 p.m. Sunday, April 5. It’s a 1933 drama of juvenile hoboes who, without economic prospects, wandered the country. It is paired with the short, We Work Again, a promotional film of the Works Progress Administration and its impact on African-American communities. Introduced by Harvey Smith, board member of the National New Deal Preservation Association.  

The main attraction at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 15 is 1933’s Gabriel Over the White House, the story of a Hoover-like president who experiences a conversion of sorts following an accident, and sets out to “rid the nation of racketeering, eliminate unemployment…promote world peace,” while also suspending Congress and assuming dictatorial national powers. Two shorts follow, one of them a 1944 cartoon made for Roosevelt’s fourth re-election campaign. Introduced by Berkeley resident Gray Brechin, founding scholar for California’s Living New Deal Project. 

The program concludes with a 6 p.m. screening Sunday, April 19, of Elia Kazan’s Wild River, in which a family resists relocation by the Tennessee Valley Authority. The “rural drama is colored by a subtle sorrow, perhaps knowing that when the floodgates of progress are opened they wash away the good along with the bad,” writes Seid. The Columbia, a 1941 promotional short, precedes the main film. Introduced by Charlotte Brody, program director of Oakland based environmental activist organization Green for All, and preceded by live music of the Depression performed by East Bay band, Jugology. 

FROM RICHES TO RAGS:  

HOLLYWOOD AND THE NEW DEAL 

Pacific Film Archive, 2575 Bancroft Way. $5.50-$9.50. 642-1124. bampfa.berkeley.edu.

Gamelan Sekar Jaya, the East Bay’s 50-member ensemble of musicians and dancers specializing in the Indonesian performing arts of Bali, will celebrate their 30th anniversary with a benefit celebration Saturday at the Berkeley City Club, featuring music and dance, and both a silent and an open auction of Asian artworks, followed by a raffle.  

Entertainment at the event will be performed by Gong Kebyar, Sekar Jaya’s 26-member ensemble, playing an excerpt of Legong, a traditional gamelan piece, and the dancing of eight year-old Iu Dewa Ayu Larrasanti. I Dewa Putu Berata, founder of Bali’s Cudamani gamelan ensemble, will be guest artist. I Dewa Putu Berata is guest music director for Sekar Jaya’s current season.  

“The group was born in Berkeley,” said artistic director Wayne Vitale, “with the original plan being for a six week workshop—and it’s still going. Since that time, there’s been a freer flow of people, artists and ideas between Bali and the rest of the world—and we see ourselves like a sister city, as a direct conduit for artistic exchange.” 

Larry Reed, founder of ShadowLight Productions, reminisced: “We all came out of the old Center for World Music, at one point housed in the Julia Morgan Center, with composers like Steve Reich coming through. Rachel Cooper, now at the Asia Society in New York, and Michael Tenzer, now teaching in Vancouver, bought the gamelan and started the workshop. We collaborated over the years on many things, the biggest being Kawit Legong, the origin of the little girl dance in a dream, at Zellerbach. Their key to success has always been having great guest artists to look up to. And they do a good job, always rejuvenating themselves. There are original members playing with the group, and their children ... a wonderful community gamelan. And it’s high level musicianship, not just a little amateur club.”  

Sekar Jaya is itself composed of several kinds of gamelan orchestras and dancers, which often play in various combinations. Besides Gong Kebyar, the orchestras include Gamelan Angklung, Gamelan Gender Wayang, Gamelan Jegog and Gamelan Joged. Each orchestra is made up of bronze metallophones and/or bamboo marimbas, combined with tuned gongs, drums and flutes.  

Sekar Jaya has presented more than 400 concerts in the U.S., Canada and Mexico, toured Bali five times, sponsored extended Bay Area residencies for over 40 Balinese artists and presided over the creation of more than 60 new music and dance works by both Balinese and American artists and collaborated with Bay Area groups and performers like the Oakland East Bay Symphony, Chitresh Das Dance Company (North Indian Kathak), Larry Reed’s ShadowLight Productions (shadow-shows and puppetry) and the Club Foot Orchestra (accompanying the 1935 silent film LEGONG: DANCE OF THE VIRGINS live, now available on DVD through Milestone). Sekar Jaya has also offered educational outreach in Berkeley through CalPerformance’s SchoolTime, in Oakland through the Oakland Youth Chorus/Music in the Schools program, as well as regionally through AYPAL (Asian Pacific Islander Youth Promoting Advocacy and Leadership), Young Audiences and the Foothill College Arts Alliance. Ongoing workshops and classes in music and dance are offered at Sekar Jaya’s El Cerrito center and other locations. 

Sekar Jaya will celebrate its anniversary with three performances, May 22-24, at Cowell Theatre in San Francisco’s Ft. Mason Center, as part of the San Francisco International Arts Festival, featuring the world premiere of the entire suite for gamelan by I Dewa Putu Berata, SERASI. Early bird discount tickets are available through March 31. (800) 838-3006 or www.sfiaf.org. 

Gamelan Sekar Jaya 

30th anniversary benefit  

1-6 p.m. Saturday  

Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant Ave., Admission: $25.  

655-1227 or www.gsj.org