THURSDAY, APRIL 23 

Earth Week Activities at Berkeley City College Merrian Fuller and Timothy Burrows on Renewable Energy at 12:15 p.m. in the BCC Auditorium, 2050 Center St. http://vistawww.peralta.edu/ 

People’s Park 40th Anniversary “People’s Voice Poetry” with poets Al Young, Julia Vinograd, John Oliver Simon, Alta, HD Moe, Kirk Lumpkin, Paradise, Christian, Arnie Passman, and more, at 7 p.m. at Caffe Mediterraneum, 2475 Telegraph. 390-0830. www.peoplespark.org 

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

“Prefab Green” with Michelle Kaufmann at 7:30 p.m. at Builder’s Booksource, 1817 Fourth St. 845-6874. 

“Straightlaced” A film with unscripted high school youth from around the country speaking candidly about harmful pressures caused by rigid gender roles and homophobia at 7 p.m. at Grand Lake Theater, 3200 Grand Ave. Oakland. Benefits MetWest High School and the Straightlaced educational campaign. Tickets are $10-$30 (sliding scale) and available online at www.groundspark.org 

Sulak Sivaraksa Buddhist social activist and Nobel Peace Prize nominee at 7:30 p.m. at Wheeler Auditorium, UC campus. funiehsu@berkeley.edu 

LiveTalk@CPS with Prof. Ron Hassner “Religion and Counterinsurgency” at 7 p.m. at College Prepatory School, Buttner Auditorium, 6100 Broadway. Tickets are $5-$15 at the door. www.college-prep.org/livetalk 

“Project Joy: Healing and Strengthening our Children through Play” with a showing of the documentary “A Break in the Clouds” at 7 p.m. at the Greenlining Institute, 1918 University Ave., 2nd flr. www.projectjoy.com 

College Admissions and Career Planning Information Sponsored by UC Berkeley Extension, at 5:30 p.m. at 1995 University Ave. To reserve a space call 642-4111. 

Circle of Concern Vigil meets on West Lawn of UC campus across from Addison and Oxford at noon 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. 

“Revolutionary Love and Martial Non-violence” with Buddhist leader Sulak Sivaraksa at 7:30 p.m. at Wheeler Auditorium, UC campus. Free. 

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

FRIDAY, APRIL 24 

City Commons Club Noon Luncheon with Kevin Ambrogi, former volunteer, Nature Elephant Camp, Chiang Mai, Thailand, on “The Elephant in Thailand’s Culture: The Legend and the Reality.” 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.  

People’s Park 40th Anniversary “Founders Forum” with the Park’s original creators: Wendy Schlesinger, Michael Delacour, Frank Bardacke, Sim Van der Ryn and others, with poetry and music, at 5 p.m. at Ashkenaz, 1317 San Pablo Ave. Suggested donation $15. 390-0830. www.peoplespark.org 

“Consuming Kids” A documentary on the pervasive and pernicious effects of children's advertising on the health and well-being of children at 7 p.m. at 101 Morgan Hall, UC campus. Screening followed by discussion. Sponsored by Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood. www.commercialfreechildhood.org 

Luke Song, Creator of Aretha’s Hat at noon at Berkeley Hat Company, 2510 Telegraph Ave. 549-2955. 

“How to Belive in God: Whether You Believe in Religion or Not” with author Clark Strand at 7 p.m. at the Jodo Shinshu Center, 2140 Durant Ave. Free, donation accepted. 809-1460. www.cbe-bca.org 

Xican@ Love and the New Familia: Gender, Sexuality, and Alliance A conference sponsored by Encuentro Xican@ and Noche de Flor y Canto from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., in the Tilden Room, MLK Student Union (Encuentro), UC campus. and 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., in the Maude Fife Room, 300 Wheeler (Flor y Canto), UC campus. Free. 710-1975. 

Dance Around the Pacific School of Religion Campus, 1798 Scenic Ave. from noon to 12:30 p.m. in celebration of National Dance Week. Everyone is welcome to join. 

Lunar Lounge Express A night of interactive exhibits, telescope viewing, and live music from 7 to 11 p.m. at Chabot Space & Science Center, 10000 Skyline Blvd., Oakland. Cost is $15-$20. www.chabotspace.org 

SATURDAY, APRIL 25 

Berkeley Earth Day with cultural performances, activities, community information booths, food and crafts, from noon to 5 p.m. at Civic Center Park, MLK and Allston.  

Swap Your Old Floor Lamp for a new energy saving version, free at Berkeley Earth Day! Do you have a tall halogen floor lamp in your home? These lamps waste electricity, and are dangerous: they can overheat and start fires. Bring along your old 300-watt halogen floor lamp with your PG&E bill to Berkeley Earth Day, and Rising Sun Energy Center will give you a new fluorescent version of the same light quality and brightness, for free. For more information call 665-1501. 

Community Clean-up and Barbeque Work on projects to beautify the James Kenney neighborhood, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at James Kenney Recreation Center, 1720 Eighth St. 981-6650. 

“How To Be An Informed Citizen” Informational displays on local water resources, food supply, energy needs and consumption the Atrium of Berkeley City College, 2050 Center St. 

The New School of Berkeley International Family Fair and raffle with games and activities for children, live entertainment and food, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Bonita St. between Cedar and Virginia. 548-9165. 

Contra Costa Civic Theatre in El Cerrito Preview Party to announce the shows for the 50th season, introduce their directors, and reveal further celebration plans. Tickets are $20. www.ccct.org 

Women’s Multicultural Leadership Conference for women and multicultural communities, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at UCB’s Life Sciences Building, to activate and train women to become leaders in work, media, and politics. For admission and more information see www.engageher.org 

Benjamin Jealous, National President of the NAACP speaks on his vision for the organization as it celebrates its 100th anniversary, at 6 p.m. at Oakland Museum of California, 1000 Oak at 10th, Oakland. 238-2200. www.museumca.org 

Establishing a Home Culinary Herb Garden Learn how to cultivate, fertilize, plant and tend a productive annual herb garden and how to incorporate plantings of perennial herbs into your backyard landscape. Herb plants started by the students of King Middle School will be offered for sale to participants in this class. From 2 to 4 p.m. To register, contact Kyle Cornforth, Program Coordinator at kyle@chezpanissefoundation.org 

Vegetarian Cooking Class: Hearty Homestyle Italian 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 

“Flow: For Love of Water” Documentary by French filmmaker Irena Salinas on why corporations control our most precious resource and what is being done, what we can do, at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists, 1924 Cedar at Bonita. 495-5132. www.bfuu.org 

“The Wisdom of Sustainability: Buddhist Economics for the 21st Century” with Sulak Sivaraksa at 10:15 a.m. at Berkeley Zen Center, 1933 Russell St. 

Peace and Freedom Party on the Six Budget Propositions Discussion at 2 p.m. at Spud’s Pizza, Adeline & Alcatraz. 845-4360. 

Golden Gate Sacred Harp Singing School from 1 to 4 p.m. at All Saints Episcopal Chapel, 2451 Ridge Rd. Donation $10 requested. 451-6299.  

Oakland Free Dance Festival featuring 27 free introductory one hour social dance classes in four rooms from 1 to 7 p.m. at Oakland Veterans Hall, 200 Grand Ave., Oakland. www.bayareandw.org 

Monthly Go Tournament Come play or watch the world’s oldest board game, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Oakland Asian Cultural Center, 388 Ninth St., Suite 290, Oakland. Registration opens at 9 a.m. www.bayareago.org 

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

Beginning Internet Class “All About Email” at 10 a.m. at El Cerrito Library, 6510 Stockton Ave., El Cerrito. Free, but call to sign up 526-7512. 

Volunteer Training for Circle of Care, a program of the East Bay Agency for Children in Oakland. For more information email Shoshana at Shoshana@ebac.org wwww.ebac.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 

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 26 

People’s Park 40th Anniversary “People’s Park 40th Anniversary Concert” noon till dusk in People’s Park with performances by Jonathan Richman, Terry Garthwaite and Family, Shelley Doty, Country Joe, Wavy Gravy, Phoenix, All Nations Singers, Nefer Tem Belly Dance, Carol Denney, “IS” from Berkeley High and more! Also children’s activities and food. 390-0830. www.peoplespark.org 

Save Strawberry Canyon 5 Mile Fun Run at 9 a.m. in Strawberry Canyon. Participation donation is $15. For informarion email savestrawberrycanyon@gmail.com  

Albany Spring Art & Music Festival from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Memorial Park on 1325 Portland Ave. There will be music by Jimbo Trout and the FishPeople, puppet shows, art and craft booths, poetry, food, low cost bike tune ups, chalk art and much more. 

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 

Secret Gardens of the East Bay A self-guided tour from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. to benefit Park Day School. Tickets are $45. A Village Marketplace will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Park Day School, 370 43rd St., at Shafter, Oakland. To register for the tour call 653-0317, ext. 103. www.SecretGardenTour.org 

Message of Peace and Reconciliation for Israelis and Palestinians with Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish, the Palestinian physician whose three daughters and a niece were killed and a fourth daughter seriously injured in Gaza on January 16 at 7 p.m. at Kehilla Community Synagogue, 1300 Grand Ave. Piedmont.  

A Tribute to Rev: Celebrating the Life of Ron Stallings at 7:30 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center, 3105 Shattuck Ave. Cost is $12 at the door. 849-2568. 

“Four Legends of Feminism: Gloria Steinem, Dolores Huerta, Aileen Hernandez, and Yuri Kochiyama” interviewed as part of Engage Her’s Multicultural Women’s Leadership Conference at 7 p.m. in the Life Sciences Auditorium, UC campus. Tickets are $25. www.engageher.org 

Salsa Dancing in the Stacks Celebrate National Dance Week with salsa lesson from Gale Robinson, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. in the Historic Lobby, 2nd flr of the Berkeley Public Library, 2090 Kittredge St. All skill levels welcome. 981-6241. 

Medicinal Plants of the Bay Area: A Bioregional Exploration from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Huckleberry Botanical Preserve, Skyline Blvd., Oakland. Make sure to bring water, snacks/lunch, hat/sunscreen, a notebook, and a camera. Cost is $25. To register call 428-1810. 

Oakland Aviation Museum Open Cockpit Day with docent guided tours of the Short Solent Flying Boat featured in the movie Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark are available all day from noon to 4 p.m. at 8252 Earhart Rd., Bldg. 621, Historic North Field, Oakland Intl. Airport. Cost is $5-$9. 638-7100. www.oaklandaviationmuseum.org 

Mad Hot Klezmer Dance Party Lessons at 7 p.m., dance party at 8 pm. at JCC East Bay, 1414 Walnut St. Tickets are $5-$20. 848-0237. www.klezcalifornia.org  

“An Eco-Materialist Critique of Historical Materialism” with Craig Collins from 10 a.m. to noon at the Niebyl Proctor Library, 6501 Telegraph Ave. Oakland. 595-7417.  

Free Hands-on Bicycle Clinic Learn how to maintain your bike in excellent working condition, from 11 a.m. to noon at REI, 1338 San Pablo Ave. Bring your bike and tools. 527-4140. 

Free Sailboat Rides from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Cal Sailing Club, Berkeley Marina. Wear warm, waterproof clothing and bring a change of clothes in case you get wet. Children 5 and over welcome with parent or guardian. www.cal-sailing.org 

Personal Theology Seminars with John McNally on “How Studying Near Death Experiences Has Benefitted and Informed my Spiritual 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 

Tibetan Buddhism with Dharma Publishing staff on “The Great Guru Padmasambhava” at 3:30 p.m. and Arnaud Maitland on “Cultivating the Essential Link of Devotion” 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 

MONDAY, APRIL 27 

“UC Democracy Stakeholder Panel” Democratizing the UC Regents discussed by student leaders, union members, faculty, nonprofits and other stakeholders, at 6 p.m. at 101 Morgan Hall, UC campus. www.ucdemocracy.org 

People’s 60th Anniversary Party for KPFA at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Fellowship Unitarian Universalist Church, corner Cedar and Bonita. Sponsored by Coalition for a democratic Pacifica. 

Kensington Book Club meets to discuss “What is the What” by Dave Eggers at 7 p.m. at Kensington Library, 61 Arlington Ave. 524-3043. 

“Neighborhood Public Radio: 1/4 Watt Pure Power” at 7:30 p.m. at 160 Kroeber Hall, UCB. Sponsored by Berkeley Center for New Media/Art Techonology & Culture Colloquium. 642-0635.  

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. 

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.  

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. Volunteers needed. 548-0425. 

TUESDAY, APRIL 28 

Alice Walker: “The Siege of Gaza Is An Attack on the Common Heart” at 7:30 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Oakland, 2501 Harrison St., Oakland. Tickets are $12-$15. www.brownpapertickets.com/event/62274 

“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 works by George MacDonald Fraser at 7:30 p.m. at 2286 Cedar St. Non-member donation $5. 845-4870. www.hillsideclub.org/booklust 

El Cerrito Democratic Club “The Current Financial Crisis” A workshop with Eileen Raphael from Just Economics at 6:30 p.m. in Fellowship Hall, El Cerrito United Methodist Church, 6830 Stockton Ave., at Richmond Ave., El Cerrito. Pizza and light refreshments at 6 p.m. for $4. 527-5953. 

Documentary Film Club “March of the Penguins” How emperor penguins endure the coldest place on earth to mate and hatch their young at 6:30 p.m. at Bayview Library, 5100 Hartnett Ave., Richmond. Free. 620-6566. 

Introduction to Dance for Parkinson’s Disease This dance class is geared toward those affected by Parkinson’s disease and their caregivers and friends, with live music with Rudy Apffel, at 10:30 a.m. at Danspace, 473 Hudson Street, Oakland. www.bayareandw.org 

Volunteer Training for Circle of Care, a program of East Bay Agency for Children in Oakland. Email Shoshana at Shoshana@ebac.org for more information. 531-7551 ext. 195.  

PC Users Meeting at 7 p.m. at 1145 Walnut St. meldancing@comcast.net 

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

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

Bridge for beginners from 12:30 to 2:15 p.m., all others 12:30 to 4 p.m. Sing-A-Long at 2:30 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-5190. 

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

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

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29 

Safeway on College Community Meeting See the updated plans for the Safeway store at College and Claremont at 7 p.m. at the Claremont Hotel, Tunnel Rd. www.safewayoncollege.com 

“Mongolia: On the Eve of Modernity” A panel discussion on Mongolia prior to the era of Soviet domination, during the empire of the Qing, at 4 p.m. in the IEAS Conference Room, 2223 Fulton St., 6th Floor. Free. 642-2809. ieas.berkeley.edu 

“Siberia’s Lake Baikal” A slideshow with residents from Berkeley’s sister city, Ulan-Ude, Buryatia, at 5 p.m. at the David Brower Center, 2150 Allston Way. Sponsored by the Cneter for Safe Energy. 883-1177. 

“The Invisible Forest” with the filmmaker Antero Alli in person at 7:30 p.m. at Humanist Hall, 390 27th St., Oakland. Donation $5. www.Humanist Hall.org 

“Baja Road Trip” with Trevor Cralle, at 6 p.m. at West Auditorium, Oakland Main Library, 125 14th St. at Oak. 238-3136. 

Confused by Computers? Novice computer users can get one-on-one assistance from noon to 1:45 p.m. at the Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave., Albany. Sign up for an appointment at the reference desk or call 526-3720 ext. 5. 

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. 

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. 

THURSDAY, APRIL 30 

UCB Entrepreneurs Forum: Finalists of the Business Plan Competition at 6 p.m. at Anderson Auditorium and the Bank of America Forum, Haas School of Business, 2220 Piedmont Ave. 642-4255. www.entrepreneurship.berkeley.edu 

“Girls Rock!” screening and director Q&A at 7:15 p.m. at Rialto Cinemas Elmwood, 2966 College Ave. Cost is $10-$15. www.bayareagirlsrockcamp.org 

Volunteer Training for Circle of Care, a program of East Bay Agency for Children in Oakland. Email Shoshana at Shoshana@ebac.org for more information. 531-7551 ext. 195. wwww.ebac.org 

Circle of Concern Vigil meets on West Lawn of UC campus across from Addison and Oxford, Thurs. at noon and Sun. at 1 p.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. 

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

FRIDAY, MAY 1 

Golden Gate Audubon Society Field Trip to 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 should be treated to some wonderful bird song. Leader Phila Rogers 848-9156. www.goldengateaudubon.org 

“Torture and Popular Culture” with members of the Bay Area Religious Campaign Against Torture on how the post-9/11 US media frame the use of torture through writings and TV shows like “24” and uncover the truth about its effectiveness at 7 p.m. at St. Joseph the Worker Church, 1640 Addison. Free. 704-8859. 

“Climate Change Mitigation: Considering Lifestyle Options in Europe and the US” a workshop from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. in 223 Moses Hall, UC campus. Hosted by the European Union Center. 643-4558. eucenter.berkeley.edu 

Celebration of 60 years of KPFA on Workers Day with a potluck at 6 p.m. and music, speakers and films at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Fellowship Unitarian Universalists Hall, 1924 Cedar at Bonita. 848-4124. www.bfuu.org 

Circle Dancing, simple folk dancing with instruction at 7:30 p.m. at Finnish Brotherhood Hall, 1970 Chestnut St at University. Donation of $5 requested. 528-4253. www.circledancing.com 

Tian Gong Open House Celebration with Master Tian Ying at 5:30 p.m. at Tian Gong International Foundation, 830 Bancroft Way, Lotus Room 114. 883-192. tgif@tiangong.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. 

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

SATURDAY, MAY 2 

7th annual Hidden Gems of Berkeley Ride and Walk Visit the unique and vernacular treasures in and grassroots’ greening initiatives around Central Berkeley. Ride and walk start at 10 a.m. at the Civic Center fountain. Bring lunch and water. The event is family friendly, over the age of 10. Updated Hidden Gems of Berkeley maps will be available for a nominal fee. www.bpfp.org 

Berkeley Historical Society Spring Walking Tour “The Northern End of the Santa Fe Right-of-Way” led by Bebo Turman, from 10 a.m. to noon. Cost is $8-$10. For reservations and starting point call 848-0181. 

Annual California Wildflower Show from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak sts. Presented in collaboration with the California Native Plant Society. Cost is $5-$8. www.museumca.org/tickets 

Flowers in May Hike Join a three-mile up and down hike from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. in Briones Regional Park, Bear Creek Staging Area. for information call 544-3265. tnarea@ebparks.org 

Bring Back the Native Garden Tour On Sat. and Sun., visit 50 pesticide-free gardens that conserve water and provide habitat for wildlife. Registration required. www. 

bringingbackthenatives.net 

“Urban Farming Basics: Grow Your Own Food” With Willow Rosenthal of City Slicker Farms from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Ecology Center, 2530 San Pablo Ave. A second class will take place on May 9, outdoors in Berkeley. Cost is $10-$15. 548-2220, ext. 239. 

“Art from the Heart” Art by individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease and related dimentias to be auctioned in a fundraiser and celebration for Alzheimer’s Services of the East Bay at 6:30 p.m. in the Rotunda Building, 300 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, Oakland. Tickets are $50-$100. 644-8282. 

“Día de Los Niños/Día de Los Libros” from noon to 3 p.m. at Cesar Chávez Park in Oakland with diverse performance groups, storytellers, literacy-related arts activities, and a free book for each child in attendance. Sponsored by KQED. 

“Not Just Change But Justice” a conference on U.S. trade policy and its impacts on food, land and immigration with David Bacon speaking on NAFTA and Pierre LaBossiere and Delvis Fernandez comparing Haiti and Cuba, from 1 to 6 p.m. at 110 Barrows Hall, near Telegraph & Bancroft, UC Berkeley campus. 525-5497. info@nacla.org  

Bay Area Community Land Trust Bus Tour of Elder Co-ops and Senior Cohousing communities in Berkeley and Davis. Tickets are $40 for members, $60 for others. For information call 841-5307. 

Designing with Succulents Learn how to use these beautiful and low water plants in your landscape at 10 a.m. at at Magic Gardens, 729 Heinz Ave. 644-2351. www.magicgardens.com 

Annual Junktique Sale and Fundraiser from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 201 Martina St., Point Richmond. Lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Donations taken Tues. 6 to 9 p.m. and Wed. & Sat. 10 a.m. to noon. 236-0527. 

Friends of Roman Cats and Feeding Ferals Local Promotion Slideshow about feral cat spay/neuter programs in Italy, at 2 p.m. at RabbitEARS, 377 Colusa Ave, Kensington. 525-6155. 

Beginning Internet Class “Useful Web Sites” at 10 a.m. at El Cerrito Library, 6510 Stockton Ave., El Cerrito. Free, but call to sign up 526-7512. 

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

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 

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, MAY 3 

“Maybeck Country: Hillside Houses of the Early- and Mid-20th Century” Berkeley Architectural Heritage’s 34th Annual Spring House Tour from 1 to 5 p.m. Tickets are $30-$40. 841-2242. www.berkeleyheritage.com 

Golden Gate Audubon Society Field Trip to Wildcat Canyon Regional Park Meet at 8 a.m. by Arlington Clubhouse on Arlington Ave. in El Cerrito, next to tennis courts between Brewster Drive and Thors Day Road. We'll drive to trailhead on Rifle Range Road, then walk a hilly transect of the canyon to bird brushlands, oak woodlands, riparian areas, and grasslands. Five-mile hike led by Malcolm Sproul for the 29th year. Bring lunch and liquids. www.goldengateaudubon.org 

Annual California Wildflower Show from noon to 5 p.m. at the Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak sts. Presented in collaboration with the California Native Plant Society. Cost is $5-$8. www.museumca.org/tickets 

Little Farm Goat Hike Join a short hike with the goats as we explore the historic connections between humans and our ungulate friends at 11 a.m. at the Little Farm, Tilden Park. For ages 6 and up. Children, please bring your adults along. 544-3265. tnarea@ebparks.org 

Tilden’s Pipes: Portholes to the Past Crisscrossing Tilden Park steel pipes hide under trails, go through bushes and cross creeks. Explore the historic network of waterways on this four-mile hike along Wildcat Creek, from 2 to 5 p.m. For meeting place call 544-3265. tnarea@ebparks.org 

“Gardening without Invasives: Protecting wildlands and waterways from invasive plants” with Christiana Conser of PlantRight at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. at The Watershed Nursery, 601-A Canal Blvd., Richmond. 234-2222. www.thewatershednursery.com 

“Maya of the Quiet Strength” Documentary about the Berkeley disability activist at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Fellowship Unitarian Universalist Hall, 1924 Cedar at Bonita. Donation $10. 841-4824. 

Soul Sanctuary Dance Weekly Family-Friendly Freestyle Dance for children, teens and adults from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Ashkenaz, 1317 San Pablo Ave. www.bayareandw.org 

Dance-a-Rama Free Open Studio performances in celebration of National Dance Week, from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Eighth Street Artists’ Center, 2525 Eighth St.  

Berkeley Rep Family Series “Story Builders” from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Nevo Education Center, 2071 Addison St. Recommended for age four and up. Free, but bring a book to donate to a school library. 647-2973. 

Cinco De Mayo At Playland Celebrate Mexican and Latino contributions to the world of fun, Sat. and Sun. from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Playland, 10979 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito. Cost is $10-$15. 232-4264 ext. 25. www.playland-not-at-the-beach.org 

Personal Theology Seminars with Endre Nagy on “Religious Tradition as Freedom for Individual Theology” 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 “Ancient Wisdom: Modern Application” 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 

Mental Health Commission meets Thurs., April 23, at 5 p.m. at 2640 MLK Jr. Way, at Derby. 981-5217.  

Council Agenda Committee meets Mon., April 27, at 2:30 p.m., at 2180 Milvia St. 981-6900. 

www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/citycouncil/agenda-committee 

Parks and Recreation Commission meets Mon., April 27, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-5158.  

Planning Commission meets Wed., April 29, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-7416. www.ci.berkeley. ca.us/commissions/planning

THURSDAY, APRIL 23 

CHILDREN 

Julie Crabtree, author of “Discovering Pig Magic” and winner of the 2008 Milkweed Prize for Children’s Literature at 3 p.m. in the Children’s Room of the Richmond Public Library, 325 Civic Center Plaza, Richmond. 620-6557.  

EXHIBITIONS 

“Lyric Escape: Paintings by Lawrence Ferlinghetti” Opening reception at 5:30 p.m. at Berkeley Art Center, 1275 Walnut St. Exhibition runs through May 10. 644-6893. www.berkeleyartcenter.org 

“Human/Nature: Artists Respond to a Changing Planet” Guided tour at 12:15 p.m. at Berkeley Art Museum. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

“Mystery Made Manifest” Works by Susan Duhan Felix. Opening reception from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Badè Museum, 1798 Scenic Ave. 848-0528. 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

People’s Park 40th Anniversary “People’s Voice Poetry” with poets Al Young, Julia Vinograd, John Oliver Simon, Alta, HD Moe, Kirk Lumpkin, Paradise, Christian, Arnie Passman, and more at 7 p.m. at Caffe Mediterraneum, 2475 Telegraph. 390-0830. www.peoplespark.org 

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

David Weingarten and Lucia Howard give a slide show and discuss “Ranch Houses: Living the Dream” at 7:30 p.m. at Mrs. Dalloways, 2904 College Ave. 704-8222. 

Cheo Tyehimba on “Like Loving Backward: Stories” at 6:30 p.m. at Marcus Bookstore, 3900 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Oakland. Seating limited, Please RSVP to 652-2344. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

The Dance, Butterfly Bones at 9 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $6. 525-5054.  

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

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

Tippy Canoe and Mikie Lee Prasad, Madame Pamita and her Parlour of Wonders at 9 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $7. 841-2082.  

Speak the Music, beatboxing at 8:30 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $8. 849-2568.  

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

FRIDAY, APRIL 24 

THEATER 

Actors Ensemble of Berkeley “Luv” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m. at Live Oak Theater, 1301 Shattuck Ave. at Berryman, through May 23. Tickets are $12. 649-5999. www.aeofberkeley.org 

Arts Research Center “The Botany of Desire” theatrical adaptation of Michael Pollan’s book at 5:30 p.m. at Wheeler Auditorium, UC campus. Discussion with artists and author following performance. Free, but tickets required. 642-9988. 

Aurora Theatre “Miss Julie” Wed.-Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2 and 7 p.m., at 2081 Addison St. to May 10. Tickets are $40-$42. 843-4822. auroratheatre.org 

Berkeley High School Drama “Double Digits” Fri. and Sat. at 7 p.m., Sun. at 2 p.m. at Florence Schwimley Little Theater, 1930 Allston Way, through May 2. Tickets are $6-$12. 

Berkeley Rep “The Lieutenant of Inishmore” at Roda Theatre, 2015 Addison St. through May 15. Tickets are $33-$71. 647-2949. www.berkeleyrep.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 

Contra Costa Civic Theater “Saint Joan” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2 p.m. at 951 Pomona Ave., El Cerrito, through May 10. Tickets are $11-$18. 524-9132. www.ccct.org 

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 

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 

TheatreFIRST “Old Times” Wed.-Sat. at 8 p.m. at Gaia Arts Center, 2120 Allston Way, through April 25. Tickets are $23-$28. 436-5085. www.theatrefirst.com 

EXHIBITIONS 

Kala’s 35th Anniversary & Grand Opening Celebration at 5:30 p.m. with a preview of the re:con-figure exhibition, the celebration will include live music, performances. RSVP to 841-7000. www.kala.org 

“The Art of Amusement” with artists and artwork on amusement, at 6 p.m. at Playland-Not-At-The-Beach, 10979 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito. Art show is free, but $10-$15 for entire museum. 232-4264, ext. 25. 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Larry Fink “Night at the Met” The photographer will discuss his latest book at 7 p.m. at UCB Graduate School of Journalism, 105 Northgate Hall, Hearst and Euclid. Tickets are $10. Reception at 6 p.m. The photographer will also hold a workshop on Sat. www.fotovision.org.  

Jerelle Kraus on “All the Art That’s Fit to Print (And Some That Wasn’t): Inside The New York Times Op-Ed Page” at 7 p.m. at Black Oak Bookstore, 1491 Shattuck Ave. 

“Creativity in the Face of Climate Change” A symposium at 2 p.m. at Berkeley Art Museum. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

“And Counting ...” with artist Nigel Poor on how to document life and what is worthy of preservation, at 7:30 p.m. at JFK Univ. Berkeley Campus, 2956 San Pablo Ave., 2nd flr. 647-2047. 

Shawna Yang Ryan reads from her book about Chinese immigrants in a small California town in 1928, “Water Ghosts” at 7:30 p.m. at Mrs. Dalloways, 2904 College Ave. 704-8222. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

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

En Pointe Youth Dance Company “Impulse” at 8 p.m. at Julia Morgan Theater, 2460 College Ave. Tickets are $10-$18. 800-838-3006. www.brownpapertickets.com 

“Dance Anywhere” with Levi Toney, Sonja Dale and Tammy Cheney at noon at the Berkeley Art Museum, 2621 Durant Ave. Free. danceanywhere.org 

“The Cooking Show: Dance, Music, and Soupmaking” Fri. and Sat. at 7 and 9 p.m. at Temescal Arts Center, 511 48th St., Oakland. Cost is $10, no one turned away for lack of funds. www.thecookingshowoakland.blogspot.com 

Berkeley Dance Project 2009 “Equal Footing” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2 p.m., through April 26., at Zellerbach Playhouse, UC campus. Tickets are $10-$15. 642-8827. tdps.berkeley.edu 

Marimba Pacifica, Funky Nixons, Wire Graffiti in a People’s Park 40th Anniversary Celebration at 5 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Suggested donation $15. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

An Evening of Korean Art Songs at 7:30 p.m. at Pro Arts Gallery, 550 Second St., Oakland. Cost is $12-$18. 868-0695. proartsgallery.org 

Quetzal at 9 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $10-$12. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Tamar Sella at 8 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $10. 845-5373. www.jazzschool.com 

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

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

Red Meat, Tremoloco, Rick Shea at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $10. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com 

R&B Fridays featuring Bobby Tinsely at 9 p.m. at Maxwell’s Lounge, 341 13th St., Oakland. Cost is $20. 839-6169. 

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

Curtis Bumpy at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 843-8277. 

SATURDAY, APRIL 25 

CHILDREN  

Songs of Earth and Spirit A family concert in celebration of Earth Day with Betsy Rose at 10:30 a.m. at La Peña. Cost is $5 for adults, $4 for children. Please bring seeds for planting. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Jean Paul Valjean “Short Attention Span Circus” Sat. and Sun. at 1:30 and 2:30 p.m. at Children’s Fairyland, 699 Bellevue Ave., Oakland. Cost is $7. 452-2259. www.fairyland.org 

Active Arts Theatre for Young Audiences “Alice in Wonderland” a circus adaptation Sat. at 2 p.m., Sun. at 2 and 4:30 p.m., at Julia Morgan Center for the Arts, 2640 College Ave., TIckets are $14-$18. 296-4433. activeartstheatre.org 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Squeak Carnwath: Painting is no Ordinary Object” exhibition opens and runs through Aug. 23, at Oakland Museum of California, 1000 Oak at 10th, Oakland. Cost is $5-$8. 238-2200. www.museumca.org 

“Steel Life” Works by David Wayrynen. Opening reception at 6 p.m. at MC Artworks, 10344 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito. 375-9235. www.mcartworksgallery.com 

“A Rare Alchemy” Pinhole photography by S. McGrath Ryan, Glass sculptures of David Ruth. Closing party at 6 p.m. at FLOAT Gallery, 1091 Calcot Place #116, Oakland. 535-1702. 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Adam Mansbach reads from “End of the Jews” at 7:30 p.m. at Pegasus Books Downtown, 2349 Shattuck Ave. 649-1320. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

En Pointe Youth Dance Company “Impulse” at 8 p.m. at Julia Morgan Theater, 2460 College Ave. Tickets are $10-$18. 800-838-3006. www.brownpapertickets.com 

“The Cooking Show: Dance, Music, and Soupmaking” at 7 and 9 p.m. at Temescal Arts Center, 511 48th St., Oakland. Cost is $10, no one turned away for lack of funds. www.thecookingshowoakland.blogspot.com 

The Temescal String Quartet “Muss Es Sein? Es Muss Sein!” at 8 p.m. at Trinity Chapel, 2320 Dana St. Tickets are $8-$12. 549-3864. www.trinitychamberconcerts.com 

Javanese Shadow Play with Gamelan Sari Raras at 8 p.m. at Hertz Hall, UC campus. Tickets are $5-$15. 642-9988.  

Pacific Boychoir Academy with Marcus Shelby Jazz Orchestra at 7 p.m. at the First Congregational Church, 2345 Channing Way. Tickets are $20. 652-4722. www.pacificboychoiracademy.org 

“Piano, Poetry, Jazz and Lyrics” with Raymond Nat Turner and Tammy Lynne Hall at 3 p.m. in the third flr. Community Room, Berkeley Public Library, 2090 Kittredge St. 981-6107. 

Pete Yellin All-Stars at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $12. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

Kotoja at 9:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. African dance lesson at 9 p.m. Cost is $10-$13. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com  

Mayne Smith with Johnny Harper at 2 p.m. at Down Home Music, 10341 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito. 525-2129. 

Sashamon, reggae, ska, at 9 p.m. at Shattuck Down Low, 2284 Shattuck Ave. Cost is $12-$15. 548-1159. www.shattuckdownlow.com 

The Venzuelan Music Project with Jackeline Rago at 8:30 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $16-$18. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Ralph Stanley & the Clinch Mountain Boys at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $48.50-$49.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org  

Wakefield Jazz Quartet at 8 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $15-$18. 845-5373.  

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

The Unreal Band at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $10. 841-2082.  

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

SUNDAY, APRIL 26 

EXHIBITIONS 

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

“5 Takes” Photographs by Fraser Bonnell, Eric Kaufman-Cohen, Cathy Lozano, Martha Snider and Ted Williams opens at Photolab, 2235 Fifth St. 644-1400. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

“The Miracle of the Negro Spiritual” Lecture and song with Lucy Kitchen Chorale at 2 p.m at First Presbyterian Church of Oakland, 2619 Broadway, Oakland. Donations accepted. 444-3555. 

University Wind Ensemble at 3 p.m. at Hertz Hall, UC campus. Tickets are $5-$15. 642-9988.  

Chamber Music Sundaes, with members of the SF Symphony and friends at 3 p.m. at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 2727 College Ave. Tickets at the door are $20-$25. 415-753-2792.  

Karen Blixt & Her Trio at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $12. 841-JAZZ.  

Café Bellie at 5:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $8. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Le Jazz Hot at 4:30 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $15. 845-5373. www.jazzschool.com 

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

MONDAY, APRIL 27 

FILM 

“Waking Life” with lecture by Robert Sharf at 3 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $5.50-$9.50. 642-0808.  

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Aurora Script Club examines Strindberg and Albee at 7:30 p.m. at Aurora Theatre, 2081 Addison St. Free. 843-4822.  

Poetry Express open mic theme night on “freedom” celebrating South Africa’s Freedom Day holiday with members of Committee on South African Solidarity at 7 p.m. at Priya Restaurant, 2072 San Pablo Ave. 644-3977. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Classical at the Freight at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage Coffee House. Cost is $8.50-$9.50. 548-1761.  

TUESDAY, APRIL 28 

EXHIBITIONS 

28th Annual Quilt Show at Berkeley Public Library featuring miniature quilts on display at the Central Library, 2090 Kittredge, from April 28 - May 11. Visitors can take the self-guided tour, using a catalog describing each entry. 981-6241. berkeleypubliclibrary.org 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Kent Lightfoot and Otis Parrish discuss their new book “California Indians and Their Environment” at 5:30 p.m. at University Press Books, 2430 Bancroft Way. 548-0585.  

Summer Brenner and Gary Phillips read at 7:30 p.m. at Moe’s Books, 2476 Telegraph Ave. 849-2087. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

André Thierry & Zydeco Magic at 8:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cajun dance lesson at 8 p.m. Cost is $10. 525-5054.  

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

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29 

FILM 

“Persepolis” with lecture by Marilyn Fabe at 3 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $5.50-$9.50. 642-0808.  

Independent Filmmakers Screening Night Bring your 5 - 10 minute shorts & selects to screen every Wed. at 6:30 p.m. at Café of the Dead, 3208 Grand Ave., next to the Grand Lake Theater. Oakland. 931-7945.  

READINGS AND LECTURES 

“Greenwood Common: Living Modern” with Waverly Lowell at 7:30 p.m. at The Hillside Club, 2286 Cedar St. Tickets are $15. Sponsored by Berkeley Architectural Heritage Assoc. 841-2242. berkeleyheritage.com 

Jerelle Kraus in Conversation with Peter Selz on her new book “All the Art That’s Fit to Print (And Some That Wasn’t): Inside the New York Times Op-Ed Page” at 6 p.m. at University Press Books, 2430 Bancroft Way. 548-0585.  

Diana Block on “Arm the Spirit” her memoir about living a decade underground at 7 p.m. at the AK Press warehouse, 674-A 23rd. St., Oakland. 208-1700.  

rTessa Fontaine, Allison De Lauer and Kristen Tracy ead at 7:30 p.m. at Moe’s Books, 2476 Telegraph Ave. 849-2087. 

Berkeley Poetry Slam with host Charles Ellik and Three Blind Mice, at 8 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $7. 841-2082. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Wednesday Noon Concert, with new music by the composers in the graduate composition seminar at Hertz Hall, UC campus. Free. 642-4864. http://music.berkeley.edu 

“Meaning in Beethoven’s ‘Grosse Fuge’” A concert performance and discussion with The St. Lawrence String Quartet and NPR’s Rob Kapilow at 5:30 p.m. at MSRI, 17 Gauss Way, near the intersection of Centennial Dr. & Grizzly Peak Blvd. Free. 642-0143. 

Babshad at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $10. 841-JAZZ.  

Balkan Folkdance at 8 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $7. 525-5054.  

Montuno Swing 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.  

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

Matt Heulitt Trio at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 843-8277. 

THURSDAY, APRIL 30 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Think Green” Opening reception at 4 p.m. at City of Berkeley Planning Dept., 2120 Milvia St., 2nd flr. Art on loan from Expressions Gallery. 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Clive Matson will read from his collection of poetry, “Mainline to the Heart” at 7:30 p.m. at Pegasus Books Downtown, 2349 Shattuck Ave. 649-1320. 

Poetry Flash with Lynne Knight and Carolyn Miller at 7:30 p.m. at Moe’s Books, 2476 Telegraph Ave. 849-2087. 

Andrew M. Shanken reads from his new book, “194X: Architecture, Planning, and Consumer Culture on the American Home Front” at 7 p.m. at Builders Booksource, 1817 4th St. RSVP to vikateicher@yahoo.com 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Sergei Podobedov, pianist and Alison Lopatin-Podobedov, soprano at 7:30 p.m. at Berkeley Piano Club, 2724 Haste. Tickets are $20. 415-990-3851. 

Little Wolf & the Hellcats at 8:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Swing/blues dance lesson at 8 p.m. Cost is $10. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Tim O’Brien at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $24.50-$25.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

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

Misner and Smith, Pamela Parker, Steve Taylor-Ramirez at 9 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $7. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com 

Cuba Hurricane Benefit: End the Blockade at 7 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $5-$20. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

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

FRIDAY, MAY 1 

THEATER 

Actors Ensemble of Berkeley “Luv” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m. at Live Oak Theater, 1301 Shattuck Ave. at Berryman, through May 23. Tickets are $12. 649-5999. www.aeofberkeley.org 

Aurora Theatre “Miss Julie” Wed.-Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2 and 7 p.m., at 2081 Addison St. to May 10. Tickets are $40-$42. 843-4822. auroratheatre.org 

Berkeley High School Drama “Double Digits” Fri. and Sat. at 7 p.m. at Florence Schwimley Little Theater, 1930 Allston Way. Tickets are $6-$12. 

Berkeley Rep “The Lieutenant of Inishmore” at Roda Theatre, 2015 Addison St. through May 15. Tickets are $33-$71. 647-2949. www.berkeleyrep.org 

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 “Saint Joan” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2 p.m. at 951 Pomona Ave., El Cerrito, through May 10. Tickets are $11-$18. 524-9132. www.ccct.org 

Impact Theatre “Impact Briefs: Puberty” Thurs.-Sat. at 8 p.m. at La Val’s Subterranean, 1834 Euclid Ave., through June 6. Tickets are $10-$17. impacttheatre.com 

“Free Land” solo performance by Ariel Luckey, Fri.-Sun. at 8 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $7-$12. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

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 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Re:con-figure” Inaugural exhibition and reception from 6 to 9 p.m. in Kala’s new galleries at 2990 San Pablo Ave. Exhibition runs to June 27. 841-7000. www.kala.org 

“En Plein Air: California Landscapes by James Brosnahan” Reception and Benefit for Options Recovery Services at 6 p.m. at St. Clements Episcopal Church, 2837 Claremont Blvd. 666-9552, ext. 125. www.optionsrecovery.org 

“Eternal Sky: Reviving the Art of Mongol Zurag” An exhibition featuring the the work of artist and calligrapher Narmandakh Tsultem, through July 15, 2009 IEAS Conference Room, 2223 Fulton Street, 6th Floor. 642-2809. ieas.berkeley.edu 

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

“Nature Morte” Small images of pressed flowers by Naomi Weissman at Garage Gallery, 3110 Wheeler St. www.berkeleyoutlet.com 

“Death is Easy, Comedy is Hard” Group show of humorous art. Opening reception at 6 p.m. at Red Door Gallery and Collective, 416 26th St., Oakland. Exhibit runs to May 31. 374-0444. reddoorgalleryandcollective.com 

WCCUSD Annual Student Art Show Reception and award ceremony at 5 p.m. at The Richmond Art Center, 2540 Barrett Ave. at 25th St., Richmond. 620-6772. www.therichmondartcenter.org 

“Mindful Light” Photographic images by Gary Wilson. Reception at 5 p.m. at The Gallery @ Lavezzo Designs, 5751 Horton St., Emeryville. 428-2384. 

“Intimate Observer” paintings and drawings by Jill McLennan and “Speed and Ecstasy” paintings and pastel drawings by Jamie Morgan. Opening reception at 6 p.m. Mercury 20 Gallery, 25 Grand Ave., at Broadway, Oakland. Exhibit runs through May 30. 701-4620. 

“Tempered Fragility” New work by Reem Rahim. Opening reception at 7 p.m. at The Compound Gallery, 6604 San Pablo Ave., Oakland. 655-9019. 

FILM 

“Notorius” at 7 p.m. at the Paramount, 2025 Broadway. Tickets are $5. Box office opens at 6 p.m.  

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Chamber Orchestra, members of the University Symphony Orchestra at noon at Hertz Hall, UC campus. 642-4864. http://music.berkeley.edu 

Sylvia Nakkach in Concert at 8 p.m. at Rudramandir, 830 Bancroft Way. Tickets are $15-$25. 486-8700. www.rudramandir.com 

The Literary Groove of Jazz Weekend at 8 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $15. 845-5373. www.jazzschool.com 

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

“I Like My Bike Night” with Antioquia, Carne Cruda at 9 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $8 iwth bike, $13 without. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Suzy Thompson & Del Rey at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $18.50-$19.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Papmalo, Amygdala, Hijack, Mooska at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $8. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com 

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

Fishbone, Bangdata, Monkey at 9 p.m. at Shattuck Down Low, 2284 Shattuck Ave. Cost is $15-20. 548-1159.  

SATURDAY, MAY 2 

CHILDREN  

Active Arts Theatre for Young Audiences “Alice in Wonderland” a circus adaptation Sat. at 2 and 7 p.m., Sun. at 2 and 4:30 p.m., at Julia Morgan Center for the Arts, 2640 College Ave., TIckets are $14-$18. 296-4433. activeartstheatre.org 

Lori & RJ/Cotton Candy Express Music 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 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Young Americans” Mills College MFA Exhibition. Opening Reception at 7 p.m. at Mills College Art Museum, 5000 MacArthur Blvd., Oakland. Exhibition runs to May 31. 430-2164. www.mills.edu/museum 

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 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Poetry in Tribute to Ferlinghetti at 5:30 p.m. at Berkeley Art Center, 1275 Walnut St. Tickets are $12-$15. 644-6893. www.berkeleyartcenter.org 

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

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Concerto Festival Concert with winners of Concerto Competition from the Preparatory Music Dept. at 4 p.m. in the Regents’ Theater in Valley Center for the Performing Arts, Holy Names University campus, Oakland. Tickets are $5-$10. 436-1224. 

Masankho Banda, African storyteller and drummer, along with intergenerational dancer and singer Soyinka Rahim at 10 a.m. at InterPlayce, 2273 Telegraph Ave, Oakland. www.bayareandw.org 

Music for Flute, Harp and Flute Choir Gail Edwards and Anna Maria Mendieta with the SFSU Flute Choir at 8 p.m. at Trinity Chapel, 2320 Dana St. Tickets are $8-$12. 549-3864. www.trinitychamberconcerts.com 

Spirit of Africa A concert of dance-drumming from West Africa at 8 p.m. at Hertz Hall, UC campus. Tickets are $5-$15. 642-9988. http://music.berkeley.edu 

Ray Obiedo & Mambo Caribe at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $14. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

Mystic Roots Band, Lakay and Mystic Man at 9:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $12-$15. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com  

Battle of the Salsa Bands at 7:30 p.m. at Gaia Arts Center, 2120 Allston Way Cost is $20. Benefit for Project Peace East Bay. www.projectpeaceeastbay.org  

Sotaque Baiano at 8 p.m. at Shattuck Down Low, 2284 Shattuck Ave. Cost is $10. 548-1159. www.shattuckdownlow.com 

The Ditty Bops at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $20.50-$21.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Michael Zilber’s Billy Collins Project at 8 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $15. 845-5373. www.jazzschool.com 

Beep with Michael Coleman at 9:30 p.m. at Albatross, 1822 San Pablo Ave. Cost is $3. 843-2473. www.albatrosspub.com 

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

Grateful Dead Jams with Live Dead and The Dead Guise Acoustic at 9 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $10. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com 

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

SUNDAY, MAY 3 

CHILDREN 

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

EXHIBITIONS 

“Above Ground” Works by Jacqueline Neuwirth Krayna. Reception at 4 p.m. at the Albany Community Center, FOyer Gallery, 1249 Marin Ave., Albany. 524-9283. 

Jamie Erfurdt Art Gallery Art Opening from 2 to 6 p.m. at 1966 University Ave. at Milvia. 421-2912. 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

“Art and the Creative Process” with Squeak Carnwath and Carrie Lederer at 2 p.m. at the Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak sts. Cost is $5-$8. www.museumca.org/tickets 

Poetry Flash with Carol Moldaw, Julia B. Levine, Ruth L. Schwartz at 3 p.m. at Diesel, 5433 College Ave., Oakland. 653-9965. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Vox Dilecti “Coronation Anthems” at 3 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Berkeley, 2345 Channing Way. Tickets are $18-$25. www.sfcitychorus.org 

Berkeley Community Chorus and Orchestra performs Dvorak’s “Stabat Mater” at 4:30 p.m. at St. Joseph the Worker Church, 1640 Addison St. Donations appreciated. www.bcco.org 

California Bach Society “From Tallis to Tavener” 300 years of British choral music, at 4 p.m. at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 2300 Bancroft Way, at Ellsworth. Tickets are $10-$30. 415-262-0272. www.calbach.org 

Tribute to John Coltrane: “Giant Steps” to a “Love Supreme” performed by studetns from Music 116B at 8:30 p.m. at Hertz Hall, UC campus. Free. 642-4864. 

Bay Area Girls Rock Showcase at 7 p.m. at the Starry Plough Pub, 3101 Shattuck Ave. Cost is $8. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com 

Cypress String Quartet at 3 p.m. at Hertz Hall, UC campus. Tickets are $46. 642-9988. www.calperformances.net 

Grupo Falso Baiano with Ana Carbatti at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $12. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

George Brooks’ Double Moiré at 4:30 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $15. 845-5373. www.jazzschool.com 

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

Founded 35 years ago in Paris by artists Archana Horsting, coming from California, and Yuzo Nakano, from Japan, the Kala Art Institute has succeeded beyond their early expectations. Originally a print workshop, it has grown to be a very special place for the production of art in all media, including photography, book arts, video, three-dimensional work and digital processes. By providing professional working facilities in a unique creative environment, it has attracted artists from this country and abroad. Kala provides both established and emerging artists with opportunities to develop and exhibit traditional, as well as cutting-edge artwork and serves as a forum for international dialogue between artists engaged in creative innovation and exploration. 

As time went on, the institute’s facilities became too small to entertain all the demands of the place and a new additional 6,700-square-foot area has been acquired, located around the corner from the old space, which will be maintained as is. The new space is the main entrance of the grand, historic former Heinz Factory building on San Pablo Avenue. This new space provides a highly visible and easily accessible street-level entrance to a fine exhibition space for a 2,000-square-foot Kala Gallery. In addition to showing work produced by artists working in the institute, the gallery now can reach out to the broader art world. Kala is able to re-establish its long pioneering history of presenting installation and performance art. The new space will also provide additional work space for artists, a Print and Media Study Center, a conference room, a classroom equipped with a printing press, a staff office and storage.  

The grand opening of the new facilities takes place Friday, April 24, with a celebration for supporters of Kala’s new facilities. Along with a preview of an exhibition entitled Re:Con-Figure, the celebration will include live music performances, wine, appetizers and vodka-tasting. Mayor Tom Bates will cut the ribbon, and Larry Rinder, director of the Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive, is honorary chair for this event.  

“This is a great moment,” says Kate Elertsen, chair of Kala’s 35th anniversary celebration. “For 35 years, Kala has nurtured a community of both local and international artists who are phenomenal. The opening of an expanded facility is a great sign of appreciation for such an amazing community.” 

The special opening will be followed May 1 with a free reception, open to the public, for the Re:Con-Figure artists from 6 to 9 p.m. This inaugural show will run through June 27. 

The young steward to Squire Robert de Baudricourt, military commander in Champagne, sloughs off his master’s inferences as to why there are no eggs in the henhouse at the beginning of Bernard Shaw’s Saint Joan, staged by David Bogdonoff with a cast of 17 at El Cerrito’s Contra Costa Civic Theatre. No one would steal the eggs, the steward asserts; the hens won’t lay because the area is under a spell. Then, he mentions, “The Girl from Lorraine is at the door.” 

The Squire wonders why she hasn’t been sent away: “Are you telling me you’re afraid of her?” 

“Sir, she is so positive!” 

The Maid is, in the play Shaw authored in 1923, three years after Joan of Arc was finally canonized, a positive and very colloquial daughter of the common folk, who butts in among her social superiors to win them over to her crusade to lift the siege of Orleans with the help of God, crown the challenged and despised Dauphin as king, and chase the English out of France. 

This she does, with the sometimes puzzled enthusiasm of the Great Men she enlists. The hens of Champagne even begin to lay again! 

But though it’s easy to accept a saint’s gifts, and later to be grateful for them, it’s difficult to have someone like Joan around. She must think herself superior; she’s stubborn! All the resentments come out, all the class and gender antagonisms along with them. After she’s gone, her memory can be cherished—but who’d want such a being back among us again? 

All this, as Shaw adroitly points out in dialogue between a churchman and a noble warrior, happens in the days before Feudal Man thought of himself as French or English rather than being from his town or village, subject of his local lord and the Church of Christendom. Joan’s revolt from convention is one of the first symptoms of what—for want of better terms—these worthy gentleman agree to call “nationalism” and “Protestantism.” 

The remarkable solitariness of Joan—played with marvelous bluff directness and energy by Kate Culbertson—is accented by virtue of the fact that it’s the only female role in the play. Indeed, one of the principal articles of accusation against her at her trial for heresy is that she will not dress like a woman but as a man, a soldier. Her reply is blunt and clear: If I hadn’t, being always among soldiers in battle, or guarded by them in prison, how would they have treated me? 

(In like manner, she answers the accusation that “her voices” aren’t those of saints in heaven but those of her own imagination with: How else does God make us hear his wishes?) 

Among the men, it’s fair to mention Joe Fitzgerald as the Squire (and, later, the Inquisitor), who helps the action take off with his sanguine “opening act,” showing in good humor what Joan is up against and how she leverages it.  

Bruce Moody (who notes he carried a spear on Broadway when the great Siobhan McKenna portrayed Joan) is a sly, feline Archbishop of Rheims; Misha Madison plays the younger, scorned Dauphin Charles (“Charley” to Joan) as a querulous salamander, later, after having been “made a man” by The Maid, a model of a modern king and commander, a real CEO. 

Wayne Johnson does a comic turn as the spirit, in a dream, of the English Soldier who hands Joan a simple cross of sticks at the stake, saved for one night every year. 

Shaw can be seen as a link between Oscar Wilde and Bertolt Brecht in putting actors onstage who can cast off their specific characterizations for a moment, to become spokespersons—whether orators or wits—who enunciate a point of view for an age, a class, or a type. Here, you see it a little in Joan’s uncanny, too-sharp reality, which transcends time and place, and in the overly familiar, anachronistic sameness of the men of affairs whom she shakes out of their torpor to do great things. And who then, in their pettiness, can’t or won’t protect her, delivering her up to her even more “impartial” accusers. 

SAINT JOAN 

8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays through May 10 at Contra Costa Civic Theatre, 951 Pomona Ave., El Cerrito. $11-18. 524-9132. www.ccct.org.

The Pacific Boychoir, Oakland’s only professional all-male youth choir, will perform with the Marcus Shelby Jazz Orchestra in an unusual program of material this weekend. The performance takes place at 7 p.m., Friday, April 24, at San Francisco’s Grace Cathedral, and at 7 p.m., Saturday, April 25, at Berkeley’s First Congregational Church 

The 55-voice choir will join the Shelby orchestra and vocalist Faye Carol in a program consisting of Shelby’s Harriet Tubman oratorio, spirituals, and—in honor of his 100th birthday on April 29—compositions by jazz great Duke Ellington. 

“It’s something new; I haven’t heard of a collaboration like this before,” remarked Kevin Fox, founding artistic director of the Pacific Boychoir. “It’s partly because of my interest in American spirituals; our choir performs them on almost every tour here and in Europe, and we’ve recorded them, to show our American heritage. We do Bach, Rachmaninoff, Mozart, Haydn ... we try to think of something American, too—and what’s more American than jazz? I did a little playing in a jazz band as a kid, here in the Bay Area.” 

Fox was put in touch with Marcus Shelby. “I said, ‘Here’s a vague idea,’ having to do with Ellington. His orchestra can do all that stuff. The boys in the choir have a lot of energy in their sound; there’s a lot of energy in a big band—and that’s what his orchestra is. It should be exciting to work together.” 

It took about two years “to figure out exactly what to do, to put it together. There’re the pieces from Marcus’ Harriet Tubman oratorio. We took a couple of songs and changed the vocal part around for the choir. Christopher Kula, our associate director, arranged Duke’s ‘Come Sunday’ for eight-part choir and rhythm section, and ‘On a Turquoise Cloud’ ... there’s a Dixieland piece in our repertoire Marcus made band parts for. And the Strayhorn arrangement of ‘It Don’t Mean A Thing’ is definitely different! There’s no choir in the original. We pulled out the sax part and put the vocal section in the choir part, added an improv section, with the choir trading 4’s with the band ... The curiosity factor alone makes it worth coming to!” 

Fox commented on working with Shelby and his orchestra: “Thinking of Ellington’s [1965] Sacred Concerts at Grace Cathedral, we wanted the choir with jazz instruments. Both are really known for having a particular sound. And Marcus is great, not just as an advocate of performing jazz but in educating the kids. For a lot of our guys, it was the first time they heard music like this. Their experience of American music is mostly pop, the spirituals and maybe some Samuel Barber we’ve sung. Marcus arranged ‘Go Down Moses’—older than Ellington, yet newer, in this form; it shows how well jazz reflects American music. I really enjoyed helping the boys make sense of this. We’ve transcribed blues scales in theory class, but they haven’t seen these chord symbols much—and to see the added notes, the funky rhythms, some figured bass—fun for me to watch them learn the language of jazz.” 

Fox has been involved with boy choirs since age 8 and was proctor of the American Boychoir School in Princeton. Friends of Negro Spirituals made him a Heritage Keeper two years ago. He founded the Pacific Boychoir in 1998 with six boys; there are now more than 140 involved in six different sections, including several performing choirs, a beginners’ group, and an ensemble for boys whose voices are changing. In 2004, an Academy day middle school was founded, the only full-time boys’ chorus school on the West Coast, now located on Alcatraz Avenue in North Oakland. The after-school program is for boys 8 to 18 from around the Bay Area. 

The Pacific Boychoir has performed with the Berkeley Symphony, the UC Davis Orchestra and the San Francisco Symphony, including on their Grammy-winning recording of Mahler’s Third. Besides performing on tour nationally and internationally, and with other boys’ choruses from around the world, such as the Vienna Boys’ Choir, the Pacific Boychoir has performed at home games of the Giants, A’s, Raiders and Warriors. “We’re one of the few groups around that can do the Canadian National Anthem,” remarked Fox after an Expo’s game. 

The Pacific Boychoir Academy Dean Pamela Weimer has announced that the organization is holding a talent search to find up to two boys who will be entering the fourth grade next year (September 2009). Winners of the May 2 audition will be offered full scholarships to attend the Pacific Boychoir Academy’s Day School (grades 4–8) for five years. More information can be obtained at www.pacificboychoir.org or by calling Weimer’s office at 652-4722. 

The Pacific Boychoir with the Marcus Shelby Jazz Orchestra, featuring Faye Carol. 7 p.m., Friday, April 24, at Grace Cathedral, 1100 California St., San Francisco; 7 p.m. Saturday, April 25, at First Congregational Church, Berkeley, 345 Channing Way. $20. 652-4722. www.pacificboychoir.org

Lyric Escape, paintings by San Francisco poet Lawrence Ferlinghetti, most of them done over the past decade, are on exhibit at the Berkeley Art Center through May 10 with an opening reception tonight (Thurday) from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. 

“It’s great timing,” said Suzanne Tan, the center’s executive director. “He’s just turned 90, has been in the news a lot. It’s a very concentrated show, four paintings alone from 2009. Very evocative, very much a look back on his life. I think they’re transcendent, triumphant—yet at the same time reflective.” 

Ferlinghetti’s statement for the exhibit reads: “Faced with the dominant technocratic materialist consciousness of America today, many become Luddites, Buddhists, vegans, psychics, exotic mystics, dopers, psychedelic visionaries, or just retreat into their shells. Painters and poets have available to them the lyric escape—pure lyricism, in paint or words, pure light untainted by pollution, environmental or political. Rejecting political expression as a creative medium, in this group of paintings, I am indulging in the lyric escape.” 

During the run of the Ferlinghetti exhibition, there will be a co-benefit poetry reading with Poetry Flash, the free magazine and website of poetry events and criticism in the Bay Area and beyond. Poetry Flash’s Richard Silberg will MC the benefit at 5:30 p.m., Saturday, May 2. The event will feature readers like Jack and Adele Foley of KPFA and a film by Christopher Felver, whose documentary Ferlinghetti will be shown at 6:30, May 6, at Pacific Film Archive as part of the San Francisco International Film Festival. Other guests for the benefit have yet to be announced. 

Suzanne Tan—who has directed the Richmond Art Center, served as development director for Berkeley’s Kala Institute, and worked with both the Museum of Craft and Folk Art and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art—took the reins as the Berkeley Art Center’s executive director in February. Her predecessor, a friend of Ferlinghetti’s, originated the idea of an exhibition of the poet’s artwork. Under Tan, a brand new website has been put in place, updated throughout the month, and programs have been reviewed and clarified in an effort “to be engaging, to reach out to the immediate community in Berkeley and to surrounding communities, to increase visibility of the center as Berkeley’s intimate place to go for an experience in the arts, in the visual arts, literature, music... Few places explore that interrelationship in an intimate way, and here there’s such intimacy in its history, in the setting. There’s no sense of exclusiveness. The center has a lot of good will. It’s very dear to those who know it; the place touches them emotionally.” 

The seven-sided structure, on Codornices Creek across from Live Oak Park, has “features you can’t find anywhere else,” Tan commented. “It has wonderful acoustics. It’s a lovely, special place with great potential.” 

To start realizing that potential, Tan and her staff have begun to develop new and more diverse sources for funding and new outreach. “It used to be a part of the city. After Proposition 13, it was closed for a year. The city still does support the center to a certain extent, “and we’re very appreciative.” But the center must raise the majority of its own funding.  

Tan also spoke about increasing the Berkeley Art Center’s visibility. “It has strong links to the neighborhood. People live and do business around here. I first began to love this neighborhood, within walking distance of the center, when I was traveling on the Arlington between North Berkeley and the Richmond Art Center, just over the border from El Cerrito, with my daughter, who was born at Alta Bates. We’re total foodies and love the values and priorities of the neighborhood and the city. I want the center to be a reflection of what goes on around it, for the city to be proud of the center.” 

To that end, the center has been working with the North Berkeley Merchants’ Association, “the ACCI and other organizations, to create linkages.” New means of social networking and e-mail messaging on programs are being contemplated as well. An extension of center hours until 7 p.m. is planned for the summer, in consideration of the Farmers’ Market. And “we’ll try to offer classes in the future.” 

Tan mentioned that the center’s board of directors is small, at present, and said the center “needs volunteers, new board members. We need to harness the energy of people in the current economic situation. There’s a strength right now, like starting with a blank slate. The center has been perceived, sometimes, as being apart, but it’s just a few steps away. And it just needs to be tended to, and a little bit of reinvention, to realize its potential for benefiting the lives of citizens in Berkeley and beyond.” 

LYRIC ESCAPE 

Paintings by Lawrence Ferlighetti. Opening reception Thursday 5:30-7:30 p.m., April 23. Free admission. Poetry Flash Co-Benefit, Saturday, May 2, with poets reading, film, refreshments: $12-15. , Berkeley Art Center, 1275 Walnut St. 644-6893. www.berkeleyartcenter.org