THURSDAY, JUNE 18 

Uptown Unveiled! live music, arts and walking tours from 5 to 10 p.m. around 19th St. and Telegraph Ave., Oakland. www.oaklandnet.com 

“Surfing a Sea of Troubles: Strategies for Protecting California’s Coast and Ocean” a panel discussion at 7 p.m. in the Kinzie Room, David Brower Center, 2150 Allston Way. Donation $10-$20. 859-9137. 

Rising Kneads: A Sourdough Primer Learn how to make your own starter culture using different grains and how to make a variety of breads from scratch, from 7 to 10 p.m. on the East Bay. Location given upon registration. Cost is $30-$50. Sponsored by Institute of Urban Homesteading. 927-3252. 

Conscientious Projector Film Series “Garbage Warrior” about homes built from garbage off-the-grid, at 7:30 p.m. at Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists Hall, 1924 Cedar at Bonita. Donation $5-10 appreciated. No one turned away for lack of funds. 841-4824. 

LeConte Neighborhood Association meets at 7:30 p.m. in the LeConte School cafeteria, 2241 Russell St. on the 24 hour convenience store at Telegraph & Ashby and better use and protection of city and BUSD open space. KarlReeh@aol.com 

Report Back from the Agent Orange Tribunal in Paris and IADL Convention in Hanoi with NLG President Marjorie Cohn at 5:30 p.m. at 300 Lakeside Drive, Suite 1000, Oakland, near 19th St. BART station. Co-sponsored by Meiklejohn Civil Liberties Institute. 848-6008. www.mcli.org 

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

Summer Dance Party EveryThurs. at 7:30 p.m. at Live Oak Park. Teachers will lead a variety of dances from around the world. All ages at 7:30, teens and adults at 8:30. Cost is $2 children, $5 adults. 

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

FRIDAY, JUNE 19 

6th Annual Spring/Summer Black & White Yard Sale A benefit fundraiser for Friends of Kenney Cottage Garden, for start-up expenses for West Berkeley’s new community garden and community space, Fri.-Mon. at 1629 5th St. 526-7828.  

Tribute to the Courage of the Homeless and Celebration of boona’s 30 years at BOSS, with an Indian Tamasha and dinner, music and more at 6 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Berkeley, 2345 Channing Way. Tickets are $40, $75 for two. 649-1930. sonja@self-sufficiency.org 

World Refugee Day: East Bay Refugee Forum from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at San Antonio Park, 16th Ave & Foothill Blvd, Oakland. Sponsored by Survivors International, a non-profit dedicated to providing mental health and social services to survivors of torture. www.survivorsintl.org 

Memories of Berkeley Public School Desegregation Application deadline for people interested in sharing their experiences. For information call 981-6142. www.berkeleypubliclibrary.org 

“Gross Animals” with Sylvia Branzei at 6 and 7 p.m. at Lawrence Hall of Science, Centennial Drive below Grizzly Peak. Cost is $5. 642-5132. www.lawrencehallofscience.org. 

Shimmy Shimmy Kid’s Dance with clowns, dance music and more for the whole family at 6 p.m. at Rhythmix Cultural Works, 2513 Blanding Ave., Alameda. Cost is $5-$10. www.rhythmix.org 

Berkeley School Volunteers New volunteer orientation from 10 to 11 a.m. at 1835 Allston Way. Volunteer opportunities in the summer or during the regular school year. 644-8833. bsv@berkeley.k12.ca.us 

City Commons Club Noon Luncheon with Debra Saunders, columnist, SF Chrionicle on “Read Your newspaper!” 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 527-2173. www.citycommonsclub.org 

Demonstrate for Peace! Bring your signs and determination from 2 to 4 p.m. at Acton and University aves. Sponsored by Berkeley-East Bay Gray Panthers, and Strawberry Creek Lodge Tenants Association. 

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, JUNE 20 

7th Annual Berkeley Family Festival & Bike Rodeo! Activities include an obstacle course, mock city, bicycle tours, face painting, performers, bike maintenance and fix-a-flat stations, blood pressure screenings, raffle prizes and lots of other activities and health resources, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at San Pablo Park and Frances Albrier Community Center, 2800 Park St. at Oregon St. 981-7676. 

Summer Solstice Music Festival, with over 50 diverse groups of performers from 1 to 7 p.m. along MacArthur Blvd in the Laurel District of Oakland. www.laurelsummersolsticemusicfestival.org 

Summer Solstice Gathering with a mini-workshop on Astronomy and the Seasons, led by Tory Brady, at 7:45 p.m. at the Interim Solar Calendar, César Chávez Park, Berkeley Marina. Dress warmly. www.solarcalendar.org 

SalmonAid Festival with music by Albino, Mitch Woods, Zydeco Flames and others, food, and information about sustainable seafood, Sat. and Sun. from noon to 8 p.m. at Jack London Square, Oakland. www.salmonaid.org 

Walking Tour of Old Oakland “New Era/New Politics” highlights African-American leaders who have made their mark on Oakland. Meet at 10 a.m. at the African American Museum and Library at 659 14th St. 238-3234. www.oaklandnet.com/walkingtours 

Return of the Terns Celebrate the return of the endangered California Least Terns, nesting at the Alameda Wildlife Refuge after their 2,000-mile migration from Latin America. Reserve a one-hour viewing trip to the Alameda Wildlife Refuge with a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biologist. Registration required; please visit www.ebparks.org.  

Economic Empowerment Fair Increase your awareness of the financial and social services resources and information in the Berkeley community with workshops, vendors, free credit reports, follow up counseling, and youth activities, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at St. Paul AME Church, 2024 Ashby Ave. Free. 848-2050. 

World Refugee Day: Art & Awareness from 2 to 6 p.m. at College Avenue Presbyterian Church, 5951 College Ave., Oakland. Sponsored by Survivors International, a non-profit dedicated to providing mental health and social services to survivors of torture. www.survivorsintl.org 

Family Pride Day at Habitot Children’s Museum with activities from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 2065 Kittredge St. Cost is $7-$8. For details see www.habitot.org 

Insect Discovery Lab A hands-on interactive event emphasizing the conservation of unusual bugs, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Eclectix Gallery, 10082 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito. www.eclectix.com 

California Writers Club on “The Tools of Writing Clarity” with Dr. Ransom W. Stephens, physicist, essayist at 10 a.m. at Barnes & Nobel Event Loft, Jack London Square, 98 Broadway, Oakland. 272-0120. www.berkeleywritersclub.org 

Father’s Day Weekend at Playland Sat. and Sun. from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 10979 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito. Cost is $10-$15. Dads get in for free when accompanied by one of their children. 232-4264 ext. 25. 

Master Gardeners at the Berkeley Farmers’ Market Get advice on watering, plant selection and pest management from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Center St., between MLK and Milvia. 639-1275.  

Small Animal Adoption Day and RabbitEars 5th Birthday from 1 to 5 p.m. at Rabbit Ears, 377 Colusa Ave., Kensington. 525-6155. 

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

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. 

Open Shop at Berkeley Boathouse from 1 to 5 p.m. at at 84 Bolivar Dr., Aquatic Park. Take part in constructing a wooden boat or help out with other maritime projects. No experience necessary. First time is free, cost is $10 per day. 644-2577. www.watersideworkshops.org 

SUNDAY, JUNE 21 

Father’s Day/Summer Solstice Labyrinth Walk, East Lawn, Berkeley Marina from 2 to 4 p.m. with music from world musician Alan Tower, invocation by poet/artist Rafael Jesús González and labyrinth peace walk facilitated by singer/songwriter Margie Adam. 526-7377. eastbaylabyrinthproject@gmail.com  

6th Annual Spring/Summer Black & White Yard Sale A benefit fundraiser for Friends of Kenney Cottage Garden, for start-up expenses for West Berkeley’s new community garden and community space at 1629 5th St. 526-7828.  

Berkeley Path Wanderers: Daley’s Scenic Park and Beyond A moderately paced excursion through the original stomping grounds of the Hillside Club. While this first ever weekend evening walk will not have a formal program, we’ll stop and enjoy the architectural and panoramic treasures on our way up to La Verada Rd and back. Some steep climbs will be included. Meet at 6 p.m. at Hillside School, 1581 Le Roy Ave. 528-3246. www.berkeleypaths.org 

Bike Tour of Oakland for ages 12 and up with bikes, helmets and repair kits. Meet at 10th St. entrance of Oakland Museum of California. Free, but reservations required. 238-3514. www.museumca.org 

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 

Kids Are Us Fun Day with poetry, art and music jam session, from 1 to 5 p.m. at Expressions Gallery, 2035 Ashby Ave. 644-4930. www.expressionsgallery.org 

Father’s Day at the Oakland Aviation Museum from noon to 4 p.m. with open cockpits and car show, at 8252 Earhart Rd., Bldg. 621, Historic North Field, Oakland Airport. 638-7100. www.aoklandaviationmuseum.org 

Social Action Forum on volunteering in the local community at 10 a.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, 1 Lawson Rd., Kensington. 525-0302, ext. 306. 

Jewish Songs & Stories at 10:30 a.m. at Jewish Gateways, 409 Liberty Street El Cerrito. RSVP required. 559-8140. http://www.jewishgateways.org 

East Bay Atheists with a video of Andy Thomson’s talk “Why We Believe in Gods” at 1:30 p.m. at Berkeley Main Library, 3rd Floor Meeting Room, 2090 Kittredge St. 222-7580. www.eastbayatheists.org/meetings.html 

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 Rosalyn White on “Saving a Culture, Book by Book” at 6 p.m. at the Tibetan Nyingma Institute, 1815 Highland Pl. 809-1000.  

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, JUNE 22 

“Urban Gardens Under Attack” with the film “Fridays at the Farm,” speakers and music at 7 p.m. at BFUU, 1924 Cedar St., at Bonita. 

CodePink “By Remote Control” A teach-in on drones at 6 p.m. at Mudrakers, 2801 Telegraph Ave. RSVP to 540-7007. 

Kensington Book Club meets to discuss “People of the Book” by Geraldine Brooks at 7 p.m. at Kensington Library, 61 Arlington Ave., Kensington. 524-3043. 

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

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. asiecker@sbcglobal 

East Bay Track Club for girls and boys ages 3-15 meets Mon. and Wed. at 6 p.m. at Berkeley High School track field. Free. 776-7451. 

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 

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 

TUESDAY, JUNE 23 

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

Berkeley PC Users meeting will be held at 7 p.m. at 1145 Walnut St near Eunice. MelDancing@aol.com 

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

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

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

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

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 Classes, Tues. and Thurs. at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarians, 2nd flr., 1606 Bonita. 

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. 

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24 

Golden Gate Audubon Society Bird Walk at Lake Merritt and Lakeside Park. Meet at 9:30 a.m. at the large spherical cage near Nature Center at Perkins and Bellevue. www.goldengateaudubon.org 

Walking Tour of Historic Oakland Churches and Temples Meet at 10 a.m. at the front of the First Presbyterian Church at 2619 Broadway. Tour lasts 90 minutes. Reservations can be made by calling 238-3234. www.oaklandnet.com/walkingtours 

“Fund Schools not Jails!” with Jennifer Kim from Books not Bars, Ella Baker Center at 1:30 p.m. at North Berkeley Senior Center, 1901 Hearst. Sponsored by Berkeley-East Bay Gray Panthers. 548-9696. 

“Women Activists and the Middle East” Roundtable discussion with Palestinian-American activist Nadeen El-Shorafa, Arab Resource and Organizing Center, and Afghani-American activist Shamsia Razaqi VP of Omeid International, at 12:30 p.m. at Women of Color Resource Center, 1611 Telegraph Ave. #303, Oakland. Please RSVP to info@coloredgirls.org 

“The World According to Monsanto” A documentary by Marie-Monique Robin, at 7:30 p.m. at Humanist Hall, 390 27th St., Oakland. Donation $5. www.Humanist Hall.org 

Free Screening of “Over the Edge“ as part of the Radical Film Nite with free popcorn and post-film discussion, at 8 p.m. at the Long Haul Infoshop, 3124 Shattuck Ave. 540-0751. www.thelonghaul.org 

“Thrive with Cancer” Susan Kay Gilbert uses storytelling, singing, dancing, listening, and silence to help people living with cancer at 6:30 p.m. at Oakland Public Library, Main Library, 125 14th St., Oakland. 238-3134. 

Red Cross Blood Drive from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at State Building, Training Room 1, 1515 Clay St., Oakland. To schedule an appointment call 800-448-3543. www.beadonor.com  

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. 

THURSDAY, JUNE 25 

Climate Change Action Group Facilitator Training from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Ecology Center, 2350 San Pablo Ave. Free. Workbook is $10. Registration required. 548-2220, ext. 240. 

“Oakland: Politics and Policing” Panel discussion sponsored by the Wellstone Democratic Club at 7:30 p.m. at Humanist Hall, 390 27th St., Oakland. Pot-luck at 6 p.m. www.wellstoneclub.org 

Red Cross Blood Drive from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the American Red Cross Bus, 2021 Challenger Dr., Alameda. To schedule an appointment call 800-448-3543. www.beadonor.com 

Summer Dance Party EveryThurs. at 7:30 p.m. at Live Oak Park. Teachers will lead a variety of dances from around the world. All ages at 7:30, teens and adults at 8:30. Cost is $2 children, $5 adults. 

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. 

FRIDAY, JUNE 26 

City Commons Club Noon Luncheon with Sally Pipes, Pacific Research Institute, on “The Top Myths of American Health Care” 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 527-2173. www.citycommonsclub.org 

Red Cross Blood Drive from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. at Alameda Hospital, Conference Room A, 2070 Clinton Ave., Alameda. To scehdulae an appointment call 800-448-3543. www.beadonor.com 

Humanistic Judaism Shabbat at 7:30 p.m. at the Albany Community Center, 1249 Marin Ave., Albany. Please bring finger dessert or snack to share for the Oneg and non-perishable food for the needy. 428-1492. Programs@kolhadash.org  

“What is Jewish Spirituality?” at 6:15 p.m. in a private home in Oakland’s Lake Merritt area. Location given on RSVP. Potluck contribution or $7. 559-8140. www.jewishgateways.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, JUNE 27 

45th Birthday UNA/UNICEF Center from 10 a.m. ato 5 p.m. with a celebration of the 64th anniversary of the UN Charter at 1 p.m. at 1403B Addison St. 849-1752. www.unausaeastbay.org 

G.I. Suicide Awareness March and Rally Meet at 11 a.m. in Civic Center Park across from Veteran’s Bldg and march to People’s Park for speakers, music and food.  

Dr. Helen Caldicott on “The Relevance of Nuclear Weapons and Nuclear Power to international relations and the Green Revolution” at 7:30 p.m. at Redwood Gardens Community Room, 2951 Derby St. Ticekts are $12-$15. Benefit for SuperBOLD (Berkeleyans Organizing for Library Defense). 843-2152. 

Backyard Chickens Learn how to get started with your own low-effort backyard flock. We’ll discuss life cycles, coop designs, breed selection, care and feeding for health and egg production, protection from predators and ways of integrating your chickens into your garden From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the East Bay. Location given upon registration. Cost is $30-50. Sponsored by Institute of Urban Homesteading East Bay. 927-3252. 

Friends of Five Creeks Volunteers remove invasives and improve habitat at restored Baxter Creek at the north end of the Ohlone Greenway, El Cerrito. Meet at 10 a.m. where the Ohlone Greenway breaks Conlon, west of Key and east of San Pablo. Snacks, water, tools, and gloves provided. 848-9358. www.fivecreeks.org 

Master Gardeners at the Berkeley Farmers’ Market Get advice on watering, plant selection and pest management from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Center St., between MLK and Milvia. 639-1275. http://amcg.ucdavis.edu 

Walking Tour of Old Oakland Explore the 9th and Washington St. district. Meet at 10 a.m. in front of Ratto’s, 821 Washington St. Tour lasts 90 minutes. Reservations can be made by calling 238-3234. www.oaklandnet.com/walkingtours 

“Fuchias” How to grow and care for these plants at 10 a.m. at Magic Gardens, 729 Heinz Ave. Free. 644-2351. 

Teen Drumming Circle at 3 p.m. at Berkeley Public Library, 2090 Kittredge St. To reserve a drum please call 981-6147. 

Introduction to Improv Theater and Acting with Pan Theater in downtown Oakland, from 10:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. For ages 18 and up. Free. Advance registration requested pantheater@comcast.net 

Cork Boat Regatta A family extravaganza day at the museum of Children’s Art. Build your own yacht and set sail in the mini-pool, from 1 to 4 p.m. at 538 9th St., Oakland. Cost is $7. 465-8770. www.mocha.org 

Ham Radio Demonstration for Field Day at from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Crown Memorial Beach, close to Shoreline Drive, Alameda. 523-1397. www.arcaham.org 

Beach Party Weekend at Playland Sat. and Sun. from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 10979 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito. Cost is $10-$15. 232-4264 ext. 25. www.playland-not-at-the-beach.org 

Red Cross Blood Drive from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the American Red Cross Bus, at YMCA, 2001 Allston Way. To schedule an appointmetn call 800-448-3543. www.beadonor.com 

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. 

Open Shop at Berkeley Boathouse from 1 to 5 p.m. at at 84 Bolivar Dr., Aquatic Park. Take part in constructing a wooden boat or help out with other maritime projects. No experience necessary. First time is free, cost is $10 per day. 644-2577. www.watersideworkshops.org 

SUNDAY, JUNE 28 

Berkeley International Food Festival with cooking demonstrations, food samples, and live entertainment, from noon to 5 p.m. several blocks in either direction of the San Pablo and Univertisy aves intersection. Free. 845-4106. www.berkeleyinternationalfoodfestival.com 

“Thank You Bill and Judy” A community celebration to thank Bill and Judy Fujimoto for their 31 years at Monterey Market at 2 p.m. at King School Park, Hopkins St. near Colusa. Please bring a sweet or savory finger food to share. 

Dr. Helen Caldicott on “Can and should there be a world ban on nuclear weapons now?” at 2:30 p.m. at First Congregational Church, at the intersection of Dana and Durant. Vigil at 1 p.m. at on the west lawn across from the intersection of Addison and Oxford. 

Haiti Action Committee Memorial for Fr. Jean Juste at 7 p.m. at St. Joseph the Worker Church, 1640 Addison St. 

Home Expo An opportunity to learn about home repair and home improvement projects, from 1 to 5 p.m. at El Cerrito Community Center, 7007 Moeser Lane, El Cerrito. www.el-cerrito.org 

“And Still I Rise: A Day of Advocacy and Tribute to Congolese Women” with Kambale Musavuli, from the D.C. based organization, Friends of the Congo, along with Bay Area activists from 2 to 4:30 p.m. at Humanist Hall, 390 27th St., Oakland. bayarea@friendsofthecongo.org 

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

Family Printmaking Workshop in conjunction with “Reverberations” Japanese Prints of the 1923 Kanto Earthquake from 3 to 5 p.m. at Mills College Art Museum, 5000 MacArthur Blvd., Oakland. 430-2164. www.mills.edu/museum/ 

Sad Voter Pink Tea Party with Code Pink at 6 p.m. at Redwood Gardens, 2951 Derby St. bayareacp@yahoo.com 

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

Social Action Forum with Cheryl Meyers, Nevin Community Center on “Working as a Community Organizer” 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 Bob Byrne on ”Mantra and Healing” 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 

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

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

Transportation Commission meets Thurs., June 18, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-7061.  

Zero Waste Commission meets Mon., June 22, at 7 p.m., at North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-6357. 

City Council meets Tues., June 23, at 7 p.m in City Council Chambers. 981-6900. www.ci. 

berkeley.ca.us/citycouncil 

Disaster and Fire Safety Commission meets Wed., June 24, at 7 p.m., at the Emergency Operations Center, 997 Cedar St. 981-5502.  

Energy Commission meets Wed., June 24, at 6:30 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-7439.  

Planning Commission meets Wed., June 24, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-7416. 

Police Review Commission meets Wed.,June 24, at the South Berkeley Senior Center. 981-4950.  

Mental Health Commission meets Thurs., June 25, at 5 p.m. at 2640 MLK Jr. Way, at Derby. 981-5217.  

Zoning Adjustments Board meets Thurs., June 25, at 7 p.m., in City Council Chambers. 981-7430.  

Council Agenda Committee meets Mon., June 29, at 2:30 p.m., at 2180 Milvia St. 981-6900. 

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

THURSDAY, JUNE 18 

THEATER 

“2012: The Beginning of the End of the Beginning ... Again!” with Marc David Pinate Thurs.-Sat. at 8 p.m. at La Peña. Cost is $8-$10. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Freshly Cut” Conversation with the artists Sandy Drobny and Daphne Ruff at 5 p.m. at Craft and Cultural Arts Gallery, State of California Office Bldg., 1515 Clay St., Oakland. 622-8190. 

“Landscapes of Our Souls” Conversation with the sculptors Susan Almazol and Lorraine Bonner at 6 p.m. at Joyce Gordon Gallery, Lower Gallery, 406 14th St., Oakland. 465-8928. www.joycegordongallery.com 

FILM 

Berkeley Filmmakers Screening Series “Archaeology of Memory: Villa Grimaldi” at 7 p.m. at Zaentz Media Center, 2600 Tenth St. Free but reservations required. reservations@ 

berkeleyfilmscreening.com  

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Ayelet Waldman reads from “Bad Mother: A Chronicle of Maternal Crimes, Minor Calamities, and Occasional Moments of Grace” at 7:30 p.m. at Mrs. Dalloways, 2904 College Ave. 704-8222. 

Poetry Flash with Cynthia Kraman at 7:30 p.m. at Moe’s Books, 2476 Telegraph Ave. 849-2087. 

Novella Carpenter in Conversation with Michael Pollan at 7:30 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Berkeley. Cost is $6-$12. berkelyarts.org 

FOUND Magazine celebrates the release of its latest collection “Requiem for a Paper Bag: Celebrities and Civilians Tell Stories of the Best Lost, Tossed, and Found Items from Around the World” at 8 p.m. at Pegasus Books Downtown, 2349 Shattuck Ave. Cost is $5-$10. 649-1320. 

Summer Brenner on “Richmond Tales: Lost Secrets of the Iron Triangle at 3:30 p.m. at Richmond Public Library Terrace, 325 Civic Center Plaza, Richmond. community_works@yahoo.com 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

San Francisco Cabaret Opera “Inferno: The Second Circle of Hell: The Lustful” at 8 p.m., Sun. at 5 p.m. at Live Oak Theater, 1301 Shattuck Ave. Tickets are $15-$20. 415-289-6877. www.goathall.org 

Kaweh, flamenco, rumba, salsa at 8:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Dance lesson at 8 p.m. Cost is $13-$15. 525-5054.  

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

Aquiles Baez & V-Note Venezuelan Jazz at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $14. 841-JAZZ.  

An Evening with Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey at 9 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $10. 841-2082.  

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

FRIDAY, JUNE 19 

THEATER 

“2012: The Beginning of the End of the Beginning ... Again!” with Marc David Pinate Thurs.-Sat. at 8 p.m. at La Peña. Cost is $8-$10. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Aurora Theatre “Jack Goes Boating” through July 19. Tickets are $28-$50. 843-4822. auroratheatre.org.  

Berkeley Rep “You, Nero” at 2025 Addison St., through June 28. Tickets are $13.50-$71. www.berkeleyrep.org 

Central Works “Misanthrope” Thurs.-Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 5 p.m. at Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant Ave., through June 21. Tickets are $14-$25. 558-1381. centralworks.org 

Contra Costa Civic Theatre “Thoroughly Modern Millie” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2 p.m. at 951 Pomona Ave., El Cerrito, through July 19. Tickets are $15-$24. 524-9132. www.ccct.org  

Joe Orrach’s “In My Corner” solo show, Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 7 p.m. at Oakland School of the Arts’ New Black Box Theatre, in the Fox Theatre Complex, 531 19th St. Oakland, through June 28. Tickets are $18-$28. joeorrach.com 

Masquers Playhouse “Lady Windermere’s Fan” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2:30 p.m. at 105 Park Place, Point Richmond, and runs through July 4. Tickets are $18. 232-4031. www.masquers.org 

Pinole Community Players “Pump Boys & the Dinettes” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2 p.m. at Community Playhouse, 601 Tennet Ave., Pinole, through July 11. Tickets are $17-$20. www.pinoleplayers.org 

Shotgun Players “Faust, Part 1” Thurs.-Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 5 p.m. at The Ashby Stage, 1901 Ashby Ave. through June 28. Tickets are $18-$25. 841-6500. www.shotgunplayers.org 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Prartho Sereno and Karen Benke, poets, at 7 p.m. at Expressions Gallery, 2035 Ashby Ave. 644-4930. www.expressionsgallery.org 

Amy Stewart reads from “Wicked Plants: The Weed That Killed Lincoln’s Mother and Other Botanical Atrocities” at 7:30 p.m. at Mrs. Dalloways, 2904 College Ave. 704-8222. 

Lorna Dee Cervantes and Al Young read their poetry as part of Berkeley City College’s Summer Creative Writing Intensive at 7:30 p.m. at Berkeley City College Auditorium, 2050 Center St. Cost is $3, free for students in the intensive. scoleman-at-peralta.edu 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Tom Rigney, zydeco, at noon at the Kaiser Center Roof Garden, on top of the parking garage, 300 Lakeside Drive, Oakland. Free. www.KaiserCenterRoofGarden.com 

Grupo Falso Baiano at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $14. 841-JAZZ.  

Steve Lucky & The Rhumba Bums at 9 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $10-$13. 525-5054.  

Golden Bough at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $20.50-$21.50. 548-1761.  

Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey, Antiquia at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $15. 841-2082.  

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

Nino Maschella, Armen Nalabandian, Raashan Ahmad at 9 p.m. at Shattuck Down Low, 2284 Shattuck Ave. Cost is $10. 548-1159.  

Bob Crawford Trio at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 843-8277. 

SATURDAY, JUNE 20 

CHILDREN  

Colibri at Utunes Coffe House at 10:30 a.m. at First Unitarian Church of Oakland, 685 14th St., Oakland. Tickets are $10for families, $5 for adults, $3 for children. www.brownpapertickets.com 

Tales from Beatrix Potter Sat. and Sun. at 12:30 and 3 p.m. at Children’s Fairyland, 699 Bellevue Ave., Oakland. Cost is $7. 452-2259.  

EXHIBITIONS 

Ang Tsherin Sherpa: Deity Thangka Paintings Reception 1 p.m. at Alta Galleria, 2980 College Ave Suite 4. Exhibition runs to July 15. 414-4485. www.altagalleria.com  

Michael Dashow Prints of his science fiction and fantasy digital paintings. Reception at 2 p.m. at the LightRoom Gallery, 2263 Fifth St. 649-8111. www.lightroom.com 

“Machinations” Machines by Kurt Wold and “Robots and Watercolors” works by Clayton and Betty Bailey. Artist reception at 3 p.m. at Richmond Art Center, 2540 Barrett Ave., Richmond. Exhibitions run to July 18. 620-677. www.therac.org 

“All Gurls” A group show by women artists. Closing reception at 7 p.m. at Eclectix Gallery, 10082 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito. www.eclectix.com 

Lowell Darling’s “Secret” at 1 p.m. at Garage Gallery, 3110 Wheeler St. www.berkeleyoutlet.com, lowelldarling.com. 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Alon Shalev reads from his new novel “Oilspill dotcom” at 7:30 p.m. at The Bread Workshpop, 1398 University Ave. www.alonshalev.com 

Shawn Yang Ryan and Jerry Ratch read their work as part of Berkeley City College’s Summer Creative Writing Intensive at 7:30 p.m. at Berkeley City College Auditorium, 2050 Center St. Cost is $3, free for students in the intensive. scoleman-at-peralta.edu 

Todd Shimodo reads from his novel “Oh! A Mystery of Mono no Aware (The beautiful sadness in things)” at 3:30 p.m. at Eastwind Books of Berkeley, 2066 University Ave. 548-2350. www.asiabookcenter.com 

Ed Monroe reads from “Terra” at 7 p.m. at 4th Street Studio, 1717d 4th St. www.fourthstreetstudio.com 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Summer Solstice Music Festival, with over 50 diverse groups of performers from 1 to 7 p.m. along MacArthur Blvd in the Laurel District of Oakland. www.laurelsummersolsticemusicfestival.org 

SalmonAid Festival with music by Albino, Mitch Woods, Zydeco Flames and others, food, and information about sustainable seafood, Sat. and Sun. from noon to 8 p.m. at Jack London Square, Oakland. www.salmonaid.org 

The Oakland-East Bay Gay Men’s Chorus and Swing Fever of San Francisco “Cabaret-Zoot Suit!” at 7:30 p.m. at First Christian Church of Oakland, 111 Fairmount Ave., Oakland. Tickets are $30 and up. oebgmc.org 

Open Opera Concert in the Park at 3 p.m. at Franklin Park, 1432 San Antonio Ave., Alameda. Free. www.alamedainfo.com 

Lady Mem’fis & Her Quartet at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $14. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

Andrew Carrier and the Zydeco/ Cajun Allstars at 9 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $10-$13. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com  

Fiddlekids Faculty Concert at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $18.50-$19.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

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

Powerage, Destroyer, Beauty and the Beat at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $10. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com 

Mel Flannery Trucking Co. at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 843-8277. 

SUNDAY, JUNE 21 

CHILDREN 

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

EXHIBITIONS 

Squeak Carnwath: Painting is no Ordinary Object Docent tour at 2 p.m. at Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak Sts. Admission is $5-$8. 238-2200. www.museumca.org 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Joan Gelfand and Jenny Overman, poets, as part of the monthly New Moon Illuminations series, on Tammuz, brokenness, at 3:30 p.m. at Afikomen, 3042 Claremont Ave. 655-1977.  

MUSIC AND DANCE 

ChamberMix “New and Unusual Music” at 3 p.m. at Christian Science Organization at the University, 2601 Durant Ave. Free. 

San Francisco Cabaret Opera “Inferno: The Second Circle of Hell: The Lustful” at 5 p.m. at Live Oak Theater, 1301 Shattuck Ave. Tickets are $15-$20. 415-289-6877. www.goathall.org 

The Oakland-East Bay Gay Men’s Chorus and Swing Fever of San Francisco “Cabaret-Zoot Suit!” at 5 p.m. at First Christian Church of Oakland, 111 Fairmount Ave., Oakland. Tickets are $30 and up. oebgmc.org 

All Bach Program including Trio Sonata from The Musical Offering with Garrett McLean, violin, Marvin Sanders, flute, Paul Rhodes, 'cello, Marion Rubinstein, harpsichord, at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Art Center, 1275 Walnut St. Tickets are $12-$15. 644-6893. berkeleyartcenter.org 

San Francisco Renaissance Voices “The Darkness and the Dawn” the Requiem of Giovanni Matteo Asola and motets by Chiara Margarita Cozzolani, at 4 p.m. at St. John’s Presbyterian, 2727 College Ave. Tickets are $15-$20. 415-664-2543, ext. 3. www.SFRV.org 

ChamberMix “New and Unusual Music” with guest artists Christa Pfeiffer, soprano, Michael Jones, violin and Stephen Moore, viola at 3 p.m. at Christian Science Organization at the University, 2601 Durant Ave. Free. 

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

Americana Unplugged: The Bass Anglers at 5 p.m. at Jupiter. 843-8277. 

Solstice Celebration with Caroline Casey and the Flux, Isabellsa, Intersection, Soul Burners. Program at 6 p.m., live music at 8 p.m. Cost is $20-$25. Free after 8 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $8. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

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

MONDAY, JUNE 22 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Beth Taylor reads from “The Plain Language of Love and Loss: A Quaker Memoir” at 7:30 p.m. at Pegasus Books Downtown, 2349 Shattuck Ave. 649-1320. 

“War and Peace/Visions and Text” with Judith Goldman, Leslie Scalpino, Mei-mei Berssenbrugge and others at 7:30 p.m. at Moe’s Books, 2476 Telegraph Ave. 849-2087. 

Poetry Express with Jeremy Schiff at 7 p.m. at Priya Restaurant, 2072 San Pablo Ave. 644-3977. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

The Pulsators at 5:30 p.m. at Palm Tree Plaza, Jack London Square. 645-9292. www.jacklondonsquare.com 

The Junius Courtney Big Band with Denise Perrier “The Arrangers’ Showcase” at 8 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $14. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

TUESDAY, JUNE 23 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Global Diversity in Watercolor” Works by Rita Sklar, on display through August 11 at Post Meridian Restaurant, 1568 Oak View at Colusa Circle, Kensington. www.ritasklar.com 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

“Martinez Downtown Deco: A Dialogue” with Kristin Henderson on the architecture and New Deal history in a small East Bay town at 7 p.m. at Martinez City Library, 740 Court St., Martinez. 925-646-2898. 

Marta Acosta, author of the Casa Dracula Series, will discuss her vampire novels at 7 p.m. at El Cerrito Library, 6510 Stockton Avenue, El Cerrito. 526-7512. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Jesse Lege & The Lariats at 8:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Dance lesson at 8 p.m. Cost is $10. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

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

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Jordan Essoe and Favianna Rodriguez, artists’ talks at 6 p.m. at Kala Art Gellery, 2990 San Pablo Ave. www.kala.org 

Kaya Oakes, author of “Slanted and Enchanted: The Evolution of Indie Culture” reads at 7:30 p.m. at Pegasus Books Downtown. 2349 Shattuck Ave. 649-1320. 

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

MUSIC AND DANCE 

KCBS Eyewitness Blues Band at noon at Oakland City Center, 12th and Broadway. 

Music on the Main with Top Shlef at 5 p.m. at the corner of Macdonald Ave. and Marina Way, next to the Richmond BART station. www.richmondmainstreet.org 

Ken Husbands Group with Susanna Smith at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $10. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

Montuno Swing, salsa, at 8 p.m. at Shattuck Down Low, 2284 Shattuck Ave. Cost is $5-$10. 548-1159.  

Giant Cloud at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 843-8277. 

Celu and Friends at 7 p.m. at Chester's Bayview Cafe, 1508 B Walnut Square. 849-9995. 

THURSDAY, JUNE 25 

CHILDREN 

“Cowboy Songs and Ballads” with Adam Miller at 3 p.m. at the Richmond Public Library, Main Children’s Room, 325 Civic Center Plaza, Richmond. 620-6557. 

FILM 

Free Outdoor Movies at Jack London Square “Hook” Come at 7:30 p.m., movies begin at sundown. Bring blankets and stadium seat. 645-9292. www.jacklondonsquare.com 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Philip Dreyfus reads from “Our Better Nature: Environment and the Making of San Francisco” at 7:30 p.m. at Mrs. Dalloways, 2904 College Ave. 704-8222. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Berkeley Opera Highlights from the upcoming production of “The Ballad of Baby Doe” at 12:15 p.m. at Berkeley Public Library, 5th Floor, 2090 Kittredge St. 981-6241. www.berkeleypubliclibrary.org 

Kickin’ the Mule with Freddie Hughes at 8:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $13-$15. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

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

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

Everything Gone Green, The Actors, Goodbye Nautilus at 9 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $7. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com 

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

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

FRIDAY, JUNE 26 

THEATER 

Aurora Theatre “Jack Goes Boating” through July 19. Tickets are $28-$50. 843-4822. auroratheatre.org.  

Berkeley Rep “You, Nero” at 2025 Addison St., through June 28. Tickets are $13.50-$71. www.berkeleyrep.org 

Contra Costa Civic Theatre “Thoroughly Modern Millie” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2 p.m. at 951 Pomona Ave., El Cerrito, through July 19. Tickets are $15-$24. 524-9132. www.ccct.org  

Joe Orrach’s “In My Corner” solo show, Thurs.-Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 7 p.m. at Oakland School of the Arts’ New Black Box Theatre, in the Fox Theatre Complex, 531 19th St. Oakland, through June 28. Tickets are $18-$28. joeorrach.com 

Masquers Playhouse “Lady Windermere’s Fan” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2:30 p.m. at 105 Park Place, Point Richmond, and runs through July 4. Tickets are $18. 232-4031. www.masquers.org 

Pinole Community Players “Pump Boys & the Dinettes” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2 p.m. at Community Playhouse, 601 Tennet Ave., Pinole, through July 11. Tickets are $17-$20. www.pinoleplayers.org 

Shotgun Players “Faust, Part 1” Thurs.-Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 5 p.m. at The Ashby Stage, 1901 Ashby Ave. through June 28. Tickets are $18-$25. 841-6500. www.shotgunplayers.org 

EXHIBITIONS 

“What Goes Around, Comes Around” Street art on vinyl, a group show by Everybody Get Up! Reception at 6 p.m. at Float Art Gallery, 1091 Calcott Place, Unit 116, Oakland. www.thefloatcenter.com 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Dianne Hale reads from “La Bella Lingua: My Love Affair with Italian, the World’s Most Enchanting Language” at 7:30 p.m. at Mrs. Dalloways, 2904 College Ave. 704-8222. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Ritmojito, Latin, at noon at the Kaiser Center Roof Garden, on top of the parking garage, 300 Lakeside Drive, Oakland. Free. www.KaiserCenterRoofGarden.com 

Hanif & The Sound Voyagers at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $6. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

Suni Paz & Rafael Manriquez at 8 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $14-$16. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Caribbean Allstars and Native Elements at 9 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $10-$13. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

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

The Moore Brothers, Casual Fog at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $7. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com 

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

Reality Playthings improvisation with Frank Moore at 8 p.m. at Temescal Arts Center, 511 48th St., Oakland. fmoore@eroplay.com 

Santero, Carne Cruda at 9 p.m. at Shattuck Down Low, 2284 Shattuck Ave. Cost is $7. 548-1159.  

Dana Salzman Quartet at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 843-8277. 

Tara Tinsley’s Birthday Show with Ryan Toth and Jeremy Ferrick at 8 p.m. at Art House Gallery and Cultural Center, 2905 Shattuck Ave. Tickets are $10.  

SATURDAY, JUNE 27 

CHILDREN  

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

Rabbit on the Moon with songs, puppetry and acrobatics, Sat. and Sun. at 12:30 and 3 p.m. at Children’s Fairyland, 699 Bellevue Ave., Oakland. Cost is $7. 452-2259. www.fairyland.org 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Stan Goldberg reads from “Lessons for the Living: Stories of Forgiveness, Gratitude and Courage at the End of Life” at 4 p.m. at Mrs. Dalloways, 2904 College Ave. 704-8222. 

Rhythm & Muse with poets Lucille Lang Day and Marc Elihu Hofstadter at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Art Center,1275 Walnut St., between Eunice and Rose. 644-6893.  

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Passamezzo Moderno 17th century music of Merula, Schmelzer, Frescobaldi and others performed on dulcian, violin, organ and harpsichord, at 8 p.m. at Trinity Chapel, 2320 Dana St. Tickets are $8-$12. 549-3864. www.trinitychamberconcerts.com 

Bluegrass Kid’s Jam from 1 to 4 p.m. at at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $12.50-$13.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Star Spangeld Summer Gael Alcock, cello, with Skye Atman, piano, John Pearson, guitar, Adam David Miller, poetry, at 7 p.m. at 2424 Warring St. Donation $10, no one turned away. Benefits Cha house. 548-9050. 

Miss Faye Carol & Her Trio at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $15. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

Gil Chun’s 15th Annual Bay Area Follies at 7 p.m. at the Roda Theatre, Berkeley Repertory, 2025 Addison St. Tickets are $12-$15. Dancegil@sbcglobal.net  

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

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

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

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

Mark Levine & the Latin Tinge at 8 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $15-$18. 845-5373. www.jazzschool.com 

Larry Stefl Jazz Quartet at 9:30 p.m. at Albatross, 1822 San Pablo Ave. Cost is $3. 843-2473. www.albatrosspub.com 

20 Minute Loop, The Hollyhocks, Ultralash at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $8. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com 

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

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

SUNDAY, JUNE 28 

CHILDREN 

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

READINGS AND LECTURES 

“Mystery Made Manifest” New work by Susan Dunhan Felix. Artist talk and poetry reading at 2:30 p.m. at the Bade Museum, Pacific School of Religion, 1798 Scenic Ave. 848-0528. www.susandunhanfelix.com 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Bluegrass for the Greenbelt Festival with The Waybacks, The Peter Rowan Bluegrass Band, Laurie Lewis and the Right Hands, and many others from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Dunsmuir House, 2960 Peralta Oaks Dr., Oakland. Tickets are $40, free for children 12 and under. For tickets see www.slimstickets.com 

Jazz Vespers with the Jazz Connection Quintet at 4 p.m. at Downs Memorial United Methodist Church, 6026 Idaho St., Oakland. Tickets are $20, $10 for children. 420-0104. www.downsmethodist.org 

London Players Music for strings, winds, and piano at 7 p.m. at Crowden School, 1475 Rose St. Tickets are $10. 409-2416. 

Gil Chun’s 15th Annual Bay Area Follies at 2 p.m. at the Roda Theatre, Berkeley Repertory, 2025 Addison St. Tickets are $12-$15. Dancegil@sbcglobal.net  

Hip Hop Awareness Fundraiser at 8 p.m. at La Peña. Cost is $5-$20. All ages. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Dave Le Febvre Group at 3 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $12. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

Carlos Oliveira & Brazilian Origins, featuring Harvey Wainapel, at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $12. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

Soul Jazz Sundays with the Howard Wiley Organ Trio at 5 p.m. at The Aqua Lounge, 311 Broadway, Oakland. Donation $5. 625-9601. 

Wild Buds in a benefit for the Ecology Center at 7 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $10. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

McLaren’s Voices Eclectica at 5 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $18.50-$19.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Lighthearted banter, a little bit of good-humored (if unwanted) advice and a few awkward moments open Jericho Road Improvement Association, seemingly the most unlikely of buddy comedies. 

Paul, a middle-aged white barkeep (Fred Sharkey) and his 20-something black poolshark regular Cash (Abel Haptegeorgis) trade insults and stories, jockeying for verbal position in a little neighborhood joint at Martin Luther King Jr. Way and 50-something Street in West Oakland. 

And the offbeat sense is sweetened by the appearance of Jesse (Sam Leicher), aka Round Boy, a white BART security guard trying to moonlight, badly, as “underground” rap artist, pool hustler, hail-fellow—whatever—only for the scene to be unsettled by Paul’s troubled teenage kid Mike (James Miles) showing up from Pleasanton, searching for his absent dad to ask for something. 

But midway through, another, more ominous, buddy act arrives—Arthur and Bob (Mark Shepard and Kevin Copps), greasing the menacing drift of their jibes to Paul and customers with the slick of off-duty cop humor, summoning up shadows that stretch from the Oakland Riders way back to the police shooting of Black Panther Bobby Hutton. 

Hella Fresh Theatre went into its second weekend playing Jericho Road, directed by author John Rosenberg, in the intimate Phoenix Theatre off Union Square in San Francisco, while newspapers mulled over the preliminary hearing of the BART police officer accused of murder in the shooting of Oscar Grant; the investigation of Oakland police in the death of Jerry Amaro; and the wire service obit of former Illinois State Attorney Edward Hanrahan, defender of the Chicago police he later stood trial with in the shooting of Black Panthers Fred Hampton and Mark Clark four decades ago. 

Jericho Road—and its protagonist—come out of the darkness of these nightmares, in hope of lighting up a little corner, reaching out a little. The title comes from Martin Luther King’s final speech, addressed to striking Memphis garbage collectors, the day before he was assassinated, citing the gospel parable of the Good Samaritan, when the priest and the Levite hurry by a prostrate victim of thieves, late to “a meeting of the Jericho Road Improvement Association.” 

Rosenberg’s second produced play shows a talent for dialogue and for shifting mood and momentum, going from very funny, even touching moments to chilling, over-the-top reversals as it delves into the motives and consequences of Paul’s own version of “giving back” to somebody else’s community, eliciting at first Cash’s kidding remarks that the joint should be called Reparations, so the whole neighborhood can drink for free, to the disgusted “All you people know how to do is apologize.” Later, trying to clean up the mess, Paul in a brief moment wonders who the real Good Samaritan in this tangled situation was, after all. 

The cast works together as an ensemble, all acting well, with nonetheless standout performances by Sharkey and Haptegeorgis. Jericho Road engagingly captures something of the overtones in the confusion of intentions and loyalties characterizing what’s euphemistically referred to as “race relations.”

For the longest day of the year, the Laurel Village Association in Oakland presents their fourth annual La Fête de la Musique, amateur and professional musicians playing in “unconventional public spaces” outdoors and in—the website features a photo of a barechested bassist in shades playing his upright, arco, in what looks like a parking lot—from 1 to 7 p. m. along MacArthur Boulevard in the Laurel neighborhood—and all for free. 

The ten stages are on MacArthur, from Launderland (3711 MacArthur) with a lineup running from Funky Tim through House Arrest to Trattoria Laurellinos (4171), which will kick off at 1 p.m. with Al Lazard & the New World Street Players playing New Orleans “Second Line Jazz,” later the Cavepainters play their acoustic folkrock originals. Other venues include the Laurel Bookstore (4100), opening with the Del Mars’ Surf instrumental, later presenting Celtic hip-hop fusion with Beltane’s Fire; the parking lot at the Lucky supermarket (4055) with the Golden Gate Jazz Ensemble at 1 p.m.; Laurel Ace Hardware (4024) with Gemini Soul and Planet Jazz early on and Mike Glendinning’s “grunge jazz” at 6; Citibank (4017) with Ambassador of Trouts at 1 p.m., hip-hop by Nacwon the Beast and Billy Da Kid later on; The Space at Laurel Jujitsu (4148) with Eveli & Nahal’s ethno-fusion tribal through Lisa Cohen’s blues & gospel; Phnom Penh Restaurant (3912), opening at 1 p.m. with Renaissance music by the New Queen’s Ha’Penny Consort; outside at Laurel Lounge (38th Ave.) with Lariats of Fire outlaw country at 1 p.m. and inside at the Laurel Lounge (3932) with folk, neo-soul and new age, and an open mic at 6. For schedules, links to musician websites and more information, visit www.laurelsummersolsticemusicfestival.org.  

Laurel’s festival was inspired by—and is connected with—a string of solstice fests around the globe, from London, Geneva, Amsterdam, Antwerp, Brussels and Berlin to Tel Aviv, Nairobi, Kuala Lumpur, Phnom Penh, Hong Kong, Sydney, Manila—across the Pacific to Oakland, New York, Miami—and down to Rio de Janeiro. (Other nations where Fêtes appear include: China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Germany, Greece, India, Iraqi Kurdistan, Jordan, Lebanon, Luxembourg, Pakistan, Romania, Sri Lanka and Venezuela.)  

First suggested by Joel Cohen, an American musician working for the French national radio station, FranceMusique, in 1976, La Fête de la Musique (also called World Music Day) was first celebrated in France in 1982. Musicians are encouraged to perform in the streets, and the shows must be free; Faites de la musique (Make music!), a homophone of Fête de la Musique, is the festival’s promotional slogan. 

“Put on your zoot suit and feathered hat!” The Oakland East Bay Gay Men’s Chorus, with Swing Fever and Denise Perrier, is celebrating with its third annual cabaret, Cabaret Zoot Suit, this Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, 5 p.m., in the Fellowship Hall of the First Christian Church of Oakland, 111 Fairmont Avenue. 

There will be both cabaret table seating and theater seating in the hall, where the band “will be swingin’” as the audience arrives. A fundraiser intermission will feature a silent auction and cash bar. There’ll be a prize for best period costume. 

Oakland East Bay Gay Men’s Chorus, with musical director Michael Robert Patch, will perform both as full chorus and as Otto Voci, a small ensemble featuring solo vocalists.  

Celebrating their 10th anniversay, OEBGMC was founded by the late Dick Kramer. In April, Mayor Dellums declared June 4 and 5 OEBGMC Days, in honor of their artistry, community and philanthropic work.  

Collaborators Swing Fever have been on the Bay Area bandstand since 1978. Led by San Francisco–native Bryan Gould on trombone, the quintet’s sound is based on tenor sax and trombone harmonies, with guitar instead of piano. “It’s a lovely blend, and less cluttered,” says Gould. “Pianos take up a lot of space, musically.” The group has played both Monterey and San Francisco Jazz Festivals and have recorded four CDs, two featuring famed trumpeter Clark Terry. Their fourth CD features live recording from Freight & Salvage in Berkeley and from Kimball’s East in Emeryville and features Clark Terry, with two other great jazz players, Buddy DeFranco on clarinet and Terry Gibbs on vibes. 

Denise Perrier has been a familiar voice in the Bay Area for 30 years. Her contralto renditions of jazz, ballads, blues and Latin have been heard on a number of CDs, four of her own (including “Live At Yoshi’s: Blue Monday Party”), featuring artists like saxophonist Houston Person and cellist Cash Killion. She’s recorded with organist Jack McDuff and guitarists George Benson and Philip Upchurch. On Monday, June 22, she’ll be performing with the Junius Courtney Big Band at Yoshi’s. 

CABARET ZOOT SUIT 

Oakland East Bay Gay Men’s Chorus with Swing Fever and Denise Perrier, 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 5 p.m. Sunday at First Christian Church of Oakland, 111 Fairmount Ave., Oakland. $20-30 and up. oebgmc.org. 

How far would rampant capitalism go to exploit the worker? The Honeymooners’ Ralph Kramden had the answer: “To the moon, Alice! To the moon!” 

With Moon, his indie debut, first-time feature director Duncan Jones (aka Zowie Bowie, son of David Bowie) delivers a film that is a mind-bending, heart-breaking homage to Silent Running and 2001: A Space Odyssey. Sam Rockwell carries the weight of the story on his shoulders as Sam Bell, a weary corporate moon-cog winding up the last weeks of a three-year contract mining Helium 3 from the lunar surface. Sam’s duty is to rocket canisters of Helium 3 back to Earth where Lunar Industries sells the elusive moon-gas to provide the “clean, green energy” that allows industrial society to thrive in the post-carbon era. 

Denied direct contact with his wife and daughter because of a strangely lingering “communications blackout,” Sam’s only outside contacts come in the form of pre-recorded messages from home relayed via “JupiterMail,” brusque commands from the suits that run his station, and the computerized companionship of Gertie, the base’s all-purpose robot. (In one of many echoes of Space Odyssey, Kevin Spacey provides the voice of Gertie—and he does a Hal of a job.) 

A tense situation goes increasingly haywire as Sam’s mental moorings begin to slip. A hallucination results in a scalded hand. (That bandaged hand will prove helpful when trying to decipher the weirdness that follows.) Sam crashes his moon-cruiser into a lunar rock-crusher and awakens back in the base infirmary. “You’ve had an accident, Sam. You need to rest,” Gertie explains. 

On an unauthorized excursion back to the crash scene, Sam discovers a body in a spacesuit and hauls it back to Gertie’s sick-bay. Sam is beside himself—literally—when he discovers the body belongs to a man who looks exactly like himself and who also insists that he is the Sam Bell entrusted to run the base. The two Bells circle warily, clash violently and finally join forces to uncover an appalling secret as an ominous “rescue crew” draws closer to the station with each passing hour. 

Despite the intricate pas-de-deux involving one actor playing two polar versions of the same character in a series of ping-pong-playing stand-offs, heated arguments and bloody wrestling matches, the film notes claim the movie was shot in only 33 days. The production values, however, reflect a film that must have required months of careful preparation including massive sets and complex modeling. Moon raises the bar for indie films into a high orbit. 

Viewer will spend hours trying to “reverse engineer” this film, untangling its puzzles and looking for plot holes. Thanks to a clever screenplay many scenes that initially appear illogical do survive scrutiny. But how do you explain a Hal-like robot that fails to pay attention whenever Sam starts playing detective? And how is it that Gertie becomes a willing accomplice, even to the point of sacrificing itself to save a human? Where Hal famously monotoned: “I’m sorry, Dave. I can’t do that.” Gertie, the Anti-Hal, ultimately offers, “Yes, Sam. I can do that.” 

When a friend asked the question: “Does Sam live or does he die?” I had to answer, “Yes.” It’s that kind of a movie. Watch Moon with a friend and go out for a beer. You’ll have a lot to talk about. 

Moon opens June 19 at Shattuck Cinemas in downtown Berkeley. 

Gar Smith is a Berkeley-based editor and writer.