THURSDAY, AUGUST 13 

Merritt College’s Applied Urban Ecology Division A discussion with local permaculture designers at 7 p.m. at the Ecology Center, 2530 San Pablo Ave. 548-2220, ext. 233. 

“Ecological Intelligence: How Knowing the Hidden Impacts of What We Buy Can Change Everything” with Daniel Goleman at 7 p.m. at the David Brower Center. Tickets are $25, available from brownpaper tickets. www.ecoliteracy.org 

East Bay Mac Users Group Geek Night, with Brady Frey & Build a Site Night at 7 p.m. at Expression College for Digital Arts, 6601 Shellmound St., Emeryville. http://ebmug.org 

Red Cross Blood Drive from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the American Red Cross Bus, 1200 Clay St., Oakland. To schedule an appointment go to www.helpsavealife.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. 

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

FRIDAY, AUGUST 14 

“The Band’s Visit” An Israeli film on cooperation at 7:30 p.m. at Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists 1924 Cedar St. Suggested donation $5-$10. 841-4824. 

“Climate Change and the Connections That Bind Us” with David Orr at 7 p.m. at The David Brower Center. Tickets are $25. www.ecoliteracy.org 

“I Love Bugs” Check out a worm home and build your own cricket house from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Habitot Children’s Museum, 2065 Kittredge St. Cost is $7-$8. www.habitot.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 

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. 

Stand With Us Stand for Peace Stand with Israel vigil every Friday from noon to 1 p.m. at Bancroft and Telegraph. www.sfvoiceforisrael.org 

SATURDAY, AUGUST 15 

North Berkeley Emergency Preparedness Fair Information on Fire, earthquake, disaster, home safety, community response, and presentations by City of Berkeley Fire Dept, Red Cross, from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Walnut and Vine, Berkeley Friends Meeting house, Latter-day Saints parking lot and church building. 504-3072. 

Ecology and History of Lake Anza with James Wilson, naturalist from 10 a.m. to noon at Lake Anza, Tilden Park. For details call 544-2233. 

Brooks Island Voyage Paddle the rising tide across the Richmond Harbor Channel to Books Island to explore the island’s natural and cultural history, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.. For experienced boaters who can provide their own kayak and safety gear. Cost is $20-$22. Registration required. 1-888-327-2757. 

Walking Tour of 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 

Golden Gate Audubon Society Bike Trip in East Shore State Park Meet at 8:10 a.m. at the El Cerrito Del Norte BART station, or 8:30 at the end of S. 51st St. in Richmond for a ride to Emeryville. Bring helmet, bicycle lock, sunscreen, lunch and liquids. RSVP to 547-1233. 

Walking Tour: Walking the Key System’s C Line A level walk from 10 a.m. to noon, sponsored by Oakland Heritage Alliance. Cost is $10-$15. Meet at MacArthur BART station underpass on 40th St. 763-9218. 

Garage Sale for Community Policing for the Shattuck Crime Prevention Council and the Berkeley Halcyon Neighborhood from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Bushrod Park, Shattuck Ave. between 59th and 60th. Donations that are clean and in working order are acepted. 655-6122. CPBeat11X@aol.com 

“Astronomy and Evolution: From the Death of the Dinosaurs to the Stardust in your Bones” at 11 a.m. at Genetics and Plant Biology Building, Room 100 on the UC Berkeley campus. 

Chicken Round Up Visit with the free-range chickens at Tilden’s Little Farm, learn the different breeds and their habits, from 3 to 4 p.m. at the Little Farm, Tilden Park. 544-2233. 

Chevron Protest Rally at 11:30 a.m. at the Richmond BART station, followed by a 1 p.m. March on the Chevron Oil refinery. Sponsored by Mobilization for Climate Justice. 550-2836. http://actforclimatejustice.org/west 

Family Artmaking: “Blowin’ in the Wind” Learn about kites then make your own from 1 to 4 p.m. at Museum of Children’s Art, 538 9th St., Oakland. Cost is $7 per child. 465-8770. www.ocha.org 

Plant Families of California: A Medicinal Perspective from 12:30 to 6 p.m. at Blue Wind Botanical Medicinal Clinic, 823 32nd St., Apt. B, Oakland. Cost is $40. To register call 428-1810. 

Rock N’ Roll at Playland-Not-At-The-Beach with cast and crew, Sat. and Sun. at 10979 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito. Costs is $10-$15. 932-8966. www.playland-not-at-the-beach.org 

Free Garden Tours at Regional Parks Botanic Garden Sat. and Sun. at 11 a.m. and 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, AUGUST 16 

Little Farm Goat Hike Join a short hike with the Little Farm goats as we explore the historic connections between humans and their ungulate friends, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Little Farm, Tilden Park. For ages six and up. 544-2233. 

Walking Tour: Scaling Leona Heights Covering the woods and fire trails of the Leona Greenbelt in East Oakland. Meet at 10 a.m. at McDonell Ave. and Mountain Blvd. Sponsored by Oakland Heritage Alliance. Cost is $10-$15. 763-9218. 

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 

Sketching on the Farm A guided art exploration with a focus on farm animals and vistas, from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. at Tilden Little Farm. Bring pencils and paper. 544-2233. 

East Bay Atheists meets to view and discuss Bill Maher’s “Religulous” at 1:30 p.m. at Berkeley Public Library, 3rd Floor Meeting Room 2090 Kittredge St. 

Social Action Summer Forum “Iran Today” with Ali Eshraghi, Iranian journalist, 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 11 a.m. and 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 Hugh Joswick on “Knowing Mind” at 6 p.m. at the Tibetan Nyingma Institute, 1815 Highland Pl. 809-1000. www.nyingmainstitute.com 

MONDAY, AUGUST 17 

Drop-in Knitting Group Work on your own project or make pet blankets and children’s hats for donation. Yarn, needles and instruction provided. From 3:30 to 5 p.m. at the Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave., Albany. 536-3720. 

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. 

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. 548-0425. 

TUESDAY, AUGUST 18 

Tuesdays for the Birds Tranquil bird walks in local parklands, led by Bethany Facendini, from 7 to 9:30 a.m. Bring water, field guides, binoculars or scopes. Call for meeting place and if you need to borrow binoculars. 544-3265. 

Berkeley Path Wanderers: Stretching on the Paths Meet at 6 p.m. in front of Thousand Oaks School, Coulsa at Catalina for a walk with stretching exercises at scenic spots. 520-3876. www.berkeleypaths.org 

Cybersalon with Dan Miller on “A Really Inconvenient Truth: Why Climate Change Is Much Worse Than You’ve Been Told and What We Must Do Now” at 7:30 p.m. at the Hillside Club, 2286 Cedar St. Cost is $10 at the door. www.hillsideclub.org 

“Angels in the Wilderness: One Woman’s Story of Survival” with Amy Racina at 7 p.m. at REI, 1338 San Pablo Ave. 527-4140. 

“Iran’s Continuing Upheaval: Divisions at the Top, Anger and Resistance from Below” with Larry Everest at 7 p.m. at Revolution Books, 2425 Channing Way. 848-1196. 

Albany Chamber of Commerce Wine Tasting & Fundraiser Cost is $15-$20. For details and to RSVP call 525-1771. www.albanychamber.org 

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 

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. 

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, AUGUST 19 

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 

Tilden Mini-Rangers Hiking, conservation and nature-based activities for ages 8-12. Dress to ramble and get dirty. Bring a snack. From 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. Cost is $6-$8, registration required. 1-888-EBPARKS. 

Free Screening of “Barefoot Gen“ 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 

“Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” A forum on learning how to live sustainably at 5:30 p.m. at Healthy Oakland, 2580 San Pablo Ave. RSVP to 763-9523. 

“Bay Area Cyper” performance documentary on hip hop in the SF Bay Area, at 7:30 p.m. at Humanist Hall, 390 27th St., Oakland. Donation $5. www.Humanist Hall.org 

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

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

Berkeley Peace Walk and Vigil at 6:30 p.m. at the Berkeley BART Station, corner of Shattuck and Center. 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, AUGUST 20 

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

“Opting Out of the Consumer Trap” Simplicity Forum at 6:30 p.m. at the Claremont Library, 2940 Benvenue Ave.  

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

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

FRIDAY, AUGUST 21 

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

Childproofing Your Home free advice for parents and caregivers from 10:30 a.m. to noon at Habitot Children’s Museum, 2065 Kittredge St. 647-1111. www.habitot.org 

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

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. 

Stand With Us Stand for Peace Stand with Israel vigil every Friday from noon to 1 p.m. at Bancroft and Telegraph. www.sfvoiceforisrael.org 

SATURDAY, AUGUST 22 

Lone Tree at Low Tide Explore one of the only exposed reefs within the bay, beachcomb, and hunt the rocks for hiden coastline wildlife, from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at Lone Tree Point Regional Shoreline. For meeting place please call 544-2233. 

Woody Walk Alameda Join historian Woody Minor on a tour highlighting the architecture of Central Alameda. Meet at 1 p.m. at the Meyers House & Garden, 2021 Alameda Ave., Alameda. Free for AAPS members, $5 others. 986-9232 

Urban Releaf Tree Planting Event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on West MacArthur and San Pablo, Oakland. 601-9062.  

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.  

Cohousing Bus Tour of the East Bay Learn about cohousing and visit several communities, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.. Cost is $95. for more information see www.cohousing.org/tours 

Up Close and Natural Learn how to use a magnifying lens and learn about the microscopic workd under our feet on this guided hike, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at the Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. 544-2233. 

Junior League of Oakland-East Bay Information Session at 10 a.m. at 6934 Norfolk Rd. RSVP to jloebmembership@gmail.com 

Free Garden Tours at Regional Parks Botanic Garden Sat. and Sun. at 11 a.m. and 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.  

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, AUGUST 23 

Little Farm Goat Hike Join a short hike with the Little Farm goats as we explore the historic connections between humans and their ungulate friends, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Little Farm, Tilden Park. For ages six and up. 544-2233. 

Stroller Donation Day Bring your used strollers for donation to two Oakland non-profits, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to Let’s Go Strolling showroom, Kaiser Center next to 300 Lakeside Drive, Oakland. info@letsgostrolling.com 

Kids Garden Buffet Join us in the Kids Garden and learn about vegetables and fruits, and then help us harvest, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at Tilden Nature Center. 544-2233. 

Social Action Summer Forum “Social Justice and the Environment” with Bob Shildgen, Sierra magazine columnist, at 10 a.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, 1 Lawson Rd., Kensington. 525-0302, ext. 306. 

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. 

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

Free Garden Tours at Regional Parks Botanic Garden in Tilden Park Sat. and Sun. at 11 a.m. and 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 Santosh Philip on “Integrating Physical and Mental Energy” 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 

THURSDAY, AUGUST 13 

CHILDREN 

Active Arts Theatre for Young Audiences “If You Give A Mouse a Cookie” play based on the book by Laura Numeroff, Thurs. Sat., Sun. at 4 p.m., Fri. at 6 p.m., through Aug. 16, at Children’s Fairyland, 699 Bellevue Ave., Oakland. Tickets are $10-$12. 296-4433.  

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Tamar Sella at noon at the downtown Berkeley BART Station. 

Dedicated Maniacs, Pat Nevins & Amy Gabel at 9 p.m. at Ashkenaz, 1317 San Pablo Ave. Cost is $8-$10. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

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

Annie Bacon and her Oshen, Theresa Perez at 9 p.m. at The Starry Plough, 3101 Shattuck Ave. Cost is $67 841-2082.  

Country Joe’s Open Mic with Mugg Muggles, at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists, 1924 Cedar St. $5-$10 suggested donation. 841-4824. 

FRIDAY, AUGUST 14 

THEATER 

Actors Ensemble of Berkeley “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m. at Live Oak Theater, 1301 Shattuck Ave. at Berryman, through Aug. 15. Tickets are $12-$15. 649-5999.  

Altarena Playhouse “Spitfire Grill” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2 p.m. at Altarena Playhouse, 1409 High St., Alameda, through Aug. 16. Tickets are $17-$20. 523-1553.  

HurLyBurLy Productions “Cat’s Paw” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2 p.m. at Periscope Cellars, 1410 - 62nd Street, Emeryville. Tickets are $20. periscopecellars.com 

Lower Bottom Playaz “Mama at Twilight: Death by Love” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2 p.m. at The Sister Thea Bowman Memorial Theater, 920 Peralta St., rear yard, through Aug. 23. Cost is $10-$20. 208-1912. 

Woodminster Summer Musicals “Singin’ in the Rain” at 8 p.m. at Woodminster Amphitheater in Joaquin Miller Park, 3300 Joachin Miller Rd., Oakland, through Aug. 16. Tickets are $25-$40. 531-9597.  

FILM 

“Babette’s Feast” at 6:30 p.m. at Charles Chocolates, 6529 Hollis St., Emeryville. 652-4412, ext. 311.  

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Last Word Reading Series with poets Charles Entrekin and Gail Rudd Entrekin at 7 p.m. at Nefeli Caffe, 1854 Euclid Ave. 841-6374. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

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

Diáspora Negra: The African Legacy in Latin America, symposium at 6:45 p.m., music and dance at 8:30 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center, 3105 Shattuck Ave. Cost is $18-$20. 849-2568.  

Point Richmond Summer Concert with Claudia Russell & the Folk Unlimited Orchestra, at 5:30 p.m. and Taarka, at 6:45 p.m. at Park Place at Washington Ave. in downtown Point Richmond. www.pointrichmond.com 

Dancing Under the Stars Salsa with Edgardo Cambon y Latido at 8:30 p.m. at Jack London Square. Dance exhibition and lessons at 7:30 p.m. www.lindendance.com 

Mimi Dye & The Topaz Allstars at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $14. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

Messenjah Selah, Lady Passion, Tuff Lion, We A Dem at 9:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz, 1317 San Pablo Ave. Cost is $10-$13. 525-5054.  

Alien Cowboys, The Geroso Bros, Lee Koch and The Grinders at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough, 3101 Shattuck Ave. Cost is $10. 841-2082.  

Beep! Trio at 8 p.m. at Jupiter, 2181 Shattuck Ave. 843-8277. 

SATURDAY, AUGUST 15 

CHILDREN  

The Fratello Marionettes “The Frog Prince” at 3:30 p.m. at Kensington Community Center, 59 Arlington Ave., Kensington. For ages 3 and up. Free. 524-3043. 

THEATER 

Berkeley Playhouse Youth Company “Urinetown” Sat. at 7 p.m. and Sun. at 1 p.m. at The Julia Morgan, 2640 College Ave. Tickets are $10-$20. 665-5565, ext. 397.  

Bizarre Shorts Showcase performed by Berkeley Public Library’s Teen PlayReaders at 7:30 p.m. at Willard Middle School, Metal Shop Theater, 2425 Stuart St. 981-6147. 

Shotgun Players “The Farm” Sat. and Sun. at 4 p.m. at John Hinkel Park, Southhampton Ave., through Sept 13. Suggested donation $10. 841-6500.  

EXHIBITIONS 

“Gone Fishin’” Group art show opens at Expressions Gallery, 2035 Ashby Ave. www.expressionsgallery.org 

“Down By the Sycamore Trees” Works by Maliea Croy and Jon Schroeder. Opening reception at 6 p.m. at Local 123, 2049 San Pablo Ave. www.local123gallery.com 

“Growing Up Asian” Art and essays by Bay Area K-12 students on display at the Berkeley Public Library, 2090 Kittredge St. 981-6147. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

9th Annual Art & Soul Festival Oakland, with jazz, rock, gospel, latin, R&B and more Sat and Sun. from noon to 6 p.m. at Frank Ogawa Plaza, downtown Oakland. Cost is $5-$10, 12 and under free. www.artandsouloakland.com 

Travis Brooks, Jonathan Sarenana, 100 Swans, J Irvin Dally and others at noon at House of Nostromo, 4 Fifth Ave., Oakland. Cost is $8. 

Prometheus with harmonica player Ken Mitchell at 8 p.m. at Grace North Church, 2138 Cedar St. Tickets are $5-$20. 548-2153. 

Diáspora Negra: The African Legacy in Latin America, symposium at 6:45 p.m., music and dance, at 8:30 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $18-$20. 849-2568.  

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

Andre Thierry & Zydeco Magic at 8:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Dance lesson at 8 p.m. Cost is $15. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

PZ at 10 p.m. at Shattuck Down Low, 2284 Shattuck Ave. Cost is $7. 548-1159.  

Forrest Day, Alex Lee, The Feel Good Patrol at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $10. 841-2082.  

Harley White Jr. Trio at 8 p.m. at Jupiter, 2181 Shattuck Ave. 843-8277. 

SUNDAY, AUGUST 16 

CHILDREN 

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

EXHIBITIONS 

New Works by Julie Ross Watercolor & Acrylic. Reception at 2 p.m. at the French Hotel, 1538 Shattuck Ave. Exhibition runs through Aug. 31. 

“Sustainable Cultural Intelligence” works by Henk Schusteff at 33 Revolutions, 10086 San Pablo Ave. El Cerrito, to Aug. 31. 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

“Visual Thinking Strategies” An interactive workshop on ways to view and teach art from 2 to 5 p.m. at Berkeley Art Center, 1275 Walnut St. Free, but RSVP required. 644-6893.  

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Tanaora, Latin and Brazilian jazz, at 8 p.m. at La Peña, 3105 Shattuck Ave. Cost is $12. 849-2568.  

Eva Scow Group at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $12. 841-JAZZ.  

Americana Unplugged: Jimbo Trout & The Fish People at 5 p.m. at Jupiter. 843-8277. 

Mahealani Uchiyama at 8 p.m. at Ashkenaz, 1317 San Pablo Ave. Cost is $10. 525-5054.  

MONDAY, AUGUST 17 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Eileen Myles author of “The Importance of Being Iceland” reads at 7:30 p.m. at Moe’s Books, 2476 Telegraph Aven. 849-2087. moesbooks.com 

Channeling Fela Kuti Spoken word at 6 p.m. at Guerilla Cafe, 1620 Shattuck Ave. 845-2233.  

TUESDAY, AUGUST 18 

CHILDREN 

Wild Things, Inc. at 6:30 p.m. at the Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave. 526-3720. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Aux Cajunals at 8:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz, 1317 San Pablo Ave. Dance lesson at 8 p.m. Cost is $10. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

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

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19 

FILM 

New Cuban Filmmakers at 7:30 p.m. at La Peña, 3105 Shattuck Ave. Cost is $7-$10. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Kala Artists-in-Residence Talks with Dan Harrison, Noel Hensey and Jennifer Little at 7 p.m. at Kala Art Institute, 2990 San Pablo Ave. www.kala.org 

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 

Bayonics, Latin/funk, at noon at Oakland City Center, 12th and Broadway. 

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

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

Still Time, groove rock, at 8 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $TBA. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Celu’s Silver Kittens at 7 p.m. at Chester’s Bayview Cafe, 1508 B Walnut Square. 849-9995. 

Neurohumors at 8 p.m. at Jupiter, 2181 Shattuck Ave. 843-8277. 

THURSDAY, AUGUST 20 

FILM 

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

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Tommi Avicolli Mecca reads from the anthology “Smash the Church, Smash the State! The Early Years of Gay Liberation” at 7:30 p.m. at Pegasus Books Downtown, 2349 Shattuck Ave. 649-1320. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Caspian Hat Dance, Kugelplex at 9 p.m. at Ashkenaz, 1317 San Pablo Ave. Klezmer dance lesson at 8:30 p.m. Cost is $13-$15. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

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

VIR, Murder of Lillies, Huff This, Photons at 9 p.m. at The Starry Plough, 3101 Shattuck Ave. Cost is $7. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com 

Mochi Parra & Rafael Manriquez at 8 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $12. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Adrian Gormley Jazz Ensemble at 8 p.m. at Jupiter, 2181 Shattuck Ave. 843-8277. 

FRIDAY, AUGUST 21 

THEATER 

Aurora Theatre “Awake and Sing!” through Sept. 27, at 2081 Addison St. Tickets are $15-$55. 843-4822 or visit auroratheatre.org.  

HurLyBurLy Productions “Cat’s-Paw” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2 p.m. at Periscope Cellars, 1410 62nd St., Emeryville. Tickets are $20. periscopecellars.com 

Lower Bottom Playaz “Mama at Twilight: Death by Love” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2 p.m. at The Sister Thea Bowman Memorial Theater, 920 Peralta St., rear yard, through Aug. 23. Cost is $10-$20. 208-1912. 

Masquers Playhouse “Loot” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2:30 p.m. at 105 Park Place, Point Richmond, and runs through Sept. 26. Tickets are $18. 232-4031. www.masquers.org 

Stage Door Conservatory “Footloose” Fri. and Sat. at 7:30 p.m. and Sun. at 2 p.m. at Julia Morgan Theater, 2640 College Ave. Tickets are $10-$25. 521-6250. stagedoor2005@yahoo.com 

EXHIBITIONS 

Cody Sai Spring 2009 Fashion Collection at 7 p.m. at Ideas in Motion Studio, 2332 Fourth St., Studio J. RSVP to 525-2130. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Sonic Strut, R&B, at noon at the Kaiser Center Roof Garden, on top of the parking garage, 300 Lakeside Drive, Oakland. Free. www.KaiserCenterRoofGarden.com 

Dancing Under the Stars Swing with Ben Oni Orchestra at 8:30 p.m. at Jack London square. Dance exhibition and lessons at 7:30 p.m. www.lindendance.com 

Michael O’Neill & Friends at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $14. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

Hali Hammer & Friends at 8 p.m. at Art House Gallery & Cultural Center, 2905 Shattuck Ave. Suggested donation $5-$10 to benefit Art House Gallery. 472-3170. 

Smooth Jazz Groove Evening of contemporary & fusion jazz at 8 p.m. at La Peña, 3105 Shattuck Ave. Cost is $20. 849-2568. www.goove-yard-entertainment.com 

Lynx & Jamie Janover, Tystria at 9 p.m. at Ashkenaz, 1317 San Pablo Ave. Cost is $10. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Generalissimo, Ghost Echoes, Mariana Trench at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $8. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com 

The Whistlepig Quartet at 8 p.m. at Jupiter, 2181 Shattuck Ave. 843-8277. 

SATURDAY, AUGUST 22 

THEATER 

San Francisco Mime Troupe “Too Big To Fail” Sat. and Sun. at 2 p.m. at Live Oak Park. www.sfmt.org 

Shotgun Players “The Farm” Sat. and Sun. at 4 p.m. at John Hinkel Park, Southhampton Ave., through Sept 13. Suggested donation $10. 841-6500. www.shotgunplayers.org 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Poet/Librarians Read with Marc Elihu Hofstadter and Alan Bern at 3 p.m. in the 3rd floor Community Meeting Room, Berkeley Public Library, 2090 Kittredge. 981-6107. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Rhythm & Muse spoken word/music open mic featuring Minor Excursions, with Gael Alcock, Cello, Sue Draheim, violin, Cello Zymbidium, with Hugh Fox, Adrienne Miller, Chris Becerra, George Meigs, and Marilyn Cooper, tai ji at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Art Center, 1275 Walnut St., between Eunice & Rose Sts. Donations appreciated. 644-6893.  

The Righteous Mothers, progressive folk rock at 8 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center, 3105 Shattuck Ave. Cost is $12-$15. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Walter Savage’s Well Well Hellraisers! at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $14. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

Solo Cissokho, African, at 9:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $12-$15. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com  

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

Harley White Jr. Trio at 8 p.m. at Jupiter, 2181 Shattuck Ave. 843-8277. 

SUNDAY, AUGUST 23 

CHILDREN 

Banana Slug String Band at 3 p.m. at Ashkenaz, 1317 San Pablo Ave. Cost is $4-$6. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

THEATER 

San Francisco Mime Troupe “Too Big To Fail” at 2 p.m. at Live Oak Park. www.sfmt.org 

Shotgun Players “The Farm” at 4 p.m. at John Hinkel Park, Southhampton Ave., through Sept 13. Suggested donation $10. 841-6500. www.shotgunplayers.org 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Damien Masterson Group 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, 2181 Shattuck Ave. 843-8277. 

Singin’ in the Rain, the 1952 Stanley Donen-Gene Kelly movie musical, has never diminished in popularity in its six decades of showings. But there’s a different way to experience the song and dance than on the two dimensions of the silver (or digital) screen: in three dimensions, live, on the broad, deep stage at Woodminster Amphitheatre at Oakland’s Joaquin Miller Park, with the lights of the Bay Area as backdrop.  

Going into its final weekend, the Woodminster Singin’ in the Rain—adapted by Betty Comden and Adolph Green from their screenplay—isn’t the first time the company has staged this postwar classic. The 2004 production was “so successful,” according to Kathy Kahn of Woodminster, “it convinced us to do it again. We had a sleeper hit on our hands; audiences kept coming as it went along. And they kept asking for it, on the ballots we put out, querying what shows people want to see in coming seasons. It had a high vote for years.” 

There’re continuities and changes this year from the 2004 show. “We were able to get the same four principals back. And this year, the ensemble’s bigger: 42 performers and an 18-dancer tap chorus. When they do “Broadway Melody” with Don Lockwood and all those tap dancers, it’s pretty spectacular—as is the finale, with the whole ensemble onstage in slicker raincoats, holding umbrellas.”  

Woodminster prides itself on the professional background of its collaborators—and the continuity of the institution itself. The Amphitheatre, a WPA project of 1940, is on “The Hights,” as Bohemian poet Joaquin Miller liked to spell his monicker for the panoramic site. In 1967, Woodminster Summer Musicals began, produced and managed by Jim and Harriet Schlader, both Broadway veterans of many original musical productions, Harriet a dancer with the Radio City Music Hall Corps du Ballet and the June taylor dancers. At 95, Jim’s still producing, sitting in the booth and announcing.  

The Schladers’ son Joel is director of Singin’ in the Rain. Choreographer Cynthia Ferrer, who was first onstage at Woodminster at the age of 13, went on to a successful musical theater career, playing the female lead in Singin’ in the Rain’s first national tour.  

Among cast members, Carl Danielsen went to school at Bishop O’Dowd, also started at Woodminster as a teen, and spent a couple of decades performing in New York.  

The Amphitheatre seats close to 2,000, and features a “Kids Come Free” program, which Kathy Kahn notes, “defines ‘kid’ as anyone up to 16. If an adult pays in full and brings a kid, the two can get in for as little as $25 total.” 

Next up—and last for this summer—Brigadoon, playing over the first two weekends in September. “It has a cast of 40, directed by yet another Schlader, Jody Jaron, formerly of the Garden State Ballet. Agnes DeMille won a Tony for the original choreography in 1947. Rehearsals have already started, with some of the same cast from Singin’ in the Rain—and tartans, plaids and kilts all over the place—we’re turning a Hollywood movie set of Paris into Scotland!” 

SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN 

8 p.m. today through Friday at Woodminster Amphitheatre, Joaquin Miller Park, 3300 Joaquin Miller Rd., Oakland. $25-$40.  

531-9597. www.woodminster.com. 

Two notable artists currently share the exhibition space at the Graduate Theological Union Library. They both produce very different paintings, based on photographs. 

Cherie Raciti’s paintings are the result of an elaborate process which begins with a photo of a sculpture of a Buddha head, seen from the back, which she transforms to line drawings and then transfers, adding water-based paints, to wood panels on which she builds shallow relief paintings of subdued color. The results are low-relief paintings which communicate calmness and tranquility. Raciti’s work, going back to an exhibition at the Berkeley Art Museum in 1972, is basically abstract, and she states that these paintings are not to be “interpreted as religious or votive images.”  

By contrast, Susan Matthews’ portraits of African men and women, based on photographs she took in Niger, strike the viewer with their spiritual power, reminding us of Greek or Russian icons. Matthews, aware of the tradition of Byzantine painting, uses gold, copper and silver metal leaf paint to transport these portraits into a spiritual realm, suggesting timeless space. The golden background of these portraits is also due to the dust powder that fills the air in the dry desert in Sahel at the edge of the Sahara. Matthews was a welcome visitor in Niger, where her brother had been living for many years, and she was able to observe and photograph the men, women and children of these nomadic tribes at work and at rest. They wear shells and other found jewelry as talisimans and have scars on their skins. In fact, Niger slaves, that were brought to the New World were able to identify each other by their scarification. Garaya (2009) depicts a beautiful young man with his penetrating eyes turning to the sky. He would sing resoundingly and play a two-stringed musical instrument, called Garaya, which is shown in the lower left of the panel. Combining skilled realistic portraiture with traditional iconography, these paintings are also the work of a modernist painter, who placed the head against a background of flat, diamond-shaped geometric design, which emphasizes the two-dimensional essence of the picture plane.  

“This will be my band, the one I’ve been playing with a long time,” said lifelong Northern California jazz musician Mel Martin—a ubiquitious presence for half a century in the Bay Area as tenor saxophonist, woodwinds player and band leader—of the eponymous group he’ll be playing with at Yoshi’s in Oakland next Monday night.  

The Mel Martin Band will perform at 8 p.m. to celebrate their new recording, “Where the Warm Winds Blow,” released on Jazz Media. 

“The cover shows me standing on the shores of Maui,” Martin explained, “a kind of doubletake: I play winds, and I try to get some warm sounds out of them. And I do, with some overdubbing, like I did back in the ’70s with Listen!” 

Martin was recalling the pioneering jazz fusion band he led, founded in 1976, that featured such distinguished alumni as steel drum virtuoso Andy Narell and drummers Terry Bozzio and George Marsh. The band performed in clubs, parks—every imaginable venue and on three recordings—playing innovative, popular music. “We were inventing forms as they came along, because nobody said we couldn’t,” Martin said. “Why do the same thing on every track?”  

Martin recalled other Bay Area jazz groups fusing different styles of music at that time: The Fourth Way, the John Handy Quintet, the Jerry Hahn Brotherhood—“and the rock scene was wide open.” He played live or recorded with Santana, Boz Scaggs (“on five albums before he was a big name”),The Loading Zone, Azteca, Cold Blood—many of the top concert, club and touring bands of that time.  

But that was just one era in a life packed with playing, committed to music. 

Born in 1942 in Sacramento, Martin’s parents were both singers. He was influenced by the Big Bands coming through town, especially Benny Goodman’s. “Goodman had a tenor player, Bud Johnson, who didn’t need a mic to fill the hall.” He put together a small combo, and after their first gig, obtained through his father, Martin remembers they played Mel’s Drive-In for tips. 

He sat in as a teen with Wes Montgomery and his brothers. “Monk and Buddy moved to Sacramento and brought Wes back from the East ... they used to drive a pink caddy to gigs.” Martin still has a bar napkin the great guitarist wrote the changes of “West Coast Blues” out on. 

Moving to San Francisco in 1962, Martin was soon playing in fellow San Francisco State undergrad John Handy’s Freedom Band. “We played demonstrations and colleges ... I knew his playing with [Charles] Mingus and his own recordings on Roulette ... He played alto sax, but influenced me as much as any tenor player.” And Martin played the clubs: “I used to work the burlesque houses up on Broadway—and across the street, Coltrane, Miles, Sonny Rollins would be playing. The Jazz Workshop and El Matador were right in North Beach.” It was the jam sessions and dates in San Francisco’s active jazz scene that made the difference. “Bop City, Soulville, Jack’s on Sutter, the Both/And ... Bop City and Soulville were my schools.” 

The scene’s different now—or, rather, there’s no scene at all. “I’m not a retro guy,” Martin demurred. “But so many classic jazz artists have passed away, there’s less and less of it than in the past, so much of that has disappeared, that the word jazz has become indefineable, spread out through different genres.” 

He laughed. “It’s not ‘Show me your jazz papers!’ There’s still no jazz police. But the issue is, what passes for jazz education? In the ’50s and ’60s, there was jazz on TV. Leonard Bernstein would come on Sunday morning and explain jazz. There were the Timex jazz shows; Steve Allen had jazz on the Tonight Show and Dave Garroway in the morning. And there were hit jazz records—1959 was a great year.” 

Martin continued: “In the ’60s and ’70s, it wasn’t that unusual for a group to suddenly do a number in 11/8. So-called jazz radio’s more restricted now. And jazz festival presentations are watered down. If you fit in that box, you get the gig. Festivals attempted to reach back to the tradition before. I see John Handy got an award recently; that should’ve happened years ago.” 

Martin reflected on the current situation in music, as well as some of its causes: “Sometimes it seems the Bay Area has a short cultural memory. It always seems like the place where jazz is about to be the thing. But there’s no real tradition. Off and on, it’s been a huge cauldron, festering with jazz. When I go to New York, I know more people than here. We were just back there, playing at Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola, with great crowds, and two ex-managers of mine showed up on the same night! It was kind of historic. There’s a lot of continuity there. I like to go back and play; then I play, even talk like a New Yorker ... but I’d only last for a couple of weeks!” 

Martin continued: “It’s what the corporate mentality has screwed up, really in the art of it. In everything else, too, the battles we’re having every day, over health care, with banks ... Jazz is at the bottom of the ladder, anyway. And the rules change. Now they can’t sell anything either! Which brings up the question: how does one get paid?”  

Martin mentioned catching a recent appearance by the great alto player, Lee Konitz—who he called “one of my teachers early on”—at Yoshi’s in San Francisco. “He looked out at the audience and said, ‘I often wonder where all of you come from.” I said, under my breath, “From under a lily pad!”  

Innovations not withstanding, Martin has helped keep the tradition alive, His band Bebop And Beyond, begun in 1984, still performs, as does the Tenor Conclave—and the Benny Carter All-Star Tribute Band, originally founded at the request of the great alto player and Big Band leader, who Ben Webster once dubbed “King.” In fact, Martin’s previous recording release was JUST FRIENDS, the Mel Martin/Benny Carter Quartet recorded at Yoshi’s in 1994, released last year to coincide with Carter’s centennial, (Carter died in 2004), some of the tracks having been included previously on MEL MARTIN PLAYS BENNY CARTER. And the title tune on Martin’s new recording to be celebrated Monday was penned by Carter.  

“I’ve had some great bands, been in some great ones,” said Martin, “And I’ve played with a lot of rhythm sections. Even at best, that’s not the same as with those when we’ve had a long, intimate history. Don Friedman, coming back from New York, has been accepted as a great jazz pianist, even if he’s still not a well-known name to the public. Interestingly enough, he was pianist on one of those old John Handy Roulette records! Small world. Jeff Marrs, on drums, has played with the Marcus Shelby Big Band, with Faye Carol, and with me for six or seven years. He’s constantly growing. I took him to New York and he fit right in; we can play all night, just the two of us. Bassist Robb Fisher [who plays Tuesday evenings with jazz balladeer Ed Reed at The Cheese Board on Shattuck] and I have played together 25, 30 years. Brad Buethe’s on guitar, who’s often with me at the no name bar in Sausalito. And John Santos, on latin percussion, will be a special guest  

We’ll play what’s on the album, plus some of my other original music, to update what’s never been recorded.” 

While selling out shows at the Ashby Stage by their adult professional company of the musical “Peter Pan,” an old chestnut about the Lost Boys escaping from the adult world in Never-Never Land, Berkeley Playhouse’s youth company is putting on a two-night only staging of what Berkeley Playhouse’s managing director called “an anti-establishment piece,” the Broadway hit musical “Urinetown.” inspired by Bertolt Brecht-Kurt Weill classics like “Threepenny Opera” and “Mahagony,” at the Julia Morgan Theatre this weekend. 

“The set’s—well, junk basically! that’s been gathered up, and bare scaffolding,” said Jerry Foust of Berkeley Playhouse, “It feels very much industrial.” The past month, the teenagers in the youth company have been rehearsing the show and building the set, making their own props as a team, part of the process. 

“The piece itself begs for something unconventional,” said Foust. “It has a bare bones feel, with some hints at what we took from the original Broadway production. Our director, Jon Tracy, has real outside-the-box thinking; he’s committed to ensemble-based work.” 

Tracy’s joined by choreographer Kimberly Dooley and musical director Phil Gorman, both of Berkeley Playhouse, in heading the production team, which also sees teens working backstage, some assisting being from Berkeley High School. 

“Urinetown” details the futuristic—but (doubly) uncomfortably contemporary—tale of a 20-year drought and what havoc it wrecks on a New York-like metropolis, where private toilets are outlawed, and the populace is forced to ... go ... to public facilities, controled by a merciless, evil monopoly. But finally, there’s a man who’s had enough, and holding nothing back ... 

“The writer was inspired when traveling in Europe on a student budget, being forced to pay for a public toilet,” said Foust. “Teaming up with the composer, they came up with a musical that explores, makes fun of—yet is a tribute to—the great American musical comedy. There are a lot of tongue-in-cheek jokes. And political satire. It’s definitely intelligent—and a little unconventional for a teen group. We think it’s a good experience for them.” 

Foust went on to reflect on the difference between the adult company—”very mainstream, staging shows that appeal to the masses”—with the youth troupe. “It’s different. It’s educational; what it explores isn’t the mainstream. This winter, they’ll do “Godspell” about the establishment of religion, and next summer, “Pippin,” a very dark show. We want to expose them to the less commercial.” 

The summer programs are designed as intensive acting camps, teaching basic skills, with “different artistic chores—music, set-building, props, participating in the design ...” Some of the youth company participated as interns in “Peter Pan,” playing the Lost Boys, at the same time as preparing for “Urinetown.”  

“Ninety-nine percent of the shows for “Peter Pan” were sell-outs,” Foust said. “Every week we’ve had a wait list. We’ve doubled our projections, and will sell 3,900 to 4,000 tickets for 33 shows at the Ashby Stage by the end of the run. And every time our classes are announced in a pre-curtain speech, people check it out for their kids.” 

Berkeley Playhouse began a few years back in founder and artistic director Elizabeth McKoy’s living room, with friends as the audience. “Officially, we’re two years old,” said Foust. A few weeks ago, the Playhouse announced its merger with the Julia Morgan Center, where it’s housed, in a partnership to create an institution for bringing theater to families and training young people for it.