THURSDAY, SEPT. 10 

Berkeley School Volunteers, New Volunteer Orientation from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. at 1835 Allston Way. Bring a photo ID and two references to the orientation. Returning volunteers do not need to attend. For further information 644-8833. 

Small-Garden Discovery Walk For walkers age 50+ to explore small, charming Albany and North Berkeley late-summer gardens that need little water or fertilizer. Meet at 9:30 a.m. at Albany Senior Center, 846 Masonic. Free but numbers limited; register at Albany Senior Center. 524-9122.  

“Salute to Sisterhood” honoring African American environmental champions at 5:30 p.m. at Lake Merritt Sailboat House. RSVP to 763-9523.  

5th Annual 9/11 Film Festival “Anthrax War” with guest speakers Eric Nadler and David Ray GriffinFrom noon to 10 p.m. at Grand Lake Theater, 3200 Grand Ave., Oakland. Tickets are $10. www.sf911truth.org 

“Sidney R. Garfield: Co-Founder of Kaiser Permanente” with Tom Debley at 7:30 p.m. at Chapel of the Chimes, 4499 Piedmont Ave., Oakland. Sponsored by Oakland Heritage Alliance. Tickets are $10-$15. www.oaklandheritage.org 

Berkeley Folk Dancers Beginners’ Class Learn dances from around the world, Thurs. at 7:45 p.m. at Live Oak Park, 1301 Shattuck. Cost is $30 for 8-week session. www.berkeleyfolkdancers.org. 

“How to Get Your Permit Approved” A seminar with mediator Ron Kelly from 7 to 10 p.m. at Building Education Center, 812 Page St. Cost is $40. 525-7610. 

East Bay Mac Users Group Meeting with Clinton Gilbert and Tom Kramer on SoundStudio and GarageBand, at 7 p.m. at Expression College for Digital Arts, 6601 Shellmound St., Emeryville. Free. ebmug.org 

Improv Acting Play fun improv games. Intro. Improv ongoing on Thurs. at 7 p.m. Intermediate Improv at 8:15 p.m. at Berkeley YWCA, 2600 Bancroft Way. Cost is $12 for Intro classes, $45 for 6 Intermediate classes. www.berkeleyimprov.com  

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

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

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

FRIDAY, SEPT. 11 

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

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

City Commons Club Noon Luncheon with Jill Tucker, Education Writer, San Francisco Chronicle on “East Palo Alto’s Amazing Eastside College Preparatory School” 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 

Presentation on Senior Cohousing with Charles Durrett, cofounder of cohousing in the U.S and author of “The Senior Cohousing Handbook: A Community Approach to Independent Living” at 7:30 p.m. at Builder’s Booksource, 1817 4th St. 845-6874. www.seniorcohousing.com  

Conscientious Projector Film Series “Occupation 101: Voices of the Silenced Majority” A documentry film on the current and historical roots and causes of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict at 7:30 p.m. at Berkeley Fellowship UU Hall, 1924 Cedar at Bonita. 495-5132.  

Womansong Circle An evening of participatory singing for women in commemoration of September 11, 2001 at 7:15 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Berkeley, Small Assembly Room, 2345 Channing Way. Suggested donation $15-20. No one turned away. www.betsyrosemusic.org 

Red Cross Blood Drive from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Children’s Hospital Outpatient Center Basement, 747 52nd St., Oakland. To schedule an appointment go to www.helpsavealife.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. 

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, SEPT. 12 

Berkeley Farmers’ Market String Band Contest with twenty old-time string bands competing from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Civic Center Park. 548-3333. 

AC Transit Community Workshop Learn about proposed service changes in AC Transit’s Service Adjustments Plan, and give your input before final decisions are made, at 10:30 a.m. at AC Transit General Offices, 1600 Franklin St., Oakland. www.actransit.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 

Walking Tour of Temescal: A Bit of Old Italy Meet at 10 a.m. in front of Genova Delicatessen, 5095 Telegraph Ave. in Temescal Shopping Plaza. Sponsored by the Oakland Heritage Alliance. Cost is $10-$15. 763-9218. www.oaklandheritage.org 

Friends of the El Cerrito Library Annual Book Sale Sat. from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sun. from noon to 4 p.m. at El Cerrito Library, 6510 Stockton Ave. in El Cerrito. www.ccclib.org 

Friends of Peralta Hacienda Historical Park Tasty, Touchable Tours of the East Bay’s Spanish and Mexican past from 2 to 4 p.m. at at 1870 Antonio Peralta House, 2465 34th Ave., Oakland. Tours are $2, campfire cooking activity is free. 532-9142. http://peraltahacienda.org  

Richmond Memorial Civic Center Grand Reopening with music, art center activities and fim showings of Richmond’s history, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 450 Civic Center Plaza and 27th St.  

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. 

Ardenwood Shakespeare Festival and Renaissance Faire from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sun. from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets are $13-$18, $8 for children 12 and under. www.ardenwoodfaire.com 

Archeological Dig in Tilden Discover the skills you neen to become an archeologist and learn about Tilden’s past, from 2 to 3 p.m. at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. For ages 7-12. 544-2233. 

Fix Your Own Double-Hung Windows A Berkeley Architectural Heritage Association Workshop at 2 p.m. at BAHA’s McCreary-Greer House, 2318 Durant Ave. Cost is $15. Advance registration required. 841-2242. http://berkeleyheritage.com  

“Building Beneath Your House” seminar with architect Andus Brandt, from 9 a.m. to noon at uilding Education Center, 812 Page St. Cost is $40. 525-7610. 

Rabbit Adoption Day from 1 to 4 p.m. at Rabbit Ears, 377 Colusa Ave. Kensington. 525-6155. 

Common Agenda Regional Network meets at 2 p.m. at 1403 Addison St., in the Berkeley Gray Panthers office at rear of Andronico’s grocery store. 

PeaceGames Training for educators, organizers and students of all ages to understand the intersections of war, militarism, gender, race and class fro 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Women of Color Resource Center, 1611 Telegraph Ave., Suite 303, Oakland. Cost is $75-$200, sliding scale. For information call 444-2700, ext. 305. www.coloredgirls.org 

“Disarmament Work in a Global Economic Crisis: Connecting Issues; Building Movements” with Andrew Lichterman at 7 p.m. at the Home of Truth, 1300 Grand Ave., Alameda. Sponsored by the Alameda Public Affairs Forum and Western States Legal Foundation. Suggested donation $5-$10. www.alamedapublicsaffairsforum.org 

Red Cross Blood Drive from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at St. Barnabas School Hall, 1400 Sixth Ave., Alameda. To schedule an appointment go to www.helpsavealife.org 

Origami Workshop with Margot Wecksler at 2 p.m. at the Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave. All ages welcome 526-3720, ext. 16. 

Grandparents Weekend at the Beach at Playland-Not-At-The-Beach Sat. and Sun. at 10979 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito. Costs is $10-$15, grandparents $5. 932-8966. www.playland-not-at-the-beach.org 

Free Family Dance Event from 10 a.m. to noon at Luna Kids in the Sawtooth Bldg, J2525 8th St. at Dwight Way, 644-3629.  

San Francisco Boys Chorus Auditions from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Oakand For information email auditions@sfbc.org  

Free Garden Tours at Regional Parks Botanic Garden Sat. at 2 p.m. and Sun. at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. 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.  

SUNDAY, SEPT. 13 

Solano Stroll from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. along Solano Ave. in Berkeley and Albany.  

Unwanted Medicine/Mercury Thermometer Disposal at the EBMUD booth at the Solano Stroll, 1233 Solano Ave., Albany. Bring your unwanted/ 

expired prescription and over-the-counter medicine in the original containers. No controlled substances please. Bring pills and tablets in a plastic zipper bag, and liquids in the original containers with your personal information marked out. Bring mercury thermometers in two zipper bags to prevent breaks and spills. 287-1651. www.ebmud.com/cleanbay 

Friends of Alameda Wildlife Refuge Workday Help prepare habitat for the California Least Terns. Meet at 9 a.m. at the main refuge gate at the northwest corner of the former Naval Air Station in Alameda. www.goldengateaudubon.org 

Family Hike Around Jewel Lake in Tilden Park to learn about animal groups and classifications, and what makes each group so special, from 10:30 a.m. to noon. For meeting point call 544-2233. 

Growing up Aquatic Learn to use a net to discover what insects and amphibians are growing up aquatic, and which are about to make their terrestial debut at 1:30 p.m. at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. 544-2233. 

Flowers Piece by Piece Dissect flowers and use a microscope to learn about flower families, for ages 8 and up from 3 to 4:30 p.m. at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. 544-2233. 

Ashby Village Community Meeting Information on a grassroots organization which provides resources to seniors to enable them to remain in their own homes, at 2 p.m. at West Berkeley Family Practice, 2031 Sixth St. 208-2860. www.ashbyvillage.org 

Walking Tour- Mills College Campus Meet at 2 p.m. in front of Mills Hall on the Mills College Campus. Sponsored by he Oakland Heritage Alliance. Cost is $10-$15. 763-9218. www.oaklandheritage.org 

Old Time Radio East Bay Collectors and listeners gather to enjoy shows together at 4 p.m. at a private home in Berkeley. For more information please email (at Yahoo, to DavidinBerkeley).  

“Keep Green with Untapped Water” seminar with Bob Feinbaum of Earth Island Institute, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Building Education Center, 812 Page St. Cost is $40. 525-7610. 

Gone Fishin’ Family Fun Day with face painting, sing-a-long, art activities and more from 1 to 5 p.m. at Expressions Gallery, 2035 Ashby Ave. 644-4930. www.expressionsgallery.org 

Mind Power Collective’s Sunday Salon Creative on transforming and empowering our schools and communities at 3 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Friends of the El Cerrito Library Annual Book Sale from noon to 4 p.m. at El Cerrito Library, 6510 Stockton Ave. in El Cerrito. www.ccclib.org 

Benefit for Tristan Anderson at 8 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $5-$20. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

“Ecosocialism and Marx’s Humanism” Critical discussion of ecosocialist thinkers: Ted Benton, Joel Kovel, Michael Lowy, and James O’Conner, based on an essay by Franklin Dmitryev at 6:30 p.m. at Niebyl-Proctor Library, 6501 Telegraph Ave., at Alcatraz. 658-1448. 

Single Payer Health Care Not War Planning meetings at 4:20 at People Park. for more information call 390-0830. peoplespark.org 

Free Garden Tours at Regional Parks Botanic Garden in Tilden Park Sat. at 2 p.m. 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 Jack Petranker on “Exploring Consciousness” at 6 p.m. at the Tibetan Nyingma Institute, 1815 Highland Pl. 809-1000. www.nyingmainstitute.com 

MONDAY, SEPT. 14 

“Power Trip - Theatrically Berkeley” A documentary on Berkeley’s attempt to be the greenest city in America at 7 p.m. at Pacific Film Archive, 2575 Bancroft Way. For advance tickets see Powertripberkeley.com 

Talk on Field Guides with retired East Bay Regional Park District naturalist Alan Kaplan at 7 p.m. at Albany Community Center, 1249 Marin. Bring your favorite field guide for a hands-on exercise. 848-9358. www.fivecreeks.org 

“Well-priced Getaways in Northern California” with author Carolo Terwilliger Meyers. Brown-bag lunch at 12:30 p.m. at the Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave. All welcome 526-3720, ext. 16. 

“Castoffs” Knitting Group meets at 7 p.m. at Kensington Library, Arlington Ave., Kensington. 524-3043. lodea@ccclib.org 

Drop-in Knitting Group for all ages. Basic instruction and materials supplied. From 3 to 5 p.m. at the Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave. 526-3720, ext. 16. 

TUESDAY, SEPT. 15 

Tuesdays for the Birds Tranquil bird walks in local parklands, led by Bethany Facendini, from 7 to 9:30 a.m. Today we will visit Wildcat Canyon Ragional park, Monte Cresta Road. Bring water, field guides, binoculars or scopes. Call for meeting place and if you need to borrow binoculars. 544-2233. 

Berkeley Path Wanderers Walk in Marin Circle Neighborhood Meet at 10 a.m. at Marin Circle at Fountain. Dale Miller and his mutt Giorgio, who live in this neighborhood, will combine a couple of their regular walks and share local knowledge and gossip. Well behaved dogs on a leash are welcome. 524-4758. www.berkeleypaths.org 

Berkeley School Volunteers, New Volunteer Orientation from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at 1835 Allston Way. Bring a photo ID and two references to the orientation. Returning volunteers do not need to attend. For further information 644-8833. 

“Winter Vegetable Gardening” A talk by Bethalyn Black, Master Gardener, Contra Costa County at 2 p.m. at Epworth United Methodist Church, 1953 Hopkins St. Sponsored by the Berkeley Garden Club. Free. 526-1083. 

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Open House to learn about classes, registration and membership at 10 a.m. at Freight and Salvage, 2020 Addison St. 642-9934. olli.berkeley.edu 

“Finding and Assessing Fixer Uppers” A seminar led bycontractor/fixer owner Michael Hamman, from 7 to 10 p.m. at Building Education Center, 812 Page St. Cost is $40. 525-7610. 

“Sugar” a documentary of a Dominican baseball player’s experience in the U.S. at 7 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $5-$10. Proceeds benefit La Peña Comunity Chorus. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

“Flow” A documentary on the world water crisis at 7 p.m. at Saul’s Restaurant, 1475 Shattuck Ave. Discussion to follow. Suggested donation $10. www.saulsdeli.com 

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

Intro to Improv Acting Play fun improv games that unleash your imagination, spontaneity, laughter, and confidence. Starts Sept 15, ongoing Tues. at 6:15 p.m. at Berkeley YWCA, 2600 Bancroft Way. Cost is $12. www.berkeleyimprov.com  

“The Social Basis for Revolution” discussion at 7 p.m. at Revolution Books, 2425 Channing. revolutionbooks.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 

Homework Help at the Albany Library for students in grades 2 - 6, Tues. and Thurs. from 3:15 to 5:15 p.m. at the Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave. Emphasis on math and writing skills. No registration is required. For more information, call 526-3720. 

Homework Help Program at the Richmond Public Library Tues. and Thurs. from 3 to 5:30 p.m. at 325 Civic Center Plaza. For more information or to enroll, call 620-6557. 

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, SEPT. 16 

AC Transit Community Workshop Learn about proposed service changes in AC Transit’s Service Adjustments Plan, developed to help reduce the agency's projected $57 million deficit. Give your input before final decisions are made. At 6:30 p.m. at Fruitvale-San Antonio Senior Center, 3301 East 12th Street, #201, Oakland. More information at www.actransit.org 

Healthy Aging Fair with free health screenings and health and wellness information from service providers, from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Centennial Hall, 22292 Foothill Blvd., Hayward. Sponsored by the Alameda County Commission on Aging. Shuttle service from Hayward BART station provided. 577-3532. 577-3540. 

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 

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

Stargazing at the Garden with astronomer Jeffery Silverman at 8:30 p.m. at UC Botanical Garden, 200 Centennial Drive. Cost is $8-$12. For reservations call 643-2755. botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu 

Fond Farewell Series: Creating Joy in the Community with Dacher Keltner and James Baraz at 7 p.m. at Grace North Church, 2138 Cedar St. www.gracenorthchurch.org 

“Crux” a film by Antero Alli 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.  

“Energy Healing Transmission” with Grandmaster Le-Tian at 7:30 p.m. at Tian Gong, 830 Bancroft Way. Cost is $25. For information on this and other programs call 883-1920.  

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, SEPT. 17 

Berkeley Public Library Branch Renovation Program Come share ideas, meet the architects, and learn about the projects’ scopes at 6:30 p.m. at South Branch, 1901 Russell St. at MLK, Jr. Way. www.berkeleypubliclibrary.org 

Home Energy Improvements Workshop Learn how you can save energy and money, improve indoor air quality and take advantage of incentives and rebates, at 7 p.m. at St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal, 2024 Ashby Ave. For information call 981-7473. 

The LeConte Neighborhood Association meets at 7:30 p.m. at the LeConte School to discuss latest police report, problem properties, and yield signs on bicycle boulevards. KarlReeh@aol.com 

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

Golden Gate Audubon Society “Opics Overview for Birders” a hands-on clinic with Steve White of Scope City, SF at 7:30 p.m. at Northbrae Community Church, 941 The Alameda. www.goldengateaudubon.org 

“A Tribute to Justice: 10 Years of Struggles and Victories with Just Cause Oakland” from 6 p.m. to midnight at Historic Sweets Ballroom, 1933 Broadway, Oakland. Cost is $30-$80 sliding scale. 763-5877. www.justcauseoakland.org 

“Death Penalty v. Public Safety Jobs: Where is Your Money Going?” A community forum on the budget, public safety, and the death penalty at 6:30 p.m. at Westminster Hills Presbyterian Church, 27287 Patrick Ave., Hayward. Free. 415-293-6321. www.alamedadeathpenalty.org/index.shtml  

Writing for the Children’s and Young Adult Market with novelist Deborah Davis in north Berkeley. Call for location and information. 541-2199. www.deborahdavisauthor.com 

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

Red Cross Blood Drive from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Red Cross Bus, at 1600 Franklin St., Oakland. To schedule an appointment go to www.helpsavealife.org 

“Cook Food” with author Lisa Jervis at 7 p.m. at the Ecology Center, 2530 San Pablo Ave. 548-3402. 

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. 

The Poetry Workshop, offered by the Berkeley Adult School, meets on Thurs. from 9 a.m. to noon in the library of the North Berkeley Senior Center. Writers of all skill levels are welcome. 

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

FRIDAY, SEPT. 18 

Celebrate the Life and Legacy of Ron Takaki from 1 to 3:30 p.m. at Chevron Auditorium, International House, 2299 Piedmont Ave at Bancroft Way. Reception follows.  

The 2009 West Coast Convergence for Climate Justice learn about climate change and climate politics, support local communities in their ongoing fights for climate justice. Fri. from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sat. and Sun. from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Mon. from 9 a.m. to noon at 3200 Barrett Ave, Richmond. Free. climateconvergence.org/west 

Berkeley School Volunteers, New Volunteer Orientation from noon to 1 p.m. at 1835 Allston Way. Bring a photo ID and two references to the orientation. Returning volunteers do not need to attend. For further information 644-8833. 

Butterfly Walk in Tilden Regional Park with Sally Levinson. Meet at 3 p.m. outside the Nature Center for a walk through the Jewel Lake area. Bring binoculrs and field guides if you have them. sal.levenson@gmail.com 

Berkeley Juggling and Unicycle Festival with workshops for all skill levels through Sun. at Martin Luther King Jr. School, 1781 Rose St. berkeleyjuggling.org/festival 

City Commons Club Noon Luncheon with George Williams, San Francisco Planning Department, Retired, on “The Dramatic Evolving Skyline of San Francisco.” 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 

“Kinshasa'a Street Children” a film on the street children in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, followed by discussion, at 6:30 p.m. at Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists, 1924 Cedar at Bonita. Donation $5. www.friendsofthecongo.org 

Demonstrate for Peace from 2 to 4 p.m. at Acton and University Aves. Sponsored by Berkeley-East Bay Gray Panthers and Strawberry Creek Lodge Tenants Association. 841-4143. 

Celebrate Jewish New Year Interactive learning at a Rosh Hashanah Seder, Fri. or Sat. at 6 p.m. at Jewish Gateways, 409 Liberty St. El Cerrito. Cost is $10. RSVP requested. 559-8140. 

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

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 

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

SATURDAY, SEPT. 19 

California Coastal Cleanup Day from 9 a.m. to noon. Meet behind the Sea Breeze Market at the foot of University at Frontage Rd. Wear old, clothes, strudy shoes, hat and suncreem. Bring water and gloves. www.cityofberkeley.info/marina For other locations see coast4u.org 

Cerrito Creek Coastal Cleanup and History/Nature Walk Learn about Cerrito Creek’s fascinating human and natural history while you remove trash before rains wash it to the Bay. Meet at 10 AM at north end of Cornell St., south edge of El Cerrito Plaza (El Cerrito Plaza BART, AC Transit 72). 848-9358. www.fivecreeks.org 

Berkeley Architectural Heritage Fall Walking Tour Dwight Way Station From 10 a.m. to noon discover a district of fascinating Victorian homes, small-scale commercial buildings, and nearly forgotten historic sites at the intersection of Downtown, the Southside, the Le Conte neighborhood, and the areas west of Shattuck. Walk is level and accessible, along sidewalks. Cost is $10-$15, or $40-$50 for the series. Advance registration required. 841-2242. berkeleyheritage.com  

Berkeley’s New Deal History This walk, led by Harvey Smith, from 10 a.m. to noon, will review Berkeley’s 1930s stimulus programs that have left us a lasting utilitarian and beautiful infrastructure. Cost is $8-$10. For reservations and starting point, call 848-0181. 

Walking Tour of Chinatown Meet at 10 a.m. at the fountain of Pacific Renaissance Plaza, Ninth St., between Webster and Franklin. 238-3234. www.oaklandnet.com/walkingtours 

Walking Tour of Oakland’s Historic Town Squares Meet at 11 a.m.at the corner of 9th and Jackson, next to Madison Square Park. Sponsored by the Oakland Heritage Alliance. Cost is $10-$15. 763-9218. www.oaklandheritage.org 

“The Bungalow: Tradition and Transformation” A seminar with architect/contractor Barry Wagner, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Building Education Center, 812 Page St. Cost is $50. 525-7610. 

Asian Health Services 35h Annual Fundraiser on honor of the Family of Steve, Alan, and Larry Yee with guest Congresswoman Barbara Lee, from 6 to 10 p.m. at The Oakland Marriott City Center, 1001 Broadway, Oakland. Tickets are $125 and up. 986-6830, ext. 268. www.asianhealthservices.org 

California Writers Club, Berkeley Branch meets to discuss “Uniquely Qualified” with Andy Ross, formerly of Cody’s at 10:30 a.m. at Barnes & Nobel Booksellers Event Loft, Jack London Square, 98 Broadway, Oakland. 272-0120. www.cwc-berkeley.com 

Lead-Safe Painting & Remodeling Free intro class to learn about lead safe renovations for your older home from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Ecology Center, 2530 San Pablo Ave. Presented by Alameda County Lead Poisoning Prevention Program. 567-8280. www.ACLPPP.org 

Berkeley Juggling and Unicycle Variety Show at 7:30 p.m. at Martin Luther King Jr. School, 1781 Rose St. Cost is $10. berkeleyjuggling.org/festival 

Hamsterama! Check out our friendly non-biting onmivoresfrom 1 to 4 p.m. at Rabbit Ears, 377 Colusa Ave. Kensington. 525-6155. 

Shimmy Shimmy Kids Dance A ‘60s-style event for the whoel family at 7 p.. at Rhythmix Cultural Works, 2513 Blanding Ave., Alameda. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for age 2 and older, 2 and under, free. 865-5060. www.rhythmix.org 

Free Garden Tours at Regional Parks Botanic Garden Sat. at 2 p.m. 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. 

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 

Kol Hadash Humanistic Rosh Hashanah at 7:30 p.m. at Albnay Community Center. Registration required. See www.kolhadash.org 

SUNDAY, SEPT. 20 

Little Farm Fair A celebration with live music, crafts, and old-fashioned games including a pie-eating contest and sack races, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Little Farm in Tilden Park. Use of transit encouraged. 544-2233. 

14th Annual Garden Party at the Peralta Community Garden with locally grown foods, information on California native plants and habitat restoration, and music by local artists, from 2 to 5 p.m. at Ohlone Greenway at Peralta St. just north of Hopkins St. 

Butterfly Basics View displays of live specimens, thenlook for caterpillrs and butterflies in the garden, from 2 to 4 p.m. at UC Botanical Garden, 200 Centennial Drive. Cost is $12-$15. For reservations call 643-2755. botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu 

Walking Tour of The Civil War at Mountain View Cemetary Meet at 10 a.m. at Chapel of the Chimes, 4499 Piedmont Ave.. Sponsored by the Oakland Heritage Alliance. Cost is $10-$15. 763-9218. www.oaklandheritage.org 

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

Red Cross Blood Drive from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Taylor Memorial United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, 1188 12th St., Oakland. To schedule an appointment go to www.helpsavealife.org 

Berkeley Juggling and Unicycle Festival with workshops for all skill levels at Martin Luther King Jr. School, 1781 Rose St. berkeleyjuggling.org/festival 

“The Issues are in the Tissues” Holistic insights on the effects of stress on the body from 2:30 to 4:30 pm. at BFUU, 1924 Cedar at Bonita. www.bfuu.org 

East Bay Atheists meets at 1:30 p.m. at Berkeley Main Library, 3rd Floor Meeting Room 2090 Kittredge St. Craig Spitzer will lead a discussions on Atheist Living that will focus on Rituals: Approaching Marriage, Death, and Holidays as Atheists in a Theistic Society. www.eastbayatheists.org 

Single Payer Health Care Not War Planning meetings at 4:20 at People Park. for more information call 390-0830. peoplespark.org 

Berkeley Fullpower Self-Defense Workshops from 1 to 4:30 p.m. No one turned away for lack of funds. To register call 800-467-6997. 

Free Garden Tours at Regional Parks Botanic Garden in Tilden Park Sat. at 2 p.m. 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 Robin Caton on “Educating the Heart” at 6 p.m. at the Tibetan Nyingma Institute, 1815 Highland Pl. 809-1000. www.nyingmainstitute.com 

CITY MEETINGS 

Commission on Early Childhood Education meets Tues., Sept. 10 , at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-5410.  

West Berkeley Project Area Commission meets Thurs., Sept. 10, at 7 p.m. at the James Kenney Recreation Center, 8th & Virginia. 981-7418.  

Zoning Adjustments Board meets Thurs., Sept. 10, at 7 p.m., in City Council Chambers. 981-7430. 

Council Agenda Committee meets Mon., Sept. 14, at 2:30 p.m., at 2180 Milvia St. 981-6900. 

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

City Council meets Tues., Sept. 15, at 7 p.m in City Council Chambers. 981-6900. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/citycouncil 

Homeless Commission meets Wed., Sept. 16, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-5431. 

Humane Commission meets Wed., Sept. 16, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 

Community Health Commission meets Thurs., Sept. 17, at 6:30 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-5356. 

Design Review Committee meets Thurs.,Sept. 17 , at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-7415.  

Fair Campaign Practices Commission meets Thurs., Sept. 17, at 7:30 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-6950. 

Medical Cannabis Commission meets Thurs., Sept. 17, at noon at City Hall, Cypress Room, 2180 Milvia. 981-7402. 

Transportation Commission meets Thurs., Sept. 17, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-7061.  

THURSDAY, SEPT. 10 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Poetry Flash Anthology reading for “Beyond Forgetting: Poetry and Prose about Alzheimer’s Disease” with contributors at 7:30 p.m. at Moe’s Books, 2476 Telegraph Ave. 525-5476. 

Sophia Raday “Love in Condition Yellow” the story of a Berkeley peace activist and an Oakland police officer in the Army Reserve at 7:30 p.m. at Pegasus Books Downtown, 2349 Shattuck Ave. 649-1320. 

Story Hour in the Library with Daniel Handler, aka Lemony Snicket, at 5 p.m. in the Morrison Library, 101 Doe Library, UC campus. 642-3671. http://storyhour.berkeley.edu 

M.J. Ryan will discuss her latest book “AdaptAbility: How to survive change you didn’t ask for” at 7 p.m. at El Cerrito Library, 6510 Stockton Ave., El Cerrito. 526-7512. 

Nami Mun, reads from “Miles From Nowhere” at 7:30 pm at Books Inc., 1344 Park St., Alameda. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Adam Bowers Band at 9:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $13-$15. 525-5054.  

Berkeley Old-Time Music Convention with Alice Gerrard, the Till Boys, Eric & Suzy Thompson at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage, 2020 Addison. Cost is $18.50-$19.50. 548-1761.  

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

Twilight Hotel and Sweet Talk Radio at 9 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $7. 841-2082.  

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

Country Joe McDonald’s Open Mic with Hali Hammer and Lisa Graciano at 7 p.m. at BFUU, 1924 Cedar at Bonita. www.bfuu.org 

FRIDAY, SEPT. 11 

THEATER 

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

Berkeley Rep “American Idiot” at 2025 Addison St., through Nov. 1. Tickets are $32-$86. www.berkeleyrep.org 

Central Works “Machiavelli’s The Prince” Thurs.-Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 5 p.m. at Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant Ave., through Sept. 19. Tickets are $14-$25. www.centralworks.org 

Galatean Players Ensemble Theatre “Rivets” A musical based on Rosie the Riveter and Richmond’s Kaiser Shipyards, Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 3 p.m. on board the SS Red Oak Victory, 1337 Canal Blvd., Berth 6A, Richmond, through Sept. 27. Tickets are $15-$20. Rosies, WW2 Veterans and uniformed soldiers, free. 925-676-5705. galateanplayers.com 

Impact Theatre “See How We Are” A contemporary adaptation of “Antigone.” Thurs.-Sat. at 8 p.m. at La Val’s Subterranean, 1834 Euclid Ave., through Oct. 17. Tickets are $12-$20. impacttheatre.com 

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 

Shotgun Players “This World In A Woman’s Hands” The story of the WWII Victory warships and the African-American women who built them, with live acoustic bass by Marcus Shelby. Thurs.-Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 5 p.m. at The Ashby Stage. 1901 Ashby Ave. Tickets are $18-$25. 841-6500. www.shotgunplayers.org 

Woodminster Summer Musicals “Brigadoon” at 8 p.m. at Woodminster Amphitheater in Joaquin Miller Park, 3300 Joachin Miller Rd., Oakland, through Sept. 13. Tickets are $25-$40. 531-9597.  

EXHIBITIONS 

“Divergence” ACCI Gallery’s annual abstract exhibition featuring the work of nine Bay Area painters: Susan Adame, Cathy Coe, Mary DePaolo, Patricia Kelly, Susan Putnam, Jane Reynolds, Mitchel Rubin, and Bob and Leslie Carabas. Opening reception at 6 p.m. at 1652 Shattuck Ave. 843-2527. www.accigallery.com 

“Read This Digit” Group show of digital prints on paper and canvas. Opening reception at 6 p.m. at K Gallery, Rhythmix Cultural Works, 2513 Blanding Ave., Alameda. www.rhythmix.org 

“Triple Threat” Solo shows of works by Patch Wright, Renee Castro, Sandra Hart. Opening reception at 7 p.m. at Autobody Fine Art, 1517 Park St., Alameda. 865-2608. www.autobodyfineart.com 

“Until the Violence Stops” a documentary about violence against women in conjunction with the exhibition “In Memorium” at 7:30 p.m. at Frank Bette Center for the Arts, 1601 Paru St., Alameda. 523-6957. 

FILM 

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

READINGS AND LECTURES 

“American Surveillance” A lecture by photographer Richard Gordon on the legacy of the 9/11 attacks at 7 p.m. at the Center for Photography, 105 Northgate Hall, School of Journalism, UC campus.  

Don Brennan and Avotcja will read their poetry at 7 p.m. at Nefeli Caffe, 1854 Euclid Ave.  

Mike Miller reads from “A Community Organizer’s Tale: People and Power in San Francisco” at 7:30 p.m. at Mrs. Dalloways, 2904 College Ave. 704-8222. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Mo Rockin’ Project, world music, at noon at the Kaiser Center Roof Garden, on top of the parking garage, 300 Lakeside Drive, Oakland. Free. www. 

KaiserCenterRoofGarden.com 

Point Richmond Summer Concert with Whogas, funk, rock, reggae, at 5:30 p.m. and Richie Barron, blues, at 6:45 p.m. at Park Place at Washington Ave. in downtown Point Richmond. www.pointrichmond.com 

Sentimiento y Compás, flamenco, at 8:30 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $12-$15. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Amendola vs Blades, organ and drums, at 8 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $15. 845-5373. www.jazzschool.com 

Audrey Shimkas & Her Quartet at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $15. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

Tito Gonzalez y su Nuevo Proyecto at 9:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $10-$15. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Berkeley Old-Time Music Convention with Benton Flippen, Paul Brown, Terri McMurray and John Schwab at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage, 2020 Addison. Cost is $18.50-$19.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Jazz Mojo at 8 p.m. the Art House Gallery and Cultural Center, 2905 Shattuck Ave. Donation $5-$10. 

Yard Sale, The Happy Clams, The Low Rollers at 9 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $10. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com 

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

The Works at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 843-8277. 

SATURDAY, SEPT. 12 

CHILDREN  

Dorina Lazo Gilmore introduces her picture book for children “Cora Cooks Pancit” at 3 p.m. at Eastwind Books of Berkeley, 2066 University Ave. 548-2350. www.asiabookcenter.com 

“Roti Rolled Away” with author Anjana Utarid at 1 p.m. at The Museum of Children’s Art, 538 9th St. Oakland. Free. 465-8770. www.mocha.org 

Babes in Toyland Puppet Show at 11 a.m. and 2 and 4 p.m. at at Children’s Fairyland, 699 Bellevue Ave., Oakland. 296-4433. activeartsttheatre.org 

THEATER 

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

Alameda Civic Light Opera “Hair” Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2 p.m. at Kofman Theater, 2200 Central Ave., Alameda, through Sept. 27. Tickets are $30-$34. 864-2256. www.aclo.com 

“Live Oak Laughs” Standup Comedy Show with Joe Klocek, Evert Villasenor, Marcella Arguello and Reggie Steele at 8 p.m. at Live Oak Community Center, 1301 Shattuck Ave. Cost is $8. 981-6707. 

EXHIBITIONS 

Berkeley Camera Club Group Photography Show. Reception at 2 p.m. at The LightRoom, 2263 Fifth St. 649-8111. www.lightroom.com 

“Lines” color photographs by Nicole Gim. Reception for the artist at 6 p.m. at Photolab, 2235 Fifth St. Exhibition runs to Sept. 26. 644-1400. www.photolaboratory.com 

“This Long Road” work by Derek Weisberg, Crystal Morey, and Ben Belknap. Opening reception at 6 p.m. at The Compound Gallery, 6604 San Pablo Ave., Oakland. Exhibition runs to Oct. 11. 655-9019. thecompoundgallery.com 

“It’s Gonna Be Awesome” new work by Narangkar Glover. Opening reception at 6 p.m. at Blankspace, 6608 San Pablo Ave., Oakland. Exhibiton runs to Oct. 11. 547-6608. www.blankspacegallery.com 

“Stephen De Staebler, The Sculptor’s Way” Opening reception at 4:30 p.m. at the Richmond Art Center, 2540 Bartlett Ave., Richmond. 620-6772. www.therac.org 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Contemporary British Verse with poets Julia Bird, Roddy Lumsden and Hannah Sullivan, reception at 7 p.m., reading at 8 p.m. at Jered’s Pottery, 2720 San Pablo Ave. 845-4370. 

Kathy Walkup discusses artists’ books at 4 p.m. at Mrs. Dalloways, 2904 College Ave. 704-8222. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Berkeley Farmers’ Market String Band Contest with twenty old-time string bands competing from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Civic Center Park. 548-3333. 

Music on the Main from 1 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the corner of Macdonald Ave. and Marina Way, next to the Richmond BART station. www.richmondmainstreet.org 

Jonathan Sandberg and Emma Gavenda in a benefit concert for Albany School Music Programs at 7:30 p.m. at St. Clement’s Episcopal Church in Palache Hall, 2837 Claremont Blvd. Tickets are $25-$50 sliding scale. brownpapertickets.com. 

Giacomo Fiore Solo guitar music of Britten, Ohana, Takemitsu, Tippet and others, at 8 p.m. at Trinity Chapel, 2320 Dana St. Tickets are $8-$12. 549-3864.  

Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra “Apotheosis of the Dance” works by Hayden and Beethoven with Steven Isserlis, cello, at 8 p.m. at First Congregational Church, 2345 Channing Way. Tickets are $30-$75. 415-252-1288, ext. 305. 

“Reach Out and Bring Happiness!” The Oakland-East Bay Gay Men’s Chorus 10th Anniversary Celebration concert, presenting choral highlights from the past ten years with Stephanie Lynne Smith and the Lesbian Gay Chorus of San Francisco, at 7:30 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Alameda, 1912 Central Ave., Alameda. Tickets are $12-$20. 800-706-2389. oebgmc.org 

Kolectivo 9/11 with Chilean artists living in the US, at 8 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $5. 849-2568.  

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

Benton Flippen & The Mostly Mountain Boys at 8 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Introduction to clogging at 7 p.m. Cost is $15, $5 for children ages 5 and up.525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com  

Tom Paxton at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage, 2020 Addison. Cost is $22.50-$23.50. 548-1761.  

Backyard Tarzans at 7 p.m. at Chester’s Bay View Cafe, 1508 Walnut St. 849-9995. 

LT3 at 10 p.m. at Beckett’s Irish Pub, 2271 Shattuck Ave. 647-1790.  

Mancub, Caldecott, Ansel at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $8. 841-2082.  

Pocket Trio at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 843-8277. 

SUNDAY, SEPT. 13 

CHILDREN 

Mt. Diablo String Band with caller Paul Silveria at Ashkenaz at 3 p.m. Cost is $4-$6. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

THEATER 

PEN Oakland Writers Theatre “A Night of Short Plays” at 4 p.m. at West Oakland Senior Center, 1724 Adeline St., Oakland. 681-5652. 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Light on Lake Merritt” Digital photography by Laura Sutta. Opening reception at 5 p.m. at L’Amyx Tea Bar,4179 Piedmont Ave., Oakland. 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Poetry Flash with Jenny Browne and Cheryl Dumesnil at 3 p.m. at Diesel, 5433 College Ave., Oakland. 525-5476. 

Opera Piccola Play Reading and open mic poetry at 4 p.m. at Opera Piccola Performing Arts, 2946 MacArthur Blvd., Oakland. Free, donations accepted. www.opera-piccola.org  

Charlie Haas reads from his novel “The Enthusiast” at 4 p.m. at Mrs. Dalloways, 2904 College Ave. 704-8222. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

“Nrityanjali” an Odissi dance performance with Guru Jyoti Rout and the artists of Jyoti Kala Mandir at 5 p.m. at Julia Morgan Theater, 2640 College Ave. Tickets $12-$18. www.jyotikalamandir.org 

Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra “Apotheosis of the Dance” works by Hayden and Beethoven with Steven Isserlis, cello, at 7:30 p.m. at First Congregational Church, 2345 Channing Way. Tickets are $30-$75. 415-252-1288, ext. 305. 

Rebecca Riots, Funky Nixons in a benefit for Tristan Anderson at 8 p.m. at La Peña. Cost is $5-$20. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

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

Americana Unplugged: Old Time Cabaret from 3 to 7 p.m. at Jupiter. 843-8277. 

Nikila Badua aka Mama Wisdom at 5:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $8-$15. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Blame Sally at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage, 2020 Addison. Cost is $20.50-$21.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

MONDAY, SEPT. 14 

FILM 

“Power Trip - Theatrically Berkeley” at 7 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. For tickets and information see Powertripberkeley.com 

EXHIBITIONS 

“The Ce go Series by Anthony Holdsworth” Photographs of a winery estate and biodynamic farm. Reception at 5:30 p.m. at Caffe 817, 817 Washington St., Oakland. Exhibit runs to Oct. 5. 271-7965.  

READINGS AND LECTURES 

“The History of Botanical Art” wih artist Catherine Watters at 7:30 p.m. at the El Cerrito Art Assoc, El Cerrito Community Center, 7007 Moeser Lane at Asbury Ave. 

Karen Boutilier Kendall, author of “Berkeley to Beijing: The Journey of a Young Activist” reads at 7:30 p.m. at Pegasus Downtown, 2349 Shattuck Ave. 649-1320. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Piston Horn Quartet at 5:30 p.m. at Pyramid Alehouse, 901 Gilman St. Tickets are $20-$25. Advance purchase recommended. 415-252-1288.  

TUESDAY, SEPT. 15 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Bob Blauner discusses “Resisting McCarthyism: To Sign or Not to Sign, California’s Loyalty Oath” at 5:30 p.m. at University Press Books, 2430 Bancroft Way. 548-0585. www.universitypressbooks.com 

Sarah Wilson, jazz musician and composer, in conversation with KPFA’s “Here and Now” radio host, Derk Richardson at 6:30 pm at Berkeley Public Library, 2090 Kittredge St. 981-6100. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Jeffrey Broussard & the Creole Cowboys at 8:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cajun dance lesson at 8 p.m. Cost is $12. 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, SEPT. 16 

FILM 

Cine Cubano Film Fest “De Cierta Manera” at 7:30 p.m. at La Peña. Cost is $7-$10. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Peter Dale Scott reads from his new book “Mosaic Orpheus” at 5:30 p.m. at University Press Books, 2430 Bancroft Way. 548-0585. www.universitypressbooks.com 

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 

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

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

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

Hip Bones at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 843-8277. 

Jim Nunally & Dix Bruce at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage, 2020 Addison. Cost is $18.50-$19.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Strange Angel Blues Band at 7 p.m. at Chester’s Bay View Cafe, 1508 Walnut St. 849-9995. 

THURSDAY, SEPT. 17 

EXHIBITIONS 

“I’m A People Person” Images of seniors. Reception at 6 p.m. at Malonga Casquelourd Center for the Arts Annex, 1428 Alice St., off 14th St., Oakland. Exhibit runs through Oct. 22. 

“Metamorphosis” Paintings by Laila Espinoza at Albany Community Center, 1249 Marin Ave. Exhibition runs to Oct. 4. 524-2943. 

“Somewhere in Between” New works by Laura Borchet. Opening reception at 7 p.m. at Eclectix Gallery, 10082 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito. Also “The Tattoon Show” tattoo and cartoon art. Exhibitions run to Oct. 4. www.eclectix.com 

“Isaura: A Life in Focus” Photographs on the Afro-Brazilian dancer, at Berkeley Pubic Library, 2090 Kittredge St. Exhibit runs to Sept. 30. 981-6240. 

“Up Against the Wall: Berkeley Posters from the 1960s” at the Berkeley Historical Society, Veterans Memorial Building, 1931 Center St. Exhibit runs to Sept. 26. 848-0181. 

“10,000 Steps” An exhibition of stewardship in and around Oakland’s historic downtown parks. Artists reception at 6 p.m. at Pro Arts, 150 Frank Ogawa Plaza, Oakland. Entrance on Kahn’s Alley. www.proartsgallery.org 

Robert Rickard, metal wall art, at Christensen Heller Gallery, 5829 College Ave., Oakland, through Nov. 1. 655-5952. www.christensenheller.com 

THEATER 

PEN Oakland Writers Theatre “A Night of Short Plays” at Thurs. and Fri. at 8 p.m. at Live Oak Theater, 1301 Shattuck Ave. at Berryman. Tickets are $7-$10 at the door. 681-5652. 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Rebecca Solnit “A Paradise Built in Hell: The Extraordinary Communities That Arise in Disaster” at 7:30 p.m. at The Hillside Club, 2286 Cedar St. Tickets are $12-$15. www.brownpapertickets.com/event/77388 

Rachael Brownell reads from her memoir, “Mommy Doesn’t Drink Here Anymore” at 7:30 p.m. at Pegasus Downtown, 2349 Shattuck Ave. 649-1320. 

Patrick Radden Keefe reads from “The Snakehead: An Epic Tale of the Chinatown Underworld and the American Dream” at 7:30 p.m. at Mrs. Dalloways, 2904 College Ave. 704-8222. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Laura Love & Harpers Ferry at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage, 2020 Addison. Cost is $18.50-$19.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

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

Reggae Showcase at 9 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is TBA. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

7 Orange ABC, Sun Hop Fat at 9 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $7. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com 

Rico Pabon hip hop jam session at 8:30 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $5. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

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

FRIDAY, SEPT. 18 

THEATER 

Alameda Civic Light Opera “Hair” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2 p.m. at Kofman Theater, 2200 Central Ave., Alameda, through Sept. 27. Tickets are $30-$34. 864-2256. www.aclo.com 

Altarena Playhouse “The Nerd” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2 p.m. at Altarena Playhouse, 1409 High St., Alameda, through Oct. 25. Tickets are $17-$20. 523-1553. www.altarena.org 

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

Berkeley Rep “American Idiot” at 2025 Addison St., through Nov. 1. Tickets are $32-$86. www.berkeleyrep.org 

Central Works “Machiavelli’s The Prince” Thurs.-Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 5 p.m. at Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant Ave., through Sept. 19. Tickets are $14-$25. www.centralworks.org 

Contra Costa Civic Theatre “Harvey” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2 p.m. through Oct. 11 at 951 Pomona Ave., El Cerrito. Tickets are $18, $11 for 16 and under. 524-9132. www.cct.org 

Galatean Players Ensemble Theatre “Rivets” A musical based on Rosie the Riveter and Richmond’s Kaiser Shipyards, Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 3 p.m. on board the SS Red Oak Victory, 1337 Canal Blvd., Berth 6A, Richmond, through Sept. 27. Tickets are $15-$20. Rosies, WW2 Veterans and uniformed soldiers, free. 925-676-5705. galateanplayers.com 

Impact Theatre “See How We Are” A contemporary adaptation of “Antigone.” Thurs.-Sat. at 8 p.m. at La Val’s Subterranean, 1834 Euclid Ave., through Oct. 17. Tickets are $12-$20. impacttheatre.com 

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 

PEN Oakland Writers Theatre “A Night of Short Plays” at 8 p.m. at Live Oak Theater, 1301 Shattuck Ave. at Berryman. Tickets are $7-$10 at the door. 681-5652. 

Shotgun Players “This World In A Woman’s Hands” The story of the WWII Victory warships and the African-American women who built them, with live acoustic bass by Marcus Shelby. Thurs.-Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 5 p.m. at The Ashby Stage. 1901 Ashby Ave., through Oct. 18. Tickets are $18-$25. 841-6500. www.shotgunplayers.org 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Rumbache, salsa, 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 Disco with GTS Band at 8:30 p.m. at Jack London square. Dance exhibition and lessons at 7:30 p.m. www.lindendance.com 

Los Cojolites from Veracruz, Mexico, at 8 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $3-$15. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

SoVoSo at 8 p.m. at UTunes Coffee House, First Unitarian Church of Oakland, 685 14th St., Oakland. Cost is $14-$18, $5 for children 6-15. www.utunescoffeehouse.org 

ESP at 8 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $15. 845-5373. www.jazzschool.com 

Sandy Cressman Quartet “Sombra y Luz” at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $14. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

Moonalice at 9:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $12-$15. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Cheryl Wheeler with Kenny White at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage, 2020 Addison. Cost is $22.50-$23.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Mukti in Concert, featuring guest artists David Balakrishnan and Ben Leinbach, at 8 p.m. at Rudramandir, 830 Bancroft Way at 6th St. Tickets are $12-$15. 486-8700. www.muktimusic.net 

Full on Flyhead, Blackstone Heist, Armada at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $8. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com 

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

Oggi Beat at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 843-8277. 

SATURDAY, SEPT. 19 

CHILDREN  

Active Arts Theatre “Strega Nona” Sat. and Sun. at various times at Julia Morgan Theater, 2640 College Ave, through Oct. 4. Tickets are $14-$18. 296-4433. activeartstheatre.org 

Babes in Toyland Puppet Show at 11 a.m. and 2 and 4 p.m. at at Children’s Fairyland, 699 Bellevue Ave., Oakland. 296-4433. activeartsttheatre.org 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Susan Dunlap reads from her mystery novel “Civil Twilight” at 6:30 p.m. at Nefeli Caffé, 1854 Euclid Ave. 841-6374. 

Patricia Edith reads her poetry from “8 Student Nurses & Other Dead Girls” in conjunction with the exhibition “In Memorium” at 7:30 p.m. at Frank Bette Center for the Arts, 1601 Paru St., Alameda. 523-6957. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

London Players, piano, clarinet, cello and voice at 7 p.m. at Crowden School, 1475 Rose St. TIckets are $10. 409-2416. 

Betsy Rose, Eve Decker, and Andrea Pritchett, music of peace and social justice, at 8 p.m. at Grace North Church, 2138 Cedar St. Tickets are $5-$20. 548-2153. 

Stairwell Sisters and Voco at 1 and 4 p.m. outdoors at Wisteria Ways, 383 61st St., Oakland. Bring something to sit on. Donations $15-$20. Reservations strongly recommended. info@WisteriaWays.org 

Rhythm & Muse spoken word/music open mic with Boundless Gratitude, at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Art Center, 1275 Walnut St., between Eunice and Rose. 644-6893.  

Araucaria, celebrate Chile’s Independence Day with traditional music at 8:30 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $12. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

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

Motordude Zydeco at 9 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cajun/Zydeco dance lesson at 8 p.m. Cost is $10-$13. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com  

Pocket Trio at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 843-8277. 

Lost Cats at 7 p.m. at Chester’s Bay View Cafe, 1508 Walnut St. 849-9995. 

House Jacks, at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage, 2020 Addison. Cost is $20.50-$21.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Dahveed Behroozi Trio, American songbook standards, at 8 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $15. 845-5373. www.jazzschool.com 

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

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

Borden Prince, Acacia Collective at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $8. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com 

SUNDAY, SEPT. 20 

CHILDREN 

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

EXHIBITIONS 

“This Long Road” Work by Derek Weisberg, Crystal Morey, and Ben Belknap. Afternoon Tea at 3 p.m. at The Compound Gallery, 6604 San Pablo Ave., Oakland. 655-9019. thecompoundgallery.com 

“It’s Gonna Be Awesome” New work by Narangkar Glover. Tea at 3 p.m. at Blankspace, 6608 San Pablo Ave., Oakland. 547-6608. www.blankspacegallery.com 

FILM 

Festival of Grassroots Alternatives “Other Worlds Are Possible” Short films from around the world at 6 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $10-$12 sliding scale. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Katie Ann McCarty “The American Dream” organ recital at 4 p.m. at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 2727 College Ave. Tickets are $10-$20. 684-7563. www.brownpapertickets.com 

“Traveler Unknown” with Dan Damon, piano, Kurt Ribak, bass, Lincoln Adler, saxophone, and Randy Odell, drums at 7 p.m. at United Methodist Church, 201 Martina St., Pt. Richmond. 236-0527. 

Jazz on the Vine featuring Pete Escovedo from noon to 5 p.m. at the Craneway Pavilion, 1414 Harbour Way South, Marina Bay District, Richmond. Tickets are $25-$40. 868-0619. www.richmondmainstreet.org  

Folkin Blues Festival with Mark O’Harps and others at 5 p.m. at Humanist Hall, 390 27th St., Oakland. Doantion $7-$10. www.humanisthall.net 

E.W. Wainwright Group at 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $12. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

Americana Unplugged: Pete Madsen & Craig Ventresco at 5 p.m. at Jupiter. 843-8277. 

Mark Levine & the Latin Tinge at 4:30 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $15-$18. 845-5373. www.jazzschool.com 

Robbie Fulks at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage, 2020 Addison. Cost is $18.50-$19.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

La Tigresa and the Tongues of Flame Jazz and spoken word at 8 p.m. at Art House Gallery, 2905 Shattuck Ave. Suggested donation $5-$10. 472-3170. 

Many musicals have some fairytale or fantasy element. How many versions of Cinderella, by any other name, have been mounted on Broadway?  

Brigadoon, running through this coming Sunday at the glorious Woodminster Amphitheatre, is one of the few which sustains a little of the dreamlike sense of fairytale throughout the show, supported effortlessly by grace, humor and charm. 

It’s the tale of two American sports hunters out in the field in Scotland, who stumble on a strange, old-fashioned Highland village not on the maps, and get swept up in the customs of its hospitable yet pithy (Scottish, after all, if Broadway Scottish) populace, especially a wedding brought about by a mysterious “miracle,” contested by a malcontent suitor, threatening to quite literally void that miracle, upsetting the existence of the little place out of another time. 

There’s a certain amount of hocus-pocus, amicably explained by the humorous Mr. Lundie, the village schoolmaster expertly portrayed by Stu Kiltsner in his 23rd Woodminster show: the magic is predicated on faith, which as Mr. Lundie remarks, is just like love, which has everything to do with musicals.  

A very good cast has been assembled at Woodminster; the quality of performance is apparent from the start, from the lead players through the ensemble, which forms the chorus for the sprightly production numbers, choreographed by Jody Jaron, who danced at Woodminster in every production for a decade starting in 1968. It’s Jaron’s seventh show here as choreographer, her daughter distinguishing herself on stage in Brigadoon. 

The dances mix up a potpourri of Caledonian specialties—a sword dance, bits and pieces of stepdancing and swirling kilts—with more balletic form and Martha Graham- and Agnes de Mille-ish touches. A bagpiper skirls his way onstage, up from the 16-piece orchestra (conducted by Brandon Adams), for the tableau of a funeral that stops the spectacle of the wedding feast, when Meg Jaron, as Maggie Anderson, dances a solemn elegy to her unrequited love, Harry Beaton (Todd Schlader, dance captain, of the Schlader family who has produced musicals here since 1967, Joel Schlader directing this show.)  

Some of the performers will be familiar to Woodminster regulars, including Susan Himes Powers, veteran of more than a half dozen productions, singing and playing Fiona brightly; Scott Grinthal, in his 11th Woodminster production, a stalwart presence (ironically enough) as vacillating romantic interest; Tommy (his stepson figures in the ensemble); the jaunty, sweet-voiced bridegroom Michael Foreman as Charlie Dalrymple—and a splendidly comic Juliet Heller, a 42nd Street Moon vet, in her second season here as the ebullient, man-hungry Meg Brockie, enumerating to drowsy, guarded Yank Jeff Douglas (Robert Moorhead, a 35-year Woodminster player) the multitudinous faces that have appeared to her as “The Love of My Life.”  

The action moves easily from romantic—or comic—intimacy to spectacular festivities, even evoking a lonely song of love on a stone bridge—heard in a New York barroom. Patrick Toebe’s set, lit by Mike Barney, easily accomodates such scene shifting, its forests and glens below steep green slopes (reminiscent of the coast a few miles west, over Tamalpais or San Bruno Mountain) looming up behind the action onstage, with the real-life spectacle of the Bay Area lit up over the old WPA Amphitheatre’s rim, after daylight dies on the redwoods crowning “The Hights,” as Bohemian poet Joaquin Miller dubbed the site, heart of the park bearing his name.  

Early on in the show, when Meg sinks her hooks into dapper Mr. Douglas’ hunting jacket sleeve, village weaver Archie Beaton (another Woodminster multishow vet, David Flack) offers him—for sale, of course—a pair of plaid trousers, casually remarking that a jaunt with Miss Brockie might result in his own being rent—by a thistle, of course. 

Like its own practical haberdasher, Woodminster Summer Musicals, in its last show this season, delivers the goods with Lerner & Loewe’s 62 year-old hit—and not just woolens. 

BRIGADOON 

7 p.m. Thursday and Sunday and at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Sept. 10–13 at Woodminster Amphitheatre, 3300 Joaquin Miller Rd., Oakland. $25-$40 (call for discount information for children and seniors). 531-9597. www.woodminster.com. 

The Berkeley Old Time Music Convention, dating back to the “35th Annual” Stringband Contest in Provo Park in 1968 and its lineal descendants, the 17th and 22nd Annuals the succeeding years, is underway through this weekend, featuring shows tonight and tomorrow night. 

The events include a free southern dance styles demonstration tomorrow at noon at the new downtown Freight and Salvage on Addison, a free panel discussion on Friday afternoon at the UC Berkeley Music Department, a family concert in the Main Library on Kittredge Saturday morning, and, in the afternoon, a string band contest and youth showcase at the Berkeley Farmers’ Market in Civic Center Park (the last two free). 

Saturday will feature a square dance night at Ashkenaz. And Sunday will bring music, clogging and square dance workshops at the JazzSchool in the morning, a family square dance in the afternoon at Ashkenaz, and a free Old Time Cabaret at Jupiter restaurant also in the afternoon, all ages welcome. 

The “early days,” 1968-70, were referred to as the Berkeley Old Time Fiddler’s Convention, as Rita Weil notes on the Folkways LP Berkeley Farms: “Conceived in the back of a Volkswagen bus, on the way to a party in Marin County, by a group of people who wanted to retain the good music and interplay they’d witnessed at Southern fiddle-banjo contests, without the competition and corruption extant there.”  

Beyond any edict on regional styles, Weil notes, “who could pinpoint one tradition for Berkeley?” 

With a loose-knit band of volunteers, the convention started off as an event “by the musical community, for the musical community and of the musical community.”  

With judges selected for their musicianship and a “sense of the absurd,” bribes were openly solicited and given, and prizes included three pounds of rutabagas as first prize—and five pounds as second. One prize went to a banjo player in Switzerland, “for the good taste to be 8,000 miles away.” An “instant” band, the Family Cow, 40 members strong, with a pregnant, bellydancing conductor, was disqualified on the grounds of illegal assembly. 

The early convention, a free event (the board of directors once quit, not knowing what to do with money contributed), was held in Provo Park, “bounded by the Police Dept., City Hall, Jail and Berkeley High School.”  

Weil concludes her notes, circa 1971, with a promise that the festivities will be renamed The First Annual Berkeley Old Time Fiddler’s Convention as soon as Mike Seeger (Pete Seeger’s half brother and founder of the New Lost City Ramblers) comes out west to it, “so he won’t feel as if he missed anything ...” 

Seeger, who played the convention both solo and with the New Lost City Ramblers several times, died on Aug. 7.  

Friday 

• Freight and Salvage, 2020 Addison St., featuring Alice Gerrard, The Tallboys and Eric and Suzy Thompson, 8 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m. with free jamming in the lobby beforehand ($15.50 advance, $16.50 at the door).  

• Rodney and Clay Sutton and Charmaine Slaven will demonstrate Southern dance styles noon to 1 p.m. at Freight and Salvage (free). 

• From 4:30 to 6 p.m., a free panel at 125 Morrison Hall (the Music Building on campus near Bancroft and College) will feature Alice Gerrard and Elizabeth La Prelle, with Professor Ben Brinner as moderator at 8 p.m. (doors open at 7 p.m. with a free jam), Benton Flipper and the Mostly Mountain Boys (Paul Brown, Terri McMurray and John Schwab), Elizabeth La Prelle, and the Knuckle Knockers at Freight and Salvage ($15.50/$16.50). 

Saturday 

• A kids’ and family concert, 10:15 to 11 a.m., in the third floor Community Meeting Room of the Main Library, 2090 Kittredge (off Shattuck), with Professor Banjo (aka Paul Silveria), free. 

• String band contest and youth showcase in the afternoon in Civic Center Park. 

• A square dance with Benton Flipper and the Mostly Mountain Boys, the Tallboys and the Black Crown String Band, with callers Rodney Sutton and Amy Hofer, and an introduction to clogging by Charmaine Slaven, at Ashkenaz, 1317 San Pablo Ave., 7:30 p.m. (doors open at 7). 

Sunday  

• Music workshop, including Alice Gerrard teaching fiddle Galax-style, clogging, and square dance calling with Rodney  

and Clay Sutton at the Jazz 

School, 2087 Addison, 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. 

• Old Time Cabaret at Jupiter, 2181 Shattuck Ave., 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (lineup posted online 8 a.m. Sunday). 

• Family square dance ($4 kids, $6 adults) at Ashkenaz, 3 p.m., with caller Paul Silveria and the Mount. Diablo String Band: “all ages—including babes-in-arms—and same-sex partners welcome.” 

Berkeley Old Time Music Convention 

www.berkeleyoldtimemusic.org 

freightand salvage.org 

ashkenaz.org

American expatriate filmmaker William Klein’s work shows a wide and eclectic range. He started as a photographer before making his way into motion pictures, both fiction and nonfiction. 

Pacific Film Archive is presenting a retrospective of his work, “Top Bill: The Films of William Klein,” starting Friday and running through Oct. 11. 

Klein is perhaps best known in the mainstream film world for his documentary, Muhammad Ali, the Greatest (1974), which screens Friday night at 6:30 p.m., and for The Little Richard Story (1980), showing Sept. 24.  

But most of Klein’s work has been in a more avant-garde vein. His first fiction film, Who Are You, Polly Magoo? (1966), shows Saturday at 8:40 p.m. and follows the seemingly meteoric rise of a young Brooklyn-born model, an average freckle-faced girl who ascends to the top of the European fashion world. Klein had done time in that world as a fashion photographer, and here he turns his camera around to reveal a blistering portrait of a vacuous, image-obsessed culture. Polly is essentially what she has always been, a simple girl, youthful, callow and naive, but through the magic of makeup, wigs and a loving lens she is transformed into a goddess, an icon, a harbinger of a youth movement that she is only dimly aware of and that may not really exist anyway.  

Klein captures the phenomenon from all angles, from the media-created cultural movement that Polly is said to represent, to the political ramifications of that cultural shift, and the simpler, more primal level of love and sex and fantasy, as Polly is essentially reduced to a static, seamless sex object, a blank slate of penetrating gazes, parted lips and kinky costumes upon which men can project their seediest desires. 

Klein followed with more stinging satires, including Mr. Freedom (1969), showing Sept. 19, and The Model Couple (1977), screening Oct. 10.  

PEN Oakland, a chapter of the International Organization of Poets, Essayists and Novelists (PEN), will stage A Night of Short Plays at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 13, at the West Oakland Senior Center, and at 8 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, Sept. 17 and 18, at Live Oak Theater in Berkeley. 

The plays include The Boy, the Girl and the Piece of Chocolate by poet and KPFA personality Jack Foley, directed by Lewis Campbell; Doug Howerton’s Firing Blanks at Moving Targets, about John Africa’s MOVE organization of the 1970s, directed by Michael Lange; The Remember Woman of Una, by Tennessee Reed; and The Trial of Christopher Columbus, by John Curl, directed by Kim McMillon. 

Kim McMillon of PEN Oakland commented on the production, the second part of PEN’s Playwrights series; the first, 4x4 Plays, was presented last March and reviewed in the Planet. 

“We have the Northern California Book Awards through PEN Oakland; with these two series, we’ve wanted to give local playwrights a chance, too. When Ishmael Reed and others set up PEN Oakland, it was to give voice to those not often heard, those marginalized, who represent a whole audience.” 

On the plays themselves, McMillon said, “Jack Foley’s play portrays a whole relationship in a battle over the last piece of chocolate! Is chocolate more important than love? Sometimes in my life it is! Do I stay home and eat a box of chocolates, or go out on a date, trying to find love? I know I’m going to be satisfied with the box of chocolates!” 

On Tennessee Reed’s play, McMillon talked about the fantasy of “a llama-shaped city.... Tennessee created the woman of Una, like in a stream of consciousness. Writers create mythological characters in our minds, with powers. It’s a magical part of herself—at least I think so!” 

John Howerton’s play about John Africa and his MOVE organization, which culminated in Philadelphia police firebombing the commune, burning down blocks of the African-American neighborhood, comes from Howerton’s own experiences in the earlier phases of MOVE, “before the crazy, crazy stuff started to happen. He left the group. John joined as a Vietnam veteran, searching for peace when he returned—and MOVE began as a consciousness-building organization, believing in coexisting on the earth, aware of other living things ... that didn’t play out in the media, African-Americans declaring against the staus quo.” 

About the play she’s directed, John Curl’s Trial of Christopher Columbus McMillon noted, “It’s something I didn’t know about. When I was in school, we worshipped Columbus. But what he did to Native Americans was horrible. It all takes place in his dungeon cell on Hispaniola, where Haiti and the Dominican Republic are today. And it makes you think about today’s wars of aggression—which didn’t start with Columbus!” 

McMillon spoke of the diversity of the acting troupe for the plays: “We have people from all walks of life—a retired actor, back after 15 years; a lawyer ... and a lot of poets! It’s really a multicultural group, too, one of PEN’s missions, with Native Americans and a Filipino playing the Native Americans in the play about Columbus, as well as Jewish, Irish and African Americans ... really, everybody in the spectrum.” 

McMillon also talked about tight budgeting in times like these and the help PEN has received: “Writers believe in using what you have, thinking of creative ways to get people to help, what to do to make it work, more than writing grants. And we’ve gotten so much help: Black Rep allowed us to use their stage for rehearsals; San Francisco Shakespeare, whom I used to work for, lent us costumes; the West Oakland Senior Center let us perform in their space—and Live Oak gives rates where a poor group can afford a real theater! Playwrights don’t always get a shake, due to the expense of production. But we’ve figured out how to do it—and it’s all about community.” 

PEN Oakland:  

A Night of Short Plays 

A Night of Short Plays at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 13 at the West Oakland Senior Center, 1724 Adeline. 

8 p. m. Thursday and Friday, Sept. 17 and 18, at Live Oak Theater, 1301 Shattuck (at Berryman) in Berkeley.  

$7-$10 sliding scale at the door; for reservations or information on PEN, 681-5652.