Arts Listings
Arts Calendar
THURSDAY, DEC. 10
EXHIBITIONS
“Greenhouse Britain” Works by Helen Mayer Harrison and Newton Harrison, pioneers in the eco-art movement. Opening reception at 6 p.m. at Kala Gallery, 2990 San Pablo Ave. 841-7000. www.kala.org
READINGS AND LECTURES
Kara Maria, artist, in conjunction with the exhibition “Metaphysical Abstraction” at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Art Center, 1275 Walnut St. Cost is $5. 644-6893. www.berkeleyartcenter.org
Zeus Leonardo dicusses “Race, Whiteness and Education” at 5:30 p.m. at University Press Books, 2430 Bancroft Way. 548-0585. www.universitypressbooks.com
Anselm Berrigan reads from his new collection of poetry “Free Cell” at 7:30 p.m. at Moe’s Books, 2476 Telegraph Ave. 849-2087.
MUSIC AND DANCE
Berkeley High School Orchestra/Band Benefit Concert and Silent Auction at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Theater, Berkeley High School.
College of Alameda Jazz Ensemble Annual Holiday Concert at 7 p.m. at College of Alameda F Building Student Lounge, 555 Ralph Appezzato Memorial Parkway, Alameda, just past the Webster Tube from downtown Oakland. Free. 748-2213.
Tony Lindsay “In the Spirit of Giving” with the Emery High School Jazz Band at 7:30 p.m. Ex'pression College, 6601 Shellmound St. Emeryville. Tickets are $50 and up. 601-4997.
Nell Robinson at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $18.50-$19.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org
Benny Watson Trio Jazz Singers’ Soiree at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $10. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com
John Craigie, Valerie Orth, Cyndi Harvell at 9 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $8. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com
Adrian Gormley Jazz Ensemble at 10 p.m. at Beckett’s Irish Pub, 2271 Shattuck Ave. 647-1790. www.beckettsirishpub.com
FRIDAY, DEC. 11
THEATER
Aurora Theatre “Fat Pig” through Dec. 13, at 2081 Addison St. Tickets are $15-$55. 843-4822. auroratheatre.org
Berkeley Black Repertory Group Theater “Sparkle: The Stage Play” Thurs.-Fri. at 8 p.m., Sat. at 2 and 8 p.m., Sun. at 4 p.m. at 3201 Adeline St., through Dec. 20. Tickets are $10-$45. 652-2120.
Berkeley Rep”Aurélia’s Oratorio” at 2015 Addison St., through Jan. 24. Tickets are $33-$71. 647-2949. berkeleyrep.org
Bill Santiago’s “The Immculate Big Bang” at 8 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $10-$12. 849-2568. www.lapena.org
Impact Theatre “Large Animal Games” Thurs.-Sat. at 8 p.m. at La Val’s Subterranean, 1834 Euclid Ave., through Dec. 12. Tickets are $12-$20. impacttheatre.com
Masquers Playhouse “The Rocky Horror Show” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2:30 p.m. at 105 Park Place, Point Richmond, and runs through Dec. 12. Tickets are $18. 232-4031. www.masquers.org
Shotgun Players “The Threepenny Opera” Thurs.-sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 5 p.m. at The Ashby Stage, 1901 Ashby Ave., through Jan. 17. Tickets are $18-$30. 841-6500. www.shotgunplayers.org
“The Stone Wife” Fri. and Sat at 8 p.m. and Sun. at 6 p.m. at Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant Ave., through Dec. 20. Tickets at the door are $15-$20. 415-730-2901.
EXHIBITIONS
“Folk Art Nativity Scenes” An exhibition of over 250 native folk art nativity scenes from North and South America, Africa, Asia and Europe. Preview party to benefit the Alameda County Food Bank at 5 p.m. at St. Clement’s Episcopal Church, 2837 Claremont Blvd. Cost is $15. Also on view, at no charge, Sat. from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sun. from noon to 4 p.m. 843-2678. www.stclementsberkeley.org
“The Warm & Fuzzy Show” Featuring selected works by Arabella Proffer-Vendetta, Chad Frick, Chiami Sekine, Chrystal Chan, Jamie Fales, Johnny Thylacine, Michelle Waters and Yvette Buigues. Opening reception at 7 p.m. at Eclectix Gallery, 10082 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito. www.eclectix.com
“A Long Way from the Cabbage Patch” Opening reception at 6 p.m. at Art@TheOakbook art gallery, 423 Water St., Oakland. Show runs through Jan. 9. 282-2139. www.theoakbook.com
READINGS AND LECTURES
Poetry Flash with John Balaban and Chana Bloch at 7:30 p.m. at Berkeley Art Center, 1275 Walnut St. in Live Oak Park. Cost is $5, free for BAC members. 644-6893.
Jeanne Lupton and Abby Bogomolny read their poetry at 7 p.m. at Nefeli Caffe, 1854 Euclid Ave., a little north of Hearst, as part of the Last Word Reading Series. 841-6374.
Fred Moten and Steve Dickinson read their poetry at 7:30 p.m. at Nahl Hall, CCA Oakland Campus, 5212 Broadway, at College Ave.
MUSIC AND DANCE
Berkeley Ballet Theater “The Nutcracker” at 7 p.m., Sat. at 2 and 7 p.m. and Sun. at 2 p.m., through Dec. 20, at the Julia Morgan Center for the Arts at 2640 College Ave. Tickets are $24. 843-4689. berkeleyballet.org
The Christmas Revels, Fri. at 7:30 p.m., Sat. and Sun. at 1 and 5 p.m. at Scottish Rite Theater, 1547 Lakeside Drive, Oakland, through Dec. 20. Tickets are $12-$50. 452-8800. calrevels@calrevels.org
Nicolas Bearde Holiday Show at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $14. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com
“Rise Up” benefit concert for the Laney College CalWORKs Program, which helps low-income families rise up from poverty to self-sufficiency through community college education at 7:30 p.m. at Rose Street House of Music, 1839 Rose St. Suggested donation $10-$99, $5-$9 for low income. Details of performers at www.rosestreetmusic.com
Baguette Quartette at 9 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $10-$13. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com
Tom Russell at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $22.50-$23.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org
Silver Kittens at 7 p.m. at Chester’s Bay View Cafe, 1508 Walnut St. 849-9995.
The New Up, the Soft White Sixties, L’avventura at 9 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $8. 841-2082.
Guns for San Sebastian at 10 p.m. at Beckett’s Irish Pub, 2271 Shattuck Ave. 647-1790.
Tanya Stephens at 9 p.m. at Shattuck Down Low, 2284 Shattuck Ave. Cost is $15-$20. 548-1159.
SATURDAY, DEC. 12
CHILDREN
Los Amiguitos de La Peña with Colibrí at 10:30 a.m. at La Peña. Cost is $5 for adults, $4 for children. 849-2568. www.lapena.org
The Snow Queen Puppet Show Sat. and Sun. at 2, 4 and 6 p.m. at at Children’s Fairyland, 699 Bellevue Ave., Oakland. Cost is $7. 296-4433.
“The Star Dances” A dance interpretation of the planets, guided by astromoner Bethany Cobb at 1 p.m. at Lawrence Hall of Science, Centennial Drive. For information call 233-5550.
EXHIBITIONS
“RED” Berkeley Art Center Member Showcase Opening reception at 3 p.m. at Berkeley Art Center, 1275 Walnut St. in Live Oak Park. Exhibition runs to Jan. 24. 644-6893.
“Past, Present and Future” Group art show. Opening reception at 6 p.m. at Expressions Gallery, 2035 Ashby Ave. 644-4930.
“50 Years of Collecting Asian Art” with Jospeh Fischer from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Giorgi Gallery, 2911 Claremont Ave. 848-1228. giorgigallery.com
“Bay Area Artists’ Collection” annual holiday 2D fine arts exhibit. Reception at 2 p.m. at Prescott-Joseph Center for Community Enhancement, 920 Peralta St., off 10th St., West Oakland. Exhibition runs to Jan. 22. 208-5651.
“Iu Mien at Peralta Hacienda” Exhibit Opening with the traditions of the Mien people and their gardens and embroidery, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Oakland Antonio Peralta House, 2465 34th Ave., Oakland. www.peraltahacienda.org
READINGS AND LECTURES
Lucia Chiavola Birnbaum and Joan Clair discuss themes from a new anthology “She Is Everywhere” a 2 p.m. at Starr King School for the Ministry, 2441 Le Conte Ave. 845-6232.
Ruby Roth reads from “That’s Why We Don’t Eat Animals: A Book About Vegans, Vegetarians, and All Living Things” at 1 p.m. at Café Gratitude, 1730 Shattuck Ave. at Virginia. 725-4418.
Benefit Extravaganza for Rebecca’s Books with Voices Of Our youth, devorah major, Al Young, Jack Hirschman and many others from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 3268 Adeline St. 852-4768.
Joe Quirk talks about “Exult” at 7 p.m. at Books Inc., 1760 4th St. 525-7777.
MUSIC AND DANCE
Cantare Con Vivo “Peace on Earth” music and dinner at 5 and 7:30 p.m. at Merritt College Student Lounge, 12500 Campus Drive, Oakland. Cost is $50. www.cantareconvico.org
Navidad en Guatemala with Ana Nitmar at 8 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $12-$15. 849-2568. www.lapena.org
Schola Cantorum San Francisco “¡Noe, Noe! Canciones para Navidad” A Renaissance Choral Celebration at 7:30 p.m. at First Congregational Church, 2345 Channing Way. Tickets are $10-$25. 528-1725. www.sfems.org
The Kensington Symphony Orchestra Traditional music and opera excerpts at 8 p.m. at Unitarian-Universalist Church. 1 Lawson Rd., Kensington. Suggested donation$12-$15. Children free. 524-9912. Kensingtonsymphonyorchestra.org
Berkeley Ballet Theater “The Nutcracker” Sat. at 2 and 7 p.m. and Sun. at 2 p.m., through Dec. 20, at the Julia Morgan Center for the Arts at 2640 College Ave. Tickets are $24. 843-4689. berkeleyballet.org
Pulama’s Hawaiian Holiday Concert at 8 p.m. at BFUU 1924 Cedar St. Cost is $10-$12 www.brownpapertickets.com
“Rise Up” benefit concert for the severely cut Laney College CalWORKs Program, which helps low-income families rise up from poverty to self-sufficiency through community college education at 7:30 p.m. at Rose Street House of Music, 1839 Rose St. Suggested donation $10-$99, $5-$9 for low income. Details of performers at www.rosestreetmusic.com
Ed Reed & His Trio at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $14. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com
Sister I-Live, Queen Makedah at 9:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $10-$13. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com
Geoff Muldaur & the Texas Sheiks with Jim Kweskin, traditional music of the 20s and 30s, at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $18.50-$19.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org
Roger Brown Blues Band at 7 p.m. at Chester’s Bay View Cafe, 1508 Walnut St. 849-9995.
Larry Stefl Jazz Quartet at 9:30 p.m. at Albatross, 1822 San Pablo Ave. Cost is 3.. 843-2473. www.albatrosspub.com
LT3 at 10 p.m. at Beckett’s Irish Pub, 2271 Shattuck Ave. 647-1790. www.beckettsirishpub.com
Todd Sickafoose’s Tiny Resistors at 9 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $10. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com
Marcus Shelby Trio at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 843-8277.
SUNDAY, DEC. 13
CHILDREN
The Sippy Cups at Ashkenaz at 3 p.m. Cost is $4-$6. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com
READINGS AND LECTURES
“Women Writing Women’s Lives” Berkeley authors Gloria Bowles and Kathleen Weaver discuss their experiences writing women’s biography and autobiography at 7 p.m. at The Hillside Club, 2286 Cedar St. Tickets are $5-$10. 949-3227.
“Bareed Mista3jil” Staged reading of queer Arab women’s stories a 4:30 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $10-$25, no one turned away. 849-2568. www.lapena.org
Joel ben Izzy, the traveling Jewish story teller, tells Chanukah tales at 3 p.m. at Netivot Shalom, 1316 University Ave. Proceeds benefit Easy Does It Emergency Services. Tickets are $7-$10 for children, $10-$18 for adults. www.brownpapertickets.com
Richard P. Blair and Kathleen P. Goodwin introduce thier book of photographs “Point Reyes Visions” at 7 p.m. at Books Inc., 1760 4th St. 525-7777.
MUSIC AND DANCE
Christmas Concert with Nanette McGuinness, Kathleen Moss, Pual Murray and St. Andrew’s Handbells and Chamber Choir at 2:30 p.m. at First Church of Christ, Scientist, 2619 Dwight. Donations will be used to restore the 1953 Austin Organ. 665-5988.
“The Christmas Spirituals and Carols of the World” with The Lucy Kinchen Chorale at 3 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Oakland, 2619 Broadway, Oakland. 444-3555. www.firstchurchoakland.org
San Francisco Choral Artists “Old Chestnuts, New Fire!” at 4 p.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 114 Montecito, Oakland. Tickets are $14-$30. 415-979-5779. www.brownpapertickets.com
Cypress String Quartet at 4 p.m. at Crowden Music Center, 1475 Rose St. Tickets are $15. 559-6910. www.crowden.org
Voci Women's Vocal Ensemble “Voices in Peace IX: The Greenest Branch” Mostly Medieval Marian music with Romantic and Twentieth-Century offshoots at 4 p.m. at Lake Merritt United Methodist Church, 1330 Lakeshore Ave., Oakland. Tickets are $17-$20, free for children under 12. 531-8714. www.vocisings.com
Oakland East Bay Symphony “Let Us Break Bread Together” at 4 p.m. at Paramount Theatre, 2025 Broadway, at 20th St., Oakland. Tickets are $10-$40. 800-745-3000. www.oebs.org
Mack Rucks Sextet at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $10. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com
Sonic Safari Swing Band at 7 p.m. at Chester’s Bay View Cafe, 1508 Walnut St. 849-9995.
Café Bellie at 7:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Belly dance lesson at 6:30 p.m. Cost is $8. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com
The High Heat at 10 p.m. at Beckett’s Irish Pub, 2271 Shattuck Ave. 647-1790. www.beckettsirishpub.com
Jenny Schienman at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $18.50-$19.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org
MONDAY, DEC. 14
THEATER
Stagebridge’s Student Showcases featuring an evening of improv plus selections from “A Chorus Line” at 6:30 p.m. at The Ashby Stage, 1901 Ashby Ave. Suggested $5-$10. 444-4755. www.stagebridge.org
READINGS AND LECTURES
Subterranean Shakespeare “The Bronte Cycle Part 2” staged reading at 7:30 p.m. at Berkeley Unitarian Fellowship, 1924 Cedar at Bonita. Tickets are $8. 276-3871.
Carol Peel discusses her work at 12:30 p.m. at the Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave., at Masonic. 526-3720.
Poetry Express with Ethel Mays at 7 p.m. at Priya Restaurant, 2072 San Pablo Ave. 644-3977.
MUSIC AND DANCE
Swedish Folk Music with Mark and Jennie Walstrom at 7 p.m. at at Kensington Library, 61Arlington Avenue, Kensington. Free. 524-3043.
SoVoSo Holiday Seasonings Family Concert at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s, 510 Embarcadero West, Oakland. Tickets are $10-$16. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com
Classical at the Freight with Gloria Justen & Friends at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage Coffee House. Cost is $8.50-$9.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org
Midnite, reggae, at 9 p.m. at Shattuck Down Low, 2284 Shattuck Ave. Cost is $25-$28. 548-1159.
TUESDAY, DEC. 15
THEATER
Aurora Theatre “The Coverlettes Cover Christmas” Mon.-Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 7 p.m. through Dec. 27 at 2081 Addison St. Tickets are $25-$28. 843-4822. www.auroratheatre.org
READINGS AND LECTURES
Sasha Abramsky on “Inside Obama’s Brain” at 7 p.m. at Books Inc., 1760 Fourth St. 525-7777.
MUSIC AND DANCE
Arlington Community Church Bell Choir at 7 p.m. at Kensington Library, 61 Arlington Ave., Kensington. Free, children 3 and up welcome. 524-3043.
New Iberians at 8:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cajun/Zydeco 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
Club of Cowtown at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $18.50-$19.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org
Faye Carol and her quartet featuring Sista Kee at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. For ticket information call 238-9200. www.yoshis.com
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 16
MUSIC AND DANCE
West African Highlife Band Kwanzaa concert at noon at 12th and Broadway, Oakland.
Cançonièr “Now is Yool Cominge” Festive Music of the Middle Ages at 7:30 p.m at Music Sources, 1000 The Alameda, at Marin. Tickets are $15-$20. 528-1685.
Pacific Boychoir and Marcus Shelby Jazz Orchestra at Yoshi’s at 510 Embarcadero, West Oakland. For ticket information call 849-8180.
Pomegranates & Figs: Alicia Svigal’s Klexmer Fiddle Express, a festival of Jewish music, at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $22.50-$23.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org
Schumann’s Humans Quartet 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
Strange Angels Blues Band at 7 p.m. at Chester’s Bay View Cafe, 1508 Walnut St. 849-9995.
Balkan Folk Dance at 8 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Lessons at 7 p.m. Cost is $7. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com
Borinquen at 8 p.m. at Shattuck Down Low, 2284 Shattuck Ave. Cost is $5-$10. 548-1159.
THURSDAY, DEC. 17
THEATER
“Treasured Memories Lost” by the 4th grade at Malcolm X school, at 12:45 and 7 p.m. 1731 Prince St. RSVP to 644-6313.
Wilde Irish Productions “A Joycean Christmas” Thurs.-Sat. at 8 p.m. at The Gaia Arts Center, 2116 Allston Way. Tickets are $25. 644-9940. www.wildeirish.org
FILM
“One Time” Visual images of the poetry of Brian Jones by Jim Doukas at 8 p.m. at at 7:30 p.m. at Joyce Gordon Gallery, 406 14th St., Oakland. 465-8928.
READINGS AND LECTURES
Frank Wilderson discusses “Ingognegro: A Memoir” a graphic novel exploring race and self-image in America at 7 p.m. at Books Inc., 1760 Fourth St. 525-7777.
MUSIC AND DANCE
Joyful Noise Choir and Angels Choir Christmas Concert at 7 p.m. at First United Methodist Church of Richmond, 201 Martina St., Point Richmond. 236-0527.
Pacific Boychoir and Marcus Shelby Jazz Orchestra at Yoshi’s at 510 Embarcadero, West Oakland. For ticket information call 849-8180.
Mama Crow Band with Genie at 9 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $TBA. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com
Pomegranates & Figs: Alicia Svigal’s Klexmer Fiddle Express, a festival of Jewish music, at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $22.50-$23.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org
Gillian Harwin Group at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $10. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com
Howard Barken, guitar, Vince Wallace, tenor saxophone, at 7 p.m. at Chester’s Bay View Cafe, 1508 Walnut St. 849-9995.
Dave Gleason and The Golden Cadillacs, The Bye Bye Blackbirds, East Bay Grease at 9 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $8. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com
BASSment at 10 p.m. at Beckett’s Irish Pub, 2271 Shattuck Ave. 647-1790. www.beckettsirishpub.com
FRIDAY, DEC. 18
THEATER
Aurora Theatre “The Coverlettes Cover Christmas” Mon.-Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 7 p.m. through Dec. 27 at 2081 Addison St. Tickets are $25-$28. 843-4822. www.auroratheatre.orgBerkeley Black Repertory Group Theater “Sparkle: The Stage Play” Thurs.-Fri. at 8 p.m., Sat. at 2 and 8 p.m., Sun. at 4 p.m. at 3201 Adeline St., through Dec. 20. Tickets are $10-$45. 652-2120.
Berkeley Rep”Aurélia’s Oratorio” at 2015 Addison St., through Jan. 24. Tickets are $33-$71. 647-2949. berkeleyrep.org
“Garage Door Nativity” A unique take on the Christmas narrative told without spoken words. Fri.-Sun. at 7:30 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Berkeley, 2345 Channing Way, at Dana. Tickets are $5-$10. For reservations call 848-3696.
Heretic Entertainment “It’s A Bloomin’ Twofer 2” two one-act musicals, “Boozical” and “Happy Pants” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2 p.m. at Live Oak Theater, 1301 Shattuck Ave. Tickets are $15. www.hereticnow.com
“Reality Playthings” experiments in experience at 8 p.m. at Temescal Arts Center, 511 48th St., Oakland. fmore@eroplay.com
Shotgun Players “The Threepenny Opera” Thurs.-sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 5 p.m. at The Ashby Stage, 1901 Ashby Ave., through Jan. 17. Tickets are $18-$30. 841-6500. www.shotgunplayers.org
“The Stone Wife” Fri. and Sat at 8 p.m. and Sun. at 6 p.m. at Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant Ave., through Dec. 20. Tickets at the door are $15-$20. 415-730-2901.
Wilde Irish Productions “A Joycean Christmas” Thurs.-Sat. at 8 p.m. at The Gaia Arts Center, 2116 Allston Way. Tickets are $25. 644-9940. www.wildeirish.org
FILM
“The Greater Circulation” A film by Antero Alli based on Rilke’s “Requiem for a Friend” at 8 p.m. at Grace North church, 2138 Cedar St. Cost is $6-$10 sliding scale. www.verticalpool.com
READINGS AND LECTURES
“A Christmas Carol” Solo reading by Martin Harris at 7:30 p.m. at Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant. Donation $5-$10. Dinner available with reservation 848-7800.
Steve Arnston and Mary-Marcia Casoly read their poetry at 7 p.m. at Expressions Gallery, 2035 Ashby Ave. 644-4930. www.expressionsgallrey.org
MUSIC AND DANCE
Berkeley Ballet Theater “The Nutcracker” at 7 p.m., Sat. at 2 and 7 p.m. and Sun. at 2 p.m., through Dec. 20, at the Julia Morgan Center for the Arts at 2640 College Ave. Tickets are $24. 843-4689. berkeleyballet.org
The Dynamic Miss Faye Carol & Her Trio Holiday Show at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $15. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com
The Women’s Antique Vocal Ensemble “O Holy Night” at 8 p.m. at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 2300 Bancroft Way. Tickets are $5-$15. 233-1479. www.wavewomen.org
Buddhist Benefit Concert: Another Way to Celebrate the Season of Giving at 7:30 p.m. at Art House Gallery, 2905 Shattuck ave. donation $10 and up. 472-3170.
John Santos & his Sextet at 8 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $14-$16. 849-2568. www.lapena.org
Mike Gendinning CD release party at 7 p.m. at Chester’s Bay View Cafe, 1508 Walnut St. 849-9995.
Lutan Fyah with Quinto Sol, reggae, at 9 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $15-$20. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com
Christmas Jug Band at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $22.50-$23.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org
Albino Band, Socket, benefit for Cal Reichenbach’s shoulder surgery, at 9 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $6. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com
Justin Anchetta Experience at 10 p.m. at Beckett’s Irish Pub, 2271 Shattuck Ave. 647-1790. www.beckettsirishpub.com
Ezra Gale Trio at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 843-8277.
SATURDAY, DEC. 19
CHILDREN
Los Amiguitos de La Peña with Bonnie Lockhart & Fran Avni at 10:30 a.m. at La Peña. Cost is $5 for adults, $4 for children. 849-2568. www.lapena.org
The Snow Queen Puppet Show Sat. and Sun. at 2, 4 and 6 p.m. at at Children’s Fairyland, 699 Bellevue Ave., Oakland. Cost is $7. 296-4433.
MUSIC AND DANCE
Voci Women’s Vocal Ensemble “Voices in Peace IX: The Greenest Branch” Mostly Medieval Marian music with Romantic and Twentieth-Century offshoots at 4 p.m. at Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, 1 Lawson Rd., Kensington. Tickets are $17-$20, free for children under 12. 531-8714. www.vocisings.com
Berkeley Ballet Theater “The Nutcracker” Sat. at 2 and 7 p.m. and Sun. at 2 p.m., through Dec. 20, at the Julia Morgan Center for the Arts at 2640 College Ave. Tickets are $24. 843-4689. berkeleyballet.org
5th Annual Holiday Caroling with Terrance Kelly and Ellen Hoffman at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $14. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com
Hot Fritattas at 2 p.m. at Down Home Music, 10341 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito. 525-2129.
Proyecto Lando Afro-Peruvian music and jazz at 8 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $12-$14. 849-2568. www.lapena.org
Zydeco Flames at 9 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cajun/Zydeco dance lesson at 8 p.m. Cost is $10-$13. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com
Al Stewart at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $28.50-$29.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org
Hot Club of San Francisco “Cool Yule” at 8 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $15. 845-5373. www.jazzschool.com
The Lost Cats Jazz at 7 p.m. at Chester’s Bay View Cafe, 1508 Walnut St. 849-9995.
DiGiiN at 10 p.m. at Beckett’s Irish Pub, 2271 Shattuck Ave. 647-1790. www.beckettsirishpub.com
Pomegranate, Patrick Winningham Band, J. Russo at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $8. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com
Caroline Chung Combo at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 843-8277.
SUNDAY, DEC. 20
MUSIC AND DANCE
Berkeley Community Chorus Schubert’s Schubert Mass in E flat major and Mendelssohn’s Verleih uns Frieden at 4:30 p.m. at St. Joseph the Worker Church, 1640 Addison St. bcco.org
Grupo Falso Baiano, featuring Ana Carbatti, at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $12. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com
Mamadou & Vanessa, African, at 8 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $10. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com
Trumpetsupergroup at 4:30 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $15. 845-5373. www.jazzschool.com
Freight Holiday Revue at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $18.50-$19.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org
Mark Holzinger and Friends at 7 p.m. at Chester’s Bay View Cafe, 1508 Walnut St. 849-9995.
