Events

Don't Miss This!

By Dorothy Snodgrass
Tuesday June 22, 2010 - 10:41:00 AM

"Summer time and the living is easy...." Ah, yes, that familiar George Gershwin song from "Porgy and Bess" aptly reflects our own East Bay summer -- relaxed and easy going. Oh, but that's not to say there hasn't been a lot going on, and will go on, in the next few weeks. Shown below are some of the many activities that may be of interest. 

For music lovers, the Oakland Symphony Chorus Summer Sing-Ins 2010, celebrating their 18th season, offers these splendid concerts: July 6 - Mozart: Requiem & Faure Requiem; July 13, Brahms Requiem; July 20, Bach b minor Mass; July 27, Haydn Lord Nelson Mass; August 3, Mozart c minor Mass & Bach Magnificat; August 10, Verdi Requiem. These concerts are given at the First Covenant Church, 4000 Redwood Rd., Oakland, 7:00 - 9:30. $10 per concert, or $50 series pass. (510) 207-4093. 

Kitka, the well known Women's Vocal Ensemble, will perform "Singing Through the Darkness" June 24-27. 954 60th Street, Oakland (wwwkitka,org) or (800) 838-3006. 

Of a lighter nature, there's the Thursday Night Free Concert Series in downtown Oakland, 5:30 - 9:00 p.m., 9th and Broadway.  

For movie and book lovers, our wonderful Berkeley Public Library is sponsoring a new program, "Book into Film." Read the book at home, then watch the movie together and discuss the book and film as a group. On Sunday, July 25th, 1:30- p.m. "The Namesake" will be discussed in the Community Meeting Room, 2090 Kittredge at Shattuck. To register, call (510) 981-623. 

Ever wanted to visit Alcatraz Island? The Emeryville Senior Center at 4321 Salem Street., will put you on a ferry and head over to "The Rock" on Wednesday, July 28, 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. The Cost is $30. For reservations, call (510) 596-3730. They're also taking a group to the Hearst Castle on Tuesday - Thursday, July 20-22. Cost: $399 double, $479 for a single. 

For tours of historical and Architectural Gems around the Bay Area, you might consider joining the Berkeley Architectural Heritage Association, visiting the Shinn Historical Park and Arboreteum in Fremont, on July 9th, 11:00 a.m. Tickets are $15.00. For information, call 841-2242. 

If live stock and horse racing is your thing, get yourself over to Pleasanton for the Alameda County Fair, opening Wednesday, June 23 through July 11. There you'll find horse racing and a number of concerts. 

For health minded folks, there's the Beehive Market in Berkeley every Saturday from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Local organic farm produce, delicious food and live local bands. Berkeley Adult School, 1701 San Pablo Avenue. 

Like to walk? If so, the Health Matters Walking Group gathers every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 12:10 - 12:50 at the Campanile (Sather Gate) for 30-40 minutes of walking for stress relief and renewed energy. 

For another walk, and this for a worthy cause, sign up today for the Aids Walk in San Francisco, July 18, a 6.2 walkathon beginning at Golden Gate Park at 9 a.m. To register, call (415) 615-9255. 

Let's not forget that really big event, the San Francisco Pride 2010 40th Celebration this Saturday and Sunday, June 26 and 27. The Parade starts at 10:30 a.m. at Market and Beale Streets, with activities going on all day in and around Civic Center. 

The U.C. Retirees' Association at Berkeley will feature a tour aboard the USS Potomac, The Floating Warehouse, on Thursday, July 15, 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Formerly President Roosevelt's Presidential Yacht dating back to 1936, it's now docked at Jack London Square and moored at the foot of Clay Street in Oakland. This two-hour cruise is priced at $35.00. To register, call the U.C. Retirement Center, (510) 642.546l. 

No doubt we've missed many, many events occurring this summer, but this list is a good start! Enjoy!