FRIDAY, FEB. 22 

“Como Angeles” A film about six students from Cuba’s Latin American School of Medicine who return to their countries of origin to serve their communities, at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Fellowship Unitarian Universalists Hall, 1924 Cedar St. Event honors long-time solidarity activist for the Cuban democracy, Hal Carlstad, and the 40th Anniversary of IFCO, the Interreligious Foundation for Community Organizing, umbrella organization for Pastors for Peace. 219-0092. 

City Commons Club Noon Luncheon with Mel Lavine, former TV journalist on his new book “A Strange Breed of Folks.” Luncheon at 11:45 a.m. for $14.50, speech at 12:30 p.m., at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant St. For information and reservations call 526-2925.  

Golden Gate Audubon Society with Dr. Rauri Bowie on “The Importance of Habitat Association in the Diversification of African Birds” at 7 p.m. at Northbrae Community Church, 941 The Alameda. 843-2222. 

Benefit for Berkeley Food and Housing, North County Women’s Shelter with dinner at 6:30 and dancing from 7:30 on at the Gaia Arts Center. Tickets are $40-$50. 649-4965, ext. 304. 

Two-Day Photography Workshop with Ami Vitale on “Reaching Across Borders” organized by Fotovision. Information and enrollment at www.fotovision.org 

Easy Does It Board of Directors Meeting at 6:30 p.m. at 1636 University Ave. 845-5513. 

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. 

Circle Dancing, simple folk dancing with instruction at 8 p.m. at Hillside Community Church, 1422 Navellier St., El Cerrito. Pot luck at 7 p.m. Donation of $5 requested. 528-4253. www.circledancing.com 

SATURDAY, FEB. 23 

Mini-Farmers in Tilden A farm exploration program, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. for ages 4-6 years, accompanied by an adult. We will explore the Little Farm, care for animals, do crafts and farm chores. Wear boots and dress to get dirty! Fee is $6-$8. Registration required. 1-888-EBPARKS. 

Reptile Rendevous Learn about the reptiles that call the Tilden Nature Area home, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Tilden Nature Area, Tilden Park. 525-2233. 

Bay Area Seed Interchange Library Seed Swap and pot luck at 6:30 p.m. at the Ecology Center, 2530 San Pablo Ave. Bring garden seed to share and a potluck dish or $10 for entrance. 658-9178. 

Golden Gate Audubon Society Field Trip “Lake Merritt and Lakeside Park” with Hilary Powers. Meet at 9:30 a.m. at the large spherical cage near Nature Center at Perkins and Bellevue to look at wintering birds. 843-2222. 

Retirement Party for Michele Lawrence Celebrating 35 Years in Public Education. Cocktails and dinner at 6 p.m. at Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant Ave. 472-3811. party@berkeley.k12.ca.us  

Billabong Ball Fundraiser for Young People’s Symphony Orchestra at 8 p.m. at the Crowden Music Center, 1475 Rose St. Tickets are $10-$75. www.ypsomusic.net 

Community Dialogue “The Collective Experience in the Moment of YouTube” with members of various media collectives, including PTTV, First Voice, Poor News Network, Video Machete & Video Feedback, at 2 p.m. at Berkeley Community Media, 2239 Martin Luther King Jr. Way. www.betv.org 

Castlemont High School Annual General Membership Luncheon at 11 a.m. at Francesco’s Resturant, 8200 Pardee St., corner of Hegenberger Rd., Oakland. Cost is $30. 828-1481. www.castlemontalumni.org 

Vegetarian Cooking Class “The Joy of Vegan Baking” featuring currant scones, apple strudel, peanut butter chocolate bars, oat bran muffins and more, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at First Unitarian Church of Oakland, 685 14th St. at Castro. Cost is $49 plus $5 material fee. to register call 531-COOK. www.compassionatecooks.com 

“60th Annual Festival of the Oaks” International Folk Dancing Workshop from 9:30 a.m. to noon, dancing from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Live Oak Park, 1301 Shattuck Ave. No partners needed.Cost is $7-$12. 527-2177. meldancing@aol.com 

Spartacist Black History Month Forum: From Mumia Abu-Jamal to the Jena Six at 2 p.m. at Rockridge Library, 5366 College Ave., Oakland. 839-0851. slbayarea@sbcglobal.net 

Energy Efficient Homes A workshop from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at 1817 Second St. Sponsored by Truitt & White. Free, but registration required. 649-2674. 

Lead-Safe Painting & Remodeling Free class to learn about lead safe renovations for your older home from 2 to 4 p.m. at Mark’s Paint Mart, 2317 Blanding Ave., Alameda. Presented by Alameda County Lead Poisoning Prevention Program. 567-8280. www.ACLPPP.org 

Kids Go Green Activities centered on ecology and climate change from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Chabot Space and Science Center, 10000 Skyline Blvd., Oakland. Cost is $9-$13. 336-7373.  

“Everybody Eats Lunch” Lunchbox recipes from around the world at 2:30 p.m. at Elephant Pharmacy, 1607 Shattuck Ave. 549-9200. 

“Exposed: The Toxic Chemistry of Everyday Products” with author Mark Schapiro at 4 p.m. at Elephant Pharmacy, 1607 Shattuck Ave. 549-9200. 

Teen Knitting Circle at 3 p.m. in the 4th flr Story Room, Central Library, 2090 Kittredge St. Bring your own knitting needles in size 8, sample yarns provided. 981-6107. 

Preschool Storytime, for ages 3-5, at 11 a.m. at Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave. 526-3720, ext. 17. 

Free Garden Tours at Regional Parks Botanic Garden Sat. and Sun. at 2 pm. Regional Parks Botanic Garden, Tilden Park. Call to confirm. 841-8732. www.nativeplants.org 

Around the World Tour of Plants at 1:30 p.m., Thurs., Sat. and Sun. at UC Botanical Garden, 200 Centennial Drive. 643-2755. http://botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu 

The Berkeley Lawn Bowling Club provides free instruction every Wed. and Sat. at 10:30 a.m. at 2270 Acton St. 841-2174.  

Oakland Artisans Marketplace Sat. from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sun. from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Jack London Square. 238-4948. 

SUNDAY, FEB. 24 

Hike in Briones Join a leisurely 4-mile hike out to the Maricich and Sindicich Lagoons to see California newts. Meet at 10 a.m. at the Alhambra Creek Staging Area off of Reliz Valley Rd. Bring lunch and water. To register call 925-862-2601. 

“African-American Rhythms On and Off the Canvas” activities for the whole family from 1 to 4 p.m. at Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak, Oakland. Cost is $5-$8. 238-2002. 

“Aerial Pesticide Spraying in the Bay Area for the Apple Moth” A community information meeting at 5 p.m. at the Hillside Club, 2286 Cedar St. 524-5185. www.stopthespray.org 

Films for the Future: The Future of Food at 2 p.m. at the Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave. 526-3720, ext. 17. 

Berkeley City Club Tour of the “Little Castle” designed by Julia Morgan at 1:15, 2:15 and 3:15 p.m. at 2315 Durant Ave. 883-9710. 

Kensington Farmers’ Market from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 303 Arlington Ave. at Amherst, Kensington. 525-6155. 

Free Garden Tours at Regional Parks Botanic Garden in Tilden Park Sat. and Sun. at 2 p.m. Call to confirm. 841-8732. www.nativeplants.org 

Lake Merritt Neighbors Organized for Peace Peace walk around the lake every Sun. Meet at 3 p.m. at the colonnade at the NE end of the lake. 763-8712. lmno4p.org 

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

"beat.sit.asana: urbanYOGA Soul Sunday Jam from from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Center for Urban Peace, 2584 Martin Luther King, Jr. Way. Free. 549-3733. ext. 1. 

Tibetan Buddhism with Sylvia Gretchen on “Path of Liberation” at 6 p.m. at the Tibetan Nyingma Institute, 1815 Highland Pl. 809-1000 www.nyingmainstitute.com 

MONDAY, FEB. 25 

“The History of African American Migrant Women During World War II” with Gretchen Lemke-Santangelo, at 10:30 a.m. at Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak, Oakland. Cost is $5-$8. 238-2002. 

New Soul Cooking with Tanya Holland of “Melting Pot Soul Kitchen” at 5:30 p.m. at the Elmhurst Branch of the Oakland Public Library, 1427 88th Ave., Oakland. 615-5869. 

Berkeley CopWatch organizational meeting at 8 p.m. at 2022 Blake St. 548-0425. 

Dragonboating Year round classes at the Berkeley Marina, Dock M. Meets Mon, Wed., Thurs. at 6 p.m. Sat. at 10:30 a.m. For details see www.dragonmax.org 

TUESDAY, FEB. 26 

Tuesdays for the Birds Tranquil bird walks in local parklands, led by Bethany Facendini, from 7 to 9:30 a.m. Today we will visitMartin Luther King Regional Shoreline. Call for meeting place and if you need to borrow binoculars. 525-2233. 

Docent Training for Tilden Nature Area Learn to assist the naturalists in providing interpretive programs at the Little Farm and nature area gardens, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Fee is $35. Application required. For information call 544-3260. 

“The (in)Accessible Wilderness: Mountain Adventures in Patagonia, Utah and British Columbia” with Topher Donahue at 7 p.m. at REI, 1338 San Pablo Ave. 527-4140. 

History and Future of Berkeley’s Downtown A discussion with Austene Hall and Carrie Olsen at 8 p.m. at Berkeley Arts Festival, 2213 Shattuck Ave. 

Davey D, KPFA Radio personality and news journalist at 7:30 p.m. at Berkeley, Public Library, 3rd floor Community Meeting Room, 2090 Kittredge St. 981-6107. www.berkeleypubliclibrary.org 

“Israel: the worst thing to happen to the Jewish People since the Holocaust” Discussion with Larry Everest at 7 p.m. at Revolution Books 2425 Channing Way, Berkeley. 484-1196. 

Berkeley School Volunteers Orientation from 10 to 11 a.m. at 1835 Allston Way. Come learn about volunteer opportunities. 644-8833. 

Writer Coach Connection Volunteers needed to help Berkeley students improve their writing and critical thinking skills from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. To register call 524-2319. www.writercoachconnection.org  

Nutrition for a Healthy Heart at 3:30 p.m. at Elephant Pharmacy, 1607 Shattuck Ave. 549-9200. 

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. 

Parents’ Book Discussion Group meets to discuss “Each Little Bird That Sings” by Deborah Wiles, at 6 p.m. at University Village, 435 Goodling Way, Building 123, Apt. 456, Albany. Sponsored by the Albany Library. 526-3720. 

Teen Playreaders meets to read and discuss Hamlet and related plays at 4:30 p.m. at Claremont Branch Library, 2940 Benvenue. 981-6121. 

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

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

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

Fresh Produce Stand at San Pablo Park from 3 to 6 p.m. in the Frances Albrier Community Center. Sponsored by the Ecology Center’s Farm Fresh Choice. 848-1704. www.ecologycenter.org 

Berkeley Camera Club meets at 7:30 p.m., at the Northbrae Community Church, 941 The Alameda. 548-3991. www.berkeleycameraclub.org 

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, FEB. 27 

“The Rebirth of the University of California: From Imperial University to People’s University” A teach-in and forum featuring Gray Brechin, author, “Imperial San Francisco” plus speakers from Tuition Relief Now, Berkeley Stop the War, Berkeley NOW, Fiat Pax, Stop BP-Berkeley, and many others at 7 p.m. at 145 Dwinelle, UC Campus. www.freetheuc.org 

Golden Gate Audubon Society Field Trip “Lake Merritt and Lakeside Park” with Hilary Powers. Meet at 9:30 a.m. at the large spherical cage near Nature Center at Perkins and Bellevue to look at wintering birds. 843-2222. 

“Immigration: Facts, Fiction and Action” with Rolando Rodriguez of the East Bay Sanctuary Coalition at the Gray Panther General Meeting, at 1:30 p.m. at North Berkeley Senior Center, 1901 Hearst, corner of MLK. All welcome.  

“Why Can’t We Be Good?” An interfaith lecture with Prof. Jacob Needleman at 7 p.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 114 Montecito Ave., Oakland. Suggested donation $5. 655-8936. 

Radical Movie Night: “Medium Cool” filmed during the 1968 political conventions, at 8:30 p.m. at the Long Haul, 3124 Shattuck Ave.  

“Empowering Consumers and Transforming Business” at 6:30 p.m. at Green Moters, 1500 San Pablo Ave. www.econowusa.org 

“Natural Selection” A discussion of the book “The Science of Evolution and the Myth of Creationism” at 7 p.m. at Revolution Books, 2425 Channing Way. 848-1196. 

“The Lion’s Roar” a documentary on Rangjung Rigpe Dorje Tibetan Buddhist master, at 7:30 p.m. at Humanist Hall, 390 27th St., Oakland. Donation $5. www.Humanist Hall.org 

Cycling Lecture with Joe Breeze on “Why more of us should ride bicycles” at 7 p.m. at Velo Sport Bicycles, 1615 University Ave., enter at 1989 California St. RSVP to 849-0437. 

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. Heavy rain cancels. 548-9840. 

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

Berkeley Peace Walk and Vigil at the Berkeley BART Station, corner of Shattuck and Center. Sing for Peace at 6:30 p.m. followed by Peace Walk at 7 p.m. www. 

geocities.com/vigil4peace/vigil 

Teen Chess Club from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the North Branch Library, 1170 The Alameda at Hopkins. 981-6133. 

Morning Meditation Every Mon., Wed., and Fri. at 7:45 a.m. at Rudramandir, 830 Bancroft Way at 6th. 486-8700. 

After-School Program Homework help, drama and music for children ages 8 to 18, every Wed. from 4 to 7:15 p.m. at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 2727 College Ave. Cost is $5 per week. 845-6830. 

Stitch ‘n Bitch at 6:30 p.m. at Caffe Trieste, 2500 San Pablo Ave., at Dwight. 548-5198.  

THURSDAY, FEB. 28 

“Does TV Persuade Us That Torture is OK?” with Richard Walter, UCLA School of Film, Television, and Digital Media, Spc. (Ret.) Tony Lagouranis, U.S. Army Interrogator, Margaret Stock, Dept of Law, U.S. Military Academy (West Point), David Danzig, Primetime Torture Project Director, Human Rights First at 5 p.m. at Room 110, Boalt Hall School of Law, UC Campus. www.hrcberkeley.org 

“Green Movement: Hope for the Future of the Earth” Paul Hawken in conversation with Kevin Danaher at 7:30 p.m. at First Congregational Church, 2345 Channing Way. Tickets are $10-$13, at independent bookstores. www.globalexchange.org 

“The Color of Fear” A film about the struggle of individuals learning about racism. Screening and panel discussion at 7 p.m. at First Congregational Church, 2501 Harrison St., Oakland. Tickets are $5-$10, available from 1-800-838-3006. 

Teen Book Club meets to discuss urban fantasy titles at 4 p.m. at Claremont Branch Library, 2940 Benvenue. 981-6121. 

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

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

World of Plants Tours Thurs., Sat. and Sun. at 1:30 p.m. at the UC Botanical Garden, 200 Centennial Drive. Cost is $5. 643-2755.  

CITY MEETINGS 

Zero Waste Commission Mon., Feb. 25, at 7 p.m., at 1201 Second St. 981-6368.  

City Council meets Tues., Feb. 26, at 7 p.m in City Council Chambers. 981-6900. www. 

ci.berkeley.ca.us/citycouncil 

Civic Arts Commission meets Wed., Feb. 27, at 6:30 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Mary Ann Merker, 981-7533.  

Disaster and Fire Safety Commission meets Wed., Feb. 27, at 7 p.m., at the Emergency Operations Center, 997 Cedar St. 981-5502.  

Planning Commission meets Wed., Feb. 27, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-7484.  

Police Review Commission meets Wed., Feb. 27, at 7:30 p.m. at the South Berkeley Senior Center. 981-4950. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/policereview 

Mental Health Commission meets Thurs., Feb. 28, at 5 p.m. at 2640 MLK Jr. Way, at Derby. 981-5213. 

Zoning Adjustments Board meets Thurs., Feb. 28, at 7 p.m., in City Council Chambers. 981-7410. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/zoning  

ONGOING 

E-Waste Recycling St. Vincent de Paul of Alameda County accepts electronic waste including computers, dvd players, cell phones, fax machines and many other ewaste products for disposal free of charge at many of its locations throughout Alameda County. Free bulk pick-up available. 638-7600.  

Free Tax Help If your 2007 household income was less than $42,000, you are eligible for free tax preparation from United Way's Earn it! Keep It! Save It! Sites are open now through April 15 in Alameda and Contra Costa counties. To find a site near you, call 800-358-8832. www.EarnItKeepItSaveIt.org 

Donate the Excess Fruit from Your Fruit Trees I’ll gladly pick and deliver your fruit to community programs that feed school kids, the elderly, and the hungry. The fruit trees should be located in Berkeley and organic (no pesticides). This is a free volunteer/ 

grassroots thing so join in!! To scehdule and appointment call or email 812-3369. northberkeleyharvest@gmail.com

FRIDAY, FEB. 22 

THEATER 

Aurora Theatre “Satellites” at 8 p.m. at 2081 Addison St. through March 2. Tickets are $40-$42. 843-4822.  

Berkeley Rep “”Wishful Drinking” with Carrie Fisher, at the Roda Theater, 2015 Addison St., through March 30. Tickets are $33-$69. 647-2949. 

Black Repertory Group Theatre “A Raisin In The Sun” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2:30 p.m. at 3201 Adeline St. Tickets are $5-$25. 652-2120.  

Central Works “Wakefield; or Hello Sophia” Thurs.-Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 5 p.m. at Berkeley City CLub, 2315 Durant Ave., through March 23.Tickets are $14-$25. 558-1381. 

Contra Costa Civic Theatre “The Cocoanuts” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m., some Sun. matinees at 2 p.m., at 951 Pomona Ave., at Moeser, El Cerrito, through March 2. Tickets are $15-$24. 524-9132. www.ccct.org 

Frank Oliver’s “Twisted Cabaret & Pandemonium Vaudeville Show” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2 p.m. at Julia Morgan Center for the Arts, 2640 College Ave. Tickets are $15-$25. 1-800-838-3006. 

Impact Theatre “Jukebox Stories: The Case of the Creamy Foam” Thurs.-Sat. at 8 p.m. at La Val’s Subterranean, 1834 Euclid Ave., through March 22. Tickets are $10-$15. 464-4468. 

Masquers Playhouse “Angel Street” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2:30 p.m. through Feb. 23 at 105 Park Place, Point Richmond. Tickets are $18. 232-4031. www.masquers.org 

Virago Theatre Company “Candide” the comic opera at 8 p.m. Fri and Sat., 7 p.m. Sun. at Rhythmix Cultural Works, 2513 Blanding Ave., Alameda, through Mar. 9. Tickets are $15-$25. 865-6237. 

EXHIBITIONS 

Ami Vitale “Photographs of Kashmir” Opening reception at 6 p.m., lecture by the photographer at 7 p.m. at UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism. www.fotovision.org 

“All That Jazz” The Art of Living Black Works by James Gayles, Nanette Harris, Leroy Parker and others. Reception at 7 p.m. at the Women’s Cancer Resource Center, 5741 Telegraph Ave. at 58th St., Oakland. 601-4040, ext. 111. 

FILM 

Terence Davies “The Long Day Closes” at 7 p.m. and “The Neon Bible” at 9:05 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $5.50-$9.50. 642-0808.  

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Charles Baxter reads from his new novel “The Soul Thief” at 7 p.m. at Cody’s Books. 559-9500.  

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Percy Lang, piano, at noon at Hertz Hall, UC Campus. Free. 642-4864.  

Oakland East Bay Symphony Works by Stravisnky, Adams, Tan Dun and Jon Jang at 8 p.m. at Paramount Theater, 2025 Broadway, Oakland. Pre-concert lecture at 7 p.m. 444-0801. www.oebs.org 

Dan Plonsey’s “Daniel Popsicle” at 8 p.m. at Berkeley Arts Festival, 2213 Shattuck Ave. Cost is $5-$10.  

The Dave Matthews BLUES Band in a fundraiser for Berkeley Food and Housing Project, at 7 p.m. at Gaia Arts Center, 2120 Allston Way. 649-4965. 

History and Harmony Black History Concert Series “Slab Town Convention: A Youth Drama” dramatization of the 1960s Baptist Convention at 7:30 p.m. at Allen Temple Baptist Church, 8501 International Blvd., Oakland. Tickets are $5-$10. 544-8924. 

The Mirage Ensemble perform a program of Americana at 8 p.m. at the Hillside CLub, 2286 Cedar St. Tickets are $15. www.hillsideclub.org 

Toshi Reagon at 8 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $16-$18. 849-2568.  

Dena DeRose at 8 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $18. 845-5373. 

Terry Disley Experience at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island. Cost is $14. 841-JAZZ.  

Gamelan X, Gamelan Jegog at 9 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $13. 525-5054.  

Judy Wexler at 8 p.m. at Caffe Trieste, 2500 San Pablo Ave., at Dwight. 548-5198.  

Country Joe McDonald’s “Tribute to Woody Guthrie” at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $18.50-$29.50. 548-1761.  

Ronnie Cto, Dave Lionelli at 7:30 p.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344.  

Joel Streeter, Brad Brooks, Walty, indie rock, at 9 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $10. 841-2082.  

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

Patrick Green Quartet at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 843-8277. 

Jennifer Johns, Kevin Choice, reggae, R&B, at 9 p.m. at Maxwell’s Lounge, 341 13th St., Oakland. Cost is $15-$20. 839-6169. 

SATURDAY, FEB. 23 

CHILDREN  

Music with Hanna Banana at 11 a.m. at Studio Grow, 1235 Tenth St. Cost is $7. 526-9888. 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Tilden Odyssey” Textured paintings, collages, and monotypes by Sheila Sondick on display at the Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park, through Feb. 28. 525-2233. 

“Double Vision: Artist Partners” Opening reception at 6 p.m. at Chandra Cerrito Contemporary, 25 Grand Ave., upper level, Oakland. Exhibition runs to March 15. www.chandracerrito.com 

“Yea We Said It, And No We’re Not Sorry” works by Malik and Milton Bowens for Black History Month. Opening reception at 5:30 p.m. at Joyce Gordon Gallery, 406 14th St., Oakland. Exhibit runs to Feb. 29. 465-8928. 

“Impressions on Paper” Works by six local printmakers opens at the Addison St. Windows Gallery, 2018 Addision St. 981-7546. 

“Storytelling and Paper Dresses” Lecture and art display with Patricia Bulitt at 2 p.m. at North Berkeley Public Library, 1170 The Alameda. 

FILM 

United Nations Assoc. Film Festival with films from Israel/Palestine and Haiti, at 7:30 p.m. at International House, 2299 Piedmont Ave. Free. www.unausaeastbay.org 

Terence Davies “Distant Voices, Still Lives” at 2:30 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $5.50-$9.50. 642-0808.  

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Rhythm & Muse with poet Jeanne Powell at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Art Center, 1275 Walnut St. 527-9753. 

Alan Greene, pediatrician, describes “Raising Baby Green: The Earth-Friendly Guide to Pregnancy, Childbirth and Baby Care” at 4 p.m. at Mrs. Dalloway’s, 2904 College Ave. 704-8222. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Dream Kitchen at 8 p.m. at JCC of the East Bay, 1414 Walnut St. tickets are $10-$12. 848-0237. 

“B-Free” with Bill Crossman, Robin Nzingah Smith, Akinleye Sadiq, Cheryl Schwartz at 8 p.m. at Berkeley Arts Festival, 2213 Shattuck Ave. Cost is $5-$10.  

Artists’ Vocal Ensemble and The Whole Noyse “1508: Music for Renaissance Winds and Voices” at 8 p.m. at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 2300 Bancroft Way. Tickets are $10-$25. www.ave-music.org  

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

Lloyd Gregory Quintet at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island. Cost is $14. 841-JAZZ.  

Hot Hot Hot Caribbean Nights at 9:05 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $12-$15. 525-5054. 

Jon Roniger, Jayde Blade at 7:30 p.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344.  

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

Jean Fineberg & Saxophunk at 8 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $15-$18. 845-5373.  

John Calloway Trio at 9 p.m. at Downtown. 649-3810.  

George Cotsililos, jazz, at 9:30 p.m. at Albatross, 1822 San Pablo Ave. Cost is $3. 843-2473. 

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

Moment’s Notice with Harmony Gates and TraceyJoy Miller at 8 p.m. at Western Sky Studio, 2525 8th St. Tickets are $8-$15. 992-6295. 

Mars Arizona at 9 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $TBA. 841-2082.  

Martin Turkis Afro-Cuban Trio at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 843-8277. 

SUNDAY, FEB. 24 

CHILDREN 

“African-American Rhythms On and Off the Canvas” activities for the whole family from 1 to 4 p.m. at Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak, Oakland. Cost is $5-$8. 238-2002. 

EXHIBITIONS 

Capturing the Moment Jazz and photography with James Knox at 1:30 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $10. 845-5373.  

“2 Days with Allen Ginsberg” Photographs by Harold Adler from 2 to 6 p.m., readings at 3 p.m. at Regent Press Gallery, 4770 Telegraph Ave., Oakland. 845-1196. 

FILM 

United Nations Assoc. Film Festival with films from Kenya/Uganda and Cuba at 2 p.m. at International House, 2299 Piedmont Ave. Free. www.unausaeastbay.org 

Human Rights Film Festival “Lumo” at 2 p.m., “Enemies of Happiness” at 3:45 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $5.50-$9.50. 642-0808.  

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Margo Peller Feeley reads from “Cashing Out and Coming Back” her memoir of leaving Berkeley and returning, at 7:30 p.m. at Mrs. Dalloway’s, 2904 College Ave. 704-8222. 

Egyptology Lecture: “The Satellite Survey of Western Thebes; a Horus-Eye View of the Theban Tombs” with Dr. Peter Piccione, College of Charleston, South Carolina, at 2:30 p.m. in Barrows Hall, Room 20. UC Campus. 650-363-8081. ltbak@sbcglobal.net 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Joshua Bell, violin, and Jeremy Denk, piano, at 3 p.m. at Zellerbach Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $34-$62. 642-9988.  

John Adams Young Composers Program Faculty Concert with The Ariel String Quartet premiering new works by Alexis Alrich, Molly Axtman, Alan Crossman, Arkadi Serper, Clark Suprynowicz, and Katy Wreede, at 8 p.m. at Crowden Music Center, 1475 Rose St., at Sacramento. Free. 559-2941.  

Berkeley Symphony “Under Construction” at 7 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Berkeley. Tickets are $10-$20. 841-2800. www.berkeleysymphony.org 

“Gospel Roots: A Musical Celebration of African-American History” at 8 p.m. at Hertz Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $4-$12. 642-9988.  

Pat Wynne at 7:30 p.m. at La Peña. Cost is $12-$25. 849-2568.  

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

Howard Wiley “A Tribute to Dexter Gordon” at 4:30 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $15-$18. 845-5373.  

Steve Gillette & Cindy Mangsen at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $18.50-$19.50. 548-1761.  

MONDAY, FEB. 25 

FILM 

United Nations Assoc. Film Festival with films from Sudan and Nigeria at 7:30 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $5.50-$9.50.  

READINGS AND LECTURES 

The History of African American Women During World War II with Gretchen Lemke-Santangelo at 10:30 a.m. at the Oakland Museum of California, 1000 Oak St. 238-2200. 

“Civil Rights Tales” with Stagebridge, at 6:30 p.m. at Golden Gate Branch Library, 5606 San Pablo Ave., Oakland. 597-5023. 

Ed Lin and Lisa Chen will celebrate Lunar New Year by reading from their works at 7:30 p.m. at Eastwind Books of Berkeley, 2066 University Ave. 548-2350. 

Aurora Theatre “Events with Life’s Leftovers” at 7:30 p.m. at 2081 Addison St. 843-4822.  

Philip Fradkin introduces “Wallace Stegner and the American West” at 7 p.m. at Cody’s Books on Fourth St. 559-9500. 

Art, Technology and Culture Colloquium “Attention Depiction Disorders” with Naut Humon and V. Vale at 7:30 p.m. at 160 Kroeber Hall, UC Campus. 643-9565.  

Frank Portman reads from “King Dork” at 7:30 p.m. at Moe’s Books, 2476 Telegraph Ave. 849-2087. 

Poetry Express Open mic theme night on “rights” at 7 p.m. at Priya Restaurant, 2072 San Pablo Ave. 644-3977. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Berkeley Arts Festival Jerry Kuderna Piano Concert at noon at 2213 Shattuck Ave.  

Valerie Bach Girl Talk Band at 7 p.m. at Le Bateau Ivre, 2629 Telegraph Ave. 849-1100. 

Musica ha Disconnesso, piano and mandolins at 7 p.m. at Caffe Trieste, 2500 San Pablo Ave., at Dwight. 548-5198.  

TUESDAY, FEB. 26 

FILM 

Experimental Documentaries “casting a glance” at 7:30 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $5.50-$9.50. 642-0808.  

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Garrett Caples, Susan Gevertz at 7:30 p.m. at Moe's Books, 2476 Telegraph Ave. 849-2087. 

Samantha Power on “Chasing the Flame: Sergio Viera de Mello and the Fight to Save the World” at 7:30 p.m. at the First Congregational Church of Berkeley, 2345 Channing Way. Suggested donation $10. 559-9500. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Sauce Piquante at 8:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cajun dance lesson at 8 p.m. Cost is $10. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

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

Randy Craig Trio at 7:30 p.m. at Caffe Trieste, 2500 San Pablo Ave., at Dwight. 548-5198.  

CSU East Bay Jazz Ensembles at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $10-25. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 27 

FILM 

History of Cinema “The Woman in the Window” at 3 p.m. and Terence Davies “The House of Mirth” at 7:30 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $5.50-$9.50. 642-0808.  

READINGS AND LECTURES 

“Scott’s Shadow: The Novel in Romantic Edinburgh” with author Ian Duncan, in coversation with Catherine Gallagher at 5:30 p.m. at University Press Books, 2430 Bancroft Way. 548-0585.  

Jewish Writers in the Bay Area: Readings from Persimmon Tree with Chana Bloch, Martha Boesing, Sandy Boucher, and others at 7 p.m. at JCC of the East Bay, 1414 Walnut St. 655-8530. 

Writing Teachers Write at 5 p.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344.  

Berkeley Poetry Slam with host Charles Ellik and Three Blind Mice, at 8:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $5-$7. 841-2082  

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Wednesday Noon Concert, with Schhubert Piano Trio at Hertz Hall, UC Campus. Free. 642-4864.  

Music for the Spirit Celebrating Black History Month with music by William B. Cooper and Fela Sowande at 12:15 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Oakland, 2619 Broadway. 444-3555. 

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

UC Jazz & Dave Brubeck Institute Collaboration at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island. Cost is $8. 841-JAZZ.  

“Paul Robeson: Words Like Freedom” Freedom Archives CD Release Party at 7 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $10-$20. 849-2568.  

Fishtank Ensemble, 3 Leg Torso, Bohemian Chamber music, at 8 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $15. 525-5054.  

Annie and Elizabeth’s Gruaranteed to Satisfy SingAlong at 10 p.m. at Beckett’s Irish Pub, 2271 Shattuck Ave. 647-1790. www.beckettsirishpub.com 

Tres Mojo at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 843-8277. 

Jonathan Poretz at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $10. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

THURSDAY, FEB. 28 

THEATER 

Contra Costa College Drama Dept “Rivets” A musical based on Rosie the Riveter and Richmond’s Kaiser Shipyards, Thurs.-Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 3 p.m. at John and Jean Knox Center for Performing Arts, Contra Costa College Campus, San Pablo. Tickets are $10-$15. 235-7800, ext. 4274. 

FILM 

African Film Festival “Juju Factory” at 7:30 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $5.50-$9.50. 642-0808.  

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Paul Hawkin in conversation with Kevin Danaher on “The Green Movement: Hope for the Future of the Earth” at 7:30 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Berkeley, 2345 Channing Way. Tickets are $10-$13. 559-9500. 

Michael Dumanis, Tracy K. Smith, and Rick Barot, poets, read at 7:30 p.m. at Pegasus Books Downtown, 2349 Shattuck Ave. 649-1320. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Kitka “Sanctuary” at 8 pm at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 114 Montecito Ave., Oakland. Tickets are $18-$25. 444-0323. www.kitka.org 

Joshua Redman Trio at 8 p.m. at Zellerbach Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $26-$48. 642-9988. www.calperformances.net 

The Karan Casey Band at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $19.50-$20.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

The Very Hot Club of Berkeley at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $10. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

Karen Mullally at 7 p.m. at Caffe Trieste, 2500 San Pablo Ave., at Dwight. 548-5198.  

High Country, Dark Hollow Band, bluegrass, at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $6. 841-2082. 

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

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

Goapele at 8 and 10 p.m., through Sun. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $20-$26. 238-9200. 

Jovelyn Richards of Oakland is a born storyteller. When she was little, her mother would have visitors by for coffee “and I heard things that weren’t said; I put language to their secrets. After they left, I told my mother their story. She knew the truth from them and would say, ‘Where did you get that?’ I was putting language to their secrets. I didn’t know how to decode that for her.” 

This continued on in school. “My mother told me she’d got so tired of coming to the principal’s office to get me. She was exhausted! Then, when she’d be walking in front of me on the way home, the clicking of her high heels, the sound of her dress, her silk stockings ... the stories about her would just come out. She’d stop to lecture me, and I’d tell her a story—and she’d say, ‘I just came to get you for doing the same thing!’” 

Richards’ solo play with live music, Come Home, the story of 26 African-American men leaving a rural Arkansas town to serve in World War II with only 13 returning, is playing at The Marsh in San Francisco through March 8.  

In it she plays the wife of one of the black soldiers, Miss D.  

“Donna Ray at the start, but who has to become Miss D. when he comes back,” she said. “It’s about what she has to give up in order to sustain life, to keep the passion they had for each other—or at least renegotiate what that looks like. It’s about what war does to the community, how the soldiers carry war back home.” 

When her husband returns after “they’ve been away from each other for two years, the very first night, Miss D. decides what he needs—she makes his favorite liquor, prepares a bath for him—and it comes to him as an assault. He’s holding images of dying soldiers in his mind, of seeing the racism ... how do you sit down, make love? Navigate the simple pleasures. A lot of men came back silent from the war. Others had to digest that silence, like Miss D. in the play. And that was given to their children, who gave it to their children ...” 

One of the spurs to go off to war was racism. “Two children were lynched. For many African-Americans, going to the war created a foundation to be seen as Americans. In some ways, it empowered them to go to war, to see what fighting for freedom was. My daddy recently told me his uncles said that’s why they left Arkansas after the war—they couldn’t tolerate that kind of racism anymore. And that’s why I grew up in Milwaukee.” 

In the play, the story of the other soldiers who return is told by Miss D. through the effect they have on their families, the community. And those who don’t return are talked about. “One, specifically, couldn’t read or write, but drew pictures of the war. Not of battles, but the faces of war, like a Polish girl who’d lost everything. And one night, the lost soldiers show up in the room when Miss D. and her husband are making love.” 

The survivors also engage in a courageous act, when there’s an attempted lynching of a 14-year-old young man in the town. “They went off to fight for equality and then have to deal with the fact that one of their own sons is going to be killed.” 

Veterans and members of peace groups have attended the show, “George from Veterans For Peace, people from Rosie The Riveter ... two Vietnam vets came out of the audience and asked me, ‘How did you know?’ Something of what happened to my characters happened to several of their friends.” 

“Storytelling is the oldest form of art,” said Richards, “and it’s been neglected. We neglect our own stories. The characters in stories are templates for what it’s like to be human. And we go on to find the stories within ourselves. What jazz and blues did for the 20th century, the story will do for the 21st century.” 

COME HOME 

8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday through March 8 at The Marsh, 1062 Valencia St., San Francisco. 

(415) 641-0235. www.marsh.org. 

A clerk at a Florida resort hotel during the 1920s property boom leaps out from behind his desk and joins in a lively production number. The villainess in an engagement con on a wealthy mother and daughter leads a line of dancers doing the Charleston. 

And all the while, three zanies—one silent, one humorously challenged in English and the other a loquacious hotel manager on the skids—slice, dice and shred the lovely fabric of a period Irving Berlin musical, their playground to burlesque. 

The Marx Bros. in El Cerrito? Well, it’s not the first time. The musical that became their second Hollywood feature, Animal Crackers, was successfully staged a year ago by Contra Costa Civic Theater, and now, in a backward glance, Animal Crackers’ predecessor from Hollywood, and their second Broadway hit, The Cocoanuts, is up and running at Contra Costa Civic Theatre. 

By the late ’20s or so, the Marx Bros. (originally five, with Gummo and Zeppo), who had started decades before as kids in vaudeville, couldn’t get bookings on the circuit. They decided on a long shot: financing their own musical comedy revue—something they could comically work over with their own brand of improvised mayhem—in Brooklyn, hoping it would attract attention and bring the press—and producers—across the river from Manhattan. 

The ploy worked and the Brothers’ career took off, on Broadway, then in Hollywood. Most people know them through later films, like Night at the Opera, where the Brothers take center stage. But The Cocoanuts is a good way to catch how they made their big breakthrough as the wild comic team getting around and tearing down the mannered edifice of musical comedy. 

And with the directorial hand of Kate Culbertson (who is now in the artistic chair at CCCT as Mark Manske, successor to CCCT’s founder, the late Louis Flynn, is on hiatus), what could easily be an exercise in academia, a mere museum piece—an Irving Berlin period musical, book by the great George Kaufman—flowers on a community stage in El Cerrito, with splendid songs and production numbers, first rate (and often sumptuous) costuming by Helen Slomowitz (whose historical sense is always on the mark) and a perky jazz quartet (piano, Peter Ruszel’s bass, trumpeter Brian Montone and Mary Hickox on violin) swinging away on their elevated bandstand, above the hotel lobby, led by Joe Simiele from the keyboard. 

The cast—about 20 in all, counting the choruses of bellhops and hotel guests—brings their own various talents into the mix, with particularly good performances by R. Martin Newton as desk clerk Jamisen (Zeppo’s role originally) and Nan Ayers in the Margaret Dumont role of Mrs. Potter (amorously scheming Groucho’s society matron foil), as well as first rate romantic ingenues (Benjamin Scott and especially Jillian Seagrave, who do Berlin’s big hit “Always” in front of an enormous travel poster of Florida in Dayglo colors that drops from the flies) and Greg Milholland and (again, the ladies) Jessica Kiely in particular as hissable evil schemers.  

There’s even a well-rendered Feydeau-esque door slamming scene as the action—and laughs—revolve from one hotel room to another, and Alex Shafer makes his mark as stern lawman Hennessey, who loses it in a silly, sung encounter with the Brothers, sadly warbling “I want my shirt!” to the operatic music from Carmen. 

The ne’er-do-well trio of Groucho, Harpo and Chico are played with brio by Timothy Beagley, Amy Nielson (who also did the stellar choreography) and Tom Reardon. It’s almost impossible to render the peculiar improvised anarchy of Marx Bros. “staging” (a famous George Kaufman anecdote has him excusing himself from a chat in the wings during a show with the excuse “I thought I heard one of my lines”), which reputedly was quite tame in the wildest of their films compared to their stage shows. 

Nielson has something of Harpo’s sweet innocence, but none of his ferocity; Reardon tries out some un-Chicoesque shuffles sans rimshots to up the burlesque ante, and Beagley is a bit too sanguine (and tuneful) as Groucho. Dare it be said?—they’re a bit too goy. Stars, not outsiders. More screwballs than maniacs. 

But the final scene, the Spanish costume ball—again, with splendid costuming by Slomowitz and Hennessey’s comic turn to “Toreador,” et al, so different than in the movie—comes about as close as anyone’s likely to get, especially the wild tango number, with crazy lyrics, as Groucho beats up on the long-suffering Mrs. Potter with his ultra-eccentric dancing that seems more like bumper cars. Ayers comes out smelling like a crumpled rose, and Beagley shines with moves more Upper West Side Manhattan, sub-Harlem, than Buenos Aires—unless it’s The Pampas ... Yes; Groucho could’ve said that. 

THE COCOANUTS 

8 p.m. Friday-Saturday and 2 p.m. Sundays through March 2 at the Contra Costa Civic Theatre, 951 Pomona Ave., El Cerrito.  

524-9132. www.ccct.org.