THURSDAY, MAY 15 

Bike to Work Day With energizer stations throughout the East Bay. For information call 533-RIDE. www.bayareabikes.org/btwd 

“The Making of a Wildlife Refuge” with Leora Feeney of the Golden Gate Audubon Society and Susan Euing, USFWS refuge biologist on the Alameda wildlife refuge and the protection of the California Least Tern, at 12:30 p.m. at Oakland Museum of California, 1000 Oak St. 238-2022. 

“Exploring the Sierra Nevada as a Naturalist and an Artist with John Muir Laws” at 7 p.m. at Northbrae Community Church, 941 The Alameda. Sponsored by the Golden Gate Audubon Society. www.goldengatesudubon.org 

“Climate Change-—Will Berkeley be a National Leader?” Learn about Berkeley’s Climate Action Plan at 7 p.m. at the Aurora Theatre, 2081 Addison St. RSVP to info@livableberkeley.org 

LeConte Neighborhood Association meets at 7:30 p.m. at LeConte School, Russell St. entrance. karlreeh@aol.com 

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

Tai Chi, as taught by the late Li Lida at 10 a.m. at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 2727 College Ave. 845-6830. 

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

Avatar Metaphysical Toastmasters Club meets at 6:45 p.m. at Spud’s Pizza, 3290 Adeline at Alcatraz. nam 

aste@avatar.freetoasthost.info  

FRIDAY, MAY 16 

Berkeley Public Education Foundation 25th Anniversary Celebration and Spring Luncheon at 11 a.m. at Hs Lordships. Tickets are $75. 644-6244. bpef@berkeley.k12.ca.us. 

International Day for Sharing Life Stories with spoken word, music and media presentations at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Public Library, 2090 Kittredge. 548-2065. www.ausculti.org  

Cancer Prevention and Survival Cooking Class meets Fri. from 6 to 8 p.m., through June 20 at Alta Bates Summit Cardiac Rehabilitation, 3030 Telegraph Ave. Free, but registration required. 869-6737.  

“Living Broke in Boom Times: Lessons from the Movement to End Poverty” A documentary at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Fellowship of Untarian Universalists, 1924 Cedar St. at Bonita. Donations requested. 528-5403. 

City Commons Club Noon Luncheon with Estelle Tarica on “Contemporary Indigenous Social Movements in Latin America” Luncheon at 11:45 a.m. for $14.50, speech at 12:30 p.m., at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant St. 524-7468.  

Iraq Moratorium Day and Vigil to Protest the War from 2 to 4 p.m. at the corners of Unvirsity and Acton. 548-9696.  

SATURDAY, MAY 17 

Berkeley Historical Society Walking Tour “Panoramic Hill Trails, Steps and History” from 10 a.m. to noon. Cost is $8-$10. 848-0181. 

LeConte Elementary School’s Spring Fair with activities, performances, petting zoo, free books, lunch and bake sale, and silent auction, from noon to 3:30 p.m. at LeConte Elementary School, Big Playground & Cafeteria, 2241 Russell St. between Fulton & Ellsworth. 

Come and Frolic for Peace at Walden’s 49th Annual Spring Fair from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Walden Center and School, 2446 McKinley Ave., at Dwight. Free. 841-7248. 

Children’s Community Center Annual Silent Auction from 7 to 10 p.m. at Northbrae Community Church, 941 The Alameda. www.cccpreschool.org/ 

2008_auction 

Satsuki Arts Festival and Bazaar with taiko drumming, jazz, Polynesian dance, Japanese and Hawaiian food, Asian arts and craft, from 4 to 9 p.m., and noon to 7 p.m. on Sun., at to 5 p.m. at Berkeley Buddhist Temple, 2121 Channing Way. 841-1356. www.berkeleysangha.org 

Wine Tasting and Silent Auction Fundraiser for Sequoia Elementary School at 4 p.m. at Joaquin Miller Community Center, 3594 Sanborn Drive, Oakland. Tickets are $20. www.bayareawritingproject.org/sequoia 

Help Restore Cerrito Creek with Friends of Five Creeks vfrom 10 a.m. to noon. Meet at Creekside Park, S. end of Santa Clara Ave., El Cerrito. All gaes welcome. 848-9358. f5creeks@aol.com 

Save the Bay Restoration Project Help remove non-native vegetation and promote the health of recently planted native plants from 9 a.m. to noon at Martin Luther King, Jr. Regional Shoreline, Oakland. 452-9261, ext. 119. bayevents@saveSFbay.org  

Walking Tour of Oakland City Center Meet at 10 a.m. in front Oakland City Hall at Frank Ogawa Plaza. Tour lasts 90 minutes. Reservations can be made by calling 238-3234. 

Himalayan Fair with arts, antiques and modern crafts, live music and dance and food, Sat. from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sun. from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Live Oak Park, 1300 Shattuck Ave. at Berryman. Suggested donation for raffle, $8-$20, benefits grassroots projects in the Himalayas. www.himalayanfair.net 

Family to Family with Alameda County Community Food Bank Learn about hunger in your community, and teach your children about the importance of giving back, from 9 to 11 a.m. at Alameda County Community Food Bank. Registration required. 635-3663, ext. 308. 

Bay Area Storytelling Festival with Carol Birch, Bab Jamal Koram, Olga Loya and others, Sat. and Sun. at Kennedy Grove Regional Recreation Area. Cost is $33-$70. To register call 869-4969. www.bayareastorytelling.org 

Sprouts Gardening Project Plant veggies, sing garden songs and learn what it takes to make plants grow, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Tilden Nature Center. For ages 3 and up. 525-2233. 

“Zapatista Women Meet with Women of the World” A slide show on the Zapatista Women's Meeting (Encuentro) in La Garrucha, Chiapas, Mexico, at 7 p.m. at Niebyl-Proctor Library, 6501 Telegraph Ave., Oakland. Free, donation welcome. 654-9587. cezmat@igc.org  

“Birth of Cool” Benefit for the Oakland Museum of California, celebrating their new exhibit on California’s midcentury art and design. For ticket information call 238-7425. 

Tommie Smith Youth Track Meet for ages 4 and up Sat. and Sun. at Edwards Stadium, UC Campus. Free. 763-3661. ajijic51@comcast.com 

Fruitvale Street Theater Festival “Sacred Mother Earth, Reclaiming our Legacy as the Caretakers of the Earth” with art, theater, community organizations, and music from noon to 2 p.m. at La Placita Fruitvale, in front of Fruitvale BART, Oakland. headrushcrew.com 

The Last Drag Quit Smoking Class especially for the LGBT community, Sat. through June 21 at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Classes are free and confidential. RSVP to 981-5330. 

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 

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, MAY 18 

Himalayan Fair with arts, antiques and modern crafts, live music and dance and food, from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Live Oak Park, 1300 Shattuck Ave. at Berryman. Suggested donation for raffle, $8-$20, benefits grassroots projects in the Himalayas. www.himalayanfair.net 

Rainbow Berkeley Annual Pride Brunch from 2 to 5 p.m. at Frances Albrier Center in San Pablo Park. Cost is $20. No one turned away. RSVP to rainbowberkeley@yahoo.com 

STAND Garden Party celebrating the spirit of Temescal with live music, food and updates on local projects, from 1 to 4 p.m. at 449 49th St., near Telegraph and Clarke. Sponsored by Standing Together for Accountable Neighborhood Development. Suggested donation $25, $40 per couple. RSVP to 655-3841. www.standoakland.org 

Golden Gate Audubon Society Walk in Tilden Park Meet at 7:30 a.m. at the Nature Area parking lot to explore Jewel Lake for returing migrants. 524-7093. 

First Hike for the Young Trekker from 10:30 a.m. to noon around Jewel Lake in tilden Park. For information call 525-2233. 

Crisis at KPFA Community Forum with speakers, workshops and refreshments at 2 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center, 1901 Hearst ML King Way. 

Community Labyrinth Peace Walk at 3 p.m. at Willard Middle School, Telegraph Ave., between Derby and Stuart. 526-7377. info@eastbaylabyrinthproject.org  

Party with Grandmothers for the Oaks Bring songs, musical instruments, and plenty of food and water to share, at 2 p.m. at Memorial Oak Grove, on Piedmont, just north of Bancroft. www.saveoaks.com 

“Christians Lost in the Desert: Work at Kharga Oasis” with Dr. Eugene Cruz-Uribe, Northern Arizona University, Emeritis, at 21:30 p.m. at Barrows Hall, Room 20, Barrow Lane at Bancroft Way, UC Campus. Sponsored by the Northern California Chapter of the American Research Center in Egypt. 650-363-8081. 

“Banished” on threats to Black communities, at 6 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $10. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

“Local Medicinal Herbs and Your Health” from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at EcoHouse, 1305 Hopkins St. Cost is $20, sliding scale. 548-2220, ext. 242.  

Community Labyrinth Peace Walk at 3 p.m. at Willard Middle School, Telegraph Ave. between Derby and Stuart. Wheelchair accessible. Rain cancels. 526-7377.  

Bike Tour of Oakland Meet at 10 a.m. at the 10th St. entrance of the Oakland Museum of California. Reservations suggested. 238-3514. 

“Spring Bloom in the Garden” A walking tour from 1 to 3 p.m. at UC Botanical Garden, 200 Centennial Drive. Cost is $5-$7. Registration required. 643-2755.  

“Walking Tour of Three Berkeley Gardens” from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tickets are $30. 236-9558. www.bringinbackthenatives.net 

East Bay Atheists meets to watch Part One of The Four Horsemen, a roundtable discussion between Richard Dawkins, Sam Harris, Christopher Hitchens and Daniel Dennett on issues of religion and the criticism of their books at 1:30 p.m. at Berkeley Public Library,3rd Floor Meeting Room, 2090 Kittredge St. 222-7580.  

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

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. 

Tibetan Yoga with Jack vander Meulen on “Balancing Inner Energies” at 6 p.m. at the Tibetan Nyingma Institute, 1815 Highland Pl. 809-1000.  

Sew Your Own Open Studio Come learn to use our industrial and domestic machines, or work on your own projects, from 4 to 8 p.m. at 84 Bolivar Dr., Aquatic Park. Also on Fri. from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cost is $5 per hour. 644-2577.  

MONDAY, MAY 19 

Berkeley Green Monday with Larry Shoup on “The 2008 Election: The Ruling Class Conducts its Hidden Primary” at 7:30 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way.  

Encouraging Healthy Eating in Children A class for parents and grandparents to learn how to make gluten-, dairy- and sugar-free fruit pies at 4:45 p.m. at 4th Street Yoga, 1809 4th S. Cost is $30. 526-8467. 

Kensington Library Book Group meets to discuss “Cat’s Cradle” buy Kurt Vonnegut at 7 p.m. at 61 Arlington Ave., Kensington. 524-3043. 

World Affairs/Politics Discussion Group, for people 60 years and over, meets at 9:45 a.m. at Albany Senior Center, 846 Masonic Ave, Albany. Cost is $3.  

Berkeley CopWatch organizational meeting at 8 p.m. at 2022 Blake St. Join us to work on current issues around police misconduct. 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. www.dragonmax.org 

Free Boatbuilding Classes for Youth Mon.-Wed. from 3 to 7 p.m. at Berkeley Boathouse, 84 Bolivar Dr., Aquatic Park. Classes cover woodworking, boatbuilding, and boat repair. 644-2577.  

TUESDAY, MAY 20 

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 Arrowhead Marsh in Martin Luther King Regional Shoreline. Call for meeting place and if you need to borrow binoculars. 525-2233. 

The Berkeley Garden Club meets at 1:30 p.m. at Epworth United Methodist Church, 1953 Hopkins St. Shelagh Fritz will speak about Alcatraz Gardens. 845-4482. 

“Environmental Justice: Looking into the Future” with Shyaam Shabaka, Ecovillage Farm Learning Center, Raquel Pinderhuges, Urban Studies, SF State Univ., Beck Cowles, Ecology Center, Timothy Burroughs, City of Berkeley, at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Public Library, central meeting room, 2090 Kittredge.  

Annual Strawberry Tasting at the Tuesday Berkeley Farmers’ Market 2 to 7 p.m. at Derby St. at Martin Luther King, Jr. Way 548-3333. www.ecologycenter.org 

“Half-Dome: A Primer on Hiking to the Summit” A slide show with Rick Deutsch at 7 p.m. at REI, 1338 San Pablo Ave. 527-4140. 

The Global Oneness Project with Michelle Moore at 7:20 p.m. at Berkeley Buddhist Monastery, 2304 McKinley Ave. www.ahimsaberkeley.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 

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. Share your digital images, slides and prints and learn what other photographers are doing. Monthly field trips. 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 offer ongoing classes in exercise and creative arts, and always welcome new members over 50. 845-6830. 

Sing-A-Long Group from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Albany Senior Center, 846 Masonic Ave., Albany. 524-9122. 

WEDNESDAY, MAY 21 

Walking Tour of Old Oakland uptown to the Lake to discover Art Deco landmarks. Meet at 10 a.m. in front of the Paramount Theater at 2025 Broadway. Tour lasts 90 minutes. Reservations can be made by calling 238-3234. 

“Rookie Mom’s Handbook” with authors Heather Gibbs Flett and Whitney Moss at 11 a.m. at Studio Grow, 1235 10th St. Activities for new moms and babies. RSVP to andrea@andreaburnett.com 

“Drivetime” A film by Antero Alli at 7:30 p.m. at Humanist Hall, 390 27th St., Oakland. Donation $5. www.Humanist Hall.org 

Jump Start Entrepreneurs Network meets at 8 a.m. on the first and third Wed. of the month at Cuppa Tea, 3202 College Ave. Cost is $1-$5. 899-8242. www.jumpstartten.com 

Simplicty Forum meets to discuss Living on the Road and Tiny Houses at 6:30 p.m. at the Claremont Library, 2940 Benvenue Ave. 

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

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

Berkeley Peace Walk and Vigil at 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, MAY 22 

Public Workshop on the Condominium Conversion Ordinance with an overview of the process, application materials, and time for questions at 4 p.m. at 2180 Milivia St., Civic Center Bldg., 6th flr., Redwood Room. For more information contact 981-7410. btran@ci.berkeley.ca.us 

“21st Century Greenprint for the East Bay” A discussion of the programs for energy production and efficiency, at 7 p.m. at the Eology Center, 2530 San Pablo Ave. 548-2220, ext. 233. 

League of Women Voters Annual Meeting at 6 p.m., followed by a viewing and discussion of the documentary “War Made Easy: How Presidents and Pundits Keep Spinning Us to Death” at 7:45 p.m. at Northbrae Community Church, 941 The Alameda. Cost for dinner is $15. For reservations call 843-8824. 

The Best of David Roche ASL interpreted benefit for 2008 SuperFest International Disability Film Festival at 7 p.m. at the Community Room, Redwood Gardens, 2951 Derby St. $10-$25 sliding scale. No one turned away for lack of funds. 415-381-3518. www.davidroche.com 

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

“Career Opportunities in the Life Science Industry” at 6:30 p.m. at Novartis 4.104, 4560 Horton St., Emeryville Cost is $5-$10. Sponsored by the East Bay Chapter for the Association for Women in Science RSVP to ebawis_secretary@yahoo.com 

Small Business Symposium with workshops for entrepreneurs and small business owners from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Oakland Mariott City Center, 1001 Broadway, Oakland. 986-2855. 

Baby & Toddler 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. http://botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu 

FRIDAY, MAY 23 

City Commons Club Noon Luncheon with Mark Wilson on “Julia Morgan: Architect of Beauty” 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 524-7468.  

Circle Dancing in El Cerrito, no experience or partners needed. Pot luck supper at 7 p.m., dancing from 8 to 10 p.m., at Hillside Community Church, 1422 Navellier St. Donation $5. 528-4253.  

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. 

SATURDAY, MAY 24 

Sprouts Gardening Project Plant veggies, sing garden songs and learn what it takes to make plants grow, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Tilden Nature Center. For ages 3 and up. 525-2233. 

Hands-on Native Bee Workshop with Dr. Gordon Frankie from 10 a.m. to noon or 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. in Berkeley. Cost is $15. to register, email mnsiegel@cal.berkeley.edu  

Annual Strawberry Tasting at the Saturday Berkeley Farmers’ Market plus a musical performance by the World Harmony Chorus, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Center St. at Martin Luther King, Jr. Way. 548-3333. www.ecologycenter.org 

“Parks for Peace” Rededication ceremony, music, dance, spoken word, job fair, refreshments, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Mosswood Recreation Center, 3612 Webster St., Oakland. Free. 597-5038. 

Walking Tour of Historic Oakland Churches and Temples Meet at 10 a.m. at the front of the First Presbyterian Church at 2619 Broadway. Tour lasts 90 minutes. Reservations can be made by calling 238-3234. www.oaklandnet.com/walkingtours 

Teens Touch the Earth A morning work program for teens to learn about the environment by helping to clean up shore debris, from 9 a.m. to noon at Pt. Pinole Regional Shoreline. Registration required. 1-888-EB-PARKS. 

Vegetarian Cooling Class “Burgers and Backyard Bites” Dishes for al fresco dining, including Potato and Seed Pate, Japanese Soba Noodle Salad, Tempeh Pecan Burgers, Savory Cashew Burgers, Flourless Chocolate Tart. From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at First Unitarian Church of Oakland, 685 14th St. at Castro. Cost is $50, plus $5 materials fee.Register at www.compassionatecooks.com  

Workshop on Arts and Crafts Embroidery with Ann Chaves of Ingelnook Textiles. All day in Oakland. For information and to register email itextiles@earthlink.net 

“Creative Resistance: Our Dreams Will Not be Recruited” An evening of community building through spoken word, dance and music to resist military recruiting in our schools. Bring your own t-shirt to silkscreen. From 6:30 to 9 p.m. at Eastside Cultural Center, 2277 International Blvd., Oakland. Cost is $8-$20, free for youth, no one turned away. 809-7416. www.baypeace.org 

John George Award Presentation West Oakland Student Art and Essay Contest at 10:30 a.m. at West Oakland Library, 1801 Adeline St., Oakland. 549-1861. 

CopWatch Training on ”Know Your Rights” at 6 p.m. at the Grassroots House, 2022 Blake St. 548-0425. 

Teen Knitting Circle at 3 p.m. in the 4th Flr Story Room of the Berkeley Public Library, 2090 Kittredge St. Bring your own needles in size 8. 981-6107. 

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, MAY 25 

“Gardening Under the Oaks” A 7-mile bike tour of Oakland gardens, from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tickets are $30. 236-9558. www.bringinbackthenatives.net 

“Snaking Through the Hills” A guided hike up the watershed to see the spots where reptiles like to sun, from 12:30 to 2 p.m. in Tilden Park. For information on meeting place call 525-2233. 

“The Lives of Bees” An interactive adventure for children to learn about the lives of honeybees, from 2 to 3 p.m. at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. 525-2233. 

Party with Grandmothers for the Oaks Bring songs, musical instruments, and plenty of food and water to share, at 2 p.m. at Memorial Oak Grove, on Piedmont, just north of Bancroft. www.saveoaks.com 

Berkeley City Club Tour of Julia Morgan’s “little castle” at 1:15, 2:15 and 3:15 p.m. at 2315 Durant Ave. 883-9710. 

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. 

Ecstatic Dance East Bay A sacred free-form journey of dance and movement at 10:30 a.m. at .Historic Sweets Ballroom, 1933 Broadway, Oakland. Cost is $15. www.ecstaticdanceeastbay.com 

Sew Your Own Open Studio Come learn to use our industrial and domestic machines, or work on your own projects, from 4 to 8 p.m. at 84 Bolivar Dr., Aquatic Park. Also on Fri. from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cost is $5 per hour. 644-2577. www.watersideworkshops.org 

CITY MEETINGS 

Design Review Committee meets Thurs., May 15, at 7:30 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-7415.  

Transportation Commission meets Thurs., May 15, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-7010.  

Zero Waste Commission meets Mon., May 19, at 7 p.m., at 1201 Second St. 981-6368.  

City Council meets Tues., May 20, at 7 p.m in City Council Chambers. 981-6900. www.ci. 

berkeley.ca.us/citycouncil 

Citizens Humane Commission meets Wed., May 21, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-6601.  

Commission on Aging meets Wed., May 21, at 1:30 p.m., at the South Berkeley Senior Center. 981-5344.  

Commission on Labor meets Wed., May 21, at 6:45 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-7550.  

Human Welfare and Community Action Commission meets Wed., May 21, at 7 p.m., at the South Berkeley Senior Center. 981-5427.  

Mental Health Commission meets Thurs., May 22, at 6:30 p.m. at 2640 MLK Jr. Way, at Derby. 981-5213.  

Zoning Adjustments Board meets Thurs., May 22, at 7 p.m., in City Council Chambers. 981-7410.

With the city’s new condominium conversion taking effect Thursday, the city’s Planning and Development Department is holding a workshop on the new law that same afternoon. 

The session, which runs from 4 to 6 p.m., will begin with a look at the new law, then feature an examination of the application forms and processes before ending with a question and answer session. 

The meeting will be held in the planning department’s office as 2180 Milvia Street.

THURSDAY, MAY 15 

THEATER 

“Aliso in Wonderland” Written and performed by “Xago” Juárez, at 8 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $10. 849-2568.  

Eastenders Repertory Company “Three Vanek Plays” by Vaclev Havel, Thurs. and Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2 and 7 p.m. at JCC East Bay. Tickets are $15-$20. 800-838-3006. 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Double Vision: Cubist and Abstract Expressions” Works by Carol Manasse and Steve Carlson. Reception at 5 p.m. at Craft & Cultural Arts Gallery, State of California Office Bldg., 1515 Clay St., Oakland. 622-8710. 

“Portals” Paper creations by Jen Stark, Anna Fidler and Jana Flynn. Opening reception at 6 p.m. at Johansson Projects, 2300 Telegraph Ave., Oakland. Exhibit runs through July 5. www.johanssonprojects.com 

Enrique Chagoya: Borderlandia Guided tour at 12:15 p.m. at Berkeley Art Museum. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Ariel Schrag reads from “Awkward/Definition” and “Potential” at 7 p.m. at Florence Schwimley Little Theater at Berkeley High School, 1930 Allston Way. 

Jibade-Khalil Huffman and Bronwen Tate, poets, read at 7:30 p.m. at Pegasus Books Downtown, 2349 Shattuck Ave. 649-1320. 

Sheila Weller discusses “Girls Like Us: Carole King, Joni Mitchell, Carly Simon and the Journey of a Generation” at 7 p.m. at Cody’s Books, 2201 Shattuck Ave. 559-9500. 

Artist Support Group Speaker Series with Jamie Brunson, art coach and founder, Art Primer, at 7 p.m. at the Berkeley Art Center, 1275 Walnut St. in Live Oak Park. Cost is $8-$10. 644-6893. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Oakland Opera and The Marcus Shelby Jazz Orchestra “Queenie Pie” Thurs.-Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2 p.m. at New Oakland Metro Operahouse, 630 3rd St., Oakland. 763-1146. 

Celtic Sands at 8:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Irish dance lesson at 8 p.m. Cost is $10. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

The Waybacks at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $24.50-$25.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Dick Conte Trio at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $15. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

Mario “Weary Boys” Matteoli at 7 p.m. at Caffe Trieste, 2500 San Pablo Ave., at Dwight. 548-5198.  

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

Poncho Sanchez Tribute to Cal Tjader at 8 and 10 p.m., through Sun. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $22-$66. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

FRIDAY, MAY 16 

THEATER 

Actors Ensemble of Berkeley “Uncle Vanya” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m. at Live Oak Theater, 1301 Shattuck Ave., through May 17. Tickets are $10-$12. 649-5999. www.aeofberkeley.org  

Impact Theatre “‘Tis Pity She’s A Whore” Thurs.-Sat. at 8 p.m. at La Val’s Subterranean, 1834 Euclid. Tickets are $10-$15, through June 7. 464-4468. 

Poor Players “Iris and Her Girls” Wed.-Sun. at 8 p.m., Sat and Sun. matinees at 2 p.m. at Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant Ave., through May 18. Tickets are $20. 663-5767. www.poorplayers.org 

Shotgun Players “Beowulf: A Thousand Years of Baggage” Thurs.-Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 5 p.m. at The Asby Stage, 1901 Ashby Ave., through June 22. Tickets are $17-$25. 841-6500. www.shotgunplayers.org 

Theatre de la Jeune Lune “Figaro” through June 8 at Berkeley Rep’s Roda Theatre, 2015 Addison St. Tickets are $13.50-$69. 647-2949. 

EXHIBITIONS 

“These Canyons” UC Berkeley M.F.A. Exhibition Reception at 6:30 p.m. at Berkeley Art Museum. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

“Over the Rainbow: Art from LGBTQ Communities” Opening reception at 7 p.m. at Womens Cancer Resource Center, 5741 Telegraph Ave., Oakland. Exhibition runs to June 25. 601-4040, ext. 111. www.wcrc.org 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

International Day for Sharing Life Stories with spoken word, music and media presentations at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Public Library, 2090 Kittredge. 548-2065. www.ausculti.org  

Las Manas Tres, hybrid poetas, at 8 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $10. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Raj Patel discusses “Stuffed and Starved: The Hidden Battle for the World Food System” at 7 p.m. at Cody’s Books 2201 Shattuck Ave. 559-9500. www.codysbooks.com  

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Berkeley Ballet Theater “La Boutique Fantastique” Fri. at 7 p.m., Sat. at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., Sun. at 2 p.m. at Julia Morgan Center for the Arts, 2640 College Ave. Tickets are $15-$21. 843-4689.  

Garrett McLean, violin, Siu-Ting Dickson Mak, piano, at 8 p.m. at Giorgi Gallery, 2911 Claremont Ave. Tickets are $10. 848-1228. 

Jazzschool Studio Band at 8 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $10. 845-5373. www.jazzschool.com 

Vicki Burns & her Quartet at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $14. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

B.A.R.S.: Break, Art. Rap. Scratch. at 7 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $5-$10. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Snatam Kaur at 8 p.m. at Rudramandir, 830 Bancroft Way at 6th. Tickets are $30-$35. 486-8700. 

Ray Bierl Trio at 8 p.m. at Caffe Trieste, 2500 San Pablo Ave., at Dwight. 548-5198.  

The Stairwell SIsters at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $18.50-$19.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

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

Sabertooth Zombie, Murder Practice, Seize the Night at 7:30 p.m. at 924 Gilman St., an all-ages, member-run, no alcohol, no drugs, no violence club. Cost is $7. 525-9926. 

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

Army, David Morrison, Tuff Lion, Luv Fyah, reggae, at 9:30 p.m. at Shattuck Down Low, 2284 Shattuck Ave. Cost is $12. 548-1159.  

Bitches Brew at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 843-8277. 

SATURDAY, MAY 17 

CHILDREN  

Dashka Slater reads from “The Sea Serpent and Me” at 4 p.m. at Cody’s Books, 2201 Shattuck Ave 559-9500. 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Birth of Cool: California Art, Design, and Culture at Midcentury” with a jazz lounge, films, and period art gallery, opens at the Oakland Museum of California, 1000 Oak St. 238-2022. 

“What is a Book?” Explorations by a dozen artists on display at Oakopolis Creativity Center, 447 25th St., Oakland, Sat. from 2 to 5 p.m. to June 21. 663-6920. 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Adam David Miller and Marc Elihu Hofstadter, poets, read at 2 p.m. at the Berkeley Public Library, 2090 Kittredge St. 981-6107. 

Reading Festival with authors Vivian Walsh at 11 a.m. and Barbara Quick at 3 p.m. Music, refreshments and activities for children from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Kensington Library, 61 Arlington Ave., Kensington. 524-3043. 

Patty Seyburn, Judith Taylor, C.E. Perry, Dean Rader, Brian Komei Dempster, Jennifer K. Sweeney read at 7:30 p.m. at Pegasus Books Downtown, 2349 Shattuck Ave. 649-1320. 

Susan Phillips reads from “Candlelight: Illuminating the Art of Spiritual Direction” at 7 p.m. at First PResbyterian Church of Berkeley, Dana St. at Channing. 559-9500. 

Ryudai Takano Artist Talk at 7 p.m. at Kala Art Institute, 1060 Heinz Ave. http://kala.org 

Rhythm and Muse at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Art Center, 1275 Walnut St. 527-9753. 

David Corbett reads at noon at the El Cerrito Library, 6510 Stockton Ave. 526-7512. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Mozart for Mutts and Meows with players from the Midsummer Mozart Festival, and conducted by George Cleve, at 6:30 p.m. at Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant Ave. Tickets are $80-$90. Includes reception and silent auction. All proceeds benefit the Berkeley East Bay Humane Society. 845-7735, ext. 19. 

Berkeley Ballet Theater “La Boutique Fantastique” at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., Sun. at 2 p.m. at Julia Morgan Center for the Arts, 2640 College Ave. Tickets are $15-$21. 843-4689.  

Music for Two Choirs Contra Costa Chorale and St. David’s Festival Choir at 7:30 p.m. at Unitarian Church of Berkeley, 1 Lawson Rd., Kensington. Tickets are $15-$20. 527-2026. www.ccchorale.org  

Bay Area High School Jazz Festival from noon to 7 p.m. at Kaiser Theater, 300 Lakeside Drive, Oakland. Tickets are $5-$10. 873-8800. 

World Folk Music with Bonnie Lockhart at 2:15 p.m. at the El Cerrito Library, 6510 Stockton Ave. 526-7512. 

New Music: Graduate Composers perform at noon at Hertz Hall, UC Campus. Free. 642-4864. http://music.berkeley.edu 

American Bach Soloists “Sound of the Trumpet” with special guest, John Thiessen on baroque trumpet at 8 p.m. at First Congregational Church, 2345 Channing Way at Dana. Pre-concert lecture at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10-$42. 415-621-7900. www.americanbach.org 

Robin Gregory & her Quartet at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $14. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

Kalbass, King Wawa, Alafia Dance Ensemble in a Haitian Flag Day Celebration at 9 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $12-$15. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com  

Jonathan Edwards at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $26.50-$27.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Tommy Hodul’s Little Phat Band at 8 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $10. 845-5373. www.jazzschool.com 

Mark Levine Trio at 9 p.m. at Downtown. 649-3810.  

Kurt Ribak Jazz Group at 9:30 p.m. at Albatross, 1822 San Pablo Ave. Cost is $5. 843-2473. www.albatrosspub.com 

Guns for San Sebastian at 10 p.m. at Beckett’s Irish Pub, 2271 Shattuck Ave. 647-1790. www.beckettsirishpub.com 

Joseph’s Bones at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 843-8277. 

XBXRX, Triclops, Rock Poster Art Show at 8 p.m. at 924 Gilman St., an all-ages, member-run, no alcohol, no drugs, no violence club. Cost is $7. 525-9926. 

Poncho Sanchez Tribute to Cal Tjader at 8 and 10 p.m., through Sun. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $22-$66. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

SUNDAY, MAY 18 

CHILDREN 

Uncle Zacky & Cousin Eric at Ashkenaz at 3 p.m. Cost is $4-$6. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

EXHIBITIONS 

Works by Carla Van Slyke, Rita Sklar, Charlotte Britoon and Jack Anderson. Reception at 2 p.m. at Solano Grill, 1133 Solano Ave., Albany. 531-1404. 

Enrique Chagoya: Borderlandia Guided tour at 2 p.m. at Berkeley Art Museum. 642-0808.  

READINGS AND LECTURES 

“These Canyons” UC Berkeley M.F.A. Exhibition. Artists’ talk at 3 p.m. at Berkeley Art Museum. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

“Israeli Art Today” with Michal Gavish, in conjunction with the exhibition “@60.art.israel.world” at 2 p.m. at the Judah L. Magnes Museum., 2911 Russell St. 549-6950. 

UC Extension Student Reading at 4 p.m. at Cody’s Books, 2201 Shattuck Ave. 559-9500. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Berkeley Ballet Theater “La Boutique Fantastique” at 2 p.m. at Julia Morgan Center for the Arts, 2640 College Ave. Tickets are $15-$21. 843-4689.  

Jazz on Fourth Street Benefit for Berkeley high School Jazz Programs, with performances by E.C. Scott, Khalil Shaheed Quintet, John Santos Quartet, and the Berkeley High Jazz Orchestra and Combos, from noon to 5 p.m. on Fourth St. between Hearst and Virginia. 

Clairdee at Jazz at the Chimes at 2 p.m. at Chapel of the Chimes, 4499 Piedmont Ave., Oakland. Tickets at the door are $10-$15. Children under 12 free. 228-3218.  

Volti “Past, Present, and Future Adventures” at 4 p.m. at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 2300 Bancroft Way. Tickets are $8-$20. 415-771-3352. www.voltisf.org 

Voci Women’s Vocal Ensemble at 4 p.m. at Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, 1 Lawson Rd., Kensington. Tickets are $17-$20. 531-8714. www.vocisings.com 

Chamber Music Sundaes with San Francisco Symphony cellists Jill Rachuy Brindel, David Goldblatt and Carolyn McIntosh and Seattle Symphony cellist Walter Gray at 3 p.m. at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 2727 College Ave.Tickets at the door $18-$22. 415-753-2792. www.chambermusicsundaes.org 

Oakland Civic Orchestra at 4 p.m. at Lake Merritt United Methodist Church, 1330 Lakeshore Ave., Oakland. Free. 238-7275.  

Muziki Roberson Quartet with vocalist Dwight Trible at 7 p.m. at Ed Kelly Hall, Oakland Public Conservatory of Music, 1616 Franklin St., Oakland. Cost is $20. www.opcmusic.org 

Music for Two Choirs Contra Costa Chorale and St. David’s Festival Choir at 3 p.m. at St. David’s Catholic Church, 5641 Esmond St., Richmond. Tickets are $15-$20. 527-2026 www.ccchorale.org  

Young People’s Symphony Orchestra Spring Concert with Oakland Symphony Chorus, Piedmont Choirs at 7:30 p.m. at Berkeley Community Theater, Allston Way between MLK and Milvia. Tickets are $15-$20. www.ypsomusic.net 

The Carol Trio and friends 7:30 p.m. at Giorgi Gallery, 2911 Claremont Ave. Tickets are $10. 848-1228. 

“Come Away to the Skies” solo piano concert with Pastor Dan Damon at 5 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 201 Martina St., Point Richmond. Suggested donation $10.236-0527. 

Tati Argue, hip hop and Michael Grbich, tap at 3 p.m. at Expression Gallery, 2035 Ashby Ave. 644-4930. 

John Schott’s Dream Kitchen at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $7.50 children, $9.50 for adults. 548-1761.  

Mads Tolling Trio at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $15. 841-JAZZ.  

Americana Unplugged, bluegrass and old-time, at 5 p.m. at Jupiter. 843-8277. 

Steve Lucky & the Rhumba Bums at 6:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $15 and up. Benefit for Scott “Edawg” Petersen. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Andrew Speight: A Tribute to Charlie Parker at 4:30 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $12-$15. 845-5373. 

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

MONDAY, MAY 19 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Sounds Like Art” A group show on the visual representation of music and sound. Opening reception at 6 p.m. at downtown, 2102 Shattuck Ave. 

Art of the Cotton Mill Studios Paintings, sculpture, photography and mixed media by Keiko Nelson, Bill Stoneham, Elizabeth Tennant and Susan Tuttle at Float Gallery, 1091 Calcot Place, Unit # 116. 535-1702. www.thefloatcenter.com 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Bill Carter discusses “Red Summer: The Danger, Madness, and Exaltation of Salmon Fishing in a Remote Alaskan Village” at 7 p.m. at Cody’s Books, 2201 Shattuck Ave. 559-9500. 

Jeffrey Alford & Naomi Duguid at 7:30 p.m. at Moe’s Books, 2476 Telegraph Ave. 849-2087. 

Poetry Express with Doreen Stock at 7 p.m. at Priya Restaurant, 2072 San Pablo Ave. 644-3977. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Trovatore, traditional Italian music, at 7 p.m. at Caffe Trieste, 2500 San Pablo Ave., at Dwight. 548-5198.  

West Coast Songwriters Competition at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage Coffee House. Cost is $5. 548-1761 www.freightandsalvage.org 

Northgate High School Jazz Band at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $12-$15. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

TUESDAY, MAY 20 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Domenic Stansberry and Cornelia Read, mystery novelists, at 7:30 p.m. at Moe’s Books, 2476 Telegraph Ave. 849-2087. 

“State of Exile” with poets Cherrie Moraga, Graciela Trevisan, Mitsuye Yamada and Maisha Quint at 7 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $10. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Nilita Vachani discusses “Homespun” on India’s struggle for independence, at 7 p.m. at Cody’s Books, 2201 Shattuck Ave. 559-9500. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Music of the Earth with David Rothenberg and Jaron Lanier at 8 p.m. at The Hillside Club, 2286 Cedar St. Tickets are $15 at the door. www.hillsideclub.org 

Laurel Ensemble String quartet at 8 p.m. at Berkeley City Club. 2315 Durant Ave. Cos tis $20. 525-5211. 

Classical at the Freight with Robin Sharp and Lri Lack at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage Coffee House. Cost is $6.50-$7.50. 548-1761 www.freightandsalvage.org 

Bluesbox Bayou Band 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 Ellen Hoffman at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $5. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

Howard Barkan Trio at 7 p.m. at Caffe Trieste, 2500 San Pablo Ave., at Dwight. 548-5198.  

David K. Mathews B3 Organ 4Tet at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $6-$10. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

Jazzschool Tuesdays, a weekly showcase of up-and-coming ensembles from Berkeley Jazzschool at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 843-8277. 

WEDNESDAY, MAY 21 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Cory Doctorow reads from “Little Brother,” for young adults, at 7 p.m. at Cody’s Books, 2201 Shattuck Ave. 559-9500. 

Cafe Poetry hosted by Paradise, at 7:30 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Music for the Spirit with Ron McKean on harpsichord at 12:15 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Oakland, 2619 Broadway. 444-3555. 

S.F. Jazz Ensembles at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $8. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

Benito Cereno, Latin groove, at 8 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $10. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Kaladrios at 8:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Balkan dance lesson at 7:30 p.m. Cost is $10. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Duo Alegria at 7 p.m. at Le Bateau Ivre, 2629 Telegraph Ave. www.lebateauivre.net 

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

Orquestra Universal at 9:30 p.m. at Shattuck Down Low, 2284 Shattuck Ave. Salsa dance lessons at 8:30 p.m. Cost is $5-$10. 548-1159.  

Ten Ton Chicken at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 843-8277. 

Amar Khalil at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $15. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

THURSDAY, MAY 22 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Seeing Music” An exhibit inspired by traditional and folk music, in conjunction with Freight and Salvage’s 40th Anniversary, at Addison St. Windows Gallery. 848-2112. 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

The Best of David Roche ASL interpreted benefit for 2008 SuperFest International Disability Film Festival at 7 p.m. at the Community Room, Redwood Gardens, 2951 Derby St. $10-$25 sliding scale. No one turned away for lack of funds. 415-381-3518. www.davidroche.com. 

“Woody Guthrie and the Great American Folksong” with Tim Holt at 6 p.m. at the North Branch of the Berkeley Public Library, 1170 The Alameda. 981-6107. 

Sylvia Browning reads from her new novel “Morality Tale” at 7:30 p.m. at Mrs. Dalloways, 2904 College Ave. 704-8222. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Oakland Opera and The Marcus Shelby Jazz Orchestra “Queenie Pie” Thurs.-Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2 p.m. at New Oakland Metro Operahouse, 630 3rd St., Oakland. 763-1146. 

40 Watt Hype, Diego’s Umbrella at 9 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $10. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

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

LaWanda & Greg at 7 p.m. at Caffe Trieste, 2500 San Pablo Ave., at Dwight. 548-5198.  

Akosua at 8 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $10. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

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

Coco Montoya at 8 and 10 p.m., through Sun. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $12-$20. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

FRIDAY, MAY 23 

THEATER 

Brookside Rep “Franz Kafka’s Love Life, Letters and Hallucinations” Thurs.- Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 5 p.m. at Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant St., through June 29. Tickets are $16-$34. 800-838-3006. www.brooksiderep.org  

Homenetmen “Baron Garbis” a play in Armenian, Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m. at Julia Morgan Center for the Arts, 2640 College Ave. Tickets are $40 at the door. hyecouple@aol.com  

Impact Theatre “‘Tis Pity She’s A Whore” Thurs.-Sat. at 8 p.m. at La Val’s Subterranean, 1834 Euclid. Tickets are $10-$15, through June 7. 464-4468. 

Masquers Playhouse “The Full Monty” Fri. and Sat. at 8, selected Sun. matinees at 2:30 p.m. at 105 Park Place, Point Richmond through July 5. Tickets are $20. 232-4031. www.masquers.org 

Shotgun Players “Beowulf: A Thousand Years of Baggage” Thurs.-Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 5 p.m. at The Asby Stage, 1901 Ashby Ave., through June 22. Tickets are $17-$25. 841-6500. www.shotgunplayers.org 

Stage Door Conservatory “The Phantom Tollbooth” Fri. and Sat. at 7:30 p.m., Sun. at 5 p.m. at Live Oak Theater, 1301 Shattuck Ave. Tickets are $5-$10. 521-6250. 

Theatre de la Jeune Lune “Figaro” through June 8 at Berkeley Rep’s Roda Theatre, 2015 Addison St. Tickets are $13.50-$69. 647-2949. 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Matthew Cooperman, Aby Kaupang, and Chad Sweeney, poets, read at 7:30 p.m. at Pegasus Books Downtown, 2349 Shattuck Ave. 649-1320. 

John Straley, the twelfth Writer Laureate of Alaska, reads from “The Big Both Ways” at 7 p.m. at Cody’s Books, 2201 Shattuck Ave. 559-9500. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Larry Karush & Gyan Riley, piano and guitar, at 8 p.m. at The Hillside Club, 2286 Cedar St. Tickets are $10-$15 at the door. 845-1350. www.hillsideclub.org 

Eagle Flies with Condor A fundraiser for Spirit Keeper at 8 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $5-$20. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Toninho Horta & Tom Lellis at 8 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $12-$18. 845-5373. www.jazzschool.com 

Chris Hudlow & Hayward Jazz Choir at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $14. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

Brass on the Bay with the Bay Area Caribbean Connection with Marlon Asher and Carlene Wells, The Infinity Band at 9 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $15-$18. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

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

Charles Wheal & the Excellorators at 9 p.m. at Downtown. 649-3810.  

The Forgotten, Harrington Saints at 8 p.m. at 924 Gilman St., an all-ages, member-run, no alcohol, no drugs, no violence club. Cost is $7. 525-9926. 

Fred O’Dell and the Broken Arrows at 10 p.m. at Beckett’s Irish Pub, 2271 Shattuck Ave. 647-1790. www.beckettsirishpub.com 

The Jelly Roll Souls at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 843-8277. 

Lalah Hathaway at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square, through Sun. Cost is $26. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

SATURDAY, MAY 24 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Tibetan Thangka Paintings” Ang Tsherin Sherpa will discuss his recent painting commissioned by the Asian Art Museum at 2 p.m. at Alta Galleria, 2980 College Ave., #4. 421-1255. www.altagalleria.com.  

“The Animals of the Little Farm” Photographs by Jacqueline Krayna. Artist reception at 2 p.m. at the Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. 525-2233. 

“Willing to Go There” New works by Patricia Gillespie. Artist reception at 6 p.m. at Esteban Sabar Gallery, 480 23rd St., at Telegraph, Oakland. Exhibition runs to June 23. 444-7411. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Crowden Music Center 25th Anniversary Concert at 7 p.m. at Hertz Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $15-$25. 559-6910. www.crowden.org 

Chora Nova performs Brahms’ German Requiem at 8 p.m. atFirst Congregational Church of Berkeley, Dana and Durant. Tickets are $10-$18.www.choranova.org 

“Obsessed by Bach” with Iris Stone, solo violin, at 8 p.m. at Trinity Chapel, 2320 Dana St. Tickets are $8-$12. 549-3864. www.trinitychamberconcerts.com 

Benefit for Berkeley Liberation Radio at 8 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $12-$15. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

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

Michael Wilcox Group at 8 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $12-$18. 845-5373. www.jazzschool.com 

Pellejo Seco, at 9:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cuban salsa dance lesson at 8:30 p.m. Cost is $10-$13. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com  

Roger Rocha and the Broken Hearts at 10 p.m. at Beckett’s Irish Pub, 2271 Shattuck Ave. 647-1790. www.beckettsirishpub.com 

Rainmaker at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 843-8277. 

Under Control, Cerebral Foil at 8 p.m. at 924 Gilman St., an all-ages, member-run, no alcohol, no drugs, no violence club. Cost is $7. 525-9926. 

Lalah Hathaway at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square, through Sun. Cost is $26. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

SUNDAY, MAY 25 

CHILDREN 

The Sunshine Serenaders, family square dance at 3 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $4-$6. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Charles Shields reads from “I Am Scout: The Biography of Harper Lee” at 4 p.m. at Cody’s Books, 2201 Shattuck Ave. 559-9500. www.codysbooks.com  

Honor Moore reads from her memoir “The Bishop’s Daughter” at 4 p.m. at Mrs. Dalloways, 2904 College Ave. 704-8222. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Soli Deo Gloria and Orchestra Gloria, will perform Handel’s Ode on St. Cecilia’s Day and Benjamin Britten’s Hymn to St. Cecilia at 3:30 p.m. at Christ Episcopal Church, 1700 Santa Clara, Alameda. Tickets are $20-$25. www.sdgloria.org/tickets.php 

Mo’ Tap with The Beat, Eddie Brown Center for the Arts at 7 p.m. at Julia Morgan Center for the Arts, 2640 College Ave. Tickets are $15-40. 925-798-1300. www.willowstickets.org  

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

Michael O’Neill & Kenny Washington at 4:30 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $20. 845-5373. www.jazzschool.com 

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

Principles, principles—you’re making a fortune ... who’s going to write about me?” So a brewmaster (Jeff Thomas), swilling his wares in an office, complains to dissident playwright Vanek (Craig Souza), his would-be protege whom he’s called in from the cellars for a chat and a stein, in the first one of the Eastenders’ production of three Vaclav Havel one-acts. Three Vanek Plays: Audience, Unveiling, and Protest, is in its final weekend at the Berkeley Jewish Community Center on Walnut Street.  

The titles alone prove to be double-edged, ironic. Vanek, trying to keep a low profile, is instead showered with attention by his boss and self-styled patron at the brewery, a young couple who insist he’s their best friend and want him to share in their domestic bliss and a fellow writer, horticultural hobbyist, who’s become ruefully successful in television.  

All are ostensibly friendly to the writer on the edge, who seems to want only to live quietly and agreeably while working on his plays and political pursuits. The friends grow insistent, passive-aggressive: they truly care about him, they’re not telling him what to do. But he’s rejecting them if he doesn’t take their advice, commiserate or party with them, hear their confessions or their self-congratulations, offer his stamp of approval. 

Havel said that the plays “are essentially not plays about Vanek, but plays about the world as it reveals itself when confronted with Vanek.”  

With this dialectic in mind, it’s no surprise, just a droll pleasure, that the straight man proves to be consistently the most interesting player. Craig Souza, long an Eastender, parries his friends’ kindly thrusts a little laconically, setting up more of their extravagance. He’s progressively retiring, if agitated, as they go over the top, trying to impress him with the gravity of their own existences. 

The Vanek plays of the ’70s began with Audience, originally written to entertain a get-together of Havel’s fellow writers, all of whom had work suppressed in their own countries. It unexpectedly proved a public success—and was in turn suppressed. Taken together, the Vanek plays have been produced more often and in more places than any of Havel’s other works for the stage—and Vanek has been taken up as the central character by Havel’s colleagues Pavel Kohout, Pavel Landovsky and Jiri Dienstbier for their own Vanek plays. 

The trenchant irony of the plays runs deeper than the political references, deeper than the double-bind the dissident writer is put in by his friends and admirers. Both by reflection and refraction, a claustrophobic social situation is revealed: a brewmaster turned drunkard, paranoid about conspiracies all around him, but wanting Vanek to write reports on himself; the urbane, fashionable young couple, ecstatic in their roles as lovers, consumers, parents yet provincially determined to tell Vanek what’s wrong with his life and rope him into theirs; the successful TV writer who wants to confess his political errors to the dissident, ask his disinterested support in a matter of familial interest yet criticize his idolized friend’s character as well as his own duplicity. 

And yet all have their points, too, revealing the isolation of the ethical dissident and scrupulous writer from the issues of social life: class, family, professional. 

The cast, with the direction of Eastenders artistic directors Susan Evans and Gina Baleria, throw themselves into the half-caricatured roles with zest, offsetting Souza’s reaction takes, and making the dissident Vanek seem in counterpoint like a cowed lion tamer. These include Jeff Thomas as the soused (and pissy) brewmaster, Amanda Krampf and Wylie Herman as the with-it couple, trading off as demure and aggressive, and Craig Dickerson as the sympathetic, self-deprecatory (and self-involved) “industry” man. 

The Eastenders have made it an ongoing point to come up with modern plays from all over that carry a satiric—or emotionally compelling—social message. These plays are often stylized—besides Havel, Brecht and Mayakovsky come to mind—but played by the Eastenders in brisk American comedic or dramatic fashion. It’s a balancing act, as the productions in the countries of origin often border on the grotesque, in their sense of caricature. 

There have been precedents in which an American performance style has melded with European dramaturgy—Lubitsch’s screen comedies come to mind, like ‘The Shop Around the Corner’ with Jimmy Stewart, or ‘To Be or Not to Be’ with Jack Benny and Carole Lombard—delivering a flavor both American and European, yet somehow more than either or the sum of both. 

The Eastenders continue to strive after that kind of synthesis with the plays of Nobel prizewinner, former president of the Czech Republic Havel. 

THREE VANEK PLAYS: 

AUDIENCE, UNVEILING, PROTEST 

8 p.m. Thursday and Saturday; 2 and 7 p.m. Sunday at the East Bay Jewish Community Center, 1414 Walnut St. $15-$20. 

(800) 838-3006.

ED REED AT THE BIRD’S NEST 

Ed Reed, the East Bay’s classic balladeer, sings his “Love Stories” this Sunday, 5-7 p.m., at fellow vocalist Cathi Walkup’s intimate (under 50 seats) loftspace, The Bird’s Nest, near the 29th St. Bridge over the Oakland Estuary. Brian Cooke, piano; Carla Kaufman, bass; Ron Marabuto, drums. $25 includes food & beverage. 510-534-6163 or cwalkup.com 

RAKUGO 

“Rakugo” (Japanese sit-down comedy in English) is part of Japan’s rich, long and varied tradition of humor and comedy. Kaishi Katsura, comedian and ambassador from the Japanese Ministry of Culture, performs rakugo this Saturday, 7 p.m., at the Gaia Building. Katsura will perform some classics and some of his own work. $15 general, $10 student. Presented by the UC Berkeley Center for Japanese Studies. 642-3156 or ieas.berkeley.edu.cjs  

TENNESSEE WILLIAM’S ‘OUT CRY’ 

Two actors, a brother and sister, abandoned by cast and crew, face an audience expecting a show. They improvise the Southern Gothic “Two Character Play”—or have they been living it all along? Directed by Oleg Liptsin. 

Liptsin and Felecia Faulkner are joined by Martin David as the gentle Tennessee. Fri-Sat at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2 p.m. through June 1 at The Next Stage (Trinity Episcopal Church), Gough Street at Bush, San Francisco. $15-25. 415-333-6389 or TicketWeb. www.internationaltheatreensemble. 

com.

Baroque trumpeter John Thiessen joins the American Bach Soloists, conducted by Jeffrey Thomas, Saturday, 8 p.m., at the First Congregational Church, Channing Way at Dana, for an end of season program that pays tribute to two contemporaries of Bach—Johann Friedrich Fasch (1688-1758) and Guiseppe Torelli (1658-1709)— and also playing “Mr. Handel’s Water Piece,” as well as Telemann’s own Water Music, celebrating seafaring life in 18th century Hamburg, and Bach’s Sixth Brandenburg Concerto, “a virtual quadruple concerto for violas and violas da gamba.” 

Featured musicians, besides Thiessen on natural trumpet, include Carla Moore, solo violin; Katherine Kyme and Aaron Westman, violas; Joanna Blenduff, violincello; William Skeen and Elizabeth Reed, violas da gamba; Steven Lehning, violone and Jeffrey Thomas, harpsichord. 

The program will begin with Torelli’s Concerto in D Major for Trumpet, Strings and Continuo, followed by Concerto in A Major “Die Relinge” (The Frogs) by Telemann, Fasch’s Trumpet Concerto in D Major; Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 6 in B flat Major—and after intermission, Handel’s Water Music (1733) and Telemann’s Overture in C Major “Wassermusik” (1723). 

Trumpet, like violin, emerged during the 17th century in Italy as a solo instrument, especially through the efforts of the Bologna School, centered around the Basilica of San Petronio, where the libraries held 183 manuscripts of instrumental music scored specifically for trumpet or trumpet with strings, written by 14 composers, Torelli the most prolific with 32 works for trumpet. The Bach Soloists will play the only trumpet composition of his not found in San Petronio, instead published in Amsterdam in 1715. 

In Northern Europe in the 18th century, trumpeters gravitated to the court at Weissenfels, where Fasch, the scion of cantors and theologians, was trained as a boy soprano, later becoming a friend of Telemann. He founded the Collegium musicum in Leipzig, where Bach became director in 1729. Fasch became court composer in Zerbst in 1722, composing cantatas, operas, symphonies, sonatas, suites and at least 61 concertos. Most of his vocal music has been lost; much of his instrumental music survives, but none of it was published in his lifetime. Disinterested in polyphony, Fasch composed more in the vein of the new Classical style, with French and Italian influences. 

Telemann’s “Die Relinge” employs a Venetian ritornello concerto style with suite. The strings rely on technique that imitates croaking sounds.  

By 1721, Bach—then 56—had “encountered, emulated and finally assimilated” contemporary Italian concerto style, the early definitions of which, as genre, swing between “disputation” and “agreement.” No two Brandenburg concertos share the same orchestral complement. 

Handel’s Water Piece was published in 1733 by Daniel Wright in London. Three of the five pieces are known, in one form or another, to be Handel’s. The other two, a gigue and a minuet, were most likely scored by another composer, perhaps Wright. A common 18th century practice, often without the composer’s approval, was to publish arrangements, rather than transcriptions, in formats that could be played outside the concert hall. 

In 1723, Hamburg celebrated a century since the founding of its Admiralty, during which Telemann performed his “Wassermusik” at a feast, with movements named allegorically after different mythical aquatic personalities: Neptune, Triton, Thetis, Aeolus and Zephyr. 

The Bach Soloists will also perform this program Friday night in Belvedere, Sunday in San Francisco and Monday in Davis.