THURSDAY, SEPT. 4 

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

Three Beats for Nothing South Mostly ancient part music for fun and practice meets every Thurs. at 10 a.m. at the South Berkeley Senior Center, Ellis at Ashby. 655-8863. asiecker@sbcglobal 

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 

Avatar Metaphysical Toastmasters Club meets at 6:45 p.m. at Spud’s Pizza, 3290 Adeline St. namaste@avatar.freetoasthost.info  

FRIDAY, SEPT. 5 

Golden Gate Audubon Society Birding Walk at Jewel Lake in Tilden with Phila Rogers. Meet at 8:30 a.m. at the parking lot at the north end of Central Park Dr. for a one-mile, two-hour plus stroll through this lush riparian area. Berries are ripening and migration is under way. 848-9156. 

Electronics Recycling Fri. and Sat. from 10 a.m. to 2 pm. at Elephant Pharm, 1607 Shattuck Ave. Accepted are large and small electronics, CFL light bulbs, batteries and crayons. 549-9200. 

Right Rights for all People A benefit for Berkeley Organizing Congregations for Action at 7 p.m. at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 2727 College Ave. Suggested donation $15. 665-5821. 

“Not So Depleted Uranium: Uranium 238” with R. Addison at 7:30 p.m. at Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists, 1924 Cedar at Bonita.  

Walk the Line & Connect to the Home Front Walk the line of history and the keel of a victory ship, and learn about the men and women who contributed to victory on the home front during World War II, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. followed by optional 45 min. Bay Trail stroll. Meet park ranger at memorial by main parking lot at Rosie the Riveter Memorial, Marina Bay Park, Melville and Regatta, Richmond. 232-5050. www.nps.gov/rori/ 

All Hands on Deck: Building the Ships that Kept Democracy Afloat Learn about the 747 ships built at the Kaiser shipyards and the people that built them, from 2 to 3 p.m. at Historic Shipyard No. 3, 1337 Canal Blvd., Berth 6A, Richmond. Park outside SS Red Oak Victory gate. 232-5050. Directions to shipyard 237-2933. www.ssredoakvictory.com/contact.htm 

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. 

Three Beats for Nothing Mostly ancient part music for fun and practice meets every Fri. at 10 a.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center, Hearst at MLK. 655-8863. asiecker@sbcglobal 

SATURDAY, SEPT. 6 

4th Annual East Bay AIDS Walk from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Lake Merritt, Bellevue and Grand. Free. info@eastbayaidswalk.org http://eastbayaidswalk.org  

GI Suicide Awareness March & Rally at 5 p.m. at Sea Breeze Cafe, Frontage Rd and University Ave., followed by a march to Berkeley Fellowship for a film showing, music and speakers. Donation $10, no one turned away. 415-565-0201 ext. 27. 

Salud! A Celebration of Latino Art, Health and Community from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Women’s Cancer Resource Center, 5741 Telegraph Ave. at 58th St., Oakland. 601-4040, ext. 109. 

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. 

Berkeley Path Wanderers Hayward Fault Walk with a cartographer and emergency preparedness officer from EBMUD. Meet at 10 a.m. at the playground at Codornices Park. 528-3246. 

Berkeley and Albany Historical Societies Boundary Walk at 10 a.m. Cost is $10. Reservations should be sent to Berkeley Historical Society, Walking Tours, PO Box 1190, Berkeley, CA 94701-1190. 848-0181. 

Bike Tour: Wildcat Creek Watershed An eight-mile journey from the wild to the city. Meet at 10 a.m. at El Cerrito del Norte BART. Participants should have a working bicycle. Cost is $10. RSVP by email to greyloom@hotmail.com http://cyclesofchange.org 

Solo Sierrans Emeryville Marina Sunset Walk Meet at 6:30 p.m. at the back of Chevy’s Restaurant, by picnic tables. 234-8949. 

Project WET Educator’s Academy covering aquatic ecosystems, water conservation and pollution prevention, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Cost is $45-$51. Registration required. 1-888-EBPARKS. 

Nature Detectives Scat and Tracks Search for clues that mammals and birds leave behind as they make their living along the shoreline from 11 a.m. to noon at the Hayward Shoreline Interpretive Center, 4901 Breakwater Ave., Hayward. For 3-5 year olds and their caregivers. Cost is $5, registration required. 670-7270.  

Wildcat Restoration Workday Weed and mulch the restoration site along the banks of Wildcat. All ages are welcome; anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a supervising adult. Meet at 9 a.m. at Church Lane and San Pablo behind City of San Pablo Maple Hall. 665-3538. www.thewatershedproject.org 

Electronics Recycling from 10 a.m. to 2 pm. at Elephant Pharm 1607 Shattuck Ave. Accepted are large and small electronics, CFL light bulbs, batteries and crayons. 549-9200. 

“Lead-Safe Painting & Remodeling” Learn to detect and remedy lead hazards in the home to prevent lead poisoning, from 10 a.m. to noon at Berkeley Public Library, South Branch, 1901 Russell St., at MLK. Taught by staff from the Alameda County Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (ACLPPP). Free. 567-8280. www.aclppp.org/homeown.htm  

Political Affairs Readers Group will discuss “New Times, New Opportunities” by Sam Webb, chair of the CPUSA at 10 a.m. at Niebyl-Proctor Library, 6501 Telegraph Ave., between Alcatraz and 66th. 595-7417. 

El Cerrito Democratic Club Special Meeting to hear from WCCUSD candidates, and East Bay Regional Park District, AC Transit, and BART district at large candidates. There will also be a presentation on the WCCUSD Parcel Tax Extension. From 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. at St. Peter CME Church, 5324 Cypress Ave., El Cerrito. 

Open House JFK University Graduate School of Professional Psychology at 6 p.m. at 2956 San Pablo Ave., 2nd flr. 649-7428. www.jfku.edu  

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. 

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

Meditation Class at noon at 7th Heaven Yoga Studio, 2820 7th St. Free. 665-4300. 

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

SUNDAY, SEPT. 7 

Birding for Beginners Learn the basics of birding while exploring the marsh trails, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Hayward Shoreline Interpretive Center, 4901 Breakwater Ave., Hayward. Bring bird guides and binoculars. 670-7270.  

East Bay Tracking Club meets every first Sunday of the month in the East Bay to share tracking, survival, wilderness, nature awareness and naturalist skills Meet at 8:30 a.m. at Seabreeze Market, University Ave. and Frontage Rd. 594-9089. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/eastbaytrackers 

“Landscape Watering Systems” Learn how to conserve water with proper design and installation of drip irrigation, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Building Education Center, 812 Page St. Cost is $50. 525-7610.  

Montclair Village Jazz & Wine Festival from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at LaSalle Ave. and Mountain Blvd., Oakland. Festival is free, wine tasting tickets are $30-$50. www.MontclairJazzAndWine.org 

Brooks Island Boat Trip Join a guided boat trip across the Richmond Harbor to Brooks Island to explore the island’s natural and cultural history, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For experienced boaters who can provide their own kayak and safety gear. Cost is $20-$22. Registration required. 1-888-EB-PARKS. 

EcoHouse Tour Tour the Ecology Center’s environmentally friendly demonstration site in Berkeley at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Cost is $10 sliding scale, no one refused for lack of funds. 548-2220 ext. 242. 

Key to Tree ID Learn to identify the trees in Tilden Park from 10:30 a.m. to noon at Tilden Nature Center. 525-2233. 

Pond Cycles Learn the life cycles of the insects living in our ponds, from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. 525-2233. 

Progressive Democrats of the East Bay “Progressives Take Back Congress” with Bill Durston, challenging Rep. Dan Lungren in CD 3, and Norman Solomon, from 3 to 5 p.m. at Albatross Pub, 1822 San Pablo Ave. Cost is $25. pdeastbay@pdeastbay.org or www.pdeastbay.org 

Berkeley Rep Family Series “Ensemble Adventure” from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Nevo Education Center, 2071 Addison St. Free, but bring a book to donate to a school library. 647-2973. 

Young Leadership Division Jewish Community Federation PicnicFest from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Joaquin Miller Park, Oakland. 839-2900.  

Personal Theology Seminar with Walter Truett Anderson on “Religion Without God” at 10 a.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, 1 Lawson Rd., Kensington. 525-0302, ext. 306. 

Feldenkrais for Breast Cancer Survivors at 5 p.m. at Elephant Pharm, 1607 Shattuck Ave. 549-9200. 

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. 

Tibetan Buddhism with Mark Henderson on “Tibetan: The Buddhist Language of Translation” at 6 p.m. at the Tibetan Nyingma Institute, 1815 Highland Pl. 809-1000. www.nyingmainstitute.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 

MONDAY, SEPT. 8 

Golden Gate Audubon Society Birding Walk at Martin Luther King, Jr. Shoreline with Bob Lewis. Meet at the last parking lot at 9:30 a.m. 549-2839. www.goldeateaudubon.org 

El Cerrito Green Party with Dr. Sureya Sayadi, a scientist from Iraq, her experience being blocked from teaching or doing research in this country, at 7 p.m. at 33 Revolutions Cafe, 10086 San Pablo Av. at Central Ave. 526-0972. 

Berkeley School Volunteers Orientation from noon to 1 p.m. at 1835 Allston Way. Come learn about volunteer opportunities. Bring photo ID and two references. 644-8833. 

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. Volunteers needed. For information call 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 

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. www.watersideworkshops.org 

TUESDAY, SEPT. 9 

Berkeley Sunshine Ordinance Public Comment Meeting at 7 p.m. at Lutheran Church of the Cross, 744 University Ave., 2nd flr. sanctuary. 

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 Tilden Nature Area. Call for meeting place and if you need to borrow binoculars. 525-2233. 

“Butterflies of the Sticks and Suburbs” A class with Sallie Levinson, Tues., from 7 to 8:30 p.m., through Sept. 23, at Albany Adult School, 601 San Gabriel Ave. Register online at http://albany.k12.ca.us/adult 

“Shorebirds” A class with Bob Lewis Tues. at 7 p.m., through Spet. 23, at the Oakland Museum, with field trips on Sat. mornings. Cost is $70. To register call Golden Gate Audubon 843-2222. 

“Running on Empty; Managing our Cities without a State Budget” with budget officers from Berkeley, Albany and Emeryville at 12:15 p.m. in the Edith Stone Room, Albany Public Library, Masonic and Marin. Sponsored by League of Women Voters. 843-8824. office@lwvbae.org 

Test of Endurance: 50 Marathons in 50 Days with ultra-runner Dean Karnazes at 7 p.m. at REI, 1338 San Pablo Ave. 527-4140. 

Berkeley School Volunteers Orientation from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at 1835 Allston Way. Come learn about volunteer opportunities. Bring photo ID and two references. 644-8833. 

Breema Center Open House Tues.-Sat. with complementary classes and bodywork sessions, at 6076 Claremont Ave., Oakland. 428-0937. 

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

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. 

Yarn Wranglers Come knit and crochet at 6:30 p.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344. www.nomadcafe.net 

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 10 

Healthy Aging Fair Information on services and resources for older adults in Alameda County, from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Centennial Hall, 22292 Foothill Blvd., Hayward. Bus transportation available from some senior centers. Shuttle service from Hayward BART. 577-3532, 577-3540. 

Retirement Community Options for Seniors A panel discussion at 1:15 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center, 1901 Hearst Ave.  

“Be the Change” A documentary from the Living Lightly Project, at 7:30 p.m. at Humanist Hall, 390 27th St., Oakland. Donation $5. www.Humanist Hall.org 

Cohousing Slide Show with Kathyrn McCamant from Cohousing Partners at 7 p.m. at McCamant & Durrett Architects, 1250 Addison St., Suite 113. RSVP to 530-478-1970, info@cohousingpartners.com 

“Lead-Safety for Remodeling, Repair and Painting of Older Homes” A HUD and EPA approved one-day course for remodelers, renovators, painters and maintenance workers, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Alameda County Lead Poisoning Prevention Program Main Office, 2000 Embarcadero, #300, Oakland. Free to owners, and their employed maintenance crews, of residential properties built before 1978 in Alameda, Berkeley, Emeryville or Oakland. 567-8280. www.aclppp.org 

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

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 

Spanish Conversation Classes Wed. and Thurs. at 9:30 a.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center, 1901 Hearst St. 981-5190. 

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. 

Berkeley CopWatch Drop-in office hours from 6 to 8 p.m. at 2022 Blake St. 548-0425. 

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

THURSDAY, SEPT. 11 

Walkers 55+ Explore Albany History Join Karen Sorensen, co-author of the recent “Images of America: Albany” on an easy, level walk discussing early days. Meet at 10 a.m. at the Albany Senior Center, 846 Masonic. Free, but registration required. 524-9283.  

“Birding By Ear” A Thurs. eve. class at 7 p.m. at Albany Adult School, 601 San Gabriel Avenue, Albany, through Oct. 2, with Sat. a.m. field trips. Register on-line at http://albany.k12.ca.us/adult 

East Bay Science Cafe “Battle Water versus Tap Water” with Kishore Hari at 7 p.m. at La Peña. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

“Disaster Preparedness” Philip Machel, Red Cross volunteer, will give a talk on how you and your loved ones can prepare to be safe during all types of disasters, at 7 p.m. at El Cerrito Library, 6510 Stockton Ave., El Cerrito. 526-7512. 

Learning For Life Education Fair Learn about the opportunities for lifelong learning at 4 p.m. at Barbary Lane at Lake Merritt, 1800 Madison St., Oakland. RSVP to 903-3600. 

East Bay Mac Users Group meets to discuss the iPhone and MobileMe at 7 p.m. at Expression College for Digital Arts, 6601 Shellmound St., Emeryville. http://ebmug.org 

Introduction to Golf Learn pre-shot and full-swing fundamentals, and become familiar with terminology/equipment at 5:30 p.m. at Tilden Golf Course. Golf balls and loaner clubs are provided. Cost is $50-$56, but participants receive a range and class discount card. Registration required 1-888-EBPARKS. 

Improv Acting Classes Learn to create characters, scenes and stories spontaneously. No experience required. Meets every Thurs. at 6:45 p.m. at YWCA, 2600 Bancroft Way. Cost is $10. BerkeleyImprov.com 

19th Century Dancing Learn boisterous Scottish dance and elegant English dances a la Jane Austen, ongoing Thurs. at 8:15 p.m. at YWCA, 2600 Bancroft Way. Cost is $10. BerkeleyImprov.com 

Toastmasters Berkeley Communicators meeets at 7:30 a.m. at Au Coquelet, 2000 University Ave. Rob.Flammia@gmail.com. 

Three Beats for Nothing South Mostly ancient part music for fun and practice meets every Thurs. at 10 a.m. at the South Berkeley Senior Center, Ellis at Ashby. 655-8863. asiecker@sbcglobal 

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, SEPT. 12 

City Commons Club Noon Luncheon with David S. Hill on “So, You Really Want to be Secretary of State!” 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. www.citycommonsclub.org  

Stockton Avenue Art Stroll, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the El Cerrito Open House Senior Center, 6500 Stockton Ave., El Cerrito. 559-7677. 

Dialogue with Mooji a teacher in the tradition of inquiry of Ramana Maharshi at 7 p.m. at 2286 Cedar St. By donation. 495-7511. www.eastbayopencircle.org  

Walk the Line & Connect to the Home Front Walk the line of history and the keel of a victory ship, and learn about the men and women who contributed to victory on the home front during World War II, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. followed by optional 45 min. Bay Trail stroll. Meet park ranger at memorial by main parking lot at Rosie the Riveter Memorial, Marina Bay Park, Melville and Regatta, Richmond. 232-5050. www.nps.gov/rori/ 

All Hands on Deck: Building the Ships that Kept Democracy Afloat Learn about the 747 ships built at the Kaiser shipyards and the people that built them, from 2 to 3 p.m. at Historic Shipyard No. 3, 1337 Canal Blvd., Berth 6A, Richmond. Park outside SS Red Oak Victory gate. 232-5050. Directions to shipyard 237-2933. www.ssredoakvictory.com/contact.htm 

Womansong Circle Participatory Singing for women at 7:15 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Berkeley, small assembly room, 2345 Channing Way, at Dana. Suggested donation $15-$20. 525-7082. 

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. 

Three Beats for Nothing Mostly ancient part music for fun and practice meets every Fri. at 10 a.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center, Hearst at MLK. 655-8863. asiecker@sbcglobal 

SATURDAY, SEPT. 13 

People’s Park Annual Celebration at 1 p.m. at People’s Park with a rally, concert and workshops on global warming, foreclosures, and MacDonald’s firing of disabled and older workers. peoplesparkcommunity@yahoogroups.com 

String Band Contest and Crafts Fair with 20 old-time string bands competing from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Berkeley Farmers’ Market, Center St. at MLK, Jr. Way. 548-3333. www.ecologycenter.org 

9th Annual Pow Wow with Medicine Warriors Dance Troupe and All Nations Singers from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Grand Entry at noon at Clinton Park, International Boulevard between 6th & 7th Aves.,Oakland. 

“Create for Change” A community music and arts festival to support Barack Obama, Move On and Rock the Vote from 2 to 6 p.m. at Northbrae Community Church, 941 The Alameda. $20-$100 donations requested. www.createforchange.org 

People’s Grocery Annual Brunch Fundraiser “Harvesting Justice 2008” Brunch made with organic produce grown in our gardens and farm, featuring entertainment and a short presentation about People’s Grocery at 10:30 a.m. at Scottish Rite Center, 1547 Lakeside Drive, Oakland. Sign-up on-line, seats are limited. 652-7607. www.peoplesgrocery.org 

NAACP Berkeley Branch meets at 1 p.m. at 2108 Russell St. There will be a report on the 99th NAACP convention held in Cincinnati, Ohio, and branch election of the Nominating Committee. All are welcome. 845-7416. 

Oakland Eastbay NOW and Physicians for Reproductive Choice & Health present a perspective on Ballot Proposition 4 at 2 p.m. at the Rockridge Library, 5366 College Ave. Speakers include Pratima Gupta, physician at Kaiser Hospital, Libbey Bennet, Asst. Dir., PRCH, and Destiny Lopez, Ex. Dir. ACESSES/ Womens Rights Coaliton. 

El Cerrito City Hall Grand Opening Celebration from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 10890 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito. 215-4318. 

Natural History and Science Educator’s Academy Learn how to liven up your lessons with crafts, songs, and stories, Sat. and Sun. from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. For pre-school to 3rd grade teachers. Cost is $50. Registration required. 525-2233. 

Reptile Rendevous Learn about the reptiles that live in Tilden Park, from 2 to 3 p.m. at Tilden Nature Center. 525-2233. 

Marsh-kateers! An adventure hike for 6-8 year olds and their caregivers to investigate storm drains and urban run-off pollutionn, and what you and your family can do to prevent it, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Hayward Shoreline Interpretive Center, 4901 Breakwater Ave., Hayward. Cost is $6, registration required. 670-7270.  

Crossword Puzzle Tournament from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Alameda High School, Cafeteria, 2201 Encinal Ave., Alameda. Benefits the California Dictionary Project. 681-9675. www.bayareacrosswords.org 

The East Bay Chapter of The Great War Society with Dana Lombardy on “The Future of the Society and Growth Potential” at 10 a.m. at Albany Public Library, 1247 Marin Ave. in Albany. 527-7118. 

“Pornography of Power” with Robert Scheer at 7 p.m. at Alameda Free Library, Conf. Room A, 1550 Oak St., Alameda. Sponsored by Alameda Public Affairs Forum and Books Inc. Donations at the door. alamedapublicaffairs@comcast.net 

“ZiZek” A film and discussion about the “wild man of theory” who describes himself as a Marxist"and a Communist at 7 p.m. at The Institute for the Critical Study of Society, at 6501 Telegraph Ave., Oakland. 595-7417. 

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

Walk the Line & Connect to the Home Front Walk the line of history and the keel of a victory ship, and learn about the men and women who contributed to victory on the home front during World War II, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. followed by optional 45 min. Bay Trail stroll. Meet park ranger at memorial by main parking lot at Rosie the Riveter Memorial, Marina Bay Park, Melville and Regatta, Richmond. 232-5050. www.nps.gov/rori/ 

All Hands on Deck: Building the Ships that Kept Democracy Afloat Learn about the 747 ships built at the Kaiser shipyards and the people that built them, from 2 to 3 p.m. at Historic Shipyard No. 3, 1337 Canal Blvd., Berth 6A, Richmond. Park outside SS Red Oak Victory gate. 232-5050. Directions to shipyard 237-2933. www.ssredoakvictory.com/contact.htm 

Buddhist Healing Ceremony Dungse Rigzin Dorje Rinpoche will conduct the Healing Chod Sat. and Sun. from 1 to 5 p.m. at Rudramandir, 830 Bancroft Way. Bring a blanket to lie on and food or drink for offering on Sun. Donation $195 for the Zandokpalri temple in India. 323-2651. 

“Beyond Health: Never Be Sick Again” with Raymond Francis at 2:30 p.m. at Elephant Pharm, 1607 Shattuck Ave. 549-9200. 

Guinea-Piggy-Thon Everything you want to know about adopting a guinea pig or bonding your lonely pet with a new friend, caring for your guinea pig, and making gourmet salads for your new herbivore from 2 to 5 p.m. at RabbitEARS, 377 Colusa Ave., Kensington. 525-6155. www.rabbitears.org 

Meditation Class at noon at 7th Heaven Yoga Studio, 2820 7th St. Free. 665-4300. 

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. 

Car Wash Benefit for Options Recovery Services of Berkeley, held every Sat. from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Lutheran Church, 1744 University Ave. 666-9552. 

SUNDAY, SEPT. 14 

34th annual Solano Stroll “Stroll for Health” with community information booths, food and entertainment, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. along Solano Ave. in Berkeley and Albany. www.solanoave.org 

Friends of the Alameda Wildlife Refuge Workday Help prepare habitat for California Least Terns Meet at the main refuge gate at the northwest corner of former Alameda Naval Air Station at 9 a.m. For more information or for directions email jrobinson@goldengateaudubon.org 

Inroduction to Fly-Fishing Learn casting at Lake Anza followed by classroom insturuction on knots, fly selection, reading the water, and more. From 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Tilden Park. Cost is $60-$66. Registration required. 1-888-EBPARKS. 

Personal Theology Seminar with Huston Smith and Walter Truett Anderson at 10 a.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, 1 Lawson Rd., Kensington. 525-0302, ext. 306. 

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

Feldenkrais for Breast Cancer Survivors at 5 p.m. at Elephant Pharm, 1607 Shattuck Ave. 549-9200. 

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. 

Tibetan Buddhism with Bob Byrne on “Glimpse of Wisdom” at 6 p.m. at the Tibetan Nyingma Institute, 1815 Highland Pl. 809-1000. www.nyingmainstitute.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 

Community Environmental Advisory Commission meets Thurs., Sept. 4, at 7 p.m., at 2118 Milvia St. Nabil Al-Hadithy, 981-7461.  

Housing Advisory Commission meets Thurs., Sept. 4, at 7 p.m., at the South Berkeley Senior Center. Oscar Sung, 981-5400.  

Landmarks Preservation Commission meets Thurs., Sept. 4, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-7419.  

Council Agenda Committee meets Mon. Sept. 8, at 2:30 p.m., at 2180 Milvia St. 981-6900. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/ 

citycouncil/agenda-committee 

Peace and Justice Commission meets Mon., Sept. 8, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-5510.  

Youth Commission meets Mon., Sept. 8, at 6:30 p.m., at City Council Chambers, Old City Hall. 981-6670. 

Commission on Disability meets Wed., Sept. 10, at 6:30 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-6346. TDD: 981-6345.  

Homeless Commission meets Wed., Sept. 10, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-5426. 

Planning Commission meets Wed., Sept. 10, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-7484.  

Police Review Commission meets Wed., Sept. 10, at the South Berkeley Senior Center. 981-4950.  

Waterfront Commission meets Wed., Sept. 10, at 7 p.m., at 201 University Ave. 981-6740.  

Commission on Early Childhood Education meets Thurs., Sept. 11, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-5428. 

Community Health Commission meets Thurs., Sept. 11, at 6:45 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-5356.  

West Berkeley Project Area Commission meets Thurs., Sept. 11, at 7 p.m., at the West Berkeley Senior Center. 981-7520. 

Zoning Adjustments Board meets Thurs., Sept. 11, at 7 p.m., in City Council Chambers. 981-7410.

THURSDAY, SEPT. 4 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Samuel Lucas, in conversation with Aarti Shah on “Theorizing Discrimination in an Era of Contested Prejudice” at 5:30 p.m. at University Press Books, 2430 Bancroft Way. 548-0585. www.universitypressbooks.com 

Raj Patel discusses his book “Stuffed and Starved: The Hidden Battle for the World Food System” at 7 p.m. at Revolution Books 2425 Channing Way. 848-1196. 

Hannah Stein and Susan Kelly-DeWitt, poets, read at 7 p.m. at the Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave. 526-3720. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Afrissippi at 9 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Workshop at 8 p.m. Cost is $10-$15. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Rick Udler at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $18.50-$19.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

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

Víctor Martínez, singer-songwriter from Oaxaca, at 8 p.m. at La Peña. Cost is $8-$10. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

The Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey at 9 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $12. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com 

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

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

Jane Monheit at 8 and 10 p.m., through Sun. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $18-$24. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

FRIDAY, SEPT. 5 

THEATER 

“A Noir Musical” and “Staged Reading” Thurs.-Fri. at 8 p.m., Sat. at 2 and 8 p.m., at Live Oak Theater, 1301 Shattuck Ave. Tickets are $16. 800-838-3006. 

Aurora Theatre “The Best Man” Wed.-Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2 and 7 p.m. at 2081 Addison St. through Sept. 28. Tickets are $40-$42. 843-4822. www.auroratheatre.org 

Berkeley Rep “Yellowjackets” by Itamar Moses, a Berkeley resident, set at Berkeley High School, Tues.-Sun. at the Thrust Stage, 2025 Addison St., through Oct. 12. Tickets are $27-$71. 647-2949. berkeleyrep.org 

Impact Theatre “Ching Chong Chinaman” Thurs.-Sun. at 8 p.m. at La Val’s Subterranean, through Oct. 11. Tickets are $10-$17. 464-4468. impacttheatre.com 

Masquers Playhouse “The Petrified Forest” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2:30 p.m. at 105 Park Place, Point Richmond, through Sept. 27. Tickets are $18. 232-4031. www.masquers.org 

Oakland Public Theater, “Before the Dream: The mysterious death (and life) of Richard Wright” Thurs.-Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 5 p.m. at the Noodle Factory Performince Arts Center, 1255 26th St., corner of Union, Oakland, through Oct. 5. Tickets are $9-$20. 534-9529. www.brownpapertickets.com 

Rough and Tumble “Candide” Thurs.-Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun at 7 p.m. at Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant Ave. through Sept. 21. Tickets are $16-$22. 499-0356. www.randt.org 

Shotgun Players “Ubu for President” An adaptation of the plays of Alfred Jarry, Sat. and Sun. at 4 p.m. at John Hinkel Park, Southampton Ave., off the Arlington, through Sept. 14. Free, donations accepted. 841-6500. www.shotgunplayers.org 

Woodminster Summer Musicals “The Pirates of Penzance” Fri.-Sun. at 8 p.m., at Woodminster Amphitheater in Joaquin Miller Park, 3300 Joaquin Miller Rd., Oakland. through Sept. 15. Tickets are $23-$38. 531-9597. www.woodminster.com 

EXHIBITIONS 

Doug Minkler “Banned and Recovered: Artist Responds to Censorship” Opening reception at 6:30 p.m. at the African American Museum and Library, 659 14th St., Oakland. Through Dec. 31. 637-0200. 

“Enduring Fashion: Tribal Costumes from Southwest China” Opening reception at 5 p.m. at Ethnic Arts, 1314 10th St. 415-812-0015. www.redgingko.com 

“The Reading Chair” A story by Vicki Gunter, read in performance. Ceramic sculpture illustrate the story. At 7 p.m. at Oakopolis, 447 25th St., Oakland. 663-6920. 

Botanical Photographs by Bruce Schneider at Christensen Heller Gallery, 5829 College Ave., Oakland, through Nov. 2. Gallery hours are Wed.-Sat. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sun. noon to 5 p.m. 655-5952. 

“Double Vision” Works by David Best, Donald Farnsworth, Era Farnsworth, Robert Hudson, Raymond Saunders, Richard Shaw and William Wiley. Reception at 7 p.m. at Front Gallery, 35 Grand Ave., Oakland. 444-1900. 

Joesam “New Works: Paintings” Opening reception at 5:30 p.m. at Joyce Gordon Gallery, 406 14th St., Oakland. www.joycegordongallery.com 

“Kwatro-Kantos” Works by the Filipino Collective. Artists’ reception at 6 p.m. at 21 Grand, 416 25th St., at Broadway, Oakland. 444-7263. www.kwatro-kantos.com 

“Chosen Terrain” Pastel drawings by Jamie Morgan, photographs by Mary Curtis Ratcliff. Opening reception at 6 p.m. at Mercury 20 Gallery, 25 Grand Ave., Oakland. Exhibition runs through Sept. 27. 701-4620. www.mercurytwenty.com 

Eth6 Magazine Issue 3: Contributing Artist Exhibition Reception at 7 p.m. at blankspace, 6608 San Pablo Ave., Oakland. 547-6608. 

“heavy fierce brightness” a sculpture and sound installation by Colin Stinson. Opening reception at 6 p.m. at Chandra Cerrito Contamporary, 25 Grand Ave., upper level, Oakland. Exhibit runs through Sept. 27. 415-577-7537. 

“Bob’s Wondrous Women” Works by Robert Wahrhaftig. Opening reception at 7 p.m. at Frank Bette Center for the Arts, 1601 Paru St., Alameda. info@frankbettecenter.org 

FILM 

ITVS Community Cinema “Runners High” A documentary by Justine Jacob and Alex da Silva on teenagers from a tough East Oakland neighborhood training for a marathon at 6:30 p.m., followed by discussion, at Oakland Museum of California, 1000 Oak St., Oakland. Part of the Port Huron Project 5. 238-2200. www.museumca.org 

“Urban Landscapes” Film and video shown at 8 p.m., outdoors on The Great Wall of Oakland, Grand Ave just west of Broadway. www.oaklandculturalarts.org 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Studio One Reading Series with William Moor and Daphne Gottlieb at 7:30 p.m. at Studio One, 365 45th St. at Broadway, Oakland. Suggested donation $3-$15. 597-5027. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Right Rights for all People A benefit for Berkeley Organizing Congregations for Action at 7 p.m. at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 2727 College Ave. Suggested donation $15. 665-5821. 

Bernard Anderson and Old School Flavor at 5 p.m. at Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak Sts. Cost is $5-$8. 238-2200. www.museumca.org 

“The Best Kept Secret” at 8 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $10-$20. 845-5373. www.jazzschool.com 

Rhonda Benin & Her Trio at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $12. 841-JAZZ.  

Stompy Jones at 9:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Dance lesson at 8 p.m. Cost is $10-$13. 525-5054.  

Rosebud Blue at 1 p.m. at Down Home Music, 10341 San Pablo Avenue, El Cerrito, free and at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $18.50-$19.50. 548-1761.  

“Un Viernes Flamenco” at 8 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $15-$18. 849-2568.  

The Original Crooked Jades, The Stripmall Ballads at 9 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $9. 841-2082.  

Born/Dead, Dead Section, Fix My Head 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. 

Arc Angel, Black Lung, Pop Ices at 9 p.m. at Shattuck Down Low, 2284 Shattuck Ave. Cost is $5-$7. 548-1159.  

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

Kit Smith & Tanya Livingstone at 8 p.m. at Caffe Trieste, 2500 San Pablo Ave. 548-5198.  

Jane Monheit at 8 and 10 p.m., through Sun. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $18-$24. 238-9200.  

SATURDAY, SEPT. 6 

CHILDREN  

“Harvest at the Lake” Native American stories at 12:30 and 3:30 p.m. at Children’s Fairyland, 699 Bellevue Ave., Oakland. Cost is $6. 452-2259. www.fairyland.org 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Reconfigured Figurines” Works by Susan Sanford. Opening reception at 2 p.m. at Alta Galleria, 2890 College Ave., Suite 4. 414-4485. www.altagalleria.com 

“Pastelium” Color pigment photographsby Joseph Finkleman. Opening reception at 6 p.m. at Photolab Gallery, 2235 Fifth St. 644-1400. 

THEATER 

Stone Soup Improv at 8 p.m. at Temescal Arts Center, 511 48th St. at Telegraph, Oakland. Tickets are $6-$9. www.stonesoupimprov.com 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Bay Area Poets Coalition open reading from 3 to 5 p.m. at Strawberry Creek Lodge, 1320 Addison St. Park on the street, not in Lodge parking lot. 527-9905. poetalk@aol.com 

“Jim Copp, Will You Tell Me A Story?” publication party at 7:30 p.m. at Mrs. Dalloways, 2904 College Ave. 704-8222. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Blumenstock & Johnson, violin and harpsichord, perform Bach and Telemann at 8 p.m. at Trinity Chapel, 2320 Dana St. Cost is $10-$15. 549-3864. www.trinitychamberconcerts.com 

Angela Gheorghiu, soprano with the San Francisco Opera Orchestra at 8 p.m. at Zellerbach Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $35-$100. 642-9988. www.calperformances.net 

Macy Blackman & the Mighty Fines at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $14. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

Pellejo Seco at 9:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cuban salsa lesson at 8:30 p.m. Cost is $15. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com  

Antoinette Adwoa Kudoto, Ghana’s female master drummer at 8 p.m. at La Peña. Cost is $8-$10. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Gateswingers Jazz Band at 8 p.m. at 33 Revolutions Record Shop and Cafe, 10086 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito. 898-1836.  

Sotaque Baiano, Brazilian, at 8 p.m. at Shattuck Down Low, 2284 Shattuck Ave. Cost is $5-$10. 548-1159. www.shattuckdownlow.com 

George Kuo, Martin Pahinui and Aaron Mahi at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $19.50-$20.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Allison Miller’s Boom Tic Boom at 8 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $18. 845-5373. www.jazzschool.com 

Burlesque ‘n’ Brass, featuring Hot Pink Feathers and Blue Bone at 9 p.m. at Café Van Kleef, 1621 Telegraph Ave., Oakland. Cost is $10. 763-7711. 

Dogwood Speaks, Brod Rob, The Knosckout Brothers at 9 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $8. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com 

La Plebe, Disaster Strikes, Armistice at 8 p.m. at 924 Gilman St., an all-ages, member-run, no alcohol, no drugs, no violence club. Cost is $5. 525-9926. 

SUNDAY, SEPT. 7 

EXHIBITIONS 

“At Play” Paintings by Angie Cha, Julie Lee Gochman and Jamie Treacy, and mixed media figurative sculpture by Marsha Balian. Artists’ reception at 3 p.m. at Community Art Gallery, Alta Bates Summit Medical Center, 2450 Ashby Ave. Exhibition runs through Nov. 13. 204-1667.  

“Remembering Chile & the Journeys of Migration” Works by Lydia Nakashims Degarrod, Shy Hamilton and Megan Vrolijik, at La Peña. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Americana Unplugged at 5 p.m. at Jupiter. 843-8277. 

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

Sheppard’s Krook, Ed’s in Therapy, Jenna & The Big Weenies, Resucitations, in a benefit for Children’s Hospital, at 4 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $8. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Linda Tillery & the Cultural Heritage Choir at 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. at La Peña. Cost is $22-$25. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

MONDAY, SEPT. 8 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Rose Fox, author of “Memories of Love and Laughter” reads at 7 p.m. at Kensington Library, 61 Arlington Ave. 524-3043. 

El Cerrito Art Association with Dmitry Grudsky, guest artist, at 7:30 p.m. in the Garden Room, City Council Chambers, El Cerrito Community Center, 7007 Moeser Lane at Ashbury Ave. 234-5028. 

Tom Pickard reads from his poetry and prose at 7:30 p.m. at Moe’s Books, 2476 Telegraph Ave. 849-2087. 

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

MUSIC AND DANCE 

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

Richard Julian, Bhi Bhiman at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage Coffee House. Cost is $14.50-$15.50. 548-1761 www.freightandsalvage.org 

Downtown Jam Session with Glen Pearson at 7 p.m. at Ed Kelly Hall, Oakland Public Conservatory of Music, 1616 Franklin St., Oakland. Cost is $5. www.opcmucsic.org 

Mo’Fone at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $14. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

TUESDAY, SEPT. 9 

THEATER 

San Francisco Mime Troupe “Red State” at 7 p.m. at Laney College, Oakland. Free, donations accepted. 415-285-1717. www.sfmt.org 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Creative Expressions” by East Bay Women Artists, at Royal Ground Gallery, 2058 Mountain Blvd., Oakland. Exhibition runs to Nov. 1. 841-0441. 

“Art for Humanity: United Nations Goals” Group show at Giorgi Gallery, 2911 CLaremont Ave., through Sept. 28. 848-1228. 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

John Brandi & Michael McClure read their poetry at 7:30 p.m. at Moe’s Books, 2476 Telegraph Ave. 849-2087. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Tom Rigney & Flambeau 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, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $5. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

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

Lolita Sweet at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $10-$20. 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, SEPT. 10 

EXHIBITIONS 

“The American President” Photographs from the Associated Press Reception at 5 p.m., panel discussion at 6:30 p.m. at North Gate Hall, Grad. School of Journalism, corner of Hearst and Euclid. Exhibition runs to Jan. 20. RSVP to events@journalism.berkeley.edu 

“Mahjong: Contemporary Chinese Art from the Sigg Collection” Opens at the Berkeley Art Museum, 2626 Bancroft Way. Cost is $3-$8. 642-0808. bampfa.berkeley.edu 

THEATER 

“Bizarro” Mult-media performance with cartoonist Dan Piraro at 8 p.m. at The Grand Lake Theater, 3200 Grand Ave., Oakland. Tickets are $12. 452-3556. 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Neal Stephenson, author of the “The Baroque Cycle,” reads at 7:30 p.m. at Moe’s Books, 2476 Telegraph Ave. 849-2087. 

Patricia J. Graham on “Veneration and Imagery of Buddhist “Saints” in Japan from 1700 to Presernt” at 4 p.m. at the IEAS Conference Room, 2223 Fulton St., 6th flr. 643-6536. 

Cafe Poetry at 7:30 p.m. at La Peña. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

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

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Toyoji’s Song: Toyoji Tomita Memorial Concert, a benefit concert featuring Roscoe Mitchell, Pauline Oliveros, Stuart Dempster, and other new and experimental music performers at 7:30 p.m. at Lisser Hall, Mills College, 5000 MacArthur Blvd., Oakland. Suggested donation $20. All proceeds go to the Tomita Fund for the family. 

Wednesday Noon Concert, with Michael Seth Orland, piano, at Hertz Hall, UC Campus. Free. 642-4864. http://music.berkeley.edu 

Iron & the Albatross with Ara Anderson, Todd Sickafooses’s Blood Orange at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $18.50-$19.50. 548-1761.  

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

Balkan Folkdance at 8 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $7. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.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.  

Neurohumors, improvisational music, at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 843-8277. 

James Carter at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $10-$20. 238-9200. 

THURSDAY, SEPT. 11 

THEATER 

San Francisco Mime Troupe “Red State” at 7 p.m. at Lake Merritt, Oakland. Free, donations accepted. 415-285-1717. www.sfmt.org 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Human Remains” Art influenced by the Iraq war opens at Float Art Gallery, 1091 Calcot Place, Unit # 116, Oakland. 535-1702. 

Pro Arts New Visions 2008 Group Show Artists’ reception at 6 p.m. at Pro Arts Gallery, 550 Second St., Oakland, and runs through Oct. 24. www.proartsgallery.org 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

“Writin’ on Empty: Parents Reveal the Upside, Downside, and Everything in Between When Children Leave the Nest” at 7:30 p.m. at Mrs. Dalloways, 2904 College Ave. 704-8222. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

New Century Chamber Orchestra “Nadja Plays Piazzolla” The Sounds of Brazil and Argentina with Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg, violin, at 8 p.m. at First Congregational Church, 2345 Channing Way. Tickets are $32-$45. 415-357-1111. www.ncco.org 

Phoenix & Afterbuffalo at 9:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $10-$20 sliding scale. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Berkeley Old Time Music Convention with Sheila Kay Adms, Evo Bluestein, and the Stairwell Sisters at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $15.50-$16.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

John Herbst’s “Epicenter” at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $10. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

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

Lady Genius The Parish, Sweetie at 9 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $8. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com 

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

Bill Collins at 8 p.m. at 924 Gilman St., an all-ages, member-run, no alcohol, no drugs, no violence club. Cost is $5. 525-9926. 

James Carter at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $10-$20. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

FRIDAY, SEPT. 12 

THEATER 

Aurora Theatre “The Best Man” Wed.-Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2 and 7 p.m. at 2081 Addison St. through Sept. 28. Tickets are $40-$42. 843-4822. www.auroratheatre.org 

Berkeley Rep “Yellowjackets” by Itamar Moses, a Berkeley resident, set at Berkeley High School, Tues.-Sun. at the Thrust Stage, 2025 Addison St., through Oct. 12. Tickets are $27-$71. 647-2949. berkeleyrep.org 

Impact Theatre “Ching Chong Chinaman” Thurs.-Sat at 8 p.m. at La Val’s Subterranean, to Oct. 11. Tickets are $10-$17. 464-4468. impacttheatre.com 

Masquers Playhouse “The Petrified Forest” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2:30 p.m. at 105 Park Place, Point Richmond, through Sept. 27. Tickets are $18. 232-4031. www.masquers.org 

Oakland Public Theater, “Before the Dream: The mysterious death (and life) of Richard Wright” Thurs.-Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 5 p.m. at the Noodle Factory Performing Arts Center, 1255 26th St., corner of Union, Oakland, through Oct. 5. Tickets are $9-$20. 534-9529. www.brownpapertickets.com 

Rough and Tumble “Candide” Thurs.-Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun at 7 p.m. at Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant Ave. through Sept. 21. Tickets are $16-$22. 499-0356. www.randt.org 

Shotgun Players “Ubu for President” An adaptation of the plays of Alfred Jarry, Sat. and Sun. at 4 p.m. at John Hinkel Park, Southampton Ave., off the Arlington, through Sept. 14. Free, donations accepted. 841-6500. www.shotgunplayers.org 

Woodminster Summer Musicals “The Pirates of Penzance” Fri.-Sun. at 8 p.m., at Woodminster Amphitheater in Joaquin Miller Park, 3300 Joaquin Miller Rd., Oakland. through Sept. 15. Tickets are $23-$38. 531-9597. www.woodminster.com 

FILM 

“Pennies From Heaven” View and discuss the archetypal, mythic, depth psychological dimensions af the film at 7 p.m. at The Dream Institute, 1672 University near McGee. Cost is $12. 845-1767. 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Contemporary Abstracts” Works by Susan Putnam, Leslie Carabas, Cathy Coe, Mary DePaolo and Mitchel Rubin. Opening reception at 6 p.m. at ACCI Gallery, 1652 Shattuck Ave. Exhibition runs to Oct. 5. 843-2527. 

“Goddesses” Prints by Mayumi Oda Artist’s talk at 5:30 p.m. at IEAS Gallery, 2223 Fulton St. 6th flr. 643-6536. 

Eth6 Magazine Issue 3:Contributing Artist Exhibition Artist reception at 7 p.m. at blankspace, 6608 San Pablo Ave., Oakland. 547-6608. 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Cathy Barber, Arthur Dawson, Albert Flynn DeSilver, and others read as part of The Last Word Reading Series, at 7 p.m. at Nefeli Caffe, 1854 Euclid Ave, just north of Hearst. 841-6374. 

Christopher Grampp describes “From Yard to Garden: The Domestication of America’s Home Grounds” at 7:30 p.m. at Mrs. Dalloways, 2904 College Ave. 704-8222. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Point Richmond Summer Music with Gumbo West and Ed Early at 5:30 p.m. outdoors at Park Place in downtown Point Richmond. www.pointrichmond.com 

Los Camperos De Valles, La Colectiva, in a celebration of Mexican Independence Day at 9 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $12. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Kristen Strom & Jennifer Scott Quartet at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $12. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

Donny McCaslin at 8 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $12. 845-5373. www.jazzschool.com 

Creation, reggae, at 9:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $10-$13. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

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

Berkeley Old Time Music Convention with Benton Flippen, Paul Brown & Frank Bode, Claeb Klauder & Sammy Lind and Rayna Gellert at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $15.50-$16.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Nada Lewis, Eastern European, French and italian violin and accordian, at 7 p.m. at Le Bateau Ivre, 2629 Telegraph Ave. www.lebateauivre.net 

Locura, Sol Jibe, Maracatu Luta at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $10. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com 

Ceremony, Foreign Nature, Crucified, benefit for EDS, at 7:30 p.m. at 924 Gilman St., an all-ages, member-run, no alcohol, no drugs, no violence club. Cost is $8-$10. 525-9926. 

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

The Itals at 9 p.m. at Shattuck Down Low, 2284 Shattuck Ave. Cost is $13-$18. 548-1159.  

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

El Debarge at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square, through Sun. Cost is $40. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

SATURDAY, SEPT. 13 

CHILDREN  

“The Girl Who Lost Her Smile” adapted from a poem by Rumi, at 12:30 and 3:30 p.m. at Children’s Fairyland, 699 Bellevue Ave., Oakland. Cost is $6. 452-2259. www.fairyland.org 

“The Sleeping Giant: A Tale from Kaua’i” at 1 p.m. at Museum of Children’s Art, 538 Ninth St., Oakland. 465-8770. 

EXHIBITIONS 

Landscape and Urban Photography by Patrick Smith Opening reception at 3 p.m. at the LightRoom Gallery, 2263 Fifth St., and runs through Oct. 3. 649-8111. www.lightroom.com 

“Human Remains” Art influenced by the Iraq war. Requiem and performance at 6 p.m. at Float Art Gallery, 1091 Calcot Place, Unit # 116, Oakland. Cost is $2. 535-1702. 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

“Places at the Table: Asian Women Artists and Gender Dynamics” A conference from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Berkeley Art Museum, 2621 Durant Ave. Free, but registration required. http://ieas.berkeley.edu/events/2008.09.13w.html 

Robert Scheer introduces his new book “Pornography of Power” at 7 p.m. at Alameda Free Library, Conf. Room A, 1550 Oak St., Alameda. Sponsored by Alameda Public Affairs Forum and Books Inc. donations at the door. alamedapublicaffairs@comcast.net 

Society of American Magicians “Stars of Magic” at 12:30 p.m. at Julia Morgan Center for the Arts, 2640 College Ave. Tickets are $10-$14. 925-798-1300. www.willowstickets.org 

Deep Green Comedy Show at 8 p.m. at Julia Morgan Center for the Arts, 2640 College Ave. Tickets are $10-$25. 925-798-1300. www.willowstickets.org 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra “Myth & the Muse” at 8 p.m. at First Congregational Church, 2345 Channing Way. For ticket information call 415-252-1288. 

Create for Change A Community Music & Arts Festival to support Barack Obama, Move On and Rock the Vote with music by The Jolly Gibsons, Mo’Fone, Youngsters, EthNohTec, Joel Ben Izzy, from 2 to 6 p.m. at Northbrae Community Church, 941 The Alameda. Donation $20-$100. www.createforchange.org 

“Experience on the GreenChapter One” Performances by Roberta Flack, Patrice Rushen, Dr. Donald Byrd, Ray Parker Jr., Michael Henderson, drummer Ndugu Chancler, and Kevin Toney of the Blackbyrds at 2 p.m., doors at noon, at The Great Court Garden of the Oakland Museum, 1000 Oak St., Oakland. Tickets are $70-$125. 1-877-EXP-THE-GREEN. www.511Tickets.com, www.brownpapertickets.com. 

Amor Cubano, with music, performances, food and dancing at 7 p.m. at Pro Arts Gallery, 550 2nd St., Oakland. Cost is $10 and up. 590-6762. 

Sammy Figueroa and his Latin Jazz Explosion at 8 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $16-$18. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Ellen Hoffman Quartet featuring India Cooke at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $14. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

Berkeley Old Time Music Convention Square Dance with Foghorn String Band, Benton Flippen, Paul Brown, Frank Bode & Friends, Squirrelly String Band. Clogging workshop at 7 p.m., Square Dance at 7:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $15, children 5-18 $5. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com  

Dya Singh at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $18.50-$19.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Roger Rocha and the Golden hearts at 9:30 p.m. at Beckett’s Irish Pub, 2271 Shattuck Ave. 647-1790. www.beckettsirishpub.com 

“The Erotic Campaign” Performance by Frank Moore at 8 p.m. at Wildcat Studio, 2525 8th St., studio #15. 526-7858. fmoore@eroplay.com 

Steve Carter Jazz Trio at 9:30 p.m. at Albatross, 1822 San Pablo Ave. Cost is $3. 843-2473. www.albatrosspub.com 

Dylan, Val Esway and El Mirage, Joni Davis, Michael Hamm at 9 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $10. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com 

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

Floating Corpses, Hunx and his Punx, The No Gos at 8 p.m. at 924 Gilman St., an all-ages, member-run, no alcohol, no drugs, no violence club. Cost is $5. 525-9926. 

El Debarge at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square, through Sun. Cost is $40. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

SUNDAY, SEPT. 14 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Aimee Suzara reads from her poems “The Space Between” at 7 p.m. at La Peña. Cost is $5-$8. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Matthew McKay reads from his novel “Wawona Hotel” at 4 p.m. at Mrs. Dalloways, 2904 College Ave. 704-8222. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Memorial Concert for Jorge Liderman, featuring music by Liderman, at 2 p.m. at Hertz Hall, UC Campus. 642-9988. www.calperformances.net 

Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra “Myth & the Muse” at 7:30 p.m. at First Congregational Church, 2345 Channing Way. For ticket information call 415-252-1288. 

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

Americana Unplugged at 5 p.m. at Jupiter. 843-8277. 

Big Lou’s Polka Casserole at 5 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $10. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Pappa Gianni and the North Beach Band at 2 p.m. at Caffe Trieste, 2500 San Pablo Ave., at Dwight. 548-5198.  

Asher/LaMacchia at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $18.50-$19.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

“This is Candide. He’s just like you ... Get out!” The Everyman hero of Voltaire’s tale outlives all the considerable horror of his age. He has a happy childhood as student of an optimistic philosopher in Westphalia (“the best of countries in the best of all possible worlds” in the garden of “the best of all possible castles”), then is ejected from this self-proclaimed paradise into the disasters of war, earthquake and tempest. He survives the Inquisition’s auto-da-fe as well as just plain, low-down deception, the turmoil of love and complexities of friendship, while moving across Europe, the high seas, to the New World and back again—and finally, down on the farm, quietly insists, “We must cultivate our garden.”  

Now, 250 years later, this story still proves both scathing, satiric testimony for skepticism and a champion for the ethic of universal toleration in Humanism. 

Rough and Tumble, Berkeley’s 14-year-old company, which staged Brecht with the Shotgun Players at Hinkel Park, followed by last year’s 43 Plays for 43 Presidents on their own in the subterranean space beneath La Val’s Northside, has just opened at the Berkeley City Club in playwright Len Jenkin’s adaptation, Candide, or Optimism, of Voltaire’s picaresque conte (though ever-innocent Candide never exactly becomes a sly picaro) in the kind of circular (or spiral) storytelling theatrical process that’s become the troupe’s hallmark. 

Episode rushes after vignette. The hair-raising is dogged by humor as the Rough and Tumble ensemble essays Voltaire’s burlesque (yet apotheosis) of the morality tale, with various players in turn recounting the story, the group often answering as a call-and-response chorus, swiftly changing countries as fast as changing roles. The speed of the storytelling is salutary, making the overall contour of the tale stand out from the torrent of events, though the tempo seems to let up in the second half. 

This sort of round robin of narration and acting works pretty well with a string of related events. With other kinds of plays, it might cut the dynamics.  

Some of the players, under the direction of co-founder Cliff Mayotte, are longtime or original Rough-and-Tumblers: Louise Chegwidden, who portrays the optimist philosopher Dr. Pangloss, among others; Carolyn Doyle, the South American colonial Governor Don Fernando (with suave rubber-banded mustache) and Candide’s skeptical friend Martin; Janet Keller (who’s also worked with Kaliyuga Arts) as both Jacques the good Anabaptist and the resilient Old Woman; Eowyn Mader as the lovely, then ravaged Paquette, after whom Pangloss lusts; Stewart Evan Smith, as the King of El Dorado, and many others. 

There are also some bright new faces: Diana Dorel Gutierrez as the fair Cunegonde; Wayne Lee as faithful guide Cacambo; and Leon Goertzen (who’s been seen with Impact, The Rep, Aurora and the Mime Troupe) as Candide.  

Oakland jazz saxophonist and composer Philip Greenlief accompanies the action, mostly on clarinet, guitar and percussion, and plays a few characters to boot.  

Each lends a different savor to the big cannibal stew of human types Voltaire has concocted, and Rough and Tumble serves up, first placing a smiling portrait of the old philosopher among the books that line the mantel in the chamber theater of the City Club at the start of the show.  

CANDIDE, OR OPTIMISM 

8 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays and 7 p.m. Sundays through Sept. 21 at 

Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant Ave.  

$16-22. 499-0356.  

randt.org or brownpapertickets.com. 

From the first entrance of a candidate and his “entourage” into a tacky hotel room (Richard Olmstead’s set), surrounded by reporters, with the sound of a crowd outside the quickly shut door, to the final cliffhanger of an instruction phoned in to a delegation that changes the voting of a deadlocked convention, the Aurora’s timely revival of The Best Man, Gore Vidal’s 1960 play about politicians, their wives, their flacks and operatives—and their pasts, their secrets—is played out with clockwork timing that emphasizes Vidal’s wit and the inexorable grinding of the great public machine in the convention hall outside the private little rooms, where the decisions and their stakes are mulled, joshed at—and sparred over. 

Artistic director Tom Ross presides over a cast with real depth, some taking on a pair of roles, each adding to the ensemble effect of the tensions and stresses—private made public and vice versa—that lift this commercially successful play (made into a film five years later with Henry Fonda; Ronald Reagan was rejected for a part because he didn’t have “that presidential look”) above potboiler status, its well-wrought plot and characters succeeding in making a simulacrum of the craziness and calculation of that “best laid plans” sprint to the nomination  

It’s an idealized simulacrum. When John Kennedy—assured the philandering of the principal character wasn’t a reflection of his own—critiqued the play to Vidal (Tom Ross quotes Vidal’s memoir in his notes), he remarked that there was never any time while campaigning to indulge in the ruminations that fill the rooms like smoke, interspersing the action. Vidal said he replied that no audience would understand the shorthand politicos express themselves in. JFK laughed, then gave another insider’s piquant remark: “When a politician says to you, ‘Jack, if there’s anything I can do for you, just let me know,’ that means you’re dead.” 

There’s much of that kind of inadvertently—and very advertent—ironic shoptalk, as fortunes change quickly with rumor, both floating and planted. Vidal’s ear is tuned to the idiom, and he’s able to make both soliloquies and exchanges out of it, with something of the Wildean touch for bon mots—and acid raggings.  

His background in TV and mystery writing (gained when he was effectively blackballed as a novelist and celebrity from mention in the press and welcomed in publishing houses because of his work’s “degeneracy”) comes through strongly in the constant machinations of the plot, which both absorb and provide a podium for the remarks he must have savored. 

Charles Shaw Robinson plays the part of Secretary William Russell, catching the particular air of the meditative intellectual and very private man who thrusts himself into public life. He quotes Bertrand Russell (“no relation,” though he agrees his homonym was fired from an American college faculty, “but only for moral turpitude”) and promises his manager (a good, stolid Michael Patrick Gaffney) he’ll only project blandness in the future. 

This is an irony in itself. The part of Bill Russell, loaded with witticisms, stiffened with the applied odor—or fragrance—of potential scandal—can’t escape the blandness of the theatrically heroic leading man. Shaw Robinnson uses every bit of his considerable ability to give the candidate nuance, and does, without breaking his Ivy League demeanor. Emilie Talbot has something of the same problem with the role of Russell’s estranged wife Alice, and also acquits herself admirably. They appear, almost effortlessly, to have that gloss, that slight, stiff remoteness of a First Couple during the postwar, pre-Vietnam—and “Nixonian”—era. 

Their opposite numbers: number two and trying harder, with each self-serving, sickly-sweet coated barb he can fling, and the smarmy remarks she can churn out with a drawl, a cigarette and a lipstick smile—are Senator Joseph Cantwell and his wife, Mabel, played with comic verve and deadliness by Tim Kniffen and Deb Fink. If the others are political animals, they’re beasts in the jungle, and they lend the play its ballast of ferocity and low comedy. 

It’s one of the nicest of many ironies that “the last of the great hicks,” secretly-moribund President Art Hockstader (a gleefully, professionally hypocritical ex-farmboy political oldtimer from the days “you had to pour God over everything like ketchup,” played with humorous brio by Charles Dean) is almost set to endorse the underdog, only to be piqued by the cluelessness of his voracious ambition and lack of ethics (and judgment). The accent is on cluelessness—he doesn’t have that presidential deadpan, the president intones—though he grows irritated with his secretary of state for Hamletizing, for not seizing the moment to out-smear the smearer and grasp the ring. 

The others—Elizabeth Benedict as Mrs. Gammage, the Southern Party creature, who gushes that she “loves eggheads in politics!”, Brendan Kussman, Michael Cassidy, and a slightly slimy and too-eager-to-please Jackson Davis as Cantwell’s old Army buddy—who come to tell all that happened in the Aleutians (where Vidal was based, and his “degenerate” works set) are just as on top of their game as the principals. 

It’s a great and thoughtful—and timely—entertainment, combining the rapaciousness and reflectiveness public life conjures up: looking in the mirror, Russell extemporizes, “Is there anything more indecent than the human face when it smiles? All the predatory teeth of our animal relations!” Political animals, indeed. To which his manager throws a caution: No Darwin, no evolution ... 

THE BEST MAN 

8 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday;  

2 and 7 p.m. Sunday at the Aurora Theatre,  

2081 Addison St. $40-$42. 843-4822. 

www.auroratheatre.org. 

“Take ‘Old Man River,’” said Tayo Aluko, talking about the signature tune of the great singer, actor and activist for human rights, Paul Robeson, whom he portrays in his one man show, Call Mr. Robeson, at downtown San Francisco’s Phoenix Theatre this weekend. “The lyrics in that song are very profound in terms of Robeson himself. ‘He just keeps rollin’ along,’ yes; his memory survives. Then after saying Old Man River doesn’t plant the crops, ‘them that plants them is soon forgotten.’ ... Paul Robeson can still inspire people to shout out his name and the names of the forgotten, to know they’re not alone.” 

Aluko was born in Nigeria, where he first sang in primary school choirs and went to boarding school in Britain at 16, then studied architecture, “which I still practice professionally ... Singing, like acting as an amateur, I love too much to do professionally. But since discovering Mr. Robeson, it’s the one thing that could make me professional for awhile. Now it’s 80 percent of my time on Robeson, 20 percent on architecture—which’s fine, because I work for myself.” 

Living in Liverpool, Aluko, a baritone, has sung “with a number of orchestras, music societies, choirs and brass bands in the U.K., Germany, Ireland and Nigeria ... and lead roles in various operas and stage musicals,” according to a brief bio on the African American Art Song Alliance website, which also mentions his productions of music by Ellington and Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, classical music by African composers and successful charity concerts, plays (The Amber Chronicles, by black writers) and play readings. 

He discovered Robeson while singing in a 1995 Liverpool fundraiser, “My Lord, What A Morning”—“a dawn chorus for summer solistice.” Afterwards, a woman came up to him and asked if he sang any Paul Robeson songs. “I must have said, ‘I think I’ve heard the name,’ then happened on his biography by Martin Duberman in the library a month later. I finally finished it at noon Christmas morning. I was blown away by the story, both inspirational and tragic in nature. And I was amazed, after three university degrees, to be ignorant of the man.” 

Aluko was determined “to make sure the story was told. I found someone to write the story; actually two people, writing at the same time. It took three years, and didn’t work out. I was never happy. I didn’t know then that I was a writer.” 

Finally, Aluko “had a go myself, about three years ago.” In earlier drafts, he conceived of a partly fictional drama, with other characters, before settling on a solo show. But he says he’d like to get back to that idea, “a bigger piece, with quite a big cast. I don’t know whether it’ll be me writing that. Maybe it’ll be a film as well.” 

Aluko spoke about how Robeson’s “life and interests were so profound and so varied. Especially concerning Africa. There’s so much that’s communal between Africa, Europe and America—the slave trade, of course, but also before and since; descendents and ancestry. It’s interesting that an African American could introduce me as a modern African to pride in African ancestry, wanting to be connected. It’s humbling in a way to come here, to his home country, and perform him. It’s amazing that it started with me singing one day in Liverpool 13 years ago, and someone asking me a brief, innocent question.” 

Aluko mentions “one thing that drives me, that so many people think of the Civil Rights Movement starting with Martin Luther King, Malcolm X. That was an admirable thing, Robeson always paying tribute to those who came before. Maybe eventually I’ll bring them into the play, have Robeson talk about them in England at the end of his career. Instead of performing in mainstream theaters, I’d be quite happy to play in colleges and universities. I’d like to reach that audience in particular. The occasions that young people have been in the audience, they’ve invariably been touched, inspired. That filled me with a lot of hope.” 

Friday’s performance is a pay-what-you-can benefit for Mumia Abu-Jamal. “It’s just the kind of thing Robeson would have done,” said Aluko. “’Standing up for justice where overdue.’ It was suggested to me by Jack Heyman, associated with the ILWU. I was referred to Jack and Carol Heyman by an activist in Liverpool, and they put me up when I came here in April, just because of Paul Robeson.” 

Asked what perspective he seeks to give on Robeson, Aluko quoted the lines from Othello’s final speech, which serve as epigraph for Duberman’s biography: “’Soft you, a word or two before you go./I have done the state some service, and they know’t./No more of that. I pray you, in your letters,/When you shall these unhealthy deeds relate,/Speak of me as I am, nothing extenuate,/Nor set down aught in malice,” he said, adding, “Not just the state—the world.” 

In 2001, he said he started to believe that ancestors were at work around him. 

“Coming here to play Paul Robeson, to make my contribution to reviving his name, is an exchange of gifts,” Aluko said. “He was a great gift to me, one to be shared with everybody.” 

CALL MR. ROBESON 

Written and performed by Tayo Aluko. Directed by Olusola Oyeleye. Designed by Phil Newman. Piano accompaniment by Richard Thompson. 

5 p. m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the Phoenix Theatre, 414 Mason St. (sixth floor) at Geary, San Francisco. Friday’s performance is a benefit; donate what you will. Tickets for Saturday and Sunday shows are $15-20.  

(800) 838-3006.