THURSDAY, JAN. 15 

Dream Opening Ceremony Celebrating the life of Martin Luther King, Jr, with entertainment and presentations, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Frank Ogawa Plaza, in front of Oakland’s City Hall. www.oakland.net. 

com/celebrations 

Birding at the Berkeley Fishing Pier from 8 to 10 a.m. Meet at the end of University Ave for a leisurely walk to see Surf Scoters, scaup, greebes and gulls. Bring a scope if you have one. Rain cancels. 540-8749. 

Tilden Tots Join a nature adventure program for 3 and 4 year olds, each accompanied by an adult (grandparents welcome)! We’ll explore the world of water, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. Cost is $6-$8. Registration required. 1-888-327-2757. 

“How America Got a Great National Park: The GGNRA” with Amy Meyer at 12:30 p.m. at Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak sts., Oakland. 238-2200. www.museumca.org 

Golden Gate Audubon Society “Iceland: Birds, People and Conservation in a Land of Glaciers, Geysers, Volcanoes and Splendid Isolation” with Bill Lidicker at 7 p.m. at Northbrae Community Church, 941 The Alameda. 843-2222. 

“Sharks & Rays, Whales & Giant Squids: Swimming with the Creatures of the Monterey Bay” with Sean R. Van Sommeran of the Pelagic Shark Research Foundation at 7 p.m. at Marian Zimmer Auditorium, Maddie's Center, Oakland Zoo, 9777 Golf Links Rd., in Knowland Park, Oakland. Cost is $10-$20, $5 for high school students. www.oaklandzoo.org 

Free Meditation Class at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarians, 2nd flr., 1606 Bonita Ave. 931-7742. 

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

avatar.freetoasthost.info  

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

Circle of Concern Vigil meets on West Lawn of UC campus across from Addison and Oxford, Thurs. at noon and Sun. at 1 p.m. to oppose UC weapons labs contracts. 848-8055. 

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

FRIDAY, JAN. 16 

Pre-Inaugural Ball celebrating the United States First Black Chief Commander President Elect Barack Obama at 7 p.m. at the West Oakland Senior Center, 1724 Adeline St. Tickets are $25. 238-7016. 

Iraq Moratorium Day and Vigil to Protest the War from 2 to 4 p.m. at the corners of University & Acton. Sponsored by Strawberry Creek Lodge Tenant’s Assoc & Berkeley-East Bay Gray Panthers. 548-9696. 

Red Cross Blood Drive from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Watergate Towers, suite 120, 2200 Powell St., Emeryville. To schedule an appointment go to www.BeADonor.com  

City Commons Club Noon Luncheon with Jinky Gardner on “Insights from Underwater Archeology” 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 

Project Censored 2009 with Dr. Peter Phillips, Director of Sonoma State Univ.’s Project Censored, and PC Assistant Director Mickey Huff, on last year’s most important and unreported news stories and social issues at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists, 1924 Cedar St. Suggested donation $10-$20. 527-7543. 

Boxopolis: Building a Cardboard City, hands on activities from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Where: Lawrence Hall of Science, UCB. Cost is $6-$11. www.lawrencehallofscience.org 

SATURDAY, JAN. 17 

Berkeley Alliance of Neighborhood Associations meets at 10 a.m. at First Pres. Church Berkeley, 2407 Channing Way, Church Lounge. mariebowman@pacbell.net 

“Saving Mt. Diablo” with Seth Adams. Part of the Wayne Roderick Lecture Series at 10:30 a.m. at Tilden Regional Parks Botanical Garden Visitor Center, Wildcat Canyon Rd. and South Park Dr. Free. 841-8732. nativeplants.org 

Animals Catching Zzzzs Discover the surprising habits of animals that hibernate over the winter from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at Wildcat Canyon Regional Park Call for meeting place. 525-2233. 

Free Smoking Cessation Class meets Sat. from 10 a.m. to noon at the South Berkeley Senior Center, 2932 Ellis St., through Feb. 17. Acupuncture option available. To register call 981-5330. QuitNow@ci.berkeley.ca.us 

Cultivating Town Solidarity Youth cultural arts festival with music, games, healthy living information booths, participating organization tables, and guest performances from 12:30 to 5 p.m. at Merritt College’s Huey P. Newton Auditorium, 12500 Campus Drive, Oakland. 832-4212. 

“Creating a More Energy Efficient Home” from 9 to 11 a.m. at Truitt & White Conference room, 1817 Second St. Free, but registration required. 649-2674. 

“The Search for Habitable Planets and Life in the Universe” with Geoffrey Marcy, UCB Prof of Astronomy at 11 a.m. in Room 100, Genetics and Plant Biology Building, UC campus, in celebration of the International Year of Astronomy 2009. www.astronomy2009.org 

The Eighth International Conference on Neuroesthetics Reflections on Mirror Neurons - Mirrors of Reality? at Berkeley Art Museum, UC campus. Free, but registration required. http://plaisir.berkeley.edu 

California Writers Club “Hold on to Your Vision” with Amanita Rosenbush at 10 a.m. at Barnes & Noble, Jack London Square, 98 Broadway, Oakland. 272-0120. 

Winter Story Time for preschool children and their families at 11 a.m. at the Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave. 526-3720 ext. 16. 

Auset (Yemaya) Healing Meditation at noon, registration at 11:30 a.m. at ASA Academy, 2811 Adeline St., Oakland. Cost is $15. For additional classes during the day call 536-5934. 

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.  

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, JAN. 18 

Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Day with performances, music and activities from noon to 4 p.m. at Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak sts., Oakland. Cost is $5-$8. 238-2200. www.museumca.org 

“Amazing Grace: Martin Luther King” film screening at 5p.m. at Cerrito Speakeasy Theater, 10070 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito. www.el-cerrito.org 

Hike to the Peak Join a leisurely hike to Wildcat Peak to see the sights of winter, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Bring lunch. Heavy rain cancels. Call for meeting place 525-2233. 

Berkeley Aquatic Park Clean Up and Tree Planting from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Please bring gloves, water, snacks, trash bags. Meet at the docent cabin on the south end of the park. aquaparkcleanup@gmail.com 

East Bay Atheists meets to view and discuss Part Two of “The Four Horsemen” the discussion between Dawkins, Dennett, Harris and Hitchens on atheist issues at 1:30 p.m. at Berkeley Main Library, 3rd Floor Meeting Room, 2090 Kittredge St. 222-7580. eastbayatheists.org 

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 

Tibetan Buddhism with Donna Morton on “Meditations to Transform Pain” at 6 p.m. at the Tibetan Nyingma Institute, 1815 Highland Pl. 809-1000. www.nyingmainstitute.com 

“How World Religions Can Help Us with Illness, Loss Aging” with Ana Matt at 10 a.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, 1 Lawson Rd., Kensington. 525-0302, ext. 306. 

“The Minsk Ghetto 1941-1943: Jewish Resistance and Soviet Internationalism” with Barbara Epstein at 10 a.m. at JCC of the East Bay, 1414 Walnut St.. 848-0237. 

MONDAY, JAN. 19 

Help Restore the Martin Luther King, Jr. Shoreline, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Enter the park from Swan Way and follow the road to the end of the parking lot. Look for the wooden observation platform that is adjacent to Arrowhead Marsh. jrobinson@goldengateaudubon.org 

“The Dream Lives On” Multicultural Peace Celebration and Rally at 10 a.m. at ILWU Warehous Hall, #6, 99 Hegenberger Rd., Oakland. 632-1670. 

“Make the Dream Real” from 10 a.m. to noon at Taylor Memorial Methodist Church, 1188 12th St., Oakland. 652-5530. 

El Cerrito Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Community members who wish to march in the parade should meet at 9 a.m. at the El Cerrito D.M.V., 6400 Manila Ave., El Cerrito. The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Rally will begin at 10:15 a.m. at the new El Cerrito High School Gymnasium. www.el-cerrito.org 

MLK Jr. Birthday Celebration Health and Peace Fair from noon to 5 p.m. at Star Bethel Church 5800 San Pablo Ave., Oakland. 978-6470. 

“The Rise and Fall of A Great Leader” Films from the archives from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the African American Museum & Library, 659 14th St., Oakland. 637-0200. 

Martin Luther King Day at Habitot with art projects and stories for children 0-6, at 11 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m. at 2065 Kittredge St. Cost is $7-$8. www.habitot.org 

East Bay Track Club for girls and boys ages 3-15 meets Mon. at 6 p.m. at Berkeley High School track field. Free. 776-7451. 

Small-Business Counseling Free one-hour one-on-one counseling to help you start and run your small business with a volunteer from Service Core of Retired Executives, Mon. evenings by appointment at Berkeley Public Library, 2090 Kittredge St. For appointment call 981-6134. www.eastbayscore.org 

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.  

TUESDAY, JAN. 20 

Barack Obama Inauguration Celebration “Unity for the Sake of Change” Community viewing of his inaguration on the big screens at Oracle Arena, 7000 Coliseum Way, Oakland. Doors open at 7 a.m. For ticket information call 272-6695. 

Presidential Inauguration Party in Richmond with a buffet breakfast at 6 a.m. followed by live broadcast of the ceremony at 6:40 a.m. at Richmond Memorial Auditorium, 403 Civic Center Plaza. Free, but seating limited to first-come first-served. 620-6512. 

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

Living Graveyard to mourn the nearly two million Iraqi and American dead and to call for our newly installed president to bring our troops home, from noon to 1 p.m. at the Oakland Federal Building, 1301 Clay St., Oakland. Sponsored by The Ecumenical Peace Institute. www.epicalc.org 

Berkeley Garden Club “Camellias” with Garth Jacober, Mt. Diablo Nursery, at 2 p.m. at United Methodist Church, 1953 Hopkins St. 524-7296. 

“Avalanche Safety” with Dick Penniman at 6 p.m. at REI, 1338 San Pablo Ave. Cost is $20. 527-4140. 

Free Tutoring For Adults in reading, writing, spelling and comprehension at the Alameda County Library, 2450 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont. To register or to volunteer call 745-1480. 

Sustainable Business Alliance, Green Chamber of Commerce Post-Holiday Inauguration Party at 5:30 p.m. at The Washington Inn, 495 10th St., Oakland. Cost is $20-$30. www.greenchamberofcommerce.net 

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. 

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

St. John’s Prime Timers meets at 9:30 a.m. at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 2727 College Ave. We always welcome new members over 50. 845-6830. 

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

Ceramics Class Learn hand building techniques to make decorative and functional items, Tues. at 9:30 a.m. at St. John's Senior Center, 2727 College Ave. Free, materials and firing charges only. 525-5497. 

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

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 21 

The Friends of the Library Grand Re-Opening of the Sather Gate Bookstore, now remodeled and doubled in size. Ribbon-cutting and refreshments at noon at 2433 Channing Way. 841-5604. 

Tilden Explorers An after-school nature adventure program for 5-7 year olds. We will learn about the weather from 3:15 to 4:15 p.m.. Cost is $6-$8, registration required. 1-888-EBPARKS. 

“Tulia, Texas” A film on a small town’s search for justice at 6 p.m. at Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak sts., Oakland. Cost is $5-$8. 238-2200. www.museumca.org 

“Planet Earth” David Attenborough’s documentary, episodes on “Great Plains” and “Jungles” at 7:30 p.m. at Humanist Hall, 390 27th St., Oakland. Donation $5. www.Humanist Hall.org 

“Evaluate Your Carbon Footprint” with Debra Berliner of the Ecology Center, at 6:30 p.m. at the Claremont Library, 2940 Benvenue Ave. 

Red Cross Blood Services Volunteer Orientation from 6 to 8 p.m. at 6230 Claremont Ave., Oakland. Registration required. 594-5165. 

Family Sing-Along at 4:30 p.m. at the Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave. 526-3720 ext. 16. 

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. 

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

THURSDAY, JAN. 22 

“Beyond the Fields: Cesar Chavez, the UFW, and the Struggle for Justice in the 21st Century” with author Randy Shaw at 6:30 p.m. at the YWCA Berkeley, 2600 Bancroft Way. 

“Researching Chinese American Ancestry” with Jeanie Low, author of “Chinese Connection: Finding Ancestral Roots for Chinese in America” at 7 p.m. El Cerrito Library, 6510 Stockton Ave., El Cerrito. 526-7512. 

UC Berkeley Entrepreneurs Forum: Prediction Markets hosted by Lester Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation at 6:30 p.m. at Arthur Andersen Auditorium, Haas School of Business, UC campus. http://entrepreneurship.berkeley.edu/bef/jan09forum.html 

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

East Bay Association for Women in Science Networking Meeting at 7 p.m., light supper at 6:30 p.m. at Novartis, Room 4.104, 4560 Horton St., Emeryville. Donation $5-$10. RSVP to www.suretomeet.com/exec/ 

gt/event.h,event=1bfb0cc17e21 

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

Circle of Concern Vigil meets on West Lawn of UC campus across from Addison and Oxford, Thurs. at noon and Sun. at 1 p.m. to oppose UC weapons labs contracts. 848-8055. 

Free Meditation Class at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarians, 2nd flr., 1606 Bonita Ave. 931-7742. 

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

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.  

FRIDAY, JAN. 23 

City Commons Club Noon Luncheon with John King of the SFChronicle on “Innovative Architecture for Pleasure or Profit?” 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 

Albany Lions Club 42nd Annual Crab Feed at 5:30 p.m. at Albany Veterans Memorial Building, 1325 Portland Ave. Tickets $35 at the door or in advance. 418-6101. 

“Children of Arna” A documentary about a school for Palestine children, at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Friends Church. Sacramento at Cedar Sts. Discussion follows. www.berkeleyfriendschurch.org  

Youth Spirit Artworks Grand Opening for the new youth art studio at 4 p.m. at 1769 Alcatraz at Adeline. 282-0396. www.youthspiritartworks.org 

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 

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

Jewish Humanist Forum with Dr. Carl Djerassi on “Four Jews on Parnassus” on Jewish identities of four intellectuals of the 20th century, at 8 p.m. at the Albany Community Center, 1249 Marin Ave., Albany. www.kolhadash.org 

“Who is a Jew and Why?” with Rabbi Bridget at 6:15 p.m. at JGate, 409 Liberty St., El Cerrito. 559-8140. 

SATURDAY, JAN. 24 

Walking Tour of Old Oakland “New Era/New Politics” highlights African-American leaders who have made their mark on Oakland. Meet at 10 a.m. and the African American Museum and Library at 659 14th St. 238-3234. www.oaklandnet.com/walkingtours 

Vegetarian Cooking Class Healthful Resolutions: Low-Cal and High Flavor Learn to make traditional Vegetable Stew, Moroccan Stew, Curried Chickpeas and more from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at First Unitarian Church of Oakland, 685 14th St. at Castro. Cost is $55, plus $5 food and material fee. Advance registration required. 531-COOK. www.compassionatecooks.com 

Latino Education Summit for college-bound students and their parents, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at California State Univ., East Bay. Free, but registration required. 885-3516. www.csueastbay.edu/latinosummit 

Toddler Nature Walk A nature adventure for 2-3 year olds to learn about our fur-covered friends, from 2 to 3 p.m. at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. 525-2233. 

Techno Geek Art Challenge Create a sculpture with fuses, resistors, and other things, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Museum of Children’s Art, 538 Ninth St., Suite 210, Oakland. Cost is $7. 456-8770. www.mocha.org 

Winter Story Time for preschool children and their families at 11 a.m. at the Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave. 526-3720 ext. 16. 

WaterWorks: Soak up the Science Activities from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Lawrence Hall of Science, UC Berkeley Cost is $6-$11. www.lawrencehallofscience.org 

JFK University Museum Studies Open House & Symposium from 1 to 3 p.m. at JFK University- Berkeley Campus, 2956 San Pablo Ave., 2nd Flr. 649-3036. museum@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. 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.  

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, JAN. 25 

Beginning Birds Join an easy stroll around Jewel Lake from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. to see our winter avian residents. Binoculars available for loan. Call for meeting place. 525-2233. 

Tour of the Berkeley City Club, designed by Julia Morgan, from 1 to 4 p.m. at 2315 Durant. 848-7800. 

“Becomming a Published Author in the Book Business Today” A workshop with Alan Rinzler at 11 a.m. at Mrs. Dalloways, 2904 College Ave. 704-8222. 

Wowsa Water! An indoor program to learn about water’s properties in an interactive way, for ages 7-12. Bring a small, plastic, recyclable bottle for a craft. From 2 to 3:30 p.m. at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. Cost is $5-$7. Registration required. 1-888-EBPARKS. 

Lunar New Year Celebration and other Asian Traditions with lion and dragon dancing, music, martial arts and arts and crafts activities for the whole family from noon to 5 p.m. at Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak sts., Oakland. Cost is $5-$8. 238-2200. www.museumca.org 

Lunar New Year at Habitot with art projects, music and stories for children 0-6, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 2065 Kittredge St. Cost is $7-$8. www.habitot.org 

Oakland Museum of California White Elephant Preview Sale from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the WES warehouse, 333 Lancaster St. at Glascock, Oakland. Tickets are $12.50. www.whiteelephantsale.org 

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. 

Celebrate Chinese New Year Make lanterns and dragon puppets from 1 to 4 p.m. at Museum of Children’s Art, 538 Ninth St., Suite 210, Oakland. Cost is $7. 456-8770. www.mocha.org 

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 

Tibetan Buddhism with “The Tibetan World Peace Ceremony” at 6 p.m. at the Tibetan Nyingma Institute, 1815 Highland Pl. 809-1000. www.nyingmainstitute.com 

“Sacred Text Revealed: The Oral Torah—Moral Evolution in the Talmud” with Rabbi Dean Kertesz at 10:15 a.m. at Temple Beth Hillel, 801 Park Central, Richmond. 223-2560. www.templebethhillelrichmond.org 

“Joys & Sorrows of Living in the Modern Age” with Wes “Scoop” Nisker, at 10:45 a.m. at the Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists, 1924 Cedar St. 841-4824. www.bfuu.org 

“How World Religions Can Help Us with Illness, Loss Aging” with Ana Matt at 10 a.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, 1 Lawson Rd., Kensington. 525-0302, ext. 306. 

CITY MEETINGS 

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

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

Council Agenda Committee meets Tues., Jan. 20, at 2:30 p.m., at 2180 Milvia St. 981-6900. 

Berkeley Rent Stabilization Board meets Thurs., Jan. 22, at 7 p.m. in City Council Chambers. 981-7368.  

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

ONGOING 

Help Low-wage Families with Their Taxes United Way’s Earn it! Keep It! Save It! needs Bay Area volunteers for its 7th annual free tax program. No previous experience necessary. Sign up at www.earnitkeepitsaveit.org

THURSDAY, JAN. 15 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Walls” Paintings by Joel Isaacson on contemporary social and political concerns, at Flora Lamson Hewlett Library, 2400 Ridge Rd. Exhibition runs to Jan. 30. 649-2500.  

“Sweet Dreams” Works by Ben Hazard from 1969-2008. Reception and artist talk from 5 to 8 p.m. at Craft & Cultural Arts Gallery, State of California Office Building - Atrium, 1515 Clay St., Oakland. 622-8190. 

FILM 

Josef von Sternberg: Eros and Abstraction “Underworld” with Judith Rosenberg on piano, at 7:30 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $5.50-$9.50. 642-0808.  

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Amy Meyer talks about her new book and the fight to create the Golden Gate National recreational Area at 12:30 p.m. at Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak sts., Oakland. Cost is $5-$8. 238-2200.  

“Celebrate the Ceramic Arts of Berkeley” with authors Nina Lyons, Dean Schwarz, Andrew Martin, Dana Gardner and Stephen DeStaebler from 6 to 9 p.m. at Leslie Ceramic Supply Co., 1212 San Pablo Ave. 524-7363. 

Lyn Hejinian reads from her new volume of poetry “Saga/Circus” at 7:30 p.m. at Mrs. Dalloways, 2904 College Ave. 704-8222. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Renee Asteria, with 7th Street Sound at 9 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $5. 525-5054.  

Blue Note Records 70th Anniversary Tour with Pianist Bill Charlap and others at 8 p.m. at Zellerbach Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $30-$50. 642-9988.  

Ann Feeney & Roy Zimmerman at 7:30 p.m. at Berkeley Fellowship Hall, Cedar at Bonita. 495-5132. 

Rhonda Vincent & the Rage at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $38.50-$39.50. 548-1761.  

Stephanie Crawford & Her Trio at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $10. 841-JAZZ.  

Roger Roca and the Goldenhearts, Mushroom, Juanita and the Rabbit at 9 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $8. 841-2082.  

Tamika Nicole at 8 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $10-$12. 849-2568.  

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

Dore Coller & Bermuda Grass, bluegrass, at 7:30 p.m. at 33 Revolutions, 10086 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito. 898-1836. 

Jeremy Pelt at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $12-$18. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

FRIDAY, JAN. 16 

THEATER 

Altarena Playhouse “Art” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2 p.m. at Altarena Playhouse, 1409 High St., Alameda, through Feb. 7. Tickets are $17-$20. 523-1553. www.altarena.org 

Berkeley Rep “The Arabian Nights” Tues.-Sun. at the Thrust Stage, 2025 Addison St., through Jan. 18. Tickets are $27-$71. 647-2949.  

Shotgun Players “Macbeth” Thurs.-Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 5 p.m. at The Ashby Stage, 1901 Ashby Ave., through Feb. 1. Tickets are $18-$30. 841-6500.  

EXHIBITIONS 

“Fierce Fashion” A group art exhibition. Opening reception at 7 p.m. at Eclectix Gallery, 10082 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito. 364-7261. 

“Queen & Country” Paintings by Richard Kramer, Dickson Schneider, Raymond Wong. Reception at 6 p.m. at Autobody Fine Art, 1517 Park St., Alameda. 881-6974. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

The Crucible “Fire Ballet” Wed.-Sat. at 8:30 p.m. at 1260 Seventh St., Oakland, through Jan. 17. Tickets are $45-$65. www.thecrucible.org 

Vince Ho, Renaissance organ music of the Hapsburg Court, at 8 p.m. at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, 1501 Washington Ave., Albany. Suggested donation $10. 525-1716. 

Dgiin at 9 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $8-10. 849-2568. www.lapena.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 

Jack Reilly on the music of Bill Evans at 8 p.m. at the Jazz 

school. Cost is $20. 845-5373. www.jazzschool.com 

Native Elements at 9:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $10-$13. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

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

Jenn and the Hollowgrams, Melody Eversole at 7:30 p.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344.  

Workingman’s Ed at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $12. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com 

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

The Pam & Jeri Show at 7:30 p.m. at Caffe Trieste, 2500 San Pablo Ave., at Dwight. Cost is $10-$15. 548-5198.  

The Invaders at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 843-8277. 

Hepburn & Correri, jazz vocal ballads, at 7:30 p.m. at 33 Revolutions, 10086 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito. 898-1836. 

Roy Rogers & The Delta Rhythm Kings at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $20. 238-9200.  

SATURDAY, JAN. 17 

CHILDREN  

Los Amiguitos de La Peña with Gerry Tenney at 10:30 a.m. at La Peña. Cost is $5 for adults, $4 for children. 849-2568.  

“Tales from Winter Wonderland, Sat. and Sun. at 1:30 and 2:30 p.m. at Children’s Fairyland, 699 Bellevue Ave., Oakland. Cost is $6. 452-2259.  

EXHIBITIONS 

“What the ?” mixed media by Lola, sculpture by Brian Young. Opening party at 6 p.m. at Float Gallery, 1091 Calcott Place, Unit #116, Oakland. 535-1702. 

“Animals Have Soul” Pet portraits by Patricia Lesley. Reception from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at RabbitEars, 377 Colusa Ave., Kensington. 525-6155. 

THEATER 

Rough and Tumble “Stupidity” Play reading and discussion at 11 a.m., potluck lunch at 1 p.m., work session by the company from 2 to 6 p.m., the public is invited to observe, at Civicorps Elementary School, 1086 Alcatraz Ave. Oakland. Free. 499-0356. www.randt.org 

FILM 

“My Name is Orson Welles” at 5 p.m. and Andrzej Wajda: “Ashes and Diamonds” at 8 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $5.50-$9.50. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

American Bach Soloists, “Mass in B Minor” at 8 p.m. at First Congregational Church, 2345 Channing Way at Dana. Pre-concert lecture at 7 p.m. Tickets are $18-$60. 800-838-3006. www.americanbach.org 

National Acrobats of China at 8 p.m. at Zellerbach Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $24-$46. 642-9988. www.calperformances.net 

Los Boleros, Havana dance party, at 9:30 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $8-$10. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Lady Bianca Blues at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $14. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

Savoy Family Band at 9 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cajun dance lesson at 8 p.m. Cost is $15-$18. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com  

Owen Roberts and the Doghouse Brewer at 7:30 p.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344. www.nomadcafe.net 

Austin de Lone & Paul Rogers at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $18.50-$19.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Frankye Kelly at 8 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $15. 845-5373. www.jazzschool.com 

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

Ethan Byxbe and friends, blues, at 8 p.m. at Spuds Pizza, 3290 Adeline St. Cost is $7-$10. 558-0881. 

The Everlovin’, American roots music, at 7:30 p.m. at 33 Revolutions, 10086 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito. 898-1836. 

The Morning Line, King Crab, Pinto Wagon at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $10. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com 

Babyland, Mount Vicious, Savior, Absence 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. 

James Moody Quartet at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $24. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

SUNDAY, JAN. 18 

CHILDREN 

The Kathy Kallick Band at Ashkenaz at 3 p.m. Cost is $4-$6. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

EXHIBITIONS 

“L.A. Paint” Tour of the exhibition at 2 p.m. at Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak sts., Oakland. Cost is $5-$8. 238-2200. www.museumca.org 

FILM 

“Unfinished Works by Orson Welles” at 2 p.m. and Josef von Sternberg “The Last Command” at 5:30 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $5.50-$9.50. 642-0808.  

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Osha Neumann will read from and discuss his new book “Up Against the Wall Motherf**ker” at 10 a.m. at Niebyl Proctor Library, 6501 Telegraph Ave., Oakland. 

Robert “Bud” Roper reads from “Now the Drum of War” at 7:30 p.m. at Mrs. Dalloways, 2904 College Ave. 704-8222. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

“In the Name of Love” a musical tribute honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with the Marcus Shelby Jazz Orchestra, Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir, Destiny Arts Youth Performance Company and others, at 7:30 p.m. at Oakland Scottish Rite Center, 1547 Lakeside Dr. Tickets are $5-$12. 287-8880. www.mlktribute.com 

The Soul Sanctuary Dance Benefit for BOSS Children's Learning Center from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Ashkenaz, 1317 San Pablo Ave. Cost is $5-$15, newcomers and children under 12 free. www.soulsanctuarydance.com 

“Rejoice” Pre-Inaugural Gospel Concert at 7:30 p.m. at Star Bethel Church, 5800 San Pablo Ave., Oakland. Suggested donation $20. 978-6470. 

“Jazz at the Chimes” with vocalist Ellen Robinson at 2 p.m. at Chapel of the Chimes, 4499 Piedmont Ave., Oakland. Tickets are $10-$15. 228-3218. 

Diana Rowen, Rachel Durling, Gari Hegedus and others at 8 p.m. at Wisteria Ways, Rockridge, Oakland. Not wheelchair accessible. Cost is $15-$20. Reservations required. info@WisteriaWays.org 

Sergey and Lusine Khachtryan, violin and piano at 3 p.m. at Hertz Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $46. 642-9988.  

Sandy Perez y Su Lade, Afro-Cuban, at 7 p.m. at La Peña. Cost is $15-$20. 849-2568.  

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

Em K at 11 a.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344. 

Ranzel Merritt Quartet at 4:30 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $10. 845-5373. www.jazzschool.com 

Devine’s Jug Band at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $18.50-$19.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Jazz Jam Session with Michael Zilber, Jeff Marrs, Peter Barshay and Erik Jekabson at 7 p.m. at 33 Revolutions, 10086 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito. 898-1836. 

MONDAY, JAN. 19 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Bay Area Poets Honoring the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, and A New Era with President Elect Barack Obama at 7:30 p.m. at Rebecca's Books, 3268 Adeline St. Donations appreciated. 852-4768. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

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

The Ambassador of Trouts, jazz, at 7:30 p.m. at 33 Revolutions, 10086 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito. 898-1836. 

Skyline High Jazz Ensemble at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $12. 238-9200.  

TUESDAY, JAN. 20 

CHILDREN 

“The Year of the Ox” A new book by Oliver Chin with children’s graphic designer Elaine Chu, for ages 3 and up, at 7 p.m. at Kensington Library, 61 Arlington Ave., Kensington. 524-3043. 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Art and the Body Politick” Inauguration celebration at 6 p.m. at Red Door Gallery, 416 26th St., Oakland. www.artofdemocracy.org 

“Forty Four Presidents” Works by Lena Reynoso. Inaguration party at 7 p.m. at Blankspace Gallery 6608 San Pablo Ave., Oakland. www.blankspace Gallery.com 

FILM 

Josef von Sternberg: Eros and Abstraction “Children of Divorce” at 7:30 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $5.50-$9.50. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

RMUSIC AND DANCE 

Ding Dong the Bush is Gone with Marimba Pacifica, Los Bros, Eostar Kamala at 8:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $10-$13. 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 

Freight Open Mic at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $4.50-$5.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Los Lunes, Latin jazz, at 7:30 p.m. at 33 Revolutions, 10086 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito. 898-1836. 

The John Jorgenson Quintet at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $12. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 21 

FILM 

“Tulia, Texas” A film on a small town’s search for justice at 6 p.m. at Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak sts., Oakland. Cost is $5-$8. 238-2200. www.museumca.org 

Film 50: Introduction to Film Language at 3 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $5.50-$9.50. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Dacher Keltner in Conversation with Michael Lewis at 7:30 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Berkeley, 2345 Channing Way. Donation $10. berkeleyarts.org 

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

MUSIC AND DANCE 

21 Flights West, Go Van Gogh, East Bay Harmony, and others, in a benefit concert for San Francisco AIDS Foundation at 7:30 p.m. at Saint Mark’s Episcopal Church, 2300 Bancroft Way. Tickets are $10-$20 at brownpapertickets.com 

Ed Neff and Friends, bluegrass, at 7 p.m. at Le Bateau Ivre, 2629 Telegraph Ave. www.lebateauivre.net 

Ash, Annie Zesiger, Scott Underwood, Harry Gray, acoustic vocal trio, at 7:30 p.m. at 33 Revolutions, 10086 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito. 898-1836. 

Whiskey Brothers at 9 p.m. at Albatross, 1822 San Pablo Ave. 843-2473.  

In Jazz We Trust! at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $8. 841-JAZZ.  

West African Music Concert, benefit for drummer Abdoulaye Diakite at 8 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $10-$20. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

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

Oaktown Jazz Workshops Benefit with Faye Carol, Miko Marks, Kev Choice Ensemble and more, at 8 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $20. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

THURSDAY, JAN. 22 

EXHIBITIONS 

Oakland Art Association Group show of 24 artists in a variety of media. Opening reception at 4 p.m. at the Metropolitan Transportation Commission Gallery, 101 Eighth St., Oakland. 817-5700. 

“Orchard Views” Paintings by Sonia Gill on display in the lobby gallery, 1947 Center St., through Feb. 27. 981-7533. 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

“A Life in Photography” Wayne Miller in Conversation Reception at 6 p.m., talk at 7 p.m. at the Graduate School of Journalism, corner of Hearst and Euclid, UC campus. Co-sponsored by fotovision.org 

Randy Shaw discusses his new book “Beyond the Fields: Cesar Chavez, the UFW, and the Struggle for Justice in the 21st Century” at 6:30 p.m. at the YWCA Berkeley, 2600 Bancroft Way, at Bowditch. 

Sylvia Sellers-Garcia discusses her novel “When the Ground Turns in Its Sleep” at 7 p.m. at Revolution Books, 2425 Channing Way. 

Janice Lee reads from her new novel “The Piano Teacher” at 7:30 p.m. at Mrs. Dalloways, 2904 College Ave. 704-8222. 

Poetry Flash with Sharon Doubiago and Judith Roche at 7:30 p.m. at Moe’s Books, 2476 Telegraph Ave. 849-2087. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

The Rubber Soldiers Revue, Beatles jam band, at 9 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $10. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

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

Kelly Park & Friends at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $8. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

Paige Heimsoth, Chris Cotton at 9 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $8. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com 

Benefit for Nadra Foster, KPFA programmer, at 7 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $20-$35. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

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

The Hot Club of Marin at 7:30 p.m. at 33 Revolutions, 10086 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito. 898-1836. 

The Joey DeFrancesco & Bireli Lagrene Trio at 8 and 10 p.m., through Sun. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $20-$24. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

Chris Dadzitus at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 843-8277. 

FRIDAY, JAN. 23 

THEATER 

Actors Ensemble of Berkeley “Exit the King” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m. at Live Oak Theater, 1301 Shattuck Ave. at Berryman, through Feb. 21. Tickets are $12. 649-5999. www.aeofberkeley.org 

Altarena Playhouse “Art” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2 p.m. at Altarena Playhouse, 1409 High St., Alameda, through Feb. 7. Tickets are $17-$20. 523-1553. www.altarena.org 

Aurora Theatre “Betrayed” Wed.-Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2 and 7 p.m., at 2081 Addison St. to March 1. Tickets are $40-$42. 843-4822. auroratheatre.org 

Masquers Playhouse “Absent Friends” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2:30 p.m. at 105 Park Place, Point Richmond, and runs through Feb. 28. Tickets are $18. 232-4031. www.masquers.org 

Shotgun Players “Macbeth” Thurs.-Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 5 p.m. at The Ashby Stage, 1901 Ashby Ave., through Feb. 1. Tickets are $18-$30. 841-6500. www.shotgunplayers.org 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

“The Music of Peace” a roundtable discussion with composers on how they write music on the theme of peace, hosted by Sarah Cahill, at 6 p.m. at Wheeler Auditorium, UC campus. Free. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Oakland East Bay Symphony “A Global Celebration” at 8 p.m. at Paramount Theater, 2025 Broadway, Oakland. Tickets are $20-$65. www.oebs.org 

The John Santos Sextet at 8:30 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $12-$14. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Soledad Barrio & Noche Flamenca at 8 p.m. at Zellerbach Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $24-$48. 642-9988. www.calperformances.net 

Oliver Kent Group at 8 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $12. 845-5373. www.jazzschool.com 

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

Swingthing, with Lisa Gonick and Cheryl McBride at 9:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Dance lesson at 8 p.m. Cost is $10-$13. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Kris Delmhorst & Jeffrey Foucault at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $20.50-$21.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Country Joe’s Open Mic and Music Hall at 7:30 p.m. at Berkeley Fellowship Hall, Cedar at Bonita. 495-5132. 

Nomad, Lauren Wood at 7:30 p.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344. www.nomadcafe.net 

Jonathan Richman with Tommy Larkin on drums at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $15. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com 

Psyopus, Book of Black Earth at 7:30 p.m. at 924 Gilman St., an all-ages, member-run, no alcohol, no drugs, no violence club. Cost is $10. 525-9926. 

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

Ravi Abcarian Group at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 843-8277. 

Dave Ridnell & Friends, Brazilian jazz, at 8 p.m. at 33 Revolutions, 10086 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito. 898-1836. 

SATURDAY, JAN. 24 

CHILDREN  

Los Amiguitos de La Peña with Abby and the Pipsqueaks at 10:30 a.m. at La Peña. Cost is $5 for adults, $4 for children. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Active Arts Theatre for Young Audiences “Pippi Longstocking” Sat. and Sun. at 2 p.m. at Julia Morgan Center for the Arts, 2640 College Ave., through Feb. 8. Tickets are $14-$18. 296-4433. activeartstheatre.org 

Owen Baker Flynn “Act in a Box, with juggling, fire-eating and more surprises, Sat. and Sun. at 1:30 and 2:30 p.m. at Children’s Fairyland, 699 Bellevue Ave., Oakland. Cost is $6. 452-2259. www.fairyland.org 

Octopretzel, groovy music, at 11 a.m. at Studio Grow, 1235 10th St. Cost is $8. 526-9888. 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Current Work” by Don Clausen. Opening reception at 1 p.m. at Alta Galleria, 2890 College Ave., Suite 4. Exhibit runs through March. 414-4485. www.altagalleria.com 

FILM 

“The Docks of New York” with Judith Rosenberg on piano at 6:30 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $5.50-$9.50. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

JFK University Museum Studies Open House & Symposium from 1 to 3 p.m. at 2956 San Pablo Ave., 2nd flr. 649-3036. museum@jfku.edu 

Rhythm & Muse spoken word and music open mic at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Art Center, 1275 Walnut St., between Eunice & Rose Sts., behind Live Oak Park. 644-6893.  

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Tom Heasley Solo compositions for electro-acoustic tuba, didjeridu and voice at 8 p.m. at Trinity Chapel, 2320 Dana St. Tickets are $8-$12. 549-3864. www.trinitychamberconcerts.com 

Ensemble Mirable at 7:30 p.m. at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 2727 College at Garber. Tickets are $10-$25. 528-1725. www.sfems.org 

Soledad Barrio & Noche Flamenca at 8 p.m. at Zellerbach Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $24-$48. 642-9988. www.calperformances.net 

Linda Hirschorn & Gary Lapow, songs and stories, at 8 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $12. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Yancie Taylor Birthday Celebration at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $14. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

Reggae Angels at 9:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $10-$13. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com  

Nate West, Liza Maytok at 7:30 p.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344. www.nomadcafe.net 

Wingnut Adams, blues and roots, at 8:30 p.m. at 33 Revolutions, 10086 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito. 898-1836. 

Lou & Peter Berryman at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $20.50-$21.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Myra Melford and Ben Goldberg at 8 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $20. 845-5373. www.jazzschool.com 

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

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

John Bowman’s Jammer Showcase with Jim Steinke, Gary Bowman and Jude Reseigne at 8 p.m. at Spuds Pizza, 3290 Adeline St. Cost is $7-$10. 558-0881. 

Bay Area Blues Society Caravan of Allstars in a Post-Inaugural Celebration and Dance at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists, 1924 Cedar St. Children welcome. Donation $15-$20. 

Jonathan Richman with Tommy Larkin on drums at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $15. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com 

Iron Luck, Extortion, Lack of Interest 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. 

The Joey DeFrancesco & Bireli Lagrene Trio at 8 and 10 p.m., through Sun. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $20-$24. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

SUNDAY, JAN. 25 

CHILDREN 

Bandworks at Ashkenaz at 3 p.m. Cost is $4-$6. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Lunar New Year Celebration and other Asian Traditions with lion and dragon dancing, music, martial arts and arts and crafts activities for the whole family from noon to 5 p.m. at Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak sts., Oakland. Cost is $5-$8. 238-2200. www.museumca.org 

FILM 

Talk Cinema Berkeley Preview of new independent films with discussion afterwards at 10 a.m. at Albany Twin Theater, 1115 Solano Ave., Albany. Cost is $20. http://talkcinema.com 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Brenda Webster reads from her new novel, “Vienna Triangle” at 6:30 p.m. at Black Oak Books, 1491 Shattuck Ave. 

Poetry Flash with John Isles and Rusty Morrison at 3 p.m. at Diesel, 5433 College Ave., Oakland. 653-9965. 

Egyptology Lecture “Sex, Lies, and Ostraca: A New Look at the Foreman Paneb” with Al Berens at 2:30 p.m. at Barrows Hall, Room 20, Barrow Lane and Bancroft Way, UC campus. 415-664-4767. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Vox Dilecti “In the English Cathedral” at 3 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Berkeley, 2345 Channing Way. Tickets are $15-$20. Free to middle and high school students with I.D. www.sfcitychorus.org 

Dan Damon Quintet, carols, hymns, and spirituals, at 5 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 201 Martina St., corner of W. Richmond Ave., Point Richmond. Suggested donation $10. 236-0576. 

Sarah Cahill, piano, 20th century music and beyond, at 3 p.m. at Hertz Hall, UC campus. Tickets are $38. 642-9988. www.calperformances.net 

Pat Wynne & Bev Grant at 8 p.m. at La Peña. Cost is $10-$15. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

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

Luna Nueva at 11 a.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344. www.nomadcafe.net 

Jazz Jam Session at 7 p.m. at 33 Revolutions, 10086 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito. 898-1836. 

Tomoki Spilsbury at 4:30 p.m. at the Jazzschool. 845-5373. www.jazzschool.com 

Cheap Suit Serenaders at 5 and 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $24.50-$25.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

In the Name of Love, Rhythmic Concepts Inc.’s seventh annual musical tribute honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. will be presented at 7:30 p.m. this Sunday at the Oakland Scottish Rite Center, 1547 Lakeshore Dr. in Oakland.  

This year’s event features the Marcus Shelby Jazz Orchestra, with vocalists Faye Carol, Kenny Washington, Jeannine Anderson and Nicholas Bearde; Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir; Destiny Arts Youth Performance Co.; and Oakland Children’s Community Choir with the Oaktown Jazz Workshops; Clifford Brown, Jr. of KDYA, KCSM and KDIA as emcee. 

Stacy Hoffman, founder and executive director of Rhythmic Concepts, recalled the inspiration to produce the event: “One of our programs, the Oakland Jazz Choir, was invited about nine years ago to perform at a Dr. King tribute in San Jose. I thought it was cool the city was providing that, and it occurred to me the East Bay had nothing like it. Something was lacking. So we started it. And have tried from the beginning to highlight traditional larger vocal groups. Our organization created both the Interfaith and Jazz Choirs; both have since spun off. So we’ve really wanted to feature local and nationally-known groups, with archival footage of Dr. King shown on a big screen between acts.” 

As a result of RCI’s educational program to bring fundamental music classes to elementary schools having no access to the arts, 180 second through fourth graders from Cleveland and Glenview Schools will start off the tribute, led by Melanie DeMore and pianist Ben Heveroh, who have been visiting the schools for five years. DeMore, a founding member of Cultural Heritage Choir and former director of the Oakland Youth Chorus, has composed three numbers to teach King’s message. The Oaktown Jazz Workshops are directed by Khalil Shaheed. 

Marcus Shelby will be leading a 15-piece orchestra. He’s said of his music for the tribute: “I am composing an oratorio for jazz orchestra based on Dr. King’s life, using Civil Rights songs, Freedom Songs and original composition. ... [His] use of language to express his ideas was full of character, strength, rhythm, soul, inflection, dynamic contrast and effect. His speeches and sermons were Shakespearean in organization and provide an inspirational model from which to organize a musical composition.” 

Hoffman said of Shelby: “Marcus has spent the last few years resurrecting slave songs, spirituals, a whole body of work ... last year, a piece in the spirit of Harriet Tubman ... he’s more than just a musician; he’s using the orchestra to create a narrative.” 

Of the 60-voice Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir (Terrance Kelly, director), Hoffman said, “Everything they do is so in keeping with that message [of Dr. King]; everything they sing is appropriate to this event.” 

Destiny Arts Youth Performance Company is a multicultural group of teens who put on performance pieces with hip-hop, modern and aerial dance, theater, martial arts, song and rap. The Destiny Arts Center has worked with youth for over 20 years. “They’re known for using dance methodology to inspire kids to be nonviolent, healthy and in the community,” said Hoffman. “This is the first year dance has been included on the program.” 

In addition, the tribute will see the City of Oakland Citizen Humanitarian Award bestowed on Kevin Grant, “who helps people who’ve been through rehab, through addiction or through prison re-enter life. He gets people back on their feet,” said Hoffman, who commented that her group had worked with the Oakland Department of Public Services to create the award. 

“With the Inauguration only two days away,” said Hoffman, “this will be a profound celebration of Civil Rights—not just of Martin Luther King but of profound change, of possibility.” 

IN THE NAME OF LOVE 

$12 general, $5 ages 6-10 (under 6 free) at Oakland bookstores, Pendragon, Laurel and Marcus; in Berkeley at Pegasus Books or Reid’s Records, or at (800) 838-3006, www.mlktribute.com. RCI info: 287-8880. 

Nothing like sitting by a nice, cozy fire, just after New Year’s ...  

Sitting in the front row at West Oakland’s The Crucible for their Fire Ballet Dracul, Prince of Fire, is more than toasty warm, however. The Crucible by day—and on other nights, too—is a full-time industrial arts educational foundry, teaching everything from blacksmithing and glassblowing to ceramics and jewelry—the fire arts. 

But, as The Crucible puts it, in an “unique pas de deux between the industrial and the performing arts,” the workaday setting is transformed a few times a year to put on a show—a hot show—in this case, as in the past, a Fire Ballet, Dracul, Prince of Fire. 

There’s something of a tour-de-force to Crucible productions, naturally, as they feature the methods and products of the foundry, and something of the media event, as The Crucible itself is featured. But Fire Ballets are more than P.R. exercises. As a spectacle, the show is—riveting. And the talent of performers and production staff (not to mention those who create the properties by fire, besides those who handle fire onstage) is impressive, and quite recognizable to performing arts attendees hereabouts. 

Dracul reimagines the vampire legend as an acrobatic warrior (Brett Womack, past aerialist for Pickle Family Circus and Vau de Vire) battles a remarkable, fullsize, metal-scaled firedrake, spouting flame (the name Dracul—a supposedly comes from a form of “dragon”)—and receives the “gift” of flame from a bite from the fiery-eyed beast (which will return for a well-deserved bow at curtain call). 

Dracul sets his own foundry in gear, with a crew of hardbitten zombies, and a trio of “VampFatales” (Kerri Kresinski, Noel Dellofano-and Breonna Noack, contortionist extraordinaire, a great presence onstage, who distinguished herself as the title vixen in Oakland Opera Theatre’s production of Stravinsky’s Renard last fall). Into this happy menage (a cast of 22) stumble a couple young yuppie lovers, Janet and Brad (splendid ballet principals Tina Kay Bohnstedt of Diablo and Ethan White—who has been seen with Oakland and Smuin Ballets), a vampire slayer (acrobat Sadie Henderson as Lady Buffy Van Helsing!) and the dot com couple’s forlorn friend Lucy (aerialist Alyssa Marx).  

Lots of bites and fights ensue—all impressive, even touching—until a happy end, of sorts, is fashioned from the carnage, perhaps with a moral: Industrial workers unite! You have nothing to lose but your bane.  

The constantly active, always amazing and amusing stage direction is Mark Streshinsky’s, who directed Berkeley Opera’s great production of Clark Suprynowicz and John O’Keefe’s wry Crysalis. Diablo Ballet’s Viktor Kabaniaev provides the choreography that meets a hundred challenges in this show that carries a resonance from the great, pioneering Ballet de Monte Carlo’s shows that combined dance with circus—and as Diaghelev admonished Cocteau, the audience is astonished. 

Designer and overall director of Dracul is Crucible founder Michael Sturtz, who in a long, well-spoken introduction, welcomed the public to his organization’s site, and gave the impressive growth figures of their decade in existence, from a rented 6,000-square-foot location in Berkeley to the present owned 56,000 square feet near West Oakland BART, with a faculty of 100, over 5,000 adult students and more than 3,500 youth served, $60,000 in scholarships for over 100 youth classes—and more. 

Before the show, the audience can stroll, drink in hand, through exhibits and live demonstrations of the fire arts. 

And this July, The Crucible’s Fire Arts Festival, open-air celebration, promises an original opera. 

DRACUL, PRINCE OF FIRE 

Jan. 14-17 at The Crucible, 1260 7th St., Oakland. Doors open at 7 p.m., show 8:30 p.m. Admission $55. 444-0919 x 122; www.crucible.org. 

So they put Josh Kornbluth in a museum ... 

On the way to his performance at the Contemporary Jewish Museum in downtown San Francisco, it was good to think of Josh among the Modiglianis and Barnett Newmans, the Chagalls and Mark Rothkos, as well as all that folk art—a live, interactive exhibit, bouncing off those elegant walls. Yet no one has ever placed Josh aesthetically: Is he a modernist, abstract impressionist, color field, or just plain folksy? 

But that is not what is hanging at the Contemporary Jewish, anyway. Josh’s new work-in-progress monologue (more, at this point, like a museum lecture—demo—or more like stand-up) is complementary (the spelling is important!) to the CJM’s exhibit, “Warhol’s Jews: Ten Portraits Reconsidered” (Josh relates his first reaction: So Warhol collected Jews?)  

He goes on to tell us about discovering the Museum (“I live in the moment; I’m a Contemporary Jew—so I went in!”), about slurping soup in the cafe (Josh tells the old story about The Little Boy Who Was Afraid of Kreplach) and being reminded of his grandparents, of how they’d always ask of everything, “But is it good for the Jews?” Which gives him his title and his m.o.—Andy Warhol: Good For the Jews? 

Josh finds he can’t come to grips with the images, that Warhol’s technique of adding to, almost mutating, the original photographic portraits blocks his emotional response—a common enough complaint about modern (and post-modern) art. But taking the ten 20th-century celebrities (Sarah Bernhardt, Louis Brandeis, Martin Buber, Albert Einstein, Sigmund Freud, the Marx Bros., Golda Meir, George Gershwin, Franz Kafka, Gertrude Stein) as his minyan, the 10-member prayer group (“and the tenth is the most important!”), Josh asks for help—at one point, after requesting analytic depth, when Warhol’s portrait of Freud flashes behind him, saying, “Not you, Sigmund! I can’t afford you!” 

He finds his help in Martin Buber, and his I/Thou credo. Sharing with Warhol a lack of knowledge about Buber (a note from Warhol’s journal queries “Who IS Martin Buber?”), Josh realizes I/Thou was something he learned from a Presbyterian minister friend of his father—and the thread through the labrynth of Warhol’s method (and whether he’s good, “for one Jew,” at least) is latched onto. 

As usual, Josh’s monologue is a meandering thing, riddled with digressions (he “works over” Warhol and his portrait subjects, besides his father and minister friend—and whoever else is at hand), which is all part of the fun, getting through the maze—and the fascination—with him.  

But in this setting, a kind of rough draft of his usual finished pieces, Josh’s address to the audience is a little more direct; there’s more flexibility, more spontaneity and freshness, if not as much shape or depth, to the journey and to the finished product. 

(He’s a little bit everybody’s nephew or kid brother: that part of Josh’s persona comes out even more under these circumstances.) 

The production design by Alexander V. Nichols—projections on screens and the wall—added immeasurably. Marco Ambrosio composed the music and David Dower directed. And producer Dan Schifrin of the CJM was credited by Josh for coming up with the title (which he modestly said he couldn’t remember doing). 

Josh’s shows, like his TV interview show, often involve a conversation after the monologue (another I/Thou situation). At the CJM shows, a different specialist on one of the Warhol portrait subjects is featured each show—Tirzah True Latimer of the California College of the Arts talked with Josh about Gertrude Stein and Saul Perlmutter, UC Berkeley physics professor, about Einstein.  

Upcoming specialists include Michael Strunsky, Ira Gershwin’s nephew and executor of the Gershwin Estate, and Rabbi Menachem Creditor of Berkeley’s Congregation Netivot Shalom to discuss Martin Buber, as well as David Biale of UC Davis (formerly of Berkeley’s Graduate Theological Union) on Freud. 

ANDY WARHOL:  

GOOD FOR THE JEWS? 

$20 members, $25 general (includes museum admission). 

8 p.m. and 10 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17; 3, 5, 7 and 9 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 18; 8 and 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 22. Shows have been selling out and the run may be extended. Advance tickets recommended. Contemporary Jewish Museum, 736 Mission St., San Francisco. (415) 655-7881. www.thecjm.org. 

American Bach Soloists, celebrating their 20th anniversary this year, will perform their namesake’s masterpiece, the Mass in B Minor, for the first time in six years, this Saturday night at 8 p.m., at the First Congregational Church, at Durant Avenue and Dana Street, as part of a series of local performances that begin Friday in Belvedere and ends Monday night at the Mondavi Center in Davis.  

“It’s ironic,” said ABS musical director Jeffrey Thomas, “that when Bach was compiling the music for the Mass in B Minor, he had no performance in mind; instead, it was meant to be a lasting monument to his style of composition, knowing that in his time it was already fading away. He knew that for two centuries masses had lasted as documents, as examples of older composers’ styles. So he chose some of his pieces from as early as 1714, others as late as 1749—a wide range of examples of composition and counterpoint—for the Mass in B Minor. Even in his day, Bach’s music was known as old-fashioned.” 

Asked if there are any new things to be looked for in these performances, Thomas replied, “Do interpretive choices change? At the risk of sounding uninventive, a lot the first time through; other concerts perfect it. The first time one works on it, months and months are spent getting to learn it. I can see the music, the gestures on the page; that’s what determines the choices. I don’t believe in ‘doing something’ to the music. It goes from the page through the eyes to the ears! It becomes a process of polishing, especially the way we work together, playing Bach together, over 20 years. There’s always something to perfect, to illuminate.” 

Thomas commented on changes in ABS: “We have a wonderful influx of new talent through our Young Artists Competition every two years. The enthusiasm and commitment to this music, to Early Music performance is as strong as it ever was, or more so.” 

“It’s absolutely the right piece for the 20th year,” Thomas concluded. “Because we know it was his intention that this would serve as the example of his very best work, we musicians come to it with a sense of privilege. It’s a great thrill to perform it. And audiences know right off the bat it’s something special—because it’s so powerful, Bach’s commitment to it.” 

Poet George Oppen wrote this fragment late in life, found in his study in San Francisco: “Bach: The B minor mass!/I wept because it says/everything that can/ever be said.”