Arts Listings
Arts Calendar
THURSDAY, DEC. 3
CHILDREN
”The Nutcracker” Children’s dance program at 6:30 p.m. at Kensington Community Center, 59 Arlington Ave. For ages 3 and up. 524-3043.
EXHIBITIONS
“Pairings” Photographs, photograms, polaroids and paintings by Jim Doukas. Artist talk at 7:30 p.m. at Joyce Gordon Gallery, 406 14th St., Oakland. 465-8928.
“Gratitude Altar Show” opens at 7 p.m. at Oakopolis, 447 Twenty-fifth St., Oakland. Exhibition open sat. from 2 to 5 p.m. to Jan. 9. oakopolis@gmail.com
FILM
“La Danse: Le Ballet de l’Opera de Paris” Frederick Wiseman's latest documentary at 7 p.m. at Rialto Cinemas Elmwood, 2966 College Ave. at Ashby. Tickets are $20-$50. Benefits the Parachute Fund which provides grants to members of the Bay Area dance community facing HIV/AIDS or other life-threatening illnesses. 415-920-9181. www.dancersgroup.org/benefit.php
READINGS AND LECTURES
Body Music Festival Lecture Demonstration with Braulio Berrera, Kenny Muhammad, Fatima Moreno Gonzalez and others at 8 p.m. at La Peña, 3105 Shattuck Ave. Cost is $12. www.crosspulse.com
Canyon Sam reads from “Sky Train: Tibetan Women on the Edge of History” at 7 p.m. at Books Inc. 1760 4th St. 525-7777.
MUSIC AND DANCE
Tammy Hall “Jazz at Noon” at 12:15 p.m. at the Art & Music room, 5th flr., Berkeley Public Library, 2090 Kittredge at Shattuck. Free. 981-6241.
Berkeley Symphony Orchestra Steven Stucky & Stravinsky’s Firebird at 8 p.m. at Zellerbach Hall, UC campus. For ticket information see www.berkeleysymphony.org
Gerardo Balestrieri and members of The Fishtank Ensemble at 9 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $10-$13. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com
The Peter Rowan Bluegrass Band at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $20.50-$21.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org
Mike Vax Quintet at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $10. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com
Women Jam at 7 p.m. at Chester’s Bay View Cafe, 1508 Walnut St. 849-9995.
The Flux, Eaglehead at 9 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $6. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com
The Deep at 10 p.m. at Beckett’s Irish Pub, 2271 Shattuck Ave. 647-1790. www.beckettsirishpub.com
FRIDAY, DEC. 4
THEATER
“Another Kind of Christmas” Showcasing the talents of Oakland youth Fri. and Sat. at 7 p.m. at The Malonga Casquelourd Center for the Arts, 1428 Alice St., Oakland. Tickets are $25. 421-9207. www.fullvisionsarts.org
Aurora Theatre “Fat Pig” through Dec. 13, at 2081 Addison St. Tickets are $15-$55. 843-4822. auroratheatre.org
Berkeley Black Repertory Group Theater “Sparkle: The Stage Play” Thurs.-Fri. at 8 p.m., Sat. at 2 and 8 p.m., Sun. at 4 p.m. at 3201 Adeline St., through Dec. 20. Tickets are $10-$45. 652-2120.
Contra Costa Civic Theatre “Lucky Stiff” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2 p.m. through Dec. 6, at 951 Pomona Ave., El Cerrito. Tickets are $18, $11 for 16 and under. 524-9132. www.cct.org
Impact Theatre “Large Animal Games” Thurs.-Sat. at 8 p.m. at La Val’s Subterranean, 1834 Euclid Ave., through Dec. 12. Tickets are $12-$20. impacttheatre.com
Masquers Playhouse “The Rocky Horror Show” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2:30 p.m. at 105 Park Place, Point Richmond, and runs through Dec. 12. Tickets are $18. 232-4031. www.masquers.org
Shotgun Players “The Threepenny Opera” Thurs.-sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 5 p.m. at The Ashby Stage, 1901 Ashby Ave., through Jan. 17. Tickets are $18-$30. 841-6500. www.shotgunplayers.org
EXHIBTITIONS
“New Images of Man and Woman” Curated by Peter Selz and Cameron Jackson. Opening reception at 6 p.m. at Alphonse Berber Gallery, 2546 Bancroft Way. Exhibit runs to Jan. 30. info@alphonseberber.com
“Light on Lake Merritt” Photographs by Laura Sutta. Artist’s reception at 5 p.m. at Alameda County Law Library, 125 Twelfth St., Oakland. 208-4830. www.acgov.org/law
“Elemental: New Work at Mercury 20” an overview of recent painting, sculpture, ceramics, photography, drawing and mixed media by East Bay artists. Opening reception at 6 p.m. at Mercury 20 Gallery, 25 Grand Ave., at Broadway, Oakland. www.mercurytwenty.com
“The Maker Show” a sampling of Makers from the Maker Faire. Opening reception at 5 p.m. at Chandra Cerrito Contemporary, 480 23rd St Oakland. 415-577-7537. www.chandracerrito.com
READINGS AND LECTURES
Frederick Hertz talks about “Making It Legal: A Guide to Same-Sex Marriage, Domestic Partnership and Civil Unions” at 7 p.m. at at Books Inc., 1760 4th St. 525-7777.
MUSIC AND DANCE
Sacred & Profane “Spain and the New World: A Holiday Concert” at 8 p.m at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 2300 Bancroft. Tickets are $15-$20. www.sacredprofane.org
Advent Lessons and Carols at 6 p.m. at Pacific School of Religion, 1798 Scenic Ave. 849-8239.
Sally Light, mezzo-soprano, and Miles Graber, pianist, at 7:30 p.m. at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, 1501 Washington Ave., Albany. Suggested donation is $20, but no one will be turned away. 525-1716.
Sarah Eden Davis & All-Star Band at 8 p.m. at Rudramandir, 830 Bancroft Way. Tickets are $15-$20. 486-8700.
7 Potencias, Afro-Cuban, at 8 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $20-$22. 849-2568. www.lapena.org
Bossa Five-O at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $14. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com
WomenGig@Trieste featuring The Jill Knight Trio and poet Dian Sousa at 8 p.m. at Caffe Trieste, 2500 San Pablo Ave. Suggested donation $10-$15. 548-5198. www.womengig.com
Forro Barzuca, Samba de Raiz, Brazilian, at 9 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $10-$13. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com
Body Music Festival Concert at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $22.50-$23.50. 548-1761.
Jean White and Friends at 7 p.m. at Chester’s Bay View Cafe, 1508 Walnut St. 849-9995.
Eric Mcfadden Trio , Sistas in the Pit at 9 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $10. 841-2082.
The Aggrolites, reggae, at 9 p.m. at Shattuck Down Low, 2284 Shattuck Ave. Cost is $14. 548-1159.
Soul Burners at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 843-8277.
Tres Mojo at 7:30 at Art House Gallery, 2905 Shattuck Ave. Donation $5-$10. 482-3336.
Rhythm Doctors at 10 p.m. at Beckett’s Irish Pub, 2271 Shattuck Ave. 647-1790. www.beckettsirishpub.com
SATURDAY, DEC. 5
CHILDREN
Los Amiguitos de La Peña with Gary Lapow at 10:30 a.m. at La Peña. Cost is $5 for adults, $4 for children. 849-2568. www.lapena.org
Susan Gal talks about “Night Lights” the story of a child’s evening routine through all of the different kinds of lights that shine in the night at 11 a.m. at Books Inc., 1760 4th St. 525-7777.
“Here is the Arctic Winter” with author Madeline Dunphy at 1 p.m. at Museum of Children’s Art, 538 9th St., Oakland. Free. 465-8770.
The Snow Queen Puppet Show Sat. and Sun. at 11 a.m. and 2 and 4 p.m. at at Children’s Fairyland, 699 Bellevue Ave., Oakland. Cost is $7. 296-4433.
Andy Z Music Concert at 11 a.m. at Studio Grow, 1235 10th St. Cost is $9. 526-9888.
THEATER
“Another Kind of Christmas” Showcasing the talents of Oakland youth at 7 p.m. at The Malonga Casquelourd Center for the Arts, 1428 Alice St., Oakland. Tickets are $25. 421-9207. www.fullvisionsarts.org
Stone Soup Improv Comedy at 8 p.m. at Temescal Arts Center, 511 48th St. at Telegraph, Oakland. Cost is $7-$10. www.stonesoupimprov.com
The Igniters “Moses and the Shepherd” A musical theatrical performance of a story by Rumi, blending Persian and Western elements, at 6 p.m. at 1433 Madison St., between 14th and 15th sts, Oakland. Tickets are $10. 832-7600.
EXHIBITIONS
R. Pocekay, Henry Epstein and Raul Jorcino, paintings. Opening reception Dec. 5 at 5 p.m. at Deco Art, 5495 C. Claremont Ave., Oakland. 593-4575.
FILM
“Power Trip - Theatrically Berkeley” on the green movement in Berkeley at 7 p.m. at Brkeley Fellowship of Unitarian universalists, 1924 Cedar St. http://powertripberkeley.com
READINGS AND LECTURES
Gene Luen Yang discusses his graphic novels “American Born Chinese” and “Eternal Smile” at 3 p.m. Eastwind Books of Berkeley, 2066 University Ave. 548-2350.
Bay Area Poets Coalition open reading from 3 to 5 pm. at Strawberry Creek Lodge, 1320 Addison St. Park on the street. 527-9905.
MUSIC AND DANCE
Ceremony of Carols Holiday Concert at 3 p.m. at St Mark's Episcopal Church, 2300 Bancroft Way. Tickets are $10-$25. www.womensing.org
The Oakland-East Bay Gay Men’s Chorus and Otto Voci “Baby It’s Cold Outside” at 7:30 p.m. at Lakeshore Baptist Church, Oakland. 1-800-706-2389. www.oebgmc.org,
Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir Holiday Concert at 7:30 p.m. at Paramount Theater, 2025 Broadway, Oakland. Tickets are $10-$40. 465-6400. www.oigc.org
Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra “Gloria! A Holiday Celebration” at 8 p.m. at First Congregational Church, 2345 Channing Way. Tickets are $25 and up. 415-392-4400.
Marino Formenti, pianist, at 5 p.m. at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 2727 College Ave. Tickets are $32. 415-398-6449.
Anna Maria Mendieta Candlelight Christmas concert for harp and percussion at 8 p.m. at Trinity Chapel, 2320 Dana St. Tickets are $8-$12. 549-3864.
Venezuelan Music Project “Gaitas 2009” at 8 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $16. 849-2568.
The Jazz Express at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $14. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com
Musical Night in Africa with Kotoja, Bab Ken & West African highlife Band, Afro-beat Connexion and Nigerian Brothers at 9 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $15. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com
Tara Linda, accordionist at 2 p.m. at Down Home Music, 10341 San Pablo A., El Cerrito.
Saturday Afternoon Gallery Acoustic, a songwriters open mic, with Susan Newman and Eliza Shefler, at 2 p.m. at Frank Bette Center for the Arts, 1601 Paru at Lincoln, Ave., Alameda. 523-6957.
Sotaque Baiano at 8 p.m. at Shattuck Down Low, 2284 Shattuck Ave. Cost is $5-$10. 548-1159. www.shattuckdownlow.com
Karla Bonoff at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $22.50-$23.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org
Strange Angel Blues Band at 7 p.m. at Chester’s Bay View Cafe, 1508 Walnut St. 849-9995.
The China Cats, Pat Nevins at 9 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $8. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com
Marcus Shelby Trio at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 843-8277.
The Porchsteps Farewell Show at 10 p.m. at Beckett’s Irish Pub, 2271 Shattuck Ave. 647-1790. www.beckettsirishpub.com
SUNDAY, DEC. 6
EXHIBITIONS
Berkeley City College Digital Art Club Opening reception for recent work at 3 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center, 3105 Shattuck Ave. Exhibit runs through Jan. 31. 849-2568.
READINGS AND LECTURES
PEN Oakland 19th Annual Josephine Miles Literary Awards at 3 p.m. at at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com
Egyptology Lecture “The Tale of Two Tombs: Field Work in the Theban Necropolis, and New Discoveries in the Nile Delta, Site of Ancient Mendes” with Drs. Susan and Donald Redford, Pennsylvania State University, at 1:30 p.m. at Barrows Hall, Room 20, Barrow Lane and Bancroft Way, UC campus. 415-664-4767.
MUSIC AND DANCE
San Francisco Mandolin Orchestra at 4 p.m. at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, 1501 Washington Ave., Albany. Donation $10-$15. www.st-albans-albany.org
The Oakland-East Bay Gay Men’s Chorus and Otto Voci “Baby It’s Cold Outside” at 5 p.m. at Lakeshore Baptist Church, Oakland. 1-800-706-2389. www.oebgmc.org, www.BrownPaperTickets.com
Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra “Gloria! A Holiday Celebration” at 7:30 p.m. at First Congregational Church, 2345 Channing Way). Tickets are $25 and up. 415-392-4400. www.cityboxoffice.com
Canto Con Vivo “Tis the Season” at 3 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 27th and Broadway, Oakland. Tickets are $10-$40. www.cantoconvico.org
Symphonic Wind Ensemble at 3 p.m. at Hertz Hall, UC campus. Free. The Pacific Alumni Association and University of the Pacific’s Conservatory of Music reception at 1:30 p.m. Cost for reception is $10. RSVP for reception to 866-575-7229.
Soli Deo Gloria with Orchestra Gloria “Songs of Nativity” at 3:30 p.m. at Christ Episcopal Church, 1700 Santa Clara, Alameda. Tickets are $20-$25. Students grades K-8, free. 888-SDG-SONG. www.sdgloria.org
“Messiah Sing in Baroque Style” at 6 p.m. at Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, One Lawson Rd., Kensington. Suggested donation $10-$15, no one turned away. 525-0302. www.uucb.org
Trombonga at 1 p.m. outside Mrs. Dalloway’s, 2904 College Ave. 704-8222.
Bomba y Plena Afro-Puerto Rican rhythms, song and dance at 7 p.m. at La Peña. Cost is $8-$10. 849-2568. www.lapena.org
Eva Scow & Ami Molinelli Ensemble at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $12. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com
Ray Cepeda Latin Jazz at 7 p.m. at Chester’s Bay View Cafe, 1508 Walnut St. 849-9995.
Israeli Folkdance with Allen King at 1:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $7. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com
Cris Williamson at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $22.50-$23.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org
Ava Bird and Friends Shakti soulstice celebration at 7 p.m. at 2905 Shattuck Ave. Donation $10.
SpearCracker at 10 p.m. at Beckett’s Irish Pub, 2271 Shattuck Ave. 647-1790. www.beckettsirishpub.com
MONDAY, DEC. 7
THEATER
Stagebridge’s Student Showcases featuring Storytelling with Kirk Waller plus scenes from “Trojan Women” at 6:30 p.m. at The Ashby Stage, 1901 Ashby Ave. Suggested donation $5-$10. 444-4755. 31
READINGS AND LECTURES
“A Christmas Memory” by Truman Capote will be read by Thomas Lynch at 7:30 p.m. at Mrs. Dalloway’s, 2904 College Ave. 704-8222.
John Carroll in Conversation with Michael Chabon and Ayelet Waldman at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Rep, 2025 Addison St. Benefit for Park Day School. Tickets are $30. 653-0317, 103. www.ParkDaySchool.org
Subterranean Shakespeare “The Bronte Cycle Part 1” staged reading at 7:30 p.m. at Berkeley Unitarian Fellowship, 1924 Cedar at Bonita. Tickets are $8. 276-3871.
Daniel Boyarin discusses “Socrates and the Fat Rabbis” in conversation with Chana Kronfeld and Ramona Nadaf, at 5:30 p.m. University Press Books, 2430 Bancroft Way. 548-0585.
David Harrington “Sonic Immersion” An Art Technology nd Culture lecture at 7:30 p.m. at 125 Morrison Hall, UC campus. Free. atc.berkeley.edu
Poetry Express with Brenda Hillman at 7 p.m. at Priya Restaurant, 2072 San Pablo Ave. 644-3977.
TUESDAY, DEC. 8
READINGS AND LECTURES
Kathryn Ma reads from her short story collection, “All That Work and Still No Boys” at 7 p.m. at the El Cerrito library, 6510 Stockton Ave., El Cerrito. 526-7512.
Emily Warn reads her poetry at 7 p.m. at the Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave. 526-3720.
MUSIC AND DANCE
Laura Klein and Ted Wolff, piano/vibes jazz duo, at 7 p.m. at 7 p.m. at Caffe Triests, 2500 San Pablo Ave. 548-5198.
Creole Belles 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
Duck Baker, Mimi Fox at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $18.50-$19.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 9
READINGS AND LECTURES
Elaine Elinson and Stan Yogi discuss “Wherever There’s a Fight: How Runaway Slaves, Suffragists, Immigrants, Strikers, and Poets Shaped Civil Liberties in California” at 7 p.m. at Books Inc., 1760 4th St. 525-7777.
Berkeley Poetry Slam with host Charles Ellik and Three Blind Mice, at 8 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $7. 841-2082.
MUSIC AND DANCE
Wednesday Noon Concert, with University Chorus “Songs of Mary” at Hertz Hall, UC campus. Free. 642-4864. http://music.berkeley.edu
Klezmer Music Chanukah concert at noon at 12th and Broadway, Oakland.
Bruce Molsky, Appalachian fiddling, at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $18.50-$19.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org
John Calloway’s Annual Show of Afro Cuban Ensembles of SF State at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $10. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com
Autonomous Region, First Born at 8:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $9-$7. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com
Karabali at 9 p.m. at Shattuck Down Low, 2284 Shattuck Ave. Cost is $5-$10. 548-1159.
Matt Lucas at 10 p.m. at Beckett’s Irish Pub, 2271 Shattuck Ave. 647-1790. www.beckettsirishpub.com
THURSDAY, DEC. 10
READINGS AND LECTURES
Kara Maria, artist, in conjunction with the exhibition “Metahyical Abstraction” at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Art Center, 1275 Walnut St. Cost is $5. 644-6893. www.berkeleyartcenter.org
Zeus Leonardo dicusses “Race, Whiteness and Education” at 5:30 p.m. at University Press Books, 2430 Bancroft Way. 548-0585. www.universitypressbooks.com
MUSIC AND DANCE
Berkeley High School Orchestra/Band Benefit Concert and Silent Auction at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Theater, Berkeley High School.
College of Alameda Jazz Ensemble Annual Holiday Concert at 7 p.m. at College of Alameda F Building Student Lounge, 555 Ralph Appezzato Memorial Parkway, Alameda, just past the Webster Tube from downtown Oakland. Free. 748-2213.
Tony Lindsay “In the Spirit of Giving” with the Emery High School Jazz Band at 7:30p.m. Ex'pression College, 6601 Shellmound St. Emeryville. Tickets are $50 and up. 601-4997.
Nell Robinson at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $18.50-$19.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org
Benny Watson Trio Jazz Singers’ Soiree at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $10. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com
John Craigie, Valerie Orth, Cyndi Harvell at 9 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $8. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com
Adrian Gormley Jazz Ensemble at 10 p.m. at Beckett’s Irish Pub, 2271 Shattuck Ave. 647-1790. www.beckettsirishpub.com
FRIDAY, DEC. 11
THEATER
Aurora Theatre “Fat Pig” through Dec. 13, at 2081 Addison St. Tickets are $15-$55. 843-4822. auroratheatre.org
Berkeley Black Repertory Group Theater “Sparkle: The Stage Play” Thurs.-Fri. at 8 p.m., Sat. at 2 and 8 p.m., Sun. at 4 p.m. at 3201 Adeline St., through Dec. 20. Tickets are $10-$45. 652-2120.
Berkeley Rep”Aurélia’s Oratorio” at 2015 Addison St., through Jan. 24. Tickets are $33-$71. 647-2949. berkeleyrep.org
Bill Santiago’s “The Immculate Big Bang” at 8 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $10-$12. 849-2568. www.lapena.org
Impact Theatre “Large Animal Games” Thurs.-Sat. at 8 p.m. at La Val’s Subterranean, 1834 Euclid Ave., through Dec. 12. Tickets are $12-$20. impacttheatre.com
Masquers Playhouse “The Rocky Horror Show” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2:30 p.m. at 105 Park Place, Point Richmond, and runs through Dec. 12. Tickets are $18. 232-4031. www.masquers.org
Shotgun Players “The Threepenny Opera” Thurs.-sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 5 p.m. at The Ashby Stage, 1901 Ashby Ave., through Jan. 17. Tickets are $18-$30. 841-6500. www.shotgunplayers.org
“The Stone Wife” Fri. and Sat at 8 p.m. and Sun. at 6 p.m. at Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant Ave., through Dec. 20. Tickets at the door are $15-$20.
EXHIBITIONS
“The Warm & Fuzzy Show” Featuring selected works by Arabella Proffer-Vendetta, Chad Frick, Chiami Sekine, Chrystal Chan, Jamie Fales, Johnny Thylacine, Michelle Waters and Yvette Buigues. Opening reception at 7 p.m. at Eclectix Gallery, 10082 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito. www.eclectix.com
“A Long Way from the Cabbage Patch” Opening reception at 6 p.m. at Art@TheOakbook art gallery, 423 Water St., Oakland. Show runs through Jan. 9. 282-2139. www.theoakbook.com
READINGS AND LECTURES
Poetry Flash with John Balaban and Chana Bloch at 7:30 p.m. at Berkeley Art Center, 1275 Walnut St. in Live Oak Park. Cost is $5, free for BAC members. 644-6893.
Jeanne Lupton and Abby Bogomolny read their poetry at 7 p.m. at Nefeli Caffe, 1854 Euclid Ave., a little north of Hearst, as part of the Last Word Reading Series. 841-6374.
MUSIC AND DANCE
Berkeley Ballet Theater “The Nutcracker” at 7 p.m., Sat. at 2 and 7 p.m. and Sun. at 2 p.m., through Dec. 20, at the Julia Morgan Center for the Arts at 2640 College Ave. Tickets are $24. 843-4689. berkeleyballet.org
The Christmas Revels, Fri. at 7:30 p.m., Sat. and Sun. at 1 and 5 p.m. at Scottish Rite Theater, 1547 Lakeside Drive, Oakland, through Dec. 20. Tickets are $12-$50. 452-8800. calrevels@calrevels.org
Nicolas Bearde Holiday Show at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $14. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com
Baguette Quartette at 9 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $10-$13. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com
Tom Russell at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $22.50-$23.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org
Silver Kittens at 7 p.m. at Chester’s Bay View Cafe, 1508 Walnut St. 849-9995.
The New Up, the Soft White Sixties, L’avventura at 9 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $8. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com
Guns for San Sebastian at 10 p.m. at Beckett’s Irish Pub, 2271 Shattuck Ave. 647-1790. www.beckettsirishpub.com
Tanya Stephens at 9 p.m. at Shattuck Down Low, 2284 Shattuck Ave. Cost is $15-$20. 548-1159.
SATURDAY, DEC. 12
CHILDREN
Los Amiguitos de La Peña with Colibrí at 10:30 a.m. at La Peña. Cost is $5 for adults, $4 for children. 849-2568. www.lapena.org
The Snow Queen Puppet Show Sat. and Sun. at 2, 4 and 6 p.m. at at Children’s Fairyland, 699 Bellevue Ave., Oakland. Cost is $7. 296-4433.
EXHIBITIONS
“RED” Berkeley Art Center Member Showcase Opening reception at 3 p.m. at Berkeley Art Center, 1275 Walnut St. in Live Oak Park. Exhibition runs to Jan. 24. 644-6893.
“Past, Present and Future” Group art show. Opening reception at 6 p.m. at Expressions Gallery, 2035 Ashby Ave. 644-4930. www.expressionsgallrey.org
“50 Years of Collecting Asian Art” with Jospeh Fischer from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at giorgi Gallery, 2911 Claremont Ave. 848-1228. giorgigallery.com
“Bay Area Artists’ Collection” annual holiday 2D fine arts exhibit. Reception at 2 p.m. at Prescott-Joseph Center for Community Enhancement 920 Peralta St., off 10th St., West Oakland. Exhibition runs to Jan. 22. 208-5651.
“Iu Mien at Peralta Hacienda” Exhibit Opening with the traditions of the Mien people and their gardens and embroidery, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Oakland Antonio Peralta House, 2465 34th Ave., Oakland. www.peraltahacienda.org
READINGS AND LECTURES
Lucia Chiavola Birnbaum and Joan Clair discuss themes from a new anthology “She Is Everywhere” a 2 p.m. at Starr King School for the Ministry, 2441 Le Conte Ave. 845-6232.
Ruby Roth reads from “That’s Why We Don’t Eat Animals: A Book About Vegans, Vegetarians, and All Living Things” at 1 p.m. at Café Gratitude, 1730 Shattuck Ave. at Virginia. 725-4418.
Benefit Extravaganza for Rebecca’s Books with Voices Of Our youth, devorah major, All young, Jack Hirschman and many others from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 3268 Adeline St. 852-4768.
Joe Quirk talks about “Exult” at 7 p.m. at Books Inc., 1760 4th St. 525-7777.
MUSIC AND DANCE
Cantare Con Vivo “Peace on Earth” music and dinner at 5 and 7:30 p.m. at Merritt College Student Lounge, 12500 Campus Drive, Oakland. Cost is $50. www.cantareconvico.org
Navidad en Guatemala with Ana Nitmar at 8 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $12-$15. 849-2568. www.lapena.org
Schola Cantorum San Francisco “¡Noe, Noe! Canciones para Navidad” A Renaissance Choral Celebration at 7:30 p.m. at First Congregational Church, 2345 Channing Way. Tickets are $10-$25. 528-1725. www.sfems.org
The Kensington Symphony Orchestra Traditional music and opera excerpts at 8 p.m. at Unitarian-Universalist Church. 1 Lawson Rd., Kensington. Suggested donation$12-$15. Children free. 524-9912. Kensingtonsymphonyorchestra.org
Berkeley Ballet Theater “The Nutcracker” Sat. at 2 and 7 p.m. and Sun. at 2 p.m., through Dec. 20, at the Julia Morgan Center for the Arts at 2640 College Ave. Tickets are $24. 843-4689. berkeleyballet.org
Pulama’s Hawaiian Holiday Concert at 8 p.m. at BFUU 1924 Cedar St. Cost is $10-$12 www.brownpapertickets.com
Ed Reed & His Trio at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $14. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com
Sister I-Live, Queen Makedah at 9:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $10-$13. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com
Geoff Muldaur & the Texas Sheiks with Jim Kweskin, traditional music of the 20s and 30s, at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $18.50-$19.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org
Roger Brown Blues Band at 7 p.m. at Chester’s Bay View Cafe, 1508 Walnut St. 849-9995.
Larry Stefl Jazz Quartet at 9:30 p.m. at Albatross, 1822 San Pablo Ave. Cost is 3.. 843-2473. www.albatrosspub.com
LT3 at 10 p.m. at Beckett’s Irish Pub, 2271 Shattuck Ave. 647-1790. www.beckettsirishpub.com
Todd Sickafoose’s Tiny Resistors at 9 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $10. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com
Marcus Shelby Trio at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 843-8277.
SUNDAY, DEC. 13
CHILDREN
The Sippy Cups at Ashkenaz at 3 p.m. Cost is $4-$6. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com
READINGS AND LECTURES
“Women Writing Women’s Lives” Berkeley authors Gloria Bowles and Kathleen Weaver discuss their experiences writing women’s biography and autobiography at 7 p.m. at The Hillside Club, 2286 Cedar St. Tickets are $5-$10. 949-3227.
“Bareed Mista3jil” Staged reading of queer Arab women’s stories a 4:30 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $10-$25, no one turned away. 849-2568. www.lapena.org
Joel ben Izzy, the traveling Jewish story teller, tells Chanukah tales at 3 p.m. at Netivot Shalom, 1316 University Ave. Proceeds benefit Easy Does It Emergency Services. Tickets are $7-$10 for children, $10-$18 for adults. www.brownpapertickets.com
Richard P. Blair and Kathleen P. Goodwin introduce thier book of photographs “Point Reyes Visions” at 7 p.m. at Books Inc., 1760 4th St. 525-7777.
MUSIC AND DANCE
Christmas Concert with Nanette McGuinness, Kathleen Moss, Pual Murray and St. Andrew’s Handbells and Chamber Choir at 2:30 p.m. at First Church of Christ, Scientist, 2619 Dwight. Donations will be used to restore the 1953 Austin Organ. 665-5988.
“The Christmas Spirituals and Carols of the World” with The Lucy Kinchen Chorale at 3 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Oakland, 2619 Broadway, Oakland. 444-3555. www.firstchurchoakland.org
San Francisco Choral Artists “Old Chestnuts, New Fire!” at 4 p.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 114 Montecito, Oakland. Tickets are $14-$30. 415-979-5779. www.brownpapertickets.com
Cypress String Quartet at 4 p.m. at Crowden Music Center, 1475 Rose St. Tickets are $15. 559-6910. www.crowden.org
Voci Women's Vocal Ensemble “Voices in Peace IX: The Greenest Branch” Mostly Medieval Marian music with Romantic and Twentieth-Century offshoots at 4 p.m. at Lake Merritt United Methodist Church, 1330 Lakeshore Ave., Oakland. Tickets are $17-$20, free for schildren under 12. 531-8714. www.vocisings.com
Oakland East Bay Symphony “Let Us Break Bread Together” at 4 p.m. at Paramount Theatre, 2025 Broadway, at 20th St., Oakland. Tickets are $10-$40. 800-745-3000. www.oebs.org
Mack Rucks Sextet at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $10. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com
Sonic Safari Swing Band at 7 p.m. at Chester’s Bay View Cafe, 1508 Walnut St. 849-9995.
Café Bellie at 7:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Belly dance lesson at 6:30 p.m. Cost is $8. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com
The High Heat at 10 p.m. at Beckett’s Irish Pub, 2271 Shattuck Ave. 647-1790. www.beckettsirishpub.com
Jenny Schienman at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $18.50-$19.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org
