Arts & Events

Don't Miss This!

By Dorothy Snodgrass
Wednesday March 02, 2011 - 02:22:00 PM

With the nation agonizing over the heart-wrenching trials and tribulations of Charlie Sheen, it's high time we turn to loftier thoughts and maybe come up with a few worthwhile programs and events to enrich our lives. A good beginning would be the University of California's Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, an educational program for older adults who are learning just for the joy of it. On Tuesday, March 15, OLLI will host an Open House at Freight and Salvage Coffee House, from 9:30 - noon. For information on the courses offered, call (510) 642, or berkeley_olli@berkeley edu. 

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If travel's your thing, the Oakland Museum of California's History Guild offers exciting trip to spots in California and elsewhere. I've just returned from a trip to Death Valley, an exhilarating trip if there ever was one. A tour of Savannah and Charleston is scheduled for March 30 - April 2. For information, call Helen Tryon, Travel Chair, at (510) 834 2964. 

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If you dig Shakespeare, you should consider a travel/study program at the Spring 2011 Oregon Shakespeare Festival, April 5, 6, 7, sponsored by the Downtown Oakland Senior Center, 200 Grand Avenue. The plays to be seen are "Measure for Measure", "To Kill a Mockingbird" and "The imaginary Invalid." Round trip transportation and overnight accommodations are included in the very reasonable price of $425 per person. For reservations call (510) 238-3284. 

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The Emeryville Senior Center also has several trips of interest (i.e., Steinbeck Museum/Carmel Mission, on March 22nd, $22.00.) For reservations, call 596-3779. 

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You're a theatre devotee? Certainly there's no shortage of high quality drama in the Bay Area. Berkeley Rep's Roda Theatre at 2015 Addison Street is presenting "Reuined", Lynn Nottaga's Pulitzer Prize-winning drama about a brothel serving as an unlikely refuge for the raped and maimed women of Congo. 

Harold Pinter's play, "Homecoming" opens March 9th at the American Conservatory Theatre, 415 Geary Street, S.F. 

Another popular drama series is "Actors Reading Writers", directed by Thomas Lynch, given the first Monday of the Month at the Berkeley City Club on Durant Avenue. There's no admission, though donations are welcome. 

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Music lovers have a wealth of concerts and recitals. 

The S.F. Symphony, under the direction of Michael Tilson Thomas, will feature Anna Sofie von Otter Thursday through Sunday at Davies Hall, $15 - $140. 

Our very own Berkeley Symphony, with Lorin Maazel as artistic director and conductor, will perform "The Britten Project" ("The Rape of Lucretia"), March 24 and 25 at Zellerbach Hall. 

Not to be overlooked is the Merce Cunningham Dance Company, March 3 - 5, also at Zellerbach Hall. 

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Last but certainly not least, of interest to food lovers (and who doesn't love food?), mention should be made of a wonderful new restaurant in Berkeley -- Bacheesos, at 2650 Telegraph Avenue. You're probably familiar with the restaurant at Dwight Way and San Pablo. But this new restaurant, directly across from Andronico's is a gem, with oriental carpets, lovely tile work, comfortable booths and a wide selection of appetizing dishes, served by a gracious hostess and waitress. Bacheesos is a welcome addition to Telegraph Avenue; here's hoping it it draws many diners. Hopefully all of the above has provided a respite from news about Charlie Sheen, though that's highly unlikely!