Arts & Events

Hooray and Hallelujah! The New York Times recently rated Oakland as one of the world's top tourist destinations in 2012 because of its stellar restaurants and bars. We knew that. For a year Bay Area Photographers have been documenting First Friday's diverse and eclectic audiences in a show, "Portraits from Oakland." This show can be seen through Feb. 18 at PHOTO, 473 25th Street, Oakland. (510) 847-2416. 

There are any number of excellent programs getting the New Year off to a promising start, such as those listed below. We might begin with the announcement of the handsome new Magnes Museum at 2121 Allston Way in Berkeley, now presenting a program on Jewish Art and Life. (510) 643-2526. 

The Oakland Symphony, under the direction of Michael Morgan, will perform "Carmina Burana" on Friday, January 27th at 8 p.m. at the Paramount Theatre. Don't miss this monumental choral work, one of the most popular pieces of music ever written. (1) 800-745-3000. 

"The Light on the Piazza" opens January 30th at the Willows Main Stage, 1975 Diamond Blvd., Concord. (925) 798-1300. "Mama Mia", the smash hit musical is playing at the Orpheum Theatre, Feb. 21 - March 4th. (1 - 888-746-1799. Jackie Evancho, eleven-year old soprano, will sing March 26, 7:30 p.m. at Davies Symphony Hall (415) 392-42000. 

For opera lovers, "Moby Dick" will be performed Sept. 7 - July 7 at the War Memorial Opera House in San Francisco (415) 864-3330. 

"2012 S.F. Sketchfest is playing now through February 4th at the Eureka and Castro Theatres. Sketchfest has evolved into one of the biggest comedy events in S.F. www.sketchfest.com. 

Brian Copeland in "The Waiting Period: Laughter in the Darkness", Jan. 27 and 28, 8:15 p.m. Walnut Creek. (925) 943-7469. 

Lunar New Year Celebration, "The Year of the Dragon," Jan. 29th, l2 - 4:30 p.m. Oakland Museum of California 1000 Oak Street museumca.org. 

East Bay Express Briefs, erotic short film competition, Feb. 16, Grand Lake Theatre, Oakland. 

Kitka and Svetlana Spajic, "To the Singers of Tales," Premiere Performances Jan. 27-29 at 8 p.m., at CounterPULSE, 1310 Mission Street, S.F. Kitka has earned international recognition for its unique and haunting sound. For tickets: 1-800-350-8850. 

East Bay Express "Progressive Opportunities Conference, Feb. 26, 10 a. m. - 6 p.m. "Building a Just and Sustainable Local Economy," David Brower Center, 250 Allston, Berkeley. (510) 870-3702. 

"Humor Abuse", Pickle Family. 90 minutes of nonstop hilarity. Through Feb. 5th. American Conservatory Theatre, S.F. (415) 749-2228. For you alcoholics, there's East Bay Brew Fest, Pyramid Ale House, 90l Gilman, Berkeley. $20 a ticket. "The Gondoliers, " Gilbert & Sullivan, Jan. 27-29, Walnut Creek (925) 943-7469. 

Hopefully the above events will get your 2012 off to a great start.