Arts & Events

Granted the month is only half over, it isn't too soon to look ahead to May--one of the loveliest months of the year. May Day is a traditional Spring holiday in many cultures, dating back to the Germanic festival of Walpurgis Night. In the Roman Catholic tradition May is observed as Blessed Mary Virgin's month. It's also recognized in the U.S. at Law Day. O.k., so much for history. Let's go now to the great April/May cultural events springing up all over the place. 

"A gala performance to end bullying." A concert with the Yale Whiffenboofs and Tony Award Winning Legend, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Sunday, May 13, 5 p.m.. Palace of Fine Arts, 3301 Lyon St., S.F. (800) 595-4849. 

Smuin Ballet Spring Program, an exciting and eclectic program combining Smuin dancers' with provocative choreography, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, April 27 - May 6. (415) 912-1899. 

Mission Creek Oakland Music & Arts Festival, April 27, co-presented by the East Bay Express at Disco Volante, 347 14th St., Oakland, Live Music and prizes. 

Oakland East Bay Symphony, Michael Morgan, Music Director. Paramount Theatre, Friday, April 20, 8 p.m. Mendelssoohn, Ruy Blas Overture and Dvorak Cello Concerto. Tickets start at $20. (510) 444-0801. 

Modern Cartoonist, The Art of Daniel Clowes: Original drawings and artifacts from acclaimed graphic artist. Through August 12. Oakland Museum of California, 1000 Oak St., Oakland. (510) 318-8400. 

Experience International House Spring Fest -- the Edith Coliver Festival of Cultures. Saturday, April 21, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Free admission. Take Bart and use free Cable Car Shuttled around Campus all day. 

Deep Green, 2012 Festival Conference, April 21, Noon to midnight. Live Music and over 100 Exhibitors. 1414 1414 Harbor Way So., Richmond. 

Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day, Sunday, April 29th, Workshop and Celebration, Looking Glass Photo, 2848 Telegraph Ave. Berkeley, 

Jean-Yves Thibaudet plays Saint-Saens' Piano Concerto No. 5, Sat. April 21, 8 p.m. and Sun. April 22 at 2 p.m., S.F. Symphony, (415) 864-6000. 

The Annual Downtown Festival, a Celebration of American Music, Dance Lessons in Jive and East Coast Swing. The Verdi Club, 2424 Mariposa St. S.F. 

For theatre lovers, "Red", Tony Award Winner for Best Play, written by Josh Logan and "In Paris", with Mikhail Baryshnikov, extended through May 12, Berkeley Rep. (510) 647-2949. 

"Bay Area Craft Beer Festival," April 21, 12 p.m. - 4 p.m., Rocking Live Music, 30 top Microbreweries, at the Martinez Waterfront Park, near historic Cannery District. Beer tasting $35, (21 years and over only). (925) 228-3577. 

"24 Hour Digital Film Festival," 3 to 5 minute film to be created between 9 a.m. Saturday, April 21 through 9 a.m. Sunday, April 22nd. Rhythmix Cultural Works, 253 Blanding Avenue, Alameda. 

Oakland India Awards, Oakland's own Unique Food and Drink Shop at the People's Bazaar, 6:30 -10:30 p.m. Kaiser Center, $10 tickets. 

Donald Pippin's Pocket Opera presents "Count Ory," April 29., 2 p.m. at Hillside Club, Berkeley. (415) 972-8934. 

"Tenderloin", Cutting Ball Theatre, tells the stories of people who live and work in that neighborhood. Previews April 27-29; opens May 4 through May 27. 277 Taylor Street, S.F. $10-50. (415) 55-1205. 

"The Cult of Beauty: Victorian Avant-Garde, l860-1900". Legion of Honor, S.F., through June 17. Lincoln Park, 34th Ave. at Clement Street. (415) 750-3600. 

I daresay I've missed many outstanding events occurring in April and May, but hopefully these will attract your interest without hurting your budget.