Arts & Events

DON'T MISS THIS: Your Voice, Your Vote

By Dorothy Snodgrass
Friday October 12, 2012 - 01:06:00 PM

Like millions of other television viewers, you no doubt watched last Wednesday's Presidential Debates. You'll have to agree they were pretty boring. But brace yourself -- there's to be another debate on Oct. l6. Thank the good Lord, in our democratic society voters have the privilege of watching the two opposing candidates, deciding which one is better qualified to cope with weighty issues, such as Health Care Reform. 

In the meantime, if you're in desperate need of relief from the excessive political mumbo jumbo, you could settle for one of the several cultural/educational activities here in our bay area, shown here in no particular order: 

"Sunday Streets," Berkeley, Oct. 14, 11 a.m.- 4 p.m. Shattuck Ave., Rose to Haste St., presented by the Ecology Center. 

"Oakland East Bay Symphony, Michael Morgan, Director, Nov. 9, Opening Night, "Music That Makes a Difference." All American program featuring Bernstein and Copland. (510) 444-0801. 

"Joseph and the Amazing Technical Dream Coat, Andrew Lloyd Webster's brilliant celebration of words, music, and color. Oct. 12 - Nov. 10th. Lesher Arts Center, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek. www.lesherARTCenter, org. 

"Forgotten Stories," Remarkable Lives," Day of the Dead Community Celebration, through Dec. 9, Oakland Museum of California, 1000 Oak Street. 

"Dressing Nureyev," noting the 20 years since the death of the greatest ballet dancer of his time, the deYoung Museum in S.F. offers an exhibit of more than 70 costumes from ballets danced by Nureyev -- one in his role as Romeo. The show runs through Feb. 17th. deyoungmuseum.org. 

"Down the Congo Line," Dimensions Dance Theatre, Sat. Oct. 13, 8 p.m. "The flow of spirit and rhythm from Cuba to Congo." Malonga Caaquelourd, 1428 Alice St., Oakland. 

Mariinsky Ballet & Orchestra, through Oct.14, presenting the bewitching production of "Swan Lake," Zellerbach Hall, (510) 63-9988. 

"Moby-Dick,", S.F. Opera, 7:30 through Nov. 2. Composer Jake Heggie considers the score a breakthrough for him. 

Mahler's Symphony No. 9, Sun. Nov. 11, 3 p.m. Zellerbach Hall, led by today's most exciting conductor, Esa-Pekka Salononen, forging a dynamic performance. (510) 642-9988. 

Sophocles' "Electra", starring Olympia, Dukakis in this tale of adultery, murder and revenge. Oct. 23 - Nov. 18, American Conservatory Theatre, S.F. (415) 749-2228. 

World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra, "Get in the Mood,", Oct. 20, USS Hornet, 7:30 - Midnight, Pier 3, Alameda. 

Smuin's New Season, Performing "Starshadows," "Homeless" and "No Vivire. Lesher Center for the Arts in Walnut Creek through Oct. 14. 

Well, dear friends, this list could go on from here to eternity, so let's call it a day!