Arts & Events

"Summer time and the living is easy" -- those familiar lines are, of course, from George Gershwin's 1935 opera, "Porgy and Bess". This is, indeed, the perfect time for taking in the many cultural and educational activities available in our bay area. But where to begin? Listed below, in no particular order of importance, are just a few of the very worthwhile events occurring in the next few weeks.
 

"Summer and Symphony", Michael Tilson Thomas, Conductor, "Cool Nights", with stars Johnny Mathis and Chris Botto, June and July, S.F. War Memorial Opera House. (415) 864-6000.

"The Ring of the Nibelung," Donald Runnicles, Conductor. A stellar cast in Francesca Zambello's critically acclaimed production. May 29 - July 3, again at the War Memorial Opera House.

Berkeley World Music Festival, Telegraph and Haste, (People's Park) June 4, Noon to 9 p.m. (510) 684-8910.

Midsummer Mozart Festival, George Cleve, conductor, "Coronation Concerto" July 14-24, First Congregational Church, Berkeley. (1) 800-838-3006.

East Bay Open Studios, a self-guided tour of local artists' studios, June 4-5 and 11-12. (www.ProartsGallery.org).

North Berkeley Live Oak Park Fair, June 11 & 12, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Festive food and entertainment. 1101 Shattuck Avenue. (510) 227-7110.

Anna Deavere Smith, "Let Me Down Easy", written and performed by the author, Berkeley Repertory Theatre. Starts May 28. (510) 647-2949.

Chocolate & Chalk Art Festival, June 4, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Vine and Shattuck, (510) 540-6444.

Gertrude Stein -- two exhibits (Seeing Gertrude Stein: Five Stories", exploring the Jewish-American writer's career). Runs through September 6 at the Contemporary Jewish Museum in San Francisco, as well as the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, 151 Third Street, S.F. Art devotees will thrill over the fabulous show of Matisse's "Woman with a Hat", Picasso's "Lady with a Fan", joined by some 60 other Matisse, Picasso and Parisian Avant-Guarde artists. Exhibit times and prices vary.
(415) 655-7800 and (415) 357-4000,

Armistead Maupin 's new musical, "Tales of the City", begins My 18 at the American Conservatory Theatre , Geary St., San Francisco. (415) 749-2228.

8th Annual Temescal Street Fair, Telegraph Avenue between 45th and 51st St., Noon - 6 p.m. (510) 8600-7327.

Have you ever wanted to explore and trace your family ancestors? If so, you might consider doing a genealogy research. The Mormon Temple Family History Center, at 4766 Lincoln Avenue, Oakland, is open to the public and offers genealogy classes and free access to extensive microfilm archives. (510) 531-3905.

Jack London Square Farmer's Market, Webster and Water Streets, Sundays 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. year round. Yoga and live music. (510) 645-9292.


Don't say there's little going on in the bay area in during the summer!