This weekend in Oakland

Community events and activities for the weekend of April 15 – 16.  Got an event we didn’t know about? Please add it in the comments!

Friday, April 15

Strictly Sail Pacific
10 am – 6 pm (also on Saturday from 10 am – 7 pm and on Sunday from 10 am – 5 pm)
Jack London Square: Jack London Square, Oakland

Come check out all the latest boats, products, gear and technology in the world of sailing at the show.  The America’s Cup will also be on display.  Cost: $12 – $50.  More info here.

Spring Swing Concert with Laurnet Fourgo
12 – 1 pm
Oakland City Center: 1414 Clay Street, Oakland

The big band will get you dancing with their swinging sounds.  More info here.

F3 Fashion Show & Aritist Bazaar
6 – 10 pm
Cotton Mill Studios: 1091 Calcot Place, Oakland

The evening art show includes a fashion bazaar, open studios, presentations, vendor displays, music, and plenty of food and drinks.  The 4^th floor Main Gallery will be filled with the work of over 15 artists, designers, craftspeople, and more.  Some of the artists involved include Vlad Margulis, Nicholas Powell, Momoko Sudo, Peter Maiden, Cherie Chavez, and Erica Kremenak.  More info here.

Oakland A’s vs. Detroit Tigers
7:05 pm (also on Saturday at 6:05 pm and Sunday at 1:05 pm)
Coliseum: 7000 Coliseum Way, Oakland

The first 15,000 fans will receive fleece blankets.  Cost: $8 – $200.  More info here.

Oakland East Bay Symphony
8 pm
Paramount Theatre: 2025 Broadway, Oakland

The Symphony is presenting the world premier of drummer Scott Amendola’s Fade to Orange.  Wilco’s Nels Cline and bass player Trevor Dunn will accompany Amendola.  Amendola and John Kendall Bailey will be at the pre-concert talk at 7 pm.  More info here.

*****

Berkeley Repertory Theatre’s Clearance Sale
10 am – 4 pm (also on Saturday)
Berkeley Repertory Warehouse: 937 Carleton Street, Berkeley

The Theatre is clearing out their warehouse – selling furniture, props, costumes, and more.  More info here.

Red Cross Disaster Preparedness Fair
11 am – 2 pm
Union Square: Geary and Stockton, San Francisco

April is officially Earthquake Preparedness Month – and the Bay Area is holding a Prep Rally in Union Square to teach you how to get ready for the natural disaster.  There will be family disaster preparedness kits, free training in first aid and CPT, a blood drive, and more.  More info here.

Gray Panthers Rally for Peace
2 – 3 pm
1403 Addison Street, Berkeley

Join the rally against the war by joining the rally.  Bring music and signs.  More info here.

San Francisco Tea Party
4 – 7 pm
Justin Herman Plaza: 1 Market Street, San Francisco

This year’s tax deadline is April 18.  In honor of the momentous day, the San Francisco Tea Party will be protesting what they perceive to be our “meddling government.”  Jason Clemens, director of research at Pacific Research Institute, and Steven Greenhut, editor of calwatchdog.com and author of Plunder: How Public Employee Unions are Raiding Treasuries, Controlling our Lives, and Bankrupting our Nation.  More info here.

3^rd Annual Tax Day Tea Party
4 – 7 pm
Cesar de Chavez Park: Market Avenue and Park Avenue, San Jose

The Tea Party of Silicon Valley will be protesting in honor of the upcoming tax deadline, April 18.  Brian Sussman, KSFO 560 am morning show host, Dr. Lydia Ortega, San Jose State economics professor, and activists Richard Geno and Tim Morgan will be speaking.  More info here.

Off the Grid: Friday Night Food Truck Party
5 – 10 pm
Fort Mason: Marina and Laguna, San Francisco

After a four-month break, this weekly food fete is back!  Every Friday, a diverse group of 30 different food vendors gathers in the Fort Mason Center parking lot to serve the masses with great food.  Alembic Bar and Magnolia Brewery will be running the bar and there will be live music from 6 – 10 pm.  New vendors for 2011 include: Wow Truck, JapaCurry, Brass Kuckle, Zombie Curry, Peter’s Kettle Corn, Sataysfied and Masubi Kings.  More info here.

6^th Annual “Discarded” Recycled Fashion Event
6 – 8:45 pm
de Young Museum – Pizzoni Murals Room: 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive, San Francisco

Discarded to Divine has returned to the de Young.  The actual Discarded to Divine is on April 28 and costs anymore from $150 – $20,000, but you can view some of the fashions for free at the de Young Museum on Friday night.  There will be an Art Making Class at 6 pm and live music all night long.  More info here.

Panel Discussion: “China’s Rise: Lessons for the West”
6:30 pm
Institute of East Asian Studies, 6^th Floor: 2223 Fulton Street, Berkeley

Three scholars from China will discuss the rise of the Asian country and what effects it will have on the US and EU.   More info here.

Maestro Ali Akbar Khan’s Annual Birthday Tribute
6:30 pm
Freight & Salvage Coffeehouse: 2020 Addison Street, Berkeley

The Ali Akbar College of Music celebrates its founder with a night of music.  Aashish Khan, Shujaat Khan, Swapan Chaudhuri, and Alam Khan will perform.  Doors open at 6:30 pm and the show starts at 7.  Cost: $22.50 in advance, $24.50 at the door.  More info here.

Jeff Dwyer and Sheldon Norberg in Conversation
7 pm
Books Inc: 1344 Park Street, Alameda

Jeff Dwyer – an Oakland native – will be talking about his hugely popular book, Ghost Hunter’s Guide to the San Francisco Bay Area.  Sheldon Norberg, author of Healing Houses will also be on hand.  More info here.

Womansong Circle
7:15 – 9:30 pm
First Congregational Church of Berkeley: 2345 Channing Way, Berkeley

Betsy Rose will lead an evening of participatory singing.  More info here.

Joyce Carol Oates
7:30 pm
Mrs. Dalloway’s: 2904 College Avenue, Berkeley

The famous author will read from and sign copies of her new book, A Widow’s Story: A Memoir.  More info here.

“The Once and Future Bride”
8 pm
Starry Plough: 3101 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley

It’s the unofficial premiere of the short film, “The Once and Future Bride.”  A Q&A with the director will follow the show.  Cost: More info here.

Saturday, April 16

Record Store Day 2011
All day
1-2-3-4 Go! Records:  423 40^th Street, Oakland

Numerous performers – from Buck Owens to Bruce Springsteen – will have special, vinyl-only releases available on Saturday.  The event will also be happening at the following locations in San Francisco: Amoeba Music, aQuarius records, Creative Music Emporium, Force of Habit Records, Grooves, Medium Rare Music, Streetlight Records, the Explorist International, and The Music Store San Francisco.  You can also find events at the following locations in Berkeley: Amoeba, Rasputin, and Down Home Music.  More info here.

Anthony “Scruncho” McKinley and Special Guests
9 pm – 12 am
Joaquin Miller Community Center: 3594 Sanborn Road, Oakland

Anthony “Scruncho” McKinley – best known for his role in the movie How High, will be performing.  Cost: $25 – which covers seat, bottle service, appetizers, and after party entry.  More info here.

Creek Crew Work Day at Oakland Zoo
10 am – 1 pm
Oakland Zoo: 9777 Golf Links Road, Oakland

Come celebrate Earth Day at the Zoo!  Wear sneakers that can get dirty and don’t forget to bring water and snacks.  More info here.

Family Extravaganza: Cork Boat Regatta
1 – 3 pm (also on Sunday)
MOCHA – Museum of Children’s Art: 538 9^th Street, Oakland

Come construct your own cork boat and sail it in the Museum’s courtyard.  Cost: $8 per child.  Adults are free.  More info here.

Jonathan A. C. Brown: “Hadith: Muhammad’s Legacy in the Medieval and Modern World”
6 – 7:30 pm
Islamic Cultural Center of Northern California: 1433 Madison Street, Oakland

Jonathan Brown discusses his new book.  A Q&A session and book signing follow the discussion.  Cost: $5 students, $10 general.  More info here.

Jerry Seinfeld
7 pm and 9:30 pm
Paramount Theatre: 2025 Broadway, Oakland

Jerry Seinfeld has returned to his roots – stand-up comedy.  He will be performing two shows, at 7 and 9:30 pm.  Doors open a hour before the show.  Cost: $47, $62, or $77.  More info here.

*****

Earth Day on the Bay 2011
8 am – 5 pm
Marine Science Institute: 500 Discovery Parkway, Redwood City

The Marine Science Institute is open to the public only one day a year, so don’t miss out.  There will live entertainment, trips on the Bay, tide pool animals, shark feedings, arts and crafts, and more.  More info here.

Learn How to Fish: Free Clinic
8 – 11:30 am (also on Sunday)
Lake Chabot: Lake Chabot, Vallejo

The California Department of Fish and Game is hosting a number of “Learn to Fish” clinics throughout the Bay Area.  Each clinic will be 45 minutes and offer instruction in knots, casting, rigging, safety, ethics, and urban runoff.  Equipment will be provided.  More info here.

Earth Day Community Clean Up
9 am – 12 pm
Victoria Manalo Draves Park: Folsom Street and Sherman Street, San Francisco

The Community Clean Team is cleaning up San Francisco for Earth Day.  Volunteers will plant trees, garden, and help paint over graffiti in District 6.  Lunch will be provided.  For the flyer, click here.  More info here.

Call Day 2011
9 am – 4 pm
UC Berkeley: Sproul Plaza, Berkeley

The University will be holding hundreds of free lectures, performances, tours, concerts, and more.  You can visit labs in biology and chemistry, visit all campus museums for free, and dance the day away to tons of live music.  For a schedule by category, click here.  For a schedule by time, click here.  More info here.

Emeryville Earth Day Celebration
10 am – 4 pm
Christie Avenue Park: 6200 Christie Avenue, Emeryville

There will be green vendors, live music and dance performances, film screenings, and more.  More info here.

2^nd Annual Goat Festival
10 am – 1 pm
Ferry Building: 175 The Embarcadero, San Francisco

There will be lots of goat milk cheese, yogurt, and ice cream to sample at this year’s Goat Festival.  There will be cooking demos at both 11 and 11:45 am and baby goats in the south driveway.  More info here.

SF Refresh 2011
10 am – 5 pm
Hayes Valley Farm: 450 Laguna Street, San Francisco
The Free Farm: Gough Street and Eddy Street, San Francisco

SF Refresh wants all of San Francisco to be well.  There will be gardening classes, yoga, life coaching, meditation, trauma care, nutrition classes, massage, acupuncture, and information about preventative health care.  There will also be a number of arts and crafts events.  More info here.

Alameda Point Vintage Fashion Faire
10 am – 4 pm
Officer’s Club at Alameda Pointe: 641 West Redline Avenue, Alameda

There will be over 50 vendors selling everything from clothing to jewelry.  The pieces range from the Victorian Era through today.  Cost: $5 for early admission (10 – 11 am), $10 general admission (11 am – 4 pm).  More info here.

USS Hornet “Living Ship Day”
10 am – 5 pm
USS Hornet Museum: 707 West Hornet Avenue, Alameda

Come celebrate the 69^th anniversary of the Doolittle Raid.  There will be speeches, flight simulations, and a musical performance by the Swingin’ Blue Stars.  Free with museum admission.  Cost: $6 – $15.  More info here.

Berkeley Bay Festival
11 am – 5 pm
Berkeley Marina: 201 University Avenue, Berkeley

The festival begins with a group shoreline clean-up and then moves on to the fun.  There will be live music and tons of food.  Free sailboat and Dragon boat rides will also be offered.  More info here.

Peace Corps 50^th Anniversary
11 am – 4 pm
UC Berkeley International House, Inner Courtyard: 2299 Piedmont Avenue, Berkeley

Peace Corps volunteers from around the world will be on hand to help celebrate the Peace Corps’ 50^th Anniversary.  More info here.

DogFest 2011
11 am – 4 pm
Duboce Park: Steiner Street & Duboce Avenue, San Francisco

DogFest – a fundraiser for McKinley Elementary School – celebrates all things dog at one of San Francisco’s dog friendly parks.  There will be a special Dog Show with awards for best bark, best trick, best look-alike duo, best lap dog, best costume, and more “Ear-resistible” – aka. Best ears.  Celebrity judges Bevan Dufty, a mayoral candidate, Top Chef contestant Ryan Scott, and morning DJ Fernando Ventura will pick the winners.  More info here.

7^th Create-With-Nature Earth Day Celebration
11 am – 3 pm
South End of Stinson Beach: Stinson Beach

Want to help make our planet more beautiful for Earth Day?  If you come to Stinson beach, you can join others in creating art using found objects.  You can also help clean up the beach while you are there – bags and gloves will be provided.  More info here.

Edith Coliver Festival of Cultures
11 am – 6 pm
International House: 2299 Piedmont Avenue, Berkeley

The Festival is part of the day-long Cal Day celebrations.  Come learn about cultures around the world.  More info here.

Daredevil Circus Stunt Show
12 – 6 pm
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk: 400 Beach Street, Santa Cruz

The circus is the kick-off for the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk’s Spring Break.  Nik Wallenda – a famous high wire artist – will make it a day to remember.  At 12 pm, Wallenda will walk on top of the Boardwalk’s spinning Ferris Wheel and at 5, he will ride a motorcycle up a wire to the top of the Double Shot tower ride.  Wallenda’s wife – a famous trapeze artist – will hang underneath the motorcycle during the ride.  More info here.

44^th Annual Cherry Blossom Festival
12 – 6 pm (also on Sunday)
Japantown: 1759 Sutter Street, San Francisco

The festival will be held on Post Street, between Laguna and Fillmore.  There will be food vendors, cultural performances, martial arts, live bands, and the annual Queen Program.  The Grand Parade will be held on Sunday.  More info here.

Tomato Growing Techniques Workshop
12:30 pm
Ploughshares Nursery: 2701 Main Street, Alameda

Helen Krayenhoff will teach you how to grow tomatoes in your backyard garden.  More info here.

Duran Duran Record Signing
1:30 pm
Rasputin Music: 2401 Telegraph Avenue, Berkeley

Two members of Duran Duran – Roger and John Taylor – will be on hand to sing copies of their new CD, “All You Need is Now,” in honor of Record Store Day 2011.  More info here.

Carole Eglsh-Kosoff: “The Human Spirit: Apartheid’s Unheralded Heroes”
2 – 4 pm
Frank Bette Center for the Arts: 1601 Paru Street, Alameda

Author Carole Eglsh-Kosoff discusses her new book and issues surrounding Apartheid.  She will also be signing copies.  All profits from the sale of her book will be donated to Ikamva Labantu and other South African charities.  More info here.

Heidi Swanson: “Super Natural Every Day: Well-Loved Recipes from My Natural Kitchen”
4 pm
Mrs. Dalloway’s: 2904 College Avenue, Berkeley

Chef and author Heidi Swanson shares recipes from her newest cookbook.  More info here.

“How-to Homestead” Workshop & Festival
4 – 10:30 pm
Bayview Opera House: 4705 Third Street, San Francisco

There will be a “Chickens in the City” workshop, How-to Homestead films, live music, and Contra Dance.  There will also be a potluck dinner at 6 pm and admission to the event is free is you bring a dish.  Cost: $5  More info here.

Fantasy & Science Fiction Author Night
6 pm
The Variety Preview Room Theatre: 582 Market Street, San Francisco

Fantasy authors Peter S. Beagles – writer of The Last Unicorn – and Michael Blumlein will be signing copies of their books, and answering questions during a Q&A session.  A cash bar opens at 6 pm and the event starts at 7.  More info here.

2011 Rube Goldberg Machine Contest
7 – 11 pm
Pauley Ballroom – UC Berkeley: MLK Student Union, 400 Eshleman MC #4500, UC Berkeley

Rube Goldberg was a cartoonist who created excessively complicated machines to perform simple tasks.  UC Berkeley – for the second year in a row – will be hosting a contest to see who can build the best Goldenberg inspired machine to water a plant.  Over $1500 in cash prizes are up fro grabs.  Food and beverages will be provided.  More info here.

Aquarela Dance Ensemble’s 25^th Anniversary with SambaDa
9 pm
Ashkenaz: 1317 San Pablo Avenue, Berkeley

Maria Souza is offering Brazilian Samba lessons at 8 pm.  Doors open at 7:30 pm, show is at 9.  Cost: $10 students, $13 general.  More info here.

Sunday, April 17

Adventures on Planet Earth
10 am – 3 pm
Oakland Zoo: 9777 Golf Links Road, Oakland

There will be more than 50 booths and numerous demonstrations to help celebrate Earth Day.  Free with zoo admission.  More info here.

Sunday Church of Craft at Rock Paper Scissors
12 – 5 pm
Rock Paper Scissors: 2278 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland

Sunday School will be offered from 12 – 1 pm and the crafts will begin at 1 and go until 5.  Bring whatever crafty projects you have been working on or start something new.  Snacks are bring your own.  More info here.

Matt Stewart
2 – 4:30 pm
Oakland Public Library: 125 14^th Street, Oakland

Matt Stewart released his first novel on Twitter.  He will be at the library to discuss using social media for writers.  The talk is part of the California Writer’s Club regular meeting.  More info here.

Poetry Flash
3 pm
Diesel, A Bookstore: 5433 College Avenue, Oakland

Donna de la Perriere and Joseph Lease will be reading from their poetry collections, Saint Erasure and Testify, respectively.   More info here.

Catalyst: One by One
3 pm
Malonga Casquelourd Center for the Arts: 1428 Alice Street, Oakland

The show is produced by Oakland’s Dimensions Dance Theater and combines dance with the music of Legends of East Bay.  Cost: $20.  More info here.

Beer Dinner
6 pm
B Restaurant & Bar: 499 9^th Street, Oakland

The restaurant is offering a four-course meal – with a Belgian beer pairing to go along with each plate – for $79.  Reservations required.  More info here.

*****

Free Homeopathic Consultations
9 am – 7 pm
Homeopathy for Health and Vitality – Suite 102: 43 Quail Court Office Park, Walnut Creek

CHom Certified Homeopath Masha Rosen will be giving free 30-minute sessions to anyone who wants one.  The consultations are by appointment only.  To make an appointment, call: 650-740-7500 or email: masha@masharosen.com.  More info here.

Backyard Beekeeping
9:30 am – 1 pm
BioFuel Oasis: 1441 Ashby Avenue, Berkeley

Love honey?  Learn how to start a bee colony in your backyard so you can be your own beekeeper.  The class is currently full, but to get on the waitlist email: biodevas@biofueloasis.com.  Cost: $35.  More info here.

Cherry Blossom Festival Grand Parade
1 pm
Civic Center: Civic Center, San Francisco

The Cherry Blossom Festival is in its 44^th year – and is an extremely popular event.  Each year, over 20,000 people come to watch the parade.  More info here.

Israeli Folkdancing with Allen King
1:00 – 5:30 pm
Ashkenaz: 1317 San Pablo Avenue, Berkeley

Come learn some traditional fold favorites.  Cost: $8.  More info here.

City Chickens
2 – 5 pm
BioFuel Oasis: 1441 Ashby Avenue, Berkeley

It’s the new hot thing – backyard chickens.  Learn how to keep and care for your feathered friends.  Cost: $35.  More info here.

Berkeley Cybersalon: Steven Levy and Andrew Keen
3 – 5 pm
Hillside Club: 2286 Cedar Street, Berkeley

Steven Levy – author of In the Plex: How Google Thinks, Works, and Shapes Our Lives will discuss his book with Techcrunch TV host, Andrew Keen.  Keen is also the author of The Cult of the Amateur.  Cost: $10 at the door.  More info here.

Ann Packer
7 pm
Books Inc: 1760 Fourth Street, Berkeley

Author Ann Packer will share parts of her newest book, Swim Back to Me.  More info here.

Redwood Day School Rock Bands
7 pm
Ashkenaz: 1317 San Pablo Avenue, Berkeley

Come hear the kids of Redwood Day School rock their hearts out.  Doors open at 7 pm, the show starts at 7:30.  Cost: $5 RDS staff and students, $10 general.  More info here.

Ongoing community weekend events and gatherings

Talks

Wildlife Theater
Saturdays at 11:45 am and Sundays at 1:45 pm
Oakland Zoo: 9777 Golf Links Road, Oakland

Every Saturday, hear a story and meet an animal with the Oakland zoo staff.  On Sundays, there are more animals to meet and a chance to learn cool nature facts.

Toddler Storytime
Saturdays 10:30 – 11:30 am
Oakland Main Library, Children’s Room, 125 14th Street, Oakland
and Rockridge Branch Library, 5366 College Avenue, Oakland

Every Saturday, children ages three and under can listen to stories, sing songs, and enjoy family play time. More info here.

Bay Area Poets Coalition Open Reading
First Saturday of every month, 3 – 5 pm
Strawberry Creek Lodge: 1320 Addison Street, Berkeley

All ages are welcome to come participate at the Bay Area Poets monthly open reading.  Each poet or reader has between three and five minutes to present his or her pieces.  Just coming to listen is also fine.  Please only park on the street.  Check in at the front desk and you will be directed to the meeting location.  More info here.

“artiFACTS”
First Sunday of every month, 3 pm
Auctions by the Bay Theater: Alameda Point Naval Air Station, Alameda

“artiFACTS” is a monthly talk about the art of collecting and a preview of the monthly estate auction, which takes place the following Monday.  More info here.

Farmers markets

Old Oakland Farmers Market: 9th Street between Broadway and Clay, Oakland
Fridays 8 am – 2 pm, year-round
.  More info here.

Kaiser Permanente Oakland Farmers Market: 3801 Howe Street, Oakland
Fridays 10 am – 2 pm, year-round.  
More info here.

Grand Lake Farmers Market: Splash Pad Park at Grand Avenue and Lake Park Avenue
Saturdays 9 am – 2 pm, year round.  More info here.

Phat Beets Produce Market: 5717 Market Street, Oakland
Saturdays 9 am – 2 pm.  
More info here.

Temescal Farmers Market: 5300 Claremont Avenue, Oakland (at the DMV)
Sundays 9 am – 1 pm, year-round.  
More info here.

Jack London Square Farmers Market: Webster & Water Streets, Oakland
Sundays, 9 am – 2 pm, year-round.  
More info here.

Meetings

LOUD Youth Group
Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays 4 – 6 pm
Pacific Center: 2712 Telegraph Avenue, Berkeley

LOUD Youth Group is a drop-in group for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) youth.  Tuesdays focus on arts and crafts, writing, and music.  Thursdays focus on hot topics and guest speakers.  Fridays focus on queer moves and video games.  More info here.

Bay Street Stroller Strides
Fridays 9:30 am
Old Navy: 5625 Bay Street, Emeryville

Come join other mom’s as they incorporate power walking, jogging, body toning, and strength and flexibility training into their morning walks with their babies.  First class is free.  Cost: $120 for a 10-class pass.  More info here.

Chemical Dependency Workshop
Saturdays 10 am – 12 pm
Alta Bates Summit Medical Center’s MPI Treatment Services: 3021 Summit Street, 5^th Floor, D Wing, Oakland

Whether you are dealing with alcohol or drug abuse yourself, or helping a family member or friend through the addiction, everyone is welcome at Alta Bates’ Dependency Workshops.  Call 510-652-7000 for more information.

MTC Community Garden Hoe-Down
Saturdays 9 – 11 am
Memorial Tabernacle Church: 514 58 Street, Oakland (enter through the driveway)

Come join the weekly garden work party!  Whether you are a novice or an expert, all levels of gardening are welcome. Bring your gloves and gardening tools.

Scrabble Club
Third and First Saturday of every month, 1 – 4 pm
It’s Your Move Games and Hobbies: 4920 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland

The club meets two to three times a month and hold a monthly tournament.  Cost: $1 to join the club and $25 for six games at the tournament.  More info here.

Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous
Sundays 8:30 – 10 am, Thursdays 7:00 to 8:30 pm
Alta Bates Summit Medical Center, Summit Campus, Merritt Pavilion
350 Hawthorne Avenue, Oakland, in the “Fir Room.”

A program based on the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. There are no dues, weigh-ins, or fee, but pre-registration for this free program is required. The program is provided through Alta Bates Summit Medical Center and Jewish Family and Children’s Services of the East Bay. Call (510) 523-4361 for more information.

Got an Oakland event to share for next weekend’s events listing? Send info including address, time, and ticket price for events taking place in Oakland between April 22-24 to staff@oaklandnorth.net.