This weekend in Oakland

Community events and activities for the weekend of March 4 – 6.  Got an event we didn’t know about? Please add it in the comments!

Friday, March 4

Symposium: “China and Taiwan’s ‘Mobile Horizons’: Cross-Strait Through Cross-Discipline”
8:30 am – 6 pm (also on Saturday)
The Heynes Room of the Faculty Club: UC Berkeley, Berkeley

The University of California, Berkeley’s Institute of East Asian Studies, is sponsoring this two-day conference.  The event will look at the results of three years of research on the evolution of political, business, cultural, and religious networks between the People’s Republic of China and Taiwan.  More info here.

Meet the Winemaker with Wine Tasting from Stage Left Cellars
5 – 6 pm
Waterfront Hotel: 10 Washington Street, Oakland

Come join the East Bay Vinter’s Alliance for the second of its new weekly “Meet the Winemaker” tasting series. Ms. Pearl’s Jam House will provide snacks.  This week’s wine is from Stage Left Cellars.  More info here.

Free Carnival Night
6 – 8:45 pm
de Young Museum: 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive, San Francisco

Come celebrate Carnival with the de Young Museum.  There will be dancers and bateria from Fogo Na Roupa as well as a special lecture on “The Olmec Sacred World.”  More info here.

Video Game Inspired Art
6:30 – 10 pm
Giant Robot SF: 618 Shrader Street, San Francisco

Giant Robot presents Game Over IV.  Paintings, clothing, comics, videogames, and illustrations will demonstrate how influential videogames are in our culture.  More info here.

*E_b/N₀* Opening Night Reception
7 – 10 pm
MacArthur b arthur: 4030 Martin Luther King Jr Way, Oakland

E_b/N₀ – the energy per bit to noise power density ratio – is a group show featuring Zarouhi Abdalian, Chris Duncan, Justin Hurty, Suzy Poling, Joseph Rosenzweig, and Gareth Spor.  According to the website, “The works in the show examine the frenetic and the unexpected in the liminal space of the unknown and uncertain.”  The show will continue through Sunday, March 27.  MacArthur b arthur is open Sundays from 1 – 5 and by appointment.  More info here.

Thea Singer: “Stress Less: The New Science That Shows Women How to Rejuvenate the Body and the Mind”
7 pm
Books Inc. Berkeley: 1760 Fourth Street, Berkeley

The author, Thea Singer, will be on hand to read from and sign copies of her book, “Stress Less: The New Science That Shows Women How to Rejuvenate the Body and the Mind.”  More info here.

12^th Annual Bay Area Seed Swap
7 – 9 pm
Ecology Center: 2530 San Pablo Avenue, Berkeley

The Bay Area Seed Interchange Library wants to preserve our seeds’ genetic variety.  They will be teaching seed saving classes as well as providing a potluck dinner, hoe-down music, and home-grown garden seeds.  Food and seeds are requested.  More info here.

Bill Mayer, Steven Rood, and Larry Felson
7 – 8:30 pm
Mythos Fine Art & Artifacts: 1747 Solano Avenue, Berkeley

The three authors will read from their poetry collections.  More info here.

Five Day Mardi Gras Festival
7 – 11 pm
Miss Pearl’s Jam House: 1 Broadway, Oakland

Mardi Gras starts Friday and lasts for five days, until Fat Tuesday on March 8^th.  Miss Pearl’s Jam House will keep the party going just as long.  The even kicks off on Friday with the David Landon Blues Band playing until 11 pm.  More info here.

Film Screening: Stolen Childhoods
7 – 9 pm
60 Evans, UC Berkeley: 60 Evans, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley

Stolen Childhoods is a documentary about the 246 million child laborers across the world today.  The film interviews a number of these working children as well as profiles programs working to help save children from this fate.  The film is narrated by Meryl Streep.  More info here.

Joshua Phillips and Mark Danner: “American Soldiers and Torture”
7 – 8:30 pm
Center for Photography: Northgate Hall, Graduate School of Journalism at Berkeley

During their talk, the two writers will be discussing the issue of torture – why it was suddenly considered permissible and necessary and it’s effect on detainees and soldiers alike.  Mark Danner is he author of “Torture and Truth: America, Abu Ghraib and the War on Terror” and “Stripping Bare the Body: Politics, Violence, War.”  Joshua Phillips is the author of “None of Us Were Like This Before.”  More info here.

Parade
7:30 pm (also Saturday at 7:30 pm and Sunday at 2 pm)
Julia Morgan Center for the Arts: 2640 College Avenue, Berkeley

The Youth Musical Theater Company presents Parade – the Tony-award winning musical of the 1013 Leo Frank Trial.  Written by Jason Robert Brown and Alfred Uhry, and directed by Jennifer Boesing and Dave Moschler.  Tickets available here.  More info here.

The Stompy Jones Band
7:30 pm
Ashkenaz Music and Dance Community Center: 1317 San Pablo Avenue, Berkeley

The Stompy Jones Band performs swinging music from the ‘30s through ‘50s.  Dance instructors Nick and Leah will teach you how to swing along to the music at 8 pm.  Doors open at 7:30 pm, dance lesson at 8, and show at 9.  Cost: $13, $10 students (with a valid student ID).   More info here.

First Friday Mardi Gras Party
8 pm
The Den at the Fox Theater: 1807 Telegraph, Oakland

Come listen to DJ Harry D. start off Mardi Gras right, as he spins at the Den – the luxe bar attached to the Fox Theater.  Tours of the Fox will be provided throughout the night as well.  More info here.

Paramount Movie Classics: Hitchcock’s “The Birds” (1963)
8 – 10 pm
Paramount Theater: 2025 Broadway, Oakland

The famous Art Deco movie palace boasts over 3,000 seats, period newsreels, cartoons, previews, live music from the Mighty Wurlitzer organ, and the audience game “Dec-O-Win.”  Doors open 60 minutes prior to the show.  Cocktails, beverages, and snacks will be available for purchase.  The feature film begins at 8:30 pm.  Cost: $5.  More info here.

Island Arts Festival
8 – 10 pm (also on Saturday)
Rhythmix Cultural Works: 2513 Blanding Avenue, Alameda

Chieko Kojima – the principal dancer from the Japanese drumming ensemble Kodo – and Kaoru Watanabe – the premier bamboo flute player, solo artist, and former Kodo performer and artistic director – have put together a wonderful performance combining music and dance.  Maze Daiko – a group pioneering global instrumentation and rhythms with taiko – will also perform.  More info here.

Body of Knowledge
8 pm (also on Saturday)
Western Sky Studio: 2547 Eighth Street, Berkeley

Directed by Karl Frost, Body of Knowledge is an interactive work about awareness, feeling, knowledge, and our bodies.  The audience wanders through an installation of video projections and meets the performers in “encounters both ordinary and extra-ordinary, up close or from a distance.”  Cost: $16 – $20 at the door, $12+ advance purchase via paypal to info@bodyresearch.org.  More info here.

Saturday, March 5

Oakland Museum White Elephant Sale
10 am – 4 pm (also on Sunday)
White Elephant Sale Warehouse: 333 Lancaster Street, Oakland

Come check out the goods at the Oakland Museum of California’s annual White Elephant Sale.  There will be collectibles, vintage clothing, furniture, and more.  A free shuttle will be running between the warehouse and the Fruitvale BART during sale hours.  More info here.

1^st Annual Hydroponic & Organic Gardening Fair
10 am – 4 pm (also on Sunday)
3rd Street Hydroponic’s Lot: 647 4^th Street, Oakland

At the two-day event, you will be able to find the latest indoor gardening and renewable energy products, learn about WEpower, listen to seminars on lighting, taste local organic food samples, and get great deals on soil.  More info here.

Huge “Bead Bazaar”
10 am – 6 pm
Oakland Marriot Center: 10^th and Broadway, Oakland

The Bead Society of Northern California hosts this “bead bazaar,” one of the largest in the US.  There will be over 120 bead artists and designers selling their beads, finished jewelry, findings, books, and more.  Cost: $7 – save $2 off regular admission with this coupon.  More info here.

Race Judicata
11: 30 am – 2 pm
UC Berkeley: Boalt Hall, School of Law, Berkeley

The Ecology Law Quarterly’s annual run, Race Judicata, is a 10k run or 5k run/walk around the Berkeley campus.  The race raises money for environmental law fellowships.  Fun prizes will also be awarded.  To register, click here.  For more information, email: elq.development.director@gmail.com.  More info here.

Mardi Gras Carnival & Street Procession
12 – 5 pm
Fillmore Center Plaza: 1475 Fillmore Street, San Francisco

The Fillmore District starts off a great Mardi Gras celebration with a kid’s carnival, jugglers, Jah Summit band and band processional along Fillmore Street.  More info here.

Discussion: New Economic Models for a Thrivable Future
1 – 4 pm
Yerba Buena Center For the Arts: 701 Mission Street, San Francisco

Upward Spirals: New Economic Models for a Thrivable Future looks at how we as a society can transition from a more, more, more economy to a more sustainable model.  Speakers will include: Marina Gorbis, Executive Director of Institute for the Future and Neal Gorenflo, co-founder and publisher of Shareable Magazine – a magazine about sharing.  More info here.

Diana Coleman: “Finish the Civil War!  For Black Liberation Through Socialist Revolution”
2 – 4:30 pm
Rockridge United Methodist Church: 303 Hudson Street, Oakland

Diana Coleman is a member of the Spartacist League and a veteran of Southern Civil Rights Movement.  The event is part of the Black History Month Forum and is sponsored by the Bay Area Spartacist League and Labor Black League for Social Defense.  More info here.

Spring Open Studio at Carle Photography
2 – 7 pm
Mariah Carle’s Studio: 527 23^rd Avenue, Studio 104, Oakland

Mariah Carle wants to show off her newly updated studio.  There will be more artwork than before, as well as a special art piece in progress.  Bring a small bell and Carle will even sign a free 5 by 7 print for you.  More info here.

German Family Karneval
4 – 7 pm
Unitarian Universalist Church: 1 Lawson Road, Berkeley

Here’s your chance to experience a traditional German Family Karneval.  The event will include a marching band, a Karneval Parade and decorations, dancing, and live music.  This is a family friendly event, with fun arts and crafts activities and games for kids of all ages.  German food and drink will be for sale and there will also be a silent auction and raffle.  For more information, contact Pamela Mead at 510-558-0436 or pmead@gissv.org.  More info here.

Clothing Swap Party
6 – 10 pm
Homespun Bikes: 494 Wesley Avenue, Oakland

Bring those gently worn jeans that aren’t your style or that cute spring dress that no longer fits and swap them out for something new.  There will be changing rooms available.  Live music and cocktails will liven up the event.  MilkGlass Baking will be providing sweets.  More info here.

“Fruitful – the Tropical Expressionist Art of Margo Rivera-Weiss”
7 – 9 pm
The Conscious Collective at The Space: 4148 MacArthur Boulevard, Oakland

Margo Rivera-Weiss presents her art – a world of fruit in watercolors.  Rivera-Weiss will also be displaying and selling linocuts and greeting cards.  There will be live Latin and Jazz keyboard music by Jessie Ortiz as well as refreshments.  More info here.

2011 Snuggie Pub Crawl
Saturday 7 pm – Sunday 2 am
McTeague’s Saloon: 1237 Polk Street, San Francisco

It’s time for the Annual San Francisco Snuggie Pub Crawl!  You MUST dress up to take advantage of the great drink specials, but blankets, backward robes, designer Snuggies and Snuggie knock-offs are all welcome.  You are also welcome to alter your Snuggie in anyway – except for cutting off those awesome sleeves!  Snuggies can be purchased at any Walgreens, CVS, JCPenny’s, Costco, Kmart, Toys “R” Us, or Kohl’s for around $14.99.  More info here.

Participating Bars (no cover at all locations)
McTeagues: $2 bud light/bud, $4 Snuggie shots, $5 Svedka Vodka
Lush Lounge: $2 PBR/Tecate, $3 house wine, $4 Blackberry Bubble, $5 PBR/Whiskey shots
R Bar: $2 Bush draft, Olympia cans, $5 Svedka Vodka (all flavors)
Aces: $4 Svedka Vodka, $3 Bud Light cans, $2 Miller Light cans
Vertigo: $5 Polk Punch and Pineapple Infused Vodka, $2 PBR

Trey Anastasio Band
7:30 pm
Fox Theater: 1807 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland

This is Anastasio’s first tour with full acoustic and electric sets since 1999, and will be performing with the Trey Anastasio Band – which debuted in 2010.  Anastasio is best known as the founding member of the rock band Phish.  Cost: $39.50 for both general admission and reserved seat balcony tickets.  More info here.

Watch Competitive Rowing
8 am – 3:30 pm (also on Sunday)
Lake Merced Boathouse: 1 Harding Park Road, San Francisco

Come watch the first regatta of the season!  More info here.

Blue Bone Express and Hot Pink Feathers
8 pm
Café Van Kleef: 1621 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland

The Hot Pink Feathers cabaret dance troupe will perform to the unique jazz styling of Oakland’s Blue Bone Express.  Cost: free before 10 pm, $10 after 10 pm.  More info here.

26^th Jewish Music Festival: Opening Night
8 and 10:30 pm (the festival continues through Sunday, March 13)
Freight & Salvage Coffeehouse: 2020 Addison Street, Berkeley

Yemen Blues performs at 8 pm and 10:30 pm on opening night of the 26^th Jewish Music Festival.  Yemen Blues combines traditional Yemenite melodies with blues, jazz and funk.  Cost: $30 – adult/senior, $15 – under 21.  More info here.

Official Trey Anastasio Band After-Party with Wyllys
11 pm
Fox Theater: 1807 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland

After the Trey Anastasio Band’s performance at Oakland’s Fox Theater, the group will hang around for an after-party.  Jennifer Hartswick of TAB and Wyllys will also be at the party.  More info here.

Sunday, March 6

City Chickens
10 am – 1 pm
BioFuel Oasis: 1441 Ashby Avenue, Berkeley

BioFuel Oasis – a worker-owned cooperative specializing in ASTM Quality Biodiesel made from Recycled Vegetable oil – hosts a seminar about raising chickens in the city.  Novella Carpenter – author of the 2009 memoir, “Farm City: The Education of an Urban Farmer” – will lead the class.  Cost: $30.  Email biodevas@biofueloasis.com, to be added to the class’s waitlist.  More info here.

Entire Golden Gate Park Hike
10 am – 12 pm
Golden Gate Park: McLaren Lodge, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco

A relaxed hike through Golden Gate Park will leave from the beginning of the park and end at the Pacific Ocean.  The group will take one 10 minutes break upon reaching the Pacific before hiking back.  More info here.

International Womens Day Celebration
11 am – 2 pm
Dolores Park: 18^th and Dolores, San Francisco

There will be food, music, and fun activities to celebrate the public launch of the California Domestic Worker Bill of Rights Campaign.  This is a family friendly event to help honor all those who do important work in our homes and for our families.  More info here.

ShowFest 2011: Vendors, Food, & Henna
11 am – 3 pm
Lick-Wilmerding High School: 755 Ocean Avenue, San Francisco

The first annual ShowFest aims to raise money for the Aim High Tutoring program – providing free tutoring to Bay Area students – and Lick-Wilmerding High School’s Al Adams Fund for Flex Tuition – making sure students of all backgrounds can attend the school.  There will be students vendors selling their wares, along with local artists, gourmet food vendors, game booths, and makeup and henna tattoo artists.  More info here.

The Last Gun: Load & Aim a 50-ton Cannon
11 am – 3 pm
Presidio: Battery Chamberlin, San Francisco

Battery Chamberlin was built by the army in 1904, just above Baker Beach.  The guns at the Battery were able to disappear from site, despite weighing 50-tons each.  In 1977, the Golden Gate National Parks got a 97,000 pound canon – similar to those that used to be at the Battery – the last of its kind.  In case of rain, please call 415-561-4323.  More info here.

J. Tony Serra: “Lust for Justice”
11 am – 1 pm
Niebyl Proctor Marxist Library: 6501 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland

J. Tony Serra is a famous lawyer – previously representing the Hell’s Angels, Black Panthers, and members of the Symbionese Liberation Army.  Serra will speak about his life and his book, “Lust for Justice: The Radical Life & Law of J. Tony Serra.”  The Critical Study of Society is sponsoring the event.  Cost: free.  More info here.

Bridal Faire Luncheon
12 – 2 pm
Scott’s Seafood: 2 Broadway, Oakland

Planning your upcoming nuptials?  Join Scott’s Catering Services for an afternoon of help with planning your wedding.  There will be gourmet hors d’oeuvres, lunch, and the Bay Area’s prestigious wedding professionals.  This event is by reservation only and is limited to two guests.  For more information: call 510-444-5969 or email khodgins@scottsjls.com.  More info here.

Six Easy Medicinal Herbs to Grow at Home
2 – 5 pm
BioFuel Oasis: 1441 Ashby Avenue, Berkeley

BioFuel Oasis – a worker-owned cooperative specializing in ASTM Quality Biodiesel made from Recycled Vegetable oil – hosts a seminar about growing your own medicinal herbs.  Jennifer Radtke will lead the class.  Cost: $30.  More info here.

26^th Jewish Music Festival: Ger Mandolin Orchestra, 2011
2 pm
Freight & Salvage Coffeehouse: 2020 Addison Street, Berkeley

The Orchestra is a tribute to the Jewish mandolin orchestra active in Gora Kalwaria, Poland in the 1920s and 1930s.  Cost: $20 in advance, $25 at the door.  More info here.

Lisa Catherine Harper
3 pm
Diesel: 5433 College Avenue, Oakland

Lisa Catherine Harper will be discussing and signing copies of her new book, “A Double Life: Discovering Motherhood.”  More info here.

Franz Liszt Organ Recital
4 pm
Grace Cathedral: 1100 California Street, San Francisco

Gail Archer, an international concert organist and recording artist will perform the works of Franz Liszt.  Archer is also the college organist at Vassar College, director of the music program at Barnard College, conductor of the Barnard-Columbia Chorus, and director of the artist and young organ artist recitals at historic Central Synagogue in New York City.  The program includes: Evocation a’ La Chapelle Sixtine, Ave Maris Stella, Einleitung zur Legende der heilegen Elisabeth, and Fantasie und Fuge uber den Choral “Ad nos, ad salutarem undam.”  More info here.

Art Collective Hosts an Art-on-Nails Evening
6 – 9 pm
Rock Paper Scissors Collective: 2278 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland

Rock Paper Scissor Collective is hosting a series of “lady fingers” events for girls.  This week’s event is all about nails and all the ways you can decorate them.  Floss Gloss Boss and Acrylic Bling Crew will be helping you to decorate your digits.  More info here.

J. Tony Serra: “Lust for Justice”
7:30 – 9:30 pm
Hillside Club: 2286 Cedar Street, Berkeley

J. Tony Serra is a famous lawyer – previously representing the Hell’s Angels, Black Panthers, and members of the Symbionese Liberation Army.  Serra – along with his biographer Paulette Frankl – will speak about his life and his book, “Lust for Justice: The Radical Life & Law of J. Tony Serra.”  Brian Edwards-Tiekert will host the evening.  Cost: $12 in advance, $15 at the door.  All proceeds benefit KPFA Radio 94.1.  More info here.

26^th Jewish Music Festival: Veretski Pass
8 pm
Freight & Salvage Coffeehouse: 2020 Addison Street, Berkeley

This trio combines musicianship and energy – all while playing “village-style” instruments originating in the Ottoman Empire along with Carpathian, Jewish, and Rumanian musical traditions.  Cost: $18 in advance, $20 at the door.  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.

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 fees, 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 March 11-13 to staff@oaklandnorth.net.