What do you wish for?

Do you base our choices on what you want, or what you think you're supposed to want? Let yourself feel what you feel and want what you want, THEN engage your mind in the process. The best wishes are born from your heart.

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Molly Blue Dawn's List of Events for the Week starting Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Bral Talej - Magical Signs for Divination, Shakes at Swirl, Make Your Own Hand-Held Prayer Beads, Drinking/Songs, Empty Bowls, Music and Dance Improv Lab, astrobarry’s Astrology Salon, Tinsel Tarts in a Hot Coma, How A Mountain Was Made, Burqavaganza, Eco-Resiliency, Esoteric Networking in the New Millennium, Positive Discipline Parenting Workshop, It’s About Time, Noor, Chocolate and Chalk Art Festival, Grand Expansion Celebration at Our Sacred Space Wellness Center, Soul Serpent Spa Day Retreat, Wild Medicine: Natural Remedies from Garden Weeds, Armenian Dolmas Wine Songs and Dances, The Doctor Dances, Conspiracy of Venus, An Evening of Music and Dance, Art at the Source Open Studios, Valhalla Renaissance Faire, Conscious Goddess Temple Service, Conscious Goddess Class, The Witch's Garden, Being-in-Dreaming, Intermediate Tarot with Rabbit, Spring Community Sing: Love Songs And Lullabies, Planetary Dance, NorCal Trans Partners, Family and Friends Support Group
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Bral Talej - Magical Signs for Divination
Wednesday, May 29, 10:00AM-3:00PM
Isis Oasis Sanctuary, 20889 Geyserville Avenue, Geyserville, 707-857-4747
$50

“Shama Viola from the Damanhur Spiritual Community in Italy will offer a one-day course to learn to decode the signs that life and the universe are offering you.  An answer to your questions and/or to support you in making conscious and appropriate decisions in your life.

Bral Talej is an original divination system that uses a deck of 111 cards with ancestral symbols of Damanhur's Sacred Language.”
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Shakes at Swirl
with Bill Wolak and Sean Higgins of Livermore Shakespeare Festival
Wednesday, May 29, 5:00-7:00PM
Swirl on the Square, 21 South L Street, Livermore
$30 per person includes Tapas Sampler and one glass of wine

“Swirl is collaborating with the Livermore Shakespeare Festival to bring you a truly wonderful event. Join one of the esteemed actors or directors from the company for an enriching night of entertainment, delicious tapas and wine!

Join actors Bill Wolak and Sean Higgins as they share stories about their careers and about being a part of Livermore Shakes.”
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Make Your Own Hand-Held Prayer Beads
Wednesday, May 29, 7:00-9:00PM
East Bay location given upon registration
$25 includes materials
Please RSVP to iyamahea@thesacredforest.org or 510-827-3997

“Prayer beads are used in many world religions as a portable physical reminder of a personal goal, journey or special time. They can provide comfort and focus as well as encourage relaxation.

We will learn the basics of designing and stringing hand-held prayer beads. You will be gently guided in creating your own unique commemoration of an Orisa, or of your personal journey. The $25 fee includes all materials needed, though feel free to bring and utilize your special beads in your work.  Class size will be limited, and preregistration is required. The workshop will meet at an East Bay location.”
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Drinking/Songs: A Night Of Beer and The Music That Goes With It
Wednesday, May 29, 7:30PM
50 Mason Social House, 50 Mason Street, San Francisco
$15 in advance, $20 at the door, $35 VIP

“Dogfish Head Craft Brewery and public radio’s VoiceBox team up for another unforgettable global journey through the shared cultural history of ale and song.

Unique event affords beer lovers and vocal music fans an unrivaled opportunity to sample six artisanal Dogfish Head India Pale Ales (IPAs), hear songs associated with the selected brews performed by The Fill A Steins men’s vocal ensemble and participate in a discussion about the link between IPAs, a style of beer with a rich globe-trotting history, and song. Featuring certified cicerone Sayre Piotrkowksi (St. Vincent), the event will be recorded for broadcast on public radio and podcast.”
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Empty Bowls
Thursday, May 30, 6:00-8:00PM
Alameda County Community Food Bank, 7900 Edgewater Drive, Oakland
Individual $25, Family (2 adults + 2 children) $50

“Join us as we transform our warehouse for an evening of art, nourishment and service to help fill empty bowls in our community.

Enjoy a delicious soup dinner, take home a hand-painted bowl, participate in our family art and advocacy project and bid in the silent auction that features beautiful ceramics and fun-filled adventures.

Co-hosted by CBS5’s Liam Mayclem. Liam is an Emmy award-winning host and a producer for CBS 5 TV’s Eye on The Bay. He has interviewed music royalty such as BB King and Tony Bennett and cooked with top chefs like Thomas Keller and Tyler Florence. Known for his Cheap Eats series, Liam also hosts CBS5’s Foodie Chap segment. He is also an active fundraiser for a number of local charities.

Entertainment by Duckmandu! Accordionist Aaron Seeman - as his performing persona, Duckmandu - plays everything from Broadway tunes to rock to Jazz to klezmer. He also plays conventional accordion repertoire - polkas and tangos - all sure to get kids of every age tapping their toes and dancing.”
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Music and Dance Improv Lab
with Laura Inserra and Mihyun Lee
presented by Samavesha
Thursday May 30, 6:00-9:00PM
Berkeley Rose Labyrinth, 2138 Cedar Street, Berkeley
$10 in advance, sliding scale $15-$25 at the door

“This laboratory is about participation and discovery as a form of art. Through the guidance of international artists Laura Inserra and Mihyun Lee, you will explore the constant transference between music and movement. Witness, participate, and investigate the unfolding tools of improvisation and the ways to transform human perceptions into music and dance.

Laura Inserra
Music and improvisation allow people to connect to natural balance and to harmonize their life. My approach to these creative forms begins with deep listening, so that I can bring forth a musical expression that is appropriate to the moment.  As a musician I love to interpret through my instruments any input I receive from the artistic environment I find myself in. When I work with dancers, their bodies and movements are the score where I read the notes to play, the moods to harmonize, emotions with which to play melodies, breaths to create silence for.

Mihyun Lee
Life is improvisation. Art is about reflection and adaption of what already exists in one’s inner and outer world. Life and art are a continuum and a continual process to awaken something that never ends.As an artist, my main focus of art is how an artist integrates one's inner resources into art. As a dancer, I explore how movement reflects one’s history and perception through the body. In the process of the improvisational form of dance, I constantly interpret, attune, and adjust my relationship to the surroundings. I approach art as a spiritual path and therapeutic medium.”
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astrobarry’s Astrology Salon
Thursday, May 30, 7:30-9:30PM
The Sacred Well, 536 Grand Avenue, Oakland, 510-444-9355
Suggested donation $10-$20

“Join a lively astrology discussion led by astrobarry in this informal interactive group experience. Topics covered in each Astrology Salon will vary, based on who attends and what's going on in the sky. The Salon is intended to provide burgeoning astrologers with a chance to practice their chart interpretation skills in a safe, fun environment. Attendees should have a good working knowledge of the astrological language. Please bring 5-10 copies of any astrology chart you'd like us to discuss (free charts available at http://www.astro.com ).”
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Tinsel Tarts in a Hot Coma
The Next Cockettes Musical
Thursday-Saturday, May 30-June 1, 8:00PM
playing through June 29
The Hypnodrome, 575 10th Street, San Francisco
$30-$35

“Thrillpeddlers 6th annual Theatre of The Ridiculous Revival showcases a rare Cockettes Musical, Tinsel Tarts in a Hot Coma, a new full-length, restored version of The Cockettes’ 1971 musical extravaganza featuring original Cockettes Scrumbly Koldewyn, Sweet Pam Tent, and Rumi Missabu. Seats and private Shock Boxes always sell out quickly, so be sure to get your tickets in advance.”
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How A Mountain Was Made
by Greg Sarris
presented by The Imaginists
Thursday-Sunday, May 30-June 2,
Thursday 7:00PM, Friday-Saturday 8:00PM, Sunday 5:00PM
playing through June 9
$18-$25
“We are very excited to be opening our world premier adaptation of Greg Sarris’ How a Mountain Was Made (not yet published!) Inspired by Coast Miwok and Southern Pomo creation stories, that center on the Santa Rosa plain, Copeland Creek, and the sacred sites of Sonoma Mountain. Join us in re-imagining place as we perform in and out of our store-front theater and around our neighborhood, right in sight of Sonoma Mountain. Every stone holds a memory. Every creek has a song.

The stories from the Mountain teach important lessons, and many of the songs that Coast Miwok people have sung since the beginning of time are gifts from the Mountain and come from the stories.”
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Burqavaganza
presented by Brava! For Women in the Arts and RasaNova Theatre  
Thursday-Sunday, May 30-June 2 - final week
Thursday-Saturday 8:00PM, Sunday 3:00PM
playing through June 2
$17

“Burqavaganza
by Shahid Nadeem
directed by Vidhu Singh

Burqavaganza - a love story in the time of jihad - is a sassy, provocative Bollywood extravaganza, written by Pakistan's most prolific and progressive playwright, Shahid Nadeem, co-founder of Ajoka Theatre in Lahore, Pakistan. Burqavaganza uses the burqa as a metaphor for a society that thrives on double standards and covering up the truth. The entire cast, male and female, wears a burqa. Burqavaganza goes toe to toe with the long standing obsession with the burqa, face-veil, niqab, hijab, parda - and offers a side-splitting critique on rising fundamentalism, political corruption, and the War on Terror. Banned in Pakistan by the National Arts Council in 2010, Burqavaganza is a groundbreaking political satire that provokes the audience to rethink and lift the veil of prejudice, outdated values, and hypocrisy within all societies. Ajoka Theatre continues to perform the play in defiance of the ban.

Shahid Nadeem, the founder and Executive Director of Ajoka Theatre and Pakistan's leading playwright, is known for his bold and politically charged plays. He has written over 40 plays and adapted several plays which have been performed all over Pakistan and quite widely in India as well. Seven collections of his plays have been published in Urdu and Punjabi and six collections in Gurmukhi Punjabi in India.  He has been a prisoner of conscience in Pakistan on three occasions. He has worked for Amnesty International as its international campaign coordinator and communications officer in London and Hong Kong. He is also a freelance journalist and contributes cultural columns for different Pakistani newspapers. In May 2012, Shahid received the Otto Award for Political Theatre bestowed on Ajoka Theatre at a ceremony held at New York’s Castillo Theatre.”
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Eco-Resiliency: A Gathering For Earth Change Awareness
Friday, May 31, 7:00-9:00PM, typically the fourth Friday of every month
Holos Institute, 310 Third Avenue, San Francisco, 415-666-2560
Free, RSVP required

“In response to increased environmental disasters and a deep concern for the ecology of our earth we are now holding an ongoing group with the intention of creating a supportive and healing community space.

This supportive group is co-facilitated by Holos interns and reflects the intention of restoring balance to the mind, body, and spirit and generating kindness toward ourselves, our communities, and the earth. Although groups will be holistic in nature, each will embrace a particular focus to reflect four aspects of our being: spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical. Each one will be co-facilitated by two interns, one of whom will join the following week’s group.
Whether you want to process these events, learn tools for coping, explore somatic responses, or create healing ceremonies for our collective well-being, we will have something for you.

You may attend any or all groups, yet we require your RSVP by 7:00PM the previous
Thursday to make sure we have enough space and material.

Please call 415-666-2560 or email jessica@holosinstitute.net if you are interested and we will add you to our email list.

Holos Institute is a non-profit, community counseling center and training institute providing services throughout the greater San Francisco Bay Area.

We offer a range of affordable, highly skilled, professional counseling services to the community.”
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Esoteric Networking in the New Millennium
A Professional Network for Esoteric Healers in the Bay Area
Friday, May 31, 7.00-9:30PM
Cafe Aquarius, 1298 65th Street, Emeryville
$25

“A networking event for practitioners of esoteric healing arts in the Bay Area. Come make your specialties known so that esoteric healers can match the right clients to the right healers in the Bay Area.

Please bring a description of what you do.

Refreshments and light snacks served.

For more information, please contact James Moran at james@jamesmoran.com or 510-467-2749.

This event will include a brief talk by astrologer James Moran and a panel of astrologers, therapists and other esoteric practitioners discussing topics such as:
Western/allopathic vs esoteric ways of approaching clients in psycho/spiritual crisis
where, when, and how to direct clients whose needs are beyond your skill set
potentials for esoteric networking in the new millennium

Participants will be asked to contribute their skills description to a master list that will be shared with all. This is a night of inspiration and opportunity, so bring a description of your specialty, and/or recommend a colleague, so we can get to know each other, explore referrals, and support each other’s practices. Esoteric practitioners of any and all disciplines are welcome.”

Thanks to HiC Luttmers for letting me know about this event!
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Positive Discipline Parenting Workshop
Friday, May 31, 8:00-10:00PM
HackerMoms, 3288 Adeline Street, Berkeley
$10

“Bring your questions to this parenting workshop that addresses educating and disciplining young kids, particularly around issues of power. It's taught by Pnina Tobin, MPA, director of PMT Consultants, has been working with parents, teachers, and children in the areas of parenting and child abuse prevention for over 30 years. As director of PMT Consultants since 1992, she provides trainings and workshops at conferences and for organizations and parent groups throughout the U. S., Central America, and the UK. Her Parenting Workshops include: Building Family Self-Esteem, Single Parent Support and Parenting Skills Groups, Handling Parent Anger, and Raising a Spirited Child. Please RSVP, but no childcare since it's a Friday night workshop for us to whine with wine!”
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It’s About Time
a Film, Art, Performance and Music Festival
Friday-Sunday, May 31-June 2,
Friday-Saturday 8:00PM, Sunday 7:00PM
Exhibit runs through June 9
SoleSpace, 1714 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland
$15

“Join us for It’s About Time, a multi-disciplinary event featuring the work of Ragged Wing’s artistic community. Come out for an evening of ice art, documentary and experimental films, paintings, performance art and music all woven into one tapestry toward the theme: It’s About Time. Check out our artist talks and the variety of creative workshops offered by our Ragged Wing Ensemble's Core Company.

Friday, May 31, 8:00PM
play: Now! Now? Now.
music: Saxophonist Lincoln Accornero

Saturday, June 1, 8:00PM
play: The Music Tree
music: Nancy Shneiderman and Michael Dewall

Sunday June 2, 7:00PM
play: Now! Now? Now.
music: Laura Inserra

Each evening will feature a gallery show including large scale paintings, ice sculptures, photography, short films playing in repetition, performance art, and immersive opportunities to engage with the artwork.  There will be one 15 minute play, one band playing and one artist talk each night.  The entire, multi-layered evening will run for about 2 hours.”
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Noor
by Feisal Alkazi
presented by EnActe Arts Inc.
Friday-Sunday,  May 31-June 2,
Friday 8:00PM, Saturday 3:00PM and 8:00PM, Sunday 2:00PM and 6:00PM
Montgomery Theater, 271 S Market Street, San Jose
$25-$100

“Noor is the story of the struggle for power between Moghul Emperors, sons, neighboring Rajahs and one woman who was bold enough to step into the world of men. It is the story of the machinations behind the purdah in the time of Mehrunissa Begum, the twentieth wife of Emperor Jahangir.

Noor was a woman of formidable talents and a woman ahead of her times. This highly educated, erudite, Persian commoner and refugee was a poet, scholar, fashion designer, shrewd investor and businesswoman, statesman and political strategist who rose to queendom, ruled the Moghul empire in Jahangir’s name and amassed untold wealth. History was not kind to her - she was overshadowed by her niece Mumtaz Mahal, a conventional though devoted wife, when Shah Jahan immortalised her memory in the Taj Mahal.

Feisal Alkazi (playwright)
Passionate educationist, social activist, playwright, author, master trainer and theatre, television and film director Feisal Alkazi, born into India’s first family of theater, is arguably one of India’s top three theatre directors today. His 35 year career as a director includes 200 plays, 32 films and 2 TV serials. Alkazi is the Founder Director of the theater group Ruchika, founded the NGO Ankur, the Society for Alternative Education and runs Creative Learning for Change, an NGO for gender and environmental education.”
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Chocolate and Chalk Art Festival
Saturday, June 1, 10:00AM-5:00PM
along North Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley
see website for festival map
free admission, $20 for chocolate sampling tickets

“Chalk Art Contest!
Eat Chocolate!
Free Admission.
Make Chalk Art!
Eat Chocolate Goodies!

The sidewalks along North Shattuck Avenue in the Gourmet Ghetto in Berkeley are the target of artists young and old, professional and greenhorn during the 17th annual Chocolate and Chalk Art Festival on Saturday, June 1 (rain date June 8).

With no fees to artists, areas of sidewalk will be assigned to participants to create their own fanciful chalk drawings. A CHALK ART CONTEST for the best drawing will be judged after 4:00PM. First prize is $250 cash and runners-up get gift certificates from local merchants. Winners will be notified by Monday after. Same-day art registration takes place 10:00AM-5:00PM in event booths located at 1495 and 1673 Shattuck Avenue, where special artist's chalk is available for $10.

To Eat Chocolate, start by purchasing a packet of tickets online (20 for $20) or at event booths located at 1400, 1495 and 1673 Shattuck Avenue. The to-go menu features picante habanero chocolate chunks gelato, Nutella crepes, adult brownies, or savory chocolate ricotta pizza, Caribbean chocolate soup, chicken mole and lots more. Spend your tickets on these delights available in the local businesses, then savor your chocolate as you stroll along the sidewalks, viewing the artwork. Or enter your tickets in a raffle for specialty chocolate items.

Vendors with chocolate, chocolate-related items, and handmade arts and crafts fill the blocks between Rose and Vine Streets. There’s even a car to draw on with chalk. A special children’s area at 1673 Shattuck Avenue has pony rides, a petting zoo, inflatable bounce houses, jugglers, face painters and many more surprises.

This is a family-friendly, free event produced by Another Bullwinkel Show and sponsored by the North Shattuck Association, City of Berkeley, Art Kapour Realty and East Bay Express.

For a good time take BART to downtown Berkeley and stroll north six blocks.”
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Grand Expansion Celebration at Our Sacred Space Wellness Center
Saturday, June 1, 11:00AM-3:00PM
Our Sacred Space Wellness Center, 2075 Lincoln Avenue, Suite C, San Jose,
408-445-2420
Free

“Come and have a sacred experience with us!  Mark your calendars for the Grand Opening.   

11:00AM: Sacred blessing followed by drumming, singing and more.  

Take a tour, meet our tribe, participate in activities, enter to win fabulous raffles, enjoy refreshments/BBQ, RawDaddy’s Fun Cone Food, $25 Aura Photographs, Crystal Pearl Jewelry, and more!  Learn about Essential Oils, Juicing, Homemade Probiotics, importance of Pre-Natal Care and Massage, Vitamin B12 Injections, Ayurveda, Spiritual Connection to the Trees, and more. Presenters will be giving short 15 minute intros into upcoming scheduled workshops starting at 12:00PM.

Our Sacred Space offers a wide range of services, and healing modalities, including acupuncture, naturopathic physician, massage, doula, energy work, skin care, classes, and specialized workshops. We value your opinion and appreciate any suggestions and comments. Our goal is to tailor the services and products to the community.

Many services. Our Sacred Space. Come see it for yourself.”
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Soul Serpent Spa Day Retreat
with Le’ema Kathleen Graham
Saturday June 1, 1:30-8:00PM
Goddess Garden Sanctuary, San Rafael - exact address provided upon registration
$125 includes all supplies, essential oils and organic dinner

“Join us for a day of soothing body and soul with SoulCollage, Snake Yoga, self-anointing with custom essential oils and soaking in the spa at the Goddess Garden Sanctuary!

Everything you need to enjoy this gentle, soulful day will be provided!
Don’t miss this opportunity to gather with women and nourish our whole beings!

Limited to 8 women - $125 includes all supplies, essential oils and organic dinner.
Bring a swimsuit and towel for the hot tub and sauna.

SoulCollage is an intuitive process of making wisdom cards to mirror self and soul. No art experience or prior knowledge is necessary to enjoy this deep and rich practice.

Snake Yoga is a restorative yoga practice created by Le’ema which awakens the Kundalini your Inner Serpent in a relaxed and effortless way!

Essential oils have long been used for emotional, spiritual and physical health. Le’ema is a trained aromatherapist who will guide you in a ceremony of anointing yourself with the finest therapeutic blends for healing.”
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Wild Medicine: Natural Remedies from Garden Weeds
with Frieda Kipar Bay
Saturday, June 1, 2:00-5:00PM
East Bay location given upon registration
Cost: $35-$65 sliding scale plus $10 supply fee to be paid in cash on day of class

“Ever wonder if there is a use for all those weeds your garden (or the abandoned lot next door)? Many of our common garden weeds have medicinal properties that can help you when you get a bee sting, cut your thumb, or just need a good soak for sore muscles. We'll identify and learn to prepare some of these medicinal ‘weeds’ and send you home with some tools to start to assemble your own natural first aid kit. This class will be geared towards beginners, so come with all your questions and we'll dive in! As a bonus, feel free to bring along any weed you are curious about - We'll identify it and learn about the medicine it may contain.”
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Armenian Dolmas, Wine, Songs and Dances
with Hasmik Harutyunyan
Saturday, June 1, 5:30M
St. Vartan Armenian Church, 650 Spruce Street, Oakland
$15, Please RSVP to: kitka@kitka.org

“An energetic and engaging performer and educator, Hasmik has performed and taught throughout Armenia, Europe and the United States. Hasmik's workshops offer a full-body and voice immersion into traditional Armenian culture. After feasting on Hasmik's Dolmas, come prepared to dance your socks off and sing your heart out.

This workshop is open to all, no previous experience is necessary.

5:30PM - Doors Open
6:00PM - Hasmik demonstrates how to prepare her family's Armenian village cabbage dolma
6:30PM - Vegetarian Dolma-making demonstration
7:00PM - Armenian wine tasting and dinner
8:00PM - Armenian Folksongs and Dances led Hasmik

Presented in cooperation with the St. Vartan Armenian Church Cultural Committee

About Hasmik Harutyunyan
For Hasmik Harutyunyan, Meritorious Artist of the Republic of Armenia, and one of Armenia's leading folk singers, music and dance are life itself - happiness, sadness, and struggle. She feels it is her responsibility to keep traditional Armenian music and dances alive in their purest form. Hasmik draws inspiration from her ancestors in the province of Moush in Historic Armenia - especially her Grandmother, Mafo, who sang to her when she was a child. Another great influence was her mentor, Hayrik Mouradian, the late folk singer and historian from Shatakh, near Lake Van. In Hayrik's honor, and to carry on his important work, Hasmik established the Hayrik Mouradian Children's Folk Song and Dance Ensemble. In respect to folk art, Hasmik considers it her most important work to present and pass on Armenian folk culture, carrying forward the legacy of Komitas.

In Armenia, and around the world, Hasmik is well-known for her work with the Shoghaken Folk Ensemble and for her deeply touching renditions of Armenian lullabies. Her performances are often broadcast on Armenian National Radio and presented at traditional music festivals around the world."
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The Doctor Dances
presented by PEERS
Saturday, June 1,
Doors Open 6:45PM, Dance Lesson: 7:00PM, Dancing Begins: 8:00PM
Masonic Lodge of San Mateo, 100 N Ellsworth Avenue, San Mateo
$20

“The Yanks are joining the war effort and we're having a simply topping party to celebrate, and a couple of jolly chaps called the Doctor and Captain Jack Something have dropped in along with an absolutely topping girl named Rose, and well... you simply MUST come and dance with us to Lee Presson and the Nails, who play waltzes almost as well as they play this new-fangled jive, or Swing music. It's going to be the send-off party of the Season!

At 7:00PM, we'll have a dance lesson in East Coast Swing (that's the American East Coast, not ours!) and vintage fox trot for those needing an introduction or a brush-up to these dances. Then at 8:00PM, we'll dance the night away to the amazing Lee Presson and his Nails, playing everything from the latest Swing from America to ballroom dance music even your Granny can dance to (waltzes, fox trots, a polka or two, even a Sir Roger de Coverley), and the Nails' famous arrangement of the Congress of Vienna Waltz. Don't miss it!

1940s costume, appropriate military uniform, or vintage or modern evening dress is admired, but not required. As you chaps can probably surmise from the title of this ball, Doctor Who-inspired costumes are also very welcome!

To keep up our energy during a night of vigorous dancing, complimentary punch and a light snack buffet will be served (your potluck contributions are very welcome in this time of war!).“
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Conspiracy of Venus
Women's Vocal Ensemble
Saturday, June 1, 7:30PM
Seventh Avenue Performances, 1329 Seventh Avenue, San Francisco
Free

“Conspiracy of Venus, a 30 voice a cappella women's chorus, under the direction of Joyce Todd McBride, will present an evening of music by some of the greatest songwriters of recent decades, including Joni Mitchell, Leonard Cohen, Tom Waits, Bjork, Rufus Wainwright, Iris DeMent, and more.  In daring and inventive arrangements by McBride, the chorus sings with heart, soul, and gorgeous sound. Conspiracy of Venus has been delighting Bay Area audiences for almost 7 years, in venues ranging from The Make Out Room to Great American Music Hall.  This is a rare chance to hear the group in a lovely acoustic setting, performing a full two sets of music!

No tickets or reservations are necessary - just come and enjoy the concert!”
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An Evening of Music and Dance
with Laura Inserra and Dance Monks
presented by Samavesha
Friday, June 1, 8:00PM
Berkeley Rose Labyrinth, 2138 Cedar Street, Berkeley
Sliding scale $10-$20  

“An evening of music and dance performance with Laura Inserra and Dance Monks.”
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Art at the Source Open Studios
with Caren Catterall, Sonoma County Printmaker
Saturday-Sunday, June 1-2, 10:00AM-5:00PM
next  Saturday-Sunday, June 8-9
Studio #72, 11214 Occidental Road, Sebastopol
Free

“Come visit printmaker Caren Catterall in her lovely studio in the redwoods and see the latest Giantess and other mythic creatures, watch a demo, and learn about the art of limited edition prints.

Caren will explain the mysterious printmaking process, educate you about what a limited edition print really is, and show how to ink and wipe an etching. Demonstrations will be at 12:00PM and 3:00PM each day.”
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Valhalla Renaissance Faire
Saturday-Sunday, June 1-2 and June 8-9,
10:00AM-6:00PM Saturdays, 10:00AM-5:00PM Sundays
Camp Richardson’s Wood, 1900 Jameson Beach Road, South Lake Tahoe
Adults $18, ages 13-17, seniors and military $13, ages 6-12 $8, under 6 free

“Two weekends of fun and excitement for the whole family.
Rub elbows with nobility, immerse yourself in the Renaissance village, enjoy continuous entertainment in the streets provided by close to 900 costumed actors, action packed stage shows, music, dancing, jesters, Shakespearean vignettes, expertly staged battles, storytelling, archery tournaments and much more.

First Weekend, June 1-2:
Scottish invasion! The first weekend is geared more toward younger audiences with tons of shows, dancing, theater plays, and music for your whole family.

Second Weekend, June 8-9:
Pirate and Barbarian Hordes invade the festivities. Let loose and have a jolly good time while you participate in Scavenger Hunts, Costume contests, and a Talk Like a Pirate Competitions.”
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Conscious Goddess: Temple services for She of 10,000 Names
(formerly Goddess Awakening)
with Rabbit, Iris, and guest Priestesses
Sunday, June 2, 11:00AM-12:00PM, (and the first Sunday of every month)
The Sacred Well, 536 Grand Avenue, Oakland, 510-444-9355
Donations gratefully accepted
Women only

"Women! Join our spiritual circle for an empowering start to your day, bringing alive the wisdom of the Goddess within!

We are a holy community of sacred sisters, encouraging one another through our challenges and celebrating our triumphs.

June 2: Worship in the Boudoir”
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Conscious Goddess: Priestesshood in the New Age
series of Sunday afternoon classes
Sunday, June 2, 12:30-2:00PM, and six more Sundays
The Sacred Well, 536 Grand Avenue, Oakland, 510-444-9355
$35 per class
Women only

“This class also has a free Temple Service, open to all women, from 11:00AM-12:00PM on the days above. Come just for the Temple, or stay and take the class!

Conscious Goddess is a monthly class for women who feel the power of the Goddess surging through their lives, for women who know themselves to be ready to live, breathe, and dance the Goddess Incarnate, with a creative eye toward sharing their unique gifts with their loved ones and the world. This class is especially suited for mothers, artists, and professional women who wish to experience and exude Goddess energy at a more profound and life-changing level.

June 2: Worship in the Boudoir
To be the Goddess in the bedroom is to worship at the altar of the body. Whether you are offering reverence at your your altar or the altar of another person, your mindset, approach, joy, compassion, humor and good boundaries are of utmost importance. Your pleasure makes the world a better, healthier, happier place! Join your sisters in this class to explore the Temple of Pleasure you carry within you.

July 7, August 11, September 1, October 6, November 3, December 1”
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The Witch's Garden
with Rabbit
Sunday, June 2, 3:00-5:00PM, and the first Sunday of every month
The Sacred Well, 536 Grand Avenue, Oakland, 510-444-9355
$35 per class

“Classes for the budding herbalist! Each session is a fun, casual, interactive, hands-on lesson in one facet of practical and magical herbalism.

June 2: Edible flowers and magical fruits and veggies

As a general rule, please wear clothes that you can get dirty in as we play with the plants and make our potions!”
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Being-in-Dreaming
facilitated by Meredith Sabini and Richard Russo
Sunday, June 2, 3:00-5:00PM, and the first Sunday of each month
The Dream Institute of Northern California, 1672 University Avenue, Berkeley, 510-845-1767
$20

“Being-in-Dreaming adapts our Culture Dreaming process for a contemplative group experience. We envision this as the next step in the evolution of the Culture Dreaming sessions we’ve conducted here for the past eight years. Being-in-Dreaming approaches dream sharing as a spiritual practice. It will begin with a light trance to open dreamspace; participants then may tell dreams that come to them when so moved. Our hope is that the emergent energy field of the group will enhance each person’s experience of interiority for a deeper connection with others, with the sacred, with life.

Being-in-Dreaming is an immersion process, and the discussion that follows the dream sharing will be non-interpretive, akin to the creation of a group collage. Each meeting will include dream re-entry for meditation on selected images. We consider Being-in-Dreaming to be an experiment, opening the way to a more soulful use of the Culture Dreaming method. We hope you will join us.”
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Intermediate Tarot with Rabbit
Sunday, June 2, 6:00-8:00PM,
and three more Sundays, June 9, 16 and 23
The Sacred Well, 536 Grand Avenue, Oakland, 510-444-9355
$35 per class or $125 for all four classes

“If you have taken Rabbit's Art of Tarot Class, and you'd like to take the next step as a reader, consider taking Intermediate Tarot. This class is designed to help the student of tarot begin to explore creativity, shift the internal landscape, and integrate the wisdom of the tarot more fully into daily life choices.

Prerequisite: Art of Tarot with Rabbit

June 2: The Unwelcome Guests:
‘Bad’ cards and how to deal with them

June 9: Designing your own spreads:
Building effective spreads to answer your questions

June 16: Intuitive Listening:
The temporary autonomous relationship is everything

June 23:Tarot Rituals:
Shaping your life with the tarot”
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Spring Community Sing: Love Songs And Lullabies
presented by Kitka
Sunday, June 2, 7:00-9:00PM
Nile Hall, Historic Preservation Park, 668 13th Street, Oakland
Freewill Donation
Please Register in Advance so we know how many songsheets to copy and how many cookies to bring!

“Join Kitka and members of ZELE: The Kitka Community Chorus in a celebratory circle of song! Experience the magic of raising your voice to create lush Eastern European seasonal harmonies as they were originally intended to be sung... by many voices in community! Kitka singers will lead fun ‘open voice’ warm-ups, and will teach a favorite tunes from our springtime repertoire of love songs and lullabies. Special guest Hasmik Harutyunyan will join us to teach a lullaby from historic Armenia!

The songs presented promise to be accessible and beautiful. This Community Sing is designed to be very inclusive. Singers of all ages are welcome and no experience is necessary.”
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Planetary Dance
Sunday, June 2, 11:00AM
Santos Meadow, Mt. Tamalpais State Park, 2799 Muir Woods Road, Mill Valley

"The Planetary Dance is an annual all-day ritual of healing and community renewal. It is an invitation to people all over the world to join in a dance for peace in their own communities and for peace with the Earth. It brings people of all ages and abilities together in a beautiful setting to “dance for a purpose,” much as people in traditional cultures have danced for a bountiful harvest, a successful hunt, or a happy marriage.

The Planetary Dance is a participatory dance rather than a theatrical performance. At its heart is the Earth Run, a simple dance that everybody can do. Participants are invited to run, walk, or simply stand in a series of concentric circles, creating a moving mandala. As we all move to the steady heartbeat of the drums, we become one collective body.  Each step upon the Earth becomes a prayer for healing."
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NorCal Trans Partners, Family and Friends Support Group
Monday, June 3, 7:30-9:00PM, and the first Monday of each month
Billy DeFrank LGBT Center, 938 The Alameda, San Jose, 408-293-3040

“Having a family member, child, spouse, partner, or other loved one go through transition can be difficult and comes with a unique set of challenges that most folks don't really comprehend. Come join the Northern California Trans Partners and Family support group at the DeFrank Center the first Monday of each month from 7:30-9:00PM.

To communicate between meetings, we also have a Facebook page and a Yahoo mailing list.”
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Have a Wild, Singing, Dancing, Grandly Expansive Week!

Molly Blue Dawn