Pagan Songs, Tribal Fest 13: Halfway to Halloween!, Time Sensitive, The Lost Folio: Shakespeare's Musicals, Tinsel Tarts in a Hot Coma, Salome, The Pirates of Penzance, Burqavaganza, How A Mountain Was Made, Food Revolution Day, Closer to Gaia through Container Gardening, Woman Shaman Release Party, Psychic Development: Grounding Shielding and Protection, The Invisible Forest, Love Death and Money, Downtown Benicia Ghost Walk, Monty Python's Spamalot, Wand-Making Intensive in the Sacred Path Tradition, Bay Area Storytelling Festival, Kayumari in the Redwoods, Oakland Greek Festival, Martinez Peddlers Faire, Marin-Friendly Garden Tour, Death Dying and Meditation, Earth Energy Walk, Parent-and-Me African Music and Dance Class, Bottle Your Own!, Kristi Yamaguchi's Reading Adventures, Santa Cruz Rejuvenation Festival, Womansong Circle, Festival of the Silk Road, Construction Work in Astana, Art Show Reception for Jenny Wilde, The Fawn-Colored Beast, Into the Sound: Cave Concert Experience, Boogie on the Bayou, Himalayan Fair, Maker Faire, Incubating Dreams, A Cup of Tea with Spirit, Reason in Reality, Shakes at Swirl, Acting Out - For the Health of It
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Pagan Songs
with Don Barks and Donna Isler
Wednesday, May 15, 7:30-9:30PM, and the third Wednesday of each month
Ancient Ways, 4075 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland, 510-653-3244
$5-$10 sliding scale
“Sing along with us. It's fun to know the songs for the sabbats and for other magical needs
like healing. Join us each 3rd Wednesday of the month for songs of the upcoming season.”
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Tribal Fest 13: Halfway to Halloween!
Belly Dancing Festival
Tuesday-Sunday, May 15-19
Sebastopol Community Cultural Center, 390 Morris Street, Sebastopol
see website for schedule and registration details
“Welcome One and All, from Near and Far, to none other than the One, the Only, the Original
Tribal Fest 13: Halfway to Halloween!
Proudly presented by BlackSheep BellyDance and the Sebastopol Community Cultural Center
The location is our beloved Sebastopol Community Cultural Center, its Youth Annex and surrounding grounds, 390 Morris Street, Sebastopol, California, 95473, USA. Please remember that we are next to a Protected Wetlands Wildlife Reserve that has miles of hiking and biking trails to get away on for a few minutes.
About Our Theme
Just as with last year’s Unicorn theme, Hallowe’en, a contraction of ‘Hallowed Evening,’ today is a celebration of both the Light and the Dark, as without the One there could be no Other.
The modern-day traditions made popular in America are remnants of older traditions brought here by immigrants, mostly from the United Kingdom and parts of northern Europe. Children in the ‘old country’ once went house-to-house, sometimes accompanied by lanterns carved of turnips, to receive alms on the Christian holiday of All Saints’ Day (November 1), which some think was chosen for that date because of earlier Pagan celebrations held at that time of year.
In some of those older traditions, Samhain is a New Year celebration that can last for three days (from October 31-November 2), in which it is believed that the Veils Between The Worlds are at their thinnest, making communication with the spirit realm more accessible. It’s often accompanied by bonfires, which are thought to be cleansing energies. Therefore fire-like colors, which are plentiful in the autumn season, are popular for natural décor at that time of year.
In Mexico the same three days are celebrated as ‘Dios de los Muertos,’ or Days of the Dead. There, families gather at the plots and gravesites of their deceased loved ones and have picnics and tell stories of their dead friends, play music and sing and dance for them, always making sure to leave favorite food and drink on the altars for their spirits to enjoy. Foods and sweets served at that time of year look like skulls and skeletons, and the popular niches featuring scenes of dancing, music-playing and otherwise happy skeletons abound along with paper bag lanterns called luminaria. Altars bear candles, photos, marigolds and mums in bright yellows and oranges.
Do your own research before you come and let it inspire you to create! Then bring your spooky best; be that ghastly ghosts, witches and vampires or light-hearted faerie folk, celebrating skeletons and sweet black cats! How about celebrating a different part of your personality each day?”
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Time Sensitive
presented by Ragged Wing Ensemble
Thursday-Saturday, May 16-18, 8:00PM - final week
Sanctuary for the Arts, 496 38th Street, Oakland
$25-$40 sliding scale
“And the edge of the city crept closer...
A crack is growing.
The shape of time is changing.
Only a few can see it.
The City swallowed the world. It ate the day and the night. It ate the tides and the seasons. Now there are only seconds and nanoseconds and a constant insatiable GO. Speed is power, status is vertical, and time is literally up.
Time Sensitive is a daring new play by Artistic Director Amy Sass, which combines clockwork choreography, rhythmic fugue and ice art into a fantastical tale that urgently asks:
How do we hold a moment if we constantly crave the next big thing?
Ragged Wing Ensemble’s Mission is to catalyze a deep cultural shift where artistic action is at the center of vital social change. We aim to connect artists and audiences through the ritual of live performance, exploring universal questions that span the ancient and contemporary. We engage in the study and practice of Ensemble, collaboratively creating new, interdisciplinary works and activating the next generation of artistically engaged citizens.
We are the do-ers. The shape-shifters, the great adapters, mythic storytellers and visionaries. We make the rules and break the rules. We roll up our sleeves. Take on big questions. Design the world we want to live in and then build it. We walk into the mouth of fear. We cultivate a discipline of courage.”
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The Lost Folio: Shakespeare's Musicals
presented by Un-Scripted Theater Company
Thursday-Saturday, May 16-18, 8:00PM - final week
Un-Scripted Theater Company, 533 Sutter Street, 2nd floor, San Francisco
$20
“Un-Scripted Theater Company's new season begins with the reimagining of our classic Shakespeare: the Musical as The Lost Folio: Shakespeare's Musicals - a fully improvised, full-length musical that Shakespeare himself could have written. This production will explore the language, characters, and themes that make Shakespeare the most beloved playwright in history. The addition of song gives the characters another form of emotional expression well-suited to the passions found throughout Shakespeare's work.”
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Tinsel Tarts in a Hot Coma
The Next Cockettes Musical
Thursday-Saturday, May 16-18, 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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Salome
presented by Butterfield 8
Thursday-Saturday, May 16-18, 8:00PM
Cue Productions Live, 1835 Colfax Street, Concord
$20
“Salome
by Oscar Wilde
Directed by John Butterfield
Wilde's 1891 one-act play, written in French and later translated by Wilde into English, might not be as famous as The Importance of Being Earnest, but it just might be more influential - and it's certainly more scandalous. The play, banned in Wilde's native Britain for nearly 40 years, is rarely done today, but still managed to inspire several movie adaptations and an immortal opera by Richard Strauss. The sources of its enchantment spring from Wilde's language - here at its most illuminating - and from the Biblical legend which Wilde spun into this tale of seduction and betrayal.
The Tetrarch, Herod Antipas, who is obsessed with his stepdaughter Salome, foolishly promises her anything, if only she will dance for him and satisfy his unsuitable prurient interests. Salome, in turn, struggles with her own obsession with the imprisoned holy man, Jokanaan (John the Baptist). She has always been able to get what she wants from any man, but Jokanaan is not amenable to her desires. Unwilling to give him up, she will have him - dead or alive - and requests from Herod Jokanaan's head on a silver platter as payment for dancing the dance of the seven veils.
In this unique production we will once again stretch the boundaries of our performance space by incorporating mask work and projected images. The projected images will mirror the many femme fatales of the twentieth century as the Company questions the role of female sexuality as both tool and weapon. The choreographed movement will reflect a stylized design that pays homage to the artistic direction of European theatre such as that developed by Simon McBurney for Theatre Complicite, and Robert Lepage.
The cast features Rhianna Taylor as Salome and Edwin Peabody as Jokanaan, with Nathalie Archangel, Ali Arman, Jake Breckinridge, Jean Butterfield, Beth Chastain, Jeremy Tribe Gallardo, Julian Christopher Geritz, Donald Hardy, Kathleen MacKay, Peter McArthur, and Jennifer Wright.
The production team includes Liz Martin, resident costumer for Butterfield 8, designing the stylized 1930s costumes; Kim Leonard designing the projected images sequence for the dance of the seven veils; Jim Lively, whose soundscapes brought Hamlet and The Tempest to life, is once again designing the sound; Mitchell Walker has created the hand-crafted leather masks; and Artistic Director John Butterfield is scenic and lighting designer.”
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The Pirates of Penzance
presented by Peninsula Youth Theatre
Thursday-Sunday, May 16-19, see website for schedule - final week
SecondStage, Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro Street, Mountain View
Adults $20, Seniors and Children 12 and Under $16
“Erroneously apprenticed to a band of pirates, Frederick serves them to the best of his considerable abilities. But upon his release at his 21st birthday, this ‘slave to duty’ turns against the rogues who were his comrades. An irrepressible blend of music and farce featuring tenderhearted pirates, madcap policemen and true love.”
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Burqavaganza
presented by Brava! For Women in the Arts and RasaNova Theatre
Thursday-Sunday, May 16-19,
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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How A Mountain Was Made
by Greg Sarris
presented by The Imaginists
Thursday-Sunday, May 16-19,
Thursday 7:00PM, Friday-Saturday 8:00PM, Sunday 5:00PM
playing through June 9
May 16-23: previews - pay what you can
May 24: Opening Night Gala - $40
regular performances - $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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Food Revolution Day
Friday, May 17
“Food Revolution Day on 17 May is a global day of action for people to make a stand for good food and essential cooking skills. It's a chance for people to come together within their homes, schools, workplaces and communities to cook and share their kitchen skills, food knowledge and resources. Food Revolution Day aims to raise awareness about the importance of good food and better food education for everyone by focusing on three simple actions – cook it, share it, live it.”
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Closer to Gaia through Container Gardening
with Leeanen and Benn
presented by Sonoma County Pagan Network
Friday, May 17, 7:00PM
Luther Burbank Art and Garden Center, 2050 Yulupa Avenue, Santa Rosa
$3-$5 donation requested, no one turned away for lack of funds
“So what does gardening have to do with Paganism? Well, everything of course! There is no other activity that I know of that can bring you closer to the Goddess than gardening, you cultivate not only flowers, herbs and food but also a truly intimate relationship with the Earth. When you grow food you are entering into a partnership with the Earth and when you eat what you harvest it is a sacred communion with the Goddess herself. But what if you don't have a large plot of land or the soil in your yard isn't ideal for growing things? Maybe you live in an apartment or you have very limited space. Perhaps you have limited physical ability and can't do the more rigorous activities of growing plants in the ground. You can remedy these situations by growing plants in pots.
Container gardening has some different requirements than planting directly in the ground and Benn and I have become quite successful at it. We will be sharing with you some of the things we have learned and the techniques we use to help get you started with growing your own container garden. Our focus will be on cultivating food crops from starting seeds to creating and maintaining soil fertility, transplanting seedlings and maintaining healthy plants. We will also talk about the more spiritual side of gardening and why we've chosen to begin growing our own food. There will also be a hands on demonstration on the patio. We will be bringing a limited number of baby heirloom tomatoes as well as assorted seeds for you to plant and take home.
Potluck Feast
Since our gathering is at the dinner hour, we ask that you bring a potluck dish and/or non-alcoholic brew to share that serves 4-6 people. Let’s treat ourselves to a good meal. Please bring your own place setting. There will be hot water available for tea.
We ask non-members to make a donation of $5-$3 to help us cover operating costs. No one turned away for lack of funds.”
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Woman Shaman Release Party
with Max Dashu
Friday, May 17, 7:30PM
Redwood Gardens Community Room, 2951 Derby Street, Berkeley
Free, donations gladly accepted
“You're invited to a release party and free screening of highlights from the DVD Woman Shaman: the Ancients. It's on Friday, May 17 at 7:30PM, at Redwood Gardens Community Room, 2951 Derby Street, Berkeley, CA 94705. Come celebrate with us, see excerpts, and get your copy. Prints and posters will be available too. Free admission; donations toward digitization of the Suppressed Histories Archives are gladly accepted.
This video by Max Dashu reveals the rich cultural record of medicine women, seers, oracles, healers, trance-dancers, shapeshifters, and dreamers - on a global scale. They told us that female spiritual leaders didn't exist, or were rare exceptions, or insignificant; that Indigenous medicine ways were superstitious and backward. All lies. To experience the beauty, power and wisdom of these spiritual legacies is medicine for the spirit, especially for the women who have been pushed down, marginalized, denied, and silenced in the name of religion. These most ancient spiritual ways have immense value - however far back, or deep, we have to go to recover this human birthright.”
Thanks to Ximena for letting me know about this event!
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Psychic Development: Grounding, Shielding and Protection
with Glenn Turner
Friday, May 17, 7:30-9:30PM
Ancient Ways, 4075 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland, 510-653-3244
$5-$10 sliding scale
“We explore the basics of these along with a discussion of auras, sensitivities to energy and other people's situations. Learn ways to enhance your shields against unwanted energies.”
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The Invisible Forest
a film by Antero Alli
Friday, May 17, 7:30PM
The Dream Institute of Northern California, 1672 University Avenue, Berkeley, 510-845-1767
$10
“A Hypnogogic Drama. Alex, an experimental theatre director brings his troupe out into the forest to perform his vision of French Surrealist Antonin Artaud’s magic theatre of ghosts, gods, and demons. During their forest experiment, Alex is haunted by a recurring dream where Artaud appears and mocks his ambitions. With his sanity pushed to its outer limits, Alex visits a psychotherapist who suggests hypnotic regression to remedy his problem. What follows is a surrealistic trip through the internal landscape of hallucinations, dreams and memories to a place beyond belief, beyond words, beyond the mind itself … to The Invisible Forest. Directed by Antero Alli featuring the writings of William Shakespeare and Antonin Artaud. (2008, 105 minutes. USA)”
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Love Death and Money
with Teed Rockwell
Friday, May 17, 8:00PM
Garden Gate Center, 2911 Claremont Avenue, Berkeley
$10
“Love Death and Money
A Multi-Media Concert and Chatauqua
Featuring songs and philosophical musings by Teed Rockwell
William Blake, Heidegger, Shakespeare, Noel Coward, Leonardo da Vinci, California politics and Nashville marketing research all make guest appearances.
Sit back and enjoy the words, music, and images, as the mysterious becomes clear and common sense becomes mysterious.”
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Downtown Benicia Ghost Walk
Friday, May 17, 8:00PM, and the first and third Friday of each month
meet at 90 First Street, Benicia
$25, reservations required.
Ages 10-16 must be accompanied by adult.
For more information, please call 707-745-9791
“Paranormal history of Downtown Benicia are revealed on this exciting, interactive and fun Ghost Walk led by paranormal investigator Devin Sisk. Each tour is limited to 20 people and lasts approximately 2 hours, depending on what entity you encounter along the way! Walking shoes and flashlight recommended. No children under ten years of age permitted on tours. Ages 10-16 must be accompanied by adult. $25 per person. Prepaid reservations required by calling 707-745-9791.”
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Monty Python's Spamalot
presented by Benicia High School
Friday-Saturday, May 17-18, 7:00PM - final week
$14
“This spring, Benicia High School is proud to be among the first high schools in America to be granted the rights to perform Monty Python’s Spamalot. A Broadway sensation when it came out in 2005, Spamalot is a musical version of the hit movie, Monty Python and the Holy Grail.”
Thanks to Jessica for letting me know about this event!
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Wand-Making Intensive in the Sacred Path Tradition
with Rev. Patrick McCollum
Friday-Sunday, May 17-19
private home in Moraga, exact address given upon registration
$275 includes camping, meal plan available for $100
“This is a three day, hands-on workshop where participants learn the history of the sacred wand and how to perform the rituals surrounding its creation. Walk the Sacred Path with Patrick McCollum, while he shares his tradition and guides you in making a magical wand that is truly your own.
This is a transformational workshop that will deeply affect all in attendance as you join Patrick McCollum in becoming immersed in the natural world and learn the lore and greater context of wand-making within the Sacred Path tradition. It will be different than anything attendees have experienced before.
Space is extremely limited. Register ASAP as workshop will fill up!
$275 includes on-site camping, $100 additional for meals.
The Workshop will be held on Patrick McCollum's property in Moraga, CA. Directions will be given to attendees after registration.
There are nearby hotel options for those who need them, but due to the early beginning each day of the workshop (7:00AM), onsite camping is encouraged.
Reverend McCollum is an internationally recognized spiritual leader in the Pagan/Earth-Based religions whose work toward human rights, social justice, and equality for all religions and spiritual traditions, transcends cultural, religious, and political barriers. Reverend McCollum is the 2010 recipient of the Mahatma Gandhi Award for the Advancement of Pluralism. Reverend McCollum's spiritual work focuses on seeing the sacred within each and every human being and bringing together people of all spiritual paths, to work together toward global sustainability and world peace.”
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Bay Area Storytelling Festival
Friday-Sunday, May 17-19
Craneway Pavilion, 1414 Harbour Way South, Richmond
see website for detailed schedule and registration information
Oral storytelling is an art for all ages, from the cutest kids and the hippest adults through the wisest grandparents. Every year, the festival offers a school study trip and a professional storytelling workshop on Friday. Saturday and Sunday we offer several performances for adults, a family program and more workshops. In 2013, we are hosting an invitational spoken word slam for local high school students.
We are pleased to announce the tellers for the 2013 Bay Area Storytelling Festival! Award-winning storyteller and NPR commentator Kevin Kling tells hilarious, often tender stories. Megan Wells seeks the story eclipse when the ordinary world gives way to the light of the imagination. When Len Cabral tells stories, coyotes turn into ducks and we travel from Ethiopia to New England cranberry bogs. Yvette Brandy weaves stories and songs, and Will Hornyakpromises to captivate, surprise and intrigue.
The Bay Area Storytelling Festival promotes the timeless, contemporary art of storytelling by presenting todays finest talents. The festival showcases the power of stories to bridge generations, celebrate diverse cultures, and build and connect communities.
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Kayumari in the Redwoods 18th Anniversary Celebration
Friday-Sunday, May 17-19
Wildwood Retreat Center, 20111 Old Cazadero Road, Guernville
see website for detailed schedule and registration information
“The Kayumari in the Redwoods Sanctuary has been opened in our new location at Wildwood Conservation Foundation in Sonoma County. It is located in Guerneville, California, and sits on 200 acres of beautiful Redwoods. Wildwood has served as a retreat space for over 27 years. Their land is established as a conservation area protecting several rare species of plants that are being protected. In Wildwood we have found a place that is cultivating with us a great collaborative relationship, which will prove to benefit both of our communities. We all see this as the next step in our evolution, blessed by the Divine and guided by Our Lady. It is dedicated to creating a safe place for you to pray and play!
Sanctuary activities include providing prayer services, ceremonies and a variety of gatherings for worship according to various spiritual traditions. The purpose of the offerings is to invite individuals, families and the community to strengthen their relationship to the divine.”
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Oakland Greek Festival
Friday-Sunday, May 17-19
Friday-Saturday 10:00AM-11:00PM, Sunday 11:00AM-9:00PM
Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Ascension, 4700 Lincoln Avenue, Oakland
Adults $6, Children 12 and under are free
“It is that time of year again when the wonderful aromas of Souklavia and Loukoumades waft through the air and the sounds of traditional Greek music and shouts of OPA! resonate in the hills of Oakland. The Oakland Greek Festival 2013 is now in full preparation and we are in need of our most important ingredient...YOU! What would Oakland’s Greek Festival be without the many people from our community who come to enjoy all the treats for the ears, and eyes and stomach? It is with great joy and excitement that we invite you to experience our Greek culture. The Festival’s founding committee put together an event in the hopes of keeping the Traditions and their Religion alive and strong in the hearts of their children. Little did they know that over 40 years later this festival would be a stage to share our vibrant culture, savory food, and trusted religion with our greater Bay Area community. With this Festival, we are bringing Greece to YOU!”
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Martinez Peddlers Faire
Saturday, May 18, 8:00AM-4:00PM
Downtown Martinez, Alhambra Avenue at Marina Vista, Martinez
free admission
“Join us for the 2013 Peddlers’ Faires
Voted East Bay's Best Source for Old Treasures!
Featuring Vintage, Antiques, Collectibles and Arts and Crafts
in Downtown Martinez, The Antique and Collectible Capital of Contra Costa County!
One of the largest outdoor antique and collectible shows in northern California. Held on the streets of historic downtown Martinez on Saturday, May 18th and Saturday, August 3rd, from 8:00AM-4:00PM. Get here early to get the first pick of that special item to add to your collection.
You will find plenty to choose from as dealers will be showing a huge variety of antiques and collectibles including glassware, porcelain, pottery, furniture, old advertising, toys, Native American wares, paper items and much more.
While at the Faire, be sure to visit the 12 downtown Martinez Antique and Collectible stores. The 50-plus dealers in the stores will be bringing in new inventory for the Faire in preparation for the thousands of visitors on Faire day. In addition to the antiques and collectibles, there are over 50 arts and crafts vendors so there will be something for everyone at the show.
John Humphries, radio and TV collectibles talk show host, and the author of several books on collectibles, will again be on hand during the day to give evaluations of one carry-in item for a $5 donation to the Martinez Historic Society. John will be located at the information booth on Ferry Street near Main Street from 8:00AM-4:00PM. John is always a popular feature at the Faire so be sure to get in line early and get a number. Bring in that old piece of pottery, glass, toy or other collectible but remember, no furniture, carry-in items only please.
Parking and admission are free. See you at the Faire!”
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Marin-Friendly Garden Tour
Saturday, May 18, 10:00AM-4:00PM
Falkirk's Master Gardens and other Marin sites
Falkirk Cultural Center, 1408 Mission Avenue, San Rafael, 415-485-3328
Free, please register at the website below
“This free, self-guided tour highlights Marin-friendly gardening practices, which reduce waste and pollution, conserve natural resources, and create healthy, productive landscapes that are also beautiful!
Please register online or call 415-945-1521, or e-mail tbach@marinwater.org
After you complete the registration process, you will be sent an electronic copy of the Garden Guide.”
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Death, Dying, and Meditation
Thursday, May 18, 9:00AM-5:00PM
United Methodist Church, 2311 Buena Vista Avenue, Alameda
donations accepted
“This daylong workshop will be held at the United Methodist Church on Thursday from 9:00AM to 5:00PM on Saturday, May 18, 2013.
We will explore The Five Contemplations offered to us by the Buddha.
The Five Contemplations
I am subject to aging. Aging is unavoidable.
I am subject to illness. Illness is unavoidable.
I am subject to death. Death is unavoidable.
I will grow different, separate from all that is dear and appealing to me.
I am the owner of my actions, heir to my actions, born of my actions, related through my actions and live dependent on my actions. Whatever I do, for good or for ill, to that will I fall heir.
The course is offered by Baruch Golden and Pauletta Chanco.
Courses are offered on a donation basis to encourage the ancient practice of ‘dana’ or generosity.”
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Earth Energy Walk
with Community Seed
Moore Creek Preserve, Highway 1 at Shaffer Road, Santa Cruz
see link below for directions to meeting place
“Moore Creek has fields of wildflowers as well as breathtaking views of the Bay. From the Highway 1 entrance, we climb a small hill to a meadow overlooking the bay. Up another hill and around a grove of trees is a wondrous cove of wildflowers. I hope you will join us to feast your eyes, and fill your heart with the beauty of our local treasures.
Gather at 9:45AM, Departure: 10:00AM, Return: around 12:00PM.
Our walk is usually about 2-3 hours round trip with a short stop half way in. Remember to wear good shoes, bring your own water and a snack to share if you like.
We will walk rain or shine, however, if the forecast is very stormy, call ahead to verify: 831-469-0336
Before beginning our walk together, we will take a moment to center our minds and bodies. Once we are all fully present, we will begin our journey, walking in silence, all the while tuning in, listening, and absorbing the energies of the elements, plants, and animals. Halfway into our walk we will sit for meditation, a guided visualization, and to share food.”
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Parent-and-Me African Music and Dance Class
with Cheza Nami
Saturday, May 18, 10:00-10:30AM - final week
HackerMoms, 3288 Adeline Street, Berkeley
$12
for Children 6 Months to 5 Years and their Caregivers
“Ok tots (parents too!!), We are back!! Join us for the Spring parent-and-me African music and dance class at HackerMoms in Berkeley. Bring your tot for 30 minutes of intense music, songs, games, drum circles and African-themed stories in a highly energetic and rhythm-centric class at HackerMoms.
In our caregiver participation class young children are introduced to African songs, games, percussion instruments, music, drumming and African themed stories in a highly energetic class. Toddlers will develop self awareness and rhythm as well as pick up some African language from word play through song. Bring your tot and come boogie with us, African style!”
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Bottle Your Own!
at Guglielmo Winery
Saturday, May 18, 10:00AM-3:00PM
Guglielmo Winery, 1480 East Main Avenue, Morgan Hill
$5 per bottle
“Bottle your own red wine! Bring your clean bottles or purchase them at
the winery for $1, then fill them using our antique filler.
We cork them, you label them - only $5 per bottle!
This is one of our most popular events and is always a fun time!“
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Kristi Yamaguchi's Reading Adventures
at Happy Hollow Park and Zoo
Saturday, May 18, 10:00AM-4:00PM
Happy Hollow Park and Zoo, 1300 Senter Road, San Jose, 408-794-6400
included with park admission, $12.95
“Bring the entire family out to a fun-filled day highlighting the joy and importance of reading. The day will feature story reading by Kristi Yamaguchi and friends, live entertainment, art project stations and all the fun of Happy Hollow.
Celebrity Readers
Kristi Yamaguchi: 10:30AM
Brandi Chastain: 11:30AM
Jennifer Fosberry: 12:30PM
Lissa Kreisler: 1:30PM
Bruce Miller: 2:30PM
Entertainment
Zoo to You Animal Show: 2:00PM
Na Hula ‘o Moku’aina: 3:00PM
Zoo to You Animal Show: 3:45PM
Raising a Reader: 10:00AM-4:00PM
Crafts: 10:00AM-4:00PM”
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Santa Cruz Rejuvenation Festival
Saturday, May 18, 10:00AM-8:00PM
San Lorenzo Park, 137 Dakota Street, Santa Cruz
Free
“3rd annual Santa Cruz Rejuvenation Festival features continuous, world-class music, drumming, dance, and children's entertainment on 3 stages, huge Eco-Faire, healing village, all-day yoga classes, and organic food. Admission is free. After an inspiring opening ceremony by Coyote Woman, an Ohlone medicine woman and artist, the main stage will bump good vibration music all day. Headlining is legendary Jamaican Reggae artist. Born in the hills of Jamaica, Prezident Brown has performed at venues around the world including Reggae on the River, the premiere reggae festival in the U.S. and the Sierra Nevada World Music Festival. He most recently toured the U.S. in 2012 after producing the album I Sound Is From Creation. The Kids' Stage features Zoo to You, guaranteed to be an exciting, up-close educational adventure for your children. Linda Arnold, the Mary Poppins of Children's Music, combines her pure soprano voice with fantasy-based songs to the delight of children and their parents. Her albums won Parent's Choice Gold, NAPPA Gold, and Children's Music Web awards. Families will also enjoy Native American storytelling, face painting, and much more.”
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Womansong Circle
with Betsy Rose and Donne Davis
Saturday, May 18, 2:00-4:00PM
private home in Menlo Park, address given upon registration
$20, please register at the website below
“An Afternoon of participatory singing for women in celebration of Mothers Day.
Tea and light refreshments, music, community!”
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Festival of the Silk Road
presented by Ballet Afsaneh
Saturday, May 18, 2:00-10:00PM
Mexican Heritage Theater, 1700 Alum Rock Road, San Jose
Adults $30, Children and Seniors $18
“A Celebration of the Silk Road - Cultures in Collaboration
Fun for the whole family!
The 5th annual Festival of the Silk Road at the Mexican Heritage Plaza Theater in San Jose.
Family fun starts at 2:00PM in the lovely gardens of the Mexican Heritage Plaza Theater with dance workshops, live music, folkdancing and more. Enjoy a picnic with friends and family under the palm trees surrounded by roses! In the evening enjoy concert performances in the 500 seat theater with dance, music and poetry from the Silk Road countries including Iran, China, Armenia, the Balkans, Turkey, India, Tajikistan, Greece, Egypt, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, the Roma and more...
2:00-6:00PM Garden Fun Activities and Folkdancing - Free for ALL!
Folkdancing, Traditional Costume Exhibit, Workshops activities and the Silk Road Bazaar exhibit in the beautiful gardens, plaza, and theater lobby. Performances with special guests Edessa Music Ensemble, Hasmik Harutyunyan, Aycan Yeter, the California Folkdance Federation, and traditional costume and handicraft exhibits. The ever popular Silk Road Bazaar offers traditional clothing, art, and light refreshments. Bring a family picnic, or enjoy a reasonably priced delicious Mediterranean meal and Persian foods courtesy of Golnazar Gourmet Catering.
6:00-7:00PM Student Showcase Concert
Student Showcase theater performance featuring the amazing Niosha Dance Academy, the Afsaneh Dance Academy, Hala Dance Company, Tarangini School of Kathak Dance, ARAX Dance, and more.
8:00-10:00PM Concert of Silk Road All Stars
Featuring Music guests: Imamyar Hasanov and Pezhham Akhavass, Hasmik Harutyunyan, Edessa Balkan and Greek Music Ensemble, and Zaryab Persian Music Ensemble with Neema Hekmat. Dance Artists: Ballet Afsaneh, ARAX Armenian Dance, Chinese Performing Arts of America, Hala Dance, Shahrzad Dance Company, Tarangini School of Kathak Dance, Vionikos Greek Dance, Aycan Yeter, Yore Turkish Dance.
$30 and $45 (VIP) Ticket prices include both the 6:00PM Evening Student Showcase Concert and the 8:00PM Silk Road All Stars Concert. Kids and Seniors are $18.”
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State Building(s): Construction Work in Astana and the Performed State
Saturday, May 18, 5:00-7:00PM
Silk Road House, 1944 University Avenue, Berkeley, 510-981-0700
“This talk will discuss from a particular angle Kazakhstan’s 1998 capital relocation to Astana (previously known as Tselinograd and Aqmola) and the construction boom that followed from around 2000.
Our guest will offer an ethnographic study of the labor of constructing a new cityscape and the process of state-building which that labor quite literally represents. The specific focus will be on the experiences of several individuals who moved to Astana to participate in its development and thus pursue opportunities for better lives and a renewed sense of meaningful subjective agency. These personal narratives will help examine official ideology and broader patterns of social and political transformation. In sum, this talk will interrogate the relationships between the state, materiality, and political subjectivity. How is the state encountered and produced through built forms and the process of construction? How do citizens interact with official representations and attributed meanings of building work, and what is their role in constructing and maintaining the state? How are citizen subjectivities shaped in relation to the state and construction? And more generally, why is it that the materiality of built forms provides such a powerful idiom for articulating the state, both affirmatively and critically? This talk opens the door to a larger collaborative project on the anthropology of politics in Central Asia.
Mateusz Laszczkowski is a Wayne Vucinich Visiting Scholar at the Center for Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies, Stanford University. He received his PhD in social anthropology from Martin Luther University, Halle-Wittenberg, Germany. His research focuses on politics of space and place and the entanglements of architectural and social change in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan.”
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Art Show Reception for Jenny Wilde
Saturday, May 18, 6:00-8:00PM
The Sacred Well, 536 Grand Avenue, Oakland, 510-444-9355
Free
“Join us for a casual and fun art show reception with artist Jenny Wilde. Her work, now on display at The Sacred Well, features cut-paper collage on panel and mixed-media shadowboxes.
Jenny's art delves into the surreal realm of dreams, tarot archetypes, and women's history.”
You may know Jenny Wilde better as Doyenne Rowan Nightshade, High Priestess of Esoterica!
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The Fawn-Colored Beast: Music and Satire from the Roman de Fauvel
with Canconier
presented by MusicSources
Saturday, May 18, 7:30PM
St. Alban’s Church, 1501 Washington Avenue, Albany
$25
Reservations recommended, please call MusicSources at 510-528-1685
“Acclaimed Bay Area medieval favorites Canconier return to MusicSources with a new program, featuring music and text from this very important early fourteenth century French manuscript. The Roman holds up both church and court to ridicule and was controversial at the time. Fauvel, a donkey who embodies all of the vices, is brought from his stable into the court and made king.
The foolish and corrupt nobles and clergy revere him and havoc breaks loose! The story unfolds in witty prose and magnificent music, with pieces spanning more than a century of medieval French creativity (1200-1325). Join regulars Tim Rayborn, Shira Kammen, and Phoebe Jevtovic, with guests Tish Berlin and Michelle Levy. Don’t miss the group’s only MusicSources concert this season!”
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Into the Sound: Cave Concert Experience
presented by Samavesha
Saturday, May 18, 9:30PM
Hawk Hill Tunnel, Marin Headlands, Sausalito
see website for ticket information
Advance tickets only. No tickets will be sold at the event.
“Into the Sound
A journey into South East Asia's sounds, inside a tunnel that is transformed, for one night only, into an enchanted Cave.
with
Gamelan Sekar Jaya - Balinese music and dance
Laura Inserra - Hang and Khene
Alyssa DeCaro - Body of Sound
and members of Gamelan X
Dan Bales, Lydia Martin and Daniel Yasmin
featuring
Ni Ketut Arini (Dance Director), recent recipient of the prestigious Predikat Maestro award, is one of Bali’s most well-known and well-loved performing artists, and an expert on classical Balinese female style dance.
Advance tickets only. No tickets will be sold at the event. Past Cave Concerts have always sold out, so please buy the tickets in advance and don't miss this exciting opportunity.
Parking is limited, please share a ride to the concert. It's green, free and fun!”
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Boogie on the Bayou
Saturday-Sunday, May 18-19, Saturday 10:00AM-6:00PM, Sunday 10:00AM- 5:00PM
Downtown Campbell, E. Campbell Avenue and Central Avenue, Campbell
Free
“Boogie on the Bayou, held every year on the third weekend in May, is a premier festival attracting between 50,000 - 60,000 people to Downtown Campbell for two sunny days of arts, crafts, entertainment, shopping, food, and community.
Boogie on the Bayou Features:
200 Arts and Crafts Booths
Live Entertainment
International Cuisine featuring Cajun and New Orleans style food
Beer, Wine and Soda
Kiddie Korner
All American Food
Free Admission and Free Parking”
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Himalayan Fair
Saturday-Sunday, May 18-19, Saturday 10:00AM-7:00PM, Sunday 10:00AM- 5:30PM
Live Oak Park, 1301 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley
$5 donation includes raffle ticket
“Under the towering oaks and redwood trees in the midst of a quaint Berkeley neighborhood, Live Oak Park becomes a vast marketplace with over 100 privately owned shops, free live music and several food vendors including Momos freshly made by the Tibetan Community, Nepalese and Indian foods. We do not accept any commercial vendors or commercial support at the fair so to keep the experience authentic and specifically Himalayan in nature. The Himalayan Fair offers a rare occasion to experience a unique Himalayan festival without leaving the Bay Area.”
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Maker Faire
Saturday-Sunday, May 18-19, Saturday 10:00AM-8:00PM, Sunday 10:00AM-6:00PM
San Mateo Event Center, 1346 Saratoga Drive, San Mateo
see website for ticket information
“A two-day, family-friendly festival of invention, creativity and resourcefulness, and a celebration of the Maker movement.”
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Incubating Dreams: For Health, Relationships, Spiritual Life, Career
with Meredith Sabini, Ph.D.
Sunday, May 19, 1:00-4:00PM
The Dream Institute of Northern California, 1672 University Avenue, Berkeley, 510-845-1767
$45
“Petitioning for a helpful dream is a practice with ancient roots. REM dreaming is itself a 140-million-year-old evolved capacity in mammals, and our species discovered early on that dreaming can be a portal to wise guidance. In Hippocrates’s time, physicians went on retreats to incubate diagnostic dreams about patients. Throughout the Mediterranean basin there were sanctuaries to Asklepios, the god of healing, where anyone could stay until a helpful dream came. Though we lack such rituals and shrines today, we still go on retreat when we face life challenges. Incubating a dream is a natural spiritual instinct that can be regularly available to us.
After covering the historic usages of dream incubation, this program will teach you the specifics of how to form and hold a question or intention related to any aspect of your life - health, relationships, spiritual life, career - and then watch for a dream that responds. Therapists will learn how to apply this method for the benefit of clients. Handouts on dream incubation will be available. A follow-up meeting may be scheduled for those interested.”
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A Cup of Tea with Spirit
with OwlSnake
Sunday, May 19, 4:00-5:00PM, and the third Sunday of every month
Julie’s Coffee and Tea Garden, 1223 Park Street, Alameda, 510-865-2385
suggested donation $5-$10
“Esoterica Shamanic Center invites you to join OwlSnake (Medicine Woman/Shaman Lineage) for...
A Cup of Tea with Spirit
We will sip tea, and eat tasty treats as we connect and receive messages from Spirit and the Ancestors to guide us in our daily lives. We will Journey, Chant and Listen within, and be Inspired. A relaxing afternoon gift to yourself and others.
Who is OwlSnake?
Born into a long lineage of Medicine Men/Women, Spiritual Healers, Seers, and Shamans, on both her maternal and paternal ancestral lines, she was first called to this sacred path at the age of 4 years old from her Great Aunt. She was chosen to continue the family tradition of Spiritual Medicine work, some would call Shamanism. Through the years she would experience many of life's challenges and growth opportunities that have allowed her to learn and experience firsthand some of the greatest issues that plague this world today. From those experiences, along with her direct connection with Great Spirit, Guides, Angels, and Ancestors, OwlSnake has awakened into being a compassionate healer that is willing to be used as a ‘Hollow Bone’ for Spirit to assist all those that seek healing and inspiration on their journey.”
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Reason in Reality: A Celebration of National Day of Reason
with Florence Windfall
Tuesday, May 21, 7:00PM
Humanist Hall, 390 27th Street, Oakland
$5 donation requested
“The National Day of Reason is celebrated nationally on the first Thursday of May. However, due to untoward circumstances, Humanist Hall will celebrate the National Day of Reason on Tuesday, May 21, at 7:00PM with an investigation into reason. Join us to find out why reason is in an ecological crisis today, in fact, why reason is in any crisis whatsoever and who is Val Plumwood to say so? What is reason anyway and how did it get such a high value in Western culture? We begin our recognition of National Day of Reason at Humanist Hall with a talk beholden to renowned philosopher and ecofeminist activist, Val Plumwood, followed by open discussion.
Florence will begin examining Val Plumwood’s groundbreaking book, Environmental Culture: The Ecological Crisis of Reason, about the weaknesses of the long tradition of rationality in the West. This first talk on reason in Western civilization can only be an introduction to this gargantuan subject and Florence will find other occasions to continue it.”
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Shakes at Swirl
with Gary Armagnac of Livermore Shakespeare Festival
Wednesday, May 22, 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 Shrew director Gary Armagnac as he discusses the concept for Shrew and his career doing Shakespeare.”
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Acting Out - For the Health of It
benefiting Breast Cancer Action
Wednesday, May 22, 7:00-9:00PM
Brava Theater, 2781 24th Street, San Francisco
$35, VIP Tickets $75 includes reception
“A fun and provocative medley of performances from talented female comedians, authors and musicians who all share your commitment to women’s health.
Come out to support BCAction and enjoy the comedy musings of Eloisa Bravo and Nurse Allison Whittaker (Vital Signs); readings by author Melanie Gideon (The Slippery Year); the bluegrass sounds of Melody Walker; and more. We have a great line-up of funny, fearless, and bold performers all of whom are generously donating their time and talent.
We’re thrilled to have Rene Hicks emceeing the evening - Rene is a longtime BCAction supporter and an award-winning comedian who was diagnosed with lung cancer, due to her exposure to secondhand smoke in comedy venues. As a comedian, she always turned her comedy act into comedy activism. Now as a speaker, she applies laughter advocacy - turning ‘ha-ha’ moments into ‘a-ha’ moments.”
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Have a Fair, Friendly, Festive Week!
Molly Blue Dawn
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