Molly Blue Dawn's List of Events for November 2013 and beyond - Mark Your Calendars!
Mark your calendars for:
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Movember
throughout the month of November
between your nose and your mouth
“During November each year, Movember is responsible for the sprouting of moustaches on thousands of men’s faces, in the US and around the world. With their Mo’s, these men raise vital funds and awareness for men’s health, specifically prostate cancer and other cancers that affect men.
Once registered at www.movember.com, men start Movember 1st clean shaven. For the rest of the month, these selfless and generous men, known as Mo Bros, groom, trim and wax their way into the annals of fine moustachery. Supported by the women in their lives, Mo Sistas, Movember Mo Bros raise funds by seeking out sponsorship for their Mo-growing efforts.
Mo Bros effectively become walking, talking billboards for the 30 days of November. Through their actions and words they raise awareness by prompting private and public conversation around the often ignored issue of men’s health.
At the end of the month, Mo Bros and Mo Sistas celebrate their gallantry and valor by either throwing their own Movember party or attending one of the infamous Gala Partés held around the world by Movember, for Movember.”
You don’t have to grow one - you can make one!
How to part with your fuzzy friend come December:
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Convolution 2013
Gates of Horn and Ivory: The Realms of Dream
guests of honor Brian, Wendy and Toby Froud,
Friday-Sunday, November 1-3
see website for schedule details
Hyatt Regency San Francisco Airport, 1333 Bayshore Highway, Burlingame
$45
“The Convolution 2013 theme is Gates of Horn and Ivory: The Realms of Dream. Dreams inspire us, they give us goals, they act as warnings, and open doorways to realms of imagination.
Authors of Science Fiction and Fantasy use our dreams of magical creatures, faraway lands, space travel and so much more to create whole new universes, which then turn around and feed the imaginations of their readers, pulling them into those worlds.
Artists give us windows into ourselves by putting pieces of their soul on display for all the world to see. Musicians, Actors - any creative field taps into dreams in some fashion or another to fuel their visionary process. The drive to take your own dreams and make them something physical and real, and share them with others is at the core of creativity and artistic inspiration. Be it writing, art, film, theatre, music-science, even- one could say all forward advancement comes from the initial spark of a dream.
But not all dreams are positive - dark dreams also have a portal to our world. Dreams are how our subconscious minds deliver messages to our conscious thoughts, and how our fears get to act out lives of their own. Darker inspirations and deep-seated fears can be just as heady and visceral as lofty aspirations for the future. Dark fantasy, horror, and the supernatural creatures that haunt the shadows of our world also come from dreams- just perhaps ones that traveled through a different portal to our consciousness.
Come spend a weekend with us as we examine dreams from every aspect- doorways to alternate realms of existence, the scientific studies of dream research, interpretations of dreams in verse, prose, and artistic renderings, and the power of the dream to motivate and change our world for the better... or the worse?”
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Song for All Beings
A Musical Celebration of Lovingkindness
Saturday, November 2, 7:30PM
Marin Civic Center Veterans’ Memorial Theater, 10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael
$48-$62 in advance, $54-$68 at the door
“Jennifer Berezan and Edge of Wonder present the premiere performance of Song for All Beings, A Celebration of Lovingkindness. This musical meditation features an extraordinary gathering of musicians, dancers, activists, visual artists and spiritual teachers from around the world to create a communal ritual based in the Buddhist practices of metta (lovingkindness) and compassion. Based on the acclaimed recording In These Arms, A Song for All Beings, this unique event builds on Jennifer’s past visionary and ritual musical offerings, especially the beloved performances of Praises for the World.
Song for all Beings is a participatory musical journey to evoke peace, healing and unity for the earth and all beings.
As our culture has moved away from a connection to Nature and a felt sense of being part of the universal family of life, there is an abiding human need for contact with All That Is. Song for All Beings, which will continue as one integrated piece for over two hours, will provide a container in which this oneness can be catalyzed and experienced by everyone present.
Part of the 2013 concert’s proceeds will help to support grassroots organizations working for environmental and social justice.”
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Creating the Sacred Oil: Connecting with the Magic and Wisdom of our Ancestors
with Patrick McCollum
Saturday, November 9, 7:00AM-Sunday, November 10, 3:00PM
private home in Moraga, exact address given upon registration
$175, meal plans available for an additional $70
“This will be a hands-on two day overnight intensive in the wilderness where we will learn the history of and replicate both the formula and the process for creating one of the most powerful secrets of the ancient past.
The Sacred Oil as it was often called, was first documented in the Indus Valley in 7,500 BCE and is the first known chemical formula used by human kind. It has been used to anoint magical tools, initiates, sacred sites, heroes, Biblical prophets, and for healing.
Each participant will learn to harvest and process the various plants and materials involved and will take home a small quantity of the oil for their own use when finished.
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 of the sacred oil.
Space is extremely limited. Register ASAP as workshop will fill up!
$175 includes on-site camping, $70 additional for meals.
The meetings will be held at Patrick’s home and there will be access to camping, house stay, or hotels nearby. Meals will be provided. Reservations are limited so make your reservation today.
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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Collegium Occidentalis
Saturday, November 9, 8:00AM-5:00PM
Foothills Congregational Church, 461 Orange Avenue, Los Altos
Free admission, donations accepted
see website for details about classes with fees
“This is the annual fall educational event for the West Kingdom of the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA). It's a day full of hands-on workshops, panel discussions, lectures, demonstrations, and all types of classes on medieval and renaissance history.
Collegium Occidentalis is a full day of classes, workshops, lectures, discussions, and demonstrations that is open to the public (with reduced admission fees for SCA members). The mission of this event is to further the understanding and appreciation of pre-17th-century history, especially in Western Europe.
Collegium is one of two, large, educational events held each year by the West Kingdom of the Society for Creative Anachronism. The other is the Arts and Science Tourney, which takes place in June. The two events differ in that Collegium is held indoors, in a classroom setting, while the Tourney is held outdoors, in a camping setting. This allows for a wide variety of courses and topics to be covered by each event.”
“The Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA) is an international organization dedicated to researching and re-creating the arts and skills of pre-seventeenth century Europe. The SCA Known World consists of 19 kingdoms, with over 30,000 members in countries around the world. Members, dressed in clothing of the Middle Ages and Renaissance attend events which feature tournaments, royal courts, feasts, dancing, educational classes and workshops, and much more.”
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The Living Ayurveda Symposium and Marketplace
Saturday-Sunday, November 9-10
dhyana Center, 186 North Main Street, Sebastopol
$108 One Day of Knowledge, $216 Two Days of Wisdom
“It is with great enthusiasm and full hearts that we welcome you to the 1st Annual Living Ayurveda Symposium and Marketplace. Bringing the ancient traditions of India to everyday life is the theme of this glorious weekend.
New to Ayurveda? Already steeped in the tradition? There is something here for everyone.
The foundation of Ayurveda is self care. This timeless wisdom is even more relevant today than it was for our ancestors. What you take away from this weekend can profoundly affect your life.
Gain knowledge and understanding. Learn new skills. Learn the art of living a fulfilling and balanced life.
Learn Two Full Days of Classes on Ayurveda, Yoga, Food As Medicine, Essential Oils, Herbal Tonics and Elixirs, Men's and Women's Health and More!
Shop Marketplace with Local Arts and Crafts, Artisan Foods, Herbal Products, Healing Arts
Eat Organic Farm to Table Vegetarian Lunch
Relax In The Self Care Studio. Steam. Sauna, Soak. (Please bring a bathing suit and towel)
Pray: Traditional Vedic Ritual
Party: Saturday Night Kirtan and Odissi Dance Performance”
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Upside-Downton Abbey
Annual Champagne Gala for the Lamplighters Music Theatre
Sunday, November 10,
Silent Auction at 3:00PM, Performance at 4:00PM
Palace of Fine Arts Theatre, 3601 Lyon Street, San Francisco
$35-$97
Tickets available through Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, 415-978-2787
Sunday, November 24, Performance at 4:00PM
Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro Street, Mountain View
$58-$83
Tickets available through Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, 650-903-6000
“The funniest fun(d)raiser in town! A full-length original parody, with topical satire set mostly to the music of Sir Arthur Sullivan - every Lamplighters Gala is a unique event, and a guaranteed afternoon of hilarity. Upside-Downton Abbey, or, The Lass that Loved a Chauffeur, features familiar characters and plot themes from the TV series but with a whole host of comic twists. Several past Galas have won best Original Show awards from the Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle. Silent Auction (San Francisco only), raffle, and post-performance champagne reception for audience and performers make this an experience not to be missed!
Lamplighters Music Theatre is a San Francisco based non-profit theatre company founded in 1952 to produce the comic operas of Gilbert and Sullivan and other works of comparable wit, literacy and musical merit.
Now recognized as one of the world’s preeminent Gilbert and Sullivan companies, the Lamplighters perform high quality classic musical theatre throughout the Bay Area. The hallmarks of a Lamplighters production are lavish costumes and sets, live orchestra, excellent comic acting, and gorgeous unamplified singing that showcases the beauty and purity of the human voice.
In addition to an active performance schedule, the Lamplighters provide performance opportunities to local theatre artists and promote appreciation for the arts through youth programs, school performances and community outreach.”
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Day of Remembrance at the Santa Rosa Rural Cemetery
Saturday, November 16, 1:00PM
Franklin Gate, 1600 Franklin Avenue, Santa Rosa
Free
For additional information, please call 707-543-3292
“150th Anniversary of the Gettysburg Address. Music, Mr. Lincoln, reenactments and refreshments.”
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Goat Hill Antique Fair
Saturday-Sunday, November 16-17,
Saturday 10:00AM-4:00PM, Sunday 10:00AM-3:00PM
Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, 2601 E Lake Avenue, Watsonville
$5
“Unique Antiques And Artisan Fair
This fall, Goat Hill boasts of 50 dealers on the scenic grounds of the Santa Cruz Fairgrounds. Our fabulous vendors represent all things we love… vintage treasures, antiques, clever up-cycled junk, artisan food, all in a beautiful venue. Guests will find exceptional and unique vintage treasures. The dazzling displays of items and collectibles by the vendors that love to sell them, will make a fun and memorable outing!
Come and see us at Goat Hill and find your perfect treasures.”
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Lighten Up About Fertility: A Playful and Mindful Opportunity to Dance with Death
with Annie Goglia of LifeFire Workshops and Coaching
and Jessica K. Parker of Root and Stem Integrative Chinese Medicine
Sunday, November 17, 10:30AM-1:00 PM
Awaken Chiropractic, 3515 Grand Avenue, Oakland
Early Bird - Pay by November 10: Sliding scale $39-$55
Pay November 11-16: $49-$65
Day of Workshop: $59-$75
For more information or to register, please contact Annie Goglia at 510-282-1279
“Stressed about fertility issues?
In this inspiring workshop, we will explore your tender concerns around fertility and reproduction with compassion, and humor. Learn to let go of stress with healing movement and laughter - while restoring relaxation and self care.
Together we will:
Create a safe and supportive space to share concerns and experiences.
Gain fun and useful tools for self-care that will help with stress reduction and relaxation through:
Laughter Yoga
Deep breathing
Meditation/Journaling
InterPlay/Healing Movement
Community Building
Snacks included!”
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A Taste of Kenya in the Heart of Livermore: Sharing Arts and Culture
with Cheza Nami Foundation
Sunday, November 17, 3:00-6:00PM
Bothwell Arts Center, 2466 8th Street, Livermore
$10
“Cheza Nami Foundation, Inc is excited to host a magical afternoon of Kenyan art, dance, poetry, music, food and fashion at the Bothwell Arts Center in Livermore. This event is in collaboration with Kenyan visual and performance artists This special family event will give community members a tangible experience of Kenyan culture through touch, taste and conversation.
Activities include children's African-style face painting, a panel discussion on Kenyan culture, African drumming and dance, and a chance to win some fabulous prizes. The event will conclude with audience participation in an African drum circle.”
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Transgender Day of Remembrance
Wednesday, November 20
Please see website for local events; some may be on different days.
“The Transgender Day of Remembrance was set aside to memorialize those who were killed due to anti-transgender hatred or prejudice. The event is held in November to honor Rita Hester, whose murder on November 28th, 1998 kicked off the Remembering Our Dead web project and a San Francisco candlelight vigil in 1999. Rita Hester’s murder - like most anti-transgender murder cases - has yet to be solved.
Although not every person represented during the Day of Remembrance self-identified as transgender - that is, as a transsexual, crossdresser, or otherwise gender-variant - each was a victim of violence based on bias against transgender people.
We live in times more sensitive than ever to hatred based violence, especially since the events of September 11th. Yet even now, the deaths of those based on anti-transgender hatred or prejudice are largely ignored. Over the last decade, more than one person per month has died due to transgender-based hate or prejudice, regardless of any other factors in their lives. This trend shows no sign of abating.
The Transgender Day of Remembrance serves several purposes. It raises public awareness of hate crimes against transgender people, an action that current media doesn’t perform. Day of Remembrance publicly mourns and honors the lives of our brothers and sisters who might otherwise be forgotten. Through the vigil, we express love and respect for our people in the face of national indifference and hatred. Day of Remembrance reminds non-transgender people that we are their sons, daughters, parents, friends and lovers. Day of Remembrance gives our allies a chance to step forward with us and stand in vigil, memorializing those of us who’ve died by anti-transgender violence.”
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Wearable Altars Art Workshop
with Sueann Bettison Sher
Thursday, November 21, 6:00-8:30PM
Sonoma County Museum, 425 Seventh Street, Santa Rosa
$45
“In celebration of our Day of the Dead Altar exhibition, enjoy wine and art while creating personal wearable neck altars. Please bring photos (copies are fine) of your loved ones no larger than 4x4". Bring any other small mementos to include. All other materials will be provided! We will be painting, gluing, glittering, lighting and remembering. Come and create a beautiful tribute to someone you love.
Sueann Bettison Sher leads the workshop and is a potter on a 14 year detour as a mosaic artist.She regularly teaches various classes at the Petaluma Arts Center as well as in local schools and in her own studio. “
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Tellabration!
Saturday, November 23, 7:00PM
Palo Alto Church of Christ, 3373 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto
$10 suggested donation, no one turned away for lack of funds
“You are invited to the 22nd Annual South Bay Storytellers and Listeners Tellabration!
Featuring:
Lady White Snake, A Chinese Opera Tale performed by Cathryn Fairlee
Boomerang Barbershop Quartet
Tom and Sandy Farley
Dawn Wood
Bob Pearl
Joy Swift
Donations Appreciated
Tellers’ recordings and books available for sale
Door prizes
Snacks
Free Parking
For more information, please call Joy Swift at 650-494-1383
or Tom and Sandy Farley at 650-366-1818.”
“Tellabration! is a worldwide benefit evening of storytelling. It creates a network of storytelling enthusiasts bonded together in spirit at the same time and on the same weekend.”
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Standing with the Watershed
Art Exhibition
presented by Wholly H2O
December 1-January 31
Lobby of Sherwood Design Engineers, 58 Maiden Lane, San Francisco
Free
“The mixed media art show Standing with the Watershed at Sherwood Engineering's Lobby in downtown San Francisco opening December 5th seeks artists to share their visceral experiences of both the Tuolumne River Watershed itself and the use of these waters in San Francisco and Silicon Valley. We want to enliven the souls of those who visit during the two month exhibit with the energy and vitality of this watershed pre-, during-, and post Rim Fire. We want to celebrate the watershed and its inhabitants in all forms. Viva la Tuolumne!
Call for Art
Pieces may be any medium, including audio/visual (Well, that is, except fire!)
Submissions sought related to the Tuolumne River Ecosystem, Watershed, Rim Fire, and End Uses in San Francisco and Silicon Valley. Elements of architecture and engineering are desirable. Please Note: Limited photography accepted.
Submit 3-5 jpgs of your work. accompanied by contact information, a 200 word bio and 200 word statement of purpose.
No entry fee. Artists must cover their own shipment and delivery costs.
Show Dates: December 1, 2013 - January 31, 2014
Submission Deadline: November 11, 2013
Artists Notified: November 18
Art Drop Off: November 29
Show Opening: December 5, 2013
Art Pick Up: February 1, 2013”
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Sing for Your Life
Monday, December 30, 12:00PM-12:00AM (Noon-Midnight)
First Congregational Church of Oakland, 2501 Harrison Street, Oakland
Donations accepted (suggested $15), your voice welcomed!
“Sing in the New Year with SoVoSo's 12 hour Circlesong. This wonderful group of vocal virtuosos will take turns leading the ever-changing crowd in a voice orchestra.
CircleSinging can be described lots of ways: vocal improvisation, vocal jamming, add-a-part/change-a-part, vocal orchestra, voicestra, a ‘drum circle’ for singers, or just plain ‘make it up’ singing.
This event is open to all (singers and non-singers alike). Drop in or stay the whole time. Sing or listen. Socialize or meditate. Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to commune with your community.”
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Edwardian World's Faire and Edwardian Ball
The Curious Sofa
Friday-Saturday, January 17-18
The Edwardian World’s Faire, Friday, 8:00PM-2:00AM
The Regency Ballroom, 1300 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco
Edwardian Vendor Bazaar Daytime Shopping, Saturday, 12:00-5:00PM
The Regency Sutter Room, 1270 Sutter Street, San Francisco
The 14th Annual Edwardian Ball, Saturday, 8:00PM-2:00AM
The Regency Ballroom, 1300 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco
“What, pray tell, is The Edwardian Ball?
The Edwardian Ball is an elegant and whimsical celebration of art, music, theatre, fashion, technology, circus, and the beloved creations of the late, great author Edward Gorey. Set in our own version of ‘Edwardian’ times, this multi-media extravaganza has grown over the past decade from a small underground club night into an internationally recognized event, now operating with the blessing of The Edward Gorey Charitable Trust.
Costumed and enthusiastic attendees, traveling from as far as Australia, Japan, and the UK, flock to this San Francisco tradition for a delightful blend of ballroom dancing, live music, riveting stage shows, DJs, fine art galleries, a vending marketplace, absinthe cocktails, steam machinery, parlour games, sideshows, and more. All ages are welcome and appropriate in this darkly humorous and elegant setting, where literary aficionados rub elbows with insect-like creatures parading on stilts… where historically-accurate Edwardian recreationists waltz by a steam-powered tea garden… where the only guiding rule is that you join in on the fun!”
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Winter’s Flame
Friday-Sunday, January 24-26
see website for detailed schedule
Humanist Hall, 390 27th Street, Oakland
sliding scale $66-$166 for the whole weekend
“Winter’s Flame - light up the night!
Drum! Dance! Sing! Celebrate!
Winter’s Flame is a new event in an old tradition. People have been dancing and drumming in the dark of night since the dawn of time. In recent years, there’s been a revival of this practice that consciously directs the experience toward personal transformation.
Light up the night and enliven your spirit. Build community and travel deep inside yourself. Come celebrate life at the darkest time of the year.
With a series of magical workshops, delightful rituals, communal meals, and a sweet, sweet slumber party, Winter’s Flame is an entire weekend of awesome. The event is committed to being affordable and accessible, so it will be held right here in Oakland - and the sliding scale allows people of different means to attend. Come dance with the Flame!”
Thanks to Heather King for letting me know about this event!
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CAYA Fun For Everyone: Burning Man 2014
Monday-Monday, August 26 - September 2
Black Rock Desert, 120 miles north of Reno, Nevada
Cross Sidhe says:
“That is right!!!! I am going back to the Playa and I am taking you with me!!! I will have 3 to 4 seats open. Other drivers are most welcome. Planning will start after Burning Man 2013. Camp CAYA? Dome? Art? Group Origami? The possibilities are limitless.”
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