This will be the final weekly events list.
Starting on January 1, 2015, CAYA Coven will be sending a weekly newsletter to our new mailing list.
If you'd like to sign up to receive our new, improved CAYA Coven mailing list, including links to events from the Pantheon Foundation, blog article, recipes, spells, photos, and more, please sign up here: https://caya-coven.squarespace.com/contact
*****
Belrose Holiday Tea Party, Cinderella: A Family Holiday Panto, Mittens and Mistletoe: A Winter Circus Cabaret, The MeshugaNutcracker, East Bay Pagan Meet and Greet, Vintage Invasion, It's A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play, Crafts for Kids On Board the Balclutha, The Solstice of the Goddess Rising, Holiday Brick Show, Arting My 2014 Memoir: A Transformative Arts Ritual and Book/Scroll Making Workshop, SoulCollage, Witches' Tea Party!, Tea and Tarot, Spiral Yule, Nerd Nite East Bay #25, Sing for Your Life, Tea and Chanting Sangha, Noon Year’s Eve, Happy New Year, Charlie Brown!, Family Friendly New Year's Eve Party at Playland-Not-at-the-Beach, FENOMENON 2015: All Women NYE Ceremonial Celebration, Brava's New Years Eve Comedy Fiesta, Midnight Breakthrough Experience, A New Year’s Eve Public Service Announcement
______________________________________
Belrose Holiday Tea Party
Wednesday-Saturday, December 24-27, 1:00-4:00PM
The Belrose Theatre, 1415 Fifth Avenue, San Rafael
$25 per person
“Tea Parties at The Belrose are Back!
Come enjoy four weeks of The Belrose Tea Party with family, friends, and co-workers.
Wednesdays through Saturdays, 1:00-4:00PM
$25 for this experience includes:
A Pot of Fine Tea
Tea Sandwiches
Petit Fours
Cookies and Scones”
The Belrose Theatre is a beautiful and truly magical place!
______________________________________
Cinderella:A Family Holiday Panto
presented by Pollinator Arts and Panto SF
Wednesday-Sunday, December 24-28,
see website for detailed schedule
Marine's Memorial Theater, 609 Sutter Street, San Francisco
see website for ticket details
“Boo and cheer at this uproarious fairy tale with taste of vaudeville, music, dance, comedy, cross dressing, over-the-top costumes, audience interaction and now with added mice! For ages from 5 to 105.
Experience a traditional British ‘Panto’ holiday show, now a San Francisco tradition. Last year's show sold out! Directed by Patricia Miller.
Join us at Marine's Memorial Theatre as we invite you to experience this beloved fairytale come to life. Songs and interactive theatre fun will have everyone in your family wanting more. There's no hiding it We're going to have a ball!”
______________________________________
Mittens and Mistletoe: A Winter Circus Cabaret
presented by Sweet Can Circus
Wednesday-Sunday, December 24-28 - final week
see website for detailed schedule of performances
Dance Mission Theater, 3316 24th Street, San Francisco, 415-826-4441
see website for ticket details
“Back by popular demand - it's the third annual Mittens and Mistletoe: A Winter Circus Cabaret. Come in from the cold, and join our circus family for an hour of glad tidings and cheer! Celebrate winter and the return of light with a light-hearted, charming, and funny variety program suitable for all ages. Produced and directed by San Francisco's beloved Sweet Can Productions, and starring bay area's finest circus artists, you're sure to be enchanted.”
__________________________________________
The MeshugaNutcracker
presented by Guggenheim Entertainment
Thursday-Sunday, December 25-28,
Thursday 2:00PM and 7:30PM, Friday 7:30PM, Saturday 2:00PM and 7:30PM, Sunday 2:00PM
Heritage Theatre, 1 W Campbell Avenue, Campbell, 408-866-2700
see website for ticket information
“The libretto tells the tale of eight Chelmniks (citizens of Chelm, the fictional town of fools) who gather once a year to perform their Chanukah festival. Through the course of the two-act musical, they tell eight stories which celebrate and honor the triumphs of Chanukah heroes from the time of the Maccabees through modern day - all in their delightfully foolish Chelm style. This new Chanukah production has all the right ingredients for a very happy holiday: take the beautiful and melodious music from Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Ballet, mix in eight poignant and witty stories celebrating the miracle of Chanukah, and add a pinch of Chelm for flavor. Add twirling chanukiot and you'll have visions of sufganiot dancing in your head. Some might call it crazy, we call it... The MeshugaNutcracker!
The MeshugaNutcracker! is a full length musical performed in two acts. It runs approximately 2 hours including a 15 minute intermission. Latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiot (jelly doughnuts) will be available before the show and during intermission. The show is appropriate for all audiences but recommended for youth who are able to sit through a Pixar film.”
__________________________________________
East Bay Pagan Meet and Greet
at The Mystic Dream
Friday, December 26, 7:00-8:30PM, and the fourth Friday of every month
The Mystic Dream, 1437 N Broadway, Walnut Creek, 925-933-2342
donations accepted
“Come and join other witches, warlocks, and pagans as we come together in community to some food, and maybe a few laughs. Come and meet some of the other magically minded people in the East Bay area. Coffee and tea will be served. Feel free to bring a small food item to share.”
___________________________________________
Vintage Invasion
Friday, December 26, 8:00PM-Midnight and the fourth Friday of each month
The Finnish Brotherhood Hall, 1970 Chestnut Street, Berkeley
$7
“Vintage Invasion - where the old dances invade a new generation
Our crowd is growing and thriving... a really positive atmosphere!
Have you ever waltzed to Metallica or danced a polka to Lady Gaga? Yes? Then you know what a great time it is, and we will see you there! No? Well it's never too late to start. Since we have hundreds of years of waltz music to choose from, the variety makes a wonderful, festive evening. This is a casual, neighborhood party: a chance to meet people, bounce around, and generally make merry. We'll have a potluck; you are welcome to bring snacks if you like. Your hosts always bring the punch and water. No alcohol, please, as we sometimes have dancers under 21 attending.
All are welcome for the lesson, so we can get you moving and ready to sail across the floor. If you're new to dancing we promise to be patient with you, and if you have waltzed before we will improve your technique. After class, during the dance party, we will still be available to help you with what we taught you, and introduce you to some of our regulars. They are well skilled, but don't be shy about asking them to dance with you too. They'll probably be happy for the chance to show off. :)
8:00-9:00PM = Lesson in Vintage Waltz - no partner or experience needed
9:00PM-Midnight = Dance to Persephone and guest DJs playing lots of waltzes, and a little bit of many other partner dances.”
__________________________________________
It's A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play
presented by Tides Theatre
Friday-Saturday, December 26-27, 7:00PM - final week
Tides Theatre, 533 Sutter Street, 2nd Floor, San Francisco, 415-336-3522
$35-$50
“This beloved American holiday classic comes to captivating life as a live 1940s radio broadcast. With the help of an ensemble that brings a few dozen characters to the stage, the story of idealistic George Bailey unfolds as he considers ending his life one fateful Christmas Eve.”
_________________________________________
Crafts for Kids On Board the Balclutha
Saturday, December 27, 3:00-4:00PM, and the fourth Saturday of every month
aboard the Balclutha, Hyde Street Pier, San Francisco
included with Balclutha admission, Adults $5, 15 and under free
For more information, please call 415-447-5000.
“Learn about life at sea and have fun making a maritime craft. You could walk away with your own sailor's necklace that spells your name in ship Signal Flags! Appropriate for ages 3-12, but everyone is welcome! Meet inside the ARK houseboat at the entrance to Hyde Street Pier.”
__________________________________________
The Solstice of the Goddess Rising
-Saturday, December 27, 7:00PM
Home of Truth Cottage, 1300 Grand Street, Alameda
$20 donation requested
“The Bloodroot Honey Priestess Tribe of CAYA Coven welcomes all self-identified women to… The Solstice of the Goddess Rising
Please note new location!
Home of Truth Cottage, 1300 Grand Street, Alameda
Located behind the main Chapel. Please use the sidewalk around the main chapel to get to the Cottage.
Clothing is optional
Important Note: We will be using incense during this ritual.
Join Yeshe Rabbit and other members of the tribe for a rite to honor Isis Panthea, the Goddess of 10,000 names. This ritual will be an opportunity to bathe in the tears of Isis and wring out our woes of the waning year, and a time to replenish and nourish our sense with scent, sound, singing, dancing, and meditation.
Please bring a blanket to sit on, any pillows or comfort items you might need or want, as well as a small token to give away during the ritual (nothing large, just a small, heartfelt gift like a candle, or a jar of jam, a small fabric pouch, or similar item.)
Feel free to bring cakes & ale to share, if you like.
What to bring:
For all Goddess Sabbats, please bring a blanket (any kind of blanket is OK) to sit on or wrap yourself in whether or not you plan to disrobe. You never know when the mood to enjoy the nakedness may strike!
Other optional items include: drums, rattles, shakers.
*CAYA Winter Drive! *
As the weather grows colder, we gather together for warmth and comfort. This year, CAYA is hoping to spread that warmth by collecting coats, blankets and other necessities to donate to East Oakland Community Project’s (EOCP) Crossroads Emergency Shelter.
We'll be collecting donations at all December and January rituals.
EOCP accepts:
Warm coats and blankets
Books
New white tube socks
Toiletries (deodorant, toothbrushes, lotions, mouthwash)
Disposable razors
Men’s boxers (no smalls)
Flip-flops/shower shoes
Linens (towels, wash cloths, sheets & pillow cases)
We encourage all who are able to participate. Please share this widely and help us bring as much warmth and comfort as we can to the community!”
__________________________________________
Holiday Brick Show
Saturday-Sunday, December 27-28,
Saturday 10:00AM-5:00PM, Sunday 12:00-5:00PM,
runs through January 4
The Principled Academy, 2305 Washington Avenue, 2nd Floor, San Leandro, 510-351-6400
$2 per person, cash only at the door, Ages 2 and under Free
“An event for the whole family!
This year, we will be starting of with a winter edition of the Brickshow.
Come and see the Lego winter wonderland, pirates and maybe some friends will visit, too!
This is a special Exhibit to support the Principled Academy 7th and 8th graders. All proceeds will go to their Washington DC trip.
A miniland made out of LEGO. From underwater to tall skyscrapers. Prehistoric to Science Fiction. There is something for everybody.
Get inspired by the LEGO exhibit, then put your own creativity to work with the available LEGO. Take a picture of your creation to show your family and friends.
Play LEGO games and compete with other visitors. Challenge yourself to control LEGO NXT robots.”
__________________________________________
Arting My 2014 Memoir: A Transformative Arts Ritual and Book/Scroll Making Workshop
hosted by Siren Project and Roke Noir Creations
Sunday, December 28, 1:00-4:00PM
North Oakland (near Ashby BART), RSVP for address
$35, 12 places available
“Let's celebrate the memories and learnings from 2014.
We will gather in a space with tables and chairs where we can spread out and create our 2014 Memoir. You can use your own creativity within a loose structure that will be provided by your facilitator, Roke Noir, a mixed media artist/teacher, a manifestation through creativity coach and a shamanic energy practitioner. Whether you want to use your writing, drawing, painting, collage making skills or want to design on a computer and then print, is up to you.
The session will include a guided visual meditation to reconnect you with the flow of the year lived and then take you through the process of selecting elements you want to portray in your creation. You will then learn how to link them all to make a single memorable piece of work held within a tight presentation format.
Instructions on what to bring and exact location will be provided on registration by making a paypal payment of $35 to roke.noir@gmail.com in advance. The workshop venue is in North Oakland (near Ashby BART).”
__________________________________________
SoulCollage
with Maya Spector
Sunday, December 28, 1:30-5:00PM
private home, 685 ½ Fairmount Avenue, Oakland
$15, all materials provided.
“Please join me for this easy yet profound way to access intuition, have fun, and create your own set of collaged cards. Invite your friends!
SoulCollage is a process for creating and working with a set of cards that reflect your inner self. SoulCollage is deeply satisfying and a lot of fun; it’s a fantastic creative exploration that anyone can do. Although it is highly personal, it is wonderful and most insightful when done in small groups.”
__________________________________________
Witches' Tea Party!
with The San Jose Pagan and Magick Meetup Group
Sunday, December 28, 3:00-6:00PM
Palo Alto Cafe, 2675 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto
$1
“Let's get together for another Witches' Tea Party! The previous ones were great fun, so we're doing it again.
Witches, Pagans, Magicians, Asatruarfolk, all ye fine and fun folk, wend your way to this nice little coffeehouse in Midtown Palo Alto. They have an assortment of tasty teas and coffees, plus yummy sandwiches and plenty of pastries.
We'll take a little breather and enjoy the company of our fellow walkers of the path of the independent spirit. Relax in the company of those who won't think you're weird for talking with the land-wights or listening to the voice of the Goddess on the breeze!
Feel free to wear your Witchy finery or fancy-wear (but keep'em street-legal, please)!
$1 contribution toward this website requested (not required).”
__________________________________________
Tea and Tarot
with Charlie London and Chas Bogan
Sunday, December 28, 4:00-6:00PM, and the fourth Sunday of every month
The Mystic Dream, 1437 N Broadway, Walnut Creek, 925-933-2342
Donations accepted to cover cost of tea
“Tarot lovers of every skill level will enjoy Tea and Tarot. Each month we will explore a new facet of working with the cards, examining multiple meanings, layouts, and learning how to express our insights with others.”
__________________________________________
Spiral Yule
presented by Fellowship of the Spiral Path
Sunday, December 28, 5:00PM
BFUU Main Hall, 1924 Cedar Street, Berkeley
Donations accepted to pay for the space
“Light is returning! Get the new year off to a good start by joining us for the Spiral Yule Ritual and Singalong on Sunday.
Children are especially welcome. If you have a child or grandchild please bring her or him to receive blessings as the Sun Children as part of the ritual.
Bring a votive candle for your circle and your circle’s banner (and pole) if you have one, canned goods for the Food Bank, and Yule songs to share.
We will have a grab bag gift exchange, please bring a small wrapped gift of no more than $10 for the exchange.”
______________________________________
Nerd Nite East Bay #25
Monday, December 29, 7:00PM, and the last Monday of each month
The New Parkway Theater, 474 24th Street, Oakland
$8
21+
“We all know that learning is more fun when you’re drinking with friends and colleagues. Thus, Nerd Nite is a monthly event held in more than 75 cities across the globe during which several folks give 18-21-minute, fun-yet-informative presentations across all disciplines - while the audience drinks along. And there are often bands, acrobats, trivia, and other shenanigans as well. Imagine learning about everything from math feuds or the science of the Simpsons, to the genealogy of Godzilla or debunking beer myths. Fun, right? As nerds and non-nerds like to say, Nerd Nite Is Like the Discovery Channel… with Beer!
For Nerd Nite #25 the topics and lecturers will be as follows:
Bruce Lee, Disco Clams, and Lawsuits
The New Parkway Theater is a community-centered cinema and pub located in Oakland's Uptown district. Sit back and relax in our cozy couches while watching our new releases, cult classics, and fabulous special programming. Plus, enjoy yummy food and local beer and wine in our café or even delivered right to your theater seat all at affordable prices!
Every week we have something for everyone... from Doc Night to Baby Brigade and Thrillville Theater to Nerd Night, and everything in between. Also, join us on the mezzanine for free, non-film events like Trivia Thursdays, Pop-Up Art Wednesdays, and First Fridays.
The New Parkway = Film. Friends. Food. Fun on Tap.”
__________________________________________
Sing for Your Life
Tuesday, December 30, 12:00PM-12:00AM (Noon-Midnight)
First Congregational Church of Oakland, 2501 Harrison Street, Oakland, 510-444-8511
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.”
__________________________________________
Tea and Chanting Sangha
Tuesday, December 30, 8:00PM, typically the fourth Tuesday of each month
The Sacred Well, 536 Grand Avenue, Oakland, 510-444-9355
$5 suggested donation
“As we enter our fourth year of our journey together, our group is ready to deepen into a unique aspect of Tibetan Buddhist practice.
Over the course of the year we are progressively learning a Tibetan ritual designed to awaken and purify all of creation in the many directions, to confer blessings of relief and happiness upon all beings throughout all space and time, and to magnify our sangha's collective aspiration toward the enlightened liberation of all beings.
Open to beginners as well as current sangha members.
See the website for details about our online Sangha
______________________________________
Noon Year’s Eve
Wednesday, December 31, 10:00AM-1:00PM
Hiller Aviation Museum, 601 Skyway Road, San Carlos, 650-654-0200
$14 adults, $9 ages 5-17 and 65+, under age 4 Free (includes museum admission)
“Celebrate Noon Year’s Eve at Hiller Aviation Museum!
Balloon Drop at Noon
Stage Entertainment:
Lori and RJ - Cotton Candy Express Music
Hawaiian Dancing - Spark of Creation Studio
Hip Hop Dancing - Gems Dance Team
Phil Ackerly - Magician
Event Activities:
Meet San Francisco Bulls Hockey Team mascot Rawhide
Face Painting and Balloons by AllStar Showgrams, and Face Painting by Lisa
Jungle Fun and Adventure
Ocean Playground Jump House
Flight Sim Zone”
______________________________________
Happy New Year, Charlie Brown!
Wednesday, December 31, 10:00AM-4:00PM
Charles M. Schulz Museum, 2301 Hardies Lane, Santa Rosa, 707-579-4452
Adults $10, Students, Seniors, Children 4-18 $5, Children Under 3 Free
“Ring in the New Year with Snoopy, hands-on crafts for kids, and Santa Rosa’s only Up-Down and Baby Balloon Drops at noon, and root beer toasts at noon and 3:00PM! The Museum opens at 10:00AM on Wednesday, December 31.”
__________________________________________
Family Friendly New Year's Eve Party at Playland-Not-at-the-Beach
Wednesday, December 31, 8:00PM-12:30AM
Playland-Not-At-The-Beach, 10979 San Pablo Avenue, El Cerrito, 510-592-3002
$30
“A Family Friendly New Year's Eve Party at Playland-Not-at-the-Beach, December 31st,
Playland-Not-at-the-Beach throws a New Year's celebration the entire family can enjoy! Play pinball, carnival games, and arcade games all night long along with our New Year's Treasure Hunt. We will have a ‘quiet room’ for sleepy young partiers and countdowns to the new year for each American time zone (Eastern through Pacific) with sparkling-cider provided. Join us for this unique chance for all generations to ring in 2015 together.
Open 8:00PM-12:30AM. Guests pay one low price to enter and play all night: $30 for everyone ages 3 and up (no reservations required). Sorry, no coupons or discounts accepted for this event. Guests are welcome to bring snacks and non-alcoholic beverages. Please contact us for additional information or to reserve a private party room.
Fabulous Frank will be performing magic at 9:15PM, 10:15PM and 11:15PM.”
__________________________________________
FENOMENON 2015: All Women NYE Ceremonial Celebration
presented by Siren Project
Wednesday, December 31, 8:30PM-12:30AM
Terra's Temple, 3051 Adeline Street, Berkeley
see website for ticket information
“Fenomenon 2014, a Siren Project Community Event, is an All Women New Year's Eve Ceremonial Celebration on December 31, 2014.
In it's fourth year, Fenomenon 2015 intends to provide an alternative to mainstream NYE events - one where women can come together in a cozy and conscious space to look back and move forward from one year to another.
Together, we will witness and engage in mindful, joyful and transformative activities such as reflective meditation, singing, drumming, writing/art making, insightful conversations, games and rituals - To Reflect, Realign and Renew our intentions for a year of love, peace and joy.
We will also have a midnight candle light ceremony to raise collective consciousness across the globe for compassionate loving, peace and beauty!
There will be hot and cold non-alcoholic beverages together with a dessert bar for refreshment/nourishment.
Logistics:
This event is Alcohol and Fragrance Free. We are sorry that this event space is not wheelchair accessible. We will provide assistance to anyone who can walk up 5 steps to enter the space.
The venue is right opposite Ashby BART station and street parking is easy.
Arrival on time is requested.
This event is kid friendly as long as they can take care of themselves and/or you can. Kids below 12 come for FREE.
Costumes as your inner spirit - admired but not required.
Drums and other music making instruments are welcome.
Please bring a few things you want to add to your intention altar and few other you want to burn/break as a form of releasing what no longer serves you.
This event will be facilitated by Roke Noir, founder of Siren Project, Nicki Koethner, Priestess at Terra's Temple and Expressive Arts Therapist, and Kris Freewoman, founder of Goddess Crafts Faire in Sebastopol - all healers and artists.
Tickets are $35 (Early Bird Till December 26), $40 (Till December 30) and $45 at the door.”
__________________________________________
Brava's New Years Eve Comedy Fiesta
starring Marga Gomez, Diane Amos, and Betsy Salkind
Host Betty Pazmino, DJ Page Hodel
Wednesday, December 31, 9:00PM
Brava Theater, 2781 24th Street, San Francisco, 415-641-7657
$35, VIP $50
21+
“Midnight Countdown Party with Complimentary Champagne and more!
The third annual Brava’s New Year’s Eve Comedy Fiesta is the Mission District’s one stop New Year’s Eve destination for stand-up comedy lovers, dancing fools, feministas and progressive party animals.
Kick 2014 to the curb with Sarcastic Sin Verguenza Marga Gomez (LOGO Network, GLAAD Award Winner,) Comedian and improviser extraordinaire Diane Amos (aka The Pine Sol Lady) and direct from Los Angeles the razor sharp hilarious Betsy Salkind (Tonight Show with Jay Leno.) Emceed by Betty Pazmino (My Dinner With Betty, SF Carnavale). Immediately following the comedy show, Brava's Countdown Dance Party begins till 1:00AM with legendary DJ Page Hodel (KMEL, Club Q) no-host bar, snacks, party hats and FREE midnight champagne.
Proceeds benefit Brava Theater Center.”
__________________________________________
Midnight Breakthrough Experience
with Akiva Satnarayan
Wednesday, December 31, 9:30PM-Midnight
The dhyana Center, 186 N. Main Street, Sebastopol
sliding scale $20-$25
“Bring in winning conditions for 2015. A meditative process, calling in abundance and grace. Setting the tone for the upcoming year, and providing a practice for the following 52 days.”
__________________________________________
A New Year’s Eve Public Service Announcement
“Had a bit too much to drink counting down to 2015 and now need a safe ride home?
AAA’s Tipsy Tow Program offers a free tow for drinking drivers in Northern California - members and non-members alike - from 6:00PM on New Year’s Eve 2014 (Wednesday, December 31st) until 6:00AM the next morning, in Northern California, Nevada and Utah.
For Tipsy Tow, call (800) 222-4357 (AAA-HELP) and tell the operator ‘I need a Tipsy Tow’ for a free tow of up to five miles. Service is restricted to a one-way ride for the driver and his or her vehicle to the driver’s home.”
Thanks to Pixie for letting me know about this!
__________________________________________
Have a Wonderful, Lively, Memorable Week and New Year!
Molly Blue Dawn
