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Ain’t I A Woman? My Journey to Womanhood, British Traditional Wicca 101, Nowrouz Showcase and Party, Joining The Waters Ceremony, International Day of Happiness, dhyana Center Spring Equinox Open House, Intermediate Tarot with Rabbit, Build Your Own Herbal First Aid Kit, Fermentation is Easy! Cultured Vegetables and Dairy, Spring Equinox Yoga Flow and Song Weaving, The Curandera/o's Toolkit: Spring Series, Celebrate Hi’iaka Hawaiian Goddess of Nature and Regeneration, Best Of The Fest: 2014 Albany FilmFest comes to Alameda, An Evening of Damon Runyon, Green Fire! Democratic Animism Now!, Shatfest!, Geoff Hoyle's Geezer, Lottie's Ghosts, The Lion and the Fox, Bread and Circuses, Beasts of the Southern Wild, Future Fridays at Chabot Space and Science Center, Bookswap: Farm Fresh Edition, Ukranian Egg Decorating Playshop and Ritual for Ostara, Meet Author Gene Luen Yang, History Mystery Tour, Downtown Benicia Ghost Walk, NROOGD Ostara, Equinoctial Trickster Council, Global Heart Concert, Music History Dance Party #2, Ferris Bueller's Day Off, The Breakfast Club, Tobacco Sparks Fireworks Chekhov, World Water Day, Lawn Conversion Party, Savvy Gentle Discipline, Paper Flower Bouquet, Spring Equinox Picnic, Introduction to Permaculture, The Lexicon of Sustainability: Meet Your Farmer, Plant Color Extractions for Cosmetics, PomPoms!, Vortex Journeys Spring Equinox Ritual Celebration, Crafts for Kids On Board the Balclutha, Bay Area Short Indies Film Fest, CAYA Coven’s Equinox of Joyful Vows, Big Brother And The Holding Company, Mermaid Optique, The 11th Annual Renaissance Workshops and Symposium, Esther: A Jewish Opera Rediscovered, Drawing Inks with Plant Pigments, Family Day at Sienna Ranch, Visioning Circle, Introduction to Beekeeping, Fancy Fairy and Gnome Homes, String From Sticks: Natural Fiber Cordage and Ropemaking, Noteworthy and Notorious Women in California's History, Witches' Tea Party!, Tea and Tarot, North Bay Reclaiming’s Ostara Ritual, Druid Spring Equinox Ritual, Spring Equinox Drum Circle, Magic Plants Workshop, Tea and Chanting Sangha, Storying the Body: A Writing Workshop, Every Direction Live!, Nowruz Celebration
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Ain’t I A Woman? My Journey to Womanhood
with Laverne Cox
March 19, 7:00-9:00PM
Nourse Theater, 275 Hayes Street, San Francisco
see website for ticket information
“Laverne Cox explores how the intersections of race, class, and gender uniquely affect the lives of trans women of color. Laverne draws from her own personal story and how issues of race, class, and gender affect how she has been able to navigate the world. From growing up in Mobile, Alabama, raised by a single mother in a Christian family, to attending college in New York City to pursue a career as an actress, to finally finding the courage to step into the womanhood she always knew at heart was her destiny, Cox tells the story of the unique challenges along her journey to womanhood, professional achievement, self-acceptance, and love.
Laverne Cox is an actress, writer, producer, and transgender advocate. She can currently be seen in the critically acclaimed Netflix original series Orange is the New Black. Her portrayal of the incarcerated Sophia Burset has touched the hearts of viewers.
Cox was the recipient of the Anti-Violence Project’s 2013 Courage Award. As a transgender advocate Cox continues to lend her voice to the cause of transgender visibility and equality. She is committed to telling diverse and three dimensional trans stories in the media. She travels the country speaking about issues that affect the trans community. She is also a regular contributor to The Huffington Post.”
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British Traditional Wicca 101
with Lady Argante
Wednesday, March 19, 7:00-9:00PM,
and three more Wednesdays through April 9
The Sacred Well, 536 Grand Avenue, 510-444-9355
$10 per class
“British Traditional Wicca 101 is a 14-week class which provides students with a basic overview of the religion and craft of Wicca, from a British Traditional perspective. Subjects to be covered include the Goddess and the God, the Wheel of the Year, tools and correspondences, ritual structure and function, magical ethics and methods. There will also be guided visualizations and two informal rituals.
This month's classes:
March 19: Ritual for Ostara
March 26: Magical Ethics and Methods part 1
British Traditional Wicca 101 will be taught by members of the Coven Daoine Sidhe, led by their High Priestess, Lady Argante. At 26 years young, Daoine Sidhe is one of the most enduring (or stubborn) Gardnerian covens in the San Francisco Bay Area.”
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Nowrouz Showcase and Party
with Ballet Afsaneh
Wednesday, March 19, 7:30-9:30PM
8th Street Studio, 2525 8th Street, Berkeley
Sliding scale $5-$15
“Join us at the Afsaneh Dance Academy studios for a casual evening of informal showcase performances and celebration. Students of the Afsaneh Dance Academy, dancers of Ballet Afsaneh, guest artists, music and poetry.
Come celebrate the Spring Equinox with us Silk Road style!
Nowrouz - Time honored celebration of the Spring Equinox - New Year.
Come prepared to dance! Its a party - a time to celebrate together with family and friends!
Catch sneak previews of our new works in progress to be premiered at Festival of the Silk Road 2014.
No reservations required, but a quick RSVP via Facebook would be very helpful :-)
Sliding scale: suggested - $5 to $15
Family Friendly - All Ages Warmly Welcomed
Note: 8th Street Studio is a Shoe Free Zone."
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Joining The Waters Ceremony
with Iya Mahea of The Sacred Forest
Wednesday, March 19, 8:00PM
Mountain Yoga, 2071 Antioch Court, #100, Oakland
“Water is a precious resource. We come from water. It nourishes and cleans us. It connects us with each other. It is the most pure and powerful medicine. And yet we take it for granted.
The Joining of the Waters Ceremony reminds us to not take our precious waters for granted, and instead to recognize their sacredness. If our rivers and oceans are healthy, so is our community.
We will gather between the full moon and the Spring Equinox to pray for the healing of our Waterways, the Earth and Humanity. Bring a small amount of water (a baby food jar size) from your home or your land so that we may join the waters together.”
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International Day of Happiness
Wednesday, March 20
“Happiness: A Global Priority
A profound shift in attitudes is underway all over the world. People are now recognising that 'progress' should be about increasing human happiness and wellbeing, not just growing the economy at all costs. That's why all 193 United Nations member states have adopted a resolution calling for happiness to be given greater priority and March 20 has been declared as the International Day of Happiness - a day to inspire action for a happier world.
Bringing Happiness To Others
Our focus for International Day of Happiness is on bringing happiness to others. Creating a happier society requires action at all levels - not just from political leaders and institutions but also from us as individual citizens. When we do things to bring happiness to others, everyone benefits. It helps the people we connect with, boosts our own well-being and also inspires others to be more caring and positive too.”
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dhyana Center Spring Equinox Open House
Thursday-Saturday, March 20-22, 9:00AM-9:00PM
The dhyana Center, 186 N. Main Street, Sebastopol
Free
“Celebrate the Spring Equinox and Enjoy Free Food, Live Music, Dance, Community Gathering and Meditation, Yoga and Ayurvedic Assessments.
We can't wait to see you here March 20-22 from 9:00AM-9:00PM.
Look on our Facebook page for updates, we are adding more food and treats everyday in anticipation!”
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Intermediate Tarot with Rabbit
Thursday, March 20, 6:00-8:00PM,
and three more Thursdays, March 27, April 3 and 10
The Sacred Well, 536 Grand Avenue, 510-444-9355
$35 per class or $125 for all 4 classes
Prerequisite: Art of Tarot with Rabbit
Please register in advance to reserve your place in this class.
“If you have taken Rabbit's Art of Tarot Class, and you'd like to take the next step as a reader, consider taking Intermediate Tarot. This class is designed to help the student of tarot begin to explore creativity, shift the internal landscape, and integrate the wisdom of the tarot more fully into daily life choices.
March 20: The Unwelcome Guests: ‘bad’ cards and how to deal with them
March 27: Designing your own spreads: building effective spreads to answer your questions
April 3: Intuitive Listening: the temporary autonomous relationship is everything
April 10: Tarot Rituals: shaping your life with the tarot”
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Build Your Own Herbal First Aid Kit
with Rachel Budde and Lindsey Burnell
Thursday, March 20, 6:00-8:00PM
Homestead Apothecary, 486 49th Street, #C, Oakland, 510-495-6549
$60
“Join Fat and the Moon's Rachel Budde and Herbalist Lindsey Burnell for their collaborative workshop on herbal first aid. They will focus on making a small first aid kit with some of the common plant allies. Gain some medicine making skills and get to know a few plants who have been healing boo boos for generations.
Come away with products and new skills.”
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Fermentation is Easy! Cultured Vegetables and Dairy
with Rosie Ueng
Part Three of the Nourishing Traditions Cooking Basics Series
Thursday, March 20, 6:00-9:00PM,
and three more Thursdays through April 10
Three Stone Hearth, 1581 University Avenue, Berkeley, 510-981-1334
$95 per class
“Do microscopic organisms growing in your kitchen give you the heebie jeebies? Don’t worry - they can keep you healthy, and make your food delicious! In this class learn how to make your own fermented vegetables. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickles are just the beginning. You will also learn techniques to make yogurt, kefir, clabbered milk, creme fraiche, and fresh cheese!
Bring jars to take home some fermenting goodies. Delicious snacks as well as a samples of some fermented foods will be provided. (***Please note, light snacks will be provided, but no dinner.)
Instructor Rosie Ueng holds a Masters in Nutrition and a B.A. in Molecular and Cell Biology. She has worked as a cook at Three Stone Hearth as well as a private chef and caterer. Rosie combines science, traditional wisdom, and her cooking background to offer this unique cooking series. Rosie Ueng is founder of Rosewater Cooking and Science.”
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Spring Equinox Yoga Flow and Song Weaving
Thursday, March 20, 6:15-8:30PM
The dhyana Center, 186 N. Main Street, Sebastopol
$20, space is limited, please reserve your spot in advance
“Join Meredith Rom and Michael Zeligs at the dhyana center for flowing yoga with live music to declare your heart's vision for this new season.
Bring a journal and pen. What is it time to let go of? What is it time to call in? Practice yoga with Meredith to shed the old, and open to a new vision.
For the last hour, we will commit to our transformation through collaborative song. Michael will facilitate a ‘free your voice’ experience with harmonium, beeja mantras, guitar and collective vocals. We will celebrate the release of his album, New American Kirtan available starting March 3, 2014.”
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The Curandera/o's Toolkit: Spring Series
with Atava Garcia Swiecicki of Ancestral Apothecary
Thursday, March 20, 7:00-9:30PM
and each Thursday through June 5
Medical Center, 3798 Grand Avenue, Oakland
$550
$100 deposit due by March 13
“Learn healing skills steeped in ancient wisdom to provide basic health care to yourself and your family.
This class will highlight herbal medicine, but we will also incorporate massage, meditation, and other aspects of curanderismo to learn how to care for our physical, emotional and spiritual health.
Class time will include hands-on experience learning how to make different herbal medicines and we will also learn and practice curanderismo techniques, such as the limpia (energetic cleansing ceremony).
In this class, each participant will assemble their own ‘toolkit’ of herbal remedies for home and family use including: herbal tinctures, salves, cordials, and more!”
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Celebrate Hi’iaka, Hawaiian Goddess of Nature and Regeneration
Thursday, March 20, 7:30PM
Concord location, directions given upon RSVP
$15 newcomer discount, $35 one time exchange
This ritual is for cisgendered women.
Please RSVP to 925-787-9247 or Leilani@DaughtersoftheGoddess.com
“The Spring Equinox is the High Holy Day that marks the middle point between the Winter and Summer Solstices. On the Equinoxes, the Sun is positioned over the Equator, which makes day and night nearly equal all over the world. In the Northern Hemisphere, we mark this moment as the beginning of Spring! It is a day of celebrating new life, potential, and the beginning of the growing season of our sacred fruits and vegetables that will sustain us after their harvest.
Hi’iaka is the daughter of Haumea, the Hawaiian Earth Mother, and is the younger sister of Pele. She was born from Her mother’s mouth in a large egg and protected in the armpit of Pele until she was ready to hatch. Like Her mother and Her sister, Hi’iaka is related to the land as family, and like Her mother Hi’iaka has the power to kill and to heal, to clear the land of dangerous elements and to use pule/sacred prayers and mele/sacred songs and chants to connect with ‘aumakua/spirit guardians of various kinds and other akua/goddesses, gods, and spirits. The strength of Her female kin is of utmost importance in Her story as together they are the Female Force who create everything, who defeat everything that needs to be destroyed, and who live freely by their own constructs, safe from all harm that may be directed at them through the malice of men.
How precious that we will circle at the altar of Hi’iaka for the Spring Equinox and share in Her energy of strength, vitality and regeneration. As you prepare for this Ritual, consider what seeds you will plant for your spiritual growth during this wheel of the year. What about Hi’iaka speaks to your heart about your own feminine power and that of Sacred Sisterhood and Community? What will you ask Hi’iaka to help you to manifest around healing the bonds of Sisterhood? How can we hold one another in a more precious way as Pele did for Her younger sister Hi'iaka?
For the altar, please bring images of this beautiful Goddess, a candle of any shade of green, and eggs. Also, please bring some tropical fruit as an offering to Her.
If you are interested in participating in a ritual or celebration, please help out by doing the following:
Please bring a snack to share (if possible, food of the culture we are celebrating), washable eating utensils (bowl, cup, plate, utensils, etc. In honor of Mother Earth, we do not provide disposable items), a candle (for safety reasons, we highly recommend a candle in a glass container, often called a novena), and pillow or chair to sit on to all rituals. For more information about our rituals please visit our FAQ page.
Please see our current series schedule and check the web page for the specific ritual to see what items to bring and how to prepare yourself. Please take the time to read this, especially if you are a newcomer. New information is added from time to time so even if you feel you have already seen this, it is important to check back in every now and then.”
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Best Of The Fest: 2014 Albany FilmFest comes to Alameda
Premiere screening of Rhythmix Cultural Works’ new film series, Rhythmix Picks Flicks!
Thursday, March 20, 8:00PM
Rhythmix Cultural Works, 2513 Blanding Avenue, Alameda
$5-$15 suggested donation. No one turned away for lack of funds.
“Albany FilmFest is a national juried festival of short films (and really short films) - an annual showcase for thoughtful, creative, unpredictable, original films from emerging independent filmmakers of all ages. The FilmFest's mission is to build community enthusiasm for the arts inside Albany, and to encourage the exchange of creative expression by independent filmmakers everywhere. Albany FilmFest welcomes new and experienced filmmakers of all ages, from inside or outside our quirky and creative 1 square mile.
Albany FilmFest Presents Best of the Fest 2014 at Rhythmix
An eclectic roller-coaster ride through a selection of short films from the Fourth Annual Albany FilmFest: Comedy! Drama! Documentary! Animation! Mockumentary! Sci-Fi! Rock and Roll! (Some of these films may not be suitable for younger children.)
Best of the Fest at Rhythmix will also feature Pixar's film The Blue Umbrella, a short about two umbrellas falling in love, and a brief Q and A with the film's sound designer, Barney Jones.”
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An Evening of Damon Runyon
part of Butterfield 8’s Third Thursday series
Thursday, March 20, 8:00PM, and the third Thursday of each month
Cue Productions Live, 1835 Colfax Street, Concord
Donations accepted
“On the third Thursday of every month (other events permitting), Cue Productions Live plays host to a reading of selected short stories. Join us as we explore some great writing in an informal setting. This event is open to the public on a pay-what-you-can basis.
Butterfield 8's Third Thursday reading series continues with a second evening of Damon Runyon stories!
Runyon's colorful characters brought the Broadway of Prohibition-era New York vividly to life. We will be presenting two of his best-known works, "The Idyll of Miss Sarah Brown," and "Blood Pressure" - the two stories that form the basis of the Broadway musical and movie Guys and Dolls.
Please feel free to stay after the reading and join us for a Tea and Talk-Back - an informal and open discussion forum for Butterfield 8 work in general, and Third Thursdays in particular. The bar will be open after the show, and we will be serving a special Runyonesque dessert - cheesecake! Our recipe is gleaned from the famous Lindy's Deli in Manhattan, where a number of Runyon's stories were set, and where a further number of notorious ‘businessmen’ held court.
There is no admission charge for the evening, but we strongly encourage and gratefully accept donations!
Next month...
In April, Third Thursday will celebrate its one-year anniversary with an Evening of Virginia Wolfe! This is the first time Third Thursdays has featured a woman's ‘voice’, and we look forward to sharing it with you. Please stay tuned for further details.”
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Green Fire! Democratic Animism Now!
with Caroline Casey
Thursday, March 20, 8:11PM (Gathering At The Exact Moment Of The Equinox)
Open Secret, 923 C Street, San Rafael
$20 in advance, $25 at the door
“Whale and Coyote's Choreography of Creation
Caroline, just returning from the Whales of San Ignacio Bay, filing scouting report, what they would like to convey to us at this time of Dire Beauty; We gather on the Vernal Equinox, at the exact Moon-Saturn 23+ Scorpio conjunction: ‘Sermon on the Mount’ to tease inspirational mojo into every molecule of our being.
As dominance goes down (taking so much life with it) - time to align with the culture of Collaborative Reverent Renaissance Rising from the Rubble, that our species may have manners, and a capacity to cahoot with creation.”
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Shatfest!
featuring The Devil’s Rain and other Shatner rarities
presented by Thrillville
Thursday, March 20, 9:15PM
The New Parkway Theater, 474 24th Street, Oakland, 510-658-7900
$8
“A bunch of Satanists in the American rural landscape have terrible powers which enable them to melt their victims. However one of the children of an earlier victim vows to destroy them.
Hosted by Will ‘The Thrill’ Viharo!
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.”
Thanks to Lorelei for letting me know about this event!
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Geoff Hoyle's Geezer
Thursday, March 20, 8:00M
extended - playing through April 26, no show on March 22 or April 12
The Marsh Berkeley, 2120 Allston Way, Berkeley
Sliding scale, Thursdays $25-$35, Saturdays $30-$35
“The Marsh is thrilled to announce the return of Geoff Hoyle’s hit solo show, Geezer.
From a hysterical riff on life in a nursing home to The Venerable Bede’s meditations on the meaning of life, from delightful reminiscences of his youth in England and young manhood in America to ruminations on aging and mortality, Hoyle brings his irrepressible sense of comedy and trademark physicality, as well as a certain elegiac wistfulness, to this tour-de-force performance about what it is like to grow old.
Geoff Hoyle trained with Marcel Marceau’s teacher, Etienne Decroux, in Paris, developing his unique physical bravura comic style, a combination of the court jester, vaudeville and English music hall. He made his mark in the Bay Area as the Pickle Family Circus’ beloved clown, Mr. Sniff. Later, he created the critically acclaimed Feast of Fools, featuring masked Commedia Dell’Arte characters including the libidinous and elderly Pantalone (Hoyle claims he will no longer need to use a mask for this one,) Il Dottore and the pratt-falling Arleccino. It is a depiction of Everyman striving for dignity in the face of a multitude of struggles, big and small, that is not unlike Hoyle’s own search for meaning in Geezer. His award-winning shows The Convict’s Return (about taking Feast of Fools to Broadway and its mixed reception there,) (Geni(us) and The First Hundred Years (an improbable history of comedy) have been seen in San Francisco, Paris, London, Berlin, Taiwan, New York, England and the former Soviet Union.
Regional theatre appearances include Berkeley and Seattle Repertory Theatres, A.C.T. and La Jolla Playhouse. He was the original Zazu in the Broadway cast of The Lion King and appeared off-Broadway in Bill Irwin’s Mr. Fox and in Tony Kushner’s and Maurice Sendak’s adaptation of the children’s opera Brundibar. His many film appearances include Popeye, during which his son, Dan, was born. Last summer, he performed his fabled three-legged dance in the oldest theatre in Italy, the Teatro della Pergola, built in Florence in 1656. Critics have remarked at the sheer joy Hoyle’s character finds in mastering his extra limb!”
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Lottie's Ghosts
a new theatrical solo performance by Shakiri
Thursday-Sunday, March 20-23,
Thursday-Saturday 8:00PM, Sunday 3:00PM
playing through April 6
Brava Theater, 2781 24th Street, San Francisco
Thursday preview $10, regular performances $20
“Brava Artist In Residence and Izzy award-winning choreographer, Shakiri, brings an innovative, original work for the stage to the Brava Theater. Adapted from her novel of the same name, Shakiri showcases her skills as a storyteller and as a visual artist as she and the handmade life-sized figures that she created to populate the stage bring Lottie’s Ghosts to life.
In the play - set amid the backdrop of 1960s Oakland, California when the Black Panthers are active, civil rights are being sought, and the Vietnam War is in full swing - Lottie’s ancestors piggy back a ride with her dead mother, clamor to be heard and, as a result, wreak havoc on Lottie’s life. In the safety of her sub-basement, she secretly paints them into existence. When Lottie’s adoptive son gets into trouble, she is forced to let go of her quiet demeanor, the unassuming library lady she’s become, and act. In the process, her greatest fear is revealed.
Goldie and Izzie Award winner Shakiri has been a performer and choreographer in the San Francisco Bay Area for over thirty years. Shakiri is a member of the internationally acclaimed Zaccho Dance Theater Company and has performed with them throughout the United States and abroad since 1988. She has written, directed, and choreographed several dance and theater pieces for her company Shakiri/Rootworker. Known for confronting controversial issues, her work has toured in Black Choreographer's and been listed on the Best Ten List of the year by the San Francisco Bay Guardian. Shakiri is recognized for her role as Nutcracker in the highly acclaimed and long-running, Revolutionary Nutcracker Sweetie. She trained with and was a member of Ed Mock's dance company. Shakiri has developed a dance/theater piece titled DEAR LOIS inspired by letters written to her mother during WWII and has exhibited paintings at the Kuumba Art Gallery in Sacramento. As an arts educator, Shakiri takes tremendous pride in having introduced several hundred children to the world of dance and theater.”
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The Lion and the Fox
presented by Central Works
Thursday-Sunday, March 20-23,
Thursday-Saturday 8:00PM, Sunday 5:00PM
The Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant Street, Berkeley
Thursdays pay what you can, regular performances $15-$28
“A Central Works Method Play developed in collaboration with Lucas Hatton, Vanessa Ramos, Gregory Scharpen, Benjamin Stowe and Jan Zvaifler
We open the 2014 season with The Lion and the Fox, a prequel to Machiavelli’s The Prince, one of our most popular productions ever. This time we see Niccolo Machiavelli pair off against one of the greatest villains in history, Cesare Borgia. What really happened between the author of The Prince and the ideal subject of the little book that changed the world - Machiavelli’s infamous ‘handbook for tyrants’?
The more Machiavelli learns about Cesare, the more he is impressed. Borgia seems gifted beyond all others; he has limitless wealth, he’s a brilliant military tactician, a magnificent warrior, he’s irresistibly handsome, utterly ruthless - and incredibly lucky. He even has the great Leonardo da Vinci in his service, as the architect-engineer of his magnificent war machine, which seems increasingly unstoppable as it storms through Italy.
But when Machiavelli learns of a plot against the life of Cesare, he must make a choice: will he be loyal to the sacred homeland of his birth, the Republic of Florence? Or will he give in to his growing conviction that Cesare Borgia may indeed be ‘the Son of Fortune’, the one ordained by God Himself to be the ‘Savior of all Italy’ - the ideal Prince?
Written by company co-director, Gary Graves, and directed by company co-director, Jan Zvaifler. Featuring Benjamin Stowe as Machiavelli, and Lucas Hatton as Cesare Borgia. Sound design by Gregory Scharpen, costume design by Tammy Berlin, and stage management by Vanessa Ramos.”
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Bread and Circuses
Thursday-Sunday, March 20-23,
Thursday-Saturday 8:00PM, Sunday 7:00PM
Impact Theatre at La Val's Subterranean, 1834 Euclid Avenue, Berkeley, 510-224-5744
Thursday-Friday previews pay what you can,
Regular performances $20 in advance, $25 at the door
“Bread and Circuses is a cavalcade of brutal and bloody new short plays by some of the most exciting playwrights working today. Curated by Steve Yockey (The Fisherman’s Wife) and directed by Desdemona Chiang (Ching Chong Chinaman; Crevice), Bread and Circuses explores violence as entertainment, featuring new work by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa (Glee; American Psycho: the Musical), Prince Gomolvilas (Jukebox Stories), Declan Greene (8GB of Hardcore Pornography), Lauren Gunderson (Toil and Trouble), Dave Holstein (Weeds), JC Lee (HBO's Looking; Into the Clear Blue Sky), Ross Maxwell (Glee), Lauren Yee (Ching Chong Chinaman; Crevice), and Yockey.
Featuring Sarah Coykendall, Michael Delaney, Dana Featherby, Maro Guevara, Eric Kerr, and Maria Giere Marquis.”
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Beasts of the Southern Wild
film screening with Terry Ebinger
Friday, March 21, 4:00-9:00PM
Dream Institute of Northern California, 1672 University Avenue, Berkeley, 510-845-1767
$55 includes dinner catered by Poulet.
Chicken, vegan, gluten-free and vegetarian foods provided.
Please register in advance at 510-845-1767 or dreaminstitute@gmail.com
“Fairy tale films bring the language of symbols to life, allowing us to experience the archetypes in
action. These programs explore a kinship and synergy between dreams, fairy tales, and moving
pictures. We’ll actively approach our film as a dream, using it as a living laboratory to sharpen
intuition and develop practical dream skills. All levels of experience and curiosity are welcome.
Explore the interpretation of fairy tales and the art of intuitive symbol recognition.
Practice and build dream skills by engaging with key film scenes as dream material.
Delve into universal folkloric and archetypal themes as brought to life in this film.
Watch the complete movie, followed by group reflections, observations and insights.
Beasts of the Southern Wild spins a dreamlike fable of a magical place facing a
great flood, the loss and redemption of feeling, the family as crucible of initiation, and wildness as
giftedness. Its wondrous originality brims with handmade beauty, soulful storytelling, and heart.
Terry Ebinger, MS has nearly three decades of practice as a depth psychological educator,
spiritual director, group leader and dream consultant. Her unique cinema programs integrate
film studies, archetypal psychology, cultural anthropology, and dreaming.”
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Future Fridays at Chabot Space and Science Center
with Alexander Rose, Executive Director of Long Now Foundation and Clock Project Manager
Friday, March 21, 6:00-7:30PM
Chabot Space and Science Center, 10000 Skyline Boulevard, Oakland
$27.50
“10,000 Year Clock Project: Learn how scientists and engineers are building a
monument scale astronomical machine that will last as long as civilization.
For almost 17 years, Alexander Rose has served as project manager working on the development of The Clock Project. The Clock is designed to run for ten millennia with minimal maintenance and interruption. Powered by mechanical energy harvested from sunlight as well as the people that visit it, the undertaking is no small feat. Hear the details of the Project, including the research and design process that has taken him as far as the arctic Seed Vault in Svalbard and deep underground to the ultra-secret Mormon genealogical vaults in Salt Lake City.”
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Bookswap: Farm Fresh Edition
March 21, 6:30PM
The Booksmith, 1644 Haight Street, San Francisco
$25 includes drinks, dinner, and discounts
“Join us on the first day of spring for the first Bookswap of 2014!
If you've never been to Bookswap, imagine this.
You pick a book you love. We close the store early, open the wine, serve some dinner, hand you a coupon, and turn you loose inside the bookstore with 30 of your new friends.
At the end, we have a big, rowdy, white elephant-style swap. You'll part with your book, and leave with a book someone else adores.
Sounds like an okay Friday night? Good, because that's not all.
Joining us for March will be Novella Carpenter. Her memoir Farm City has just been chosen for One Book, One Marin, and she runs one of the most delicious blogs on the internet. We'll ask her about pigs, conditional use permits for growing chard in Oakland, and her new book, Gone Feral (out in June).
$25 per person includes drinks, dinner, and discounts. Tickets must be purchased in advance in the store or at Brown Paper Tickets online.”
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Ukranian Egg Decorating Playshop and Ritual for Ostara
Lilith deAnu
presented by Sonoma County Pagan Network
Friday, March 21, 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
“Pysanky - Ukrainian Easter Eggs: These are a traditional craft in Ukraine, with a history of thousands of years. The method is similar to batik - patterns are drawn on the egg with wax, which then protects the covered areas from the dye that is applied. By repeating this process with different colors of dye, a multi-colored pattern is built up. Finally, the wax is removed to reveal the colors that were covered up at each stage. The symbols and colors used are rich in meaning; many pre-date the arrival of Christianity, and have had Christian interpretations layered on afterward.
Lilith deAnu will teach us about this art form and it's history. Then we will get to decorate our own eggs. Afterwards there will be a ritual blessing of the eggs.
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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Meet Author Gene Luen Yang
author of Boxers and Saints
Friday, March 21, 7:00-8:30PM
Hicklebee’s Books, 1378 Lincoln Avenue, San Jose, 408-292-8880
Free
“Gene Luen Yang, winner of the Printz Award for his book American Born Chinese, comes to Hicklebee's (at last!) with his newest graphic two-pack, Boxers and Saints.
Gene Luen Yang is a master of the graphic novel genre, bringing stories to life, mingling histories and cultures, and packing in a powerful lot to ponder. The connections he illustrates through words and pictures are as deep and meaningful as anything on the market no matter the format.
Don't miss this opportunity to meet him!
In two volumes, Boxers and Saints tells two parallel stories. The first is of Little Bao, a Chinese peasant boy whose village is abused and plundered by Westerners claiming the role of missionaries. Little Bao, inspired by visions of the Chinese gods, joins a violent uprising against the Western interlopers. Against all odds, their grass-roots rebellion is successful.
But in the second volume, Yang lays out the opposite side of the conflict. A girl whose village has no place for her is taken in by Christian missionaries and finds, for the first time, a home with them. As the Boxer Rebellion gains momentum, Vibiana must decide whether to abandon her Christian friends or to commit herself fully to Christianity.
Boxers and Saints is one of the most ambitious graphic novels First Second has ever published. It offers a penetrating insight into not only one of the most controversial episodes of modern Chinese history, but into the very core of our human nature.”
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History Mystery Tour
on board the USS Hornet
Friday, March 21, 7:00-10:00PM
USS Hornet Museum, 707 W Hornet Avenue, Pier 3, Alameda, 510-521-8448
must be age 12+
$35, must book in advance at the website below
“Is the USS Hornet really haunted? Come and see for yourself! Do you dare explore Hornet after hours?
Beat the crowds and receive a special tour of areas onboard Hornet that have not yet been opened to the public or have been reported to host unseen visitors:
Combat Information Center (CIC)
Message Center (Radio Central)
Mess Deck
Sidewinder Missile Assembly Room
Brig
Catapult Machinery Room
Sick Bay
Captain and Admiral’s In Port State Rooms
Flight Deck and Island
Focsle and Secondary Con
Upcoming dates:
Friday, April 24, 2014
Friday, May 30, 2014
Friday, June 6, 2014
Thursday, July 17, 2014
Friday, August 15, 2014
Friday, September 5, 2014
Thursday, October 23, 2014
The three-hour guided tour is 7:00-10:00PM.
Everybody must bring their own flashlight. Hornet does not supply individual lights.
Cameras are welcome, but must have a neck strap.
Tour participants must wear comfortable shoes. Heels and open-toed shoes are not allowed.
Tour participants must be in good physical health as there will be lots of walking and climbing.
Due to safety reasons, children 12 and under are not allowed on History Mystery Tours.
The USS Hornet reserves the right to cancel a tour if less than 8 people sign up. Tours may be rescheduled or a refund will be issued.”
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Downtown Benicia Ghost Walk
Friday, March 21, 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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NROOGD Ostara
Saturday, March 22, 1:00PM
Live Oak Park, 1301 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley
$10-$20 requested, no one will be turned away for lack of funds.
“As the wheel turns we experience the joys of new life, as light and dark are equal.
Laugh, dance, and gather with NROOGD and Silver Salamander as we celebrate Ostara:
A time of birth, a time of warmth, a time of thanks.”
Thanks to Ardys for letting me know about this event!
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Equinoctial Trickster Council
with Caroline Casey
Saturday, March 22, 7:11PM
Sacred Stream Center, 2149 Byron Street, Berkeley
$20 in advance, $25 at the door (at the door cash or check only)
“The Vernal Strategy for this season, as dominance goes down (taking so much life with it) - time to align with the culture of Collaborative Reverent Renaissance Rising from the Rubble, that our species may have manners.
astro*mytho*politico*talk*council aligning with Nature’s Evolutionary Indigenuity, aka Trickster Intelligence, found in Whales, Dolphins, Raven, Crow, Coyote, seeds that sprout after cataclysm, the plucky part of us that loves ‘against all odds.’ Opportunity abounds for us all to become more intelligent. All of Nature awaits our willingness to cahoot. Let’s Cahoot! Co-Operators are standing by!”
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Global Heart Concert
featuring Steven Halpern with David DiLullo
presented by East West
Saturday, March 22, 8:00PM
Ananda Temple, 2171 El Camino Real, Palo Alto
$20 in advance, $30 at the door
Two ticket package available for $35 in advance
Tickets available online or by phone at 650-988-9800
“East West presents an evening of transformative sound healing with Grammy-nominated composer, recording artist and sound healer Steven Halpern. Steven is an evolutionary activist and founding father of new age music. He will share selections from his Grammy-nominated work Deep Alpha and the new Deep Theta 2.0, as well as classics like Chakra Suite. Steven will be joined by percussionist, drum circle facilitator and sound-worker David DiLullo. Steven and David both share a deep belief in the healing power of sound and are passionate about bringing this work to the world. This is their first collaboration together.”
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Music History Dance Party #2
Friday, March 22, 9:00PM-Midnight
The Foundry, 835 Carleton Street, Berkeley
Free, 21+
“Free Event!
All Dancing No Art No Performance No Bands Just Dance Get Smart Get Fit Get Interesting Music History Dance Party!
Historic folk music of the world
The 1950s
Dance music of animated Disney classics!
The 1980s
Contemporary
5000BTU propane heaters to keep you warm! Tea! Other unspecified drinks and snacks! Free!
Non-accessible venue.
21+ only.
Lost? Got Questions Call Andy at 510-717-6653
Brought to you by Ross Warren and Andy Water Schmeder, Foundry Nights Co-curators.”
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Ferris Bueller's Day Off
part of the RetroDome’s Totally Tubular 80s Movie Weekend
Friday-Saturday, March 21-22,
Friday 7:00PM, Saturday 9:00PM
Winchester 21 Theatre, 3161 Olsen Drive, San Jose
$10 in advance, $11 at the door
see it as a double feature with The Breakfast Club - $15 in advance, $20 at the door
“Bueller?...Bueller?...Bueller?
Don’t be absent from our totally tubular 80s movie weekend where we’ll be showing Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. With the iconic line, ‘Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in awhile, you could miss it,’ this John Hughes-directed, coming of age comedy gives us an inside look into the most incredible day off of school. Our cunning Ferris (Matthew Broderick) fakes the flu, skips school, and avoids getting caught by his family - and the school principal - all while sneaking away with his friends for the ultimate adventure.
Who doesn’t love the parade scene where Ferris and friends end up in downtown Chicago and he grabs the mic and starts rocking out to Twist and Shout? Come see Hughes’ love letter to Chicago March 21-22 - no cutting class required.
Visit us on March 21-22 for our Ferris Bueller’s Day off and The Breakfast Club retro movie double feature. Buy a ticket to one or take advantage of our double bill deal and see both for a special price.”
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The Breakfast Club
part of the RetroDome’s Totally Tubular 80s Movie Weekend
Friday-Saturday, March 21-22,
Friday 9:00PM, Saturday 7:00PM
Winchester 21 Theatre, 3161 Olsen Drive, San Jose
$10 in advance, $11 at the door
see it as a double feature with Ferris Bueller's Day Off - $15 in advance, $20 at the door
“They were five students with nothing in common, faced with spending a Saturday detention together in their high school library. By the end of the day, they had shared their deepest secrets and become good friends. To everyone else they were ‘a brain, and an athlete, and a basket case, a princess, and a criminal,’ but to each other, they would always be The Breakfast Club.
We were all faced with stereotypes growing up, and John Hughes’ high school classic highlights everything we loved and hated about our teenage years. Each one of us sees a little of ourselves in the beloved Breakfast Club characters and they reminded us that regardless of where we come from, we all want the same thing - acceptance.
Visit us on March 21-22 for our Ferris Bueller’s Day off and The Breakfast Club retro movie double feature. Buy a ticket to one or take advantage of our double bill deal and see both for a special price.”
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Tobacco Sparks Fireworks Chekhov
presented by The Imaginists
Friday-Saturday, March 21-22, 8:00PM - final week
The Imaginists, 461 Sebastopol Avenue, Santa Rosa
$20
“Gracious ladies and to the same extent gracious gentlemen, it was proposed that I write a description here about the the three plays, in a manner of speaking, by Anton Chekhov that are not exactly like plays, but, if you will excuse the expression, sort of like plays, that we, the Imaginists, will perform very soon. I ask that particular attention be paid to George Malko who will function as our translator and hence there is no more to discuss. Whomsoever among you is put off by performances that make the blood run cold, monologues that douse lamps, and dry scientific lectures, whomsoever is displeased, that person need not read further and may leave. As far as costume, we will take it up-dammitall-to the highest level...Treachery. Gunshots - we won’t spare the gunpowder. In a word, we will stick to the cliches. And finally more gunfire. More gunpowder. Spine tingling tremors will fly through the air. Thunder and lightening. It will be terrifying. All the same, we will not be satisfied.
On the Injuriousness of Tabacco, The Proposal, and Unclean Tragedians and Leprous Playwrights (A Very Ghastly - Upsettingly - Desperate TRRRagedy In Many Acts, Even More Scenes) translated by George Malko.”
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World Water Day
Saturday, March 22
see website for local events
“International World Water Day is held annually on 22 March as a means of focusing attention on the importance of freshwater and advocating for the sustainable management of freshwater resources.
An international day to celebrate freshwater was recommended at the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED). The United Nations General Assembly responded by designating 22 March 1993 as the first World Water Day.
In 2014, the UN System - working closely with its Member States and other relevant stakeholders - is collectively bringing its attention to the water-energy nexus, particularly addressing inequities, especially for the 'bottom billion' who live in slums and impoverished rural areas and survive without access to safe drinking water, adequate sanitation, sufficient food and energy services. It also aims to facilitate the development of policies and crosscutting frameworks that bridge ministries and sectors, leading the way to energy security and sustainable water use in a green economy. Particular attention will be paid to identifying best practices that can make a water- and energy-efficient 'Green Industry' a reality.”
All Water Is One Water!
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Lawn Conversion Party
Saturday, March 22, 9:30AM-1:00PM
private home in Livermore, address given upon registration
Free, registration required
Tools and snacks provided
For more information, please contact Jeanne Nader at 510-891-6500 or jnader@stopwaste.org
“Not like any other lawn party - this one gives you a chance to help convert a lawn into a garden using sheet mulch, all in one day!
We'll be supporting an Alameda County homeowner in transforming his/her lawn into a beautiful garden. Knowledgeable educators and Bay-Friendly Qualified Landscape Professionals will be on hand to guide us as we sheet mulch and plant the garden. Western Garden Nursery and Zone 7 staff will also be there to answer questions about the garden's design and irrigation. This is a great opportunity to see the whole process, from curb cutting, to prep, to actual sheet mulching and planting.
At the end of the event, there will be a drawing for complimentary sheet mulch packages and other garden gifts. Register here so that we have a head count for tools and tasty snacks.”
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Savvy Gentle Discipline (6 months-4 years)
with Moorea Malatt
Saturday, March 22, 10:00AM-12:00PM
Mothership HackerMoms, 3288 Adeline Street, Berkeley
$40, $10 for each additional adult. Childcare available. Babes in arms always welcome.
“Our little ones deserve our respect, kindness and gentle teaching, but navigating their behavior isn't easy. If you need some cooperation to help your days flow with joy and connection instead of constant battle, come to Savvy Gentle Discipline Workshop to learn how to teach empathy, curb unwanted or harmful behaviors and turn challenges into quality time.
Biting? Hitting? Screaming in the restaurant? Throwing Food? Taking toys? Ignoring you? Recklessness? Refusing to dress? We spend the second hour workshopping your individual challenges. Includes take-home handouts.
To discipline means to teach. It does not mean to punish. Moorea teaches a very gentle yet effective method of teaching without punishment and provides you with important phrases, steps and a new plan for consistency! We will laugh and have fun. Savvy Gentle Discipline is welcoming to all families and is a zero-judgement zone. We are all imperfect parents!
Designed for the 6 month-4 year set, we welcome parents and caregivers of younger babies as well.
Babes in arms welcome. Childcare on site for older kids $10 for the two hours. Babes in arms welcome.
About the Workshop Leader:
Moorea Malatt has 18 years of experience working with families of babies, tots and preschoolers as a Preschool Teacher and Director, Nanny, Postpartum Doula and Parent Coach. Moorea studied Early Childhood Education and Psychology and is a Certified Life Coach focusing on Parent Coaching in her private practice, Savvy Parenting Support. She was also trained as a Postpartum Doula at the Seattle Midwifery School. Before moving to Berkeley this summer, Moorea taught sold-out workshops in Seattle including Beginning Gentle Discipline (6mo-2yrs), Preschool Gentle Discipline, Potty Savvy for the 10-18 Month Set, Preschool Potty Savvy and Sleep Savvy. She is an avid bird-watcher, marine biology nerd, songwriter and mom. Questions? Contact moorea@mamaladyparenting.com”
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Paper Flower Bouquet
with Courtney Cerruti
Saturday, March 22, 10:00AM-1:00PM
Handcraft Studio School, 5885 Doyle Street, Emeryville, 510-332-6101
$60, limit 12 students
“Spring is Here! Learn how to make a variety of blooms, both realistic and imagined, using paper. Courtney will cover how to work and shape paper and use color and texture to create individual flowers you will arrange into a petite bouquet to take home. In addition to your bouquet, you’ll walk away with the skills to create any variety of paper flowers on your own.
Courtney Cerruti is an artist and the author of Playing with Image Transfers released November 1, 2013. Courtney sees books as objects to be read and re-purposed, candy wrappers as paper flower petals, toilet paper tubes as a menagerie of animals. She sees the potential in the discarded, history in the mundane and art in the everyday. She saves everything, makes anything and teaches from a place of passion and authenticity. Courtney believes everyone is creative and she’d rather spend an evening drinking tea and painting than doing anything else (except maybe scavenging treasures abroad).”
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Spring Equinox Picnic
presented by Community Seed
Saturday, March 22, 10:00AM-2:00PM
40 Thieves Picnic Area, DeLaveaga Park, 1290 Branciforte Drive, Santa Cruz
Free, please bring a potluck item
“Hey! Something new!
Let’s all get together and have an old-fashioned picnic.
In the Redwoods.
And let’s do it on the Spring Equinox: March 22nd.
A small ritual and a low-pressure bardic will transpire at some point, but the point is just to come together in Fellowship and good cheer and enjoy ourselves and our amazing Community.
Potluck Luncheon: Air signs bring savory items, Earth signs bring Salads, Water Signs bring Side Dishes, and Fire Signs bring Desserts. All drinks will be provided by Community Seed.
Bring the whole Family!”
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Introduction to Permaculture
with Jeremy Watts
Saturday, March 22, 12:00-2:00PM
Ploughshares Nursery, 2701 Main Street, Alameda, 510-775-1102
Free
“Permaculture is a philosophy and system of building, farming, gardening and landscaping conceived by Bill Mollison and David Holmgren in the 1970s in response to the wake of environmental problems left behind by the previous centuries of colonization and more recent industrialization. Join Jeremy Watts at Ploughshares Nursery to learn about simple Permaculture concepts which can be used in your garden space to improve the health of your plants, increase yield of food crops, and ultimately reduce labor so you can increase time for drinking margaritas while swinging in your hammock!
Topics will include sheet mulching, resource optimization, functional planting, using diversity to create healthy gardens and low maintenance landscaping.”
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The Lexicon of Sustainability: Meet Your Farmer
Saturday, March 22, 12:00-3:00PM
Hazel Wolf Gallery, David Brower Center, 2150 Allston Way, Berkeley
Free
“Local farmers, fisheries, farmers' markets and groceries are invited to share their stories, offer samples of their harvest as well as CSA signups. Participants of all ages can become a part of the exhibit and learn more about sustainable food terms by painting their own information artworks and experiencing a Bay Area food map. Music will be provided by a local band, and shorts from the Know Your Food film series will be played all afternoon.
Can we meet our country's growing agricultural demands in a way that honors our earth? Our upcoming exhibit aims to provide a viable alternative. The David Brower Center is proud to present our winter 2014 exhibit, a multi-platform project featuring the work of Douglas Gayeton that uses photography, film, ethnography, and crowdsourcing techniques to uncover the terms and principles that characterize ‘sustainability,’ a popular term with a sometimes slippery definition. At a time when our country's commercial agriculture operation is causing major environmental degradation by polluting our waterways, contributing to deforestation, or poisoning wildlife with pesticides, a sustainable sea change in the industry is called for. This important exhibit sheds light on changemakers across the country who are reshaping our food culture and working to develop a healthier, safer, and more sustainable system nationwide.”
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Plant Color Extractions for Cosmetics
with Rachel Budde of Fat and the Moon
Saturday, March 22, 1:00-4:00PM
UC Berkeley Botanical Garden, 200 Centennial Drive, Berkeley
$65
“Join Rachel Budde of Fat and the Moon in the adventure of plant color extraction for cosmetics. We will cover some basic infusion techniques that can be applied to other herbal extractions. You'll leave with a skill in your pocket and a pink on your pout!”
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PomPoms!
with Aleishall Girard Maxon
Saturday, March 22, 2:00PM-5:00PM
Handcraft Studio School, 5885 Doyle Street, Emeryville, 510-332-6101
$65, limited to 10 students
“PomPoms! will be an afternoon filled with puff balls of joy. You will learn how to construct a pompom mobile using pompom makers, yarn, string and a small dowel. If you've never made a pompom before you're in for a treat. Once you start, it's hard to stop and the possibilities are endless! Students will leave with a completed mobile and a pompom maker to continue creating at home.
Aleishall Girard Maxon of STUDIO DESEO is an artisan living and working in Berkeley, California. She creates wearable art inspired by costumes around the world from the Hmong tribes of southeast Asia to the Quechua groups of South America and many cultures in between. Each piece is created by hand with a variety of materials including Japanese seed beads, Mexican yarn and various found objects and notions. She also works as a freelance graphic designer and illustrator.”
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Vortex Journeys Spring Equinox Ritual Celebration
Saturday, March 22, 2:15PM-5:00PM
The Crossroads, private land in Santa Rosa, RSVP for address
$25
RSVP to 707-542-4928 or beyondbeliefs@vortexjourneys.com
“On March 20, the day of Spring Equinox, the sun moves into Aries, an active, impulsive sign. When we celebrate two days later, on March 22, Mercury, the planet of communication, unites with Neptune, the planet that assists in transcending the mundane.
You're invited to join the circle, a community of like-minded souls. We'll make music together and dialogue. Marystella will offer mini-energy readings when we journey deep to soak in the planetary blessings, receive clear messages and visions to activate Spring's growth and prosperity within and around us. We'll adjust and renew whatever is needed to be in balance, personally and globally. All of this takes place in Earth Energy Vortices, accompanied by their Gatekeepers and the land's Spirit Pomo Ancestors.”
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Crafts for Kids On Board the Balclutha
Saturday, March 22, 3:00-4:00PM, and the fourth Saturday of every month
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.”
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Bay Area Short Indies Film Fest
presented by MMTB - Movie Making Throughout the Bay
Saturday, March 22, 6:30-10:00PM
Rheem Theatre, 350 Park Street, Moraga
$10, Please Register In Advance, This Showing Will Sell Out!!!!!
“Doors open at 6:30PM, please arrive early- if you miss any films in any category set you can't vote for that section of voting, even if it's only the first film in the set.
Films start at 7:00PM, end at 10:00PM - voting is throughout the screening
Films screening tonight - MMTB Actor and Director Challenge Films Made in August, September, October 2013 and January 2014 PLUS our OVERALL Winners from 2014 Awards.
TONIGHT we will also be giving out the awards to the BEST of the BEST from 2013.
Winners of this Screening will be played again on our next MMTB Film Fest and given awards.
The Rheem Theatre was built in the late 1950s by Donald Rheem, and was originally a single-screen movie palace with a large stage and dance floor, which the theatre retains and often uses to this day. It was closed during the 1970s, and reopened as a performing arts venue in the 1980s. During a remodel in the in the late 1990s, three additional screens were added, thus making the Rheem Theatre a four-screen multiplex. Though the theatre has been consistently updated, it still retains its original art deco feel, with Zodiac Style art in each house.”
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CAYA Coven’s Equinox of Joyful Vows
presented by The Mothers of Darkness
Saturday, March 22, 7:00PM
The Home of Truth, 1300 Grand Street, Alameda
$10 donation requested
“From the Dark Void, the whole Universe has arisen, and each one of us is a shining Star in the vast Cosmos.
Spring is upon us! It is a time of new life springing up, and all beings singing the joy of existence! Join us as we celebrate the Ordination of our newest crop of Wildflowers, who have completed their year of training and personal growth. Now is the time when our work and our will come to fruition! Come, come, come. Let every heart shine!
Note for those sensitive to scent: Incense will be used at this ritual.
Please bring rattles, shakers or drums to make music.
Feel free to bring an offering for cakes and ale, which we will share in the Home of Truth Cottage after the ritual has concluded.”
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Big Brother And The Holding Company
a benefit concert for Ceres Community Project
Saturday, March 22, 8:00PM
Raven Theater Healdsburg, 115 North Street, Healdsburg
$35
“Ceres Community Project builds healthy communities by restoring fresh, whole and organic food to its place as the foundation of health, and by connecting people in heart-centered ways to themselves, others and the earth.”
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Mermaid Optique
crafting workshop with John B. McRae
Saturday-Sunday, March 22-23, 11:00AM-5:00PM
Castle in the Air 1805 Fourth Street, Berkeley, 510-204-9801
$150 includes materials
register in advance - class limited to 8 students
“Peer through the window and you’ll see a folded watercolor grotto with an alluring mermaid perched on a rock in the distance. In this two-day class John will guide you through the construction of the structure by folding, gluing, painting, and embellishing the panels of your grotto. The first day will be devoted to painting your background and preparing the cardstock - a unique pigment-saturated watercolor paper - for folding. The second day you’ll assemble the structure of the optique and complete your incredible objet d’art with more painting and embellishments.”
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The 11th Annual Renaissance Workshops and Symposium
Saturday-Sunday, March 22-23
Folsom High School, 1655 Iron Point Road, Folsom
see website for detailed schedule and registration information
“Renaissance Symposium is a place where everyone who loves being a part of Renaissance Events can come together to be inspired for the coming year of shows. Learn something new or refresh yourself on some of the basics of improvisation, acting that could help you the next time you will interact with patrons at faires. Hear from others on BFA, history of the Renaissance, Improv, Costuming, engage in interactive presentations and make connections with friends, other guild members and colleagues. Don’t miss this opportunity to be inspired for the coming year!
The annual event will be held March 22-23, The weekend long workshop and symposium is geared toward faire participants, vendors, and playtrons. Basically for anyone interested in learning about fitting into the Renaissance atmosphere.
If you have experience and knowledge in related informational areas, you are encouraged to participate as both speakers and discussants. Class submissions are being accepted now and will be vetted before they’re posted to make sure that the classes offered are of quality and on point.”
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Esther: A Jewish Opera Rediscovered
presented by San Francisco Renaissance Voices
Saturday, March 22, 7:30PM
Seventh Avenue Performances, 1329 Seventh Avenue, San Francisco
$30
Sunday, March 23, 4:00PM
Congregation Kol Shofar, 215 Blackfield Drive, Belvedere-Tiburon
$30
“Our Opera Early and Ancient Series returns with this exciting US premiere of the story of Queen Esther and her rescue of the Jewish people from the murderous designs of the wicked Haman. Composed by Lidarti, an Austrian composer, born in Vienna of Italian descent, on the Hebrew libretto by Rabbi Jacob Saraval, written for the Jewish community in Amsterdam. We present this oratorio in semi-staged form with period chamber orchestra. Completed in 1774, this unique work was unknown in modern times until its discovery in 1998. This will be the US premiere, sung in the original Hebrew in which it was composed, with full translations provided.
Our stellar choristers will be accompanied by period chamber orchestra and soloists for this production are soprano Rita Lilly as Queen Esther, tenor Seth Arnopole as King Ahasuerus, baritone Jefferson Packer as Haman, soprano Cheryl Cain as the Israelite Woman and a favorite of our audiences, tenor Corey Head as Mordecai.
Don’t miss this rare musical celebration during the Purim season with this family-friendly production (and do come in costume and bring your noisemakers!)
Pre-concert talk by Rabbi Reuben Zellman 45 minutes before each performance.”
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Drawing Inks with Plant Pigments
with Judi Petitte
Sunday, March 23, 10:00AM-4:00PM
UC Berkeley Botanical Garden, 200 Centennial Drive, Berkeley
$95 includes materials
“Learn to make water-based paint and inks with plants and earth pigments for use on paper or fabric with local artist and instructor Judi Petitte. Sample paper, fabric sample and brushes, ink rollers, stamps provided. The inks are appropriate for printing on paper or fabric. We will use earth, plant and fungi for pigment.”
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Family Day at Sienna Ranch
Sunday, March 23, 12:00-4:00PM, (and the last Sunday of every month)
Sienna Ranch, 3232 Deer Hill Road, Lafayette, 925-283-6311
$85 includes up to five people, advance registration required - see website
“On the last Sunday of each month, Sienna Ranch will open its doors for a special family and community day. Come enjoy the activities, good company, healthy food, and the wholesome environment at Sienna Ranch. Family Day is fun for all ages.
Horse and pony rides, sustainability education and projects, archery, hayrides, survival skills activities, and more. Bring your own picnic lunch or buy from one of our healthy food vendors.
Family Days are on Sundays, 12:00-4:00PM.
Family Day Pass is $85.
With the purchase of a family pass, you will get
admission to Sienna Ranch family day for up to 5 people
3 horse ride tickets
3 archery tickets
5 hayride tickets
participation in the featured hands-on sustainability or survival skill activity
unlimited animal visits to goats, sheep, chickens
special demonstrations, entertainment, or hands-on projects (vary from month to month)
Note: Food and special services offered at an additional cost. For additional archery and horse ride tickets, please purchase a second family pass.
Family Days are limited to 40 families, so register soon!”
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Visioning Circle
at The Home of Truth
Sunday, March 23, 12:30-1:15PM, and the fourth Sunday of each month
The Home of Truth Spiritual Center, 1300 Grand Street, Alameda
Free
For more information, please contact Rev. Ouida at 510-350-6249 or revouida@yahoo.com
“The Visioning Process as founded by Rev. Dr. Michael Beckwith allows us to tap into the Divine for insights, answers and awareness. As THOT is moving into this new phase, I invite the community to come together as we ‘catch the vision’ of what THOT is, and can be. What is the highest vision for THOT? What does that feel like? Who/what must we become? Visioning allows us to catch the highest possibilities.
We will also have time for personal visioning. What are you calling forth? What is the highest vision for your Life? This process is a meditative one that invites us to go within, listen, and receive insights about our Heart's desires.
Please join us!”
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Introduction to Beekeeping
with Doug Vincent of Beekind
Saturday, March 23, 12:30-3:30PM
Port Commissions Room, One Ferry Building, San Francisco
Free, please RSVP to 707-824-2905
“Basic Beekeeping: information on how to get started with bees, use of equipment and what to expect in your first year. A must-have class if you are interested in keeping bees.”
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Fancy Fairy and Gnome Homes
with Heather Kramer
Sunday, March 23, 1:00PM-4:00PM
Handcraft Studio School, 5885 Doyle Street, Emeryville, 510-332-6101
$75, limited to 10 families
“It is said that if you build them a home the fairies, gnomes and elves might just move in. Come craft a whimsical one-of-a-kind fairy or gnome home using all-natural items. All supplies will be provided, however if you wish to add miniatures or bits of whimsy, we can recommend places to find them. This workshop is intended for adults and/or children 5 years and up. Children must work with a parent or adult friend. Each group will collectively create one fairy or gnome home to bring back to their human home.
Heather Kramer of Folifa and Little Bee (named after a combination of her childhood imaginary world and her daughter's nickname), creates one-of-a-kind woodland homes out of natural items she forages in the Sierras, combined with miniatures and bits of whimsy. On a camping trip, Heather and her friends (of little and big persuasions) created a fairy village in the forest. Upon returning home, Heather realized she'd been bitten by the fairy house bug and hasn't been able to stop herself since.
You can find Folifa and Little Bee homes at Monkey Bars in Alameda.”
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String From Sticks: Natural Fiber Cordage and Ropemaking
Sunday, March 23, 1:00:4:00PM
Ogaard, 5861 San Pablo Avenue, Oakland
$70
“Make string from sticks using Dogbane (Apocynum cannabinum) and rope from other fibers. Also includes an in-depth discussion of plants from which fibers for string, rope, nets, cloth, etc... can be extracted, along with an overview of harvesting and common processing methods, exploration of a variety of string-making techniques (legrolling, mouth twisting, triangle twisting and hand twisting) and splicing techniques. Lots of samples of plants, raw materials, extracted fiber and finished cord, rope and nets to handle and touch.”
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Noteworthy and Notorious Women in California's History
with Mary Jo Ignoffo
part of History San Jose’s Fireside Chat series
Sunday, March 23, 2:00-4:00PM
Renzel Room, History Park, 635 Phelan Avenue, San Jose
$5
“Please join author Mary Jo Ignoffo for a discussion on Noteworthy and Notorious Women in California's History. The life stories and legacies of some forthright nineteenth and twentieth-century California women are often absent from history books. But further investigation finds common ground in lives that demonstrated intellect, determination, resilience, and a belief in woman's ability to accomplish great deeds. We will explore the reasons that some remain under-reported. Among many others, we will discuss are pioneer Tamsen Donner, Gold Rush-era abolitionist Mary Ellen Pleasant, novelist Gertrude Atherton, philanthropist Sarah Winchester, architect Julia Morgan, First Lady Lou Henry Hoover, and civil rights leader Dolores Huerta. Each of these lives sheds considerable light upon her time and place in California's past.”
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Witches' Tea Party!
with The San Jose Pagan and Magick Meetup Group
Sunday, March 23, 3:00-7:00PM
Palo Alto Cafe, 2675 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto
$1
“We'll try to have a big red Meetup sign on the table!
Let's get together for another Witches' Tea Party! The previous three 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).”
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Tea and Tarot
with Charlie London and Chas Bogan
Sunday, March 23, 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.”
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North Bay Reclaiming’s Ostara Ritual
Sunday, March 23, 4:00PM
Lions Grove Picnic Area, Ragle Ranch Regional Park, 500 Ragle Road, Sebastopol
Suggested donations of $7-$21, no one turned away for lack of funds
for more information, please call 707-484-7786 or e-mail northbayreclaiming@yahoo.com
“Intention: The Rabbits say rejoice with the Spring and tend to the Earth.
Honoring the
Goddesses of Spring
Hail, and welcome!
Green life returns to the earth
blooming and blossoming
once more from the soil.
We welcome you,
goddesses of spring,
Eostre, Persephone, Flora, Cybele,
in the trees,
in the soil,
in the flowers,
in the rains,
and we are grateful
for your presence.
Reclaiming respects healthy relationships with traditional medicines, but out of respect for those in recovery, all Reclaiming rituals are clean and sober - so please, no recreational drugs or alcohol at or prior to the event.”
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Druid Spring Equinox Ritual
with the San Jose Pagan/Magick Meetup Group
Sunday, March 23, 5:00PM
private home, 35200 Paseo Padre Parkway, Fremont
$2
“Come celebrate the Spring Equinox with a Druid Ritual! Please join us for a free and open to the public ritual celebrating the coming of Spring. Please bring offerings that can be burned in the fire, or poured onto the ground, or into the air. We will have a potluck feast afterwards, so please bring food and drink to share if it is within your means. Please contact the ritual leader, Joel Schonbrunn (Joel@schonbrunn.com), if you have any questions about the ritual or logistics. Ritual is held outdoors, rain or shine. Potluck feasting will be indoors.
Please share and cross-post as you like.”
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Spring Equinox Drum Circle
Sunday, March 23, 6:00-7:00PM
Sacred Stream Center, 2149 Byron Street, Berkeley, 415-333-1434
For more information, e-mail info@sacredstream.org
Free
“Equinox and Solstice Drumming Circles
We hold drumming circles four times a year to come together to honor the season and to focus on healing for the community and the earth. We invite you to join us.
You do not have to be experienced in drumming or shamanism to attend. It is recommended that you know how to journey, though not required.
If you have a drum or rattle, please bring it. Some drums and rattles will be available to borrow.”
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Magic Plants Workshop
with Rachel Budde of Fat and the Moon
Sunday, March 23, 6:00-8:00PM
Gravel and Gold, 3266 21st Street San Francisco, 415-552-0112
sliding scale $50-$75
“Explore the magic(k) power of plants with Fat and the Moon’s Rachel Budde in the first part of this two part series. Plants not only offer us super practical medicine, they also lend us their powerful energetic properties. To wield both is the definition of witchy. Bring in the equinox by channeling some healing plant magic!
To bring in Spring we will make….
1. Love Thyself Potion
In making this potion, we will be tapping the self-love powers of plants while learning a basic cordial recipe. Cordials are herb/fruit based sweet liquors that add a tasty herbal buzz to your pharmacy.
2. Boundaries, Baby, Boundaries Protection Amulet
Amulet making can take many shapes, but for this particular magic, we will be making a basic medicine pouch. The function of this pouch is to carry within it herbs that have protective powers, powers that support our boundaries. Everyone will be able to choose the herbs they add to their amulet depending on their energetic needs.
3. Vibe Cleanser Smudge Stick
Cauldrons may be present.”
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Tea and Chanting Sangha - please note new time
Tuesday, March 25, 8:00PM, and 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.
Online Tea and Chanting Sangha
For those of you who are at a distance, or find that meeting on Tuesdays are difficult for you to attend in person, Yeshe Rabbit is setting up a monthly online Google Hangout version of the Tea and Chanting Sangha to be held on the 4th Sunday of each month at 11:00AM.
If you are interested, contact her by email at rabbit@sacredwell.com to get all the important details.”
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Storying the Body: A Writing Workshop
with Helen Klonaris
Thursday, March 27,
and six more Thursdays through May 8
private home in the Berkeley, address given upon registration
$295, must register a week in advance. The workshop is limited to 8 persons.
For more information, or to register, please e-mail thegaulinproject@gmail.com
“Our bodies are sites of rich and powerful stories. Some of them wet with grief, some rigid with rage. Others tremble with desire, or sing out, ecstatic. Everything we have lived has been experienced through our skin, our eyes, our ears, our tongues, our bellies, the tender soles of our feet. The body knows.
What does your body know and want to tell you? What journeys does your body want to give voice to? What challenges have you overcome on those journeys, and what gifts did you unearth along the way? Who will you become as you give your body the freedom, and the right to speak?
During 3-hour sessions over the course of seven weeks, participants will be guided gently and soulfully through a variety of techniques to invite and coax the body to voice and to story. No previous writing experience is necessary.
Participants can expect to:
Connect with their body through movement and breathwork
Explore their emotional landscape through guided visualizations and active imagining
Transform feeling into language and story through creative writing exercises
Develop creative writing techniques and skills in the service of the body
Be seen, heard, and witnessed in a safe, nurturing environment
Participants will be given and directed to:
Appropriate readings of published works of memoir, poetry, and fiction
Appropriate readings on craft
Thoughtful and nourishing feedback from the facilitator
We will meet:
At a private home in the Berkeley Hills (wheelchair accessible)
Payment:
The cost of Storying the Body is $295. Registration for the course requires payment at least one week in advance of the start date of the course. Participants may pay this in the following ways:
a. Full payment in advance of the start date of the course
b. Partial payment in advance of the start date of the course, and regular installments as agreed upon by facilitator and participant
c. Refer a friend and receive $45 off your course tuition”
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Every Direction Live!
a benefit for Lyon-Martin Health Services
Saturday, March 29, 9:00PM
El Rio, 3158 Mission Street, San Francisco
sliding scale $5-$20
“Join the Bay’s favorite boi band Every Direction for a feel-good night of drag, dancing, and boi band flare - all in support of queer health!
Bring your friends! Bring your mom!
Lyon-Martin Health Services provides excellent health care to women, lesbians and transgender people in a safe and compassionate environment, with sensitivity to sexual orientation and gender identity; all services are regardless of ability to pay.
Every Direction is an Oakland-based queer boi band/drag group covering One Direction. Featured with the Rebel Kings and making their San Francisco debut, these bois will surely steal your heart, bringing something upbeat, silly, somewhat wholesome, and just ridiculously cute to the queer community.”
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Nowruz Celebration
presented by Silk Road House
Saturday, March 29, 1:00-5:00PM
The Hillside Club of North Berkeley, 2286 Cedar Street, Berkeley
$25 in advance, $35 at the door - may sell, out
“The Silk Road House is delighted to invite you to the annual celebration of the Navruz (Nawruz, Nauryz, Norooz) Spring Holiday! Nauryz holiday transcends religious, ethnic, linguistic and national divisions and brings people together.
The event will take place at the Hillside Club of North Berkeley located at 2286 Cedar Street, Berkeley, CA 94709.
Silk Road House will provide food, beverages, fruits, as well as plates, cups, utensils, etc.
Please purchase tickets online and have them with you at the entrance to the venue.
The online tickets are $25 per person.
Children and young people up to 18 years old can enter the event free of charge, but their parents or guardians are asked to purchase $0 tickets online and ensure they have their tickets at the entry.
For those of you who are not able to commit to come or not able to make online transactions - the tickets will be available at the door for a higher price, $35 per person.
Finally, those of you who wish to volunteer to help with setup and clean up activities, to bring food (serving size should be for 8-10 people) or offer a concert performance may enter the venue free of charge.
We will need up to ten volunteers from 12:00-1:00PM on March 29th to set tables and chairs and from 5:00-6:00PM to clean up the place.
Those who wish to to bring popular Central Asian dishes such as nauryz kozhe, sumalak, varied pilafs, kuyrdaks, baursaks, beliashi, chebureki, samsa, pirogi, chak-chak and others are kindly asked to make portions which will serve about 8-10 people.
The Hillside Club has a stage with a grand piano and microphones. Anyone with musical, dance, storytelling or other talent is welcome to participate in the concert program.
All volunteers, please purchase $0 tickets online and contact us as soon as possible so we can take you into account and make appropriate arrangements.
Any other donations for the support of ongoing Silk Road House activities would be gratefully accepted (cash or checks issued to the name of SRH). Contributions will be also collected at the entrance of the Hillside Club on March 29th .
Residential area street parking.
Silk Road House events are sponsored by the Silkroad Foundation.”
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Have an Irrepressible Spring Week!
Molly Blue Dawn
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