What do you wish for?

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

Tuesday, August 5, 2014

Molly Blue Dawn's List of Events for the Week starting Wednesday, August 6, 2014

Third International Russian Choral Music Festival, Day of Documentaries by Lee Mun Wah, Concert in the Redwood Grove, Exploratorium After Dark: Science Fiction, The Medicine of Flowers: A Flower Essence Workshop, HYPERBOLE: bard, Pagan Tradition Discussion, Pride and Prejudice, TOUGH: A One Woman Show by Chris Black, Splathouse Double Feature: The Sadist and Eegah!, Sail on the Alma, Born to Drum: Women’s Drum Camp, Moby Dick - Rehearsed, Show Down!, Dracula Inquest, Magical Transformation and Group Energy Healing, Astrology in Magic: Powerful Allies for Successful Results, Astrobiology in the Solar System, Mystery Mystery Science Theater 3000, RASANBLE! Haitian Arts and Culture Festival, Knights of Revery: Laughter and Dreams, Hugo, History Walking Tours of Santa Rosa Rural Cemetery, Ice Cream Social at Forest Home Farm, Monthly Open Village Celebration, Greater Vallejo Recreation District’s 70th Birthday Party, Day in the Life 1901, Bug Pinning Party, San Jose Film Production/Potluck, Canning Extravaganza: Fruit Pickles and Tomatoes, Community Seed’s Open Circle, Moonlight Steam Train Dinner Party at Roaring Camp, Be Love Farm Dinner, Scofield’s Cowboy Campfire, Peace Lantern Ceremony, Writers With Drinks, East Bay Waltz, Celebrate Lunar Lammas and Nut Egyptian Goddess of the Sky and Heavens, The MetaQuizzical Cafe, The Band The Bible: Taylor Negron and Logan Heftel, Walk in the Spirit Worlds: Shamanic Journey Initiation, Contra Costa Crystal Fair, Gravenstein Apple Fair, Willits Kinetic Carnivale, Time Travel Weekends, Santa Cruz Mountains Sol Fest, Japanese American Club’s Summer Festival, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Othello, Enta Omri: You Are My Life, In the Creek Litter Clean Up, A Sunday In The Kitchen, Black Rose Witchcraft, Making Magical Herbal Toolkits, Secret Identity Crisis, Temple of Aphrodite, Children's Stargate, Tarot Salon, Natural Beauty Workshop, Perseid Peak, Mind Puzzles: Science Talk, The Rules of the Game, Craft the Path: All Pagans Meeting
______________________________________

Third International Russian Choral Music Festival
presented by Slavyanka Chorus of San Francisco
Wednesday-Sunday, August 6-10
see website for schedule, venue, and ticket details

“During the week of August 3-10, 2014, singers from the Bay Area, North America and Russia will gather in San Francisco for a Russian Choral Music Festival - a first ever West Coast series of concerts presenting some of the most compelling, moving - and largely unknown - music of the Russian choral tradition. The four concerts of the Festival will include singers from five Bay Area choirs and choruses; alumni of the Yale University Russian Chorus; guest singers from the Rachmaninoff Festival Choir of America; and in the concluding concert, an SATB Festival Choir of some 100 voices, including soloists from the Metropolitan Opera and Bolshoi Theater.

The Festival Choir will be under the direction of Irina Shachneva, a professional choral conductor, teacher and vocal coach.

Russian choral music is a rich treasure house of musical material, yet much of it remains unexplored by Western musicians.The Festival concerts will include important musical works spanning many different periods and styles of Russian sacred music, from early monastic chants to contemporary sacred compositions, as well as many secular selections to round out the repertoire. Two remarkable soloists will also join us for the Festival: Andrei Nemzer, countertenor and winner of the Metropolitan Opera competition in 2011; and Mikhail Svetlov, extraordinary bass soloist from the Bolshoi Theater in Moscow.

There will be three Vocal Master Classes, taught by our Metropolitan Opera soloists and by an internationally recognized vocal teacher.

There will also be a series of presentations on Russian choral music - history, musical styles, performance practices, Russian sacred music, and the Russian liturgy.

If you are a singer or choir director, or even someone who just loves good choral music as a listener, you won’t want to miss this opportunity to be part of this extraordinary 1000 year old choral tradition.”
______________________________________

Day of Documentaries by Lee Mun Wah
Thursday, August 7
The Historic Grand Lake Theater, 3200 Grand Avenue, Oakland
see below for schedule and ticket details
Trailers:
“All Day Pass $25

Last Chance for Eden
1:00-3:00PM
$10
Last Chance for Eden is a documentary about nine men and women discussing issues of racism and sexism.  They examine the impact of society's stereotypes on their lives in the workplace, in their personal relationships, with their families, and within their communities.  In the course of their dialogue, they also explore the differences and similarities between racism and sexism - an area that has seldom been researched, but has heatedly become a very important issue needing to be understood and dealt with. (2002, 88 minutes)

The Color of Fear
3:30-5:30PM
$10
The Color of Fear is an insightful, groundbreaking film about the state of race relations in America, as seen through the eyes of eight North American men of Asian, European, Latin, and African descent.  In a series of intelligent, emotional and dramatic confrontations, the men reveal the pain and scars that racism caused them.  What emerges is a deeper sense of understanding and trust.  This is the dialogue most of us fear, but hope will happen sometime in our lifetime. (1994, 90 minutes)

If These Halls Could Talk
7:00-10:00PM
$15
Join us for a Film Showing and Community Dialogue on Diversity with Master Diversity Trainer, Lee Mun Wah (Director of The Color of Fear) and Cast.

If These Halls Could Talk is a documentary about eleven college students who discuss what it is like on campuses across the country today.  Their stories are starkly emotional and raw, filled with incredible tenderness, courage and pain.  The diversity issues that they challenge us to look at are equally provocative, begging to be heard and confronted.  The film will provide a glimpse into what is needed if we are ever going to come together in our classrooms, on our campuses and within our communities.  The evening premiere at the Grand Lake Theater will include the film showing, a community diversity dialogue, an opportunity to meet the Director, Lee Mun Wah, film cast members and crew.  (2014, 97 minutes)”
______________________________________

Concert in the Redwood Grove
featuring Dustbowl Revival and American Nomad
Thursday, August 7, 5:30-7:30PM (and every Thursday through August 28)
“Doors” open at 5:00PM  
UC Berkeley Botanical Garden, 200 Centennial Drive, Berkeley
$18
Please register online at the website below
for more information, e-mail garden@berkeley.edu

“Join us this summer for a series of concerts in our beautiful Redwood Grove!

The Dustbowl Revival is a Venice, California-based collective that merges old school bluegrass, gospel, jug-band, swamp blues, and the hot swing of the 1930s to form a spicy roots cocktail. Known for their inspired live sets, the Dustbowl Revival boldly brings together many styles of traditional American music.

American Nomad is an award winning acoustic group in the widely eclectic Bay Area music scene. Rooted in Americana and folk/swing traditions, their carefully crafted original music maintains a modern relevance.

Ticket includes admission to the Garden before 5:00PM. BYO picnic and non-alcoholic drinks welcome.”

Thanks to Pixie for letting me know about this event
______________________________________

Exploratorium After Dark: Science Fiction
Thursday, August 7, 6:00-10:00PM, and the first Thursday of each month
Exploratorium, Pier 15, San Francisco
$15, 18 and over

“After Dark: Science Fiction

Enter the alternate worlds of Science Fiction and encounter scientific realities converging with our own. Explore racially inclusive futurisms with Jamaican-born novelist Nalo Hopkinson, and join an irreverent tour of robot history with robotics engineer Dave Grossman. Soar with Birdly, a full-body flight simulator, or take a fantastic voyage through a glass brain from UCSF’s Neuroscape Lab. Meet microscopic space travelers with Dr. Karen Kalumuck, and learn how the imagined technologies of yesterday became the gadgets of today with Exploratorium scientist Ron Hipschman. Augment your reality with glowing plants, musical sand, sentient gardens, and other truths stranger than fiction at After Dark.

Not a theater, cabaret, or gallery, Exploratorium's After Dark contains aspects of all three. Each evening showcases a different topic - from music to sex to electricity - but all include a cash bar and film screenings, plus an opportunity to play with our hundreds of hands-on exhibits.”
______________________________________

The Medicine of Flowers: A Flower Essence Workshop
with Liz Migliorelli of Sister Spinster Apothecary
Gravel and Gold, 3266 21st Street, San Francisco, 415-552-0112
Thursday, August 7, 7:00-9:00PM
$40

“Join Liz Migliorelli of Sister Spinster Apothecary in discussing all the ways in which we can use flowers as medicine. We will cover flower folklore, floral medicine, flower essences and essence making and all the beautiful ways in which we can celebrate our blooming friends! We will craft custom flower essence formulas to take home and talk a bit about the ways in which we can use the planets to enhance our medicine making.

Email Tomra@gravelandgold.com to sign up or call the shop at 415-552-0112.”
______________________________________

HYPERBOLE: bard
presented by Rogue Artist Ensemble
Thursday, August 7, 7:00-8:00PM and 9:00-10:00PM
The Flight Deck, 1540 Broadway, Oakland
$15

“In this hyper-fun, hyper-family-friendly performance, Rogue Artists Ensemble’s
HYPERBOLE: bard takes Shakespeare’s best characters, poetry and plot devices and
shuffles them up, twists them around, and shakes them down. Remixing
Shakespeare with intricate mask work, original puppets and live music, the Rogues
dig down to the heart of the Bard, sharing the joys, the sorrows and the non-stop
action that everyone, from kids to Shakespeare aficionados, loves about the greatest
playwright of all time.”
______________________________________

Pagan Tradition Discussion
hosted by Ardys De Lu
Thursday, August 7, 7:00-9:00PM
private home in South Berkeley, RSVP for address
Free, please RSVP to Ardys De Lu at adfiredeer@gmail.com

“What: To discuss various pagan traditions, either Wiccan or otherwise.
There are knowledgeable people who can speak on this.  Many people cannot make it one particular day of the week,  so the group will be held at least twice a month on different days.  Group is usually 7:00-9:00PM in the evenings.  Informing people about the subject of the group happens at least 24 hours before the meeting.
This is a basically informative group, no reason to reveal oathbound information.  Also this is to be a group without constant argument about whose tradition is most authentic etc.  Also let us stay on topic.

Future meetings are planned for:    
Wednesday August 20

Location near public transit, and parking is available.”
_______________________________________

Pride and Prejudice
presented by Shady Shakespeare
Thursday-Friday, August 7-8, 7:00PM
playing through August 31
Sanborn-Skyline County Park, 16055 Sanborn Road, Saratoga
$15-$20

“Shady Shakespeare Proudly Presents Shakespeare San Jose - Free to the public!

“It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife.”

Thus begins one of the most famous and beloved novels in the English language, now adapted for the stage with by Joseph Hanreddy and J.R. Sullivan and presented by Shady Shakespeare. Jane Austen's bitingly funny romance tells the story of Elizabeth Bennet, a young woman of intelligence and character boldly seeking happiness and security in socially rigid Regency England despite her lack of fortune, her embarrassing mother, her silly sisters, and all of the usual pitfalls of young love. Can the allure of mysterious and handsome Mr. Darcy overcome her prejudice, rooted in a disastrous first impression? Can the irresistible charm of the witty Miss Bennet overcome his haughtiness and pride? Come watch this timeless story unfold under a canopy of Redwood trees and a crystal clear night sky to see if these lovers find their happy ending.

Thanks to the generosity of our donors, kids 17 and under will be admitted FREE with a paid adult. Kids must still obtain a physical ticket to gain entry, which must be reserved with the purchase of an adult ticket.”
______________________________________

TOUGH: A One Woman Show by Chris Black
Thursday-Saturday, August 7-9, 8:00PM - final week
Z Below, (downstairs at Z Space), 470 Florida Street, San Francisco
$20 Thursdays, $25 Fridays and Saturdays

“The Isadora Duncan and Bay Area Theater Critics Circle Award winning Chris Black hits the stage at Z Below with a punchy one-woman performance inspired by the life of famed boxer John L. Sullivan. Traveling throughout the US from 1881 to 1892, Sullivan would signal his arrival and willingness to mix it up with ‘My name is John L. Sullivan and I can lick any son-of-a-bitch in the house.’

While Sullivan’s background, rise to fame, dominance and decline motivate TOUGH, Black’s real interest lies in what means ‘to be strong’ and tapping into the special something that both performers and athletes harness in order to become extraordinary. As well as how they confront what she calls ‘the onset of can’t’ that occurs in the career of every athlete and dancer when relied upon talents and endurance begin to flag.

Black - whose work runs the gamut from serious to funny and poignant - will begin TOUGH by throwing her hat into the ring accompanied by the announcement of ring rules, all while enjoying some good whiskey. In the show, Black sports a custom suit designed and produced by Kipper Clothiers, a San Francisco company that specializes in well cut menswear for the LGBT community. The suit, especially made for the performance, incorporates the five foot ten, two hundred and twenty pound hell raiser into Black's own diminutive but sinewy five foot one, one hundred and five pound frame.”
________________________________________

Splathouse Double Feature: The Sadist and Eegah!
Thursday-Saturday, August 7-9, 8:00PM - final week
Impact Theatre at La Val's Subterranean, 1834 Euclid Avenue, Berkeley, 510-224-5744
$20 in advance, $25 at the door

“This summer, Impact Theatre proudly presents Splathouse Double Feature: The Sadist with Eegah! Two rousing re-creations of cult cinema classics presented together on one hot ticket. It's part movie, it's part live performance, it's totally boss.

First, it's The Sadist (1963) - psychopath Charlie Tibbs holds the lives of three teachers hostage in an abandoned junkyard on the hottest day of the year. Giggling, dancing, and violence ensue.

Then comes Eegah! (1962) - Roxy just wants her daddy and her best boy to know that she hit a caveman with her car but they, like, totally don't believe her! High adventure, moon pies, and ONSTAGE DUNE BUGGY ACTION that is not to be missed!

Featuring Sarah Coykendall, Mike Delaney, Joseph Mason, Michael Garrett McDonald, and Cassie Rosenbrock.

With Paul Callis, Miyaka Cochrane, Luisa Frasconi, Maro Guevara, Maria Marquis, Brandon Mears, Jimmy Snell, Rose Sutton, and Nick Trengove.”
______________________________________

Sail on the Alma
Thursday, August 7 and Saturday, August 9, boarding at 12:30PM, returning to Hyde Street Pier at 4:00PM
board at Hyde Street Pier, 499 Jefferson Street, San Francisco
Adults $40, Seniors 62 and over $30, Children 6-15 $20, Ages 5 and under Free
pre-registration recommended

“Haul lines to raise the sails with National Park Service Rangers as you explore the Bay aboard the historic 60 foot Alma! Take in dazzling views and San Francisco's riveting history: Native Americans, Spanish explorers, the Gold Rush, lighthouses, the Barbary Coast, Fisherman's Wharf, earthquakes, shipbuilding and more! Before highways and bridges, hundreds of scow schooners like Alma plied San Francisco Bay, hauling goods as the ‘flatbed trucks’ of their day. The last of her kind, Alma will transport you to a long ago era on this unique, hands-on, educational sailing program with the National Park Service.

Be prepared for cold, wind, spray, and bright sun. Life jackets and flotation devices are provided. Bring water (no alcohol permitted), snacks, sunglasses, sunscreen, layers of clothing, closed toe active footwear, camera, binoculars, and a sense of adventure! Trip may be cancelled due to weather, or other safety concerns, at the discretion of the captain.

Sailing runs on selected Thursdays and Saturdays from June to November.”
_________________________________________

Born to Drum: Women’s Drum Camp
Thursday-Sunday, August 7-10
Bort Meadow, Anthony Chabot Regional Park
see website for registration information

“Join us on August 7-10, 2014 at beautiful Bort Meadow, Anthony Chabot Regional Park, just 20 minutes from Oakland, for a long weekend of camping, drum workshops, drum circles, shared meals, camp fires, performances, and fun for women and girls, 10 years and up.  We also plan to have several vendors and a massage therapist on site.

This year, Women’s Drum Camp will be at Bort Meadow, the site of last year’s Community Camping Trip/fundraiser which was so wildly successful that we kept  this site at popular request.  Fees will remain very affordable, with only a slight increase in sliding scale to accommodate increased class offerings and provide payment for teachers.  As always, trade for service will be available.  Again this year, all participants at drum camp will volunteer for one or two 45 minute to 1 hour work shifts.  Last year’s participants reported that work shifts were enjoyable and community-building.

Whether you are brand new to drumming or have been playing for years, you will find workshops that will both support and challenge you. We welcome women new to drumming, and will offer workshops to help you build a strong foundation. Some drums will be available to use.  Workshops range from beginning to advanced with many all-levels classes.  All workshops and drum circles are outdoors.

Prices for a long weekend of drumming are $50-$150  day on Friday-Sunday.  This year we will provide the option of arriving on Thursday, August 7, to set up camp and enjoy the evening for $20. Register early. Space is limited.

We will be tenting at Bort Meadow.  Our cars will be parked at a designated spot a short distance away from the meadow, with a drop off circle for convenient unloading of drums and gear.  We also will provide a shuttle on an as0-needed basis.  There is limited parking. Carpooling is recommended.  Please network with friends to organize carpools. You can also post on the Born To Drum Yahoo site.  After July 31, you can contact us at camp@womendrummers.org if you want to offer a ride or need a ride,  and the organizers will help you.  There are no electrical or other hook ups for RV. There are porta-potties but no showers. For those who do not want to camp out, the meadow is close to your homes or hotels in Oakland. Join us during the day!  If you want to spend the night, bring your tent and camping equipment. Please bring a chair or stool for drumming. Potable water is available.

While we will share meals, everyone is responsible for bringing and cooking their own food and snacks. We will have a communal kitchen area.  Last year we had sumptuous potlucks at every meal.”
_________________________________________

Moby Dick - Rehearsed
presented by Stanford Repertory Theater
Thursday-Sunday, August 7-10 - final week
Thursday-Saturday 8:00PM, Sunday 2:00PM
Pigott Theater, Memorial Auditorium Complex, 551 Serra Mall, Palo Alto
$25

“Stanford Repertory Theater’s 2014 Orson Welles Festival features a production of Moby Dick - Rehearsed, Welles’ extraordinary blank-verse adaptation of Melville’s masterpiece. A stunning invocation of the sea, the hunt, the infectious mania of Captain Ahab, and the collective energy of live performance, Moby Dick - Rehearsed harnesses the power of the theater to turn shadow into substance and imagination into reality.

We are thrilled to have Bay Area treasure Rod Gnapp take on the role of Ahab, joining SRT’s acting ensemble that includes Peter Ruocco (Wanderings of Odysseus), Courtney Walsh (Happy Days), and David Raymond (Importance of Being Earnest). The original score by New York composer Michael Keck (our 2009 Electra Festival) mixes Puritan hymns, sea chanties, and the haunting songs of the humpback whale.

SRT’s brings Moby Dick - Rehearsed to its theatrical life in a highly physical, deeply engaging, Melville and Welles-worthy production!”
________________________________________

Show Down!
presented by Thunderbird Theatre
Thursday-Sunday, August 7-10,
Thursday-Saturday 8:00PM, Sunday 3:00PM
EXIT Theatre, 156 Eddy Street, San Francisco
sliding scale $20-$30, matinees $15-$20

“The new Thunderbird Theatre comedy that’s fighting for the soul of television; on stage.

K.R.A.P. TV, the last all-live television station left in the United States, has just become the battleground for the future of entertainment, technology, and hyperbole.

When traditional broadcast devotees are pitted against hipsters of new media, the results are unexpected: kale, love triangles, cheese theft, and the iPlan.

This original comedy brings K.R.A.P. to the stage where audiences will witness the age-old struggle of pride of work versus the all-mighty dollar.

Will our heroine Beth be able to keep the station afloat, or will the evil Commodore entice everyone to waste their days with online personality quizzes?

Turning traditional work-place melodrama on its ear, this show reveals which is better; true love or ordering tacos with your paramour du jour.”
______________________________________

Dracula Inquest
Thursday-Sunday, August 7-10,
Thursday-Saturday 8:00PM, Sunday 5:00PM
playing through August 17
The Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant Street, Berkeley
Thursdays pay what you can, regular performances sliding scale $15-$28

“Dracula Inquest brings Bram Stoker’s iconic tale of horror to life, and promises to scare the hell out of you!

‘I sometimes think we must be all mad and that we shall wake to sanity in strait-waistcoats.’ - Bram Stoker

The year is 1895. Detective Avery Sly from Scotland Yard arrives in the bowels of an eerie asylum for the criminally insane. He has come to interrogate four inmates about the disappearance of a mysterious nobleman from Transylvania.

As the inquest unfolds, some very unsettling questions begin to emerge: was Count Dracula really a demonic vampire, as the inmates claim? Or was he, in fact, the innocent victim of a bizarre and ritualistic murder conspiracy?

A Central Works Method Play developed in collaboration with Joe Estlack, John Flanagan, Vanessa Ramos, Gregory Scharpen, Megan Trout,  Joshua Schell, Kenny Toll and Jan Zvaifler. Written by Gary Graves, Directed by Jan Zvaifler.”
______________________________________

Magical Transformation and Group Energy Healing
with Dragonfly and Justin K. Prim
Friday, August 8, 7:30-9:30PM
The Sacred Well, 536 Grand Avenue, Oakland, 510-444-9355
$25
Please register in advance to reserve your spot for this event

“The focus this month is: Healing Ancestral Wounds

A Sacred Ceremony and Group Energy Healing with Dragonfly and Justin K. Prim!
To focus and prepare, give some thought to a part of your ancestral legacy you are ready to release and transform.  To wake up  that part of you that is ready to honor, express and live fully in harmony, love and respect.  The creative life force is in us all, and when we recognize it, we enter into the Circle of Life.

We sometimes hold on to stories or trauma from our past. This old energy can hold us back, unground and move us out from being in our true center. This group healing will help to bring you back to your true inner wisdom, to what is, in the Here and Now. And with a little magic, may forever change your life and awaken hidden potentials.

Bring the mysteries of Merlin and the Lady of the Lake into your life. Join Dragonfly and Justin K. Prim, for an evening of shared magic and healing. Together these modern wizards will present an introduction to the current deep healing modalities formed from the lineage of Merlin and the Lady of the Lake, followed by a powerful transformational group healing.
This is your chance to begin to clear emotional blockages, help relieve stress, and nurture your spirit as you open your heart to the wonder of your life and deepen your spiritual connection by empowering your own magical path.
Justin K. Prim is an energy healer, a shamanic practitioner, and a spiritually focused artist. He recently became a teacher in the Magical Awakening lineage and is excited to share these spiritual gifts with the world!

Dragonfly is a VortexHealing Divine Energy Healing practitioner Class Organizer for Gailynn Carroll in Berkeley CA, a Reiki Master teacher and body energy practitioner for 18 years, and owner of ArunaBliss Body Energy Center in Oakland.”
______________________________________

Astrology in Magic: Powerful Allies for Successful Results
a five week course
with Susan Diamond
Friday, August 8, 7:30PM,
and two more Fridays through August 22
Serpent's Kiss, 2015 N Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz, 831-423-5477
$30 per class walk in

“This is a five week introduction to Astrology geared toward the magical worker.

Most people work with the Moon phases in their magic but rarely go beyond that to explore the many powerful relationships forged over centuries between magic worker and the heavenly bodies. These powerful forces can either facilitate your success or block it. The ancients knew this and so can you!

No experience necessary.”
______________________________________

Astrobiology in the Solar System
with Dr. Brad Bailey of NASA Ames
The Monthly Meeting of the Peninsula Astronomical Society
Friday, August 8, 7:30PM, and the second Friday of each month
Room 5015, next to Parking Lot 5, Foothill College, 12345 El Monte Road, Los Altos Hills
Admission Free, Parking $3

“The Peninsula Astronomical Society is a group of some 200 Bay Area astronomy enthusiasts of all ages and backgrounds. Some members are professionally trained in astronomy, others are just starting and have never looked through a telescope before. One thing that we all have in common is an interest in the sky.

The PAS holds meetings on the second Friday of each month at 7:30PM on the campus of Foothill College in Los Altos Hills, CA (between San Jose and Palo Alto).  The meetings are usually held in Room 5015, next to Parking Lot 5 (see map). Each meeting features a speaker (or speakers) bringing us up to date on different topics in astronomy. The public is welcome to attend these meetings; there is no charge to attend.  Note, however, that there is a $3 charge for parking - visitor parking permits are available from the machines in the parking lots.  Dispensers accept one-dollar bills and quarters; bring exact change. Please do not park in spaces marked Staff - you will be ticketed!

As part of its commitment to bringing astronomy to the public, the Peninsula Astronomical Society operates the Foothill College Observatory http://www.pastro.org/dnn/Observatory/FoothillObservatory.aspx.
The Observatory is staffed by members of the society who volunteer to conduct the regularly scheduled public programs.

In addition to operating the Foothill Observatory, the PAS has its own observatory in the nearby Santa Cruz Mountains. This location has AC power and room for members to set up their own telescopes at our monthly star parties. This site is also the home of the society's 12" telescope, available for member use after a checkout.”
_______________________________________

Mystery Mystery Science Theater 3000
Friday, August 8, 10:30PM
The New Parkway Theater, 474 24th Street, Oakland
$8

“The New Parkway Theater presents a mystery episode of Mystery Science Theater 3000.

Who knows what episode we'll be playing… but you can be sure it's definitely going to be good! Please join us for a night of laughter and fun hosted by The New Parkway's own resident MST3K fan, Oliver Beckwith. The pre-show includes an MST3K trivia contest with prizes!

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 cafe 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.”
_______________________________________

RASANBLE! Haitian Arts and Culture Festival
Friday-Sunday, August 8-10
The Humanist Hall, 390 27th Street, Oakland
see website for detailed schedule and prices

“The word Rasanble, in Haitian Kreyol, means ‘to gather’ or ‘to assemble.’ Our goal is to gather dancers, musicians, community leaders, scholars, activists, dance and music educators, linguists, cultural and food enthusiasts and supporters of Haiti to CELEBRATE make VISIBLE and INFORM participants of the rich cultural traditions that are the foundation of Haitian culture.

The Festival will provide a live forum over the course of multiple days that will allow for conversations, inquiries, technique analysis, and in depth interactions with traditional artists from Haiti.

Rara Tou Limen would like to extend a personal invitation to you, requesting your presence at RASANBLE! We look forward to collectively celebrating the richness and vibrancy of Haitian art, music, dance and culture with you!”
_______________________________________

Knights of Revery: Laughter and Dreams
Friday-Sunday, August 8-10, 8:00PM
playing through August 16
The Flight Deck, 1540 Broadway, Oakland
$15 in advance, $20 at the door, any three nights $30, five night pass $40

“Welcome, welcome, welcome! The Knights of Revery welcome one and all into the Realm of Dreams*! Sir Psycho and Sir Pomp (as channeled through Brian Livingston and Robert Hickling) amuse ourselves and others by journeying between the realms of the conscious and unconscious, between fact and fiction, between here and now, between our creamy peanut butter and your smooth jelly. Please join us in a tender, delicately rough, delightful, slightly unpredictable experience of late night play and dreamery. A show. An experience. A party. Interact. Move. Dance. Put periods at the ends of short sentences. Imagine all of these in a swirling whirling chocolate and very cherry cordial. Put a spoonful of it in your mouth. Savor. You will leave knowing more people than when you arrived, and perhaps more about yourself.

In the spirit of Burning Man (ooo it approacheth!) and Dreams and such, we do encourage dressing up in dreamy attire if you like - from pajamas to ballgowns to fairy wings to whatever you dream up (no need to, of course - only if it fills you with delight)...

Each evening will be unique and possibly feature different special guest artists. Come to any or all! We continue serving you in the Realm of Dreams on August 8, 9, 10, 15, and 16. All will be at The Flight Deck in Oakland starting at 8:00PM. Doors open at 7:45PM. Purchase your spot post-haste as the shows in the past have had a reputation for selling out!

*Adults are open to bringing their inner child; your real child, however, may learn all too quickly about inappropriate language and the naughty bits of life.”
________________________________________

Hugo
part of the Popcorn Palace series at the Balboa Theatre
Saturday, August 9, 10:00AM
The Balboa Theatre, 3630 Balboa Street, San Francisco
$10 includes popcorn and a drink

“Hugo is a 2011 3D historical adventure drama film based on Brian Selznick's novel The Invention of Hugo Cabret about a boy who lives alone in the Gare Montparnasse railway station in Paris in the 1930s. It is directed and co-produced by Martin Scorsese and adapted for the screen by John Logan. It is a co-production between Graham King's GK Films and Johnny Depp's Infinitum Nihil. The film stars Asa Butterfield, Chloe Grace Moretz, Ben Kingsley, Sacha Baron Cohen, Helen McCrory, Ray Winstone, Emily Mortimer, Jude Law, and Christopher Lee.”
________________________________________

History Walking Tours of Santa Rosa Rural Cemetery
Saturday, August 9, tours leave every 20 minutes, 10:00-11:00AM
tours start at Franklin Gate, 1600 Franklin Avenue, Santa Rosa
Free
For additional information, please call 707-543-3292

“Experience the history and stories of the pioneers of Sonoma County and California during an 80 minute docent-led walk. Hear about those who crossed the country by covered wagon, veterans of the War of 1812 and the Civil War, the great earthquake that destroyed Santa Rosa and much more.

Santa Rosa Rural Cemetery was established as the result of an accident. In November of 1854 a young father, who had arrived from Missouri only a matter of weeks before, drowned in a pond near the center of town. He was buried on land that was part of a Mexican grant given to one of the earliest settlers of Santa Rosa, Dona Maria Ignacia Lopez de Carrillo. Soon other families needed burial places, and the area became an unofficial cemetery. In 1867 the Santa Rosa Rural Cemetery Association was formed and burial plots in the 17-acre site were formally offered for sale.

Sales of plots continued through 1930, through records of these transactions have been lost. During this period of 70-plus years, parts of the land were sold off, and three separate but adjacent cemeteries were established: the Stanley, Moke, and Fulkerson Cemeteries. Today the four cemeteries combined are owned by the City of Santa Rosa and known collectively as Santa Rosa Rural Cemetery. The only burials permitted today are those of descendants of families who held deeds to cemetery plots. The total number of burials is over 5200.

Neglect and vandalism took their toll on the cemetery through years of unclear ownership and sporadic maintenance. A Restoration Committee organized by dedicated volunteers in 1994 and operating under the aegis of the City of Recreation and Parks Department has made great strides in repairing damage, clearing overgrowth, and planning for permanent maintenance. In 1997, the City of Santa Rosa awarded Historical Landmark status to the Rural Cemetery.

Docent-led tours during the summer months acquaint visitors with the history of the town and the many town pioneers who are buried here. Lamplight Tours, conducted in September as fund-raising events, present dramatic vignettes from the lives of the famous and not-so-famous people buried in the Rural Cemetery.”
________________________________________

Ice Cream Social at Forest Home Farm
Saturday, August 9, 10:00AM-2:00PM
Forest Home Farm, 19953 San Ramon Valley Boulevard, San Ramon
$5

“Take a tractor ride, try old-fashioned games, and compete in hula hoop, watermelon-seed-spitting, or egg toss contests. Ice cream for sale.”
______________________________________

Monthly Open Village Celebration
at Green Valley Village
Saturday, August 9, 10:00AM-8:00PM
Green Valley Village, 13024 Green Valley Road, Sebastopol
RSVP required; please e-mail gvv.events@gmail.com
Donations accepted

“Here is a sample of the schedule for a typical Second Saturday Event: (remember that this is just a sample schedule and you should check the website for the actual schedule before each event!!)

10:00AM: Community Work Party - One of the best ways to get to know our Village Members is to work with us!!  Get your hands dirty by helping us with a project.  Past work parties have included garden work, firewood chopping, building projects, event set-up and more.

1:00PM: Community Lunch - Work party participants are welcome to join us for our Saturday community lunch.  Eat fresh produce grown right on our farm and prepared by the loving hands of Village members.  If you just show up for lunch (without the workparty involvment), please feel free to bring a potluck dish to share.

2:30PM: Eco-Village Tour - Led by a seasoned Village member, you can get a lay of the land and find out more about the projects we have going on at Green Valley Village!!

3:30PM: Skillshare  - Cultivate a new skill!!    Past Skillshares have included African Dance and Drumming, Basket-weaving, Drum and Instrument Making, The NorthBay Burner Skillshare, Building with On-Site Forestry Resources, Building a Hohlzenhaus, and More.

6:00PM: Potluck Dinner - Our Village provides some simple dinner dishes, but the bulk of this food share is left up to luck, and the kindness our visitors bringing a dish to share!!

7:00PM: Evening Entertainment - Our Village event coordinator always makes sure there is something fun for us to do together at the end of the long day!!  Past evenings have included Live Performances by The Easy Leaves, Afia Walking Tree and Friends, Liz Boubion, The Dandelion Dance Theatre, Queen Hollins, Debbie Nargi-Brown, Copperwoman, The Hobo Goblins as well as our own Green Valley Village Annual Variety Show, and our Free Store Fashion Show.

We generally request a small donation for the day's events!!

Remember that by giving to Green Valley Village you are supporting the continued existence of this evolving Eco-Village!!

We also have Handmade Eco-Village Products and Services Available!!  

These products and services support the right livelihoods of members of our Village.  Look at the Village Marketplace section of our website to find out more about the products and services offered at our Eco-Village.  

Thank you for your support of and interest in our Village!!”
_______________________________________

Greater Vallejo Recreation District’s 70th Birthday Party
Saturday, August 9, 11:00AM-4:00PM
Blue Rock Springs Park, 650 Columbus Parkway, Vallejo
Free

“GVRD is happy to announce it's celebrating its 70th Birthday Party!

You are cordially invited to help us celebrate on Saturday, August 9, 2014 from 11:00AM until 4:00PM at Blue Rock Springs Park! There will be entertainment, food (for purchase), a Kids Corner and all around good time fun and the best part of all… admission is FREE!

We invite you to come and celebrate GVRD’s rich history and contributions and to thank the community for supporting the District throughout the years. Learn new things you didn’t know (or may have forgotten!) and reminisce about days past.”
_______________________________________

Day in the Life 1901
with the Hyde Street Living History Players
Saturday, August 9, 11:00AM-5:00PM, and the second Saturday of each month
Aboard the historic vessels at Hyde Street Pier, San Francisco
included with vessel admission, Adults $5, 15 and under free

“Step into the past as you board our historic ships. Help the sailors on Balclutha raise the staysail in the morning and return for musical fun during the afternoon dogwatch. Learn about life in 1901 from the ferry passengers on Eureka, or join Mrs. Galan on the Ark houseboat for an afternoon tea to discuss issues of the day.

August 9:  Picnic on the Beach, with the latest in 1901 Bathing Attire. Weather permitting, we will be on the pier all day.

San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park is located at the west end of Fisherman’s Wharf, in San Francisco. The park includes a magnificent fleet of historic ships, visitor center, maritime museum and library. For more information about the park, or its public programs, please call 415-447-5000 or visit the park’s website. To contact Hyde Street Living History directly, please email David Hirzel at sfmaritime1901@sbcglobal.net.”
______________________________________

Bug Pinning Party
with the Insect Sciences Museum of California (ISMC)
Saturday, August 9, 12:00-2:00PM
Joaquin Miller Ranger Station, 3590 Sanborn Drive, Oakland
Free, please RSVP to info@WildOakland.org

“You have bioblitzed, bioassessed, and bioanalyzed mountains, lakes and streams all year. Now, what do you do with those insects left in cans, bottles and vials? Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free. Join Wild Oakland and ISMC as we learn how to start, optimize and maintain insects in a pinned collection!

Scientifically mounted specimens are valuable pinpoints of data  that are historical records that an insect population was once present in a habitat or ecosystem. What use are they languishing in vials on a shelf when they should be counted as part of a formal insect collection?

Come learn the basics of insect collection management. Participants will receive a display box, attractive box pouches, vials, loupes, forceps and instructions. Whether yours is a collection of one or many, your effort to manage a collection will be supported.

You can use our stock specimens or BYOB. (Bring Your Own Bug!).”
______________________________________

San Jose Film Production/Potluck
an MMTB Actors and Director's Challenge
Saturday, August 9, 12:00-8:00PM
College of Adaptive Arts, 1401 Parkmoor Avenue, Suite 260, San Jose
see website for registration details

“Actors, Filmmakers, Writers All Levels!!! Come Make A Short Film With Us!!!

This event will be co-sponsored by College of Adaptive Arts, and we will be having a secondary competition going during our regular event for disabled filmmakers, and they will compete against each other. Screenings will consist of two sets of films.  Films made on this event will be due on November 1, 2014 and screened the same month at the Landmark Shattuck Theatre.

On this event we: Get into teams, Make Short Films, Network, Eat (It's a Potluck, Bring a Food Item to Avoid Extra $10 Charge)

Come Make Short Films with us! Short films made on these events average Three-nine film teams or short films made in one day. Then in a few months see your films on a Big Screen at the Landmark Shattuck Theatre!”
______________________________________

Canning Extravaganza: Fruit, Pickles, and Tomatoes
with K.Ruby Blume
presented by The Institute of Urban Homesteading
Saturday, August 9, 1:00-5:00PM
North Oakland, address given upon registration
Sliding scale $50-$80 plus $15 supply fee to bring on the day of class

“Come learn the joy and simplicity of home canning! Canning is a wonderful way to preserve the bounty of summer. Eat ripe peaches in January and never worry about holiday gifts again! After a thorough introduction to the theory, safety issues, equipment and ingredients, we will put our new knowledge to practice and can up some seasonal organic high acid fruits and tomatoes with two failproof methods - the waterbath method and the inversion method. You will learn about jam, jellies, compotes, vinegar pickled vegetables sauces and salsa, no-fail low sugar jams, and some secrets about pectin. As an extra bonus we'll demonstrate a quick method for canning juice that extends the bounty. Everyone takes home three jars of goodies.”
______________________________________

Community Seed’s Open Circle
Saturday, August 9, 2:00PM, and the second Saturday of each month
Quaker Meeting House, 225 Rooney Street, Santa Cruz
$7-$15 donation, no one turned away for lack of funds

“We meet on the 2nd Saturday of every month. Gather at 2:00PM, begin ritual at 2:30PM. The intention of this circle is to provide a regular meeting place for Earth-Spirit, Pagan worship in Santa Cruz. Newcomers are welcome! Let us meet together in sacred trust to create closer spiritual bonds of love and understanding within our community and within our tribes. There is only one love.

This month's Open Circle will be a sweet surprise!

Following ritual will be a simple feast, and the opening of circle. (No potluck, except on occasion). After circle has been opened, we invite you to stay to socialize, and perhaps have some tea and snacks.

What to bring?
Yourself, your open heart and mind. We ask for a small sliding scale donation to cover the costs of the hall rental ($7-$15). No one will ever be turned away for lack of money.”
______________________________________

Moonlight Steam Train Dinner Party at Roaring Camp
Saturday, August 9, 5:00-10:00PM,
and two more Saturdays, September 6, and October 4
Roaring Camp Railroads, 5401 Graham Hill Road, Felton, 831-335-4484
see website for schedule admission details

“Treat yourself to an evening of fun and relaxation at Roaring Camp's Western Moonlight Dinner Train Party. Start with a hearty barbecue steak dinner followed by a leisurely train ride aboard vintage railway cars. The steam train stops atop Bear Mountain to a glowing campfire, hot cider and musical sing-along. Upon returning to Roaring Camp, hot apple pie and a country western band await you. Get into the swing of things by line dancing or two-stepping the night away.”
______________________________________

Be Love Farm Dinner  
Saturday, August 9, 5:00PM
Be Love Farm, Vacaville - exact address given upon registration
Adults $65, Children under 12 $35

“Be Love Farm is the dream ‘child’ of Matthew and Terces Engelhart, the founders of Cafe Gratitude and Gracias Madre.  It is where they nourish their relationship with the earth so that they can provide healthy food for their Cafes. It is also their home and place where their connection with Mother Nature allows them to be in near continual service to others.

Matthew and Terces are so pleased to host a wonderful vegetarian Farm Dinner at  their organic Be Love Farm in Vacaville, CA. (50 miles north of San Francisco) The farm dinners are cooked (not raw) and may contain farm fresh dairy products. Please visit the Cafes for amazing raw and vegan meals. Join us for engaging conversation, a farm tour and the best farm fresh vegetarian food on the planet!  

Seating is limited, to reserve your seat please pre-register. For questions or concerns please email marta@cafegratitude.com or call 415-501-9678. There will be Farm Dinners throughout the Summer. Plan ahead and visit the farm!  September 21, October 18.”
________________________________________

Scofield’s Cowboy Campfire
Saturday, August 9, 6:00-10:00PM
Red Mule Ranch, Fiddletown (East of Sacramento, in the Gold Country)
directions given upon registration
$45 includes dinner and entertainment

“Scofield’s Cowboy Campfire
Old West Music, Cowboy Poetry, Chuckwagon Dinner

Ron and Marie Scofield are your hosts for an evening of old-time cowcamp entertainment under the stars at the Red Mule Ranch in Fiddletown, California. Enjoy a chuck wagon tri-tip dinner and cowboy music, poetry, and story telling in an 1880s setting. In addition to Ron's traditional brand of old cowboy standards, special guest performers contribute their unique style of western wit, wisdom, satire, and song.

Dinner is served at 6:30PM. Entertainment begins at 7:30PM with a break for intermission and dessert. After lots of music and poetry, it's ‘Happy Trails’ around 10:00PM.

August 9: Pipp Gillette and Jim and Karen Ross

Pipp Gillette raises cattle on the family ranch near Lovelady, Texas, where his grandfather started in 1912. 
His Camp Street Cafe in Crockett, Texas, is a live music venue featuring performers from around the world. 
Pipp plays traditional cowboy music on guitar, banjo, harmonica, and bones.

 Pipp and his late brother Guy Gillette recorded eight albums of cowboy music and were recipients of the 
Western Heritage Wrangler Award for Best Traditional Album of 2010. 

They also received the 2012 Wrangler Award for Best Outstanding Original Western Composition
for their performance of the song, Trade Off, penned by Waddie Mitchell.

Jim is a third generation rancher, raised in the Sierra Foothills of Northern California. He started cowboying for wages when he was 12 years old, and later he left home and buckaroo'd in the Great Basin, near Plush, Oregon. The bunkhouse had old cowboy poems pasted on the walls, and Jim spent the evenings swatting mosquitoes, playing cards with the Irish haying crew, and learning some of the old classics. A few years ago, with urban sprawl claiming a lot of the good ground and his kids grown and gone, Jim sold the home place and moved to Jamestown where he and Karen are putting together a little spread of their own.

Karen, a silversmith, has been interested in poetry for many years, but very seldom performed in public. She was well received at the 2004 Monterey Cowboy poetry and music festival with her reciting of "Rinder-cella," made famous by Alice Hancock. Karen seemed quite at ease on the stage and fit in with the pros. We are happy to have Jim and Karen returning to the Red Mule Ranch.

Dates for 2014:
August 16 - Juni Fisher and Jim King
August 23 - Old West Trio and Pat Richardson
September 6 - Old West Trio and Mark Twain (MacAvoy Layne)”
______________________________________

Peace Lantern Ceremony
Saturday, August 9, 6:30-9:00PM
North end of Aquatic Park, Bolivar Drive, and Addison Street, Berkeley
Free

“August 6th and 9th are the 69th anniversaries of the world’s first atomic bombings. In Japan and around the world, people will gather in early August to float lanterns in remembrance of the victims of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, all victims of war, and all who have gone before us. This moving and beautiful tradition provides a chance to reaffirm our commitment to building a better future.”
______________________________________

Writers With Drinks
Saturday, August 9, 7:00-9:00PM
The Make-Out Room, 3225 22nd Street, San Francisco
$10-$20, no-one turned away for lack of funds

“Writers With Drinks combines erotica with literature, stand-up comedy with science fiction and poetry with essays. Plus mystery, romance, memoir, rants and ‘other’.

This month’s writers:
Lenelle Moise (Haiti Glass, Madivinez, Ache What Make)
Robin Sloan (Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore)
Annelyse Gelman (Everyone I Love Is A Stranger To Someone)

All proceeds benefit the Center for Sex and Culture.”
______________________________________

East Bay Waltz
Saturday, August 9, Lessons: 7:00-9:00PM, Dancing: 9:00PM-Midnight
Finnish Hall, 1970 Chestnut Street, Berkeley
$12 for lesson and dancing, $8 for dancing only

“East Bay Waltz is a monthly casual social dance featuring mostly waltz and cross-step waltz, with polka, swing, schottische, and latin dances thrown in to mix things up.

Every month, there is a class for beginners and a class for more experienced dancers, from 7:00-9:00PM. Then, there's DJ'd social dancing and fun times from 9-midnight. $12 gets you the lesson and dance, or $8 for just the dance.

Upcoming dates:
Saturday, September 13
Saturday, October 11
Saturday, November 8
(no dance in December, since the hall is busy)
Saturday, January 10, 2015 (hey, that's 2015!)

Come by yourself, or with a friend, or a crowd. People of all ages are welcome. Dress in jeans and a t-shirt, or dress up all fancy-like if you'd like.”

Thanks to Ivy for letting me know about this event!
______________________________________

Celebrate Lunar Lammas and Nut, Egyptian Goddess of the Sky and Heavens
Saturday, August 9, 7:30PM
Concord location, directions given upon RSVP
$15 newcomer discount, $30 one time exchange
This ritual is for cisgendered women.
Please RSVP to 925-787-9247 or Leilani@DaughtersoftheGoddess.com
“Look up into the night sky and watch the moon, stars and the planets dancing above us.  The Goddess Nut’s magic is protecting us with Her night blue sky blanket.  Nut arch’s Her motherly body above us forming both the day and night sky. She rules over all that lives in the sky - the winds, birds, stars and the Milky Way.  Her voice is Thunder.

Nut is the Mother of all deities especially the Sun and the Moon.  As mother, Nut represents the unconscious, Luna, Moon, feminine, and the emotional body.  Her glyph is often depicted as two crossed arrows against the skin of a leopard.  Nut is associated with the element air, rainbows and Sycamore trees.

Nut is portrayed as a Woman stretched out over the Earth so that Her body is blue, sparkling with the starlight of the night sky, and the light blue of the daytime sky.  She arches over us to form a semi-circle, and Her hands and feet touching the four directions.

Nut gives birth daily to Her son, the Sun.  He then passes over Her body, letting the stars shine at night, until he reaches her mouth where she eats him, and he disappears until it is time for him to be born again the next morning.  Because of this is She is also the Goddess of rebirth and transformation. As the body dies, the soul enters Nut’s body and then travels through it until it exits it at the time of rebirth.

Time is also marked by Nut, and this will be the celebration of Lunar Lammas, the first of the three Harvest Festivals.  Lammas is important because it is the time that wheat crops are ready to harvest, bringing the first fresh flour for bread in the year. When the first Wheat comes in, it is a celebration of another year under Nut’s Sky.

We will be honoring Nut for Her feminine power.  Celebrating that women are connected to all seasons of nature, we gather knowing that we are safe at night and giving gratitude to the Goddess who watches and protects us all.

Please bring for the Altar: blue, gold or yellow candle, Nut’s sacred symbols are stars, cows, and lapis lazuli.

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.”
______________________________________

The MetaQuizzical Cafe
Saturday, August 9, 7:30-9:30PM, and the second Saturday of each month
Lydia's Sunflower Center, 1435 North McDowell Blvd. Suite 100, Petaluma
$10

“A Musical Science and Philosophy Salon
Jim and Kathy Ocean present The MetaQuizzical Cafe, A stimulating, folk-rocking, romp through science, politics, satire and spirit. If you’re in the mood for something really different, then step into the MetaQuizzical Cafe, where Carl Sagan meets you at the door, Pete Seeger shows you to your table, Rod Serling hands you a smoke, and Tom Lehrer’s banging pots in the kitchen. When the music starts to play, better watch the worm holes on the way. You’re sitting in the MetaQuizzical Cafe.

Jim Ocean has been writing and performing for 30 years, including being a founding member and primary writer for Celtic Elvis, the Dogmatics and Placebo Domingo. His albums include The Rise and Fall of Practically Everything and Hard to be Real with Celtic Elvis, Fear and Love with the Dogmatics plus two solo projects: Pop Tunes for Mystics and Macro2Micro, with more on the way.

The Oceans’ environmental disaster song Plastilla was recently made into a video and used as curriculum in Fresno Unified schools. Their song and video about Dark Matter, Said the Dark to the Light won audience favorite at a film festival in Paris last year.

Jim and Kathy have performed with the Smithsonian’s ‘Beyond’ exhibit, played at the annual Bioneer’s Conference in Marin, and have opened for so many astronauts they may soon be the first folk duo in space.

Jim writes in many styles with content ranging from the humorous to the serious to the philosophical - sometimes weaving all three seamlessly within one song. Delivered with passion and humor, Jim and Kathy’s music is powerful, surprising, meaningful and fun! They’re guaranteed to leave you refreshed, energized and wanting more.”
______________________________________

The Band, The Bible: Taylor Negron and Logan Heftel
Saturday, August 9, 8:00PM
Throckmorton Theatre, 142 Throckmorton Avenue, Mill Valley, 415-383-9600
$20 in advance, $25 at the door

​”A spoken-word fusion of hysterically moving true stories and original music.

Under the direction of David Schweizer, Taylor Negron performs stories for the new millennium. Accompanied by singer/songwriter Logan Heftel and pianist Louis Durra - the show has been touring around the globe, from the prestigious Green Room at the Edinburgh Comedy Festival in Scotland, to the Barrow Street Theatre in New York City.”
______________________________________

Walk in the Spirit Worlds: Shamanic Journey Initiation
with Anne Hatfield and Stuart Dole
Saturday-Sunday, August 9-10, 10:00AM-5:00PM
Santa Rosa, address given upon registration
Saturday morning session 10:00AM-1:00PM free, $125 for rest of weekend
“August is the traditional height of summer, and it's a great time to learn to walk in the spirit worlds, meet and get to know your helping spirits and more!
So many people would love to connect with the spirits! But so many hold back because they think you have to be special to do that, or only people who are from a certain ethnic background can do that, or maybe they had a spiritual intuition that someone else ridiculed or got angry about.
The truth is that it's easier than you think to connect with the spirits and walk in their worlds. Almost everyone who takes the whole weekend class succeeds in journeying to the spirit worlds. The spirits are eager to communicate directly with us
The truth is that shamanism has been practiced on every inhabited continent on the earth, making it your birthright no matter what your background is.
The truth is that each of us has spiritual gifts waiting to be discovered, and making this special connection with the spirit worlds is a first step in that direction.
In this class you will learn how to travel safely in the spirit worlds, how to discover and connect to your power animal, how to connect to other spirit helpers, how to obtain information and healing, and how to bring healing power to others.
If you've been wondering about power animals, other spirit helpers, journeying, and shamanic work - this is for you! A good connection with your spirit allies - and journey skills - are prerequisites for many of our advanced trainings - especially the Advanced Shamanic Healing coming up next year - and of course will serve you well in many other aspects of your life.
The class meets from 10:00AM-5:00PM on both Saturday and Sunday, August 9 and 10. (This includes time for lunch.).
Free Trial
The Saturday morning session (from 10:00AM-1:00PM) is FREE - you can get a taste of the work and decide if it's for you if you're not sure. In this first session you will learn to travel to the spirit worlds and meet your power animal:
You'll have all the instruction and support you need to walk in one of the spirit worlds and meet your power animal right then and there.
If you like, you can sign up for the rest of the class that takes place over the rest of the weekend and goes more in-depth. But there's absolutely no obligation to do so.
This is the only Shamanic Journey Initiation class we have scheduled for the rest of the year - take advantage of this one!”
______________________________________

Contra Costa Crystal Fair
Saturday-Sunday, August 9-10, Saturday 10:00AM-6:00PM, Sunday 10:00AM-4:00PM
Civic Park Community Center, 1375 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek
$6.00 for both days (children under 12 free accompanied by adult)
You can get a flyer/coupon at The Sacred Well for $1 off admission

“The Crystal Fair is a magical mix of crystals, minerals, beads, jewelry, and the healing arts. It takes place 6 times a year in 2 different locations. With over 40 vendors at each show, there are thousands of items available at affordable prices.”
________________________________________

Gravenstein Apple Fair
Saturday-Sunday, August 9-10, Saturday 10:00AM-6:00PM, Sunday 10:00AM-5:00PM
Ragle Ranch Park, 500 Ragle Road, Sebastopol
Adults $12,  Seniors and Bicyclists $10, Children 3-12 $5, Under 3 Free

“The Sweetest Little Fair in Sonoma County

The 41st Gravenstein Apple Fair will be held on August 9-10 under the shade of majestic oaks in Ragle Ranch Park in Sebastopol. Join us for a weekend of old-fashioned fun.
There’s something for everyone: live music on 2 stages, arts and crafts vendors, excellent local food, wine, cider, and beer, contests and activities, children’s corner, chef’s tent, artisan cheese tent, do-it-yourself tent, life on the farm arena and of course our famous heirloom gravenstein apples.

The Gravenstein Apple Fair is produced as Sonoma County Farm Trails’ primary annual fundraiser. All proceeds fund our efforts to support sustainable agriculture in Sonoma County.”
________________________________________

Willits Kinetic Carnivale
Saturday-Sunday, August 9-10,
Saturday 10:00AM-7:00PM, Sunday 10:00AM-7:00PM
Mendocino County Museum, 400 East Commercial Street, Willits
Adults $10, Seniors 65+ and Youth 12-18 $5, Children Free

“Mendocino County Museum’s 3rd Annual Willits Kinetic Carnivale powers up on August 9-10, 2014 with a full weekend of activities combining the old and new in a way that is uniquely Mendocino and totally 21st century.

This highly-anticipated kinetic and steampunk festival returns with many fan favorites including the popular kinetic handcar races; the Whimsy Circus for children; the Mustache and Beard competition; and the evening spectacular known as the Grand Ball.

Visitors are encouraged (but never required) to attend in vintage or steampunk costumes, and during the day will experience myriad activities and enjoy a diverse group of craft and food vendors, entertainment, rides on restored rail cars, historic and steampunk-themed workshops, lectures and discussions, and sundry Museum exhibits.

For more information, please call 707-459-2736 or e-mail Info@KineticCarnivale.com
________________________________________

Time Travel Weekends
in Historic Old Sacramento
Saturday-Sunday, August 9-10, 11:00AM-5:00PM,
and every weekend through August 24
Historic Old Sacramento, 101 I Street, Sacramento

“Get ready to step back in time when the past mingles with the present once again in Old Sacramento! Visitors to Old Sacramento will enjoy lively and interactive street theatre as part of the hugely popular Time Travel Weekends. The streets of Old Sacramento will come alive with talented performers who put on spontaneous and elaborate skits and performances. Plus, visitors won’t want to miss the highly entertaining Old West stage shows happening daily, including the much-acclaimed Golden Melodeon Review in the Eagle Theatre.

As you stroll through Old Sacramento on weekends July through August, you might just chance upon historic re-enactments complete with wagons, wild characters with heroes and villains, children’s pioneer craft activities, historic gambling, bowling, juggling, singing, dancing and other forms of musical mastery, military encampments, mining camps, parades, historic events, medicine shows, Civil War cannon firings, and much, much more!”

A lot of the performers in this program are Renaissance Faire and/or Dickens Fair folk!
______________________________________

Santa Cruz Mountains Sol Fest
Saturday-Sunday, August 9-10, 12:00-8:00PM
Roaring Camp Railroads, 5401 Graham Hill Road, Felton, 831-335-4484
see website for ticket information

“Two-day music festival featuring Railroad Earth, Zappa Plays Zappa, Animal Liberation Orchestra and more on two outdoor stages. Beer and wine garden, food and merchandise booths.

For great music that's a cut above the rest, visit the International Musical Saw Festival August 10th in Bret Hart Hall.”
______________________________________

Japanese American Club’s Summer Festival
Saturday-Sunday, August 9-10, Saturday 1:00-9:00PM, Sunday 12:00-8:30PM
Diablo Japanese American Club, 3165 Treat Boulevard, Concord
Free parking at Ygnacio Valley High School, 755 Oak Grove Road, Concord
Free

“The JA Club Summer Festival is the annual fundraiser for the Japanese American Religious and Cultural Center (JARCC).  It is a very popular and highly anticipated event for many in the community and elsewhere throughout the East Bay.

There are games for the kids.  There are cultural performances, exhibits and demonstrations.  And, of course, there is the food!
Admission is free.  Free parking is also available at nearby Ygnacio Valley High School - along with free shuttle service to and from the school!”
________________________________________

A Midsummer Night’s Dream
presented by Vallejo Shakespeare In The Park
Saturday-Sunday, August 9-10, 2:00PM
Peralta Hacienda Historical Park, 2465 34th Avenue, Oakland
Free

“Picnic style seating - Bring a blanket to sit on. Bring a picnic lunch or purchase one from our food vendor. Arrive early to get a good spot. We recommend wearing a wide brim hat and sun block. No chairs will be provided or allowed, handicapped section excepted. Chairs must be set up at the far end of the field. All shows FREE to the public.”
_______________________________________

Othello
presented by Shady Shakespeare
Friday-Sunday, August 9-10, 7:00PM
playing through August 29
Sanborn-Skyline County Park, 16055 Sanborn Road, Saratoga
$15-$20

“Shady Shakespeare Proudly Presents Shakespeare San Jose - Free to the public!

For the first time, Shady Shakespeare will bring one of Shakespeare's most complex and emotionally vivid tragedies to the stage with the story of Othello, a brave general who is revered, respected, but never truly accepted by the people of his adopted home. Enter the treacherous Iago, who exploits this state of otherness to distort Othello's tender love for his young wife, Desdemona, and bring about his heart-rending destruction. Set in a Venice and Cyprus overflowing with all of the vibrant, clashing cultures of the Mediterranean, this production will home in on all of the passion, betrayal, rage, devotion, and soul-crushing jealousy that have kept breathless audiences on the edge of their seats for over 400 years.

Thanks to the generosity of our donors, kids 17 and under will be admitted FREE with a paid adult. Kids must still obtain a physical ticket to gain entry, which must be reserved with the purchase of an adult ticket.”
______________________________________

Enta Omri: You Are My Life
with the Suhaila Dance Company
Saturday-Sunday, August 9-10,
Saturday 8:00PM, Sunday 3:00PM
Southside Theater, Fort Mason Center, 1 Letterman Drive, San Francisco
$20

“Suhaila presents Enta Omri. Choreographed by Suhaila Salimpour and performed by the Suhaila Dance Company, this full-length production presents the modern evolution of belly dance with vibrant choreography and rich Arabic music.

Enta Omri translates to ‘You are my life.’ The beautiful poetry of the Arabic world and themes of love and lost converge in this creative vision. Suhaila Dance Company takes the audience on a journey down a woman’s road to wisdom earned through her experiences in love. Sometimes mischievous, playful, and tender, other times brutal, lonely and lost, the dancers navigate this emotional landscape with the highest level of technical virtuosity and artistic sensitivity.”
______________________________________

In the Creek Litter Clean Up
hosted by Friends of Sausal Creek
Sunday, August 10, 10:00AM-12:00PM
El Centro Trailhead, near the Dimond Recreation Center,
3860 Hanly Road, Oakland
Free, please RSVP to Kimra at coordinator@sausalcreek.org
Ages 12+

“Trash and golf balls await you (42 pounds of golf balls were hauled out during the May 18 clean up). Late summer is a great time to remove the garbage before the first flush takes everything into the bay. Wear your grubbies and bring your own boots if you have them. Note that this event is not suitable for small children -12 and older only, please. RSVP to Kimra so we can provide enough boots.

Our mission is to promote awareness and appreciation of the Sausal Creek Watershed and to inspire action that will help preserve and protect the creek and its watershed as both natural and community resources.”
______________________________________

A Sunday In The Kitchen
with Jessica Prentice
Sunday, August 10, 10:00AM-4:00PM
Three Stone Hearth, 1581 University Avenue, Berkeley, 510-981-1334
$20

“Get a behind-the-scenes tour and a hands-on experience in our working kitchen. Day includes lunch and a two-hour lecture introducing the principles of Traditional Diets.

10:00-11:00AM: Tour with Co-founder Jessica Prentice
11:00AM: Tea time and orientation
11:30AM-1:30PM: Hands-on in the kitchen
1:30-2:00PM: Communal lunch made with nutrient-dense ingredients
2:00-4:00PM: Traditional diets lecture with Co-founder Jessica Prentice

Please wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes (you will be on your feet!) Avoid wearing scents, and be prepared to pull your hair back and cover it.”
______________________________________

Black Rose Witchcraft
a 13 month series
with Devin Hunter, Storm Faerywolf, and Chas Bogan
Sunday, August 10, 12:00-4:00PM,
and 12 more classes, the second Sunday of each month
The Mystic Dream, 1437 N Broadway, Walnut Creek, 925-933-2342
$25 per session

“Black Rose is a 13 month journey into the Craft of the Witch. Drawing from several different traditions of witchcraft and folk magic, Black Rose will teach you how to meditate, clear your energy, cast a circle, invoke the elements, cast effective spells, and more.
The curriculum is centered around monthly themes from which weekly lessons will be delivered. These lessons come in the form of Podcasts, written and artistic materials, as well as guided trance journeys via MP3s. Add to this a thriving community and online forum and you are experiencing the very finest witchcraft training available both in-person and online.
As a participant in our in-person class, you will have access to all the forums and materials that our online students enjoy. If you miss a class, you will still receive instruction online, so that you will not miss out. In addition to being part of our online coven, you will also benefit from working face to face with local members of your community.”
______________________________________

Making Magical Herbal Toolkits
with Elokin Orton-Cheung
Sunday, August 10, 6:30-8:30PM
Homestead Apothecary; 486 49th Street,  #C, Oakland
$26

“For this class we will honor the Full Moon by learning about herbs to connect with when working with Moon Magic. There is so much to talk about when it comes to herbs and magic! We will focus on herbs to support dreaming and intentions of release and renewal, connected with the lunar cycle. We will make a tiny dream pillow, a ritual salt scrub for the bath, and make a smudge.

Shooting Star Botanicals is the community healing practice of Elokin Orton-Cheung. Elokin has been studying plants as medicine over the past ten years. Elokin has a deep love and respect for plants as a gardener and herbalist. She is honored to be sharing her work as with plants as an energy work practitioner, herbalist, and educator to bring more resources for health and healing into the community. Elokin’s intention in her healing practice is to help people connect to the deeply healing nature of herbal medicine so we can make the positive changes we want to see in ourselves, the communities we are connected to, and the world around us.”
______________________________________

Secret Identity Crisis
part of Un-Scripted’s Sunday Revival Series
Sunday, August 10, 7:00PM
Un-Scripted Theater Company, 2nd floor, 533 Sutter Street, San Francisco
$20

“Un-Scripted Theater Company brings back some of our favorite shows on Sundays in 2014!

This Sunday: Secret Identity Crisis

Behind every mask, beneath every cape, beside every hero... there is a story.  

A story of triumph...  A story of sorrow...  A story of love…

Un-Scripted Theater Company brings you Secret Identity Crisis! A two hour long form story about what goes on when the masks come off.”
______________________________________

Temple of Aphrodite
Sunday, August 10, 8:00-9:00PM (Please arrive a few minutes before 8:00PM)
The Sacred Well, 536 Grand Avenue, Oakland, 510-444-9355
Donations gratefully accepted

“The Temple of Aphrodite in Oakland was founded in 2010 at The Sacred Well, where Priest/esses maintain a monthly liturgy and support space for those who wish to experience the mysteries of the goddess in Her many forms.

Our monthly liturgy is an exploration and celebration of the many ways love, beauty, desire and pleasure shape our decisions, choices, actions, and lives.

We research and study historical aspects of Aphrodite, such as praise hymns, epithets, and classical symbolism. We also recognize Aphrodite in the world around us today, in Her contemporary guises with modern sensibilities.

Date for 2014:
September 7
October 8
November 5
December 6”
______________________________________

Children's Stargate
presented by the Center for Sacred Studies
Monday-Thursday, August 11-14
Wildwood Foundation,  20111 Old Cazadero Road, Guerneville
Ages 6-12 $190, Ages 12-17 $330, Parents $375

“Children's Stargate: Listening to the Earth and All Her Beings

Your Child is invited to the Center for Sacred Studies.  Our Elders tell us that those closest to Creator are the children and the elders.

During our time together, we will encourage and give opportunities for our children to listen to the voice of Spirit that is in all things and bring those messages and instruction back to the community and the elders.

Children's Stargate begins on Monday August 11, in the afternoon (please come early and swim) and completes after lunch on Thursday, August 14.

We want to invite our Parents to stay and participate in the ‘in between times’, especially if your child is younger. When you aren't scooping up children from the lodge or helping with bedtimes, you may have some relaxing time by the pool, meditating, walking on the land... come participate!

We welcome all our relations to come witness the Children's presentation to the elders and community and their graduation late morning on Thursday.  Please let us know if you will be joining us in celebration of our children and if you will be staying for lunch.
The Children's Stargate will be located at Wildwood Foundation in Guerneville.”
______________________________________

Tarot Salon
with Grey
Tuesday, August 12, 7:00-8:00PM, and the second Tuesday of each month
The Sacred Well, 536 Grand Avenue, 510-444-9355
Donations gratefully accepted

“This month's cards: the Knights

A Tarot discussion group for beginners and experienced readers alike. Join us in a roundtable discussion where we discuss our two cards for the month and learn, share insights and gain inspirations from one another. Bring your favorite Tarot deck with you, and be ready to share, learn (and maybe even teach) some new ideas!”
______________________________________

Natural Beauty Workshop
with Jessa Blades
Tuesday, August 12, 7:00-9:00PM
Gravel and Gold, 3266 21st Street, San Francisco, 415-552-0112
$45

“Herbal cocktails elixirs + natural beauty education + shopping and lovely lady energy = Yay!
Join Jessa Blades for a night of natural beauty info and demonstrations. She’s a natural beauty expert, make-up artist, herbalist, and founder of Jessa Blades Natural Beauty cosmetics. She’ll share tips on how to look great using good-for-you cosmetics and how to promote and maintain healthy skin with herbs. She’ll have products from her website available to try and buy and participants will leave with samples of Jessa’s own hand blended products.

Email Tomra@gravelandgold.com to sign up or call the shop at 415-552-0112.”
______________________________________

Perseid Peak
Tuesday, August 12, close to midnight (so technically, Wednesday, August 13)
in the northeastern sky, near the constellation Perseus

The Perseid Meteor Shower is at its meteoriest on this night.  As Dave Barry would no doubt point out, "Perseid Peak" would be a good name for a rock band.  Or maybe one of those promiscuous-teens-played-by-pretty-twentysomethings-prime-time-dramas.  The ones that are named after places.  Like if "Perseid Peak" were a mountain near which lots of pretty young people who generate drama and hotness lived.  Not that I watch any of those, but I'd totally listen to the band.
______________________________________

Mind Puzzles: Science Talk
with Dr. Robert A. Burton, former Chief of Neurology, Mt. Zion UCSF
A production of Wonderfest
Wednesday, August 13, 7:00-9:00PM
Oshman Family JCC, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto
Free, please register at the website below

“What if our soundest, most reasonable judgments are beyond our control? Are the feelings of being rational and having free will generated by conscious decisions or involuntary brain mechanisms? Is there a way to resolve the conflict between our innate biology and our traditional beliefs? Dr. Robert A. Burton, author of A Skeptic’s Guide to the Mind, reveals what neuroscience can (and cannot) tell us about ourselves.”
______________________________________

The Rules of the Game
Thursday, August 13, 7:00PM
The Cerrito Theater, 10070 San Pablo Avenue, El Cerrito
$8

“Don’t miss this acclaimed classic!

Often cited as one of the greatest films ever made, Jean Renoir’s La Regle du Jeu (The Rules of the Game) was not warmly received on its original release in 1939: It was banned as morally perilous during the German occupation and the original negative was destroyed during WWII. It wasn’t until 1956 that Renoir was able to restore the film to its original length.

In retrospect, this reaction seems both puzzling and understandable; at its heart, The Rules of the Game is a very moral film about frequently amoral people. A comedy of manners whose wit only occasionally betrays its more serious intentions, it contrasts the romantic entanglements of rich and poor during a weekend at a country estate. Andre Jurieu (Roland Toutain), a French aviation hero, has fallen in love with Christine de la Chesnaye (Nora Gregor), who is married to wealthy aristocrat Marquis Robert de la Chesnaye (Marcel Dalio). Robert, however, has a mistress of his own, whom he invites to a weekend hunting party at his country home, along with Andre and his friend Octave (played by Jean Renoir himself). Meanwhile, the hired help have their own game of musical beds going on: a poacher is hired to work as a servant at the estate and immediately makes plans to seduce the gamekeeper’s wife, while the gamekeeper recognizes him only as the man who’s been trying to steal his rabbits.

Among the upper classes, infidelity is not merely accepted but expected; codes are breached not by being unfaithful, but by lacking the courtesy to lie about it in public. The weekend ends in a tragedy that suggests that this way of life may soon be coming to an end.

The Rules of the Game plays only once on Thursday, August 14, at 7:00PM. All seats are $8. Moviegoers are advised to get advance tickets at the box office or online, as shows may sell out. Arriving early is a good idea, in order to choose your seat and also order delicious food and wine or beer.

Have you tried Scene, on the right side of the lobby? Scene wine/food bar offers tempting food such as panini, snacks and salads - and they can all be brought to your seat in the theater. Scene opens daily at 4:30PM and is a great place to visit - even when you’re not going to a movie.”
______________________________________

Craft the Path: All Pagans Meeting
sponsored by Ancient Ways and The Pagan Alliance
Saturday, August 16, 1:00-4:00PM
BFUU, 1924 Cedar Street, Berkeley
Free, donations accepted
For more information, please contact arlynnecamire@gmail.com

“Greetings,
You are invited to the All Pagans’ Meeting to be held on Saturday, August 16, 2014, from 1:00-4:00PM at the Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists Church, Fellowship Hall located at 1932 Cedar Avenue (at Bonita Street) in Berkeley.  The goal of the meeting is for the Bay Area Community to come together to organize, to network, to share knowledge, and to express our needs. Everyone’s voice will be heard.  (Please see the agenda below.)
We also encourage you to send us a short description of your organization, group, coven, grove, etc… to be distributed to all who attend. Please email your information to arlynnecamire@gmail.com. Individuals are also encouraged to send their contact information.
Light refreshments and beverages will be provided. Food and beverages to share are welcome. Donations accepted, but not required, to help pay for our meeting space.
The meeting is sponsored by Ancient Ways and The Pagan Alliance. For more information, please contact Glenn Turner at glenn@ancientways.com or Arlynne Camire arlynnecamire@gmail.com.
All Pagans’ Meeting Agenda
1. Call to Order

2. Brief Group and Individual introductions

3. Break into groups of four to discuss and write down on post-its answers to:
What does the Bay Area Pagan Community Need?
What does the Bay Area Pagan Community Have (resources)?
What does the Bay Area Pagan Community see as Challenges or Threats?
What does the Bay Area Pagan Community Dream, Desire, or Aspire to?

4. Then the post-its are put up and grouped by the questions.
The answers are then clustered together by sameness and similarity.

5. Discussion of ideas collected and priorities and action items are determined.
6. Discussion of Plus/Deltas: what we thought that worked about the meeting, what would have been better or different. (This is an opportunity to learn from and improve our process as a community)
7.Closing words, set date for next meeting and adjournment.
8. Network and Socialize”
______________________________________

Extravagant, Hyperbolic, Powerfully Peaceful Week!

Molly Blue Dawn

No comments:

Post a Comment