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Out on the Town

Use Your Imagination

Disney Playhouse kids’ pop stars, the Imagination Movers, promise lots of their favorite songs, antics, singing, dancing and a video visit from Warehouse Mouse at gigs slated Dec. 6 at the Fox Theater. The New Orleans band mates and live-action kid-show heroes are on the Live from the Idea Warehouse Concert Tour 2009 and can be counted on to dress in their trusty coveralls. Fox Theater, 1807 Telegraph Ave., (800) 745-3000, theoaklandfox.com, apeconcerts.com, ticketmaster.com.

DECEMBER

1–6  •  Wizard of Oz. Take your family over the rainbow with the musical adaptation of L. Frank Baum’s novel featuring all your favorite music, lyrics and adventures from the classic motion picture, celebrating its 70th anniversary this year. Directed by Jon Tracy. Music direction by Phil Gorman.
Times vary. $19–$28. Berkeley Playhouse/Julia Morgan Center for the Arts, 2640 College Ave., Berkeley, (510) 665-5565, juliamorgan.org.

2, 9, 16, 23  •  Oakland City Center Concerts offers concerts on the plaza celebrating four seasonal holidays. Los Cenzontles – Feliz Navidad (Dec 2), Klezmer Music – Hanukkah (Dec 9), West African Highlife Band – Kwanzaa (Dec 16), Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir – Christmas (Dec 23).
12 p.m.–1 p.m. 12th and Broadway (near BART), Oakland, entireproductions.com. FREE

3  •  Tree Lighting at Oakland City Center. Join Oakland Mayor Dellums in the lighting of the city’s official holiday tree, visit Santa, listen to youth choirs and enjoy seasonal treats. Then shuttle over to the Oakland Ice Center for a special Yuletide public skate. Bring a new, unwrapped toy to contribute to the mayor’s toy drive.
5 p.m.–6:30 p.m. City Center Plaza, Broadway between 12th and 14th streets, oaklandcitycenter.com. FREE

3–Jan. 17  •  The Threepenny Opera. Performed by Berkeley’s Shotgun Players, it’s the Bertolt Brecht/Kurt Weill masterpiece, directed by Susannah Martin with musical direction by David Moschler. Seething with immoral decadence and debauchery, the lowly citizens of Brecht’s beggar’s opera make poverty a glorious art.
Times and prices vary. The Ashby Stage, 1901 Ashby Ave., Berkeley, (510) 841-6500, shotgunplayers.org.

4  •  The Tallis Scholars. Celebrate the holidays as director Peter Phillips and his extraordinary singers create — through meticulous tuning and blend — a glorious Renaissance repertoire, including Josquin des Prez’s spectacular Missa de Beata Virgine and works by Nesbett, Tallis and Byrd. 8 p.m. $52. 7 p.m.–7:30 p.m. pre-performance conversation with artistic director Peter Phillips and professor Davitt Moroney, UC Berkeley Department of Music. Free to all Cal Performances event ticket holders.
First Congregational Church, 2430 Bancroft Ave., Berkeley, (510) 642-9988, calperfs.berkeley.edu.

4–Jan 3  •  ZooLights. Turn on your holiday spirit with a visit to the Oakland Zoo. Holiday music will fill the air as you mingle among the 120 lighted animal structures.
5:30 p.m.–9:30 p.m. Fri.–Sun., 5:30 p.m.–9 p.m. Mon.–Thu. $4.50–$7.50. Oakland Zoo, 9777 Golf Links Road, Oakland, (510) 632-9525, oaklandzoo.org.

Dec. 4–Jan. 24  •  Unreal Arts Circus arts and stage illusion in the form of dancing, puppetry, acrobatics and the like come to the Berkeley Rep stage Dec. 4–Jan. 24 for Aurélia’s Oratorio, an awe-inspiring spectacle of offbeat trickery set to chamber music and gypsy jazz. The performance stars Aurélia Thierrée, an actor, acrobat and illusionist who grew up in the circus, graduated to cirque nouveau and has earned raves for this work on world stages, and Victoria Thierrée Chaplin, who along with husband Jean Baptiste Thierrée created Cirque Bonjour, Cirque Imaginaire and Cirque Invisible, innovative troupes that inspired Cirque du Soleil. 
$16.50–$52. 2 p.m., 7 p.m. or 8 p.m. Berkeley Repertory Theatre, 2025 Addison St., Berkeley, (510) 647-2949, berkeleyrep.org.

5  •  America’s Children’s Holiday Parade. Who doesn’t love a parade? This holiday fest includes giant helium balloons of children’s favorite cartoon and storybook characters, top marching bands, creative floats, great performance groups and the ultimate, of course, Santa Claus!
2 p.m. Broadway and 11th Street to 20th Street to Harrison Street, Oakland, oaklandholidayparade.com. FREE

5  •  Mayor’s Tree Lighting Ceremony. Enjoy entertainment from the Community Band, The Mistletones, the Tap Dancing Christmas Trees and Juggler and Magician while waiting for the lights to shine in Alameda. Sleigh rides, souvenirs for children and a visit from Santa are some of the scheduled activities.
4:45 p.m. Alameda City Hall, 2263 Santa Clara Ave. FREE

5  •  Closing Reception, Auction & Holiday Art Boutique for the Alameda Women Artists’ Alameda Museum Exhibit. This 16th annual event highlights a variety of mediums, such as ceramics, photography, drawing, oil and acrylic painting, pastels, watercolor, cartooning, collage, printmaking, digitally-enhanced imagery, recycled and other sculpture and mixed media.
1 p.m.–3 p.m. Alameda Museum, 2324 Alameda Ave., Alameda, (510) 521-1233, alamedamuseum.org.

5  •  Lighted Yacht Parade. The theme of this year’s 33rd annual event is Christmas carols. Decorated boats win prizes based on representation of the theme, the number of lights and creative use of decorations, costumes and music. The parade gets under way just after sunset (around 5:30 p.m.) Spectators can watch from any waterside locale along the estuary or at public viewing areas at Wind River Park in Alameda and Jack London Square in Oakland.
lightedyachtparade.com. FREE

5  •  Alameda Temple Israel Film Series: Live and Become. This is a coming-of-age story about an Ethiopian boy who is airlifted from a Sudan refugee camp and taken to Israel during the 1984 Operation Moses. Shlomo, as he comes to call himself, is neither a Jew nor an orphan, simply an African boy who pretends to be Jewish in order to leave the refugee camp and go to Israel to survive.
7 p.m.–9:30 p.m. $10. Babysitting, with advanced notice, $5 a child. 3183 Mecartney Road, Alameda, (510) 593-5285, templeisraelalameda.org.

5–6  •  Baby It’s Cold Outside. The Oakland-East Bay Gay Men’s Chorus and Otto Voci present a 10th annual anniversary gala at this concert billed for all ages.
7:30 p.m. Sat., 5 p.m. Sun. $12–$20. Lakeshore Baptist Church, 2534 Lakeshore Ave., Oakland, (800) 706-2389, oebgmc.org.

5-6, 12-13, 19-20  •  Dunsmuir Hellman Historic Estate Holiday Tea. Costumed docents stroll the grounds as guests step back into Edwardian time in a majestically decorated 37-room mansion. Enjoy a cozy tea or have breakfast with Father Christmas. Ride the festive trolley on a 1-mile path throughout the 50-acre grounds.
$7–$12. 11 a.m.–5 p.m. 2960 Peralta Oaks Court, Oakland, (510) 562-0328, dunsmuir.org.

5-6, 12-13, 19-20  •  Berkeley Artisans Holiday Open Studios. Enjoy your holiday shopping this year with a self-guided tour of 100 professional artisan workshops at this 19th annual event. One-of-a-kind gifts of fine art and crafts include blown glass, ceramics, ornaments, menorahs, lamps, lighting, painted and custom furniture, garden art, floor cloths, clothing, textiles, jewelry, leather bags, recycled art, sculpture, photography, paintings, original prints, works on paper, musical instruments, children’s art, mosaics and stained glass. Meet the artists and visit working craft studios for a glimpse into the creative process. Many studios are clustered within walking distance.
11 a.m.–6 p.m. Berkeley Artisans, 2547 Eighth St., Berkeley, (510) 845-2612, berkeleyartisans.com. FREE

Dec. 6, 12-13, 19-20 , 27  •  Powerful Puppetry Zanzibar Fairytale Puppet Theater presents an enchanting holiday retelling Dec. 6, 12-13, 19-20 and 27 of the fairy tale Cinderella, in which Cinderella learns that believing in yourself is the greatest gift anyone can receive. This production features a cast of 22 beautifully costumed and wonderfully crafted puppets, exquisite scenery, entrancing lighting, a lush musical score and a dazzling indoor snowfall.
Times vary. $10 Uptown Body & Fender, 401 26th St., Oakland (510) 388-9228, zanzibarpuppets.com

Dec. 2-6  •  World Music Blues-roots great Taj Mahal, whose repertoire now spans many continents, brings his brand of world music to Yoshi’s Dec. 2–6. A composer, multi-instrumentalist and singer with more than 40 years of performing under his belt, he’s a Grammy Award winner who’s coming as a trio to the jazz club.The trio includes Taj Mahal on vocals, guitar, keys and banjo; Kester Smith on drums and Bill Rich on bass.
8 p.m., 10 p.m. Wed.–Sat.; 2 p.m., 7 p.m. Sun. $18–$28. 510 Embarcadero West, (510) 238-9200, yoshis.com.

6  •  Alameda Mayor’s Hometown Holiday Weekend. Live reindeer, carolers and a synthetic skating rink.
1 p.m.–4 p.m.
Corner of Santa Clara Avenue and Oak Street (across the street from Alameda City Hall). FREE

6  •  Winter Pottery and Craft Sale. Browse through handmade goods, crafts and artwork from local artists. Proceeds support Studio One’s children and youth programming.
12 p.m.–4 p.m. Studio One Art Center, 365 45th St. Oakland, (510) 597-5027, oaklandnet.com. FREE

6  •  Renée Fleming. The Grammy Award–
winning soprano performs with her piano accompanist, Gerald Moore.
7 p.m. $48–$100. Zellerbach Hall,
University of California, Berkeley,
(510) 642-9988, calperfs.berkeley.edu.

Nuts for the Nutcracker 
For many people, it wouldn’t be the holiday season without visions of sugarplums and a Mouse King dancing to the famous Tchaikovsky score. First performed in America in 1944 by the San Francisco Ballet, the East Bay carries on the tradition of the classic Christmas ballet with its share of options.
Dec. 11–20: Berkeley Ballet, Berkeley Ballet Theater at Julia Morgan Center for the Arts,  Berkeley, (510) 830-9524, berkeleyballet.org.
Dec. 19–20: Alameda Civic Ballet, Kofman Theater,  Alameda, (510) 337-1929, alamedaballet.com.
Dec. 24-27: Oakland Ballet Company, $11.25, Paramount Theatre,  (510) 465-6400, oaklandballet.org.

11–13, 17–20  •  The Hard Nut. A heartfelt reimagining of the Nutcracker tale that’s both tender
and witty by the Mark Morris Dance Group, directed by Robert Geary, with the Berkeley Symphony Orchestra conducted by Robert Cole, and Children of the Piedmont Children’s Choirs.
$36–$62. Zellerbach Hall, University of California, Berkeley,
(510) 642-9988, calperfs.berkeley.edu.

11–20  •  California Revels: A Celebration of the Winter Solstice. Journey to early 19th-century Bavaria and the surrounding regions at Yuletide to explore the roots of modern Christmas with song, dance, storytelling and the blessings of children and laughter.
7:30 p.m. Fri., 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Sat. and Sun. $12–$50. The Scottish Rite Theatre, 1547 Lakeside Drive, Oakland, (510) 452-8800, californiarevels.org.

11–13, 18–20  •  Holiday Caroling on Lake Merritt. Enjoy a unique view of Oakland as your water sleigh takes you on a voyage around Lake Merritt. Tours glide past the 18th Street fountain, through Christmas Cove and return to the boating center where complimentary candy canes, cookies and hot cider await.
Tours hourly from 4 p.m.–8 p.m. Water sleigh $5 per person; $90 private charter (capacity 20); call for reservations. Lake Merritt Boating Center, inside Lakeside Park, 568 Bellevue Avenue, Oakland, (510) 238-2196, oaklandnet.com/parks.

12-13  •  KPFA-FM, 94.1, Crafts and Music Fair. The 39th annual event gathers more than 200 artisans, artists and crafters and features original and contemporary handcrafted items in all media, including body care products, ceramics, fashion, textiles, furniture and lighting, glass, gourmet food products, jewelry, leather, metal, painting, paper, printmaking, sculpture, toys, weaving, wood.
10 a.m.–6 p.m. $7–$10 for adults, free children under 17. Concourse Exhibition Center, 635 Eighth St. at Brannan, San Francisco, (510) 848-6767, kpfa.org/craftsfair.

12–13  •  Holiday Kwanzaa and Christmas Gift Show. This African-American holiday crafts show celebrates its 24th year feting African-American crafts exhibitors, small businesses, wholesome families and communities.
11 a.m.–8 p.m. Oakland Marriott Convention Center, 1001 Broadway, Oakland, (510) 451-4000, kwanzaagiftshow.com.

Dec. 16-17  •  Holiday Dreams The Historic Alameda Theatre offers a treasure trove of excellent classic movies this month. The Bishop’s Wife (1947) (Dec. 2, 3), It’s A Wonderful Life (1946) (Dec. 9, 10) and White Christmas (1954) (Dec. 16, 17) all fit the bill to put you in a holiday kind of spirit.
Times and prices vary. Alameda Theatre, 2317 Central Ave., Alameda, (510) 769-3456, alamedatheatres.com.

22  •  It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play. Inspired by the classic American film and performed as a 1940s live radio broadcast in front of a studio audience. Berkeley Playhouse actors and directors perform the dozens of characters in the radio play, as well as produce the sound effects. Features a multicultural sing-along, delicious goodies (provided by Citron) and a silent auction to benefit the Berkeley Playhouse need-based scholarship fund and new lights sound project.
7 p.m. $25 adults; $10 under 14. Berkeley Playhouse/Julia Morgan Center for the Arts, 2640 College Ave., Berkeley, (510) 665-5565, juliamorgan.org.

31  •  Casino Night With Frank & Dino. Ring in 2010 in the historic Alameda Theatre with a vintage experience, toasting the New Year under the balloon drop on the new custom dance floor to the tunes of the 17-piece Stardust Orchestra, which pays tribute to Sinatra, Dean Martin and the illustrious Rat Pack. Benefits local Alameda charities. Several ticket packages are available, ranging from general admission to an exclusive “High Roller” VIP experience. Designated-driver limousine services provided by the theater or free parking available at Civic Center Garage.
8 p.m. $75–$140. Alameda Theatre, 2317 Central Ave., Alameda, (510) 769-3456, Alamedatheatres.com.

31  •  New Year’s Eve Balloon Drop. In the 10th annual event at Chabot Space & Science Center, celebrate the start of the New Year with music and balloons dropping from the ceiling, many filled with prizes.
10:45 a.m., 12:45 p.m., 3:45 p.m. $4 plus admission. Chabot Space & Science Center, 10000 Skyline Blvd., Oakland, (510) 336-7373, chabotspace.org.

ONGOING

Art/Galleries/Museums

Joyce Gordon Gallery. The gallery exhibits art and photography that reflects the social and cultural diversity of the Bay Area and international artists. Open 12 p.m.–7 p.m. Wed.–Fri.; 1 p.m.–4 p.m. Sat.–Sun. The gallery is available by appointment for private events and showings. Through Dec. 28: “Pairings,” an exhibition of photographs, “photograms,” Polaroids and paintings by Jim Doukas, an artist who utilizes various materials, methods and the darkroom in his practice of creating classical and handmade photography. Dec. 3: Social Hour and Artist Talk with Jim Doukas and the American Society of Media Photographers. Lecture, Q&A, real print showing and a discussion on Jim Doukas’ life, work, method
and experience.
6 p.m.–9:30 p.m. 406 14th St., Oakland, (510) 465-8928, joycegordongallery.com.

USS Hornet Museum. The aircraft carrier museum traces the ship’s role in two of the greatest events of the 20th Century — World War II and the Apollo 11 manned space mission.
Many events are listed at uss-hornet.org. 707 W. Hornet Ave., Alameda, (510) 521-8448.

USS Potomac. Nautical nuts can soak in history by touring or cruising on the “Floating White House,” FDR’s presidential yacht and a National Historic Landmark with something of a checkered past. Prices vary. Docent-led dockside tours Wednesday, Fridays and Sundays; frequent special events; chartering available.
Docks at Oakland’s Jack London Square, 540 Water St., (510) 627-1215, usspotomac.org.

Alameda Naval Air Museum. Climb into a cockpit, inspect the ammo, hear some stories from the volunteers who staff the place and generally step back in time.
Open 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Sat. and Sun. 2151 Ferry Point, No. 77, Alameda, (510) 522-4262, alamedanavalairmuseum.com.

Oakland Art Murmur. The Art Murmur is a group of downtown galleries that have openings every first Friday of each month. There also are performances on 23rd Street, sidewalk display tables and a very hip crowd.
7 p.m.–9 p.m. Check with the individual galleries to make sure your favorite gallery is open. The list is at oaklandartmurmur.com.

Oakland Artisans Marketplace. Thirty local artists present their handmade crafts along Water Street.
10 a.m.–4 p.m. Sat. and Sun. Jack London Square, Water Street, (510) 238-4948.

Estuary Art Attack. Explore the “bohemian, multicultural and esoteric arts” of Alameda and Oakland’s Jingletown on the second Friday of every month with galleries and some participating restaurants promising
new exhibits each time.
6 p.m.–9 p.m. estuaryartattack.com or autobodyfineart.com.

Compound Gallery. The Compound is an artist-run space that endeavors to provoke innovative ideas in an atmosphere full of swarming and bristling creativity.
7 p.m.–10 p.m. First Fridays; 12 p.m.–5 p.m. Sat.–Mon. The Compound Gallery, 6604 San Pablo Ave, Oakland, (510) 655-9019, thecompoundgallery.com.

Lucky Ju Ju Pinball. Among the more unusual gallery spaces, Lucky Ju Ju is a place where magic, karma, zeitgeist and skill are infused into a collection of vintage pinball machines.
Rotating exhibits, too. Open 6 p.m.–midnight Fri. and Sat. and 4 p.m.–8 p.m. Sun. 713 Santa Clara Ave., Alameda, (510) 205-9793, ujuju.com.

Blankspace Gallery. Visitors will find a main exhibition space and a small front space devoted to an eclectic mix of original artist-made goods and serial pieces.
12 p.m.–5 p.m. Sat., Sun. and Mon.; 7 p.m.–10 p.m. First Fridays and by appointment. 6608 San Pablo Ave., Oakland, (510) 547-6608, blankspacegallery.com.

Rhythmix Cultural Works. A fantastic addition to the Alameda/East Bay art scene, with a fine gallery anchoring a vibrant education program.
2513 Blanding Ave., Alameda, (510) 865-5060, rhythmix.org.

Frank Bette Center for the Arts. Self-described on its Web site as “a place for meetings, readings, showings and other creative doings,” and there is almost always something going on, like the Holiday Gift Boutique, daily, 11 a.m.–7 p.m. through Dec. 21.
1601 Paru St., Alameda, (510) 523-6957, frankbettecenter.org.

La Peña. This “gathering place” is a nonprofit community cultural center where people can experience art and culture from Latin America and around the world. Offerings range from cultural and educational programs to foster respect and understanding among the diverse peoples of the world to public events and classes. La Peña also houses Café Valparaiso, which serves a Latin American menu and beverages and provides another stage for more intimate cultural gatherings.
3105 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley, (510) 849-2568, lapena.org.

The Museum of Children’s Art. MOCHA is a bustling place for artists of all ages (18 months and up). The first Saturday of each month, MOCHA uses art making to teach literacy, with authors discussing their use of art. MOCHA offers weekend workshops, with this month’s on activities for holiday gift making and celebration. A winter art camp celebrates women artists. Drop in for engaging art activities with rotating weekly themes. MOCHA provides materials, and experienced teaching artists guide children in creative projects.
538 Ninth St., Oakland, (510) 465-8770, mocha.org.

The Warehouse Gallery. A new edition to the Oakland art scene, the Warehouse Gallery is Kevin Keul and Lili Smith’s fresh concept to showcase talented Bay Area artists.
1234 International Blvd., Oakland, (510) 507-1529.

Sports

Oakland Raiders. The Silver and Black host only one home game this month versus the Washington Redskins (1:05 p.m. Dec. 13).
Check oaklandraiders.com for all details.

Golden State Warriors. Hoops season is in full swing, but it’s a long way to the playoffs. Come cheer on the East Bay’s basketball team at the Oracle Arena against Houston (Dec. 3), Orlando (Dec. 5), San Antonio (Dec. 16), Washington (Dec. 18), Phoenix (Dec. 26) and Boston (Dec. 28).
All games start at 7:30 p.m.. nba.com/warriors/.
 

Music/Performance

Freight & Salvage Coffee House. In a new location, the venue is filling Berkeley nights with music. This month artists include: Karla Bonoff (Dec. 5), Duck Baker and Mimi Fox (Dec. 8), Al Stewart (Dec. 19) and David Grisman Quintet (Dec. 26, 27).
Shows start at 8 p.m. Prices vary. 2020 Addison St., Berkeley, (510) 644-2020, thefreight.org.

The Paramount Theatre. A true jewel in audacious art deco style, the Paramount presents many performances of all stripes, plus it’s home to the Oakland East Bay Symphony and a series of movie classics. This month, Morrissey performs (Dec. 2), the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir entertains (Dec. 5) and the Oakland East Bay Symphony offers “Let Us Break Bread Together” conducted by Michael Morgan. (Dec. 13). Prices and times vary. Also, don’t miss a special screening of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (Dec. 18, $5, 8 p.m.).
Paramount Theatre, 2025 Broadway, Oakland, (510) 893-2300, paramounttheatre.com.

Julie’s Coffee & Tea Garden. This small, intimate venue routinely invites musicians, artists, speakers and authors, bringing a touch of creativity to Alameda.
1223 Park St., Alameda, (510) 865-2385, juliestea.com.

University of California, Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive. The University’s visual arts center has a mission to inspire the imagination and ignite critical dialogue through art and film. December marks its new exhibition season, featuring the works of many talented artists.
2625 Durant Ave.,
Berkeley, (510) 642-0808, berkeley.edu.
 

Families

Alameda Point Antiques and Collectibles Faire. This vintage antique fair is one of the biggest outdoor antique fairs in the Bay Area and happens every first Sunday of the month at Alameda Point at the former Alameda Naval Air station.
$5–$15. (510) 522-7500, antiquesbythebay.net.

Children’s Fairyland. This month, the park is transformed into Fairy Winterland, a sparkling festival that celebrates the winter holidays of many cultures: Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Las Posadas, Diwali and Chinese New Year. (Dec. 11 – 20)
Weather permitting. 12 p.m.–7 p.m. $6 per person. 699 Bellevue Ave., Oakland, (510) 452-2259, fairyland.org.