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Wizards of Oz

    Celebrate three decades of zany, acrobatic and death-defying performance with Circus Oz. This troupe from Melbourne, Australia, has entertained in more than 26 countries with its self-crafted, animal-free shows. Performers in kangaroo costumes catapult themselves across the stage; acrobats take the hula hoop to new heights; irreverent clowns appear as cartoonish characters. The show runs from Feb. 5–8; call Cal Performances to learn more about single-ticket discounts for select matinees. 8 p.m. Thu.-Fri.; 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Sat.; 3 p.m. Sun. $26–48, Zellerbach Hall A, UC Berkeley Campus, Bancroft Way and College Avenue, (510) 642-9988, www.calperfs.berkeley.edu.

—By Patsy K. Eagan
—Courtesy of Ponch Hawkes

EVENTS

Hail to the King (Jan.18) The Oakland Museum presents Martin Luther King Jr. Community Day: A King and an Emperor, with the fanfare of scholars, singers and dancers. UCLA lecturer Paul Von Blum draws connections between the lives of King and political activist/performer Paul Robeson, whose singing at the West Oakland docks in 1942 commanded the attention of an entire nation. Oakland-grown hip-hop artist Ise Lyfe offers his poetics with baritone Autris Paige and Jetaun Maxwell of the Dance Theater of the Gospel.12 p.m.–4 p.m., included with museum admission. $8 adults, $5 seniors and students, children under 6 free, Oakland Museum of California, 1000 Oak St., (510) 238-2200, www.museumca.org.

White Elephant Preview Sale (Jan. 25) Rummage for treasure at the Oakland Museum’s White Elephant Preview Sale, where choice vintage pieces raise more than $1 million for programming and collections every year. This preview sale is your chance to get first dibs before the official sale in March. Tickets are available in advance at the museum or at the door; seasoned bargain hunters bring folding chairs and coffee for the line that inevitably wraps around the warehouse. 10 a.m.–4 p.m., $12.50 in advance, $15 at the door, children under 12 free (no strollers), WES warehouse, 333 Lancaster St. (at Glascock), (510) 238-2200, www.museumca.org, www.whiteelephantsale.org.

Feminist Leadership: From Africa to America (Feb. 8) Amina Mama discusses her life as an advocate for women’s rights. The Nigerian-born transnational feminist scholar, with doctorate in organizational psychology from the University of London, has written extensively about African women, teaches courses on gender, ethnicity, militarism and women’s studies and currently serves as the Barbara Lee Distinguished Chair in Women’s Leadership at Mills College. 2 p.m., free as part of the museum’s Second Sundays, Oakland Museum of California, 1000 Oak St., (510) 238-2200, www.museumca.org.

Oakland Fox Grand Opening (Feb. 5) Take a walk down the red carpet at the Oakland Fox’s fundraiser gala. Spotlights, vintage cars and old Hollywood glam set the stage for a night of entertainment, including a vaudeville show and dance music by Trombone Shorty. Food, wine and a sneak preview of the theater’s space are included in the ticket price. 7 p.m.–10:30 p.m., $250, 1912 Telegraph Ave., (510) 869-3519, www.foxoakland.org, www.oaklandfox.com.

FILM

Tulia, Texas (Jan. 21) One of the biggest drug busts in Texas history turns into a bigger case of racial profiling. Officer Tom Coleman infiltrates the town of 5,000 and arrests more than 10 percent of Tulia’s African-American population. This documentary by Cassandra Herman and Kelley Whalen tells the story of a failed drug war policy, a local sheriff with a grudge and Freddie Brookins Jr., a man who, among many others, received a 20-year sentence for a crime he didn’t commit. 6 p.m., followed by a panel discussion, free, Oakland Museum of California, 1000 Oak St., (510) 238-2200, www.museumca.org, www.tuliatexasfilm.com.

The Big Lebowski (Jan. 20) The Dude abides in what The Parkway calls “the Coen Brothers’ existential bowling noir” film. Flying carpets are desecrated; dead-end leads pursued; and a bowling tournament hangs in the balance. Ticket proceeds benefit ProArts Gallery. Robes are optional. 9:15 p.m., $7, Parkway Theater, 1834 Park Blvd., (510) 814-2400, www.picturepubpizza.com.

Until the Violence Stops (Feb. 8) Playwright and activist Eve Ensler appears in this documentary that chronicles the story of The Vagina Monologues, from its one-woman show beginnings into an international grassroots movement that fights violence against women and girls. The film knits together stories of women from Harlem to Ukiah, Calif., from the Philippines to Kenya, and their journeys from abuse to self-empowerment. 2 p.m., $8, Cerrito Speakeasy Theater, 10070 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito. (510) 814-2400, www.cerritospeakeasy.com.

Thrillville’s Voodoo Valentine Show (Feb. 12) Honor Black History Month and Valentine’s Day with “the foxiest, sexiest, deadliest chick in town.” The 1974 film, Sugar Hill and Her Zombie Hit Men, stars Marki Bey as Sugar Hill, a crime-fighting seductress who wields voodoo and a leads a pack of zombies to avenge her man’s murder. 9:15 p.m., $9, Cerrito Speakeasy Theater, 10070 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito, (510) 814-2400, www.cerritospeakeasy.com, www.suzanneramsey.net.

Arusi Persian Wedding (Feb. 25) Iranian American filmmaker Marjan Tehrani follows her brother and his American fiancée to Iran just as the United States invades Iraq. The young couple’s journey is woven with historical footage to reveal sides of a complex country largely unknown to the West. 6 p.m., followed by a panel discussion, free, Oakland Museum of California, 1000 Oak St., (510) 238-2200, www.museumca.org.
 

MUSIC

John Legend (Jan. 12) This Grammy Award–winning neo-soul singer hasn’t needed Stephen Colbert’s so-called “bump” to earn critical acclaim. After performing tracks from his latest CD, Evolver, at the Democratic National Convention and Colbert’s Christmas special, Legend brings his charismatic show to Oakland. 8 p.m., $50.50–$76.50, Paramount Theatre, 2025 Broadway, (510) 465-6400, www.paramounttheatre.com.

Songwriters Competition (Jan. 19) The West Coast Songwriters Association stages its monthly contest for members who want to perform live and compete toward the September finals. The WCSA is dedicated to providing the environment, opportunities and tools to nurture and promote songwriters. Those whom the guest judges award “Best Song” get studio time. Blank CDs and cases go to the singer-songwriter who gives the “Best Performance.” Performers sign up 6:45 p.m.–7:20 p.m., and the show starts at 7:30 p.m., $5, Freight and Salvage Coffeehouse, 1111 Addison St., Berkeley, (510) 548-1761, www.thefreight.org, www.westcoastsongwriters.org.

Smokey Robinson (Jan. 24) Known for such hits with the Miracles as “Shop Around,” “You’ve Really Got a Hold On Me,” “Tracks of My Tears” and “Tears of a Clown,” William “Smokey Joe” Robinson became the godfather of “Quiet Storm” after his mid-1970s solo hit. At 67 he can still make a crowd swoon with his soulful crooning. 8 p.m., $39.50–$85, Paramount Theatre, 2025 Broadway, (510) 465-6400, www.paramounttheatre.com.

Yoshi’s Jazz Club (Ongoing) Oakland’s premier sushi restaurant earned much of its world-class reputation less from its Japanese cuisine (which is now top-flight) than its always stellar jazz lineup: Pharoah Sanders (Jan. 2–4); Kenny Garrett (Jan. 10-11); John Abercrombie Organ Quartet (Jan. 13-14); John Jorgenson (Jan. 20); Joey DeFrancesco with Bireli Lagrene (Jan. 22–25); Bobby Hutcherson with Anthony Wilson (Jan. 30–Feb. 1); Marco Benevento & Friends (Feb. 3, 10, 17, 24); Ledisi (Feb. 5–8); Pete Escovedo & Family (Feb. 5–8); Richard Bona (Feb. 19–22). 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. Tue.–Sat., 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. or 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. Sun., $10–$26, Yoshi’s Jazz House, 510 Embarcadero West, (510) 238-9200, www.yoshis.com.
 

GALLERIES

Retrograde (Through Jan. 31) East Bay artists interpret the signs of the times in paintings, sculpture, photography, drawing and mixed media. Collapse, confusion and change are the themes of this group show featuring member artists and four newcomers: Eric Bohr, Chela Fielding, Jill McLennan and Mary Curtis Ratcliff. 4 p.m.–7 p.m. Fri., 12 p.m.–3 p.m. Sat., free, Mercury 20 Gallery, 25 Grand Ave., www.mercurytwenty.com.

Future of Sequoias: Sustaining Parklands in the 21st Century (Feb. 7–Aug. 23) The Oakland Museum of California opens a photographic exhibition about one of California’s most ancient trees. Hundreds of sequoias once stood in the Oakland Hills before many were felled to rebuild San Francisco after the 1906 earthquake. Photographer Jeff Jones has immortalized the sequoia in 40 panoramic images at the exhibit. Retired National Park interpretative ranger William C. Tweed provides commentary on Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks and how the threat of pollution calls for environmental action. Included with museum admission, Oakland Museum of California, 1000 Oak St., (510) 238-2200, www.museumca.org.

Purely Presidential. Oakland artist Lena Reynoso inaugurates her latest addition to her portrait series, Forty-Four Presidents. Displayed as a tableau of square-foot canvases, Reynoso’s self-described “medley of men” portrays the nation’s legacy of leadership—and perhaps grade-school flashbacks of memorizing their names. Obama’s picture is not only the first African-American face in the mix, but he’s the sixth with brown eyes. Attend the opening reception on Jan. 10, and on Feb. 6 catch the last of the run at a closing reception. On Feb. 9, the show closes. 12 p.m.–5 p.m., Sat.–Mon.; 7 p.m.–10 p.m., First Fridays, free, Blankspace Gallery, 6608 San Pablo Ave., www.blankspacegallery.com, www.curatorofoddities.com.

Reinventing the Book. Students and faculty reinvent the book at California College of Art, with this installation from the printmaking department. In this exhibition, called “ArtRead,” books take on more dynamic forms as reconceived, found materials, letterpress prints and more. See the exhibition from Feb. 9–16. On Feb. 10, the public is invited to a reception for the artists 5:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m. 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Mon.–Tue. and Thu.-Fri.; 1 p.m.–4:30 p.m. Wed.; noon–4 p.m. Sat., free, Oliver Art Center, 5212 Broadway, (510) 527-1767, www.cca.edu.

THEATER

The Arabian Nights (Through Jan. 4) Director Mary Zimmerman returns to the Berkeley Repertory Theatre with her interpretation of A Thousand and One Nights. Perhaps best known for her Tony Award–winning play Metamorphoses, Zimmerman transposes mythology into the sublime onstage. Performance times vary, $13.50–$71, Thrust Stage, 2025 Addison St., Berkeley, (510) 647-2949, www.berkeleyrep.org.

Like Father, Like Son. Celebrate the Crucible’s 10th anniversary with the latest fire ballet, Dracul: Prince of Fire. Crucible founder and director Michael Sturtz expounds on a man whose son produces a legacy of bloodthirstiness. The original libretto, choreography and customized fire-rigging tell the tale of passion in an industrial age as ballet dancers perform flaming arabesques in this prequel to Dracula. The anniversary show runs Jan. 7–10 and 14–17. Come to the final night gala for a catered event with exclusive performances, champagne toast and a cast mixer, from 6:30 p.m.–8 p.m. Shows start at 8:30 p.m. Tickets $33–$153. Members receive a discount. The Crucible, 1260 Seventh St., (510) 444-0919, www.thecrucible.org.

Grendel Gala. For one night only, the Shotgun Players take the stage at Roda Theater to bring you a new and improved Beowulf: A Thousand Years ofWriter Jason Craig teams up with Dave Malloy, Rod Hipskind and the Banana Bag & Bodice to produce a spectacle of song and story. Based on one of the earliest works of English literature, Beowulf takes on new meaning when the warrior and his antagonists appear in a modernized setting. King Hrothgar, for instance, accompanies himself on accordion to sing his title song. See the show on Jan. 9 (before it packs up for New York) and then partake in a post-show party with “lots of mead and beer.” 8 p.m., $30, Roda Theater, Berkeley Repertory Theatre, 2025 Addison St., Berkeley, (510) 841-6500, http://shotgunplayers.org.

Macbeth (Through Jan. 11) Award-winning playwright Mark Jackson directs this new interpretation of the Shakespeare classic. Hipsters, rather than royals, perform on a modern set. Company members Dan Bruno, John Mercer and Reid David, among others, star in this Shotgun Players production. 8 p.m. Thu.–Sun., 5 p.m. Sun. $18–$30, 1901 Ashby Ave., (510) 841-6500, www.shotgunplayers.org.

Betrayed (Jan. 23–Mar. 1) This West Coast premiere by George Packer started out as an article in The New Yorker. Since the story “The Assassin’s Gate: America in Iraq” ran, its content has been adapted for theater-goers. The cast of characters includes Sunni and Shi’a Muslims who form a rare friendship and a woman who refuses to bow to Islamic law. Directed by Robin Stanton. 8 p.m. Wed.–Sat., 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Sun., $28–$50, Aurora Theatre, 2081 Addison St., (510) 843-4822, www.auroratheatre.org.

SPORTS/FITNESS

Golden State Warriors (Ongoing) Watch Don Nelson’s gang try to pull a few fast ones on the opposition at the Oracle Arena: vs. L.A. Lakers Jan. 7, Feb. 18; vs. Indiana Pacers Jan. 11; vs. Sacramento Kings Jan. 14; vs. Atlanta Hawks Jan. 17; vs. Washington Wizards Jan. 19; vs. Oklahoma City Thunder Jan. 21, Feb. 21; vs. Cleveland Cavaliers Jan. 23; vs. L.A. Clippers Jan. 25, Feb. 23; vs. San Antonio Spurs Feb. 2; vs. Phoenix Suns Feb. 4; vs. Utah Jazz Feb. 8; vs. N.Y. Knicks Feb. 10; vs. Portland Trailblazers Feb. 12; vs. Charlotte Bobcats Feb. 27. 7:30 p.m., prices vary, Oracle Arena, 7000 Coliseum Way, (888) GSW-HOOP, www.warriors.com, ticketmaster.com.

Harlem Globetrotters (Jan. 17–18) This team’s moves will keep you guessing when its Spinning the Globe World Tour runs in Oakland. For 82 years these “magicians of basketball” have impressed millions with their handiwork. If you’ve missed the likes of Curly Neal, Meadowlark Lemon and even Wilt Chamberlain, catch the new generation of talent at the Oracle Arena. 7:30 p.m. Jan. 17, 2 p.m. Jan. 18, prices vary, 7000 Coliseum Way, (510) 762-2277, www.oraclearena.com, ticketmaster.com.

Yoga at the Library (Feb. 11) Stretch out with instructor Laura Ward as she teaches Anusara yoga, a modern school that incorporates both Hatha yoga style and Tantric philosophy. Learn basic and imaginative yoga postures, and participate in movement games and group activities. Registration is required. 3 p.m., free, Oakland Public Library, Main Branch, Children’s Room, 125 14th St., (510) 238-3615, www.oaklandlibrary.org.

East Bay Games Day (Jan. 26, Feb. 23) Drop by Endgame every last Saturday for board game marathon action. Bring your own game or try on a strategy game for size; you don’t have to know the rules for Ticket to Ride and Settlers of Catan, because someone will be on site to teach you. Limited snacks available for sale. 10 a.m.–7 p.m., free, 921 Washington St., (510) 465-3637, endgameoakland.com.

Four Square (Ongoing) Hold court with four-square fans every Thursday at the Rockridge BART station parking lot. Even if it’s been years since you threw your last “high wire,” drop by to refresh your skills. Games should continue through the winter. 9 p.m., College and Keith avenues, www.myspace.com/4squareeastbay.com.

FAMILY

Zoo Lights (Through Jan. 4) The Oakland Zoo turns on the holiday spirit at this festival of lights. Larger-than-life displays of the animal residents are posted throughout the park and lit by hundreds of thousands of energy-efficient LED bulbs. Visitors are served hot cocoa and invited to discover each of the park’s 120 structures. Movin’ 99.7 FM provides the music, and the train rides are courtesy of the Snowball Express. 5:30 p.m.–9:30 p.m. Fri.–Sun., 5:30 p.m.–9 p.m. Mon.–Thu., $4.50–$7.50, 9777 Golf Links Road, (510) 632-9525, http://www.oaklandzoo.org

E=girl power² (Jan. 17, 24, 31 and Feb. 7) Girls ages 6–8 get hands on experience with science at these Saturday workshops at Chabot Space & Science Center. For the “Green Gear” series in January, girls take a three-part course on the mechanics of sewing. Classes dismantle a sewing machine to learn about its working parts and create personalized art from swatches of recycled fabric. Young girls and their female mentors will work in teams to engineer a bridge using only Popsicle sticks at the one-day Innovation Exploration workshop. $110–$120 for Green Gear series; $10–$25 for Innovation Exploration. Museum entrance included with workshop, except for theater shows. $13 adults, $10 students and seniors, $9 children under 12, free for members. Chabot Space and Science Center, 10000 Skyline Blvd., (510) 336-7300, www.chabotspace.org.

WaterWorks (Jan. 24–April 19) Soak up the science while learning about the world’s most precious element: water. The Lawrence Hall of Science invites kids to make snow, rainbows and clouds to explore “H2O from A to Z.”  Operate a model municipal water system and use hydraulics to lift 500 pounds; see state-of-the-art multimedia presentations that highlight Earth’s water sources and how you can conserve at home. 10 a.m.–5 p.m., daily, $11, $9 students, seniors and disabled; $6 children; Lawrence Hall of Science members and children under 3 free; Centennial Drive, Berkeley, (510) 642-5132, www.lawrencehallofscience.org.

Fairy Music Tunnel (Ongoing) New to Fairyland is a maze of interactive music. In late summer 2008, the park unveiled what was once Thumbelina’s Tunnel. Now the young in spirit can stroll and make music simply by strumming strings, ringing chimes, smashing gongs and more. It is 118 feet of murals and spontaneous tunes—the latest chapter in Oakland’s storybook park. 10 a.m.–5 p.m., $8, no passes or coupons accepted for this event, 699 Bellevue Ave., (510) 452-2259, www.fairyland.org.
 

FARMERS MARKETS

Farmers Markets (Ongoing) Fresh, local and organic produce is ready for the picking at a farmers market near you. Savor good health and slow food at one of these outdoor markets: Wednesdays: East Oakland Senior Center, 10:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m., 9255 Edes Ave. at Jones Avenue, (510) 562-8989. Fridays: Old Oakland, 8 a.m.–2 p.m., Ninth Street between Broadway and Clay Street, (510) 745-7100. Oakland Kaiser, 10 a.m.–2 p.m., 3801 Howe St., (800) 949-FARM. East Oakland Farmers Market, 10 a.m.–2 p.m., Faith Deliverance Church, 73rd Avenue and International Boulevard, (510) 638-1742. Saturdays: Laurel District, 10 a.m.–2 p.m., 4173 MacArthur Blvd., (510) 482-1898; Grand Lake Farmers Market, 10 a.m.–2 p.m., corner of Grand and Lake Park avenues, (800) 897-3276; Mo Better Food Farmers Market, 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Seventh Street and Mandela Parkway, (510) 776-4178. Sundays: Jack London Square, 10 a.m.–2 p.m., Broadway and Embarcadero, (510) 814-6000; Fruitvale Village, 10 a.m.–3 p.m., 34th Avenue and East 12th Street, (510) 535-6926; Montclair Farmers Market, 9 a.m.–1 p.m., La Salle Avenue between Moraga Avenue and Mountain Boulevard, www.montclairvillage.com; Temescal Farmers Market, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. in the Claremont DMV parking lot, 5300 Claremont Ave., (510) 745-7100.