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New Red-Hot Venue

    Another Art Deco gem has opened its doors in Oakland. The Fox Theater adds architectural finery—and the best names in music, thanks to promotion by Berkeley-based Another Planet Entertainment—to a red-hot Uptown scene. The monarch of blues, B.B. King, holds court April 16; rockers from Band of Horses play woodsy, reverb-heavy songs April 17; and the Black Keys blend psychedelic, country blues and Southern R&B influences into a dynamic hybridity on April 18. 8 p.m., prices vary, Fox Theater Oakland, 1807 Telegraph Ave., (800) 745-3000, theoaklandfox.com, apeconcerts.com, ticketmaster.com.

—By Patsy K. Eagan

EVENTS

It’s All Connected (April 19) Celebrate Earth Day at the It’s All Connected event at the Oakland Zoo. Learn about green living from about 50 Bay Area organizations’ hands-on booths, absorb eco-tips and gain special access to favorite animals. Planet-friendly gifts, vaudeville performances by EarthCapades and a giant globe ball toss are among the reasons to go. Bring an old cell phone or ink cartridge for a free train ride. 10 a.m.–3 p.m., $4.50–$7.50, 9777 Golf Links Road, (510) 632-9525, www.oaklandzoo.org.

Yard Party! (March 21) Trade the extra plants in your yard at the Lakeshore Neighborhood Plant Exchange. Hundreds come to this seasonal event, where the price of admission is a plant, mulch, tool or lawn ornament. Download and complete the online plant information form to describe the item and bring something in which to carry the new stuff home. Noon–4 p.m., free, 3811 Lakeshore Ave., (510) 866-8482, www.plantexchange.wordpress.com.

Pandora’s Boombox (Feb. 6–March 8) Rock ’n’ Roll posters are part and parcel of American iconography. Kuhl’s Frames + Art, a gallery and frame shop, displays Lil Tuffy’s silkscreen prints for musicians like Stevie Nicks, De La Soul, Modest Mouse and more. Oakland’s own Pandora Radio will provide musical accompaniment at the “Gig Posters” opening (Feb. 6) and closing (March 6), as well as a few giveaways. 6 p.m.–9 p.m. First Fridays, 10:30 a.m.–6 p.m. Mon.–Fri., 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Sat., free, Kuhl’s Frames + Art, 412 22nd St., (510) 625-0123, www.kuhlframes.com.

ART GALLERIES

Out of the Ordinary
    A retrospective on Oakland-based Squeak Carnwath, a noted contemporary California painter and UC Berkeley art practice professor, runs April 25–Aug. 23 at the Oakland Museum of California. The show, Squeak Carnwath: Painting Is No Ordinary Object, includes 40-plus paintings chosen by the museum’s senior curator of art, Karen Tsujimoto, and represents the first collective exhibit of Carnwath’s work by a leading West Coast museum. A California College of the Arts graduate who left ceramics for modern painting, Carnwath last displayed her paintings—which explore personal and universal themes such as loss, loneliness, happiness and knowledge through layers of paint—as a collective body in 1994. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Wed.–Sat., noon–5 p.m. Sun., 10 a.m.–9 p.m. first Fridays; $8 adults, $5 seniors and students, children under 6 free, Oakland Museum of California, 1000 Oak St., (510) 238-2200, www.museumca.org.

Institute of Mosaic Art (March 4–8) Award-winning artist Isaiah Zagar leads this five-day intensive on mosaics in which students will create a large-scale Jingletown mural. Zagar will teach how to break tile, mix colored cement and grout and set tile using his “no nippers” technique. Workshop includes a slide lecture and demonstration co-produced by Julia Zagar, an award-winning muralist. Check the Web site for details on materials to bring. 1 p.m.–6 p.m. Wed.–Fri., 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Sat.–Sun., $695, 3001 Chapman St., (510) 437-9899, www.instituteofmosaicart.com.

Mercury 20 Gallery (March 6–28; April 3–25) Twenty artists comprise this gallery and studio cooperative in Uptown, and four members are exhibiting their work: Charlie Milgrim displays his penchant for bowling ball sculpture with Eric Bohr’s mixed media on canvas, March 6–28; Margaret Chavigny blends found images with acrylic and ink layers with Laura van Duren’s sculptures of metal-and-clay boats, ladders and female figures. First Friday receptions March 6 and April 3, 6 p.m.–9 p.m. Regular hours 4 p.m.–7 p.m. Fri., 12 p.m.–3 p.m. Sat., free, 25 Grand Ave., (510) 701-4620, www.mercurytwenty.com.

Apples and Oranges (Feb. 13–March 9) When describing the difference between the 43rd and 44th U.S. presidents, some would use the phrase “apples and oranges.” This art show takes this comparison to a literal level with whimsical results. Two Compound Gallery studios artists—Matt Reynoso and Audrey M. Roy—present studies of their favorite fruits. An Oakland Art Murmur participant, the gallery holds receptions on First Fridays, Feb. 13 and March 6. 7 p.m.–10 p.m., First Fridays; 12 p.m.–5 p.m. Sat.–Mon., free, The Compound Gallery, 6604 San Pablo Ave, (510) 655-9019, www.thecompoundgallery.com.

Earth Days (April 3–May 16) The Oakopolis Creativity Center holds a group exhibition of oil paintings by Tyrell Collins, abstract works by John Wood and digital photography by Ralph Singer. Drop by on a reception night (April 3, May 1) or before the show closes. Check Web site for hours, free, 447 25th St., (510) 663-6920, www.oakopolis.org.

FILM

Allensworth: California’s African American Town (March 25) Peter H. King recently wrote about the state of this San Joaquin Valley town in the L.A. Times, and now you can see a biopic of this utopian dream at the Oakland Museum of California. In 1908, this agricultural community was founded by Colonel Allen Allensworth, who was born into slavery, as an African-American utopia. Hear the tale of the town’s history, restoration and revival as a state historic park. 6 p.m., followed by a panel discussion, free with admission, 1000 Oak St., (510) 238-2200, www.museumca.org.

Taking Root: The Vision of Wangari Maathai (March 25) In 1997, Kenya’s Wangari Maathai brought rural women together to plant trees. It started out as a way to improve a degraded environment but then blossomed into a national movement to not only preserve the planet, but also to advocate for human rights. For her work Maathai received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004. This documentary follows a groundbreaking woman on a mission. 6 p.m., followed by a panel discussion, free, Oakland Museum of California, 1000 Oak St., (510) 238-2200, www.museumca.org

Tournament of Champions (April 5) The legends of Northern California High School Basketball go for the gold on the silver screen. Doug Harris, an award-winning documentary producer from Berkeley, chronicles the history of Bay Area prep basketball’s post-season in a fast-paced, 75-minute film. Featured athletes include Phil Chenier, Gene Ransom, Paul Silas and Joe Ellis. Harris weaves together archival film, photographs edits and interviews. 2 p.m., $5, Parkway Theater, 1834 Park Blvd., (510) 814-2400, www.picturepubpizza.com.

Crips and Bloods: Made in America (April 22) This civil war has torn the streets of South Central Los Angeles for 40 years and passed down a generation. What is at the root of this long-standing battle? Filmmaker Stacy Peralta takes to the L.A. streets to find out. She interviews former and current members of the Bloods and the Crips and uncovers the story behind two of  the most violent street gangs in America. 6 p.m., followed by a panel discussion, free, Oakland Museum of California, 1000 Oak St., (510) 238-2200, www.museumca.org.

THEATER

In the Next Room/Vibrator Play (Through March 15) The Berkeley Repertory Theatre commissioned this play of longing and medical remedy written by Sarah Ruhl. Set in the Victorian era’s vespertine hour, a new technology to service desires meets six lonely patients in search of relief. Associate artistic director Les Waters—with whom Ruhl staged the highly acclaimed Eurydice—directs this elegant comedy for the Rep’s 50th world premiere. 8 p.m. Tue., Thu., Fri., Sat.; 7 p.m. Wed., Sun.; 2 p.m. Thu., Sat., Sun. $13.50–$71, Roda Theater, 2025 Addison St., Berkeley, (510) 647-2949, www.berkeleyrep.org.

Crime and Punishment (Through March 29) Sharon Ott directs Fyodor Dostoevsky’s gripping story of murder, guilt and exile on the Berkeley Rep’s Thrust stage, where she led the same charge years ago as the theater’s artistic director. This chamber piece features three actors, who lead the audience into the mind of a criminal and through a tension-riddled interrogation. And here’s a spoiler: There’s no happy end in sight. 8 p.m. Tue., Thu., Fri., Sat.; 7 p.m. Wed., Sun.; 2 p.m. Thu., Sat., Sun. $13.50–$71, Thrust Stage, 2025 Addison St., Berkeley, (510) 647-2949, www.berkeleyrep.org.

Miss Julie (April 3–May 10) Over a hundred years after its first production, this Swedish play written by August Strindberg arrives in Berkeley. It’s a story of a class struggle that begins when Julie, the daughter of a count, dances with her father’s servant. Her affair with Jean, the footman, stirs controversy as the lovers tangle over gender roles and defy social boundaries. Director Mark Jackson (who directed Salome) returns to the Aurora Theatre to frame his take of this classic drama. 8 p.m. Wed.–Sat., 2 p.m. Sun. $28–$50, 2081 Addison St., Berkeley, (510) 843-4822, www.auroratheatre.org.

Skylight (March 25–April 26) The Shotgun Players produce this Olivier Award-winning play by David Hare, a tale of modern romance. An East London schoolteacher grapples with the guilt she feels following her affair with a married man. When they meet again, they grapple with the terms of their parting. Artistic director Patrick Dooley directs. 8 p.m. Thu.–Sat., 5 p.m. Sun. $18-$25, with pay-what-you-can performances on March 25-26 and 28-29, 1901 Ashby Ave., Berkeley, (510) 841-6500, www.shotgunplayers.org.
MUSIC

Freight & Salvage (March 15, April 1) Two don’t-miss shows at the Freight: In honor of Charles Hamilton and his 27 years of service to the Berkeley schools jazz program, a benefit features Berkeley High School alumni all-stars with headliners Peter Apfelbaum, Dave Ellis and Will Bernard on March 15. On April 1 Sweden’s prolific instrumental band, Väsen, joins America’s acoustic duo Darol Anger and Mike Marshall to produce a quintet that forges anew the fiddle and dance tunes of Appalachia and the nyckelharpa and polskas of Sweden. Check Web site for show times and prices, 1111 Addison St., (510) 548-1761, www.thefreight.org.

Paramount Theatre (March 20, April 17) Oakland East Bay Symphony conductor Michael Morgan leads musicians and singers in performances at the Paramount. On March 20, experience the Passionate Celebration, which features Haydn’s emotional Symphony No. 49, a new work by Latvian composer Peteris Vasks, Sala: Symphonic Elegy for Orchestra and selections from Verdi’s Otello. On April 17, join the OEBS in celebrating spring. Award-winning pianist Sara Buechner accompanies the symphony in Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 1, and the OEBS closes the program with Igor Stavinsky’s once-controversial and energetic Rite of Spring. 8 p.m. $20–$65. Paramount Theatre, 2025 Broadway, (510) 465-6400, www.paramounttheatre.com.

Britney Spears (April 22) Oops. She did it again. The princess of pop makes a comeback, and this time, she’s the ringleader of her The Circus Starring Britney Spears tour. The Pussy Cat Dolls start the show with the opening act. 8 p.m., $37–$150, Oracle Arena, 7000 Coliseum Way, (800) 745-3000, ticketmaster.com.

Yoshi’s Jazz Club (Ongoing) Amina Figarova (March 2); CSU East Bay Jazz Ensembles (March 3); Mimi Fox (March 4); Bill Henderson (March 5); Stanley Clarke Acoustic (March 6–8); Samora & Elena Pinderhughes (March 9); David Sanchez with Orlando LaFleming, Henry Cole and Lage Lund (March 10–11); Tito Y Su Son De Cuba (March 12); National Hawaiian Treasures Celebration Tour (March 13); Craig Chaquico (March 14–15); Wayne Wallace Latin Jazz Quintet (March 16); Terrence Brewer (March 17); Dred Scott Trio (March 18); Bela Fleck & Toumani Diabate (March 19–22); Eric Reed (March 23); Berkeley High Jazz Ensemble (March 24); Myra Melford & Be Bread and Alex Cline Continuation Quintet (March 25); Nels Cline Singers and The Jeff Gauthier Goatette (March 26); Goapele (March 27–29); Chris Thomas King (March 30); Joshua Redman (April 1–5). 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 Club, 510 Embarcadero West, (510) 238-9200, www.yoshis.com.

LITERATURE & LECTURES

Here, Kitty, Kitty
Love cats? Need a new bedtime storybook? Diesel, A Bookstore in Rockridge is the place to be April 9 when Oakland illustrator Michael Wertz promotes just-released, Tricycle Press–published A Curious Collection of Cats by Betsy Franco, a children’s book of concrete poems he illustrated. Franco is a Palo Alto–based author of books for children and young adults. Her cat-centric concrete poems—poetry that takes on the shape of an object—are bright and fun for kids (and adults), and Wertz interprets them visually in a bold, graphic style that neatly captures the eccentricities of cats. 7 p.m., free, 5433 College Ave., (510) 653-9965, diesel.booksense.com.

Diesel, A Bookstore (March 1, 4 12, 15, 18; April 5, 9) Catch these upcoming author events: Daniyal Mueenuddin reading from In Other Rooms, Other Wonders, March 1; Christina Sunley reading from The Tricking of Freya, March 4; Jane Vandenburgh launch party for A Pocket History of Sex in the Twentieth Century: A Memoir, March 12; poets Etel Adnan, Hayan Charara and Fady Joudah, March 15, and poets Diane di Prima, Michael McClure and David Meltzer, April 5; Brad Warner sharing from Zen Wrapped in Karma Dipped in Chocolate, March 18; a book launch party for A Curious Collection of Cats with poems by Betsy Franco and illustrations by Michael Wertz, April 9. Times vary, free, 5433 College Ave., (510) 653-9965, www.dieselbookstore.com.

Crossing Color Lines (April 25) Ben Jealous, the youngest president ever to lead the NAACP, shares his vision for the 100-year-old organization at this free lecture. For his presentation at the Oakland Museum of California, he will discuss his NAACP goals such as bridging the gap between the Civil Rights generation and younger activists and crossing ethnic lines to advocate for human rights. 6 p.m., A $25 catered reception by Tanya Holland of Brown Sugar Kitchen follows at 7 p.m. Oakland Museum of California, 1000 Oak St., (510) 238-2200, www.museumca.org.

David Rakoff (April 4) Writer, actor and contributor to NPR’s This American Life brings his satirical and irreverent social commentary to the Strictly Speaking program. 8 p.m. $20–$32. Zellerbach Hall, UC Berkeley Campus, Bancroft Way and Dana St., (510) 642-9988, www.calperfs.berkeley.edu.

David Wesley (April 6) Hear excerpts from this independent scholar’s latest book, State Practices & Zionist Images: Shaping Economic Development in Arab Towns in Israel. Wesley earned his doctorate from the Tel Aviv University, where he researched the dynamics between Jews and Arabs within the state of Israel. 6 p.m., free, University Press Books, 2430 Bancroft Way, Berkeley, (510) 548-0585, www.universitypressbooks.com.

David Sedaris (April 26) The best-selling humorist reads from his new collection of essays, When You Are Engulfed in Flames, as part of the Strictly Speaking program. Hell-fire hilarity ensues, for example, when he recalls buying drugs in a North Carolina mobile home. 8 p.m., $28–$52, Zellerbach Hall, UC Berkeley Campus, Bancroft Way and Dana Street (510) 642-9988, www.calperfs.berkeley.edu.

SPORTS

Safe at Home!
Prodigal son Jason Giambi joins fan-favorite Travis Buck and the rest of the OAKLAND Athletics this season, adding power to the lineup. After a trip with the Yankees, a steroid scandal and a deodorant commercial, the “Giambino” adds star power, too. Let’s see how this re-signed Athletic makes it up to his old fans as the new season gets underway: vs. San Francisco April 4 (exhibition); vs. Seattle April 10–12; vs. Boston April 13–15; vs. Toronto April 24–26. Game times and prices vary. Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, 7000 Coliseum Way, (510) 569-2121, www.oaklandathletics.com, ticketmaster.com.

Golden State Warriors (March 1, 11, 13, 15, 17, 20, 30; April 1, 3, 8, 10, 13) Watch Don Nelson’s team drive down the home stretch at the Oracle Arena.
7:30 p.m., prices vary, Oracle Arena, 7000 Coliseum Way, (888) GSW-HOOP, www.warriors.com, ticketmaster.com.

Roller Derby (April 4) As the Bay Area Derby Girls’ 2008 League Champions, the Oakland Outlaws put the hurt on the Richmond Wrecking Belles. Come watch the Outlaws and their Raider-like moxie demolish the opposition. Bouts take place at Fort Mason in San Francisco, and details can be found at www.bayareaderbygirls.com/events.

FAMILY

Disney’s High School Musical: The Ice Tour (March 4, 6, 7) You saw Troy and Gabriella audition for the school production and turn their student body upside down in the hit movie. Now these teenage sensations—and their song-prone posse—put their show on ice. Oakland native Steven Smith will star as Chad, Troy’s BFF and basketball teammate. Watch Smith and his world-class skater co-stars make East High look too cool for school. Performance times vary, $16–$65, Oracle Arena, 7000 Coliseum Way, (800) 745-3000, ticketmaster.com.

E=girl power2 (March 17, 24, 31 and 28) Girls ages 6 to 8 get hands on experience with science at these Saturday workshops at Chabot Space & Science Center. For the New MediaWorkshop workshops, girls take a three-part course on Web design, blogging, “clay-mation” and video production. Industry experts will demonstrate to girls how to communicate with the latest technology, and girls will have the opportunity to launch their own creative, multimedia modes of expression. For the Innovation Exploration workshop March 28, girls will work with mentors to build collaborative skills. 11 a.m.–2 p.m. $110–$120 for New MediaWorkshop workshops; $10–$25 for Innovation Exploration. Museum entrance included with workshop (excludes theater shows). Chabot Space and Science Center, 10000 Skyline Blvd., (510) 336-7300, www.chabotspace.org.

WaterWorks (Through 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.