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Foxy Lady

Decemberists frontman Colin Meloy conceived his band’s latest album after listening to vocalist Ann Briggs’ 1966 EP The Hazards of Love, which told the story of a woman named Margaret and her trials in ways of the heart. Finding the album had no song by such a title, Meloy set out to write one, ultimately combining elements of the British folk revival sound with classic metal for his band’s fifth album. The result is a rock, folk and metal rendering of myth—an effort that moved Rolling Stone to call the Decemberists “devoted anachronists.” The Portland-based quintet plays May 20 at the Fox Theater. 8 p.m., prices vary, Fox Theater, 1807 Telegraph Ave.,  (800) 745-3000, theoaklandfox.com, apeconcerts.com, ticketmaster.com.

— By Patsy Eagan and Kathy Hrastar

EVENTS

Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour (May 2–3) California’s flora goes on display when 50 East Bay gardens open their gates for the Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour. Visit participating nurseries to find plants and flowers native to the Golden State and take a self-guided tour of the gardens. Register online for tickets. 10 a.m.–5 p.m., free, (510) 236-9558, www.bringingbackthenatives.net.

Sassafrass Fundraiser (May 3) The Shotgun Players host their eighth annual Silent Auction at the outdoor terrace at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, where patrons sip cocktails, bid on dozens of items and enjoy barbecue served up by Cal Peternell of Chez Panisse. 4 p.m.–8 p.m., $70–$100. 2727 College Ave., Berkeley, (510) 841-6500, www.shotgunplayers.org.

Mother of the Year Award (May 10) The Office of Parks and Recreation honors its 56th mom who, in her volunteerism, has embodied the tradition of motherhood. Some of these past winners of the award will attend the ceremony; this year’s honoree receives a bouquet of flowers and a pathway plaque in the Morcom Rose Garden. 10:30 a.m., Morcom Rose Garden, 700 Jean St. (510) 238-6495, www.oaklandnet.com/parks.

Bike to Work Day (May 14) Participate in the San Francisco Bay Area’s 15th annual Bike to Work Day with hundreds of Bay Area as part of National Bike Month. Volunteers staff several energizer stations to offer free drinks and snacks to sustain commuters. Free ferry rides between Alameda, Oakland and San Francisco on the Alameda/Oakland and Harbor Bay lines. For more information and transportation schedules, visit www.bikealameda.org, http://btwd.bayareabikes.org or www.511.org.

Restoration Awards (May 14) The Oakland Heritage Alliance hosts its 2009 Partners in Preservation Awards ceremony to celebrate individuals, organizations, projects and programs whose work demonstrates a commitment to historic preservation. 7:30 p.m. $10 general, $8 OHA members. Chapel of the Chimes, 4499 Piedmont Ave., (510) 763-9218, www.oaklandheritage.org.

Yo Yo Ma (May 15) The cellist beloved for his unconventional style and precise skills returns to Berkeley for an exclusive Cal Performances Producer Circle fundraiser at First Congregational Church, where he will play Bach’s Cello Suites Nos. 1, 3, 5. 8 p.m. $150–$250. 2345 Channing Way, (510) 642-9988, www.calperfs.berkeley.edu.

Oakland Indie Awards (May 15) Socially and Environmentally innovative Oaklanders receive awards at this happy-hour event. Selected from citywide nominations, Oakland’s best businesses, organizations and residents are feted for their community contributions. This year’s hosting venue is The Crucible. 5:30 p.m.-8 p.m., $15-$25, 1260 7th St., www.oaklandunwrapped.org/indies, www.oaklandartmurmur.com.

Memorial Day Ceremony (May 25) War veterans will be honored at this special Memorial Day service onboard the USS Hornet. Ship tours are available 10 a.m.–4 p.m., with the service at 1 p.m. $14; $12 seniors, military and students; $6 children under 18; free for children under 6; 707 Hornet Ave., Alameda Point, (510) 521-8448, www.uss-hornet.org.

Temescal Street Fair (June 7) Oakland’s Temescal neighborhood hosts its annual block party with wine tasting, green vendors, children’s activities and abundant flavors for foodies to enjoy. 11 a.m.–6 p.m. free, Telegraph Ave. from 45th to 51st streets. (510) 860-7327, www.temescaldistrict.org.

Bay Area Girls Rock Camp (June 22–26) Girls ages 8 to18 take the stage at this four-day, two-session boot camp for rockers. Campers learn how to play chords, sing melodies and write tunes. May 15 is the registration deadline for the June 22–26 session; May 29 is the deadline for the July 6–10 session. Times vary. Tuition is $400, with financial aid available. Julia Morgan School for Girls, 5000 MacArthur Blvd., (510) 394-8647, www.bayareagirlsrockcamp.org.

Walk in the Wild (June 27) The Oakland Zoo’s biggest social event is this gourmet adventure with tastes supplied by more than 70 local restaurants, wineries and breweries. The gala continues with sky rides, an outdoor dance party and a dessert buffet. 5 p.m.–10 p.m. $125 members, $150 nonmembers, 9777 Golf Links Road, (510) 632-9525, www.oaklandzoo.org.

EXHIBITS/MUSEUMS

Homegrown Flora
California’s flora goes on display when 50 East Bay gardens open their gates for the Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour. Visit participating nurseries May 2-3 to find plants and flowers native to the Golden State, and on May 3 take a self-guided tour of the gardens, which include one with 6,800 acres of iris, fruit trees and Monterey pine plus another hosting a presentation on how to grow natives such as fuchsia, sage and manzanita. Register online for entry tickets. 10 a.m.–5 p.m., free, (510) 236-9558, www.bringingbackthenatives.net.

Oakland Art Murmur (May 1, June 5) Uptown galleries open their doors every first Friday of the month to showcase original art. One such gallery is Johansson Projects, which opens a new show on May 16 that includes wooden sculpture by Michael Meyers and a series of collaged drawings by Val Britton. Ground zero for Art Murmur hovers around Telegraph Avenue and 23rd Street, but galleries stretch from 20th to 42nd streets. Most galleries host free receptions, but some venues may charge a fee. Check listings at wwww.oaklandartmurmur.com.

California Wildflower Show (May 2-3) The Oakland Museum blooms with hundreds of native flowers from the Sierra Foothills. Botanists present slides and illustrations, and a microscope is available for viewing petals and stamens. You’ll also learn about how to use native species in your own garden. Included with museum admission. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Sat., 12 p.m.–5 p.m. Sun. $8, $5 seniors and students, children under 6 free. Oakland Museum of California, 1000 Oak St., (510) 238-2200, www.museumca.org.

The African Presence in Mexico: From Yanga to the Present (May 9–Aug. 23) This new Oakland Museum exhibit shows the African influence in Mexican paintings, prints, movie posters, photographs, sculpture, costumes, masks and musical instruments. Sagrario Cruz-Carretero, of the University of Veracruz and Cesáreo Morena and visual arts director at the National Museum of Mexican Art, Chicago, curates the exhibit. May 9–Aug. 23, 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.
 

MUSIC

Rocker Grrls
Girls ages 8 to18 take the stage at these two four-day boot camps for rockers. Campers learn how to play chords, sing melodies and write tunes. The Bay Area Girls Rock Camp started as the Portland Rock ’n’ Roll Camp for Girls in 2000. Now it has expanded its mission—to empower girls through music education by through creativity and teamwork—to the Bay Area. May 15 is the registration deadline for the June 22–26 session; May 29 is the deadline for the July 6–10 session. Times vary. Tuition is $400, with financial aid available. Julia Morgan School for Girls, 5000 MacArthur Blvd., (510) 394-8647, www.bayareagirlsrockcamp.org.

Circle of Friends
Yo Yo Ma, the cellist beloved for his unconventional style and precise skills, returns to Berkeley May 15 for a Cal Performances Producer Circle fundraiser at First Congregational Church, where he will play Bach’s Cello Suites Nos. 1, 3, 5. This performer collects acclaim like he packs a venue; from Sesame Street to the Washington Mall for President Obama’s inauguration, he has played them all. 8 p.m. $150–$250. 2345 Channing Way, (510) 642-9988, www.calperfs.berkeley.edu.

Jennifer Hudson and Robin Thicke (May 3) This Dreamgirls diva proves once again that she is as talented as she is strong. For her debut tour and on the heels of her Best R&B Grammy Award win, Hudson squares off with another Grammy Award winner, Alan Thicke. 7:30 p.m. $49.50–$75, Paramount Theatre, 2025 Broadway, (510) 465-6400, www.paramounttheatre.com.

Oakland Fox (Ongoing May) Great acts headline in May at the Fox: Seal (May 5); Keane (May 8); The Shins (May 9); The Allman Brothers Band (May 12–13); M. Ward (May 16); Ben Folds (May 17); The Decemberists (May 20); TV on the Radio (May 22); and Animal Collective (May 26). 8 p.m., prices vary, Fox Theater Oakland, 1807 Telegraph Ave., (800) 745-3000, theoaklandfox.com, apeconcerts.com, ticketmaster.com.

Celtic Woman (May 6) Five Irish sirens sing some of the classics and some new-fangled folk for their Isle of Hope tour. Musical composer David Downes co-founded the group in 2004 and directs this highly successful show. 7:30 p.m. $35–$70. Paramount Theatre, 2025 Broadway, (510) 465-6400, www.paramounttheatre.com.

Fleetwood Mac (May 20) One of the integral bands of the 1960s,’70s and ‘80s plays the favorites for their Bay Area fans. This will be the first time the band has gone on the road without an album release, but with old hits like “Landslide” and “Dragonfly,” this set is sure to please. 8 p.m. $47.25–$142.50. Oracle Arena, 7000 Coliseum Way, (800) 745-3000, ticketmaster.com.

Eric Clapton and Steve Winwood (June 29) These two musicians first came together in 1969 with the formation of Blind Faith. Even though that group (which included Ginger Baker and Ric Grech) only produced one album, Clapton and Winwood have a hit-studded program for this 14-city tour. 8 p.m. $62.50–$142.50. Oracle Arena, 7000 Coliseum Way, (800) 745-3000, ticketmaster.com.

Yoshi’s Jazz Club (Ongoing) Arturo Sandoval (May 1–3); Tanoara (May 4); Crowden Music Center Benefit with Jeremy Cohen, Karen Blixt and more (May 5); Chuck Loeb’s Between 2 Worlds Trio with Brian Bromberg and Dave Weckl (May 6–7); Mark Hummell Blues Harmonica Blow Out with John Hammond, Norton Buffalo and Sugar Ray Norcia (May 8–10); Brian Auger (May 11); Ellen Robinson (May 12); Charnett Moffett Trio (May 13–14); Joe Sample (May 15–17); German Projekt (May 18); Northgate High (May 19); Candy Dulfer (May 20); Spirit of Baba Olatunji with Giobanni Hidalgo, Airto, Zakir Hussain and more (May 22); Khalil Shahid's Tribute to Miles Davis (May 25); Ramana Viera (May 26); Armando Peraza Birthday Celebration (May 29–30); Jennifer Lee (June 1); Julian Lage (June 2); Willie Jones III (June 3); Brian Blade (June 9); Jimmy Cobb's Kind of Blue Tribute (June 10–12); Christian McBride and Inside Straight (June 13–14); Jazz School Studio Bands (June 15); Michael Franks (June 19–21); Poncho Sanchez (June 26–28). 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., ticket prices vary, Yoshi’s Jazz Club, 510 Embarcadero West, (510) 238-9200, www.yoshis.com.
 

THEATER

You, Nero (May 15–June 28) The streets of Rome are in chaos and the emperor’s palace is the center of absurdity. When the emperor commands an out-of-work scribe to create a regime-flattering show, a more ridiculous spectacle ensues. Amy Freed’s play presents a mix of scandal, sex and deceit. Sharon Ott, former Artistic Director of the Berkeley Repertory Theatre, directs. 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.

Faust Part I (May 20–June 21) The Shotgun Players bring Goethe’s classic tale to life in this adaptation by Mark Jackson. In addition to his adaptation work on the project, Jackson also acts the title role and co-directs with Kevin Clarke. 8 p.m. Thu.–Sat., 5 p.m. Sun. $18-$25, 1901 Ashby Ave., Berkeley, (510) 841-6500, www.shotgunplayers.org.

Jack Goes Boating (Jun. 12-Jul. 19) Closing Aurora Theatre’s 17th season is this Bay Area premiere, written by Bob Glaudini. The tale of four eccentric New Yorkers begins when the lazy and loveable Jack convinces his friends to help him win the girl of his dreams. 8 p.m. Wed.–Sat., 2 p.m. Sun. $28–$50, 2081 Addison St., Berkeley, (510) 843-4822, www.auroratheatre.org.

FILM

Paramount Movie Classics (May 1, 8) Hooray for the classics. Notorious (May 1), the 1946 Alfred Hitchcock thriller, stars Cary Grant as an American espionage agent in WWII with Ingrid Bergman. Auntie Mame (May 8) is the 1958 film based on the Jerome Lawrence play about a young Depression-era orphan and his eccentric guardian (Rosalind Russell). Arrive 60 minutes early to hear Jim Riggs play the mighty Wurlitzer organ. Pre-show perks include a newsreel, cartoon, previews and “Dec-O-Win.” 8 p.m., $5, Paramount Theatre, 2025 Broadway, (510) 465-6400, www.paramounttheatre.com.

Ask Not (May 27) Filmmaker Johnny Symons investigates the impacts of the U.S. military’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy. Panel discussion follows as part of this ITVS Community Cinema Series at the Oakland Museum of California. The series features sneak previews of films scheduled for upcoming broadcast on the PBS series Independent Lens, a collaboration of the Oakland Film Office, Oakland Museum, KQED and ITVS. 6 p.m., free with admission, 1000 Oak St., (510) 238-2200, www.museumca.org

LITERARY/LECTURE

Diesel, A Bookstore (May 6, 14, 17, 20, 21; June 7, 24) Upcoming author events include: Jennifer Riggs Vetter reading Down By the Station, May 6; Daniel Mendelssohn reciting his Collected Poems of C.P. Cavafy and Unfinished Poems of C.P. Cavafy, May 14; Barbara Tomash sharing from The Secret of White and Nona Caspers from Little Book of Days, May 17; Norm Sperling discusses This Book Warps Space and Time: Selections from the Journal of Irreproducible Results, May 20; Anneli Rufus and Kristan Lawson present The Scavenger’s Manifesto, May 21; Poetry Flash presents Lyric Postmodernisms, June 7; Monica Ali discusses and signs copies of her new novel,  In the Kitchen, June 24. Times vary, free, 5433 College Ave., (510) 653-9965, www.dieselbookstore.com.

Oakland Heritage Alliance (June 11) East Bay American Institute of Architecture joins the OHA in presenting Pierluigi Serraino, who will discuss his book NorCalMod: Icons of Northern California Modernist Architecture. Wine reception to follow. 5:30 p.m. $10 general, $8 OHA members. AIA, 1405 Clay Street (NW Corner of 14th and Clay Streets). (510) 464-3600, info@aiaeb.org, www.oaklandheritage.org.

Oakland Walking Tours (Ongoing Wednesdays and Saturdays through August) Stroll down city streets while learning Oakland history. There are eight, 90-minute tours from which to choose: Old Oakland, City Center, Uptown to the Lake, Preservation Park, Oakland Chinatown, Jack London Waterfront, Churches and Temples and New Era/New Politics. The tours are free and begin at 10 a.m. For reservations caLl (510) 238-3234, e-mail aallen@oaklandnet.com or visit www.oaklandnet.com/walkingtours.

SPORTS

Oakland on Two Wheels (May 17, June 21) Cycle around Oakland with the museum’s bike-tripping docents. Every third Sunday these tours run through one neighborhood—downtown, Fruitvale, the Port of Oakland, West Oakland, Brooklyn or Lake Merritt—for a little over two hours. The pace is leisurely and most of the 5-mile ride is hill-free. Bicyclists must be 12 years old or older. Bring your own bikes, helmets and repair kits to the 10th Street entrance. 10 a.m. Free. Reservations are necessary; call (510) 238-3514 or e-mail docentcenter@museumca.org, www.museumca.org.

98th Annual ING Bay to Breakers (May 17) This year is supposed to be the first dry Bay to Breakers, but even if you can’t pop open a beer for the race, you’ll crack up at the costumes. Several runners dressed as Elvis join other revelers for this 12-K (7.46-mile) San Francisco race. Beginning at Embarcadero, the route ratchets up 215 feet on Hayes Street Hill and then descends to the Panhandle, winds through Golden Gate Park and finishes at the Great Highway. 8 a.m. Standard registration—$48 for adults and $44 for those under 18—ends May 12 (though early and late registration are available). (415) 359-2800, info@baytobreakers.com, www.ingbaytobreakers.com.

Oakland Athletics (Ongoing) Catch a home game at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum: A’s vs. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim May 4–5; vs. Texas Rangers May 6–7; vs. Toronto Blue Jays May 8–10; vs. Kansas City Royals May 12–13; vs. Arizona Diamondbacks May 22–24; vs. Seattle Mariners May 25–27; vs. Baltimore Orioles June 5–7; vs. Minnesota Twins June 8–11; vs. San Francisco Giants June 22–24; vs. Colorado Rockies June 26–28; vs. Detroit Tigers June 29–30. Times and ticket prices vary. McAfee Coliseum, 7000 Coliseum Way, (510) 638-4627, www.oaklandathletics.com, www.ticketmaster.com.

Roller Derby (June 13) The Bay Area Derby Girls’ 2008 League Champions, the Oakland Outlaws, try to put the hurt on San Francisco’s ShEvil Dead. Watch the Outlaws and their Raider-like moxie try to demolish the opposition. Bouts take place at Fort Mason in San Francisco, and details can be found at www.bayareaderbygirls.com/events.

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. 9 p.m., College and Keith avenues, www.myspace.com/4squareeastbay.
 

KIDS/FAMILY

Chabot Space and Science Center (May 2) The stars align for 2009, as Chabot celebrates the 400th anniversary of Galileo’s first telescope view of the night sky. On Astronomy Day, engage in spacey activities and enter to win one of two Meade telescopes. And since Saturn’s making an appearance this spring and summer, stop by on Friday or Saturday nights at dusk to see its rings in the night sky through Chabot’s giant telescopes. Times vary, free with general admission, $14.95, $11.95 students and seniors, $10.95 for children 3-12. Chabot Space and Science Center, 10000 Skyline Blvd., (510) 336-7300, www.chabotspace.org.

Mother’s Day at the Zoo (May 10) 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Take mom on a wild safari at the Oakland Zoo. The adventure starts with brunch at the Island Cafe and is followed by an afternoon studded with elephants, meerkats, giraffes and more. Train rides are free for moms all day. 10 a.m.–3 p.m. $10.50 adults 15 and older, $7 for seniors and children ages 2–14, and free for children under 2. Oakland Zoo, 9777 Golf Links Road, (510) 632-9525, www.oaklandzoo.org.

Sesame Street Live (June 18–21) Elmo’s sunflower, named Sunny, needs a little lift. In order to help his plant grow, his friend Abby casts a spell. But instead of the growing the plant, the spell shrinks Elmo and his Muppet posse to the size of beetles. Join them on their adventures in Big Bird’s garden from the ground up, while Abby tries for a sizable spell reversal. Times vary, June 18–21, $15–$30, Oracle Arena, 7000 Coliseum Way, (510) 625-TIXS, www.ticketmaster.com.
 

FARMERS MARKETS

Farmers Markets (Ongoing) 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.