Latest Events in Berkeley(July Updated)

Experience a burst of creativity at the Hotspot Presents: Spring Bloom Art Festival, a must-visit event this season in Berkeley. Immerse yourself in an art gallery showcasing 20+ local artists and 15 small businesses. Delight in live music, installations, themed cocktails, food, and more. Perfect for Mother's Day, this event is ideal for enjoying with loved ones, whether family, a date, or a group of friends. Head over to Ciel Creative Space for a day filled with inspiration and creativity, surrounded by vibrant colors, intricate designs, and captivating art pieces. Connect with fellow artists and art enthusiasts in a welcoming environment celebrating the beauty of spring. Hosted by Hotspot Creatives, an organization supporting Bay Area creatives through events and creative initiatives, the festival promises a unique experience. Ciel Creative Space, located at 2611 Eighth Street, Berkeley, CA 94710, is a new artistic sanctuary in the East Bay for creative minds to collaborate and explore. Don't miss the Hotspot Presents: Spring Bloom Art Festival on May 12, 2024, with ticket prices ranging from $15 to $20.

Join Michael JMK for "Zero Forms and Movement Situations: Mixed Modal Movement Training." This all-levels class delves into physical preparedness and foundational movement-skill development. Participants will explore various disciplines such as dance, sports, martial arts, and everyday movements. Drawing from Jozef Frucek and Linda Kapetanea's Fighting Monkey Practice, as well as Hatha yoga and contact dance, the class focuses on enhancing body awareness, cognitive vitalization, and athletic potential. Through a series of exercises and games, attendees will work on improving joint articulation, coordination, and expressive power. The session also aims to foster intersubjective awareness, physical empathy, and adaptability to changing rules. Michael JMK, a movement teacher and physical training coach, brings over 10 years of experience in classical strength & conditioning. Don't miss this opportunity to gain practical knowledge and skills to support your movement practice. The event will take place on May 13, 2024, at The Berkeley Alembic in Berkeley, CA. Ticket prices range from $15 to $25.

Attend Catherine Hiebert Kerst's CALIFORNIA GOLD In-Store Appearance at Mrs. Dalloway's Bookstore in Berkeley on May 15th at 7:00 PM. Kerst, a folklorist and cultural researcher, will delve into her study of the WPA California Folk Music Project from the 1930s. Explore her latest work, California Gold: Sidney Robertson and the WPA California Folk Music Project, offering a glimpse into the diverse musical landscape of California during the New Deal era. Discover the remarkable achievements of Sidney Robertson, a pioneering folk music collector who documented the music of English-speaking and immigrant communities in Northern California. Learn about Kerst's examination of Robertson's fieldwork methods and the ethnographic materials she produced. This event is free, but registration is required by 5:30 PM on May 15th due to limited seating. Arrive between 6:45 and 7:00 PM to secure your spot. Please note that companion animals are not permitted, and restroom access is restricted after 6:30 PM. Don't miss this opportunity to delve into the rich musical heritage of California with Catherine Hiebert Kerst.

Experience the magic of the Sarah McLachlan - Fumbling Towards Ecstasy 30th Anniversary Tour at the Greek Theatre-U.C. Berkeley on May 30, 2024. This iconic event will take place at 2001 Gayley Road, Berkeley, CA, 94720, where fans will be treated to an unforgettable evening filled with timeless hits. From the emotive melodies of "Possession" to the soul-stirring lyrics of "Angel," this concert promises to be a journey through Sarah McLachlan's most cherished songs. Tickets for the Sarah McLachlan - Fumbling Towards Ecstasy 30th Anniversary Tour will be available for purchase from December 15, 2023, at 8:00 PM until May 31, 2024, at 1:30 AM. Don't miss this opportunity to celebrate three decades of musical excellence with one of the most beloved artists of our time. Mark your calendars and secure your spot for a night of pure musical bliss.

Renowned Mexican-American musician, artist, and activist Joan Baez will engage in a thought-provoking dialogue with accomplished writer, professor, and tribal leader Chairman Greg Sarris at the Freight & Salvage venue in Berkeley. Together, they will delve into the realms of writing, creativity, and legacy. Chairman Sarris, co-executive producer of the profound documentary "Joan Baez: I Am A Noise," intimately shadows Baez during her 2018 Fare Thee Well farewell tour. This documentary delves into themes of memory and abuse using personal materials like home videos, journal entries, and therapy tapes. Baez's newly released poetry collection, "When You See My Mother, Ask Her to Dance," offers a touching reflection on pivotal moments in her artistic journey. Featuring unseen poems, the collection explores themes of family, childhood, nature, and her interactions with icons like Bob Dylan and Judy Collins. Chairman Greg Sarris, an esteemed author and playwright, will add his perspective as they discuss the power of vulnerability, the art of storytelling across genres, and the significance of memory and personal history. Don't miss this unique opportunity to witness two legendary artists share their insights on identity and remembrance on June 1, 2024, in Berkeley. Tickets are priced at $20.

Discover the captivating world of SKY NELSON-ISAACS at Books Inc. Berkeley on June 6, 2024. Dive into a riveting discussion on quantum physics and synchronicity at Books Inc., located at 1491 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94710. Immerse yourself in thought-provoking insights from this renowned author and physicist. Explore the concept of wholeness as Sky Nelson-Isaacs delves into the intricate connection between science and spirituality, offering a fresh perspective on our perception of reality. Join this enlightening event to gain a deeper understanding of how synchronicities can shape our lives and open doors to transformative experiences. Don't miss this opportunity to engage with a masterful blend of scientific knowledge and personal anecdotes that will expand your consciousness. Admission is free, so mark your calendar and secure your spot for an evening that promises to be enlightening and inspiring.

Get ready for an unforgettable night at the Greek Theatre-U.C. Berkeley on June 11, 2024, featuring the incredible talents of CAVETOWN & MOTHER MOTHER. The venue, located at 2001 Gayley Road, Berkeley, CA, 94720, will come alive with electrifying performances that will leave you breathless. This concert promises to be a feast for the ears, showcasing hit songs that will resonate with fans of all ages. Tickets for this highly anticipated event will go on sale starting January 26, 2024, at 6:00 PM, and will be available until June 12, 2024, at 1:00 AM. Make sure to mark your calendars and secure your spot to witness CAVETOWN & MOTHER MOTHER in all their glory. It's a night you won't want to miss!

Get ready to immerse yourself in the mesmerizing world of NOA SILVER at Books Inc. Berkeley! This upcoming arts event is set to take place at Books Inc. located at 1491 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94710 on June 13, 2024. The best part? Admission is absolutely free! NOA SILVER promises to captivate audiences with a unique blend of artistic expression that will leave a lasting impression. So mark your calendars and make sure not to miss this extraordinary opportunity to witness a truly exceptional performance. Whether you're a devoted art enthusiast or simply looking for a delightful way to spend an evening, NOA SILVER at Books Inc. Berkeley is bound to exceed your expectations. Join in on the excitement and experience the magic for yourself.

Join bestselling author Sloan at Mrs. Dalloway's Bookstore in Berkeley on June 13th at 7:00 PM for an exclusive event introducing his latest novel, Moonbound. In this far-future adventure, Sloan expands the Penumbraverse to new dimensions of time and space, creating an epic quest blending science fiction, fantasy, and literary storytelling. Set thirteen thousand years from now, Moonbound follows Ariel, a boy embarking on a thrilling journey filled with unknown enemies, ancient civilizations, and a sentient artificial intelligence. This event is free, but pre-registration is required due to limited seating. Registration closes at 5:30 PM on June 13th. Walk-ins will be admitted if space permits. Please arrive between 6:45 and 7:00 PM, and note that non-support companion animals are not permitted. Restrooms will be inaccessible after 6:30 PM. Don't miss this opportunity to dive into the rich depths of Story with Robin Sloan, a visionary writer pushing the boundaries of imagination and storytelling.

Experience the thrill of Summer Cheer Camp in Goldsboro! This exciting event will take place at 108 S Berkeley Blvd from June 18th to June 21st. Dive into a week of cheers, chants, and stunt training led by skilled coaches ready to enhance your cheerleading abilities. Whether a novice or a seasoned cheerleader, this camp caters to all skill levels wanting to elevate their performance and have a fantastic time. Don't let this opportunity pass you by - showcase your team spirit, meet new friends, and have a blast. Secure your spot now before it's too late! Limited space available for this exhilarating event, so act fast. Ticket prices range from $30 to $55. Get set to ignite the crowd and bring on the energy at Summer Cheer Camp in Goldsboro.

Meet bestselling author Robert McNally at Books Inc. Berkeley for a special event on July 11, 2024. Discover his latest book and delve into his writing process, inspirations, and more. This is a great opportunity to connect with a talented author and perhaps even have your book signed. Don't miss out on this chance to engage with fellow book enthusiasts and immerse yourself in the world of literature. "Cast Out of Eden" sheds light on John Muir's lesser-known story, exploring his impact on the creation of national parks at the expense of Indigenous peoples. Author Robert Aquinas McNally presents a revealing biography that challenges conventional views of Muir, highlighting his role in Indigenous land dispossession. Join us at Books Inc. in Berkeley to gain insight into this thought-provoking narrative. The event will be held at Books Inc., located at 1491 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94710. Admission is free, so mark your calendars for an enlightening experience with Robert McNally.

Prepare to broaden your perspective at the upcoming event, "Perspective is Key" with the esteemed Ira Pope Sage. This enlightening gathering will delve into the profound influence of perspective on our lives, offering invaluable insights for personal growth and success. Join Ira Pope Sage at Marmalade Salon on College Avenue in Berkeley, CA, USA, on July 15, 2024, as he shares his expertise and wisdom. With a rich background in hairstyling, Ira Pope Sage embarked on his career in Michigan in 1994, eventually becoming a Global Educator for Paul Mitchell in 2012. Renowned for his Clock Cutting Method, he has received accolades such as Educator of the Year at the 2023 Southwest Hairstyling Awards. As an ambassador for Babyliss Pro, Ira continues to innovate and educate in the hairstyling industry. Don't miss this opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and gain a fresh perspective on your journey towards success. Secure your ticket for $250 and be part of this transformative experience.

Experience a captivating live performance at Bleachers in Berkeley on September 19, 2024, at the prestigious Greek Theatre-U.C. Berkeley. Immerse yourself in an unforgettable evening of music at 2001 Gayley Road, Berkeley, CA, 94720. Don't miss out on this opportunity to enjoy an incredible event in a stunning venue. Reserve your tickets now and witness a spectacular show at Bleachers.

A 2 class series with Zoe. Fusion Bellydance for all levels, with some layering and faster tempos to challenge you. We start with a strength-building warm-up, do some technique drills, and put everything together that we learned into a fun combo! A 2 class series! Tuesday, September 24th and October 1st from 7:30 to 8:45 PM PST So come join me online via ZOOM (lots spots) or in-person at my studio (limited to 20 students) HOW TO PURCHASE YOUR TICKET: E ach ticket type shows 2 different amounts. You will pick an amount and pay no less than the first amount but no more than the second amount. E xample: If the ticket you are getting shows 100-140$ it means you will not pay less than 100$ but not more 140$ The in-person, classes will be held at: 1741 Alcatraz Ave1741 Alcatraz Avenue, Berkeley, CA, 94703 Information Source: Zoe Jakes | eventbrite

Get ready to experience the enchanting melodies of Faye Webster at the Greek Theatre-U.C. Berkeley in Berkeley, California on September 27, 2024. Faye Webster, known for her unique blend of indie folk and R&B, is set to captivate the audience with her soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics. The Greek Theatre-U.C. Berkeley, located at 2001 Gayley Road, provides the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable evening of music under the stars. Don't miss this opportunity to witness Faye Webster live in concert at this iconic venue in Berkeley.

This year, we are excited to have distinguished featured panelists from our Cal Athletics alumni community, the Bay Area pro sport community, and our current staff, coaches and student athletes. The moderated conversation, inclusive of our representatives from campus, will be grounded in the 2024 theme for Latinx Heritage Month: “Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together.” Our Cal Athletics Heritage Month Playbooks are being held at the Cal Alumni Association this year. The goal is to encourage folks to attend the Playbook and then walk across the courtyard to cheer on our Cal volleyball team at 7pm at Haas Pavilion for our Latinx Heritage Month Game. There is also a Latinx emphasis at the October 5 Cal football game versus University of Miami the next day. Information Source: eventbrite

Discover an exclusive event, My Nguyen's HEALTHY, MY WAY In-Store Book Launch And Signing, taking place in Berkeley at Mrs Dalloway's on October 17th, 2024. Renowned Bay Area chef and author, My Nguyen, will unveil her latest cookbook featuring over 100 simple, Asian-inspired, vegetable-focused recipes designed to elevate flavors and promote well-being. My Nguyen, a Northern California-based chef, faced the challenge of balancing a hectic lifestyle with nourishing meals for her family. Embracing a unique approach to healthy eating, she crafted recipes centered around lean proteins, fresh veggies, and flavorful ingredients. Through her book, Healthy, My Way: Real Food, Real Flavor, Real Good, she shares practical tips, kitchen hacks, and customizable recipes tailored to individual tastes and dietary requirements. Attendees can expect a variety of delectable dishes such as Mocha Protein Smoothie, Kimchi Fried Rice, Saucy Sesame Salmon, and Grilled Pineapple with Hot Honey. The event is free, with pre-registration recommended due to limited seating. Registration closes at 5:30 pm on October 17th. Please arrive between 6:45 and 7:00 pm for the event at 2904 College Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94705. Non-support companion animals should be left at home, and restroom accessibility is limited after 6:30 pm. Don't miss this opportunity to explore My Nguyen's innovative approach to healthy and flavorful cooking.

Join local author Grace Feuerverger at Books Inc. Berkeley for a reading and signing of her powerful memoir Winter Light! This memoir by a child of Holocaust survivors is unlike any other. Always searching for shelter, Grace Feuerverger knew that her home was the last place she could find it. A child of Holocaust survivors, Grace was always searching for shelter but knew that her home was the last place where she could find it. She was eager to be out there in the world, but at every turn had to battle the demons which permeated her home - hissing their frightening, grim messages. Montréal offered Grace the chance of a lifetime. She was four years old when she discovered the joie-de-vivre of her French-Canadian neighbors in the working-class east end of her beloved city. As she grew older other serendipitous rescues arrived in surprising ways in many different places. Vivid and lyrical, Winter Light is a deeply moving memoir dedicated to all who are coming from places of trauma. It is about the vast unknown territory of the human heart, where love and hope can rise above everything - in spite of the ghosts that still haunt us. Feuerverger's search for a place of inner solace is profoundly inspiring … often rendered in poetically stirring prose. With affecting clarity, the author meditates on the ways in which trauma is transmitted generationally…This is a powerful story, conveyed with deep humanity and insight. -Kirkus Reviews Grace Feuerverger was born and raised in her beloved city of Montréal surrounded by a multitude of languages and cultures inside and outside her home. She is professor emerita of education and ethnography at the University of Toronto, and taught courses on language, culture and identity as well as peace education for many years. Grace was educated at McGill University, the Università per Stranieri in Perugia, Italy, the University of California at Berkeley, the Hebrew University in Jerusalem and the University of Toronto. She has also been an invited member of the Canadian Commission for UNESCO for many years.Among her many publications are two award-winning books: Oasis of Dreams (about a cooperative Jewish-Palestinian village in Israel) and Teaching, Learning and Other Miracles (about education as a sacred life journey). Although now retired, her heart will always be in the classroom with her students. Grace and her husband divide their time between Berkeley and Toronto. Information Source: Books Inc. | eventbrite

"From Backstroke to Breakthrough: A Fireside Chat with Missy Franklin Johnson" is set to take place at Andersen Auditorium in Berkeley on November 7, 2024. The event will offer attendees the opportunity to engage in a conversation with the renowned swimmer about her journey from backstroke champion to inspirational figure. This insightful discussion is sure to provide valuable insights and inspiration to all who attend. Admission to this event is free of charge, making it accessible to all who wish to participate. Don't miss this unique opportunity to hear from Missy Franklin Johnson in person at Andersen Auditorium in Berkeley."

Welcome to the Songbird Dance Studio Showcase - Fantasies and Fairytales! Join us for a magical evening of dance and storytelling at the Flux Vertical Theatre. Our talented dancers will bring your favorite fantasies and fairytales to life through their graceful movements and captivating performances. Come witness the beauty and artistry of our dancers as they transport you to enchanted worlds filled with wonder and excitement. Don't miss this opportunity to experience the magic of dance in person! Get ready to be swept off your feet and immerse yourself in a night of enchantment at the Songbird Dance Studio Showcase - Fantasies and Fairytales! Information Source: Songbird Dance LLC | eventbrite

❄️FVT is excited to announce the return of The Nutcracker Nightmare Fantasy, an edgy and sensual reimagining of a classic tale, presented by Flux Vertical Theatre! Join us as Clara goes down the rabbit hole into the adult land of sweets, treats and kinks! This mesmerizing pole, aerial and dance performance promises to be an electrifying journey, combining tradition with a tantalizing twist. Our cast of talented dancers will captivate your senses and transport you to a world where Clara dreams of Nutcrackers, sugar plums and sweets while fighting off mice and making friends with Krampus. Don't miss an evening of debauchery with this childhood favorite and a twist! Join us in making this holiday season exxxtraordinary! 💥💥💥PERFORMANCE DATES💥💥💥❄️December 6th, 7th, 8th, 13th, 14th+ 15th 💥💥THIS IS A 21+ EVENT💥💥Make sure you arrive with your state issued photo ID in hand. No ID = no entry! ❄️DOOR TIMES:❄️7:00pm = VIP Guests 7:30pm = General Admission Guests 8:00pm = SHOW TIME! ❄️TICKET OPTIONS!❄️$50 - Limited Seating $75 - VIP Seat at one of our Cabaret Tables up front and personal! $75 - VIP Seat at one of our High Top Tables! $299 - VIP COUCH for up to 4 cozy people! ❄️VIP Tickets include...❄️1 glass of Champagne! 1 Bag of Popcorn! + ♥ A Sweet Treat ♥ ! ❄️VIP Tickets include early entry + meet some of the cast!❄️~ VIP Patrons will recieve a seperate *confirmation email* inviting them to come at 7:00pm, 30 minutes before general doors. We will use this time for a special meet & greet with some of the cast! ***ALL Ticket Sales are FINAL and NON-REFUNDABLE!*** You, the purchaser, agree and understand that all sales are final and no refunds will be given. Thanks for your support! ADA Accessibility - Flux Vertical Theatre is 100% ADA accessiblePlease email us directly if you will needing ADA assistance outside of regular ADA access. ***For MORE information about FVT and to stay up to date on all of our projects, please check us out in the links below*** http://www.fluxverticaltheatre.com/ Photo and Video Disclaimer Please note that photographs and video footage will be taken throughout all Flux Vertical Theatre produced shows. These will be used by Flux Vertical Theatre, FVT Academy and Flux Theatre Berkeley for marketing and publicity in our publications, on our websites and in social media or in any third party publication. By purchasing this ticket you, the purchaser, understand and agree that all photos and videos will become the property of Flux Vertical Theatre and will not be returned. You, the purchaser, hereby irrevocably authorize Flux Vertical Theatre to edit, alter, copy, exhibit, publish, or distribute these photos for any lawful purpose. Information Source: Flux Vertical Theatre | eventbrite

EBRU WORKSHOPS Calling all art enthusiasts! Discover the magic of Ebru and create your own unique masterpiece to take home under the guidance of esteemed artist Hacer Özcan. Join us to embrace the meditative flow of colors on water and unleash your creativity in this mesmerizing art form. Ebru Art: A Dance of Colors on Water Ebru, also known as water marbling, is an ancient Turkish art form that captivates with its enchanting beauty. This technique involves floating pigments on the surface of water and carefully manipulating them into intricate patterns. The results are ethereal, resembling vibrant, swirling galaxies or delicate blooming flowers. Each creation is a unique masterpiece, reflecting the harmonious interplay between the artist and the water. Ebru is not just a visual art—it’s a meditative journey where colors dance and blend to create stunning compositions. Hacer Özcan is a seasoned practitioner of Ebru with years of experience. She has conducted numerous Ebru classes, workshops, and masterclasses in Toronto, sharing her passion for this ancient art with eager learners of all ages. WORKSHOP SPECIFICATIONS AND REGISTRATION 👩‍🎨 Age: The workshop is for adults (min. age 18)🗓️ Date: December 15th, 2024⏰ Time: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM ESTVenue: Toronto Yunus Emre Institute, 78 Berkeley St., Toronto, ON M5A 2W7Workshop Materials: All materials will be provided. Feel free to bring a phone or camera to capture these unforgettable moments! 📸🎨Instructor: Hacer Özcan (see her short bio above)Fee: CA$25 (total price for the event including the materials and the Eventbrite processing fee of CA$1.98)Registration: Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis through Eventbrite. Secure your spot by registering promptly to avoid missing out!Withdrawal and Refund Policy: You may withdraw up to two days before the workshop start date; however, Eventbrite processing fees may not be refundable. No refunds will be given for cancellations made one day prior or on the day of the workshop. All refunds will be processed to the participant’s bank account.For further inquiries: Contact us at toronto@yee.org.tr• Follow us on Instagram , Twitter , Facebook . Information Source: Toronto Yunus Emre Institute | eventbrite

*****ARTISTS APPLY HERE: https://forms.gle/1ou7rQhmKLYZkoBW9 (selected artists do not need to buy tickets)artists do not need to buy tickets) An Art Tasting is a community fundraising dinner for Bay Area artists. It combines our love of great food, local performers, & a desire for our guests to make new friends. Join us for an evening of delicious dinner & awesome art! Last time we threw this event was January 2020. We raised over $1000 for local artists & fed 80 friends old & brand new. This year the food will be different, the art will be new, & our goals will be bigger. With your help, we hope to raise at least $2000 for local performing artists all while filling your stomachs with a fabulous meal. Here's how it works: When you arrive, a portion of your ticket cost will be returned to you in Play Money. Throughout the evening you will enjoy six spectacular stage performances that showcase the diverse talents of the Bay Area community. These performances will spark conversation & connection as you share a three course meal served family style at each table. There will by time to discuss amongst your new friends & at the end of the night you each choose how to spend your dollars in donation directly to the artist(s) of your choice. *****ARTISTS APPLY HERE: https://forms.gle/1ou7rQhmKLYZkoBW9 (selected artists do not need to buy tickets) We will need volunteers for set up, service, & clean up! If your interested in a free volunteer ticket (including the Play Money), reach out to Zac via email (zacharylstein@gmail.com). We believe in equitable access to events like this. Please buy a ticket at the price you can afford so more people can attend. Lowest cost tickets are for people who live pay check to pay check. Highest cost tickets are for people who are high income & have savings. Everyone else is in the middle. PS. This event will almost certainly Sell Out. Get your tickets early! Information Source: Gina Dinner | eventbrite

Join us at Mrs. Dalloway's Bookstore on January 15th, 2025 when Bay Area author Barbara Rhodes comes to the store to share her new book Composting Our Karma: Turning Confusion Into Lessons for Awakening Our Innate Wisdom. Barbara will sign copies of her book after the presentation. Click Here to preorder a copy of Composting Our Karma .Engaging teachings on the core Korean Zen practice of “don’t-know mind” that encourage us to cultivate and apply a clear mind, improve our intuition, feel naturally at ease, and generate compassionate wisdom to face whatever arises. ​​Barbara Rhodes (Zen Master Soeng Hyang) offers the core Korean Zen teaching of don’t-know mind as an antidote to the over-thinking, overly stimulating modern world that is the cause of so much suffering. In this collection of essays, Rhodes shows us that there are ways we can work with, or “compost,” whatever we’ve got in front of us, digest it into energy that can get us through the rough times, and cultivate a satisfying life. “Don’t-know mind,” Korean Zen’s foremost teaching, points to our clear enlightened mind before suffering arises based on concepts and judgments of like and dislike. While simple, it is a lifelong exercise, with immediate benefits that get deeper with practice. By applying don’t-know mind to meditation, everyday existence, and life’s challenges, readers will learn to work with their own mind’s reactions to things; trust their intuition; perceive situations clearly; and act with natural courage, compassion, and enthusiasm. Rhodes offers fascinating insights from her professional life as a nurse; her commitment to engaged Buddhism; her life experience as a member of the LGBTQ community; her use of psychedelics on her spiritual path; and more. Readers will appreciate her down-to-earth wisdom, compassion, enthusiasm, and faith in the power of this practice. Based in Richmond, California, BARBARA RHODES is the School Zen Master of the Kwan Um School of Zen, a longtime Buddhist practitioner and teacher, and a retired hospice nurse. Information Source: Mrs. Dalloway's Bookstore | eventbrite

JOSIAH is theatrical magic: Cassel Miles is on a bare stage with only a cap, a handkerchief, and a bucket. Using excerpts from Josiah Henson's autobiography and vernacular from the time, he takes you on a remarkable journey from enslavement to freedom. Miles creates dozens of characters and conjures setting from thin air. It is true storytelling at its essence engaging audiences with a mix of drama, dance and movement. Join us on this Underground Railroad journey to freedom as you experience the captivating story of the 'Real Uncle Tom'. Information Source: Josiah - The Show | eventbrite

Books Inc. Berkeley welcomes artist, writer, and activist Isabella La Rocca González for an eye opening reading and discussion of her photographic book Censored Landscapes: The Hidden Reality of Farming Animals. Censored Landscapes is a compelling long-term photographic project that unveils the hidden reality of animal agriculture. Photographs, essays, poetry, and research together tell a factual story about the most abusive industry of the 21st century. Isabella La Rocca González’s lens captures the haunting beauty of landscapes that portray the animal agricultural industry. A number displayed with each image represents the lives imprisoned within the facility, drawing attention to the magnitude of suffering behind the banal exteriors. Portraits of nonhuman animals who have been confined in such facilities are emblematic of the vast number of animals whose individuality, sentience, and beauty are obliterated by the industry. Censored Landscapes maintains a lyrical quality through evocative photographs, poetry, and personal narrative. The project also provides a robust basis in verifiable facts and scientific research. Readers are encouraged to confront the intricate web of connections between animal agriculture, animal suffering, environmental devastation, worker exploitation, human health, economic political structures, and social justice. This book is a call to action, a revelation of the invisible, and an opportunity to see, feel, and make a difference. Isabella La Rocca González is an artist, writer, and activist based in the United States. As the daughter of immigrants, she strives to reconcile values from her indigenous Mexican roots with her European heritage. Awards for her work include the Ferguson Grant from the Friends of Photography. Her photographs have been exhibited internationally, including a solo show at the Center for Photography in Woodstock. Her creative nonfiction works have been published in various outlets. Her screenplay, Fugue 9, was chosen as a finalist for the 2008 Sundance Screenwriters Lab. She received her BA in fine arts from the University of Pennsylvania, and her MFA in photography from Indiana University. Information Source: Books Inc. | eventbrite

Join us at Mrs. Dalloway's Bookstore on Tuesday, February 18th when Judge David Tatel comes to the store to present his book Vision: A Memoir of Blindness and Justice. Click Here to order a copy of Vision. The moving, thoughtful, and inspiring memoir (Bryan Stevenson, author ofJust Mercy) by one of America’s most accomplished public servants and legal thinkers—who spent years denying and working around his blindness, before finally embracing it as an essential part of his identity. David Tatel has served nearly 30 years on America’s second highest court, the United States Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, where many of our most crucial cases are resolved—or teed up for the Supreme Court. He has championed equal justice for his entire adult life; decided landmark environmental and voting cases; and embodied the ideal of what a great judge should be. Yet he has been blind for the past 50 of his 80-plus years. Initially, he depended upon aides to read texts to him, and more recently, a suite of hi-tech solutions has allowed him to listen to reams of documents at high speeds. At first, he tried to hide his deteriorating vision, and for years, he denied that it had any impact on his career. Only recently, partly thanks to his first-ever guide dog, Vixen, has he come to fully accept his blindness and the role it's played in his personal and professional lives. His story of fighting for justice over many decades, with and without eyesight, is an inspiration to us all. JUDGE DAVID TATEL served on the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit from 1994 to 2023. Prior to that, his three-decade career as a civil rights lawyer included private and government positions, and focused heavily on equal educational opportunity and access to justice. He served as Director of the Chicago Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law and then Director of the National Committee. He was the Director of the Office for Civil Rights of the U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare during the Carter Administration. When he returned to private practice in 1979, Judge Tatel joined Hogan & Hartson, where he founded and headed the firm’s education practice until his appointment to the D.C. Circuit. Judge Tatel also co-chaired the National Academy of Sciences’ Committee on Science, Technology and Law. Judge Tatel and his wife, Edie, have four children and eight grandchildren. They live in Virginia and Washington, D.C. THIS EVENT is free but registration is requested. Registration ends at 5:30 pm on February 18th, 2025. BECAUSE SEATING is limited, please register only if you plan to attend. DUE TO SPACE limitations, we may not be able to accommodate every person at an event, so early registration is encouraged. WALK-INS will be accommodated only if space allows. WE ASK that attendees arrive between 6:45 and 7:00 PM for the event. PLEASE leave your non-support companion animals at home. OUR shared restrooms are not accessible after 6:30 PM, please plan accordingly. Information Source: Mrs. Dalloway's Bookstore | eventbrite

Kindred Creation: A Conversation w/Aida Davis Join us for an intimate book talk with Aida Mariam Davis, UC Berkeley African American Studies and Political Science alum and author of Kindred Creation. Her work serves as a philosophical guidebook for reclaiming African lifeways and creating worlds worthy of Black futures. Through parable, poetry, theory, and narrative, Davis explores how settler colonialism impacts African relationships to land, language, and labor while offering pathways toward liberation and intergenerational joy. The event will feature a reflection by the author, followed by facilitated discussion centered on themes of Black freedom, ancestral reconnection, and world-building on Black terms. She will also be sharing a bit about the writing and publishing process with audience members. Books will be available through Marcus Books, a historic Black-owned bookstore in Oakland. Information Source: eventbrite

Join us at the David Brower Center in Downtown Berkeley for a very special early evening event co-sponsored by the Bay Area Book Festival and the Townsend Center for the Humanities. Alexis Pauline Gumbs, author of Survival is a Promise: The Eternal Life of Audre Lorde and Undrowned: Black Feminist Lessons from Marine Mammals, will be in conversation with Malaika Parker, Executive Director of the Black Organizing Project and founder of the Hummingbird Urban Farm Collective. This is a moderated discussion (moderator TBA) and Alexis will be joining virtually. Buy your tickets now. Want free tickets and first access to events like this in the future? Become a Friend of the Festival for exclusive perks throughout the year. Information Source: Bay Area Book Festival | eventbrite