On Monday, March 9 at 4pm, come celebrate the unveiling of Ursus Redivivus, a giant kinetic bear sculpture installed on BART Plaza as a temporary piece of public art until the redesign of BART Plaza. Ursus Redivivus was made from the escalator parts created by local kinetic-sculpture artists Alex Nolan, Phillip Glashof and his son Chad. Join Mayor Tom Bates, Councilmember Jesse Arreguin, city staff, Downtown Berkeley Association and the local community. Celebrate this innovative new piece of public art in Berkeley, and the pioneering temporary installation that paves the way for installing more public art in Berkeley.

Swing into spring when the Esprit de Django et Stephane Festival sets the Freight sizzling with a full weekend of concerts, buskers, lobby bands, belly dancers, and workshops- all inspired by the legendary jazz band Quintette du Hot Club de France. The party starts at 3pm Saturday with Cella Bellydance and Incognito Express in the lobby, followed by a processional down Addison Street with Vaud & the Villains, a 19-piece New Orleans cabaret orchestra.

Jump over a bonfire for "Chahr-Shanbeh Souri" on Tuesday, March 17 at the Persian Center in Berkeley to shake off the darkness of winter and welcome the lightness of spring. A Persian ritual passed down since ancient Zoroastrian times, the Persian New Year Festival, called Chahar-Shanbeh Souri, literally means 'Eve of Wednesday" because the fire festival is held on the last Tuesday of winter, just before the Vernal Equinox or first moment of spring.

 

Inside the Persian Center, a traditional altar holds green grass, live goldfish, food and other items representative of spring called the "haftseen" or seven 's's as each item on the table begins with the letter 's'.  Persian techno music by DJ Dr. T, dancing in the street, several kabob booths serving great Persian food and craft vendors, cultural organizations, and children's activities add to the experience. Sponsored by Persian Center, this is a free, family-friendly, non-alcoholic event held outdoors on Durant Avenue, rain or shine.

Come to the Government Affairs meeting at the Berkeley Chamber at 12:00 noon on Monday, March 9th. Bring your lunch and good questions and meet Eric and his team.

Now - Sunday, March 22 | Bay Area Children's Theatre presents: The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane | The Osher Studio | 2055 Center St. Suite D | Adults: $22; Child: $18; Seniors: $20

Wednesday, March 18 | Reel to Real Films Mini-Series: Our Land in Transition: Hanna Ranch | 7:00 pm | David Brower Center | 2150 Allston Way | $10 Advance / $12 Door // $5 Students & Teachers