AN ENDURING VOICE The singer Janis Ian definitely has staying power. She had her first hit in 1965 when she was 14 – “Society’s Child” (“I learned the truth at 17 / that love was meant for beauty queens), and this year won her third Emmy for Best Spoken Word Album. The London Times, in describing a recent concert, said, “The show was all about the songs, the lyrics, the person; but posterity also demands a quick mention of her acoustic guitar. She played it so beautifully, with an attention to touch and tone far exceeding that of the great majority of singers accompanying themselves in this way.” Ian will be performing Friday March 29 at 8 p.m. at Freight & Salvage. Vocalist Diana Jones will open the set.
MARATHON THEATER Shotgun Players, “the biggest little theater company in town,” secured the rights last year to put on Tom Stoppard’s Coast of Utopia trilogy. This season Shotgun is producing Part Two: Shipwreck, along with some repeat performances of Part One: Voyage.” In Voyage, we met our young heroes in the first blushes of revolutionary thought and love. Now, with Shipwreck, we find them in their 30s. “The optimism of their early years has hit the rocks of marital infidelity, social anarchy, and a tsar who has no intention of stepping down. The stakes go up dramatically in this next great duel between the heart and mind.” The plays are directed by Shotgun’s artistic director Patrick Dooley. Through April 21 at the Ashby Stage, 1901 Ashby Avenue.
SMALL TOWN AMERICA What is the real America? Actor, comedian, and playwright Dan Hoyle decided to leave his Bay Area bubble and strike out into the heartland to find out. Hoyle spent 100 days traveling through small-town America and distilled his insights into The Real Americans. The New York Times has said: “Mr. Hoyle is both a first-rate reporter and actor.” The play will be presented at The Marsh, 2120 Allston Way, Friday March 29 at 8 p.m. and Saturday March 30 at 5 p.m. Visit The Marsh for information. See a trailer of the play.
BARGAINS, GALORE Saturday March 30 is the last day to take advantage of the Friends of the Berkeley Public Library huge fiction clearance sale. All hardback and paperback fiction titles at the Friends bookstore are only $1. “From classics to thrillers and all those books you’ve always meant to read. Stock up now for the rainy season sure to come.” The bookstore is at 2433 Channing Way.
EGG HUNT, ANYONE? The UC Botanical Garden is focusing this weekend on using plants to make natural dyes. It’s part of the new exhibition Fiber & Dye. Join them on Saturday March 30 for two workshops (2:45 p.m. and 3:45 p.m.) on Easter Egg dyeing. “This hands-on workshop will introduce children to the joy of natural dyes while they make their own patterns on eggs with brilliant plant-based colors.” On Sunday March 31, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m, the garden will hold an introductory workshop on natural dyes. Preregistration is required,
Be sure to check out these other listings previously mentioned on Berkeleyside:
Lawrence Wright reinvents the indomitable Oriana Fallaci [03.20.13]
Berkeley High students produce independent theater [03.22.13]
John Schott explores polyglot music tendencies [03.28.13]
Can Do: Odds favor solid Guys and Dolls [03.27.13]
Big Screen Berkeley: Luis Berlanga’s quirky comedies [03.27.13]
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Still searching for things to do this weekend in Berkeley? Berkeleyside’s Events Calendar is chock full of music, theater, dance, talks and community happenings. We also encourage you to submit your own events.
