Albert Einstein and Pablo Picasso go into a bar… that’s the opening premise of Picasso at the Lapin Agile, a play written by Steve Martin (yes, that Steve Martin) and being produced by the Actor’s Ensemble at Live Oak Theater through Oct. 26. In the play, Picasso and Einstein encounter a host of other characters and must deal not only with their own brilliance and idiosyncrasies, but with the unexpected talents brought to the party by a mysterious Visitor. The play is directed by Anna Andersen, recent transplant from Los Angeles where she directed and performed professionally, as well as writing and directing a Shakespeare-themed educational program for Los Angeles-area schools. The Lapin Agile, Friday and Saturday at 8:00 p.m. through Oct. 26. Sunday matinee Oct. 20 at 2 p.m., Live Oak Theatre, 1301 Shattuck Ave. (at Berryman). Visit Actors Ensemble for details.
TRAVIS BRASS [Update: Please note that, sadly, this concert has been cancelled.] Travis Brass, the brass quintet from the United Air Force Band of the Golden West, will be presenting a free concert at 1:00 p.m. on Oct. 20 at the Freight and Salvage Coffeehouse, 2020 Addison St., Berkeley. Travis Brass is stationed at Travis Air Force Base, California. The ensemble is comprised of two trumpets, horn, trombone, tuba, and percussion. A brassy blend of sound, style, and humor make Travis Brass an entertaining ensemble for audiences of all kinds. All of the group’s members are dedicated to music education, sharing their enthusiasm and expertise in a lively education program presented to young audiences across the West Coast. Travis Brass also provides clinics and masterclasses to secondary school and college students. Visit the Band of the Golden West on Facebook
TWO INDY SHOP OPENINGS Two of Berkeley’s favorite independently run stores are having grand opening parties this weekend, as previously reported on Berkeleyside. Mr. Mopps’ toystore is opening its standalone bookstore. Mr. Mopps’ Children’s Books on Saturday Oct. 19 at 1417A Martin Luther King Jr. Way, near Rose Street. The grand opening will include a book signing with Parker Jacobs, author and illustrator of The Goon Holler Guidebook. There will also be face and glitter painting for children. The grand opening will run from 9:30am to 5:30pm. Meanwhile, Looking Glass Photo will have its grand opening celebration in its new West Berkeley space on both Saturday and Sunday Oct. 19-20, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 1045 Ashby Ave. in the old Heinz family complex. There will be free workshops, seminars and a raffle at the celebration. Reps from Canon, Nikon, Sony and elsewhere will be on hand, too.
HALLOWEEN ART SHOW Get your ghoulish spirit revved up with a visit to ACCI’s current group show featuring all Halloween and Day of the Dead inspired artwork. The Arts & Crafts Cooperative, Incorporated (ACCI) is a member based community of artisans, artists and art patrons. As the oldest Arts & Crafts co-op west of the Mississippi, ACCI will soon celebrate its 55th year of operation. The exhibition runs through Nov. 10. ACCI is at 1652 Shattuck Ave. (at Lincoln) in North Berkeley.
This month’s hottest ticket? Berkeleyside’s Uncharted: The Berkeley Festival of Ideas is two days of provocative thinking, inspiring speakers, workshops, and a big party — all in downtown Berkeley in October. Be a part of it. Register on the Uncharted website.
