MIME TROUPE Each year the San Francisco Mime Troupe unleashes its Bay Area brand of political satire on the issues du jour. This year’s are no surprise: out-of-this-world rents, techie transplants, Silicon Valley, and surveillance. The 55th annual production, “Ripple Effect,” finds members of San Francisco’s various rival factions all stuck on a boat together in the middle of the Bay. The show makes its third and final Berkeley stop this weekend, at Willard Park (2730 Hillegass) at 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Music starts a bit earlier and the whole thing’s free.
COUNTRY JOE MCDONALD Did you miss Country Joe McDonald at Woodstock? Catch the psychedelic local legend on Friday, when he and guest Bob Reid play a benefit concert for Earth Island Institute. All proceeds from the $25 tickets support the environmental advocacy organization. The all-ages show begins at 7:30 p.m. at the David Brower Center’s Goldman Theater at 2150 Allston Way.
AMERICAN COMEDY AT PFA For those who frequent the Pacific Film Archive for its extraordinary foreign and indie offerings, the Rude Awakening comedy series may very well be one. In other words, it’s not every day that Judd Apatow’s graphic gross-out humor makes an appearance at the PFA. The summer-long series is taking viewers through two decades of American comedy, via films selected by PFA-goers themselves. This weekend spans the aughts. On Saturday at 8:15 p.m. is “Zoolander,” the 2001 hit that sees Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson as rival fashion models. On Sunday at 7 p.m. it’s Apatow’s 2007 stoner flick “Knocked Up.” The PFA is located at 2575 Bancroft Way, and tickets are $9.50 or $5.50 for members.
MARY MACKEY It’s a free afternoon of poetry and performance at Ohmega Salvage on Saturday. Headlining is local best-selling writer Mary Mackey, reading from her latest poetry collection “Travelers With No Ticket Home.” California’s Poet Laureate Emeritus Al Young and slide guitarist Freddie Roulette are also on the program. The event begins at 1 p.m. in the east yard at 2407 San Pablo Ave, where part of the salvage shop has been converted into a performance venue. Donations are encouraged.
PENTHESILEA – QUEEN OF THE AMAZONS As if there wasn’t already enough enticing free theater in the park this weekend, the Actors Ensemble brings Penthesiliea – Queen of the Amazons to the John Hinkel Park amphitheater Saturday and Sunday. Adapted and directed by Giulio Cesare Perrone of Inferno Theater, the Heinrich Von Kleist play tells a dramatic tale of romance and the Trojan War. Belly dancing and music abound. Blankets or cushions are recommended and the amphitheater opens at 3 p.m. for picnics prior to the performance. Shows continue for the next two weekends.
Don’t miss these other events recently featured on Berkeleyside:
Erik Tarloff’s ‘All Our Yesterdays’ is grounded in Berkeley
Looking intently: The James Cahill legacy at BAM/PFA
Check out Berkeleyside’s event calendar for many more events, and make sure to post your own community happenings.
