JENNIFER KOH Violinist Jennifer Koh is no stranger to Berkeley, although Berkeley audiences may know her as Einstein, a role she undertook when she played in Einstein on the Beach at Cal Performances. This time she plays as herself — a powerful soloist — when she performs Sibelius’ Violin Concerto with the Berkeley Symphony tonight, Thursday Oct. 2, at 7 p.m. Also on the program are Elgar’s Enigma Variations and Oscar Bettison’s Sea Shaped in its world premiere. Tickets for the Zellerbach Hall show cost $15-$74.
ROBERT HASS AT CIL This summer, UC Berkeley professor Robert Hass scooped up a coveted award from the Academy of American Poets. The prize-winning poet (a former U.S. poet laureate) and poet Brenda Hillman, wife of Hass, will read their work at the Center for Independent Living’s (CIL) Annual Authors Night tonight, Thursday, Oct. 2. CIL supports Bay Area residents with disabilities, and the event is a fundraiser for the organization. The poetic party starts at 6 p.m. at the Ed Roberts Campus at 3075 Adeline St. Tickets cost $20-$50.
ENDLESS SUMMER CINEMA Summer seems to be sticking around longer than usual this year, and the Berkeley Art Museum/Pacific Film Archive and the Downtown Berkeley Association are capitalizing on the streak of sunny evenings. Friday, Oct. 3, is the first of Endless Summer Cinema’s two nights of free outdoor movies. “Pee-Wee’s Great Adventure” begins at 8 p.m. on the Crescent Lawn on Oxford Street between Center and Addison streets. “This is Spinal Tap” will screen at the same time and location — the future site of the BAM/PFA — on Friday, Oct. 10. Get there at 7:30 p.m. for shorts and other extras. Berkeleyside is a sponsor.
GILMAN DISTRICT GRAND OPENING The ribbon-cutting for the new West Berkeley Whole Foods is (a mere) month away, but there’s plenty to do in the neighborhood already. The restaurants, shops and art galleries, many brand new — at Gilman Street by Ninth and 10th streets — together make up the recently-christened Gilman District. And its grand opening is Saturday, Oct. 4, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Live music, live art and live kittens up for adoption. Several shops, including the new Doughnut Dolly, will have open houses. At the very least, get your caffeine fix at the new Philz Coffee. Connect with the Gilman District on Facebook.
SPACEPOP Spacepop has always been a space that pops — and likely even more so now, following a renovation. The design showroom features many things bold and bright. At a grand (re)opening party Friday, Oct. 3, visitors can pick up a vintage furniture piece or a print by a local artist. Or simply soak in the color. Owners Jack Mueller and Czelena Carter will open up shop from 6-8 p.m. Spacepop is located at 1649 San Pablo Ave.
Don’t miss these other events recently featured on Berkeleyside:
Queerly Berkeley: New LGBTQA group hosts first event
‘Art and Craft’: Spotlight on the life of an art counterfeiter
Want to know about the Grateful Dead? Go back to school
Check out Berkeleyside’s event calendar for many more events, and make sure to post your own community happenings.
