SPIRITUALS AS SACRED MUSIC The Second Annual Black History Month Celebration on Sat. Feb. 28 will be a lively affair, with a program emphasizing the history of African-American spirituals as sacred music. The program at the Florence Schwimley Little Theater, 1936 Allston Way, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., will feature musical performances by some of the region’s most accomplished performers. Linda Tillery and the Cultural Heritage Tour, a “Grammy-nominated, percussion-driven, vocal ensemble whose mission is to preserve and share the rich musical traditions of African-American roots music,” is the headliner. Othello Jefferson, Diamano Coura West African Dance Company, Berkeley High African American Dance Troupe, Sister’s Keeper, and James Daley will also be there. There will be a “Black Invention” display featuring 20 artifacts. There will be booths with food.
A HOPPING HEART FULL OF LOVE Edward, a china rabbit, is a happy rabbit until he is snatched from the arms of the little girl who loves him. The Bay Area Children’s Theater is presenting The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, a stage adaption of Kate DeCamillo’s award-winning story about being loved, and learning to love. Adapted for the stage by Dwayne Hartford, and directed by Doyle Ott, the play will be presented on Saturdays and Sundays at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., with additional Friday evening performances on March 6, 13, and 20 at 7 p.m. The play runs until March 22 at the Osher Studio, 2055 Center St., Berkeley. Tickets cost from $13 to $20.
3D PRINTING WORKSHOP Learn how 3D printers work and why they are so popular. Watch a 3D printing demonstration. Use modeling software to create fun designs. You’ll learn some materials science and walk away with a 3D model you can keep. It’s all part of a “techtorial” workshop series for adults and kids 10 and older currently ongoing at the Lawrence Hall of Science. Sunday 1:00–3:00 p.m. Cost: $40 each. A few tickets remaining at press time. Visit LHS’s website for details.
SHAKESPEARE ON THE MOVE San Francisco’s Shakespeare Festival’s touring company is coming to the Main Branch of the Berkeley Public Library on Sunday March 1 at 3 p.m. The actors will be performing As You Like It. Join Rosalind, Orlando, Celia, and Touchstone as they escape to the forest of Arden in Shakespeare’s classic comedy featuring a hilarious love triangle, mistaken identities and an exciting wrestling match. The 55-minute play starts at 2 p.m. in the Community Room on the third floor.
DIZZYING HEIGHTS Mezzo-soprano Susan Graham is considered on of the foremost opera stars of our time. She will be singing Sunday March 1 at Hertz Hall on the UC Berkeley campus. Malcolm Martineau will accompany her on the piano. The New York Times described Garham’s voice as “clean yet creamy,” and she is known for her centuries-spanning repertoire, particularly her interpretations of French vocal music. Graham’s performance begins at 3 p.m. Tickets are $68.
Don’t miss these other events featured on Berkeleyside:
Pounding sweet songs with the Lemonhammer
“The Lyons” at the Aurora Theater: dark, but bitingly funny
Shedding light on a tumultuous era: Photographer Ken Light
New cookbook heralds renaissance in Jewish dining
“Xs and Os” at Berkeley Rep: stories that can kill
Playing Berkeley: ‘Timbuktu,’ a film of value and beauty
Playing Berkeley: ‘She’s Beautiful When She’s Angry’
For more events in and around Berkeley, check out Berkeleyside’s Events Calendar. And submit your own events there — the calendar is free and self-serve.
