TIME TO CHOOSE Berkeley-based director Charles Ferguson’s new documentary, Time to Choose, opens at the Landmark California Theatre on Friday night. Ferguson and a number of other figures involved in the film will be at the 7:05 p.m. showing on Friday. Time to Choose explores the full scope of the climate change crisis and examines the power of solutions already available. Among the experts and climate activists featured in the film are Berkeleyans Michael Pollan and Peter Calthorpe, as well as former Berkeleyan Steve Chu. Ferguson’s Inside Job won the Oscar for best documentary. California Theatre, 2113 Kittredge St.
BERKELEY FESTIVAL The Berkeley Festival & Exhibition is produced by The San Francisco Early Music Society and was conceived of and founded by Robert Cole, then Director of Cal Performances, and the late Joseph Spencer, proprietor of the Musical Offering and then SFEMS president. Among the highlights this weekend are Concerto Palatino playing 17th century German consort music on Saturday afternoon, the Philharmonia Baroque Players performing music inspired by Shakespeare from the 17th and 18th centuries on Saturday evening, and the festival finale on Sunday afternoon, which brings together Vox Luminis with Concerto Palatino and the Philharmonia Baroque Players in works of Purcell and Handel. Festival performances are in a range of different Berkeley venues throughout the weekend.
FUNNY GIRLZ Seattle singer/comedian Lisa Koch hosts an evening of Pride comedy, featuring hilarious Texas comedian Vickie Shaw, demented pianist Roxanna Ward, and special guest Barbara Higbie at the Freight & Salvage Coffeehouse on Saturday, June 11. Snort-inducing comedy, fabulous music and a rumored appearance by the reclusive Barstow Gay Men’s Chorus. Here’s the pitch: “Picture Tina Fey meets Bette Midler with Joan Jett guitar chops… and you’ve got Lisa Koch. With 4 solo recordings, she is one-half of loony sketch-comedy duo Dos Fallopia (My Breasts Are Out of Control, Ham for the Holidays), and an alumnus of cult quartet Venus Envy (I’ll Be A Homo for Xmas).” In addition to Koch, the evening features Vickie Shaw, Roxanna Ward and Barbara Higbie. 8 p.m., Saturday, June 11, Freight & Salvage Coffeehouse, 2020 Addison St.
EDWARD SHARPE AND THE MAGNETIC ZEROS Indie folk band Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros performs at the Greek Theatre on Saturday, June 11, together with Deer Tick and Harriet. The group’s music draws from roots rock, folk, gospel, and psychedelic music. The group’s most recent album, PersonA, was recorded in New Orleans and released in April. 7 p.m., Saturday, June 11, The Greek Theatre, 2001 Gayley Rd.
FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY BOOK SALE Thousands of donated books will be on sale for 50¢ each at the annual Friends of the Library Book Sale, Saturday and Sunday. This year there will be an excellent array of children’s books for tots to teens in good condition and many in international languages. A large selection of sheet music for various instruments and vocal ensembles also will be available. In addition there will be the anticipated treasures on topics such as history, biography, vintage, religion and spirituality and a vast selection of gardening, cooking, and art. Stock up on “Books You’ve Always Meant to Read” from mysteries to classics. There will be a Fill a Sack for $5 at the end of Sunday’s sale. Please bring your own tote bags. Purchases help support programs at the Berkeley Public Library. Saturday, June 11, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday, June 12, 1-4 p.m., Third Floor Meeting Room, Berkeley Central Library, 2090 Kittredge St.
Don’t miss these other events featured on Berkeleyside:
Funny and fresh: Shotgun Players’ ‘The Village Bike’
Big Screen Berkeley: ‘Chevalier’ and ‘Time to Choose’
English majors unite! The Bricoleurs take Jupiter
To find out what is going on in Berkeley and nearby, be sure to check out Berkeleyside’s Events Calendar. And submit your own events: it’s self-serve and free.
