Number of “shooting days” increased by more than 500% in 2005 compared with the two prior years.
Looking for a party on Oscar Sunday? There are several fund-raisers to choose from and the only Bay Area event sanctioned by the Academy of Motion Picture Art and Sciences.
Aiding future filmmakers in Danville
The California Independent Film Festival Association is hosting its second annual Oscar Party. The evening will include a live broadcast of the Academy Awards, food, wine, door prizes, trivia contests, games and more. Guests can dress casually or as their favorite actor. The event will benefit the Danville International Children's Film Festival and the California Independent Film Festival.
• Details: March 5, 5 p.m. $25. Village Theatre, 233 Front St., Danville. 925-314-3463.
STANDing 'O' in Concord
STAND! Against Domestic Violence presents its fifth annual Academy Awards Benefit Party. You can watch a live broadcast of the event on a movie screen, enjoy treats from local restaurants, raffles, prizes and more. All proceeds will go directly to STAND! services.
• Details: March 5. $40-$50. Brenden Theatre, 1985 Willow Pass Road, Concord. 925-603-0125, www.standagainstdv.org.
Sophisticated soiree in S.F.
Academy of Friends will host "Rubies & Rhinestones," the biggest Academy Awards night party outside of Hollywood. The event will also raise funds for 13 Bay Area HIV/AIDS service agencies. Watch the Oscars live on large screens throughout the venue, take part in a silent auction, and sample food and wine from more than 80 restaurants. The gala sold out last year, so you should get your tickets now.
• Details: March 5, 5 p.m. $200. Concourse Exhibition Center, 635 8th St., S.F. www.academyoffriends.org.
It's official
The California Film Institute's "Oscar Night America " is the only official Bay Area Academy Awards event sanctioned by the Academy of Motion Picture Art and Sciences. Watch the live telecast on the big screen, enjoy cocktails, a gourmet boxed dinner and dessert, and bid in the silent auction. All guests will receive a gift bag and an official souvenir program provided by the Academy.
• Details: March 5, 3:30 p.m. $100-$250. Christopher B. Smith Rafael Film Center, 1118 Fourth St., San Rafael. Reservations: 415-383-5256, Ext. 130, www.cafilm.org.
For deep thinkers
Take part in "Academy Awards Night with Harry Chotiner." Chotiner teaches film courses at NYU and the 92nd Street Y and participates on various film festival panels. He'll share his unique spin on this year's nominees, the best and worst films of the year and trends in the film industry, and predict the winners. This is an entertaining way to get an insider's view into the film industry and wow your friends come Oscar night.
• Details: March 2, 7:30 p.m. $5-$10. The College Preparatory School, Buttner Auditorium, 6100 Broadway at Brookside, Oakland. 510-339-7726, www.college-prep.org/livetalk.
EAST COUNTY
Women and the written word
Los Medanos Little Theater presents a benefit production of Eve Ensler's play "The Vagina Monologues." The event is part of the 2006 V-Day College Campaign and benefits STAND! Against Domestic Violence, which works to raise awareness and funds for local organizations working to end violence against women and girls.
• Details: March 3-4, 8 p.m., March 6, 7:30 p.m. $10. 2700 E. Leland Road, Pittsburg. Tickets: 925-439-2181, Ext. 841.
Art on Tour
Take in some art this weekend at "The Art of Living Black 2006," a self-guided tour at the Richmond Memorial Auditorium. This is the only annual non-juried exhibition and art tour in the Bay Area to exclusively feature African-American artists. More than 50 artists will have their work on display, including paintings, sculpture, photography, prints, masks, stained glass, quilts, jewelry and more. Stop next door first at the Richmond Art Center for a free directory to guide you through your visit.
• Details: March 4-5, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 2540 Barrett Ave., Richmond. 510-620-6772, www.therichmondartcenter.org.
A night of 'Tradition'
The Pacific Chamber Symphony will perform works by such composers as George Gershwin (pictured),Aaron Copland and other great Jewish composers, as well as a collection of Jewish Broadway tunes featuring soprano Roslyn Barak, in a concert titled -- appropriately enough -- "Traditions." The program also features a world premiere of Jorge Liderman's "Wholetone Freilach."
• Details: March 5, 3 p.m. $8-$25. Bentley School, 1000 Upper Happy Valley Road, Lafayette. 510-352-3945, www.pacificchambersymphony.org.
You'll tumble for them
The world-renowned Golden Dragon Acrobat Circus is coming to Pleasanton. The troupe has been performing in the United States for 27 years, but their art form dates back more than 27 centuries -- it's considered the longest-running folk-art genre in history. The performance will include award-winning acrobatics, traditional dance, colorful costumes and more.
• Details: March 2, 7:30 p.m. $10-$22. Amador Theater, 1155, Santa Rita Road, Pleasanton. 925-931-3444, www.civicartstickets.org.
Prince vs. Jacko!
It's time to get out that sequined glove or put on those purple spandex pants. The Rockit Room is presenting a dance party DJ battle in which Prince songs will go up against Michael Jackson songs. DJs will spin mix album cuts, remixes, rare tracks and classics. So if you want to party like it's "1999," this is sure to be a "Thriller"! No one under 21 will be admitted.
• Details: March 9, 9 p.m. $5. Rockit Room, 406 Clement St., S.F. www.bombhiphop.com/PvsM.html.
Out & About looks at fun and interesting goings-on in the Bay Area. Got an item? Got a picture? Send it to calendar@cctimes.com, mail to Out & About, Contra Costa Times, P.O. Box 8099, Walnut Creek, CA 94596-8099, or fax 925-943-8265.