April 20-21, Saturday, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., and weekends through May 5 at Freight and Salvage Coffeehouse, Berkeley: Bay Area Children’s Theater presents Knuffle Bunny, A Cautionary Musical. This is a musical version of Mo Willem’s now-classic story. Trixie, her stuffed animal, and her dad make a trip to the laundromat, where keeping track of Trixie is the main difficulty. The book and lyrics are by Willems himself, and the show is suitable for all ages. Also showing May 11-19 in San Ramon.
April 19, Friday, 6:30 p.m., at Ashkenaz Music and Dance Community Center: “Imagining Nonviolence” with SambaDà and Cosmos Percussion Orchestra. SambaDà is the enlivening band from Santa Cruz that specializes in a vast array of Brazilian dance and musical styles. The Cosmos Percussion Orchestra is five master musicians playing more than 40 percussion instruments, in a variety of music from all over the world. Their joint concert is a benefit in support of a new nonviolence program. The evening includes workshops and a wonderful hands-on art project.
April 20, Saturday, 7:30 p.m., at The Contemporary Jewish Museum: Teen Battle of the Bands, San Francisco’s showcase of local teen talent. Be there as local teen performers and bands bring their best to battle for cash prizes. Your votes determine the outcome so come early, stay late and cheer loudly. Doors open at 7 p.m. Interested in performing at Battle of the Bands? There are a few spots left for acts of 1-2 people. All musical genres welcome! For an application, contact Abby Cutler [email protected] or (415) 292-1261.
April 21, Sunday, 1:00-2:15 p.m. Addison-Penzak JCC of Silicon Valley, Los Altos: Opera for Families. Here’s a one hour movie version of Puccini’s Girl of the Golden West, an operatic, action-filled Western in a production from San Francisco Opera. It’s a pretty easy way to introduce children to opera. Recommended for ages 8 and up. Also shows April 27 at the Oshman JCC in Palo Alto (11 a.m. and 2 p.m.).