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Doug Minkler's posters mix poetics with politics. Shown: "The Tradition Continues: From the New World to the New World Order." Urban Guide Listings to plan your week by Art for Protest's Sake Nowhere is the use of art for protest's sake more strong than the East Bay. Taking cue from the heavy-handed liberal slant in the area, it's not surprising that the confusion between poetics and politics is recognized as the Bay Area's aesthetic signature. This Thursday, 21 Grand, an Oakland free space/gallery dedicated to monthly showcases of local art and performances, hosts another Bay Area political statement/art show. This month's protest art extravaganza, "The Damage of Bush-Ladin," focuses on this season's political hot topic -- Bush's war on terrorism. The show's curator, John Gruntfest, describes the engagement as a hit-run survey of political protest art dealing with social issues triggered by the images of Vietnam to Iraq to Afghanistan conflicts. The show, featuring poster art, lithography, painting, and some photo-realism, makes powerful aesthetic statements about questions of social policy. The exhibition's marquee artists include Doug Minkler, J.D. Schreiber, Dr. Lisa Pesch, and Jim Torlakson. The opening reception will feature some local free jazz by the Bush-Ladin Band. Thurs/20, 7-10pm. 21 Grand, 21 Grand Ave., Oakl. 510.44G.RAND. (MY) Wendy O-Matik speaking words of wisdom. Photograph by Sheilah Navat Solstice Celebration: Plugged and Unplugged The world of punk rock is vaguely elitist, a tight-knit and easily recognizable group that conforms to not conform, disdaining the power suits but making a near-uniform out of the studded belt. No surprise that the Gilman Street Project, a punk collective that charges membership fees and holds monthly meetings, will celebrate the winter solstice, literally the darkest day of the year, instead of trudging us through yet another "white Christmas." The Solstice Celebration features local Bay Area indie rock in a plugged and unplugged format. The soon to be infamous Bonfire Madigan, with their supernatural cello vibes, and Amber Asylum, with their chilly but elegant post-rock/ electronica sound, are hooked up to the juice. Groovie Ghoulies guitarist Kepi and Kevin Seconds pour out an acoustic set. The angry but channeled Wendy O-Matik, lyrical machine, will serve up her relentless and heat-edly gestured spoken word. 'Tis the season. Fri/21, 8pm. 924 Gilman, Berk. $5. 525.9926. (EP) African Roots of Jazz With sushi resting happily in your belly and world-class jazz beating in your ears, you may forget why you are at Yoshi's this Saturday. Fear not, the young voices of the Oaktown Youth Orchestra will remind you of the many programs that depend on the Seventh Annual Children's Benefit Concert. The event benefits the Youth After School Program for Lakeview Elementary, the Video Productions class at Glenview Elementary, the Performing Arts class at 21st Century Academy of San Francisco, the Youth Guidance Center in San Francisco, and the Drum and Creative Writing Classes at Artship. The show features E.W. Wainwright's African Roots of Jazz performance with pianist Art Hirahara, saxophonist Eric Crystal, acoustic bassist David Ewell, Richard Howell, and Nubi. The performance uses various musical forms and movements to illustrate the social evolution of jazz. Wainwright is an internationally acclaimed jazz drummer, performing arts consultant, producer, and educator. He has performed for the U.S. State Department, in Carnegie Hall, and with Nelson Mendela's U.S. tour in 1990. Bring an empty stomach and a generous heart to the Seventh Annual Children's Benefit Concert this Saturday. Sat/22, 1-4pm. Yoshi's, 510 Embarcadero West, Oakl. $15. 238.9200; www.yoshis.com. (SB) Dubya's worst nightmare. The Big-Fat Year-End Kiss-Off Comedy Show IX What with the tragedy, the war, the contagious economic implosion, and the discovery of the largest sunspot ever found over the Antarctic, the year in review is a pessimist's heyday. But only if you are a pessimist. Will Durst, host of PBS's Livelyhood, and his jangling circus of jesters are brilliant optimists that combine stand-up comedy, improv, and half-written sketches encompassing national and local events. At this Friday's ninth annual Kiss-Off, they (hold your breath) might even have a politically-polite Berkeley laugh at the recent flags-on-the-firetrucks fiasco. Either way, the crew will take the risky route of improv, and either hit the crowd with belly busters, or miss them altogether (i.e. embarrassing silence). Past shows have leaned toward the laughs, and this show should take some punches at more serious issues that have for the most part been kept out of the comedian's ring. And why not? Durst reminds everyone that "Laughter lets hope creep back on the inhale." Wed/26, 8pm. Julia Morgan Center for the Arts, 2640 College, Berk. $17. 925.798.1300. (EP) Picks by Susan Batchelder (SB), Erica Pedersen (EP), and Maxwell Yim (MY). [ East Bay | Metroactive | Archives ]