Although old-time music is generally identified with Appalachian mountain music of the 1930s and earlier, the Berkeley Old Time Music Convention has come to incorporate the sounds of string bands, jug bands, and other vintage traditions. Listening to the acoustic strains of old-time fiddle is a multi-faceted experience -- at once visceral and cerebral, hovering at the confluence of sound wave and American historical tradition.

Next week, Berkeley celebrates the pre-bluegrass genre with a festival of diverse performances, square dances, and instructional workshops. The Berkeley Old-Time Music Convention begins on September 10 with a Kick-Off Square Dance at the Make-Out Room in San Francisco -- and runs through September 14 where it closes with the Old Time Cabaret at Jupiter in Berkeley.

Shows are held at several venues in Berkeley, with both afternoon and evening showtimes for the various acts. The venues include: Freight and Salvage, Ashkenaz, Jupiter, and Hertz Hall (UC Campus). See the Convention musical lineup and the full schedule of performances and events.

• Berkeley Old-Time Music Convention Schedule
• Berkeley Farmers Market String Band Contest
  Saturday, September 13

^{Pictured: Foghorn Stringband with Caller Captain Bill Martin
Image Courtesy of Berkeley Old Time Music Convention}

Don't expect a Westminster-style conformation show at the Other Dog Show -- part of this weekend's Bay Area Pet Fair. The Other Dog Show represents the rescued, the adopted, the unconventional. It's literally a celebration of the underdog (and of companion animals in general) in a weekend that showcases pet adoptions and animal rescue organizations from around the Bay Area.

In 2007, the Bay Area Pet Fair brought together almost 50 nonprofit adoption and rescue groups in the Adoptathon -- and found new homes for more than 200 animals. The adoptable include cats, rats, birds, guinea pigs, rabbits and other companion animals. Participating groups range from local icons such as the San Francisco SPCA and Rocket Dog Rescue, to species and breed specific groups like Save a Bunny.

Adoptions are a central facet of this fair celebrating animals. But there's also a diverse set of activities scheduled for both Saturday and Sunday -- an agenda that includes the Other Dog Show, a Kids Pavilion, K-9 demonstrations, doggie treats and doggie massage, Unleashed! dog training, and a long list of exhibitors and vendors.

If your own dog comes by way of a humane or rescue organization, he or she can vie for the title of Most Muttalicious . . . or Best Lap Dog, or Best Non-Dog. It's an equal opportunity chance for cast-off purebreds and mutts to have their day in the dog-show sun. Online registration closes on the evening of Thursday, September 4. But latecomers can register between 10a and 12p on either Saturday or Sunday. The Other Dog Show will happen at 1:00p on both fair days.

Pet rescue and adoption is an issue dear to me, having volunteered in shelters throughout my life. If you're considering adopting an animal into your family, stop by the Bay Area Pet Fair to talk with rescue groups, learn more about companion animal care -- and maybe even find your way to the four-legged, feathered or furry person who's been waiting for you to come along.

Note: Each adoption agency featured at the fair has its own rules about whether you can take the animal home that day, what criteria you must meet as an adopter. The Bay Area Pet Fair has compiled an Adoption FAQ with more details.

Also check out Ten Great Things to Do With Your Dog at the Bay Area Pet Fair, by Sandy Lurins.

Bay Area Pet Fair Details::

• Bay Area Pet Fair Website
• September 6 & 7 (10a to 5p) at Marin Center in San Rafael (see map)
• Single Admission: Adults $7 /Kids 6-12 & Seniors 55+ $5 / Kids 5 and Under FREE
• Family Pack Admission: Two adults and two kids for $20
• Dog Admission: $1 or donate a can of pet food for animals in need
• Parking is FREE

^{Photos © Joshua B. Rotsten - Images Courtesy of Bay Area Pet Fair}

I have to offer my usual disclaimer . . . that there's an inherent bias in this post, owing to my involvement with wildlife issues (as a rehabilitation volunteer). Today, after reading about Sarah Palin's wolf, bear and moose killing exploits, I confess I went looking for some softer, Bambi-style news.

I happened upon a month-old story at Wildcare's website that exemplified, for me, why the Bay Area sometimes feels like a natural refuge -- in a world of stranded polar bears, all circling the globe on melting ice floes.

In August, a fawn was seen in the Quail Ridge area, hoof trapped in an irrigation cover. After concerned residents contacted Marin Humane Society, the fawn was tranquilized, rescued and cared for. Unfortunately, the deer was malnourished and too weak to sustain after her ordeal. She died shortly thereafter. But she had a shot at recovery because of the compassionate citizens and professional care that swooped in to her rescue when they found her in distress.

(You can read the full story at Wildcare's website.)

California is one of these United States which allows for centralized wildlife facilities, volunteers and home-care rehabilitators. Regulations vary throughout the union, with some states having stricter guidelines and, sometimes even prohibitive rules. As such, we're in a unique position to interact with wildlife in a positive way when we encounter an injured creature. We live in the midst of some real-life Animal Planet episodes.

The fawn story is just one of many happening each day at the various wildlife facilities around the Bay Area. To learn more, read more, and understand the incredible challenges and outcomes of our animal cohabitants -- and how our actions affect them on every level -- check out the patient update pages of these local organizations:

• Wildcare (San Rafael)
• Marine Mammal Center (Marin Headlands)
• Peninsula Humane Society - Wildlife Hospital (San Mateo)
• Lindsay Wildlife Hospital (Walnut Creek)
• International Bird Rescue Research Center (Fairfield)
• Wildlife Center of Silicon Valley (San Jose)

^{Yawning Harbor Seal
Photo © Ingrid Taylar}

I'm not in the habit of posting crime statistics. We live it. We know it. There are plenty of people covering it. And enough people capitalizing on it (fear, that is). Our urban enclaves are obviously vulnerable. And our socioeconomic trends don't bode well for a world of peace, love and understanding -- much as I relate to Nick Lowe's downhearted spirit.

I used to live in an area of Hollywood where I'd literally step around a body bag once in a while on my way home from work. So, I'm jaded in a survivalist way -- but never so inured that I don't care. It obviously concerns and disturbs me to see the cited increases in crime -- and to read corresponding comments from message-board trolls, coming unwound like Travis Bickle.

So what's the point of the post? Just to say -- in case you didn't read it -- that there may at least be a break in the East Bay's rash of robberies. The Chronicle reports that police nabbed suspects in a nail salon robbery -- and these suspects may (or may not) be involved in the recent spate of restaurant hold ups.

That might bring a bit of relief to locals (provided it leads to something) -- and induce a few online vigilantes to holster their guns (I mean keyboards) for a day.