ART

Moraga Art Gallery's new show, “Beautiful America,” features the oil paintings of gallery member and local Moraga artist Ginny Ruble, as well as guest artist Linda Hanford whose work reflects her love of the nature, landscapes, and seascapes of California. The show runs through June 2.

Upcoming aMFa exhibits: "City Life comes to Orinda,” an exhibit of Urban Scapes by award-winning artists Erica Pollock and Barbara Fracchia Thursday, April 12, with an Artist’s Reception from 5-7pm at Shelby's Restaurant; "Parallel Affinity," a Modernist exhibit Saturday, April 14; Artist's Reception from 4-7pm aMFa Orinda Theater Square; "Earth Day; Art Day”: Northern California Landscapes Saturday, April 22, 1-5pm Opening, aMFa Berkley 1318 10th Street Berkeley.

The Lafayette Gallery's spring show “Imagine” will run through May 5 and features fresh and inspiring new work: paintings, prints, collages, ceramics, jewelry, and photography. To celebrate the annual re-opening of the Lafayette Gallery's outside Sculpture Garden, the Gallery is hosting a free reception on April 15 with wine, hors d’oeuvres and live music. The Gallery is open 11am-5pm, Tuesday - Saturday, 50 Lafayette Circle, Lafayette (across from Chow). For more information, visit www.lafayettegallery.net or call (925) 284-2788.

An Art show and fundraising event April 21 and April 22 will feature local high school artists as well as Serge Gay Jr., a Haitian born artist who is behind the award-winning music videos of Cee-lo Green, Train, Greenday, and more, at the Lafayette Gallery and the Art Room, 50 Lafayette Circle in Lafayette (across from Chow).

In affiliation with Civic Arts Education, CAG will offer its spring sale at the Artists’ Market April 27-29. A reception features live music, light refreshments, and a flower arranging demo 5-9pm, April 27. The sale continues April 28 from 10am-7pm and April 29 from 10am-4 pm at the Civic Park Studio, 1313 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. (925) 943-5846, www.clayartsguild.com.

MUSIC

For its final concert of the 2011-2012 season, Pacific Chamber Symphony, Lawrence Kohl conductor presents a pair of works by two musical giants: “Water Music” by George Frideric Handel and Symphony #41 "Jupiter" by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Sunday, April 15 at 4pm in the Lafayette Library and Learning Center Community Hall, 3491 Mt. Diablo Boulevard Lafayette. Tickets: $30 general, $25 seniors (65+), $10 students (with ID). To purchase tickets visit www.BrownPaperTickets.com or call 1(800)838-3006. For more info, visit www.pacificchambersymphony.org, call 1(800) 630-7836 or email info@pacificchambersymphony.org.

An Afternoon of Jazz - join us for piano standards and originals by members of the Contra Costa Performing Arts Society Jazz Piano workshop Friday, April 20, 1:30 – 2:30pm, Community Hall, Lafayette Library and Learning Center, 3491 Mt. Diablo Blvd. We will be playing favorites from Hoagy Carmichael, Miles Davis, Oscar Hammerstein and more! Join the fun! Call Lafayette Senior Services at (925) 284-5050 for reservations. $3 Members/ $5 Non-Members.

Enjoy the sounds of the ‘40s as Generations In Jazz Foundation presents The Rossmoor Big Band. The show begins at 8pm April 20 and features some of the finest senior musicians working with their student associates. Dancers and listeners are most welcome. Tickets are $10 and available from the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce or at the door. Call (925) 284-7404.

Solo and chamber music, Friday, April 27, 10:30am, Grace Presbyterian Church, 2100 Tice Valley Blvd., Walnut Creek. The program opens with a Beethoven trio for violin, cello and piano. Bach's Chaconne in D minor for piano appears next. Brahms' piano trio, also for violin, cello and piano, concludes this classical chamber concert. Free to the public, www.ccpas.org.

THEATER

Come see Performers for Progress at 7:30pm April 12 and 13 in the Miramonte High School Theater. Per4Pro is a student-run organization that puts on cabaret shows to showcase local student talent and raise funds for charity. The spring show benefits The Sophia Project, an organization that serves children and families at risk for recurring homelessness. Proceeds support two specific programs: the new High School Program and the Respite Care program as well as transportation for the teens, food, materials for the training and a small stipend of $25 for each teen. Tickets: (purchased at the Miramonte Theater door): $6 Student, $12 Adult. For more information, you can email perforpro@gmail.com. (See article, page B2).

"Opening Our Eyes,” a documentary about eleven ordinary people who are making a positive difference in the world will screen at 7pm Saturday, April 21 at the Community Hall in the Lafayette Library and Learning Center, 3490 Mt. Diablo Blvd, Lafayette. Q&A with one of the filmmakers immediately following. Requested donation of $10 to benefit LLLC. For reservations call (925) 890-1441 or email candace94549@yahoo.com.

A sparkling musical adaptation by Oded Gross and Tracy Young of Moliere’s The Imaginary Invalid, featuring clown work, delightful original songs, Broadway-style choreography, stunning costumes and non-stop physical comedy, will be performed in LeFevre Theatre at Saint Mary's College. Dates: April 18, 19, 20, and 21 at 8pm; April 21 and 22 at 2pm. Tickets: General - $15; Seniors - $12; Non-SMC students - $12; SMC community - $8. For info, contact Sharon Cahill, (925) 631-4670.Tickets are also available online at www.brownpapertickets.com.

The Acalanes High School DramaDons theater group presents Hamlet, William Shakespeare’s greatest tragedy! This fast-paced adaptation by Bay Area playwright/director Jon Tracy explores the bonds of youth and the influence that their elders exert on them, May 2-5, 7:30pm. Tickets: $10 General, $7 students/seniors. Tickets may be purchased online at www.dramadons.org or at the door.

LECTURE & LITERATURE

“'Male' writing versus 'Female' writing: Some perspective on politics, gender, identity, and the act of writing consciously: a Craft Conversation with Samina Ali,” presented by the Saint Mary's College of California Creative Writing Reading Series at 2:30pm, Wednesday, April 11, in Hagerty Lounge. The same evening at 7:30pm a reading will be held at the Soda Center. Both events are free and open to the public.

Saint Mary’s College of California presents a “Dialogue about the Death Penalty: The Future of Capital Punishment in Our State” from 7:30- 9pm Thursday, April 12 at Dryden Hall, Saint Mary’s College of California. The forum, which is free and open to the public, features perspectives from a death penalty abolitionist and a death penalty proponent on the necessity of capital punishment in California. Free and open to the public.

Emeritus College 2012 Distinguished Lecture Series presents Dr. Joel Parrott, "Past, Present and Future of The Oakland Zoo” Friday, April 13, 3–5pm, Diablo Valley College Forum. Dr. Parrott will highlight the Zoo’s new animals, the often difficult and humorous events involved in the transportation, relocation and care of exotic animals, and the extensive conservation efforts at the Oakland Zoo. The Zoo is home to 660 native and exotic animals. Tickets $15 ($10 children).

Understanding China; A Cultural Transformation Perspective is the topic for First Friday Forum, presented by Dr. Zhan Li, Dean of the School of Economics and Business Administration at Saint Mary’s College at 1:30pm Friday, April 13, in the Sanctuary of Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church, 49 Knox Drive, Lafayette. Refreshments will be served at 1pm in Fellowship Hall. For info, call (925)-283-8722 or visit lopc.org/News and Information/More News Events at LOPC.

The Orinda Library hosts a talk by Marie Whelan on “Life in Imperial Rome” at 6:30pm Wednesday, April 18, 26 Orinda Way, Orinda. You are invited to discover interesting, unexplored and un-romanticized aspects of life in ancient Rome – from the common farmer to the emperor of the world. Immerse yourself in Roman life by learning the proper way to wear a toga, getting a recipe for an everyday Roman meal, and examining ancient Roman coins. Free, no registration is required. For more information, visit the library website at ccclib.org or call (925)-254-2184.

Meet the Author, Penny Warner, mystery writer for adults and teens. Conversation, book signing and refreshments sponsored by Holden High School. Thursday, April 19, 7-9 pm, Orinda Community Church. Admission: $25. For info call Holden High: (925) 254-0199 or office@holdenhigh.org.

Discovering Opera: Gounod's Faust Presented by Bradford Wade, opera lover for 35 years, Tuesday, April 24, 10:30-noon, Elderberry Room, Lafayette Community Center. Many operas have been written based on the story of the aged philosopher who sells his soul to the devil in return for youth and love, but Charles Gounod’s is by far the best known. This lecture is given in conjunction with Opera San Jose's production of Faust, April 21-May 6. $1 Members/$3 Non-Members.

KIDS, PARENTS & TEENS

Orinda Idol audition registration will continue until April 30. Orinda Idol is a singing competition open to young people who either attend school or reside in Orinda, Moraga or Lafayette. The objective of Orinda Idol is to provide an avenue for young people to pursue their love for singing, to bring joy to the community and to have fun. For more information go to www.orindaartscouncil.org. Auditions will be held May 17-19. Up to 10 finalists in each category will be selected to compete for cash prizes and recognition at the Orinda Idol Finals held on Sept. 9 at the Orinda Theatre.

Join us at the Moraga-Orinda Fire
District’s (MOFD) Spring Open House and Hot Dog Lunch from 10am-2pm Saturday, April 14 at Station 45 – 33 Orinda Way, Orinda. (See article)

2012’s Poul Anderson Creative Writing Contest, open to all students who reside and/or attend high school in Orinda. Entry Categories are Science Fiction, Essay/Memoir, Poetry and Short Story. Students may submit one entry in any of the four categories for a total of not more than three entries. Submission deadline is at noon, Friday, April 20. Up to four winners will each be awarded $250 prizes at the close of this school year, underwritten by the Friends of the Orinda Library.

Art & Music Festival at TOPS (Preschool), Saturday, April 21, 9:30am-noon, 10 Irwin Way, Orinda. For tickets and further information please call (925) 254-2551. All Welcome!

Bring your whole family to the Seedlings "Wheel Day" Saturday, April 22, 10am-noon, parking lot of the Lafayette Orinda Presbyterian Church, 49 Knox Drive, Lafayette. Climb inside a giant tractor, sit on a real motorcycle and hear a real fire engine siren! Your child can also enjoy the bounce house, face painting, and even take a train ride around the parking lot. Admission is free and all are welcome! Snacks and refreshments will be available for minimal cost.

EARTH DAY (for additional local events, see our Earth Day pages)

Tap into your inner Muir at the John Muir Birthday–Earth Day Celebration on Saturday, April 21 at the John Muir National Historic Site, 4202 Alhambra Avenue at Highway 4, Martinez. Participants will enjoy live entertainment, self-guided tours of the 1882 Victorian Muir home, a nature walk with Doc Hale and National Park Service Junior Ranger activities. The Keynote Speaker is Rona Zollinger, co-founder of the New Leaf: A Sustainable Living Collaborative. Admission and parking are free. For directions, visit www.nps.gov/jomu.

The Orinda Garden Club is inviting the community for a Walk-Around at Orinda's Lake Cascade at 10am Saturday, April 21. Enjoy the 50-year-old Cork Oak trees that grace this popular place for runners, walkers and bird watchers and view the work that the Garden Club is doing to restore this historic landmark.

Whether you want a 50K or a 5K you won't want to miss the Diablo Trails Challenge benefiting Save Mount Diablo on Saturday, April 21. Save Mount Diablo preserves, defends and restores Mount Diablo’s natural lands for people and wildlife to enjoy. Hit the trail and preserve your playground while taking in the natural beauty of Mount Diablo. All proceeds benefit Save Mount Diablo’s land preservation programs. Day of registration begins at 6:30am and events begin at 8am. To register or for more information, visit www.SaveMountDiablo.org or call (925) 947-3535.

OTHER

Join a National Park Service ranger for three free early-morning two-hour wildflower walks at 9am Saturday, April 7, 14 and 28 at John Muir National Historic Site. The walks begin with an easy saunter up Mt. Wanda to look for wildflowers. Over 82 species of native plants have been identified on Mt. Wanda. For more information call the John Muir National Historic Site at (925) 228-8860.

Views on the Environment Contra Costa County Supervisor Candidates Forum, moderated by Lisa Vorderbrueggen, Contra Costa Times political reporter and columnist, 7pm, Thursday, April 12, San Ramon Community Center. Visit act.greenbelt.org/forum to RSVP. For info, call Matt Vander Sluis at (925) 932-7776 or mvandersluis@greenbelt.org. This is a free educational event.

The Lafayette Rotary Club will feature guest speaker and TITANIC historian Richard Shaw at noon, Wednesday, April 12 at the Oakwood Athletic Club, 4000 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette. Enjoy lunch, hear from Mr. Shaw and learn about Rotary. Cost: $20 for lunch (or come at 12:45pm for the free presentation). Reservations required. Call John Sherry at (925)-765-2833 by April 11, to reserve a seat.

Candlelight Labyrinth Walk – Friday, April 13. Celebrate spring by walking the Chartres-style labyrinth at Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church. As you walk, listen to classical music and relax, reflect, meditate or pray. There will be contemplative readings in the chapel. Come-and-go event between 7-8pm. For info call Karlene Paufler at (925) 820-4332.

Golden Gate Audubon Society presents The Grizzlies of Yellowstone featuring Michael Leach from 7 to 9pm Thursday, April 19 at Northbrae Community Church, 941 the Alameda, Berkeley. Enjoy a spirit-enriching presentation about grizzly bears and Yellowstone National Park. Celebrate the Yellowstone ecosystem - a wild landscape. Cost: $5 donation or free for members. For more info visit www.goldengateaudubon.org/
education/speaker-series/ or call (510) 843-2222 or email nweeden@goldengateaudubon.org.

St. Mary’s College Guild’s Annual Fashion Show, Saturday, April 21, Soda Center (cocktails 11am, lunch at noon). Fabulous spring collection courtesy of Chico's, Walnut Creek. Great Mariachi Music - Samba and Swing into spring. For reservations, call Cyndie Harrison (925) 820-8002 or Libby Townsend (925) 825-5853.

Walk MS - a community coming together to raise funds and celebrate hope for the future - on Sunday, April 22 at Heather Farm Park in Walnut Creek: 8am Registration/Check-in, 9am start time. For more information call 1(800)344-4867 or email
sam.mcilraith@nmss.org.

The Moraga Women’s Society is presenting an appointment-only appraisal event by Michaan’s Auctions from 4 to 7pm April 27, Holy Trinity Cultural Center, 1700 School St., Moraga. Certified appraisers are donating their time as a public service. Discover what your heirlooms or garage sale treasures are worth! Six certified appraisers will give verbal appraisals for items from the following categories: Fine Art, Furniture and Decorative Art, Jewelry, Stamps and Coins, Asian Art, and Miscellaneous. Proceeds go to Moraga Schools. For information call Jean, (925)376-7961. For appointments, call Tammie Chambless, (510)740-0220.

Volunteer a few hours April 28-29 to learn about Sudden Oak Death, and assist in the survey for infected trees in areas of your choice. Training: Saturday, April 28, 10am-noon, Garden Room of the Orinda Community Center. Learn about SOD, including preventative measures, and how to identify possibly infected trees from UC expert and research scientist Dr. Matteo Garbelotto. Collect leaves during the rest of the weekend from suspect trees during times and in areas of your choice. For information about SOD and results of previous surveys visit http://nature.berkeley.edu/garbelotto/english/sodblitz.php. Contact William Hudson (wllhh@ymail.com) for a reservation.

CLUBS

Margaret Race, PhD. will discuss her career working with NASA and the SETI Institute at the next AAUW/OML meeting Sunday, April 22, 3pm, Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Cultural Center, 1700 School Street, Moraga.

The Montelindo Garden Club will host a lecture by Robin Stockwell at 10:30am Friday, April 20 (lecture on succulents is proceeded by a plant sale and social hour starting at 9am), Orinda Community Church, 10 Irwin way, Orinda. Robin Stockwell is the owner, grower and manager of Succulent Gardens, a wholesale/retail nursery in Castroville where Robin cultivates over 400 varieties of quality succulent plants.