LAMORINDA WEEKLY | Calendar | Lafayette, Moraga, Orinda Event Listings

The Orinda Library Art Gallery Exhibit. The exhibit for December will include George Wahbeh's oil paintings, Roland Nunn's hooked rugs, Alexander Walcheck's drawings, and Alex Meckes' Origami. The Gallery is located adjacent to the library at 26 Orinda Way in Orinda. For more info, visit www.orindaartscouncil.org/community_library. See article page B4.

Irresistible – The Gift of Art is the new exhibit at the Lafayette Gallery. You’ll find a winter wonderland of sparkling jewelry, handcrafted ornaments, elegant ceramics and a wide array of prints, paintings and sculpture through Dec. 29 at the Lafayette Gallery, 50 Lafayette Circle, Lafayette. There will be a free reception from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 30 with wine, hors d’oeuvres and live music! For more info, call (925) 284-2788 or visit www.lafayettegallery.net.

Saint Mary’s College Museum of Art Celebrating SMC’s 150th Anniversary. The Art of the Cross; Nyame Brown: John Henry’s Adventures in a Post-Black World; Missions of Will Sparks, and the William Keith collectionexhibits will be on view through mid-December, 1928 Saint Mary's Road, Moraga. Regular admission: $5; youth, military free. Regular hours are Wednesday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more info, call (925) 631-4069. (Photo, Caption: Georges Rouault, Le Christ en Cross, 1936.)

Flora and Faunae. This art show will highlight artwork of the painter Leslie Swarts’ expressionist paintings of trees from around the world and jeweler Laura Paige’s fine beadwork created with stone beads through Saturday, Jan. 11 at Moraga Art Gallery, 522 Center Street, Moraga. For more info, call (925) 376-5407 or visit www.moragaartgallery.com.

MUSIC

Fingerstyle Guitar with Ace. The Orinda Library kicks off its inaugural Winter Music Series with the acoustic guitar artistry of Ace Batacan at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 5. Groove to the jazz and popular strains of Ace’s holiday favorites while warming your bones in front of the Library’s cozy fireplace. For more info, contact Ruth Boyer at the Orinda Library: (925) 254-2184.

Holiday Musical North Pole Revue presented by Center Stage of Diablo Valley Dec. 7 - 15. The classic holiday show takes place at the North Pole, and features elves Jack and Dolly as they prepare for the holiday season. The show will be playing at the Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek. Tickets: $15. For more info, call (925) 943-7469 or visit www.lesherARTScenter.org.

Annual Holiday Concert and Sing-Along with the Rossmoor and Moraga Community Chorus, presented by Lafayette Senior Services from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Friday, Dec. 7 at the Live Oak Room of the Community Center, 500 St. Mary’s Road. All ages are welcome at this rousing sing-along with delicious appetizers, holiday treats and a raffle. Cost: $3 for members; $5 for non-members.

Contra Costa Children’s Chorus Winter Concerts. Gaudete! Family Concert featuring all choirs singing Christmas carol favorites at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 7 at Walnut Creek Presbyterian Church; upper level ensembles at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 14 at Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church. Tickets: Adults $15; students $5. For tickets, email programs@childrenschorus.org or www.brownpapertickets.com. For more info, visit www.childrenschorus.org.

Annual Lafayette Orinda Presbyterian Church Christmas Concert at 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8 and 9 in the Sanctuary at LOPC, 49 Knox Drive, Lafayette. Tickets are free but required for God’s Promise – In the Night; visit www.lopc.org and click on “Music.” A variety of choral texts will be presented, including the Renaissance motet Resonant in Laudibus and Vivaldi’s Magnificat; also highlighted will be new pieces by the Youth Choir and the Festival Choir along with traditional Christmas carols.

Handle with Care – Sing-It-Yourself Messiah. St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church will host a sing-it-yourself performance of Handel’s “Messiah” at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 7 at 766 St. Stephens Drive, Orinda. Directed by Minister of Music Robert Train Adams, participants are welcome to sing along with – or just listen to and be inspired by the Festival Choir, soloists and chamber orchestra. An offering will be taken at this free event in support of the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano Counties. For info, contact the church office at (925) 254-3370, ext. 10.

A Festive Mix of holiday music from singing and ringing choirs at Our Saviors Lutheran Church Christmas Concert from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9, 1035 Carol Lane, Lafayette. “The Song of the Angels: Gloria in Excelsis Deo,” A glittering reception will follow in the fellowship hall.

The Performing Art Society's evening concert will feature 19th century solo piano compositions at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 11 at Grace Presbyterian Church, 2100 Tice Valley Blvd. Free. For more info, visit www.ccpas.org.

Norm Dea and the Acalanes Music Department present their Winter Concert Series Dec. 11 - 13 at the Acalanes High School Theater, 1200 Pleasant Hill Road, Lafayette. The Dec. 11 concert will feature the Concert Band, Symphonic Band and Symphonic Wind Ensemble. The Dec. 12 concert will include the String Orchestra and Symphonic Wind Ensemble. Dec. 13 is the Winter Jazz Concert with the Jazz Ensemble and guest groups from Albany, El Cerrito and Homestead High School. All concerts start at 7 p.m. Admission is free but there is a suggested donation of five dollars per person. Everyone is encouraged to come and listen to our community's fine musicians.

WomenSing holiday concert, Sing an Endless 'Ave,' from 8 to 10 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 12 at Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church, 49 Knox Drive, Lafayette. Hear the unexpected combination of steel drum and the vibrant and beautifully blended sounds of WomenSing. Cost: $30 premium seats; $25 general admission; $20 seniors; $10 students/youth 18 and under. For more info, visit www.womensing.org or call (925) 974-9169 or email info@womensing.org.

Voices of Musica Sacra sings the "Glory of Christmas,” featuring Rutter’s Gloria, and other carols and songs of the season with organ, brass, and percussion. Our program includes a carol sing-along. This event will be at 8 p.m. Friday Dec. 14 in Walnut Creek at the United Methodist Church, 1543 Sunnyvale Ave., and at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 16 at St. Stephen Catholic Church, 1101 Keaveny Ct., Walnut Creek. For more info, visit www.vmschorus.org.

The Acalanes Music Department presents the 2012 Winter Choral Concerts; "Old and New" on Dec. 18 and 20 at 7 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center, 1200 Pleasant Hill Rd. These two programs will feature Chorale, Concert Choir, Bella Voce, Chamber Singers, Contemporary A Cappella Project, The Innuendos, Women's Octet and on the 18th, special guests, the Chanticleer LAB 7 Choir. Please join us for one or both concerts that will showcase older repertoire, newer takes on old repertoire and completely new songs. Suggested Donation: $5 for adults; $3 for seniors; students 18 and under free.

Nicki Bluhm and The Gramblers make their return to Town Hall Theatre, 3535 School St., Lafayette this holiday season at 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 20. For info, visit www.townhalltheatre.com/music-comedy-series. Tickets available through TicketMaster.

THEATER

It’s a Wonderful Life opened Dec. 1 at the Town Hall Theatre, 3535 School St., Lafayette. George Bailey, his life and finances in ruin, decides the world would be better off without him – until he is paid an unexpected visit. For tickets or more info, call (925) 284-5050 or visit www.townhalltheatre.com/main-stage-performances/its-a-wonderful-life. See article page B3.

DVC Drama 2012 - 2013 Season. The Exonerated by Jessica Blank and Erik Jensen will be showing through Dec. 9, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. at DVC, 321 Golf Club Road, Pleasant Hill. Tickets: $20 general admission; $15 for faculty, staff, and seniors; $10 for students. For more info, call (925) 687-4445.

CAPA Nutcracker. Snow falls onstage and the Christmas tree magically grows to great heights in the beloved annual California Academy of Performing Arts presentation of The Nutcracker. The performances will be on Friday Dec. 7 at 7 p.m., Saturday Dec. 8 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 9 at 2 p.m. at the Campolindo Performing Arts Center, 300 Moraga Rd., Moraga. Tickets: $20 and can be purchased at www.ShowTix4U.com. For more info, email lynnkdavis@comcast.net or visit www.capadance.net.

See article page A1.

Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer Christmas Show. The show will feature Christmas music and entertainment that adults and kids will love and is sure to put everyone in a “reindeer” frame of mind Saturday, Dec. 8 at Mighty Fine Guitars, 85 Lafayette Cir., Lafayette. The doors will open at 7:30 p.m.; the show begins at 8 p.m. Suggested donation: $25; $12 for kids under 12. For more info, call (415) 893-9818 or visit www.drelmo.com.

Orinda Ballet Academy’s “A Sweet Dream Nutcracker.” Get those sugar plums dancing in your children’s heads with the Orinda Ballet Academy’s two-act holiday performance of “A Sweet Dream Nutcracker” at the Orinda Library Theater, 26 Orinda Way, Friday and Saturday, Dec. 7-9. Tickets: $18. For performance dates and times, visit www.orindaballetacademy.com.

OTHER

Republic of Cake in Orinda Theatre Square is turning 3. Come celebrate on Saturday, Dec. 8, from 2 to 4 p.m. There will be a bouncy house for the kids, live music by Tara Linda, and face painting. Free.

Positive Living Forum, Happiness Club. Brighten your day and take part in this interactive gathering which features speakers on a wide range of topics that encourage and guide participants towards a more ideal and positive life experience from 10:30 a.m. to noon Thursday, Dec. 13 in the Sequoia Room, Lafayette Community Center, 500 St. Mary's Road, Lafayette. Cost: $1 for members; $3 for non-members. For more info, call (925) 284-5050.

Come Play MahJongg! MahJongg is a game of skill, strategy, and certain degree of chance. Bring your card, a mahjongg set and a snack to share (optional) every Tuesday from 1 to 3:30 p.m. in the Sequoia Room, Lafayette Community Center, 500 St. Mary's Road, Lafayette. Cost: $1 for members; $3 for non-members. For more info, call (925)284-5050.

Lamorinda Dance Social. Enjoy afternoon dancing every Wednesday and learn some great new dance moves from 12:30 to 3 p.m. in the Live Oak Room at the Lafayette Community Center, 500 St. Mary's Road, Lafayette. Cost: $2 for members; $4 for non-members. For more info, call (925) 284-5050.

Annual Holiday Home Tour. Showcasing six delightfully decorated homes in the Alamo, Danville and Walnut Creek area, this year’s tour from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Dec. 7 and 8 has something to please everyone; from trees decked-out entirely in Poland Glass ornaments, to rooms devoted entirely to model trains. Tickets: $30 for adults; $25 for seniors. For more info, call (925) 876-8862 or visit www.aauw-daw.org/ hhtour/hht12.html.

Hospice of the East Bay Support Groups for Adults. Drop-In Bereavement Support Group meets from 4:30 to 6p.m. at the Pleasant Hill Campus located at 3470 Buskirk Avenue. These meetings are on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month. For more information please call (925) 887-5681 or visit www.hospiceeastbay.org.

Hospice of the East Bay Support Group for Adults. The Pet Loss Support Group meets on the 1st Tuesdays of the month from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Tony LaRussa’s Animal Rescue Foundation, 2890 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek. Pre-registration is required. For more information or to pre-register please call (925) 887-5681 or visit www.hospiceeastbay.org.

Hospice of the East Bay invites the public to participate in its 26th annual Tree of Lights ceremony for residents of Moraga and Lafayette at 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9 at the Moraga Country Club, 1600 St. Andrews Dr., Moraga. The event includes music, poetry, remembrances by family members and friends of Hospice, and the special moment when the tree lights up. Lights can be dedicated for a minimum gift of $25. For more info, call (925) 887-5678 or visit www.hospiceeastbay.org.

The Stroke Support Group of Contra Costa County will hold its December meeting in the Ball Auditorium at John Muir Medical Center at the Walnut Creek Campus, 1601 Ygnacio Valley Road. They will be having their annual holiday celebration with fun and frolic. Free. For more info, call Ann Dzuna at (925) 376-6218.

Kids, Parents and Teens

Walter the Giant Storyteller. For kids of all ages, the Friends of the Lafayette Library and Learning Center present an evening of massive storytelling from 7 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 13 at the Community Hall of the Lafayette Library and Learning Center. Headliner Walter M. Mayes is also known as Walter the Giant Storyteller, at six-foot-seven inches, he’s not exactly petite. Brace yourselves for “Giant book of Giant stories” and find out what happens when he survives being shipwrecked on a Lilliputian-like island. Free.

Photo with Santa. Take a photo with Santa at the Rheem Shopping Center in Moraga on Saturday, Dec. 8, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bring your own camera. Free with your Rheem Valley Shopping Center receipts totaling $25 or more.

Snow in Berkeley? Bring boots and mittens to play in the snow from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9, at 1673 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley. Snow queen, pony rides, craft projects, and holiday vendors. For info, visit www.AnotherBullwinkelShow.com.

Santa Day at 5A Rent A Space. Get a free picture with Santa and enjoy letter writing from 11 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 15. Also at 5A, free gift-wrapping from Nov. 26 through Dec. 25. For more info, call (925) 631-7000.

Holiday Tot Hop. Bring your little ones on over to boogie to holiday tunes before simmering down with seasonal story favorites at the Orinda Library Tuesday or Wednesday, Dec. 18 or 19. Events begin at 10 a.m., and are open to parents and their children ages 0-5.

A Free Throw Competition sponsored by the 41st annual Walnut Creek Elks will take place Sunday, Dec. 9 from 8:30 to 11 a.m. at De La Salle High School in Concord. All boys and girls ages 8-13 are invited to participate. (Contestant’s age group will be determined by their age as of April 1, 2013). Certificates and prizes will be awarded to all participants and beautiful trophies will be awarded to the top three finishers in each boy and girl category. Free. For info, contact Mike Rittenhouse, tournament director at coach_ritt@yahoo.com or (925) 360-2900.

Pearl Harbor Remembrance Dinner. The Dec. 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii will be remembered at the annual dinner event Friday, Dec. 7. The dinner will be at Zio Fraedo's Restaurant, 611 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill. Cost: $35 per person. For more info, call Jeanne Sharkey at (925) 228-1375.

Community Christmas Celebration. During the candlelight celebration, hear the Christmas story anew and songs of the season at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 20 at the Refuge Community Church, 155 Moraga Road, Moraga. Free. For more info, call (925) 942-1000 or visit www.refugecommunity.org.

The annual HO Scale model train exhibition, featuring a unique, modular display of model trains traveling through an “Old World” countryside, will be open at the Blackhawk Museum through Jan. 6. Exhibition is included with regular museum admission: $10 for adults; $7 for students and seniors; and free for children under 6 (must be accompanied by a paid adult). Open Wednesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and special holiday hours on Monday, Dec. 24 and 31. For more info, visit blackhawkmuseum.org or call (925) 736-2277.

POLITICAL GATHERINGS

Inauguration Celebration Breakfast and Watch Party. The breakfast, which will be held Monday, Jan. 21 from 8-8:45 a.m. at the Lafayette Library's Community Room, 3491 Mt. Diablo Blvd., will be hosted by The Lamorinda Democratic Club to honor President Barack Obama as he is inaugurated for his second term in office. You must RSVP to guarantee a seat by contacting John Hall at jdhall@mac.com.

Holiday Open House. State Senator Mark Desaulnier cordially invites you to attend the Holiday Open House from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 13, 1350 Treat Blvd., Suite 240, Walnut Creek. For more info, visit http://www.trivalleydems.com/Calendar.htm.