ART

“Two Painters” – an exhibit featuring husband and wife, Robert Poplack and Deborah Kirklin, both professors of art and artists themselves, in their first show together at the Jennifer Perlmutter Gallery. Still life and abstract, separate in subject but joined by a lifelong partnership. The exhibit runs through March 19.

Saint Mary’s College Museum of Art will feature the following exhibits through April 2016: “Environmental Impact,” William Keith, and “The Battle for Hetch Hetchy.” In addition, “Instagaels,” a student Instagram exhibition, displays the best photographs the student community has to offer, but also provokes fundamental discussions about the identity of art, while David Maxim’s “Points of View” explores the eternal mysteries of metaphorical meaning and ambiguity. The museum is open from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. For info, visit www.stmarys-ca.edu/museum.

The Moraga Art Gallery’s new show “Capturing Moments of Motion” opens March 23 and features paintings by local artist Josie Osolin and figurative ceramic sculptures by Fred Yokel.  A free artists’ reception with wine and live music will be held from 5 – 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 26 at the Moraga Art Gallery located in Moraga’s Rheem Shopping Center next to the Dollar Store. For more information, visit www.moragaartgallery.com, call 925-376-5407.

“Intercepting Light: The Mind’s Eye” at the Moraga Art Gallery features eye-catching landscapes by photographer Wenda Pyman, whose work calls to mind such masters as Ansel Adams and Eliot Porter. The show, which includes paintings, ceramics, jewelry, and more by the gallery’s 15 member artists and several guest artists, runs through March 19.

Jennifer Perlmutter Gallery presents: Kurt Oskar Weber (1938-2011) “Boundless.” The Exhibit runs March 24 through April 23, with a reception from 7 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, March 24.

Oscar de la Renta: The Retrospective - Carmen Mahood, member of the Docent Council of the Fine Arts Museums, will discuss some of the highlights of the Oscar de la Renta exhibit at the de Young Museum at 2 p.m. Thursday, March 24 at the Moraga Library.

MUSIC

Diablo Choral Artists presents “Bach and His Predecessors,” a concert featuring works by Bach, Schütz, Telemann and Buxtehude, including Bach’s Jesu, Meine Freude and Buxtehude’s Magnificat, with string ensemble at 8 p.m. Friday, March 11 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 1924 Trinity Ave., Walnut Creek, and at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 13 at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 66 St. Stephen’s Drive, Orinda. Tickets available at brownpapertickets.com: adults $25, seniors 60+ $18, students $5. For info, visit www.dcachorus.org.

Early piano quartets by Mendelssohn and Richard Strauss, as well as Spanish Serenade for cello and piano by David Popper, will be featured in the Gold Coast Chamber Players’ concert, “Convictions” at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 12 at the Lafayette Library Community Hall, 3491 Mt. Diablo Blvd. in Lafayette. A pre-concert talk will start the evening at 7 p.m. Tickets: $37.50 general, $32.50 senior, $15 student. To order tickets, visit www.gcplayers.org or call (925) 283-3728. (See story page B9)

Annual Major Works Concert, “The Joy of French Music,” at 4 p.m. Sunday, March 13 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 1035 Carol Lane, Lafayette. The concert will feature a first half of wonderful French art songs and arias followed in the second half of the program by Faure’s gorgeous Cantique de Jean Racine and Requiem Mass. The concert will feature soloists Erin Finley, soprano, Megan Stetson, mezzo soprano, Cal Domingue, tenor and David Auerbach, baritone, with Martin Morley conducting.

Moraga Library presents Glenn Staller in Concert, featuring the guitar and ukulele at 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 15 at the Moraga Library. Enjoy an evening performance of both instruments and a variety of musical selections featuring works of traditional Classical, Flamenco, South American, and contemporary musical styles. The performance will include works by Albeñiz, Piazzolla, Tarrega, and Villa Lobos.

Teenage Band Showcase - Uniting Depression and Stress Resources from 7 to 10:30 p.m. Friday, March 25 at 480 St. Mary’s Road, Lafayette. A Brighter Day Charity, along with the Lafayette Youth Commission, is thrilled to host its first Teenage Band Showcase. Bands will perform 2-4 songs with local music teachers as judges. Free. Registration via Eventbrite.

THEATER

Tony Kushner’s Pulitzer-winning magnum opus comes to its jaw-dropping conclusion on the Town Hall Theatre stage as the entire cast of last season’s critically-acclaimed “Angels In America: Millennium Approaches” returns to finish what they began, beginning work on Part II: Perestroika. The show runs through March 19. Check online for showtimes and ticket prices. For info, call the Town Hall Theatre Box Office at (925) 283-1557, or visit www.TownHallTheatre.com.

The Orinda/Tabor Sister City Foundation has planned an awesome evening of Dinner and the Opera, Presenting Smetana’s “The Battered Bride” at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, March 13 at the Orinda Community Center. “The Battered Bride” will be presented in the original Czech language with English subtitles. Dinner will be a choice of Czech cuisine with a drink and more Czech beer and wine available. For reservations, call (925) 254-8260 or email bobbielanders@yahoo.com or go to paypal: Chandler@visherlaw.com.

Miramonte’s drama and music departments proudly present “Legally Blonde: The Musical” - a fabulously fun international award-winning musical based on the adored movie. This action-packed musical explodes on the stage with memorable songs played by a live student orchestra and dynamic dances choreographed by drama student Erin Mohr. The show runs at 4 p.m. March 17 ($5 student special), at 7 p.m. on March 25, and at 4 p.m. on March 26.

Campolindo High School presents “West Side Story,” one of the most beloved romantic musical dramas of all time. Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim’s iconic score and lyrics capture the turbulent world of two young idealistic lovers caught between rival street gangs in New York City in the 1950s. Come enjoy community theater with its rich blend of drama, dance and music. There are eight performances from March 10-20 at Campolindo High School, 300 Moraga Road, Moraga. For info on show times and ticket prices, visit http://www.campochoir.com/.

East Bay Children’s Theatre presents “Aladdin and the Lamp.” Public performances will be presented at 1 and 3 p.m. Sunday, March 13 at The Jewish Community Center of the East Bay in Berkeley; and Sunday, March 20 at the Orinda Library Auditorium in Orinda. Tickets are $12-$15, and may be purchased online at: www.EBCTonline.org. (See story page B11)

LECTURE & LITERATURE

Cuba: The Power of Community - The American Association of University Women (AAUW) proposes a live discussion to dispel false ideas and raise interest in Cuba at 9 a.m. Tuesday, March 15 in the Cultural Center of Holy Trinity Serbian Church, 1700 School Street, Moraga. Longtime Lamorinda residents and members of AAUW Laura Wittenberg and Mary Leigh Miller came back from a two-week trip in Cuba in the spring of 2015 with the desire to share their experience and enlighten the discussion with a group of local experts. A brief overview of Cuba’s embittered history, with accompanying slide show, will lead to round table discussions by the audience where they will share their own impressions of communism, socialism and why the U.S. embargo has lasted so long. Free.

Moraga Movers and the Moraga Library present Book Talking at 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 16. Sharon Flower will discuss “Beautiful Chaos” by Carey Perloff. This hour-long program will consist of a brief book review, including critical viewpoints and key components of the book, as well as time for discussion.

The League of Women Voters of Diablo Valley and Health Care for All – Contra Costa County are presenting a discussion about Contra Costa County health care from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, March 19 in the McHale Room, Pleasant Hill Community Center, 320 Civic Drive, Pleasant Hill. Panelists will address the following questions: “How are health care providers meeting current needs?” “What are some systemic changes we might consider?”

The Many Faces of Colon Cancer, an event focusing on the unique issues of colorectal cancer patients from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, March 24 at the Lafayette Library and Learning Center Community Room. Join an engaging panel of medical experts as they cover the most current information regarding minimally invasive surgical options, latest medical therapies, gastrointestinal follow-up care and genetics. Register by calling (925) 677-5041 x272.

East Bay World Affairs Council talk: Rise of Non-Governmental Organizations in China at 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 30 in the Lafayette Community Hall. Mujun Zhou, Ph.D., will shed light on some significant transformations in the sphere of non-governmental organizations in China, and explore the limitation of these transformations. Admission: Council Members: $10; Non members: $15;Students free. For more info, call (415) 293-4601 or visit www.worldaffairs.org.

EASTER EVENTS

Hop on over to the Moraga Commons Park for the annual Moraga Juniors’ Spring Egg Hunt at 10 or 11 a.m. Saturday, March 19. Children 8 and under can participate in an old-fashioned egg hunt, play games, and enjoy crafts, and bounce houses. Each child should bring a basket for collecting eggs, and parents are encouraged to arrive with camera in hand for photo opportunities with the Bunny. Admission to the event includes participation in one of two egg hunts. Tickets must be purchased in advance at moragajuniors.org.

Orinda Rotary Club’s Annual Egg Hunt at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 26 at Orinda Community Center Play Field. There will be over 1,000 eggs and prizes for all as well as pictures with the White Bunny. Ages: toddlers through kindergarten and first and second grades only. Be sure to bring a basket.

Take a photo with the Easter Bunny from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 26 with Easter clowns, Easter fairy balloon art, Rheem Boulevard at Moraga Road in Moraga, in the suite next door to Starbucks. The photo session is free with your Rheem Valley Shopping Center receipts totaling $25, or go online to www.rheemvalley.net to print out the coupon.

KIDS, PARENTS & TEENS

Teen Tech Week: Tech it up from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Wednesday, March 9 in the Lafayette Library and Learning Cernter Arts and Science room. This program features DIY 3D holograms for your smartphone, 3D printing, MaKey MaKey, scribble bots and electronic snap circuits.

March Madness is adopt a kitty month. See the team at the Community Concern for Cats adoption event this weekend from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 12 at the Pet Food Express in Lafayette and from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, March 12-13, at Pet Food Express in Pleasant Hill, and Petco in Walnut Creek. For more info, visit www.communityconcernforcats.org.

The Lombardy Branch of UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland will be hosting “A Week on the Amalfi Coast” fashion show on March 17.

Free Practice exams for the New SAT and ACT at the Moraga Library. New SAT from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on March 19 with a review at 6 p.m. on March 31, and the ACT on APril 23 with the review on May 5. Sign up online or at the Moraga Library. Signups include the test return and review date.

The Friends of the Lafayette Library Bookmark Contest, open to all Lafayette students, grade K-8, is happening again. Entry forms are available at school libraries for Lafayette School District and St. Perpetua School, the Lafayette Library and Learning Center and at the Friends Corner Book Shop. The entry deadline is Friday, March 18. Winners will receive a gift certificate from Orinda Books, the Friends Corner Book Shop and complimentary framing of their bookmarks at Fastframe of Lafayette. For more information please contact Kay Pekrul at kae865@hotmail.com.

Teen March Madness from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Wednesday, March 23 in the Lafayette Library and Learning Center Teen Center. You can make sports collages, bouncy balls and a basketball hoop to shoot stuff through.

The Friends of the Orinda Library is excited to announce the commencement of the 2016 Poul Anderson Creative Writing Contest, open to all high school students who reside and/or attend high school in Orinda. Entry Categories are Science Fiction/Fantasy, Essay/Memoir/Biography, 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 noon on Friday, April 22. Entries should be submitted to individual school representatives or at the Orinda Library. For additional information go to: www.friendsoftheorindalibrary.org or email contest@friendsoftheorindalibrary.com.

OTHER

The big semi-annual book sale will be held at the Moraga Library from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 12. There will be hundreds of books in various categories priced from 25 cents to $4. From 1 to 2 p.m. a large paper bag can be purchased for $5 and filled with as many books as it can hold.

Do you know of a young adult with social anxiety challenges, spectrum behaviors or learning differences who could use a supported independent living environment in a social community? Aspen Network helps young people develop personal and social confidence to help them launch into adulthood. The next Meet and Greet is from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 12, 15 Vallecito Lane, Orinda. RSVP to mbarker.aspen@gmail.com.

The Moraga Movers will hold their monthly dinner meeting at 6 p.m. Monday, March 14 at the Saint Mary’s College Soda Center. The social hour begins at 5:30 p.m. La De Da, a ladies cappella vocal quartet, will provide the entertainment. Reservations can be made online at www.moragamovers.org. Cost: $20 for members; $30 for non-members.

The Stroke Support Group of Contra Costa County will hold its March meeting from 7 to 9 p.m. on March 14 in the Sterns Conference Room at John Muir Medical Center - Walnut Creek Campus (1601 Ygnacio Valley Road). Contessa Bunn of the California Telephone Access Program will discuss the free program for communication accessibility. For further information about the Stroke Support Group, contact Ann Dzuna at (925) 376-6218. Free.
Persian New Year Festival – Jump over the bonfires to welcome spring with Persian food, music, dancing, and children’s activities from 6 to 10 p.m. Tuesday, March 15 at 2029 Durant Ave., Berkeley. Rain or shine. Free. For info, visit www.AnotherBullwinkelShow.com or call (510) 334-6523.

Friends Corner Book Shop at the Lafayette Library and Learning Center is having a half-price sale from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Sat. March 19 at the store located on the corner of First Street & Golden Gate Way in Lafayette.

Caregiver Survival 101: Caring for Someone with a Dementia - Reducing Your Stress from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 23 at Eldercare Services, 1808 Tice Valley Blvd. Walnut Creek. Caregiver Survival Series topics include: The major challenges of dementia care, responses and reactions to reduce your stress, and self-care activities, mini-support groups, and resources for coaching and support.

Area residents who own classic cars are invited to participate in the 8th annual Moraga Classic Car Show, which takes place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, May 14 as part of the 2016 Moraga Community Faire. The $30 registration fee includes an entry ribbon, lunch for two, a commemorative photo, and a chance for owners to display their restoration work to the public. Prizes will be awarded. The registration deadline is May 1. To register, go to www.moragachamber.org/faire or call Gloria at (925) 247-4473.

SENIORS

Art of Balance - If you are worried about falling or are at risk of falling, you should know about activities that improve balance. Learn how to gain increased balance and avoid the risk of falling from 11:30 to 12:30 p.m. March 23, Cedar Room, Lafayette Community Center. Cost: members,free; non-members $10.

Sons In Retirement - Las Trampas Branch 116 welcomes guests to socialize at the monthly luncheon beginning at 11 a.m. Monday, March 21 held at the Walnut Creek Elks Lodge, 1475 Creekside Drive. Guest speaker is Bill Green, co-director of the Speakers Bureau of the Vietnam Veterans of Diablo Valley. Please call (925) 322-1160 to make lunch reservations, the cost for lunch is $15. For more info about the SIRs activities for retired men, visit www.Branch116.org.

GARDEN

The Moraga Garden Club Meeting will be held at the Holy Trinity Church, 1700 School Street, Moraga, at 9:30 a.m., Thursday, March 17. Guest speaker will be Beth Branthaver, from the Lindsay Wildlife Experience, formerly, Lindsay Wildlife Museum, who will disucss “Birds in the Garden.” Interested parties are welcome for the 9:30 a.m. social time, marketplace table and meeting at 10 a.m.

Lafayette Garden Club. presents “An Andalusian Legacy” from 9:45 to noon Thursday, March 10 with speaker Katherine Greenberg, who will discuss creating beautiful and sustainable gardens suited to California’s Mediterranean climate. Meetings are held at the Lafayette Veteran’s Building, 3780 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette. For info, email Carolyn Poetzsch at cpoetzsch@gmail.com.

The Walnut Creek Garden Club will hold its March meeting at 9:30 a.m. at the Gardens at Heather Farm, Monday, March 14. Business 9:30 a.m., social 10:30 a.m., speaker 11 a.m. Program: “Photo Essay of the Animals and Plants Found on Mount Diablo” by Dirk Muehler, Shell Ridge open space nature photographer.