ART

 

The Lamorinda Arts Alliance presents a new exhibit titled Halcyon Days at the Diablo Fine Art Gallery in Walnut Creek that runs through Aug. 5. Halcyon Days’ refers to a period of peace and calm, something we could all use. The artists reflect on this idea in a variety of media including paintings, photography, sculpture and ceramics. Unique jewelry is also a feature of the gallery.

 

MUSIC

 

Enjoy a Twilight Concert and Picnic honoring our veterans and saluting our troops featuring The Midnight Flyers (acoustic Eagles covers) and The Big Band of Rossmoor from 5:30 p.m. to twilight on Saturday, July 15 at the at the Lafayette Rotary stage and picnic area inside the Lafayette Reservoir and overlooking the lake. Free to the public. Bring a blanket, your lawn chairs and a picnic. Golf cart shuttles will be available from the main parking lot up to the Rotary Stage. For more information visit www.rotarylafayette.org.

 

The Walnut Creek Concert Band presents Summer “Pops” Concert at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 18 at the Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek. www.lesherartscenter.org ; www.walnutcreekconcertband.org.

$14 - $17; Free admission for students. Tickets available at box office or online at http://lesherartscenter.showare.com/SummerPopsConcert2017

 

It’s time to sit back and unwind at the free summer concerts in at the park series from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in Orinda on Tuesday nights.

 

Free concerts from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday evenings at the Moraga Commons Park. Bring your picnic blanket or lawn chairs to the grassy hillside in front of the band shell. Enjoy the music while your children enjoy the park. The volunteers of MPF will cook dinner with the Snack Bar opening at 6 p.m. July 13: Foreverland - Electrifying tribute to Michael Jackson; July 20: Beatles Flashback - Tribute the Beatles.

 

THEATER

 

Cal Shakes will present “The Glass Menagerie” written by Tennessee Williams and directed by Lisa Portes from July 5-30 at the Bruns Amphitheater located off the Wilder Road exit of Highway 24. There is a free, 20-minute informational Grove Talk starting 45 minutes before each and every performance with plenty of picnic benches. Tickets and exact show times available at www.calshakes.org.

 

LECTURE & LITERATURE

 

The UC Theatre Taube Family Music Hall presents Bill Nye the Science Guy at 7 p.m. on July 15, doors open at 6 p.m., at the UC Theatre Taube Family Music Hall, 2036 University Avenue, Berkeley. Bill Nye the Science Guy visits for one unforgettable evening to read and sign his new book, “Everything All at Once.” Cost: $42.50, includes a copy of Nye’s new book. For more info see www.theuctheatre.org/event/1469944-bill-nye-science-guy-berkeley/ or call (510) 356-4000 or email information@theuctheatre.org.

 

KIDS, PARENTS & TEENS

 

Make Solar Fairy Lanterns from 12 to 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 15 at the Lafayette Community Garden with artist Susan Dannenfelser for a magical workshop! Bring that special Mason jar you’ve been saving (not required), along with any fairy- or gnome-like decorations to make a lantern that is uniquely yours! Supplies provided. We’ll also demonstrate alternative light sources. All ages are welcome at this intergenerational workshop. A responsible adult must accompany children under 16. The class is free, but a $5 donation is appreciated. To register for classes, please visit www.lafayettecommunitygarden.org.

 

The Lafayette Library and Learning Center is celebrating makers, creators, and the curious in the community at MakerFest from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 22. The fourth annual MakerFest will include demonstrations for all ages in 3D printing, air-powered rocketry, robotics, weaving, music and art. We’ll also be introducing a new Pancake Bot. Register free online at: http://tinyurl.com/makerfestLAF2017.

 

The Berkeley Kite Festival is from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on July 29 and 30, Cesar Chavez Park, Berkeley Marina. Free event with kite competitions, the “Octopile,” Candy Drop, Kite Battles, Kid Zone with pony rides, bounce houses, and more. Food, crafts, and free kites. www.BerkeleyKiteFestival.com, (510) 235-KITE or www.AnotherBullwinkelShow.com for vendor info.

 

The Contra Costa County Library invites children, teens and library users of all ages to take part in Summer Reading. Summer Reading runs through Saturday, Aug. 5. This year’s theme is “Build Your Brain” and the program is filled with activities, events and reading lists designed to exercise your brain. Readers of all ages can participate online or use a paper reading record. Completed reading records or online completion certificates should be returned to one of the 26 Contra Costa County Library branches by Aug. 5. All finishers will receive a book prize and be entered into a drawing for a chance to win additional prizes. For more information on Summer Reading visit a local Contra Costa County Library branch or www.ccclib.org/summer.

 

OTHER

 

Operation Wedding Gown. The national nonprofit Brides Across America honors our first responders and military personnel by giving wedding gowns to these heroes at partner bridal salons and making wedding dreams come true. On July 14, Lace and Bustle Boutique located at  3569 Mount Diablo Boulevard #E in Lafayette will be hosting one of these wedding gown events. To register for the event go to www.bridesacrossamerica.com. Military brides must bring proper identification along with deployment papers to be presented the day of the event. First Responders must bring a valid work ID the day of the event. To contact the store directly call (925) 298-4100.

 

Dance on Film: “42nd Street,” 1 to 3 p.m. on Friday, July 14 at the Community Hall of the Lafayette Library and Learning Center. The film stars Warner Baxter, Bebe Daniels, George Brent and Ruby Keeler. Before the film screening tap teacher, and Diablo Ballet Executive Director, Susan Boreliz, will demonstrate some of the amazing dance steps featured in the film including, buffalos, cramp rolls, and even the Ruby Keeler, named for the film star. Tickets free ($5 donation is appreciated). Registration is recommended to ensure seating. Refreshments.

 

Kittens, kittens, kittens! Community Concern for Cats invites the to meet these adorable babies from 1 to 4 p.m. at this weekend’s adoption event, Saturday and Sunday, July 15 and 16. Locations are Pet Food Express in Lafayette and Pleasant Hill and Petco in Walnut Creek. For more information, see www.communityconcernforcats.org.

 

A free workshop, “Taking Control of Your Finances in 8 Steps” begins at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 19 at the Orinda Library. This is a two-hour educational program where attendees will learn the basics of taking control of their finances and can get their questions answered. There is absolutely no selling during this event which is put on by The Financial Planning Association of the East Bay, a nonprofit organization.

 

The Golden Gate Audubon Society presents Peru Peregrinations from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 20 at Northbrae Community Church, 941 the Alameda, Berkeley. Peru is a land of many habitats, from dry Tumbas, the high Andes down the center of the country, to the Amazonian forests and rivers in the east. Cost: $5 donation for non-members. For more info see www.goldengateaudubon.org or call (510) 843-2222 or email ggas@goldengateaudubon.org.

 

Contra Costa Tale Spinners at 7 p.m. on Thursday, July 27 in the Orinda Library Garden Room. Join us for a story swap with Jeff Byers, well known to Bay Area audiences, who believes longing drives every good story. Come see if you agree. Share, listen, expand your universe.

 

The California Retired Teachers Association invites all educators from the Lamorinda area to its next luncheon from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 2 at the Pleasant Hill Community Center, 320 Civic Drive, Pleasant Hill. Featured speaker is State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson. Cost is $25. Call Lorrie at (925) 937-2898 or email jalosborn@gmail.com before July 22.

 

The Lamorinda Safety Faire, organized by the Lafayette Emergency Preparedness Commission, will be from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 5 at St. Mary’s College, 1928 St. Mary’s Rd.  Learn how to protect yourself and your family while children enjoy seeing and sitting in helicopters just after they land.  Other special emergency vehicles will be available. CERT booths will be there with information and demonstrations.

 

Diablo Ballet’s Annual Gourmet Gallop food and wine walk returns to downtown Walnut Creek for the seventh consecutive year from 6 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 10. The event invites guests to sip, sample and stroll their way through 16 downtown Walnut Creek locations as they experience a one-of- a-kind culinary adventure. TICKETS: $39 per person on or before July 2, $45 per person starting July 28 are available online at www.diabloballet.org or by calling (925) 943-1775. Group rates are available.

 

SENIORS

 

After Hormones: Healthy Skin, Bones & Wellness at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, July 19 in the Orinda Library Garden Room. The clinical team from Comprehensive Wellness will share how to optimize your health after your hormones have dipped or disappeared. Learn about the way later life hormone levels affect bones, skin, and overall wellbeing and what you can do to get the most out of each day.

 

Smart Driver 4 Hour Refresher Course from 9 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. on Thursday, July 20 at the Toyon Room, Lafayette Community Center. Refine your driving skills, develop safe, defensive techniques, and possibly lower your insurance premium. Offered through AARP. $15 AARP members; $20 non-members. Max: 25 paid registrants. To reserve your spot, send check, made payable to AARP, to Lafayette Senior Services, 500 St. Mary’s Rd., Lafayette, CA 94549.

 

Anne Randolph Physical Therapy Presentations — Pain Management from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 26 in the Sequoia Room, Lafayette Community Center. Learn how improving posture and muscle strength can reduce or eliminate pain altogether. Stop suffering and take control. Fee per class: Members: no charge/ non-members: $10.