ART

The Moraga Art Gallery presents an international exhibit, “Impressionism Times 2,” featuring the work of lifelong friends: ceramicist Jacqueline Proulx of Walnut Creek and the celebrated French-Canadian expressionist painter Rita Rodrigue, a resident of Quebec. The show, which also includes the gallery’s 13 member artists and several guest artists, runs through June 2. The public is invited to an opening reception from 5 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 24. For more information, visit www.moragaartgallery.com or call (925) 376-5407.

“Creative Synergy” Artists Susan McKenna List, Camille Young and Dalia Alekna, who worked together for years in their Lafayette La Fiesta Square studio, reunite in this show of their original oils, watercolors, pastels and jewelry. The show runs through May at The Orinda Library Art Gallery, 26 Orinda Way.

Lamorinda Village Travel Series: Photographer Rick Whitacre at 1 p.m. on May 22, at LOPC, 49 Knox Dr. Love photography and nature? Come see/hear from Rick! His specialty is scenes from the national and state parks. Recently, his work has expanded to include astrophotography to help convey the expanse and magnitude of our natural world. Free for Lamorinda Village members; $5 donation is appreciated for nonmembers. Call (925) 283-3500 to register.

The Lamorinda Arts Alliance and the Concord Art Association are delighted to present a joint Art Show and Sale from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 2 at the Lafayette Christian Church at 584 Glenside Dr., Lafayette. There will be 24 artists who work in many mediums including ceramics, jewelry, printmaking, painting, photography, weaving and sculpture. There will be art demonstrations, live music, and light refreshments. https://laa4art.org, http://concordartassociation.blogspot.com

MUSIC

Saint Mary’s choirs (Glee Club and Chamber Singers) present a “send-off” concert series at 8 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, May 17 and 18 at the Saint Mary’s Chapel before heading off to perform in the Champions Competition at the 2018 World Choir Games held this year in South Africa. Enjoy a performance of the competition program, including works by Heinrich Schütz, Shawn Kirchner, Knut Nystedt, Craig Hella Johnson, and arrangements of modern contemporary music by Al Jarreau, Linkin Park, and Laura Mvula, and the Beatles. Free, but there will be a good will offering during the concert.

Gold Coast Chamber Players concert, “French Connection” at 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 19 in the Community Hall at the Lafayette Library. Tickets: $45 General, $40 Senior, $15 Student. Purchase online at www.gcplayers.org or by phone at (925) 283-3728.

The Diablo Women’s Chorale invites you to join them at their Spring Concert, “The Rhythm of Life,” at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 19 at Hillside Covenant Church, 2060 Magnolia Way in Walnut Creek. Join this musical celebration of the changing seasons of our heart, the poetry in both joy and sorrow, and the soaring melodies of our soul as we traverse this thing called life. On a journey through different musical genres and eras, from calypso to folk and Gershwin to Sting, the Diablo Women’s Chorale will move and inspire. Purchase advance tickets by calling 1-800-838-3006 or online at www.DiabloWomensChorale.org. Prices are $25 General Admission and $15 Student.

Cantare Con Vivo closes its 31st season with “A Jubilant Song,” featuring all performing choirs on stage, presenting a diverse selection of American music, including folk, classical, popular, show songs and spirituals. “A Jubilant Song” will begin at 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 20 at the Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church, 49 Knox Dr., Lafayette. Tickets: General $27.50; Senior $22; Student $10. Purchase Tickets by phone (510) 836-0789 or online: https://cantareconvivo.secure.force.com/ticket/#details_a0S0B000005BBJMUA4. www.cantareconvivo.org

Stanley Middle School presents Jazz Café from 6 to 10 p.m. on Friday, June 1 in the Stanley Multi-purpose room. This is a collaborative performance of Jazz student musicians from Stanley, Campolindo and Acalanes. Support the fundraising efforts of the Stanley Middle School Jazz Program and enjoy a memorable evening of music. General admission $10; elementary students $5; free for children under 6. Food, raffle drawings and silent auction (cash only). Tickets at stanleymusic.org or at the door (cash only).

Diablo Choral Artists presents their concert “Variations on Love and Laughter” at 7 p.m. on June 9 at Mt. Diablo Unitarian Universalist Church, 55 Eckley Lane, Walnut Creek. There will be a drawing for a gift basket at the concert, and a reception following the concert. General Admission: Adults $25, Seniors 60+ $15, Students $5, Children 5-12 free. Details and ticket purchase on website: www.dcachorus.org. Tickets are available from choir members, or through Brown Paper Tickets, 800-838-2006.

THEATER

DVC Drama presents a new musical “Godspell” running through May 20 at 321 Golf Club Rd., Pleasant Hill. A small group of people help Jesus tell different parables by using a wide variety of games, storytelling techniques, and a hefty dose of comic timing. An eclectic blend of songs, ranging in style from pop to vaudeville, is employed as the story of Jesus’ life dances across the stage. The messages of kindness, tolerance, community, and love come vibrantly to life. Show times are at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and at 2:30 p.m. on Sundays. For tickets, call (925) 969-2358 or visit www.dvcdrama.net.

The Peter Pan Foundation presents its annual original musical “Wish Upon a Star” over Memorial Day weekend May 26-28 at Diablo Valley College, 321 Golf Club Road, in Pleasant Hill. The magical musical adventure includes princesses, villains, heroes and many other beloved characters sure to delight audiences of all ages. Proceeds benefit UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland. The show features more than 200 performers in several alternating casts. Showtimes and casts available online. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for students, seniors and military and can be purchased at www.peterpanfoundation.org.

Town Hall Theatre Company Presents “Sense & Sensibility”, based on the novel by Jane Austen from June 2-23, with previews at 8 p.m. on May 31 and June 1. The play follows the adventures (and misadventures) of the Dashwood sisters – sensible Elinor and hypersensitive Marianne – in gossipy late 18thcentury Regency England. As the play opens, their father’s unexpected demise leaves the family in dire financial straits; and both sisters must learn to navigate the rising societal pressures, preserve reputations and somehow find happiness and true love. Tickets: $18 Previews, $27-30 Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings, $25-27 Sunday matinee. Discounts available for seniors and youth. Box Office: (925) 283-1557; www.townhalltheatre.com

LECTURE & LITERATURE

Orinda Books presents a Luncheon with Georgeanne Brennan, introducing her new book, “Windows on Provence,” at 11:30 a.m. on May 17. Luncheon will include Salade Nicoise using Georgeanne’s recipe, crusty French bread, a glass of Rose’ and a Provencal biscuit. $20 includes $10 off price of book. Call (925) 254-7606 to make your reservation.


KIDS, PARENTS & TEENS

Moraga Valley Presbyterian Church invites moms, grandmothers and daughters in preschool/kindergarten to a Royal Princess Tea Party from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 19, including tea, scones, crafts, story time and more. Register online: mvpctoday.org. 10 Moraga Valley Ln., Moraga. 376.4800; mvpctoday.org.

OTHER

Patxi’s Pizza in Lafayette is hosting a Dine and Donate on Wednesday, May 16, for Campolindo’s Make-A-Wish Club. The fundraiser lasts all day (dine-in, delivery, or pick-up) and proceeds benefit Make-A-Wish, which grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions. Please remember to say you’re there for the Make-A-Wish Club at Campolindo to make sure 15% of your order gets donated.

Lafayette Juniors 19th Annual Kitchen Tour from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 19. Tour six beautiful Lafayette homes for a great cause, with masterfully designed unique, elegant, and awe-inspiring kitchens. The Tour benefits No One Left Behind, Girls Inc., City Slicker Farms, White Pony Express and Contra Costa Crisis Center. Tickets are $50 ($45 tax deductible), box lunch available for $15. Purchase tickets at www.lafayettejuniors.org or Premier Kitchens in Lafayette.

Dogtown Downtown, from 9:30 a.m. to noon on May 19 at Lafayette Plaza Park. The event starts in the Lafayette Library and Learning Center outdoor pavilion with Downward-Dog Yoga followed by a Police Escorted Doggie Parade from the Lafayette Library and Learning Center up Golden Gate Way to Lafayette Plaza at 10 a.m. At the Plaza enjoy demonstrations, exhibits, marketing and swag. Contests include Looks Most Like Owner; Best Costume; and Best Team Trick, (register your pet for the contests at the Library Plaza beginning at 9 a.m.). Dogs must be social, friendly and on leash at all times. http://www.lafayettechamber.org/events/dogtown-downtown/

Kittens are here! See them at Community Concern for Cats’ weekend adoption event from 1 to 4 p.m. on May 19 and 20 at Pet Food Express in Lafayette and Pleasant Hill, and Petco in Walnut Creek. For more information, see www.communityconcernforcats.org.

“A Fantastic Woman” (“Una Mujer Fantastica”), Oscar winner for the 2018 Best Foreign Language Film, will be shown by Mountain Shadow Film Society at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 19 at the Walnut Creek Library, 1644 N. Broadway.  It is the first Chilean film to win an Oscar. $12 General Admission. More information about the program as well as Mountain Shadow Film Society, is available at http://mountainshadow.org.

Come celebrate diversity and promote our unity at Soul Food Lamorinda from 2 to 3 p.m. on Sunday, May 20 at the Intercultural Center at Saint Mary’s College. Soul Food Lamorinda is a free Baha’i-inspired program that combines an audio-visual presentation with readings from various faiths, philosophers and leaders, allowing us to reflect on inspiring themes and reminding us of the oneness of humanity. This month’s program, “Planet Dreams” will explore the unity and diversity of the human family, and how this can be celebrated and encouraged through a collective vision. Free. For more info: www.meetup.com/Soul-Food-Lamorinda/

Melanie Wahlberg, C.S. will be talking about “Never Alone - How God’s Spiritual Ideas Work in Us” at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 20 at the Christian Science Church, 650 Danville Blvd, Danville. Everyone is welcome at this free event, and loving, free childcare is provided. The event lasts just one hour. Traduccion Simultaneo al Espanol in the Sunday School room. Come to treat yourself to an hour of peace, enlightenment and inspiration.

Lafayette Chamber is having a mixer 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 23 at Premier Kitchens 3373 Mt. Diablo Blvd. in Lafayette. Free to members and those interested on becoming a member.

Contra Costa Tale Spinners from 7 to 9 p.m. on May 24 at the Orinda Library. Contra Costa Tale Spinners is storytelling for adults, told live and without notes. Everyone is welcome to this informal open mic, whether you want to tell a story or just listen. Adults and teens 13 and up will enjoy stories old and new - personal, traditional, historical, original and literary. The (optional) theme for this month is “Discovery!”

The City of Orinda is hosting a Pan-Asian Arts Festival this Memorial Day weekend, May 26 and 27 at the Orinda Community Center and Orinda Library. The two-day celebration, part of Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month, is free of charge and features programs for all ages. The festivities include a Chinese lion dance, Asian art exhibits, Bollywood dancing, Japanese animated films, Henna hand painting, Gamelan dance, food trucks and Mochi-making. More information and a full schedule of events is available at http://friendsoftheorindalibrary.org/2018/04/03/pan-asian-arts-festival/

Oakmont Memorial Park and Mortuary will host a Memorial Day Patriotic Remembrance at 11 a.m. on May 28 to pay tribute to the valiant men and women who have protected our freedom by serving in the military. This is a free and family-friendly community event open to the entire public. Following the program food and refreshments will be provided for all. Oakmont Memorial Park and Mortuary, 2099 Reliez Valley Road, Lafayette.

Orinda Library Writers Group from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on May 29 at the Orinda Library, Group Study Room A. Meet with a friendly group of beginning writers in a supportive environment to motivate, critique and inspire one another. Share two pages of your writing (any genre) and get feedback from the group.

Join the LOPC breakfast speakers group at 7 a.m. on May 30 for “Breakfast with Jim Barnett- commentator for Golden State Warriors” Date and time subject to change. RSVP to Janet@LOPC.org or call (925) 283-8722.

Many Faces of Skin Cancers from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on May 30 at the Lafayette Library Community Room. Join an engaging panel of medical experts including Drs. Kelly Hood, MD, Arash Mohebati, Susan Kao and Christine Chung, as they offer insights into the latest information on prevention, risk factors, new treatment options, and explore the unique issues of skin cancer survivors. Reservations recommended, call (925) 677-5041.

Wine Tasting to Benefit Family Builders from 5:30 to 8 p.m. on May 31 at Wine Thieves - 3401 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette. Cost: $40. Ticket Purchase: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/family-builders-wine-tasting-benefit-tickets-44393389824

Come break all the rules at the “Night at the Library” – includes cocktails, vino, silent Disco (?!?!) and fun around every corner beginning at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, June 2 in the stacks of the Lafayette Library. Immerse yourself in merriment, while supporting the library and its programs. www.LLLCF.org/Night2018

Lamorinda Village Travel Series: Just Cruising! at 1 p.m. on June 5 at LOPC, 49 Knox Dr., call (925) 283-3500 to register. New trends are making cruises more attractive than ever. Ron Hermanson from Cruise Holidays will share ideas and options for cruise travel. Learn about river cruises exploring new destinations, great rivers of Europe, ship/cruise descriptions and accommodations, advantages of river cruising (vs. other methods of travel) and more! Free for Lamorinda Village members; $5 donation is appreciated for nonmembers.

SENIORS

Facing Aging or Chronic Illness from 1 to 2 p.m. on May 23 in the Orinda Library, Group Study Room A. Face aging or chronic illness through awakening your spirit of creativity. Explore artistic expression with local artist, Felicia Morris, as a way to move with greater awareness and love through life’s challenges.
Contra Costa County Community Warning System - How to Receive Emergency Notifications by Vincent Martinez, Senior Emergency Planning Coordinator from 10:30 a.m. to noon on May 24 in the Cedar Room, Lafayette Community Center. Contra Costa’s Community Warning System (CWS) is an all-hazards integrated system designed to warn and inform residents about an emergency or disaster and the protective action residents need to take to stay safe. Learn about the various methods of notification and how to register to receive them. Free.

Cut the Cable Cord (And Possibly Your Cable Bill!) by Orlando Guzman, Technology Guru with the Lafayette Library from 10:30 to noon on May 31 in the Cedar Room at the Lafayette Community Center. Streaming media services abound, but what are they? How do they work? It’s not easy untangling your choices. Let Orlando shed some light on smart TVs and streaming media services, and help you make choices that might decrease or eliminate your cable bill altogether! Members Free; Non-Members $10.