FESTIVALS

Lafayette Chamber of Commerce presents the Lafayette Art & Wine Festival from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sept. 15 and 16 in downtown Lafayette, 3553 Mt. Diablo Blvd. Award-winning art, wine and music festival. Two days, four stages, 20 cover bands, 300+ artists, and KidZones. Food, wine, and beer. Free admission. For more info see http://www.lafayettefestival.com or call (925) 284-7404 or email info@lafayettefestival.com.

The Town of Moraga is celebrating the 20th Annual Pear and Wine Festival from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 22 at Moraga Commons Park. Stop by and enjoy wine tasting, pear pies and pear cider. Hosted by local DJ RyanO, the event will feature kids’ activities - face painting, petting zoo, inflatable jumpies, chalk art, games and prizes. The Pear and Wine Festival will feature some hometown fun including a pear recipe contest and pear pie eating contest. Community groups, artisans, and local businesses are encouraged to apply with the Parks and Recreation Department for a booth at the festival.
 
ART

The Jennifer Perlmutter Gallery presents “Color and Pattern,” an immersive experience of paintings and sound that will delight and engage the public. On view are paintings by Andy Cunningham and Angela Johal, with a special sound performance by artist Jon Fischer and musician Danny Clay. The work is on view from Sept. 6 through 29, with an Artist’s Reception from 6 to 8 p.m. on Sept. 6. A special performance of the “Turntable Drawings” happens from 7 to 9 p.m. on Sept. 15. Don’t miss this fantastic experience.

Valley Art Gallery presents “August Ambience” exhibition through Sept. 14. The Diablo Valley can be very warm in August, so what better way to cool off than with some very cool art from our very own Valley Art Gallery. Demonstrating a wide range of motifs, styles, media and prices, and representing the best of the best from more than 100 East Bay artists, the “August Ambience” exhibition is a must-see show for residents of the Diablo Valley! www.valleyartgallery.org

MUSIC

Pacific Chamber Orchestra, under the direction of Conductor Lawrence Kohl, presents “Mozart: The Grandeur” with Mozart’s “Jupiter” Symphony and his “Haffner” serenade with Igor Veligan as Violin soloist. Performances will be in the Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 15; and in the Bankhead Theater in Livermore at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 16. Enjoy how Mozart simultaneously pours forth beautiful music entwined with the complexities of human emotions. Tickets are available at PacificChamberOrchestra.org.

Classical Pianist Robyn Carmichael Performs at 7 p.m. on Sept 22 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Walnut Creek. At St. Paul’s, Carmichael will perform her piano solo program “Peers, Friends, Rivals: Four Romantic Masters,” which includes pieces by Mendelssohn, Chopin, Schumann, and Liszt. Her program has received rave reviews and standing ovations in recent performances; a concert not to be missed! Donation at the door: average $20; Students $10 (all are welcome regardless of donation). For more information, please visit: https://www.robyncarmichael.com or stpaulswc.org.

Lafayette Studio Big Band Concert from 4 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 23 at Lafayette Christian Church, Courtyard Patio in the Grove, 584 Glenside Dr. Lafayette. Enjoy this fun afternoon in the beautiful oak grove, listening to Count Basie style jazz. No reservations required. Listen to a sample of music on www.lafayettebigband.com. Suggested Donation: $20 for adults, and $5 for a refillable glass for craft beer or wine and snacks.

Two Gold Coast Chamber Players performances, 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 29 in the Lafayette Library Community Hall, and at 5 p.m. on Sept. 30 at the Piedmont Center for the Arts, 801 Magnolia Ave., Piedmont. Pre-concert talk 30 minutes prior to each concert. Tickets: $45 General, $40 Senior, $15 Student. Purchase online: www.gcplayers.org or By phone: (925) 283-3728

THEATER

California Shakespeare Theater presents the company debut of “The War of the Roses” – a monumental evening of theater spanning four history plays: the Henry VI trilogy and Richard III. Presented as an action-packed evening, “The War of the Roses” will deliver a fast-paced, far-ranging, vividly theatrical depiction of two powerful families—the Lancasters and the Yorks—and their decades-long fight for the English throne. Political unrest and power grabs collide with weak leadership and civil strife as the country fights against the threat of tyranny. The show runs through Sept. 15. Tickets are $20 and are available through the California Shakespeare Theater Box Office, 701 Heinz Avenue, Berkeley, (510) 548-9666, online at www.calshakes.org, or at the Bruns box office on the day of the performance (pending availability).

LECTURE & LITERATURE

Discovering Opera: Mozart’s The Abduction from the Seraglio, presented by Bradford Wade, opera lover for 40 years from 1:30 to 3 p.m. on Sept. 13 in the Arts and Science Room, Lafayette Library and Learning Center. Pirates have captured Konstanze and her maid Blonde, and delivered them to the Pasha Selim. The Pasha attempts to win the affections of Konstanze; Osmin, the chief of the palace guard, tries to force himself on Blonde. Can the women’s lovers Belmonte and Pedrillo rescue them from the harem? Lecturer Bradford Wade will give a guided tour of the opera, with a description of the plot interspersed with musical examples. This lecture is given in conjunction with Opera San Jose’s production of The Abduction from the Seraglio, Sept. 15-30. Free.

Saint Mary’s College MFA in Creative Writing program presents The Roy E. and Patricia Disney Forum - An Evening with Kevin Young at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 19 at Hagerty Lounge, SMC Campus. Kevin Young is the Director for the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, newly named a National Historic Landmark, and Poetry Editor of the New Yorker. He is the author of 13 books of poetry and prose. Free and open to the public.

Saint Mary’s College MFA program presents Afternoon Craft Conversation with Tongo Eisen-Martin from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 26 at the SMC Museum of Art. This craft talk presupposes that among other potentials, poetry exists within a multidimensional overlap of two spheres of insight; one, that of the music or math of language, and two, the social realities that the poet navigate and digest. Students will explore the strategies, mechanics, and resulting art of prolific poets from various epochs of craft and social contradiction. By the end of the talk, students will be exposed to a useful set of strategies they can use in their own writing and also a lens of social analysis to synthesize with their writing. Free.

KIDS, PARENTS & TEENS

Lafayette Community Garden presents “Creating a Fairy Garden Log” - an intergenerational class from noon to 2 p.m. on Sept. 8. The class is a fun nature crafts project appropriate for adults and children alike (kids under 8 years of age need to be accompanied by an adult) where participants can bring their own “found” items from nature to include in their Garden Log creation. Free, but preregistration is required: www.lafayettecommunitygarden.org.

Mindful Littles Workshop: Exploring Awe and Wonder from 4 to 5:30 p.m. on Sept. 14 at Atma Yoga Studio, 99 Brookwood Rd. Orinda. Awe and Wonder is a magical element of our Universe. When we can tune into it, we practice mindfulness by focusing on the present moment and focusing on something greater than ourselves. During this beautiful workshop, kids will get to experience interactive group discussions and storytelling, practice playful yoga and mindfulness, and do creative projects to explore what it means to discover awe and wonder in their everyday lives. Open to kids: age K-5th grade. $30. Register at Atma Yoga Studio: https://www.atma.studio/

Stop by the Be the Star You Are charity booth between 1 and 3 p.m. on Sept. 22 at Pear and Wine Festival at Moraga commons for free activities for kids, reading circle, and book signing by contributors to the new book, Be the Star You Are! Millennials to Boomers. www.BetheStarYouAre.org/Events

OTHER

It’s not too late to find your purrfect kitten. See the cream of the crop at Community Concern for Cats’ weekend adoption event from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sept. 8 and 9, at Pet Food Express in Lafayette and Pleasant Hill, and Petco in Walnut Creek. For more information, see www.communityconcernforcats.org.

Don’t miss the 14th Annual Orinda Classic Car Show Weekend: “Dancing with the Cars.” Pre-party, 5:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 7; Classic Car Show, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 8. Enter your car and buy party tickets today at www.OrindaCarShow.com. These events benefit the Seniors Around Town transportation program, Educational Foundation of Orinda and other local charities.

The Stroke Support Group of Contra Costa County will hold its September meeting from 7 to 9 p.m. on Sept. 10 in the Sequoia Room at John Muir Medical Center - Walnut Creek Campus (1601 Ygnacio Valley Road). Jim Otis DC, Chiropractor will present ‘A Stroke Survivor’s Road to Recovery.’ After the program, attendees will break up into three coping groups: stroke survivors without aphasia, stroke survivors with aphasia, and caregivers and families of stroke survivors -- each group led by a trained professional. For further information about the Stroke Support Group, contact Ann Dzuna at (925) 376-6218. Meetings are free and open to the public.

Lafayette Methodist Church Stained Glass Window Tour at 2 p.m. on Sept. 15 and 16 at 955 Moraga Road, Lafayette.

Come celebrate our diversity and promote our unity at Soul Food Lamorinda from 2 to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 15 at the Intercultural Center at Saint Mary’s College. Soul Food Lamorinda is a free Baha’i-inspired program which combines live music and an audio-visual presentation with readings from various faiths, philosophers and leaders, reminding us of the oneness of humanity. This month’s program, “Sacred Balance,” will explore humanity’s physical and spiritual relationship with the environment and how these two elements can work hand in hand to address the environmental challenges of today and tomorrow. Free and open to everyone. For more info: www.meetup.com/Soul-Food-Lamorinda/

Members of the Lamorinda community are invited to attend a special presentation from 10 to 11 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 16 at the Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church in the Oak Room. The LOPC Senior Ministry team is sponsoring a unique opportunity for persons of all ages to learn about Well Connected (formerly Senior Center Without Walls) a nation-wide, award winning Community Service of Covia (formerly Episcopal Senior Communities). It is a FREE phone and on-line based program offering activities, education, friendly conversation, and an assortment of classes and support groups accessible to older adults right from the comfort of home. For more information, call LOPC at (925) 283-8722.

The Many Faces of Prostate Cancer from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Sept. 27 in the Lafayette Library and Learning Center Community Room. Come and experience an event focusing on the unique issues of prostate cancer patients. Join an engaging panel of medical experts who will discuss the latest information regarding ongoing screening, risk factors, and advances in treatment. Q & A session to follow presentation. Space is limited, advanced registration is required. RSVP to Shayna at 925.677.5041 x272 or sjung@dvohmg.com.

POLITICAL GATHERINGS

Catharine Baker the 16th Assembly District Representative, is the LRWF Monthly Speaker at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 20 at the Orinda Country Club. She is a Republican Assembly person serving since 2014 for the Lamorinda and Tri-Valley areas. This talk will be highly informative and offers a chance to hear about the changing dynamics of the Golden State’s politics firsthand. Luncheon and program: $31 For more information regarding this event ww.lamorindarepublicanwomen.org/ or https://www.facebook.com/Lamorinda-Republican-Women-Federated-136134033113066/

The Lafayette Homeowners Council (LHC) is sponsoring its yearly Candidates Night at 7 p.m. on Sept. 20 at the Lafayette Veterans Memorial Hall at 3780 Mt. Diablo Blvd. All residents are welcome! This year five candidates will be on the November ballot for just two City Council positions. Each candidate will have five minutes to introduce themselves and speak regarding their individual positions on various issues regarding our City. After each of the candidates have spoken, members of the audience will be able to ask questions of any candidate. The meeting will also include a brief “Annual Meeting” agenda by the LHC and we also hope to hear from our Mayor! www.LafayetteHomeownesCouncil.org

SENIORS

Xenophon Therapeutic Riding Center in collaboration with Connected Horse is offering Equine Assisted Workshops for people with early stage dementia and their care partners. No prior horse experience needed to participate. Participants will be engaging with horses from the ground, no riding. Session 4 - 9:30 a.m. to noon on Aug. 29, Sept. 5, 12, 19, 26. If interested in participating, please contact (925) 377.0871; info@xenophontrc.org. Free.

A Matter of Balance, presented by Lamorinda Village and Meals on Wheels Diablo Region, is an 8-week program for those who are experiencing concerns about falling. Held at LOPC, 49 Knox Dr, Lafayette, the program begins at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 14. Registration is required. Fee is $25 and includes materials and refreshments. Call (925) 283-3500 to register or go online: https://lamorinda.helpfulvillage.com/events

BE! Brain Enrichment is an interactive educational experience for adults with normal age-related memory changes. Presented by Lamorinda Village and Eldercare Services, the program begins at 10 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 17 for eight weeks. Held at Eldercare Services, 1808 Tice Valley Blvd, Walnut Creek. Registration is required. Fee is $40 for Village members, $60 for nonmembers. Includes materials and refreshments. Call (925) 283-3500 to register or go online: https://lamorinda.helpfulvillage.com/events

GARDEN

Healthy Meals/Healthy City on a Budget: The September program of the Walnut Creek Garden Club features Cindy Gershen, chef, teacher, and founder of Sunrise Bistro who created a remarkable, sustainable Hospitality Program at Mt. Diablo High School. Heather Farm, 1540 Marchbanks Road, Walnut Creek. 9:45 a.m. - Business Meeting; 10:30 - Social; 11 Program on Sept. 10. We invite you to attend a meeting. Questions: mslittle44@gmail.com

The Lafayette Garden Club meets the second Thursday of each month at the Lafayette Veteran’s Building at 10 a.m. and will have its first meeting Sept. 13 featuring Executive Director Linus Eukel, who will speak about the John Muir Land Trust and its mission to conserve our open spaces. His presentation will include photos, maps and video. There is no admission charge and light refreshments will be served.

The Moraga Garden Club will hold their next meeting at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 20 at the Holy Trinity Church, 1700 School Street, Moraga. The guest speaker will be Steve Lambert of Garden Lights Landscape. Interested parties are welcome to attend the 9:30 a.m. social hour, the 10 a.m. meeting and the presentation by Steve Lambert, immediately following the meeting.

The Montelindo Garden club’s September meeting will be at 9 a.m. on Sept. 21 at the Lafayette Library and Learning Center Community Hall. Presentation: Designing with Palms, speaker Jason Dawees. Jason is the author of the book Designing with Palms, released in 2018. He is the horticulturalist and palm expert at Flora Grubb Gardens in San Francisco. His book will be available for purchase. www.montelindogarden.com

Lafayette Community Garden and Outdoor Learning Center 7th Annual Harvest Fest from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sept. 23 at the Lafayette Community Garden. There will be garden tours, talks, music, scarecrow building, art card decoration, food and drink and other activities to welcome the fall season. Free.