ART

The Moraga Art Gallery presents “Walk on the Wild Side,” a new exhibit featuring the distinctive, strikingly colorful abstract paintings by member artist Josie Osolin, whose work invariably evokes a sense of energy and passion. Also featured in the show are two guest artists: Jenn Norpchen, specializing in wild, whimsical gourds, reincarnated as birds, frogs, snails and other creatures, and Terry Ow-Wing, an Asian-influenced glass artist whose work has evolved from her background in architecture, photography, and glass blowing. The show runs through Oct. 20. For more information, visit www.moragaartgallery.com or call (925) 376-5407.

Bay Area Studio Artists will present “Herd,” an exhibit of paintings in acrylics and oils at Orinda Books, 276 Village Square, Orinda, during the month of October. You’re invited to the artists’ reception from 1 to 3 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 6. Or stop by the bookstore during regular hours. BASA is a group of local artists who have been painting and showing their work together since 2010. Their show “Herd” explores the herd instinct, that urge to gather with others of your own kind. It explores herds of many kinds, including some whimsical varieties. For more information on BASA, see the website: http://www.bayaareastudioartists.com.

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 through Sept. 29.

Fall exhibitions at the Saint Mary’s College Museum of Art Sept. 20 through Dec. 16, opening reception 4 to 7 p.m. on Sept. 20. “Graphicanos: Contemporary Latino Prints” from the Serie Project and “Stanley Koppel: Artist as Activist.” https://www.stmarys-ca.edu/museum

Rossmoor 2018 Art & Wine Event from 5 to 7 p.m. on Sept. 24 at Rossmoor Event Center, 1021 Stanley Dollar Drive, Rossmoor. Enjoy sampling fine wines while viewing original artwork and bidding on exciting silent auction items. General admission includes a commemorative wine tasting glass and hors d’oeuvres. Talented artists from the Rossmoor Art Association will showcase their photography, sculpture, ceramics and jewelry. Tickets: $30. https://hospicee.ejoinme.org/MyEvents/2018RossmoorArtWine/tabid/970133/Default.aspx

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.


MUSIC

Cantare Con Vivo kicks off their 32nd season in early October with the Chorale’s annual Ice Cream Family Concert, Gonna Take a Sentimental Journey, featuring folk and popular songs, Broadway selections, light classics, and spirituals starting at 4 p.m. on Oct. 7 at the Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church, 49 Knox Rd., Lafayette. In keeping with tradition, ice cream will be provided free for everyone in attendance following the concert. Tickets: $27.50 General, $65 Family, $10 Student. https://cantareconvivo.secure.force.com/ticket/#sections_a0F0B00000J5pASUAZ

Classical Pianist Robyn Carmichael will perform her piano solo program “Peers, Friends, Rivals: Four Romantic Masters,” which includes pieces by Mendelssohn, Chopin, Schumann, and Liszt, at 7 p.m. on Sept 22 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Walnut Creek. Carmichael’s 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, 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.

The Contra Costa Chamber Orchestra presents its new concert, “How to Make it in America,” at 2 p.m. on Sept. 29 at El Campanil Theatre, Antioch and Sept. 30 at the Lesher Arts Center, Walnut Creek. The concert will explore music penned by several of the most ambitious, diverse composers to make a name for themselves in America. For more detail on the program, visit www.ContraCostaChamberOrchestra.org.

THEATER

Town Hall Theatre Company presents “The Revolutionists” Sept. 27 through Oct. 20 at the Town Hall Theatre Company, 3535 School Street, Lafayette. For tickets, prices, and showtimes: www.townhalltheatre.com; Box Office: (925) 283-1557.

LECTURE & LITERATURE

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.

“Hughie” by Eugene O’Neill, directed by Eric Fraisher Hayes at 8 p.m. Sept. 21 - 22 and 27 - 29, and at 2 p.m. Sept. 23 and 30 at Old Barn, Eugene O’Neill National Historic Site, Danville. It is the middle of the night in the lobby of a run-down hotel in midtown New York City. Two lost souls—a small-time gambler and the hotel night clerk—find themselves in an hour of existential crisis struggling to balance self-preservation with duty to their fellow man. Ticket price: $40. Tickets available at: www.villagetheatreshows.com

Saint Mary’s College MFA program presents Afternoon Craft Conversation with Tongo Eisen-Martin from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. 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

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

Mindful Littles presents Heartful Connections with Special Friends from 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 29 at Las Trampas 3460 Lana Lane, Lafayette. Mindful Littles is grateful to be partnering with Las Trampas to offer a unique class to connect and be heartful with friends who have developmental disabilities. This workshop will leave you with a warm fuzzy feeling. Kids age 4-11. Suggested donation $18.

Lamorinda Moms Presents Dr. Allison Briscoe-Smith “How to Talk to Kids About Race” beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 16 in the Orinda Intermediate School Multi-purpose room. Broaching the topic of race with children can be challenging. Many of us do not even know how to begin to start such an important, complicated subject without feeling anxious about whether we are doing it right. In just two hours, Dr. Allison Briscoe-Smith will present powerful ways to help you facilitate these must-have ongoing conversations. Tickets: $20 plus service fee; Lamorinda Mom’s Members and educators $10 plus service fee.

OTHER

Healing circle, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. first Wednesday of every month, and 4 to 6 p.m. third Sunday of every month at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, 451 Moraga Way, Orinda. Practitioners of various healing traditions gather to share together for the first hour. Then an hour is open to the community to learn about the practices and experience them. Contact Michele Robbins for more information at shalompastor3@gmail.com.

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.

Lafayette Juniors 25th Annual Rummage Sale from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 6 at Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church, 49 Knox Dr., Lafayette. Special Early Bird Entrance fee of $5 per adult from 7 to 8 a.m. Pre-loved designer clothes, baby and kid clothes, toys, children’s gear, furniture, household goods, and much more. Cash and credit cards accepted. All sale proceeds benefit local non-profits that serve children, families, and communities in need. Visit www.lafayettejuniors.org for more information.

The UC Theatre Taube Family Music Hall presents “Teton Gravity Research: Far Out” at 6:45 and 9:15 p.m. on Oct. 12 at The UC Theatre Taube Family Music Hall, 2036 University Avenue, Berkeley. Join Teton Gravity Research for the winter kickoff party of the year, a one-night only premiere of TGR’s new ski and snowboard film, “Far Out,” presented by REI. Cost: $18 - 20. For more info see https://www.theuctheatre.org/event/1759412-teton-gravity-research-far-berkeley/ or call (510) 356-4000 or email information@theuctheatre.org.

The Lamorinda branch of AAUW will hold its 5th Annual Tech Trek Shred Fest, a secure pulverized paper shredding event. Shred papers on site from 9 a.m. to noon on Oct. 13 at 5A Rent-a-Space, 455 Moraga Road, Moraga. $9 per file box; Keep your boxes.

Middle Eastern Festival 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 22 and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 23 at St. John the Evangelist Orthodox Church, 501 Moraga Way, Orinda. Food, games, live entertainment, folk dancing, crafts, Middle Eastern heritage exhibits and more. Entrance fee: adults $2; children under 12 free. For information, visit www.stjohnorinda.org or call (925) 258-4255.
 
Serbian Food Festival from noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 6 at Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Church 1700 School Street, Moraga. Live Serbian Music, delicious homemade pastries and a bounce house for the kids.

POLITICAL GATHERINGS

Catharine Baker, the 16th Assembly District Representative, will be the LRWF Monthly Speaker at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 20 at the Orinda Country Club. Baker 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 the group also hopes to hear from the Lafayette mayor. www.LafayetteHomeownesCouncil.org

Moraga’s Candidates Night from 7 to 8:30 pm. on Oct. 3 at the Holy Trinity Serbian Church, 1700 School Street, Moraga. Come meet the three Moraga Town Council Candidates - Mike McCluer, Dave Trotter and Steve Woehleke - and hear them speak on important issues. Bring your questions or submit your questions to MCN94556@gmail.com. This free event is sponsored by the Moraga Citizens Network.

In an effort to bring clarity to your thoughts so that your well-informed vote can be cast on Nov. 6, the Orinda Moraga Lafayette (OML) branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) will host an impartial, informational presentation moderated by the Diablo Valley League of Women Voters (LWV) at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 16 at the Orinda Community Church, 10 Irwin Way, Orinda.

SENIORS

“Free Digital Materials and Services Through the Library – What They Are and How to Access Them,” presented at the Lafayette Community Center from 10:30 a.m. to noon on Sept. 27 in the Elderberry Room. E-books, digital magazines, language learning, museum passes, streaming movies (including classics and documentaries). The library has so much to offer! Learn how to access the multitude of free materials and services – all from the comfort of your own home. Free. To reserve your spot, contact Lafayette Senior Services: Seniors@LoveLafayette.org or (925) 284-5050.

Cooking: Farmers’ Market to Harvest Meal - Byron Park Dining Services Team from 2 to 4 p.m. on Oct. 11 at Byron Park, 1700 Tice Valley Blvd., Walnut Creek. There is nothing quite like a meal created from farm-fresh, in-season ingredients. In this demonstration-style class, learn how easy and enjoyable it is to visit your local farmers’ market or produce stand in the morning and create a delicious and healthful menu for that night’s meal using all those fresh ingredients. RSVP to Lafayette Senior Services by Friday, October 5: Seniors@LoveLafayette.org or (925) 284-5050. $10 credit card deposit required to hold your spot. Members: Free; Non-members: $10.

GARDEN

The Moraga Garden Club will hold its 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,” with speaker Jason Dawees. Dawees 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.