ART

Art Embraces Words 2-4 p.m. on Sunday, July 14, Lafayette Library and Learning Center, Arts & Science Room. Emerging writers will read excerpts from their works surrounded by visual artwork by local artists. In this way art literally “embraces” the spoken word. Accepting applications online for art and writing at Lamorindaarts.org under Programs. Questions contact literary@lamorindaarts.org.
 
The June exhibit at the art gallery at the Orinda library will feature acrylic paintings by Carla Gelbaum, photography by Jennifer Dzendzel, ceramics by Andrea Ciak, and jewelry and watercolors by Dina Asna. The exhibit will run through June 30.

Valley Art Gallery presents “Around and About Mount Diablo,” a new juried exhibition, through June 29. A competition juried by Timothy Horn, nationally acclaimed painter of the California landscape, “Around and About Diablo” presents 36 choices of artistic interpretation of the beauty of the iconic Devil Mountain and the vibrancy of the surrounding area. In addition the Gallery has assembled nearly 300 new pieces representing the best of the best by East Bay artists on our unique sliding walls - with all works available for sale or rent. Also on hand is a wide-ranging juried selection of locally created fine crafts and jewelry. www.valleyartgallery.org; (925) 935-4311

Lamorinda Arts Alliance “A Warm Palette” June 3-27 at the Lindsay Dirkx Brown Gallery, 12501 Alcosta Blvd., San Ramon. Member artists dazzle with the warm colors of the season: yellows, oranges, reds and pinks. Other colors were always welcome, however; we were looking for the “warmest palette”.
MUSIC

Lafayette’s Rock the Plaza series, now in its 14th season, takes place from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday nights in June at Lafayette’s Plaza Park at the corner of Mt. Diablo Boulevard and Moraga Road. This summer, the special artist alley will open at 5:30 p.m. June 28: The Keep On Truckin’ Band www.gigmasters
Orinda Concerts in the Park, with food trucks, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday evenings at the Community Center and Park: July 9, Flashback; July 16, Lamorinda Idol; July 23, Dirty Cello.   
 
SonoMusette: Bastille Day Concert at The Freight & Salvage at 7 p.m. on July 14 at 2020 Addison Street, Berkeley. SonoMusette’s renditions of timeless French classics provide a freshness and excitement that is contemporary, yet faithful to the spirit and tradition of the original versions. Tickets: $18 advance/$22 door. https://www.thefreight.org/
event/1813128-sonomusette-
berkeley/

Lafayette Rotary, Aegis Living of Moraga, and the Rossmoor Big Band will be producing the annual Tribute to the Troops at the Lafayette Reservoir Band Stand from 5 to 8:15 p.m. on July 13. This free concert honors our troops and the Blue Star and Gold Star Mothers who support our troops. Lamorinda residents are encouraged to attend and bring a picnic and enjoy music from the Rossmoor Big Band and Lafayette’s very own native son David Martin and Rob Ross from David Martin’s House Party. Seating will be provided but attendees can also bring a blanket to spread out on the grass and enjoy the concert.

Cantare Con Vivo presents My Lord, What a Morning, a 100-voice choir singing African-American spirituals and gospel songs that are seldom performed today. Fundamental to the formation of essential American genres such as ragtime, jazz, blues and R&B. the history of this music is rooted in American slavery mixed with Christian indoctrination, leading to these insightful and emotionally powerful personal expressions of faith. 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 27 at the Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church. Ticket price: $20.00. www.cantareconvivo.org.

Moraga Commons Park Summer Concerts from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday evenings in the summer. June 27 features the Beatles tribute band Beatles Flashback and July 4 will showcase the Rock & Soul band House Rockers. Join your neighbors for a relaxing free concert. 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 Moraga Park Foundation cook food with the Snack Bar opening at 6 p.m.

THEATER

California Shakespeare Theater’s “The Good Person of Szechwan” by Bertolt Brecht; translated by Wendy Arons; adapted by Tony Kushner July 3 - 21 at the Bruns Amphitheater, 100 California Shakespeare Theater Way, Orinda. Single tickets start at $20, with discounts available for seniors, students, persons age 30 and under, and groups. For more information and showtimes, visit www.calshakes.org.

LECTURE & LITERATURE

KPFA Radio 94.1 FM presents Richard Wolff: `Save Capitalism? Why? We Can Do Better’ from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 26 at First Congregational Church of Berkeley, 2345 Channing Way, Berkeley. Richard Wolff will speak on the topic, `Save Capitalism? Why? We Can Do Better,’ answer questions and sign books. Hosted by Sabrina Jacobs. Cost: $15 advance, $18 door. For more info see http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/4097650 or call (510) 967-4495.

Planned Giving: Tips & Techniques - For an Elegant and Efficient Charitable Legacy seminar at 9:30 a.m. on July 13 in the Brother Jerome West Hall at the Saint Mary’s College campus. Thoughtful charitable planning is the hallmark of any true legacy. And charitable planning is especially elegant when designed to fit efficiently with your tax and estate planning goals. Through several common-sense examples, you will learn how your gifting strategies can stretch your generosity and leverage your legacy. The event is free, but we ask that you RSVP for planning purposes to cab35@stmarys-ca.edu or (925) 631-4168.

KIDS, PARENTS & TEENS

Sterling Johnson the Bubblesmith at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, July 3 at the Moraga Library. Sterling Johnson will create a special, space-themed show for us with his remarkable hand-blown bubbles. He is the only person to ever put a bubble inside a bubble inside a bubble on stage without any tubes or straws, and the first person to walk completely through a bubble film. On this occasion, he will turn his talents out into the universe, creating a unique space-themed show you won’t want to miss!

OTHER

Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan hosts a free Lamorinda Fire Prevention and Preparedness Workshop from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on June 27 in the Campo High School multi-purpose room. Receive updates on the new North Orinda Fuel Break, learn how to use the Community Warning System in case of wildfire or other emergencies, and get tips on preparing for the upcoming fire season. RSVP: asmdc.org/cf-events

Friends Corner Book Shop in Lafayette is having a Summer Vacation Half-Price and Super Children’s Book Sale from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 29. Let’s jump into summer ready to read - and help our children revisit old favorites and discover new treasures! Friends Corner Book Shop operates under the auspices of Friends of the Lafayette Library and Learning Center, and proceeds benefit the Lafayette Library. Located at the corner of First Street and Golden Gate Way.
https://www.lllcf.org/shop-
for-a-used-book/

Moraga’s Fourth of July Fun Run benefiting Campolindo Track and Field will start with a kids’ run at 8 a.m., 5-mile at 8:30 a.m. and 2-mile at 8:40 a.m. Register at MoragaFunRun.com. The starting line will be located in the parking lot adjacent to Canyon Club Brewery at 1558 Canyon Road. Same day packet pickup and the assembly area for the race will be in the parking lot next to Canyon Club Brewery. Suggested parking is near Safeway & The Bank of America.
 
Native living was all-age inclusive. Do you long to experience Native connective belonging to the land and would you love to experience this in the presence of the innocence of youth? Come, open your heart and receive this regenerative connection that had been ours from the beginning as we do many and all things Native. Saclan/Miwok Camp, 8 to 11:30 a.m. July 9-12. Cost: $65; address: 3932 Mt. Diablo Blvd (across from and just west of the Lafayette Reservoir). To register for classes, please visit www.lafayettecommunitygarden.org. For more information contact us at: marthaharrislcg@gmail.com.

Document Shredding Fundraiser from 10 a.m. to noon on July 20 at 400 Taylor Blvd., Pleasant Hill (Back Parking Lot). Bring old tax returns, bills, business records, bank statements and other documents containing personal information to our shredding event. Make a charitable donation to the Cancer Support Community and all of your documents will be shredded on site by Diablo Paper Shredding Company. (925) 677-5041 x272

Prostate Health Seminar from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on July 23 at the Walnut Creek Library - Oak View Room, 1644 N. Broadway. This seminar will highlight newer approaches to treating enlarged prostate without medication or major surgery. The presentation will also include a discussion about in-office therapies for treating incontinence. Q & A session to follow the presentations. Hosted by Pacific Urology. Please RSVP by calling (925) 677-5041 x272.

POLITICAL GATHERINGS

State Assemblywoman Rebecca Bauer-Kahan (CA District 16) will address the Rotary Club of Orinda at its luncheon meeting at noon on July 10 at the Orinda Community Center. She will provide an update on important issues facing our District, as well as statewide initiatives and their potential impacts on our community. The public is welcome. Cost of the luncheon is $20 and reservations can be made online at www.orindarotary.org.