Art

Paper Trails an exhibition recognizing the essential aesthetic quality and versatility of paper at Village Theatre Gallery in Danville, Aug. 26 – Oct. 20. Curator Michael Shemchuk has selected works that utilize paper as the primary source and essential material for this group show in which I am pleased to participate. At Village Theater Gallery, Village Theater & Art Gallery 233 Front St, Danville, www.danville.ca.gov/227/Village-Theatre-Art-Gallery

"Wonders of Man and Nature" starts on Wednesday, Aug. 16 at the Moraga Art Gallery, located in Moraga's Rheem Shopping Center at 432 Center Street. On view until Oct. 22, the show also includes work by more than two dozen gallery members and guest artists. A free reception will be held on Saturday, Aug. 19 from 5 to 7 p.m. The public is invited to view the art, chat with the artists, enjoy wine, light snacks, tasteful music and the company of fellow art lovers. For more information, visit www.moragaartgallery.com or call (925) 376-5407.

Art show at Orinda Books. August features the bold, realistic wildlife oil paintings of Joel Kratter, which are partly drawn from his trips to Africa and Australia. Visit the Artist of the Month for a preview at www.orindabooks.com. Orinda Books is located at 276 Village Square, Orinda, (925) 254-7606.

Art Gallery at the Orinda Library – Paintings by Holly Bazeley, Kendra Stone & Photographs by Jeff Heyman presented by the Lamorinda Arts Council. The exhibition runs from July 29 to Aug. 31 in the Art Gallery at the Orinda Library. View their artwork online with one click at www.lamorindaarts.org/online-galleries/

Music

Dan Ashley performs a Duo show from 2 to 4 p.m. the first Sunday of each month (except for September) at the Canyon Club Brewery in Moraga.  https://canyonclub.getbento.com/calendar/

Solo Opera is pleased to present the West Coast Premiere of the full version of “The Three Feathers,” a family-friendly chamber opera with music by award-winning composer, Lori Laitman, and libretto by former California poet laureate, Dana Gioia. Sept. 8, 8 p.m. and Sept. 10, 2 p.m. Free lecture one hour before each show. Lesher Center for the Arts. 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek. Running time: 85 minutes in length / No intermission. Tickets: $25-Youth 17 and under / $45-Senior / $55-Adult (925) 943-7469, or visit www.LesherArtsCenter.org

Stone Student Scholarship Concert on Saturday, Aug. 26, at 7 p.m. Grace Presbyterian Church, 2100 Tice Valley Blvd., Walnut Creek. Contact Dwight Stone (510) 512-2623 stonemusique@gmail.com. Admission: $20 Adults; Seniors $15; Students and children free. www.stonemusique.com/SSS.html

Lamorinda Idol Finals will be held from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Aug. 20 at the historic Orinda Theatre. Performance times will be grouped as follows: 11 a.m., K-5th grade solos; 1 p.m., K-12th grade groups; 3:15 p.m., 6-8th grade solos; 5 p.m., 9-12th grade solos.  Winners will be announced at 7 p.m.  For information, visit www.lamorindaarts.org

The Pacific Chamber Orchestra, Lawrence Kohl conductor, will perform all six Bach’s Brandenburg Concertos Sept. 16, 7:30 p.m. at the Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church 49 Knox Drive, Lafayette and Sept. 17, 3 p.m. at the Bankhead Theater, 2400 First Street, Livermore. Go to www.PacificChamberOrchestra.org  to purchase tickets.

Classical Guitar Duo Performs at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Walnut Creek. Saturday, Aug. 26, 7 p.m. 1924 Trinity Avenue, Walnut Creek. Online broadcast: visit stpaulswc.org/concert-series to receive concert link. Donations graciously accepted at the door (avg. $20/$10 Students) and in online registration. All are welcome regardless of donation!

Theatre

Laurie Roldan has partnered with Town Hall Theatre Co. in Lafayette to bring back her popular Cabaret series, “Laurie Sings a Song for You: A Cabaret Concert Inspired by the Music of Karen Carpenter.” Sept. 9, 10, 15 and 16 at 2 p.m. (A second show will be held at 7 p.m. Sept. 9) at Town Hall Theatre, 3535 School Street, Lafayette. Tickets: General, $45. Senior/Youth, $40. www.townhalltheatre.com/lauriesings

Other

Knit a cap or scarf for a child or adult undergoing chemotherapy, a debilitating illness, or experiencing homelessness! As part of Community Service Day, new knitted items will be distributed to patients at John Muir Hospital, Kaiser Hospital, Hospice of the East Bay, Warm Winter Nights and Safe Parking. Items knitted over the summer will be gathered in late September to distribute to the agencies. Any size, style, color ... let your imagination guide you! (Items for pediatric oncology patients need to be from a pet-free home ... please label them as such; other children’s items do not need to be) Contact Bobbie Preston at barbarampreston@comcast.net to arrange drop-off of your gifts in September.

Native American Indian Sites in the East Bay Hills presented by the Moraga Historical Society, featuring James Benney. As a spokesperson for the East Bay Hill People, Benney enjoys discovering and preserving historic sites once inhabited by the indigenous people of the Bay Area. Join us as he brings to life the locations of these ancient habitats. Sunday, Aug. 20, 1-3 p.m. in the Casita at Hacienda de las Flores, 2100 Donald Dr, Moraga. RSVP to Susan Sperry: ranchsusan@aol.com by Aug. 15. Reservations only – limited seating.

Kapnek Trust USA Family 5K/1K Fun Run and Kids Carnival will be held on Sunday, Aug. 27. Starting at 9 a.m. on the Moraga Commons Path, this family event supports pre-school education and nutritious food to children and Zimbabwe. Participants enjoy a t-shirt, food, music, carnival games, and fun for all ages! To register go to https://kapnektrustusafunrun23.eventbrite.com

Mocktails & Cocktails, Sunday, Aug. 27 from 3-5 p.m. at The Coop, 32 Lafayette Way, Lafayette. Join those who love art, literature, music and everything in between at The Coop, 32 Lafayette Circle, Lafayette. Whether you are deep into your creative journey or blocked; we want to hear about it. Look for our framed Piccassoesque poster of a crazy art lady – that’s us! No host bar. Just show up. Questions? Email literary@lamorindaarts.org.

The Lafayette Community Garden and Outdoor Learning Center is celebrating its 12th year with a Community Open House on Sunday, Aug. 13 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event is free and will feature inspirational speakers. Jim ‘Doc’ Hale will share fascinating information about wildlife in the East Bay and a beekeeper from Mt. Diablo Beekeepers will talk about the amazing nature of bees and art of beekeeping.

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