Art

Two dozen member and guest artists in Moraga's iconic gallery invite art fans of all ages to a free reception on Jan. 27 from 3 to 5 p.m. (note the new hours), to the new exhibit, Stories on Canvas, which consists of hundreds of artworks in numerous genres including ceramicists, photographers, painters in many genres, jewelry makers, wood-workers, and more. Wednesday to Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. until March 17, at 432 Center Street in the Rheem Shopping Center. (925) 376-5407 or visit www.MoragaArtGallery.com.

Orinda Books art show in January features Barbara Breashears as the Artist of the Month. After working as a graphic designer for 22 years, Barbara has enjoyed teaching various art disciplines over the past 11 years. Her exhibition displays robust owl portraits in a variety of media. For a preview, visit www.orindabooks.com.

Music

Multi-platinum selling singer/songwriter, Tony nominee and jazz legend Ann Hampton Callaway returns to the Orinda Theatre for the Bay Area debut of her brand new show and to celebrate the release of her new album, Finding Beauty. Sunday, Jan. 21 at 5 p.m. at Orinda Theatre Square.

Berkeley Chamber Performances presents Black Oak Ensemble on Saturday, Jan. 27, from 7:30 to 10 p.m., at the Lafayette Library, 3491 Mt Diablo Blvd, Lafayette. Cost: $22.50 - $45. For more info see www.tickettailor.com/events/berkeleychamberperformances/992925 or call (510) 525-5211 or email info@bcp1.org.

Young People’s Symphony Orchestra, which is the oldest youth orchestra in California, will be having its Winter Concert on Jan. 27 at 7:30 p.m. at the Walnut Creek Presbyterian Church.  Tickets and info at www.ypsomusic.org/

Do you love to sing? Come join the Diablo Women's Chorale. Their Spring 2024 season begins on Monday, Jan. 22 with rehearsals every Monday from 7 to 9 p.m. at St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Pleasant Hill, CA. For audition information contact their Member Chair, Nancy Hickman (925) 899-5050 (hickmandg@gmail.com), and visit their website at www.diablowomenschorale.org/join-us.

The Sunday Paper at the Town Hall Theatre. The Sunday Paper is known for their crisp, tight sound with former and current members of Tower Of Power, Cold Blood, Sly & The Family Stone, Santana. Sunday, March 10, 2 to 6 p.m. $45 Early Bird Special until Feb. 1, $55 after Feb. 1. Town Hall Theatre, 3535 School Street, Lafayette. For tickets go to https://SundayPaperMarch10.eventbrite.com.

Theatre

Diablo Ballet presents Sleeping Beauty's Wedding Feb. 9 and 10 at the Lesher Center for the Arts, located at 1601 Civic Drive in Walnut Creek. Performances are: Friday, Feb. 9 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, Feb. 10 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 pm. Single tickets are on sale now ($28 - $57) with senior and youth pricing available. For tickets, call (925) 943-7469 or visit www.lesherartscenter.org or www.diabloballet.org.

Adventure Cabaret on Tuesday, Jan. 30, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., at Freight & Salvage, 2020 Addison St., Berkeley. Adventure Cabaret is a unique, unprecedented live theater experience that includes massive use of multimedia to bring you into the Empire of Ideas. Cost: $35. For more info see https://adventurecabaret.com or call (415) 579-2586 or email contact@adventurecabaret.com.

Literature

Join the Sweet Thursday Author Series on Thursday, Jan. 18 at 7 p.m. in the Don Tatzin CH at the Lafayette Library to hear author and former Lafayette City Manager Steven Falk discuss his book, California Story. This is a free event, but registration is required at www.tinyurl.com/sweet-Jan2024. The doors will be open at 6:30 p.m. for coffee and treats. This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Lafayette Library.

Adam Plantinga will introduce and discuss his debut novel, "The Ascent," on Saturday, Jan. 20 at 5 p.m. at Orinda Books. A thriller in which a down-on-his luck cop and the governor’s daughter team up to solve a high security prison failure. Plantinga began his career in law enforcement in 2001 as a Milwaukee police officer.  To Register: go to www.eventbrite.com/e/adam-plantinga-author-of-the-ascent-tickets-773869764297?aff=oddtdtcreator

The Cozy Mystery Club will discuss Murder on a Girls' Night Out by Anne George Thursday, Jan. 25 at 10:30 a.m. Cozy Mystery Club meets at Orinda Books on the 4th Thursday of the month at 10:30 a.m. and welcomes new members. Phone the store at (925) 254-7606 for more information. 276 Village Square. Orinda, www.orindabooks.com, (925) 254-7606

Other

On Jan. 27, from 10 a.m. to noon some of Bay Area's top dermatologists and skincare leaders, including Dr. Tomi Lee Wall, Rebecca Walker, Dr. Jerome Potozkin and Dr. Paige Radell will discuss what really works, from Botox, Kybella, Microneedling, Cryofacials, Lasers to Retinoids and everything in between. Additionally, Cindy Deily, VP of Sephora Skincare will give her tips of favorite anti-aging products. Town Hall Theater, 3535 School Street, Lafayette.

Mocktails & Cocktails Returns Sunday Jan. 28 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the remodeled The Hideout Kitchen & Café at 32 Lafayette Circle. Art lovers from the Lamorinda Arts Council are looking forward to hearing about your creative life. Questions? Email info@lamorindaarts.org or call (925) 359-9940.

Free income tax preparation for the 2023 tax season will again be offered by the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Program, providing IRS certified tax counselors for local Contra Costa County residents. Service is offered to people of all ages with limited to moderate income with special attention given to those age 50 and older. Beginning in early January, call one of the site-specific appointment phone numbers listed below to make an appointment, or call (925) 726-3199 for general information about the Tax-Aide program. The tax preparation service locations: Concord Library (925) 471-5686; Concord Senior Center (925) 671-3320; Danville Veterans Memorial Bldg. of SRV (925) 272-0902; Martinez Senior Center (925) 370-8770; Pacheco Community Center (925) 709-4525; Pleasant Hill Hillcrest Congregational Church (925) 289-9790; San Ramon Senior Center (925) 973-3250; Walnut Creek – Rossmoor, Hillside Clubhouse, Vista Room Appointments made on-site.

Xenophon Therapeutic Riding Center 4th Annual Drive-Thru Crab Feed. Order online by Sunday, Feb. 4. www.xenophontrc.org

Wine and Tapas Speaker Series host a conversation on the power of pilgrimage as a method to enrich life’s journey. Often a tool used by religious pilgrims the world over, this model can reframe our local journeys to add in intentionality and depth. Michael Drell of the Graduate Theological Union, not only brings years of international experience to the conversation, but has applied the wisdom of this practice to journeys to the Mission District, local arts and culture. Sunday, Feb. 4, 4:30 to 6 p.m. Creekside Commons 1035 Carol Lane. Donations welcome at the door, bring a drink or small plate to share.

Garden

The Montelindo Garden Club presents Glenn Phillips, Executive Director of the Golden Gate Bird Alliance, on Friday, Jan. 19, where he will share his bird expertise at their January meeting, on “Saving Birds, House by House.” What can we do to ensure that these visitors stay safe and healthy while enjoying the many pleasures that our gardens offer? Discover simple ways to treat windows to prevent deadly crashes, how to manage bird baths and feeders to prevent spreading disease, and other uncomplicated ways to be a good host for our feathered guests. See www.montelindogarden.com/2024-meetings.html for schedule and directions to the Lafayette Library Community Hall. Free.