Art

Orinda Books May Artists of the month are Dee Tivenan and Valerie Corvin. Dee is an abstract expressionist creating meaning from bold colors, lines and shapes. Her mixed media approach uses acrylics, inks, and collage as a form of personal expression. Valerie Corvin is a contemporary abstract painter with shapes and colors inspired by both natural forms and memories and feelings. A self-proclaimed colorist, Valerie uses color to communicate deeper feelings in her works. For a preview, visit www.orindabooks.com.

Music

Moraga Park Foundation presents Summer 2024 Concert Schedule: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. (UNO) at the Moraga Commons Band Shell. June 13: EAST BAY MUDD – Classic Soul and R&B, June 20: JAZZPHORIA – Jazz Rhythm & Blues Octet; June 27: MIDNIGHT FLYER – Eagles Tribute; July 4: HOUSE ROCKERS – Rock & Soul (7 p.m. Concert); July 11:  MUMBO GUMBO – Genre-bending Americana & Musical Stew; July 18: STEVE HANSON & CAROUSEL COWBOYS – Modern Country; July 25:  PURPLE ONES – Prince Tribute; Aug. 1:  NATIVE ELEMENTS – Reggae; Aug. 8: TRAVELING WILBURYS REVUE – E.L.O, Orbison, Harrison, Dylan Tribute and Aug. 15  3 DAY WEEKEND – Motown, R&B, Classic Rock

The Saint Mary’s College Guild is holding its annual Spring Concert in the Soda Center on campus on Tuesday, May 14 at 11 a.m. A formal luncheon will be served (select chicken forestier or butternut ravioli) $55 each. Entertainment by Double Treble, Dean Boysen and Christy Diggins. Send name, email, check payable to SMC Guild, c/o Cook, 4461 Alhambra Way, Martinez, CA 94553. Questions? Call (925) 229-2665.

Cruisin Oldies Concerts presents Sinatra, Dino, Darin & Davis: When Vegas Was VEGAS! with Jonathan Poretz on Sunday, May 12, from 3 to 5 p.m., at Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek. A high-octane musical tribute to the icons of a generation of men who transformed a desert's heat into an oasis of cool. Backed by a fab swing band! Cost: $39-$49. For more info see www.lesherartscenter.org/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/16640/3094?npage=2.

Theatre

New Voices Series: Lucía Fuentes at Town Hall Theatre. June 14, 15, and 21 at 7 p.m., and June 22 at 2 p.m. at Town Hall Theatre, 3535 School Street, Lafayette. TICKETS: $20, Pay-What-You-Can tickets available at the door (subject to availability). www.townhalltheatre.com/lucia-fuentes

Literature

Orinda Books event on May 11 at 3 p.m. Bhikkhuni Dhammananda defied convention to become the first woman fully ordained in the Thai Theravada Buddhist tradition. Her student, American author Cindy Rasicot, will tell this story, drawing from her new book "This Fresh Existence," which shares Bhikkhuni Dhammananda's gentle wisdom and direct insights about how to live a more compassionate life. For details, visit www.orindabooks.com/events.

Join the Sweet Thursday Author Series on Thursday, May 16 at 7 p.m. in the Don Tatzin CH at the Lafayette Library to hear author Katie Hafner discuss her newest book, The Boys. This is a free event, but registration is required at Tinyurl.com/sweet-May2024. The doors will be open at 6:30 p.m. for coffee and treats. The program is sponsored by the Friends of the Lafayette Library.

How stories can save us, an interactive conversation with Mark Yaconelli, will be held Sunday, May 19 from 1 to 3 p.m. at St. Anselm’s Church, 682 Michael Lane, Lafayette In an increasingly fast-paced and fractured world, sharing stories can be a radical and deeply human practice for uncovering the ties that bind us to one another. During this inspiring, interactive, and intergenerational event Mark Yaconelli will show us how stories can heal trauma, shed light on injustice and recover hope. Participants will be invited to step into the reality of another person’s existence by telling and sharing stories which will inspire kinship instead of judgment. This event is free to the public and reservations are not required.

Other

Lafayette Artisan Walk Saturday, May 11 from 1 to 4 p.m. Walk through downtown with family & friends, shop local, support local! The Lafayette Chamber’s Retail sub-committee is excited to announce and promote Lafayette’s local businesses and local artists. Businesses throughout Lafayette will be showcasing local artisan items – perfect gifts for upcoming occasions – Mother’s Day, Graduation, Father’s Day.

Cal Shakes 50th Anniversary Season Launch and Community Picnic, featuring performances, food, activities, and a sneak peek of As You Like It! Join for a day of community fun, on Saturday, May 18 from noon to 4 p.m. Bruns Memorial Amphitheater, Orinda. Tickets are Pay What You Can. The suggested minimum donation is $5 per person. Ticket Link: www.eventbrite.com/e/cal-shakes-community-picnic-tickets-874003848037?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

The State of Local Journalism and Why We Should Care. Join a Community Conversation webinar on Thursday, May 16 at 4 p.m. The presenters will examine the challenges facing local journalists and offer practical hands-on solutions that people can use to be more media literate, become better informed about local issues, and motivate their civic engagement. Register for the Zoom link here: https://ccclib.bibliocommons.com/events/662fe3e105ea9f28006d4c1f Contact programs@lwvdv.org for more information

Garden

Lafayette Garden Club monthly meeting begins on May 9 at 9:30 a.m. for social time and light refreshments before a short business meeting at 10 a.m. At 10:30 a.m., club member Liz Whiteford will give a talk on Transforming to a Native Garden: Chaos to Charm. At 11, guest speaker, Katherine Bergman will inspire us with floral designs incorporating David Austin roses from her Walnut Creek garden, where she grows over 120 roses. She is a top designer who is in big demand in the Bay Area. Lafayette Veteran’s Memorial Center, 3780 Mt. Diablo Blvd, Lafayette. Please visit www.lafayettegardenclub.com for more information.