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.

Art Gallery at the Orinda Library - Ekphrasis Arts & Letters. The Lamorinda Arts Council, California Writers Club Mt. Diablo Branch, and Lamorinda Arts Alliance invite you to view 50 artworks paired with 50 bespoke writings displayed side by side in this collaborative exhibit. Ekphrasis is a term from ancient Greece meaning a literary description of visual artwork. This unusual exhibit featuring local authors and artist runs through June 28 during normal Library hours, closed Sundays and May 27. For more information email ekphrasis@LamorindaArts.org, call (925) 359.9940 or visit http://lamorindaarts.org/galleries

Art Gallery at Wilder – Ania Lesela “Contemplations”. The Lamorinda Arts Council invites you to view featured artist Ania Lesela of Orinda’s artwork in the Art Gallery at Wilder, 20 Orinda Fields Lane, Orinda. As a neuroscientist, physician, and artist, Lesela explores the interplay between the physical, spiritual, and the emotional using acrylic and mixed media. Wilder is open Monday through Friday from 3 to 5 p.m., and is closed  May 27. Please download directions to the Gallery if you plan on visiting at https://lamorindaarts.org/current-exhibits-wilder/

Valley Art Gallery presents Watercolors on Yupo by Juanita Hagberg through June 24. 1661 Botelho Drive, Suite 110 · Walnut Creek, www.valleyartgallery.org

Music

Pacific Chamber Orchestra (PCO), Lawrence Kohl, Music Director, presents summer pops featuring the orchestra, PCO's 50 voice chorus, and star of stage and screen Franc D’Ambrosio Saturday, June 29 at 7:30 p.m. Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church and Sunday, June 30 at 3 p.m. Bankhead Theater, Livermore. Purchase tickets at PacificChamberOrchestra.org

Rock the Plaza Summer Concert Series Friday evenings in June in Lafayette Plaza, 3530 Plaza Way, Lafayette (corner of Mt. Diablo Blvd. & Moraga Road). Bring a picnic, chairs or blanket.Bands perform 6-8 p.m. Friday June 7:  Other People’s Money; Friday June 14:  Midnight Flyer; Friday June 21:  Bay Bridge Beat; Friday June 28:  Lamorinda Idol Finalists. Activities for kids June 7, 14, 21 by All Ages Recreation Downtown. Free popcorn by The Park Theater Trust June 14 & 21! Photography by BlueGoo Photography June 14 & 21.

2024 Concert at the Moraga Commons park schedule

13 JUNE:  EAST BAY MUDD – Classic Soul and R&B

20 JUNE:  JAZZPHORIA – Jazz Rhythm & Blues Octet

27 JUNE:  MIDNIGHT FLYER – Eagles Tribute

4 JULY:  HOUSE ROCKERS – Rock & Soul (7pm Concert)

11 JULY:  MUMBO GUMBO – Genre-bending Americana & Musical Stew

18 JULY:  STEVE HANSON & CAROUSEL COWBOYS – Modern Country

25 JULY:  PURPLE ONES – Prince Tribute

1 AUG:  NATIVE ELEMENTS – Reggae

8 AUG:  TRAVELING WILBURYS REVUE – E.L.O, Orbison, Harrison, Dylan Tribute

15 AUG:  3 DAY WEEKEND – Motown, R&B, Classic Rock

6:30-8:30 p.m. (UNO) at the Moraga Commons Band Shell.

Cruisin Oldies Concerts presents The Fleetwood Mac Concert Experience starring Gypsy Dreams on Friday, May 31, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek. Cost: $39-$49. For more info see www.lesherartscenter.org/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/16642/3144 or call (925) 943-7469.

Theatre

Orinda Starlight Village Players present Agatha Christie's Spiders Web, directed by Jill Gelster on Fridays and Saturdays, at 8:30 p.m. May 31 through June 29, Sunday, June 23 at 4 p.m. and Thursday, June 27 at 8 p.m. Orinda Community Center Park Amphtheater www.orsvp.org, Tickets at Box Office or call (925) 528-9225 or email info@orsvp.org

Literature

Join the Sweet Thursday Author Series on Tuesday, June 18 at 7 p.m. in the Don Tatzin CH at the Lafayette Library & Learning Center to hear authors Brad Mangin and Brian Murphy discuss their book, 28: A Photographic Tribute to Buster Posey. This is a free event, but registration is required at Tinyurl.com/sweet-June2024. 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.

Other

AARP Tax-Aide will be providing Free Tax Clinics 1 Saturday per month starting in May and running through September at the Concord Library. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call: (925) 471-5686

The League of Women Voters Diablo Valley presents Mis and Disinformation: Election Edition. . This event is an eye-opening discussion of the impact of misinformation and disinformation on elections. Learn how to spot fake news, fact-check sources, and navigate the complexities of today's media landscape. Don't miss out on this opportunity to become a more informed voter and citizen. Tuesday, June 4 from 5:30 to 7 p.m., Walnut Creek Public Library, 1644 North Broadway. Please RSVP to: www.eventbrite.com/e/mis-and-disinformation-election-edition-tickets-890582856297. Free and open to the public. Refreshments will be provided.

Fire Safety Community Meeting held by Town of Moraga & Moraga-Orinda Fire District on May 30 at 6:30 p.m. Joaquin Moraga Intermediate School, 1010 Camino Pablo, Moraga. Community discussion of upcoming fire season, fire prevention measures, fire insurance, and related topics. PANELISTS: MOFD Fire Chief Dave Winnacker, Moraga Police Chief Jon King, Moraga Town Manager Scott Mitnick, and a fire insurance expert.

Mocktails & Cocktails – Sunday May 26 from 4 to 6 p.m. @ Tutu’s, 53 Lafayette Circle, Lafayette. Lafayette. Join friends of the Lamorinda Arts Council for some artsy talk about the creative life. Share something you are working on to start the conversation. Look for the knockoff Picassoesque poster of surrealist Dora Maar. No host bar. Just show up. Questions? Call (925) 359.9940.

“Ritmo y Sabor: Bay Street Bites & Beats”! Delight your taste buds as cuisines of all types come together to offer an eclectic array of flavors. From savory to sweet, there’s something for everyone. June 7 through August 16 fro m 4 to 8 p.m. Alternate Fridays, Bay Street South Plaza, Emeryville.

Bayareacomics presents the Laugh-ayette Standup Comedy Showcase on Friday, June 28 at the Town Hall

Theatre, Lafayette. Tickets available at: www.Bayareacomics.com

"A Time to Remember" on Memorial Day, May 27, at 5:30 p.m. at the Lafayette Hillside Memorial. There will be reflections, music, and poetry. The Lafayette Hillside Memorial is across from the Lafayette BART station. Please park at the BART station and use the crosswalk.