 | | | Last year's performers
| | | | | | Free Concert at the Lafayette Reservoir
What better way to relax and enjoy the beauty of the Lafayette reservoir than with music from fine young and more mature musicians while soaking up some shade and savoring an ice cream cone at the annual Concert at the Res from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 11. Follow the music to the new permanent stage location on the east side of the reservoir, near the children's play area. The recently completed stage now has a shade structure for the performers. An array of talented musicians including those from the Stanley Symphonic Band, the Acalanes and Bentley Jazz Ensembles, and the Rossmoor Big Band will play. Students from Oakland's Westlake school will be joining kids from Stanley. Also new this year, the Lamorinda Theatre Academy and Stevie Coyle Strings. The annual event is sponsored by the Lafayette Rotary with lots of help from a bevy of supporters that make it possible. While the event is free, $5 raffle tickets will be available for a shot to win a variety unique prizes. Half of the net profits from the raffle and food sales will support school music programs with the balance going to local charities. Plan on making it a picnic with hot dogs, chips, water - even milk and cookies. Think of the Concert at the Res as Lamorinda's version of Red Rocks, except with a reservoir, green hills and a playground for little ones.
Concert Schedule:
Rossmoor Big Band (11 to 11:35 a.m.)
Stanley and Westlake Combined bands (11:45 a.m. to 12:20 p.m.)
Lamorinda Theatre Academy (12:30 to 12:45 p.m.)
Acalanes Jazz Ensemble (12:55 to 1:25 p.m.)
Dominant Seven (1:35 to 1:55 p.m.)
Bentley Jazz Ensemble (2:05 to 2:35 p.m.)
Town Hall Troupe (2:40 to 2:50 p.m.)
Stevie Coyle (2:55 to 3:10 p.m.)
Gold Coast Chamber Players Concert - Transcendent
Gold Coast Chamber will play Olivier Messiaen's "Quartet for the End of Time," composed and premiered in Stalag 8A where Messiaen and fellow musicians were prisoners of war during World War II. The May 11 presentation of the modern and magical music will be enhanced by a presentation by author Rebecca Rischin who has written a renowned book about the history and context of the creation of this piece. Pairing the two is a first in our area. The eight-part quartet was composed in a time of crisis and to accommodate who and what was available in the prisoner of war camp. Three other musicians - a cellist, a clarinetist, and a violinist - were also imprisoned, thus Messiaen composed a quartet for those instruments and a piano for himself. It is said that Messiaen, who was deeply Catholic, was inspired by a dream he had of the announcement of the Angel of Apocalypse. The music is very poignant and at times very moving, but it is not sad. It evokes transcendence, redemption, and even, joy. Messiaen said that when they played in the freezing night of the Stalag, never had he been heard with as much attention and understanding. This presentation will be a unique opportunity to hear this remarkable 20th century piece and hear all about its genesis. The May 11 concert and presentation will start at 7:30 p.m. at the Lafayette Library Community Hall. For tickets, visit www.gcplayers.org.
Farmers' Market to Open Soon
Farm fresh produce is back in Lafayette. Look for the Farmers' Market to re-open May 19 at the south BART parking lot, the same location as last year. Easy parking is available at the gravel lot behind Panda Express and in the north BART lot. The market will be managed by non-profit Urban Village Farmers' Market Association in collaboration with Sustainable Lafayette from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sundays. Look for lots of ripe produce, artisanal foods, live music and fresh espresso from mid-May until October.
Taste of Lafayette Returns
It's that time of year again. Folks hankering to savor the flavor of Lafayette can enjoy sample-sized portions of signature dishes from restaurants such as Yankee Pier, Chevalier, and Amarin Thai at the 11th annual Taste of Lafayette Tuesday, May 21, while supporting all the fine work of the Lafayette Community Foundation and the services of the Chamber of Commerce.
"It's a feel good community event that neighbors, families and friends can enjoy," said Jay Lifson, executive director of the Chamber of Commerce. New additions this year include Whole Foods, Cake, Back to the Table, Suzy Cakes and more.
With a total of 27 establishments participating, attendees should come with an appetite. Sandwiching the official "Taste-ings" will be music, wine and appetizers at Plaza Park at the corner of Moraga Road and Mt. Diablo Boulevard starting at 5:30 p.m., and wrapping up at 9 p.m. with more music, coffee, dessert, a raffle, as well as a silent and live auction back at the park. Raffle prizes include a condo in Maui for a week, a year of monthly fine dining in Lafayette, cooking class for 10 offered by Back to the Table culinary school and much more.
In between Plaza Park events enjoy mobile fine dining on a small scale. Participants can walk or ride the complimentary shuttle sponsored by Diablo Foods up and down the boulevard. Most of the establishments are within a few blocks of the starting point. The Duck Club at the Lafayette Park Hotel - which would be a bit of a hike - is providing hors d'oeuvres at Plaza Park.
How often do neighbors get to rub elbows while noshing on the sidewalk, and support civic- minded causes? Tickets are $45 per person and are available via the chamber website at www.lafayettechamber.org or in person at the chamber office at 100 Lafayette Circle #103.
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA