 | | | Music fills the air at last year's Concert at the Res. | | | | | | With May being a month filled with light spring breezes and mild sunny days, there is nothing like an outdoor activity to bring the Lamorinda community together. Whether strolling past the booths and displays at the Moraga Community Faire, enjoying a wide range of music from local bands at the Rotary Concert at the Res, or enjoying food and wine from local restaurants at the Taste of Lafayette, these special spring events showcase what's great about Lamorinda.
Do you remember the time machine that Doc Emmett Brown created in the movie "Back to the Future" from his DeLorean DMC-12 sports car? This year, you will be able to see a similar model at the Moraga Community Faire from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 10 at the Rheem Shopping Center (time traveling not included). The car belongs to a local resident, who will be displaying it at the Rheem Theatre/California Independent Film Festival booth. Other restored classic cars owned by community members will also be on display.
You can enjoy many other wonderful things at the fair, like meeting with Miss East Bay, listening to new bands that will be performing, visiting new food trucks (including a new twist on Mexican food and healthy options), or making tissue paper flowers for mom at the Lamorinda Weekly booth. There will also be classic fun like the dunk tank and games for children, including a climbing wall, Bricks 4 Kidz LEGO experience, carnival games, a bounce house, and informative booths featuring local merchants, community groups and even town staff.
"Just in time for Mother's Day, there will be opportunities to buy art, crafts and jewelry from a wide range of artists and taste a variety of wines made by five local wineries, members of the Lamorinda Winegrowers Association," says Ellen Beans, who for many years has worked to coordinate the volunteers who put on the fair.
On the same Saturday, the Rotary Concert at the Res will feature eight bands from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The concert, hosted by the Lafayette Rotary, will take place on the new Lafayette Reservoir stage, which was built by the organization.
This annual concert has raised money to supply Lamorinda and Bay Area schools with new instruments for their music programs. This year's event includes legendary Bob Athayde conducting the Stanley Symphonic Band, the Stanley Concert Gold Band, and the Concert Green Band all together; Mo Levich (recent Jefferson Award recipient) leading the Big Band of Rossmoor; Norm Dea directing the Acalanes High School Symphonic Band; and Brian Pardo at the helm of the Bentley Jazz Ensemble. A special highlight this year is the performance by Dominant 7, a jazz ensemble including students from Acalanes High School and Stanley Middle School.
The event will be a wonderful opportunity for families to enjoy the beautiful surroundings, and maybe a picnic. Food and beverages will be sold close to the concert, the location is found east (to your left) towards the reservoir trail. The Stage is about 150 feet from the parking lot.
On the evening of May 20, Lafayette will feature one of its most popular community events: Taste of Lafayette. "The chefs are choosing Lafayette to open their shops because they know that what they do will be appreciated here," says Lafayette Chamber of Commerce executive director Jay Lifson. "Lafayette has become a destination for dining. But first and foremost, the Taste is an opportunity to break bread and share wine with friends; it's a great night out for the community and a great culinary experience."
The event kicks off at 5:30 p.m. with wine and appetizers at Lafayette Plaza.
"Cake, Dave's Cuisine, Il Giradino, Lafayette Park Bistro, Green Lantern Catering Co., La Boulange, Millie's Kitchen, Peet's Gourmet Coffee and Indian restaurant T's Fire House (opening soon behind Kelly Moore on Mt. Diablo Boulevard) will provide an amazing variety of appetizers on the Plaza," says Lifson. Then from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. more than 20 restaurants will be offering samples.
Some of the newest eateries like The Cooperage will offer tastes of their creations, as well as established restaurants like Chevalier and even new restaurants, like American Kitchen, which is slated to open in the charming cottage where La Patisserie used to be on Lafayette Circle.
"As in previous years, people can either walk or take a shuttle," promises Lifson. Then at 8:30 p.m. it is back to the Plaza for dessert, coffee and a raffle. Tickets are $45 if purchased before May 9; $50 per person after. To purchase tickets, visit www.lafayettechamber.org/events/taste-of-lafayette/.
Second Friday Debut
The public is invited to a pair of receptions on the second Friday of the month starting on May 9, then again on June 13, called coincidentally "Second Fridays" at the Lafayette Art Gallery to celebrate new works and featured artists. At their new location in the historic Forge, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. everyone is invited to meet the artists, have a glass of wine and "feast your eyes on a dazzling array of fine art," said Geoffrey Meredith, artist and spokesperson for Gallery. Their spacious, airy new space on Mt. Diablo Boulevard near Brown Avenue will showcase selected artists each month. Look for Pat Prosek, printmaker, Debby Koonce, painter, and Polly Bradbury, glass artist at the event in May. The talent of the Lafayette Art Gallery's circle of artists will be on display in the stunning selection of works to be exhibited during "Virtuosity Goes Viral," the gallery's May/June show. For more information, check their website at www.lafayetteartgallery.com. C. Tyson
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA