ART

The Jennifer Perlmutter Gallery in Lafayette presents Side x Side, an exhibit that features the paintings of James Koskinas and Julie Schumer through April 15. They both work in acrylic and tend towards a painting style of large scale abstract expressionism and figurative. jenniferperlmuttergallery.com.

Certified appraisers from
Michaan’s Auctions will give verbal appraisals on Fine Art, Furniture and Decorative Art, Jewelry, Stamps and Coins, Asian Art, etc. from 4-7 p.m. on April 21 (by appointment)  at  the Moraga Library,1500 St. Mary’s Road, Moraga. This fundraiser is sponsored by Moraga Women’s Society. Bring your heirlooms or garage sale treasures for evaluation. Call Tammie Chambless (510) 227-2530 for appointment. Entry + up to 3 appraisals: $25. Pay at the door and proceed to the Community Room. All proceeds go to Moraga Schools.

The Moraga Art Gallery announces its springtime show, Color and Caprice, an exhibit that spotlights member artist Angelica Samame’s eye-catching collection of stylized portraits of sophisticated women — slender and fashionably-clad. The show also features guest artist, Elizabeth Russell, aka Liz R Honeypots, from Forestville, whose ceramics consist of utilitarian platters, mugs, casserole dishes and more. The show runs to June 3. For more information, visit the gallery’s website: www.moragaartgallery.com, call (925) 376-5407 or email moragaartgallery@gmail.com.

Valley Art Gallery presents their new show ARTERIAL: Your Road to the Best East Bay Artists running from through May 13. Plus, there are beautifully crafted, ceramic, wood and glass pieces, and original designer jewelry. For more info visit www.valleyartgallery.com. It’s located in Walnut Creek.

IRAN|USA, an original exhibition organized by the Saint Mary’s College Museum of Art, presents a program of compelling video art and prints by artist and faculty member Peter Freund through May 28. The multi-language exhibit re-envisions key moments in the politically charged history of the two countries through the lens of an experimental artist. The museum is located on campus, 1928 St. Mary’s Road in Moraga and is open from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday; $5 admission.

MUSIC

Check out new music of the 21st century with perhaps a flair of late night Thelonious — all this imaginatively created on stage by pianists. Come enjoy the Piano Composers’ concert at 7 p.m. on Friday April 7 at the Lafayette Library and Learning Center Community Hall. This free event is sponsored by the Contra Costa Performing Arts Society in partnership with the library.

Saint Mary’s Jazz Band Concert 7:30 p.m. on Friday, April 7, Soda Activity Center, 1928 Saint Mary’s Road, Moraga. Featuring Music from: Miles Davis, Gordon Goodwin, Thelonious Monk, Carlos Santana, Duke Pearson, and Count Basie. Tickets are $5; $2 for students and seniors are and are sold at the door. Cash or Check only. Doors open 30 minutes before performance time.

Pacific Chamber Orchestra concludes its 28th season at the Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday April 22 in the Sanctuary, led by Maestro Lawrence Kohl. The program includes Beethoven’s Leonore Overture #3, Brahm’s Symphony #1 and Elgar’s Concerto for Cello with Nina Flyer, soloist. Ms. Flyer has toured, recorded, and taught throughout Europe and America. She is a professor of cello and chamber music at the University of Pacific Conservatory of Music. Tickets may be purchased at the door or at www.pacificchamberorchestra.org.

The award-winning musical “In the Heights” presented by Saint Mary’s Performing Arts Department, runs Thursday April 27  through Sunday April 30 at Saint Mary’s LeFevre Theatre, 1928 Saint Mary’s Road, in Moraga. By the acclaimed creative team behind Hamilton, IN THE HEIGHTS tells the universal story of a tight knit Latin American community in Manhattan and is grounded in universal themes of family, community and self-discovery. Tickets: $18 with $15 for students and seniors are available at the   https://www.stmarys-ca.edu/in-the-heights-event-listing. Show times: 8 pm. April 27; 4 p.m. April 28; 9 p.m. April 28; 8 p.m. April 29; 2 p.m. April 30. Additional info. (925) 631-4670; tms8@stmarys-ca.edu.

Enjoy a rare appearance by Juke Joint, Lamorinda’s own Classic soul and R&B band at Bonehead’s BBQ, 3422 Mt. Diablo Blvd, Lafayette from 5:30 to 8:30 on Saturday, April 29.

LECTURE, LITERATURE & SCREENINGS

“World on the Move,” focusing on immigration issues, is the topic chosen by Dr. David Vasquez-Levy, president of the Pacific School of Religion, for his presentation at 1:30 p.m. on April 7 at the First Friday Forum in the Sanctuary of Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church, 49 Knox Drive, Lafayette. Refreshments are served at 1 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. This is a free event. For more information contact (925) 283-8722.

There will be a screening of “Racing to Zero” at 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Friday, April 14 at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, 451 Moraga Way, Orinda. This is a documentary of San Francisco’s commitment to turn all garbage into resources. Be inspired by this upbeat fast-paced journey through the city’s waste stream, and see how action is achieving results. More info: (925) 705-2744

The Summer of Love Experience: Art, Fashion & Rock & Roll at 1 p.m. on Monday, April 24 in the Orinda Library Garden Room. Orinda Library welcomes Alfred Escoffier, a Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco docent, who will share highlights of this exhilarating display of memorabilia celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Summer of Love at the De Young Museum. This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Orinda Library.

Lamorinda Arts Council will host their 2nd Annual ShortDocs Film Fest at 3 p.m. on May 7 at the Lafayette Library and Learning Center. This documentary film festival provides local filmmakers an opportunity to create new work as well as showcase it at a community screening. Entries for the Lamorinda ShortDocs Film Fest will be accepted until April 19. The competition is open to anyone 5 years of age or older who is living, working or attending school in Orinda, Lafayette or Moraga. Film submissions will be judged in one of four categories: elementary school, middle school, high school and adult. To learn more about the Lamorinda ShortDocs Film Fest competition and to enter go to http://www.lamorindaarts.org/shortdocs.

KIDS, PARENTS & TEENS

Get ready for the second annual Rock Band Showcase at the Lafayette Community Center. The bands will play at 7:30 p.m. on April 14. Register at www.abrighterday.info

The public is invited to take a photo with the Easter Bunny at 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 15 in Rheem Valley Shopping Center in the suite between Dover Saddlery & Nation’s Giant Hamburgers. There will be Easter Clowns, the Easter Fairy, balloon art and more. Use your Rheem Valley Shopping Center receipts totaling $25 or more go online to www.rheemvalley.net to print out the coupon for a FREE photo session with the Easter Bunny. For more information on Spring holiday events, see page B1.

Orinda Rotary Club’s Annual Egg Hunt is at 11 a.m. sharp on April 15 at the Orinda Community Center Play Field. There will be over 1000 eggs and prizes for all as well as pictures with the White Bunny. Ages: Toddlers through Kindergarten and Grades 1 and 2 only. Be sure to bring a basket. Rain cancels the event. For more information on Spring holiday events, see page B1.

Community Egg Scramble, 10 a.m. Saturday, April 15 at the Lafayette Plaza Park near the Park Theater. Open to all kids through second grade. Free and made possible by the Rotary Club of Lafayette. For more information on Spring holiday events, see page B1.

Orinda Academy will be holding an Open House from 7 to 9 p.m. on April 19 for fall 2017 enrollment. Orinda Academy is located at 19 Altarinda Rd.

The City of Lafayette and the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with local non-profit organization Sustainable Lafayette, will host the city’s 12th annual Earth Day Festival at the Lafayette Library and Learning Center. The theme of this year’s festival is “Sustainable Youth” and the event will showcase local youth groups as well as exhibitors will provide attendees with inspiration and awareness about how to make their local community more sustainable and connect them with opportunities to help. The Festival will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on April 23 on Golden Gate Way behind the Lafayette Library and Learning Center, and at the plaza of the library, located at 3491 Mt. Diablo Blvd in Lafayette.

The Lamorinda Idol 2016 auditions will be held on May 11-13. Registration is open to all Lamorinda students or residents. Groups can include members outside Lamorinda. Register at www.LamorindaArts.Org through April 30. The Lamorinda Idol program includes workshops, multiple performance opportunities, parties and the Finals at the Orinda Theatre Sunday, Aug. 26.

OTHER

Learn the art of making Pysanky, or Ukrainian Easter Eggs, decorated using a wax-resist and dye method in a three-hour workshop led by local folk art teacher, Evie Michon. Traditionally created during Lent, Pysanky were given as treasured gifts. 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday April 8. Cost is $20, limited to 20 people. Hosted by Holy Shepherd Lutheran Church, 433 Moraga Way, Orinda. Register: Q1w2tissue@gmail.com

Have a case of Spring fever? There is no better cure than bringing a new kitten or cat into your family. See the beautiful kitties at Community Concern for Cats’ adoption event from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, April 8 and 9. Our Lafayette and Walnut Creek locations are open on Saturday and Sunday. Our Pleasant Hill location is only open on Saturday. Find us at Pet Food Express in Lafayette and Pleasant Hill, and Petco in Walnut Creek. For more information, see www.communityconcernforcats.org.

Jewish Gateways presents Jewish Gateways Passover Celebration for Families with Young Children from 10:30 a.m. to noon on Sunday, April 9 at Easton Hall, 2401 Ridge Road, Berkeley. Celebrate this freedom holiday with Passover songs, stories, a hands-on project and treats. Led by Rabbi Bridget and Isaac Zones. Cost: $30 per family, plus $5 per sibling over 5. For more info see www.jewishgateways.org/families or call (510) 410-0622 or email rabbibridget@jewishgateways.org.

Come celebrate diversity and promote unity at Soul Food Lamorinda from 2 to 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 9 at the Intercultural Center at St Mary’s College. Soul Food Lamorinda is a free Baha’i-inspired program that combines an audio-visual presentation with readings from various faiths, philosophers and leaders. This month’s program, “Sense of Time,” will explore the precious nature of time — how quickly it passes and how profound it can be when we make the most of it. Free and open to everyone. For more info: www.meetup.com/Soul-Food-Lamorinda/.

Passover Seders at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, April 10 and 11 at 1671 Newell Ave, Walnut Creek. Featuring: delicious traditional Seder dinner, insights, singing, four cups of wine, and Hand Baked Shmurah Matzah. Second Seder on Tuesday evening conducted in Russian. Adult: $45, Child: $30. No one will be turned away for lack of funds. Reservations required. www.jewishcontracosta.com (925) 937-4101.

Building Jewish Bridges presents Adoption in Jewish and Interfaith Families from 7:30 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, April 20 at B’nai Tikvah, 25 Hillcroft Way, Walnut Creek. Join adoptive parents and an adoption professional to discuss how families give children a secure Jewish identity while honoring their culture of origin. Free. For more info see http://www.buildingjewishbridges.org or call (510) 845-6420 x11 or email dawn@buildingjewishbridges.org.

Acalanes High School SAGE (Students for the Advancement of Global Education) Club presents its fundraiser movie night at 9:30 p.m. on April 21.

Saint Mary’s celebrates its status as a Fair Trade College with this yearly free Fair Trade Festival, happening from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday April 28. Coffee, chocolate, tea, handicrafts, and other Fair Trade goods will be available — both free samples and items for purchase. Enjoy a BBQ for $5. For more information about this event and SMC’s Fair Trade efforts, visit www.stmarys-ca.edu/fairtrade

Don’t miss Lafayette Dogtown Downtown 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, April 29 at the Lafayette Library and Learning Center & the Lafayette Plaza. This free event is for dogs and dog lovers. Designed to be a fun and festive canine-focused event, Lafayette Dogtown Downtown 2017 includes outdoor working dog and canine agility demonstrations, fun dog competitions, creative canine crafts and other activities for dog lovers of all ages.  Visit www.LafayetteChamber.org/dogtown.

The semi-annual giant book sale sponsored by The Friends of the Moraga Library will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 29. Books of every category will be sold at prices ranging from 25 cents to $4. Beginning at 1 p.m. a bag can be purchased for $5 and filled with all the books it can hold. Come to one of the biggest bargain sales in Lamorinda. The sale will be held at the Moraga Library, 1500 St. Mary’s Road.

Moraga Classic Car Show registration is now open to residents who own classic cars and would like to participate in the ninth annual Moraga Classic Car Show, which takes place from 11 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. on Saturday May 13, as part of the 2017 Moraga Community Faire. The $35 registration fee includes an entry ribbon, lunch for two and a commemorative photo. Prizes will be awarded. The registration deadline is May 1, but space is limited to 70 cars, so register early to secure a spot. Register at www.moragachamber.org/faire or, call Gloria at (925) 247-4473.

POLITICAL GATHERINGS

Join the Lamorinda Democratic Club to discuss “K-12 Public Education - Follow the Money” from 7 to 9 p.m. on Monday, April 13 at the Lafayette Library and Community Center. The U.S. Department of Education is proposing to change how funding is provided as well as requiring that States allow for vouchers that fund private schools. Learn how these proposals will affect our local schools. Cost is free for members and students, $5 for non-students. For additional information, see ldclub.org.

SENIORS

Pleasant Hill Senior Center presents “Crime Prevention Education: ID Theft” from 4 to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, April 19, at Pleasant Hill Senior Center, 233 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill. This workshop trains citizens on how to implement crime prevention strategies, home security improvements and the Neighborhood Watch Program. Free. Seating is limited. Must RSVP in advance. For more info see http://CrimePreventionApril19.eventbrite.com or call (925) 798-8788.

Anne Randolph Physical Therapy presents Fall Prevention from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 26 in the Cedar Room, Lafayette Community Center. Falls are a threat to health and independence. Learn how to gain better balance, avoid falls and remain self-sufficient. Senior Services Members: No charge/ Non-Members: $10

Come to the Early Stage Alzheimer’s Forum from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on May 5 in Lafayette (exact address location will be provided upon registration.) Participants will have an opportunity to learn more about the disease, treatment and research updates as well as discuss common challenges and coping strategies during breakout sessions. This is a free event, open only to early-stage individuals and their care partners. Space is limited; early registration is recommended. For more information or to register, please contact Lan Trinh at (408)372-9982 or ltrinh@alz.org.

GARDEN

The Walnut Creek Garden Club’s monthly business meeting is at 10 a.m., social time at 10:30 a.m. and program at 11 a.m. at the Gardens at Heather Farm, 1540 Marchbanks Drive, Walnut Creek. The April 10 program is “Meander Through Springtime Blooms in the Ireland and England” by member and photographer Christa Buckingham. You’re invited to attend and consider becoming a member. Maureen Little: mslittle44@gmail.com (925) 820-1476

Culinary Herbs for Warm Weather at 1 p.m. on Friday, April 14 in the Orinda Library Garden Room. Orinda Library welcomes Elana O’Loskey, who will share with her knowledge of culinary herbs to grow now. She’s an experienced herb grower, teacher, and talk show host of “Gardening with Spirit,” Join us for recommendations, planting guidelines, recipes, door prizes and more.

Moraga Gardens Farm presents its annual sale of heirloom tomatoes, hybrids, peppers, eggplant, herbs and more in 4-inch pots selected for success in the micro-climates of Lamorinda’s home gardens. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays from through April 15 (closed Easter Sunday). 1290 Moraga Way, Moraga (next to Moraga Fire Station). For information call Claire Curtin, (925) 299-1353.

The Montelindo Garden Club Meeting (third Friday of every month, September through May) will be at 9 a.m on Friday April 21 at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 66 St. Stephens Drive, Orinda. Everyone welcome. Presentation: “Do I Have Pollinators for You!” by speaker Ellen Zagory, director of horticulture.

Author Claire Splan will share tips and tricks you can use to make the most of your hours and still leave time for actually enjoying gardening at the Lafayette Garden Club’s next general meeting from 9:45 a.m. to noon on April 6 at the Lafayette Veteran’s Building. located at 3780 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette. Splan will show how to use task-batching, time savers, and a month-by-month approach for more efficient gardening as outlined in her book “Time Management in the Garden.” Visitors are welcome! Please email Carolyn Poetzsch cpoetzsch@gmail.com.

Sudden Oak Death Blitz from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 22. Orinda Library welcomes the University of California at Berkeley College of Natural Resource who will show how tohelp stop this disease as a Citizen Scientist. Attend a short and informative training session where you will receive a SOD Blitz collection kit. For more information go to: www.sodblitz.org.