ART

 

The Jennifer Perlmutter Gallery is presents the exhibition Misch Kohn and Betty Friedman: A Legacy in Printmaking through July 2. The Jennifer Perlmutter Gallery is located at 3620 Mt. Diablo Blvd. Lafayette. www.jenniferperlmuttergallery.com

 

Flower Power: an Asian Art Museum Docent Lecture at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, June 28 in the Orinda Library Garden Room. Asian Art Museum Docent LauraBeth Nelson will share the highlights of this exhibition (through October 1) in honor of the 50th anniversary of San Francisco’s Summer of Love, showcasing the expressive powers of flowers in the arts and cultures of Asia.

 

The Lamorinda Arts Alliance presents a new exhibit titled Halcyon Days at the Diablo Fine Art Gallery in Walnut Creek that opens on Tuesday, July 11 and runs through Aug. 5. Halcyon Days’ refers to a period of peace and calm, something we could all use. The artists reflect on this idea in a variety of media including paintings, photography, sculpture and ceramics. Unique jewelry is also a feature of the gallery. The reception will be from 5:30 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, July 13. Join in, visit with the artists, and enjoy appetizers and beverages while you browse the presentation of the artwork.

 

The new featured artist at the Valley Art Gallery will be Shirley Nootbaar, a well-known local artist who has been a member of the Gallery for over 50 years. Her exhibit is titled From Ridges, Roads and Ranches and will run through Aug. 6. Nootbaar, a third generation Californian, earned her B.F.A. from California College of Arts and Crafts (now CCA) and is presently a freelance artist-illustrator. Working in watercolor, she has the unique skill of transforming ordinary scenes with lively technique and dramatic presentation, making her work more than just a reflection of the subject. www.valleyartgallery.org; (925) 935-4311

 

MUSIC

 

Enjoy a Twilight Concert and Picnic honoring our veterans and saluting our troops featuring The Midnight Flyers (acoustic Eagles covers) and The Big Band of Rossmoor from 5:30 p.m. to twilight on Saturday, July 15 at the at the Lafayette Rotary stage and picnic area inside the Lafayette Reservoir and overlooking the lake. Free to the public. Bring a blanket, your lawn chairs and a picnic. Golf Cart shuttles will be available from the main parking lot up to the Rotary Stage For more information visit http://www.rotarylafayette.org.

 

The Walnut Creek Concert Band presents Summer “Pops” Concert at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 18 at the Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek. www.lesherartscenter.org ; www.walnutcreekconcertband.org.

$14 - $17; Free admission for students. Tickets available at box office or online at http://lesherartscenter.showare.com/SummerPopsConcert2017

 

It’s time to sit back and unwind at the free summer concerts in at the park series from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in Orinda on Tuesday nights.

 

Free concerts from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday evenings at the Moraga Commons Park. Bring your picnic blanket or lawn chairs to the grassy hillside in front of the band shell. Enjoy the music while your children enjoy the park. The volunteers of MPF will cook dinner with the Snack Bar opening at 6 p.m. June 29 Spill the Wine — Jackson 5 to Maroon 5. July 4 David Martins House Party —Dance party show (7 p.m. concert).

 

THEATER

 

Orinda Starlight Village Players present Agatha Christie’s “The Unexpected Guest” though July 1 at the outdoor theater in Orinda Community Center Park, 28 Orinda Way. Showtimes and general admission tickets are $20 and are available at the Box Office, call (925) 528-9225 or email info@orsvp.org for reservations. Be aware that this is an outdoor theater and dress appropriately and bring blankets.

 

Cal Shakes will present “The Glass Menagerie” written by Tennessee Williams and directed by Lisa Portes from July 5-30 at the Bruns Amphitheater located off CA Highway 24-the Wilder Road exit .  There is a free, 20-minute informational Grove Talk starting 45 minutes before each and every performance with plenty of picnic benches. Tickets and exact show times available at www.calshakes.org.

 

LECTURE & LITERATURE

 

Meet a local mystery author who started his writing career at age 84. He will be at Orinda Books, 1-2:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 9. Richard L. Wren, now 91 and still writing, won the National Indie Excellence Award recognition with his first novel, CASEY’S SLIP. Now with five novels under his belt, he’s planning to do a book a year. He’s also co-author of a book on self-publishing and publicity. 

 

The UC Theatre Taube Family Music Hall presents Bill Nye the Science Guy at 7 p.m. on July 15, doors open at 6 p.m., at the UC Theatre Taube Family Music Hall, 2036 University Avenue, Berkeley. Bill Nye the Science Guy visits for one unforgettable evening to read and sign his new book, “Everything All at Once.” Cost: $42.50, includes a copy of Bill Nye’s new book. For more info see http://www.theuctheatre.org/event/1469944-bill-nye-science-guy-berkeley/ or call (510) 356-4000 or email information@theuctheatre.org.

 

KIDS, PARENTS & TEENS

 

“How to Highschool, the Miramonte Perspective” at 6 p.m. on Thursday, July 6 in the Orinda Library Garden Room. Just for teens. Incoming freshmen are invited to hear from Orinda Library Teen Advisory Group members and friends about going from middle school to Miramonte High School. Space is limited. Register online, by phone or in person at the Orinda Library.

 

The Contra Costa County Library invites children, teens and library users of all ages to take part in Summer Reading. Summer Reading runs through Saturday, Aug. 5. This year’s theme is “Build Your Brain” and the program is filled with activities, events and reading lists designed to exercise your brain. Readers of all ages can participate online or use a paper reading record. Completed reading records or online completion certificates should be returned to one of the 26 Contra Costa County Library branches by Aug. 5. All finishers will receive a book prize and be entered into a drawing for a chance to win additional prizes. For more information on Summer Reading visit your local Contra Costa County Library branch or http://www.ccclib.org/summer.

 

OTHER

 

Celebrate July 4th in style, from early morning parades in Moraga and Orinda to late-evening fireworks in Moraga. See story page B1.

 

Contra Costa Animal Services (CCAS) will be offering free adoptions of all animals through Saturday, July 8. The free adoption promotion is an effort to alleviate shelter overcrowding at CCAS’ Martinez and Pinole shelters, as we approach the 4th of July holiday – the biggest day of the year for animals to become lost. To view animals available for adoption at the Martinez and Pinole shelters, please visit www.ccasd.org.

 

Sketchbook Swatches, a garden journal workshop, will be led by artist Lisa Spangler from 12–2:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 8 at the Lafayette Community Garden 3932 Mt Diablo Blvd. Have fun getting creative with acrylic paint, watercolors, pens, stamps and more. The class is free, but a $5 donation is appreciated. To register for classes, please visit www.lafayettecommunitygarden.org. The class is free, but a $5 donation is appreciated.

 

Wine and Tapas Speaker Series Presents “Finding Peace in Broken Places” at 4 p.m. on Sunday, July 9 at 1035 Carol Lane, Lafayette. After experiencing the plight of Syrian refugees and their children in Turkey and Jordan, Sai Aashraya dedicated his life to create ways of love and service that unleash the capacity for joy and peace. Admission is free and open to all ages, bring a small tasting to share for our common cheese and charcuterie board. Beverages and baguettes will be provided.

 

Make Solar Fairy Lanterns from 12 - 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 15 at the Lafayette Community Garden with artist Susan Dannenfelser for a magical workshop! Bring that special Mason jar you’ve been saving (not required), along with any fairy- or gnome-like decorations to make a lantern that is uniquely yours! Supplies provided. We’ll also demonstrate alternative light sources. All ages are welcome at this intergenerational workshop. A responsible adult must accompany children under 16. The class is free, but a $5 donation is appreciated. To register for classes, please visit www.lafayettecommunitygarden.org. The class is free, but a $5 donation is appreciated.

 

A free workshop “Taking Control of Your Finances in 8 Steps” begins at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 19 at the Orinda Library. This is a two-hour educational program where attendees will learn the basics of taking control of their finances and can get their questions answered.  There is absolutely no selling during this event which is put on by The Financial Planning Association of the East Bay , a non-profit organization.

 

 

SENIORS

 

The Moraga Mover’s, an organization for citizens 55 and older, is having their monthly dinner at 7 p.m. on July 10 at St. Mary’s College Soda Center. Social hour at 5 p.m., program at 6:45 p.m. The program this month is a presentation by Chris Ford, President of the board of directors of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific. His topic will be explaining the universe through advanced visualization techniques. Please make reservation by either calling (925) 376-6622 or on the internet www.moragamovers.org. Member $20 non-member $30.

 

Smart Driver 4 Hour Refresher Course from 9 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. on Thursday, July 20 at the Toyon Room, Lafayette Community Center. Refine your driving skills, develop safe, defensive techniques, and possibly lower your insurance premium. Offered through AARP. $15 AARP Members; $20 Non-Members. Max: 25 paid registrants. To reserve your spot, send check, made payable to AARP, to Lafayette Senior Services, 500 St. Mary’s Rd., Lafayette, CA 94549.