ART

Lamorinda Arts Alliance announces “A Warm Palette” June 3-27 at the Lindsay Dirkx Brown Gallery, 12501 Alcosta Blvd., San Ramon. Member artists dazzle with the warm colors of the season: yellows, oranges, reds and pinks. Other colors were always welcome, however; we were looking for the “warmest palette”.

The Moraga Art Gallery’s new show running through Aug. 10 will feature the work of Lafayette artist-photographer Lucy Beck, who “paints” floral portraits with light to show the astonishing variety of colors and shapes of small flowers in our gardens, fields and woodlands, and guest artist, Oakland ceramicist Tomoko Jarrell, who specializes in the design and creation simple, comely, Japanese-inspired functional and decorative vases, cups, bowls, and more. For hours and more information visit www.moragaartgallery.com, call (925)376-5407.
Anne Morrison Rabe will be the featured Artist at Dr. Samadian’s Center for Reconstruction and Implant, 23 Orinda Way suite 301, Orinda. The show will run from June 6 through the beginning of September. There will be a reception from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 13. Bring your friends and family to sip on wine and taste hors d’oeuvres as you walk through the office to admire her beautiful work! Dr. Amin Samadian is proud to have affiliated with the Lamorinda Arts Alliance for the opportunity to showcase the artwork of the organization’s artists. For more information call (925) 254-2360.

The June exhibit at the art gallery at the Orinda library will feature acrylic paintings by Carla Gelbaum, photography by Jennifer Dzendzel, ceramics by Andrea Ciak, and jewelry and watercolors by Dina Asna. The exhibit will run through June 30.

Valley Art Gallery presents “Around and About Mount Diablo,” a new juried exhibition, through June 29. A competition juried by Timothy Horn, nationally acclaimed painter of the California landscape, “Around and About Diablo” presents 36 choices of artistic interpretation of the beauty of the iconic Devil Mountain and the vibrancy of the surrounding area. In addition the Gallery has assembled nearly 300 new pieces representing the best of the best by East Bay artists on our unique sliding walls - with all works available for sale or rent. Also on hand is a wide-ranging juried selection of locally created fine crafts and jewelry. www.valleyartgallery.org; (925) 935-4311

MUSIC

Lafayette’s Rock the Plaza series, now in its 14th season, takes place from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday nights in June at Lafayette’s Plaza Park at the corner of Mt. Diablo Boulevard and Moraga Road. This summer, the special artist alley will open at 5:30 p.m. June 14: Zebop!; June 21: Purple Haze.
Kick off your summer at Saint Mary’s 5th annual Music on the Lawn from 6-9 p.m. on Friday, June 14 on the Chapel Lawn, 1928 Saint Mary’s Road, Moraga.  Bring the whole family (and a blanket) to enjoy music, Damian’s famous taco bar, and brats from local Canyon Club Brewery. Wine and beer are not included, but available for cash at the event. Event tickets $20 per person for adults, $10 for children. Purchase at: https://www.stmarys-ca.edu/
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California Shakespeare Theater presents its summer concert series, Echoes at the Bruns Amphitheater. The first concert will take place at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 22 with headliners Thao & the Get Down Stay Down and Sudan Archives. Tickets: $30 General Admission; calshakes.org/echoes. The show is open to all ages and is ADA accessible.

Lafayette Rotary, Aegis Living of Moraga, and the Rossmoor Big Band will be producing the annual Tribute to the Troops at the Lafayette Reservoir Band Stand from 5 to 8:15 p.m. on July 13. This free concert honors our troops and the Blue Star and Gold Star Mothers who support our troops. Lamorinda residents are encouraged to attend and bring a picnic and enjoy music from the Rossmoor Big Band and Lafayette’s very own native son David Martin and Rob Ross from David Martin’s House Party. Seating will be provided but attendees can also bring a blanket to spread out on the grass and enjoy the concert.

Moraga Commons Park Summer Concerts from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday evenings in the summer. June 13 features the dance party band Retroactive and June 20 will showcase the classic rock band 3 Day Weekend. Join your neighbors for a relaxing free concert. 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 Moraga Park Foundation cook food with the Snack Bar opening at 6 p.m.

THEATER

California Shakespeare Theater opens its 2019 summer season with “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” by William Shakespeare, playing through June 16 at the Bruns Amphitheater in Orinda. Tickets will be available starting at 10 a.m. on the day of each show through TodayTix (todaytix.com) and the Cal Shakes Box Office (calshakes.org or 510-548-9666).
Town Hall Theatre presents “Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown” at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and at 2 p.m. on Sundays through June 22. TownHallTheatre.com for more info.

Saint Mary’s College MFA in Dance Program presents Convergence, premiering thesis concerts at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 13 and Friday, June 14 at Saint Mary’s College of California campus, LeFevre Theatre, 1928 St. Mary’s Road, Moraga. Convergence offers a kaleidoscope of perspectives on the human condition expressed in movement, theatre, music, poetry and design. Ticket link and more information: www.stmarys-ca.edu/mfa-
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California Shakespeare Theater’s “The Good Person of Szechwan” by Bertolt Brecht; translated by Wendy Arons; adapted by Tony Kushner July 3 - 21 at the Bruns Amphitheater, 100 California Shakespeare Theater Way, Orinda. Single tickets start at $20, with discounts available for seniors, students, persons age 30 and under, and groups. For more information and showtimes, visit www.calshakes.org.

LECTURE & LITERATURE

KPFA Radio 94.1 FM presents Richard Wolff: ‘Save Capitalism? Why? We Can Do Better’ from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 26 at First Congregational Church of Berkeley, 2345 Channing Way, Berkeley. Richard Wolff will speak on the topic, ‘Save Capitalism? Why? We Can Do Better,’ answer questions and sign books. Hosted by Sabrina Jacobs. Cost: $15 advance, $18 door. For more info see http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/4097650 or call (510) 967-4495.

KIDS, PARENTS & TEENS

Kindergarten Countdown: Playing, Motor Skill, and Self-help from 3 to 4 p.m. on June 15 at the Moraga Library. In a series of three workshops, we will explore and practice the skills your child needs to get ready for kindergarten. This session, we will begin by practicing our scissor skills, then we will finish up by getting active with Simon Says and Red Light Green Light. Register online or by calling the Moraga Library. Please do not bring younger siblings to this program-we look forward to seeing them in future years!

Teen Program-Summer Fun at 4 p.m. on Thursday, June 20 at the Moraga Library. Teen program with Summer Reading Challenges to work on and arts and crafts. All those in 6th - 12 grades are welcome. Snacks will be provided. Sterling Johnson the Bubblesmith at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, July 3 at the Moraga Library. Sterling Johnson will create a special, space-themed show with his remarkable hand-blown bubbles. He is the only person to ever put a bubble inside a bubble inside a bubble on stage without any tubes or straws, and the first person to walk completely through a bubble film. On this occasion, he will turn his talents out into the universe, creating a unique space-themed show you won’t want to miss!




OTHER

Mt. Diablo Peace and Justice Center is hosting Sharla Stevens-Webb, who will speak and hold a workshop on diversity at 6 p.m. Thursday, June 20 at 1035 Carol Lane, Lafayette. She believes that in our global society people forget that money is spent by people and that people are diverse. In this workshop you will learn how to connect with people from various backgrounds that will lead to more trustworthy relationships and greater revenue for your institutions. Learn the single word that can make or break your first impression. Cost: $10 pre-registered / $15 at door / $5 MT. Diablo Peace and Justice Center and Our Savior’s Lutheran Church members / free for students. Tickets available at http://ourpeacecenter.org or call the office (925) 933-7850.

Alzheimer’s Association to host The Longest Day Event: Sunrise Stroll to End Alzheimer’s Disease from 8 to 10 a.m. on Friday, June 21 at the Lafayette Reservoir, 3849 Mount Diablo Blvd Lafayette. The Longest Day is held annually on the summer solstice; the duration of this sunrise-to-sunset event symbolizes the challenging journey that so many living with the disease and their caregivers are asked to endure. Walk around Lafayette Reservoir followed by a picnic. Water, snacks, and brunch provided. Recommended $10 donation. Event Page: https://tinyurl.com/
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The Orinda Park and Rec Foundation is once again holding its Doggone Fun Fest from 1 to 3 p.m. on June 23 in the Community Park. This event is free to the public and will feature agility and obedience demonstrations, the Sheriff’s canine unit demonstration, many contests, the doggie parade (costume optional) and a raffle. Come join the fun. This is a great event for kids and pooches alike.

Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan hosts a free Lamorinda Fire Prevention and Preparedness Workshop from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on June 27 in the Campo High School multi-purpose room. Receive updates on the new North Orinda Fuel Break, learn how to use the Community Warning System in case of wildfire or other emergencies, and get tips on preparing for the upcoming fire season. RSVP: asmdc.org/cf-events

Native living was all-age inclusive. Do you long to experience Native connective belonging to the land and would you love to experience this in the presence of the innocence of youth? Come, open your heart and receive this regenerative connection that had been ours from the beginning as we do many and all things Native. Saclan/Miwok Camp, 8 to 11:30 a.m. July 9-12. Cost: $65; address: 3932 Mt. Diablo Blvd (across from and just west of the Lafayette Reservoir). To register for classes, please visit www.lafayettecommunitygarden.org. For more information contact us at: marthaharrislcg@gmail.com.

SENIORS

HOPE: Homeownership Protection for Elders with Victoria Snyder and Jessica Neugebauer, Contra Costa Senior Legal Services from 10:30 a.m. to noon on June 23 in the Sequoia Room, Lafayette Community Center. You will learn about tools and techniques to protect your home and its equity; why it is important to file your homestead declaration; and how you might qualify for a property tax postponement. To reserve your spot contact Lafayette Senior Services: Seniors@LoveLafayette.org or 284-5050. Members: Free; Non-Members: $10

GARDEN

Lafayette Community Garden and Outdoor Learning Center presents a discussion and brief walking tour highlighting Our Wonderful Native Plants, presented by Susan Agnew and Janet Thomas from noon to 1:30 p.m. on June 22. To register for the class visit www.lafayettecommunitygarden.org. Free.