Art

Art Gallery at Wilder: “Whiskers and Zen” Paintings by Joy Chew. The Lamorinda Arts Council invites you to view featured artist Joy Chew’s digital paintings of cats and capybara (“Whiskers and Zen”) from Sept. 9 to Oct. 6. Meet the artist on Sunday, Sept. 15 at a reception in her honor from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. where light refreshments will be served in the Art Gallery at Wilder, 20 Orinda Fields Way, Orinda. Visit https://lamorindaarts.org/current-exhibits-wilder/ to learn more. If you plan on attending, please download the directions.

Kids Art Table at Lafayette Art and Wine Festival – Call for Volunteers. The Lamorinda Arts Council needs face painting volunteers between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday Sept. 21 and 22 in Booth #924, in Local Artists Alley. No experience necessary - we provide safe materials and a binder of stencil templates for kids to choose from. Put some smiles on their faces – it’s fun! Sign up here: https://lamorindaarts.org/volunteer/.

Call for Writers and Artists: The Lamorinda Arts Council’s Oct. 26 Art Embraces Words program invites writers and artists who are in sync with its Halloween Theme to apply to read and show their work. A short Q&A follows each presentation. Featured sci fi writer Marlene Dotterer kicks off the day. All are invited to appear as their favorite literary or artistic character to compete for prizes awarded by theater costume judges. A reception in the adjacent vine covered courtyard follows.  Apply at https://lamorindaarts.org/art-embraces-words, email literary@lamorindaarts.org or call (925) 359.9940 with questions.

The Second Annual East Bay Gallery Tour has added 6 Benicia Art Galleries to the Tour this year, bringing the total to 13 Art Galleries for you to visit during the month of October. You have the whole month to visit them and get your Gallery Tour postcard stamped for a chance to win a prize worth $300! This event is free and open to anyone who’d like to participate. Visit any of the galleries listed on the website at the end of September or in October to pick up your postcard with a map and addresses of all the Art Galleries. The galleries will start stamping postcards on Oct. 1. Visit www.mainstreetarts.net/

east-bay-gallery-tour-2024.html for more information.

A new exhibit, "Expressions," opened on Aug. 21 at the Moraga Art Gallery and highlights works by two Lamorinda artists: Dalia Alekna, a painter of strikingly-colorful acrylic abstractions, and Mary Leigh Miller, a compelling Raku ceramicist. Alys Briggs will join Alekna and Miller as the featured guest artist. 432 Center Street in Moraga's Rheem Shopping Center. A free opening reception for art lovers of all ages will be held on Saturday, Sept. 14 from 5 to 7 p.m. Come to view the collection, meet the artists, listen to live music, and enjoy wine and refreshments. The gallery is open Wednesday to Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. For more information visit: www.moragaartgallery.com or call (925)376-5407.

Las Juntas East Bay Artists Guild Fine Art reception on Saturday, Oct. 5, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, 1601 Mary Drive, Pleasant Hill. Bring your friends, enjoy refreshments, meet the artists, see a variety of art mediums. www.eastbayartistsguild.org

Art show at Orinda Books in Sept. features the paintings of Sussana Griswold and the woodturnings of Steve Griswold. Sussana's award-winning oil and pastel work focuses on portraits, both human and animal, which are her favorite subjects. For Steve, wood has always been a source of wonder: "Within the ordinary trees we walk by every day, there are miracles waiting to be discovered, and through turning wood on a lathe, I try to reveal those miracles." For a preview, visit www.orindabooks.com. Orinda Books is located at 276 Village Square, Orinda.

Music

Front Porch Music Presents Stellar Local Talent at Town Hall Theatre, 3535 School Street, Lafayette. Friday, Oct. 4 at 7 p.m., with lobby entertainment by folk troubadour Steve Smulian, starting at 6 p.m. Six local acts will be featured during the Oct. 4 performance. TICKETS: $15 in advance, $20 at the door www.townhalltheatre.com/front-porch

Classical Pianist Mark Valenti Performs on Saturday, Sept. 21 at 7 p.m. at  St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 1924 Trinity Avenue, Walnut Creek. Online broadcast: visit stpaulswc.org/concert-series for the concert link and program. All are welcome regardless of donation! Contact: Deborah Webster, Tel.: (925) 934-2324, Email: ConcertSeries@stpaulswc.org, https://stpaulswc.org/concert-series/

Theatre

The Orinda Starlight Village Players present: Sept. 13, 14, 20, 21, 27 & 28 at 8:30 p.m., Sept. 22 at 4 p.m. and Sept. 26 at 8 p.m. adults-$20/seniors & children $10 tickets available at the box office, Orinda Community Ampitheater, 28 Orinda Way- Orinda, (located behind the communiuty center, in the park) www.Orsvp.Org

Bay Area Comics is back with a bang, bringing an electrifying stand-up comedy show to the Lafayette Town Hall Theatre. Featuring: Jeremy Curry, Shea Suga, Jose Contreras, Xavier Bronson, and Trent Babb. Hosting this unforgettable night is the charismatic Ryan Rodriguez of Bay Area Comics. Friday Sept. 27, 7 p.m. Town Hall Theatre, 3535 Schhol St., Lafayette. www.townhalltheatre.com

Literature

Join the Sweet Thursday Author Series on Thursday, Sept. 19 at 7 p.m. in the Don Tatzin Concert Hall at the Lafayette Library to hear author John King discuss his book, "Portal." This is a free event, but registration is required at Tinyurl.com/sweet-Sept2024. The doors will be open at 6:30 p.m. for coffee and treats.

The giant fall book sale sponsored by Friends of the Moraga Library will be held Saturday, Sept. 14 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Moraga Library. Books, CDs and DVDs will be sold at prices ranging from $.25 to $3.00. Beginning at 1 p.m. a bag can be purchased for $5 and filled with all the books it can hold. 100% of the proceeds support the Moraga Library children and adult programs, books and library upgrades.

Other

Lafayette Art & Wine Festival. Saturday, Sept. 21, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. & Sunday, Sept. 22, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission & Parking: Free! Music: Free! Kid Zones: Cost varies per ride/activity. Glasses (wine/beer) and Drink Tickets are sold throughout the festival. Look for ticket booths. Combination packages available with big discounts. Only 2024 glasses and tickets are accepted. You MUST BE 21 years of age to purchase glasses, drink tickets and be served! https://lafayettefestival.com/

Healthier Eating with Good Nutrition Instructor: Emma Bishopp in partnership with Lamorinda Village. Looking to eat healthier and still enjoy flavorful food? This class will cover the science behind the current wisdom on nutrition. Holistic Nutritional Consultant Emma Bishopp will share information on nutrition protocols to support health and wellness and some of her favorite healthy recipes to try at home. You must register ahead of time for this class and space is limited to 12 people. Thursday, Oct. 3, 11 a.m. -12:30 p.m. Cedar Room, Lafayette Community Center. Free

Mocktails & Cocktails Sunday Sept. 29, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Tutu’s Lafayette. Join those who love art, literature, music and everything in between at Tutu’s, 53 Lafayette Circle, Lafayette. Questions? Email Lamorinda Arts Council at literary@lamorindaarts.org or call (925) 359.9940.

2nd Annual Lamorinda Public Safety Fair, Sept. 14 at 10 a.m. Fun for the kids, treats and information for everyone! Police drones and vehicles, Fire truck, Search and Rescue, Ham Radio Operators and MORE! Free to the public. St. Anselm’s Church, 682 Michael Lane, Lafayette.

AARP Tax-Aide is looking for volunteers to become members of a team providing free tax preparation service in Contra Costa County. Tax-Aide needs individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences. While prior tax preparation experience is beneficial, it is not a requirement. The program provides comprehensive training and ongoing support to ensure all volunteers feel confident and capable in their roles. Volunteer positions include Tax Counselors, who are trained by Tax-Aide and certified by the IRS, and Client Facilitators, who schedule appointments and assist clients at tax sites. To learn more and apply on-line, visit www.aarpfoundation.org/taxaidevolunteer or call (925) 726-3199 for additional information.

15th Annual Senior Symposium: Empowering Seniors and Caregivers on Sept. 28, 8:30 a.m. - Noon at the Lafayette Veterans Memorial Center. The Lamorinda Spirit Van is providing free transportation to and from the event from the following Lafayette locations: Belle Terre, 3428 Mt. Diablo Blvd.; Merrill Gardens, 1010 Second St.; Chateau Lafayette, 3512 Moraga Blvd. If you are interested in a ride, please call the Spirit Van at (925) 283-3534 to make a reservation. Seating is limited and will be done on a first-come, first-served basis. The deadline to reserve a spot is Sept. 23. If you have questions, please email info@lafayettecf.org. Register for the FREE event at https://bit.ly/ss24lafayette

Saint Mary's College Guilde Fellowship & Fun Benefiting SMC Scholarship Fund. Saturday, Oct. 12, 5:30 p.m. No-Host Cocktails 6:30 p.m. Dinner: Appetizer, Caesar Salad, Pasta, Bread, Chicken, & dessert to follow. Soda Center, SMC Campus $35 per person for dinner. shooks1223@gmail.com or Call (925) 285-9466

KNIT SOME LOVE is a group of knitters who are participating in a community service project knitting hats and scarves for at-risk children and adults. These will be distributed in October by White Pony Express Boutique which provides food to 93 local food pantries and living necessities to low income and unhoused individuals. If you want to participate, please leave completed new items at a member's house in Orinda or another member’s house in Moraga through the end of October. Please email for the addresses. kathydown@comcast.net. Or call with questions 925-997-0734.

September 28 Be the Star You Are!® celebrates being the 2024 Nonprofit of the Year and its 25th Anniversary with activities at 10 am in the Moraga parade, 11 am booth at Pear and Wine Festival, 1 pm honor at the bandstand, 2 pm ribbon cutting and party. Lots of free family fun! Come play!

www.bethestaryouare.org/events-1/2024-pear-and-wine-festival