Published June 10th, 2009
Summer Events in Moraga
By Sophie Braccini
Melyssa Snyder helps launch the new Splash Pad at the Moraga Commons with Parks and Rec Director Jay Ingram Photo Doug Kohen

A Moraga favorite,
the summer concert series at the Moraga Commons,
returns from June 4 to August 20. Unless otherwise noted, all shows start at 6:30 pm and end at 8:30 pm:
June 4 Rossmoor Big Band - Swing & Jazz
June 11 Stone Soup - a local band playing Rock & Roll
June 18 La Ventana - Latin Rock
June 25 Big Rain - R & R
July 4 Larry Lynch & the Mob - R&R at 7:00 PM
July 9 The Houserockers - R & R
July 16 Dave Russell Band - Country & Western
July 23 Culann's Hounds - Celtic Rock
July 30 Mixed Nuts - a local band playing R&R
August 6 Motor Dude Zydeco - Cajun
August 13 littledog2 - a local band playing R&R
August 20 Dave Crimmen - Rockabilly

June 14: Summer Jazz Banjo Festival at Saint Mary's College
The East Bay Banjo Club will present the First Annual Summer Jazz Banjo Festival on Sunday, June 14, Noon to 4 p.m., at the Soda Activity Center, Saint Mary's College of California, Moraga.

The festival features the unique sounds of a truly American institution the 4-string banjo. Bands from throughout the bay area will perform on one of two stages, including; the Sacramento Banjo Band, Wineland Banjo Band, San Francisco Banjo Band, the Peninsula Banjo Band and the East Bay Banjo Club.

The festival is a family affair with workshops for young and old. Children will have an opportunity to make their own instruments, learn to play a simple song and perform on stage.

Refreshments are available and a vendor area offers banjo related memorabilia, music and a variety of raffle items. The Banjo Hall-of-Fame luthier RenÇe Karnes will also be joining the festivities.

A portion of the proceeds will benefit local charities.

For more information, go to http://summerjazzbanjofestival.com/.

4th of July inMoraga:
The day will start with the Annual 4th of July Fun Run with either the 2 mile, 5 mile, or the kiddies race sponsored by the Campolindo Cross Country and Track Teams. Afterwards, all 2 mile and 5 miles racers can enjoy a free pancake breakfast at the Moraga Commons sponsored by the Moraga Youth Involvement Committee.
Go to http://www.campotrack.com for race information and registration. Participants will meet the morning of the race in the Parking Lot at 1460 Moraga Rd in Moraga by the Montessori School, Asia Palace, and Moraga Garden Center. Non-racers are encouraged to enjoy the traditional pancake breakfast for $5, that will start at 8 a.m. until foods runs out or 10 a.m. in the Moraga Commons Park.
From then on, adults and children alike will have a choice of activities including the dog parade, old fashion youth games, the kids' bike parade, jumpies, and for the first time a classic car show presented by Rheem Valley Automotive. Food will be served through out the day at the Commons and in the evening Larry Lynch and the Mob will play before the sensational Moraga fireworks that will begin once it's dark, around 9:30 p.m.
7 a.m. - Late registration Fun Run
8:00 a.m. - Pancake breakfast and Kiddies' Runs
8:30 a.m. - 5 mile run and 2 mile run/walk
9:00 a.m. - Dog parade
9:00 a.m.- 1 p.m. - Car show
10 a.m. to 6 p.m. - Jumpies
10:30 a.m. - Kids' bike parade
11 a.m.- 12:30 p.m. - Old-fashion games for youth
11 a.m. - 9 p.m. - Food booth open
6:45 p.m. - Amanda McDowell sings the National Anthem
6:50 p.m. - Mayor's welcome
7 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
- Music by Larry Lynch
and the Mob;
fireworks at about 9:30 p.m.,
followed by a couple more
songs from "the Mob."

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Copyright Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA