Art

Lamorinda Weekly photographer Jeff Heyman’s series of photographs of oak trees, “Oak Scars No. 3,” was selected to hang in The de Young Open 2023, an exhibit showcasing Bay Area artists at the de Young Museum in San Francisco. The exhibit runs until Jan. 7, 2024. www.famsf.org/exhibitions/de-young-open-2023.

LAA is pleased to announce their member show “Brilliance” Nov. 4 to Dec. 15 at the Village Theatre & Art Gallery in Danville, located at 233 Front Street, Danville.

The November art show at Orinda Books features the paintings of Lisa Gunn. Lisa has long had a prominent artistic presence in Orinda. Her style is a "California Impressionism" involving plein air, landscapes, and abstracts. She notes "I am hoping that people will connect with my painting and find some attachment that speaks to them whether it be through color, composition or some thread of energy transmitting from one human to another." Visit the Artist of the Month at www.orindabooks.com.

The Moraga Art Gallery cordially invites Bay Area art fans to a free holiday reception on Saturday, Nov. 18 from 5 to 7 p.m. to mark the opening of "Now and Then," an exhibit featuring stunningly-colorful paintings by member artists Margaret Lucas-Hill and Susan Erickson, on display with works of other artists: painters, ceramicists, jewelry makers, printmakers, woodworkers, photographers, and more. Guests will be served light snacks, wine, and live music befitting the gallery's gracious ambiance played by flutist Nika Rejto and guitarist Robin Lewis. The gallery, at 432 Center Street in the Rheem Shopping Center, is open from noon to 5 p.m., Wednesday to Sunday, but daily starting Dec. 1. For more information, visit moragaartgallery.com or call (925) 376-5407.

Oakland Art Murmur is excited to continue the rich, 48-year-old history of East Bay Open Studios during its Winter Event, Dec. 2 and 3 from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. each day. Hundreds of East Bay artists will open their studios to the public in this free, family-friendly self-guided tour of the East Bay’s unique art scene. Visitors to artists’ studios will find unique and affordable artwork, with some artists offering work starting at $20. The event provides an opportunity to connect with artists in your community and purchase gifts with heART! Details at https://eastbayopenstudios.com/

Art Gallery at the Orinda Library: Four Men And A Gallery – Reception Saturday Nov. 18, 3-5 p.m. In the past, the Lamorinda Arts Council hosted more than half a dozen exhibits solely with women artists. They're balancing the scales in November by presenting "Four Men and a Gallery." You are invited to view paintings by Lance Jackson and David Lew; ceramics by David Shapiro and small scale framed paintings by Bill Russell from Nov. 4 to Dec. 2. Meet the artists at a reception in their honor on Sat. Nov. 18 from 3-5 p.m. and enjoy light refreshments while viewing their artwork. We will celebrate Lance Jackson’s entry #87 in The de Young Open. View their artwork  at https://lamorindaarts.org/current-exhibits/

Music

Berkeley Chamber Performances presents Einstein at Princeton, a Chamber Opera on Tuesday, Dec. 5, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., at Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant Avenue, Berkeley. This opera is a snapshot of the daily life of Albert Einstein in the waning years of his life, filled with music and friendships. Cost: $35 General, $15 Higher Ed Students, FREE for students through high school. For more info see https://www.berkeleychamberperform.org or call (510) 525-5211 or email info@bcp1.org.

Cantare, an Oakland-based non-profit community choral organization, presents its annual December Holiday Concert, featuring the 100-voice adult Chorale and Nova Youth Choir accompanied by full orchestra and organ on Sunday, Dec. 3, at 4 p.m., First Presbyterian Church of Oakland, 2619 Broadway, Oakland and Monday, Dec. 4, at 7:30 p.m., Walnut Creek Presbyterian Church, 1801 Lacassie Ave, Walnut Creek. General admission is $40; Seniors, $35; Students, $10. Tickets at www.cantareconvivo.org or (510) 836-0789.

St. Paul's Concert Series is excited to host Pianist John Wilson in a dazzling performance of classical music, including works by Rachmaninov, Stravinsky, Liszt and Mozart. The concert takes place Sunday, Nov. 19, 3 p.m., In-Person - 1924 Trinity Avenue, Walnut Creek, Online broadcast: visit stpaulswc.org/concert-series for the concert link and program.

Donations graciously accepted at the door (avg. $20/$10 Students) and online registration. All are welcome regardless of donation!

Concert pianist Markus Pawlik and his 16-year old son, violinist Ariel Pawlik-Zwiebel (11th grade at Campolindo High School) will perform a program of European classics ranging from Baroque through Modern on Nov. 12 from 4-5:15 p.m. atTrinity Lutheran Church 1225 Hopyard Road, Pleasanton. Contact: Dwight Stone, Music Minster, (510) 512-2623; stonemusique@gmail.com, https://trinitypleasanton.org/ Tickets: $20 General; $5 Student; Children free; no one turned away!

Pacific Chamber Orchestra and Conductor Lawrence Kohl ushers in the holiday season with the sublime melodies, uplifting messages, and sheer beauty of George Frideric Handel’s beloved Messiah on Saturday Nov. 25 at 7:30 p.m. at the Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church and Sunday Nov. 26 at 3 p.m. at Livermore’s Bankhead Theater. PCO features the soaring, rich vocal tones and commanding stage presences of soprano Leslie Katter, contra alto Sara Couden, tenor Jon Lee Kennan and bass-baritone Ben Brady, along with the Pacific Chamber Orchestra’s thunderous 50-member chorus. Tickets may be purchased for either performance online at PacificChamberOrchestra.org

Theatre

The Saint Mary's College Dance Company proudly presents Mosaic, the fall dance concert created by 10 senior choreographers from the Class of 2024. Tickets: $8-$15. On-campus LeFevre Theatre, 1928 St. Marys Road, Moraga. Thursday, Nov. 16, 8 - 9:30 p.m.; Friday, Nov. 17, 8 - 9:30 p.m.; Saturday, Nov. 18, 2 - 3:30 p.m.; Saturday, Nov. 18, 8 - 9:30 p.m.

Town Hall Theatre Company presents “A Christmas Story” Adapted by Philip Grecian, story by Jean Shepherd. Previews are availible on Nov. 30 and Dec. 1 , and the show will run from Dec. 2-17 at Town Hall Theatre, 3535 School Street, Lafayette. Tickets: $20-45, Pay-What-You-Can tickets will be available at all performances at the door. www.townhalltheatre.com/christmas-story

Literature

November Sweet Thursday Author Series presents author Andrea Lankford. Beautifully written, heartfelt, and at times harrowing, “Trail of the Lost: The Relentless Search to Bring Home the Missing Hikers of the Pacific Crest Trail” paints a vivid picture of the hiker culture and its complicated relationship with the ever-expanding online realm. This program is offered on Tuesday, Nov. 14 at 7 p.m. in the DTCH. This free event is sponsored by the Friends of the Lafayette Library, but registration is required at Tinyurl.com/sweet-nov2023. The doors will open at 6:30 p.m. for coffee and treats.

Other

Hospice East Bay is proud to be celebrating their Annual Tree of Lights beginning Nov. 5. For 37 years these ceremonies have provided a way for families and friends to honor their loved ones and find solace in the symbolism of light as the names of their loved ones are read. The Moraga tree will be on Saturday, Dec. 2 at 4:30 p.m. At the Moraga Country Club, 1600 St. Andrews Dr. The Lafayette tree will be on Saturday, Dec. 2 at 4:30 p.m, located at 21 Lafayette Circle, Lafayette. The Orinda event will be on Saturday, Dec. 2 at 4:30 p.m. In the Village Square by McCaulou’s. All ceremonies will be held in the  Village Square by McCaulou’s.

A Benefit Bash for Save Mount Diablo, Party for the planet, Featuring Eco-themed live music by the Jim Ocean Band and Blue-Eyed Grass. The event takes place on Saturday, Nov. 11, with the doors opening at 6 p.m. And the show starting at 6:45 p.m. at Creekside Commons, 1035 Carol Lane, Lafayette. Admission: $20 adv/$25 door – Ages 18 and under are free. Tickets: https://P4TP_SaveMtD.eventbrite.com

Introducing the first Contra Costa Shark Tank Youth Competition, where young entrepreneurs can Win $1,000 to launch or grow their business. The competition is a fun way to promote youth entrepreneurship among Kindergarten through 12th grade students in Contra Costa County. Visit www.contracostasharktank.org to learn more and apply. Winners selected by a panel of judges on Feb. 6 at the Lafayette Library. Deadline to apply is Nov. 15.

Join the community for the 2nd Annual Lafayette Community Sunrise Stroll on Sunday, Nov. 12 at 8 a.m. Organized by everyday citizens, this casual, walk-at-your-own-risk, family-friendly walk is a great way to start the day, get in your steps and enjoy the beauty of the Lafayette Reservoir. The walk starts at 8 a.m. on the path across from the gate house. Donuts and coffee will be served courtesy of local Dunkin' owner and Lafayette resident Matt Cobo. Dogs on leash, bicycles, and scooters are also welcome during this time of day according to EBMUD and the Lafayette Reservoir. If you think you will be joining, especially to ensure plenty of donuts, please go to bit.ly/SunriseStroll2023

Hospice East Bay is offering their workshop Coping with Grief During the Holidays on Thursday, Nov. 16, from 10-11:30 a.m. In-person option: Large Community Room, Pleasant Hill City Hill, 100 Gregory Lane (pre-registration requested); Virtual option: Please pre-register by Wednesday, Nov. 15. Pre-register at CommissionOnAging@pleasanthillca.org or by calling Juanita Davalos (925)671-5283. Walk-ins will be accommodated on a space available basis.

The Lafayette Hillside Memorial Service and Conservation Opportunity to paint, replace fallen crosses and other symbols, and generally spruce up the site. This is a chance to gather with the community, honor the fallen, and with your time and energy acknowledge the tragic costs of war. The event will be on Veterans Day, Saturday Nov. 11 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Open to volunteers 12 years or older. Minors must be accompanied by chaperones (4 volunteers per 1 adult) Wear old clothes, long pants, long sleeves, and close-toed shoes. Participants will have to fill out a waiver required at check-in. For more information email info@lafayettehillsidememorial.org

Community Thanksgiving Breakfast. On Thursday, Nov. 16 from 7-8:30 a.m. at the Lafayette Veterans Memorial Center, 3780 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette. The Lafayette Chamber invites everyone to all come together to share in a breakfast and enjoy the special speakers. Michael Collier, Co President of the Las Trampas Board of Directors will present Las Trampas, Success Beyond Disability. Invocation by Rev. Jimmy Macalinao, St. Perpetua Church. Benediction by Rev. Stephen M. Siptroth, Rector, St. Anselm’s Episcopal Church. Music by Wendy Tamis, Harpist. Tickets are $40 each; table of 8 for $300. Registration required, no walk-ups. Tickets will only be available until 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 10 unless sold out prior to this date. This is an indoor event, maximum 150 persons. Catering by Sunrise Bistro. Register at https://lafayettechamber.org/breakfast.

Garden

Lafayette Garden Club monthly meeting begins on Nov. 9 at 9:30 a.m. for social time and nibbles before a short business meeting at 10 a.m. This week's guest speaker is Marissa Zoeteway, who is the owner of The Wild Fleur Company based in Concord. Marissa is committed to sourcing sustainable, locally grown flowers. She will prepare a holiday wreath, arrangements and a tablescape with a Thanksgiving and Christmas theme. The meeting takes place at the Lafayette Veterans Hall, 3780 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette. It is free to attend, and guests are welcomed. Please visit www.lafayettegardenclub.com for more information.

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