Art

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.

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, from 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. View their artwork at https://lamorindaarts.org/current-exhibits/

Valley Art Gallery announces their 58th annual Holiday Collection for Artful Giving from Nov. 18 - Dec. 30. Special holiday gift Trunk Shows on Dec. 7, 8, and 9 featuring glass and silver Jewelry and on Dec. 15,16, and17 featuring mixed fiber art. 1661 Botelho Drive, Suite 110, Walnut Creek, www.valleyartgallery.org; (925) 935-4311

Music

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.

The Diablo Symphony joins forces with storyteller Susan Strauss and local choir WomenSing on Saturday, Dec. 2 at 2 p.m. for a joyous holiday celebration geared for all ages. Held at the Walnut Creek Presbyterian Church, the program features “Winter Stories” by Chris Castro, holiday songs, and orchestral favorites from “Hannukah Overture” to “Sleigh Ride. Visit www.diablosymphony.org for details and a ticketing link.

California Academy of Performing Arts (CAPA) in Moraga presents the Nutcracker Ballet & Concerto at Campolindo HS Performing Arts Center - Dec. 7 - 11. A fun and traditional outing for many Bay Area families, and just in time for the Holidays! The Nutcracker is a narrated ballet in two acts, and several shows will also have a Holiday Concerto right after the Nutcracker. Tickets on sale now. Visit www.capadance.net/nutcracker for show schedule & link to purchase tickets.

Voci Women's Vocal Ensemble performs their 21st Annual Voices in Peace concert. This year's theme is "Transitions," a program of music that explores and embraces change, from seasonal transitions to milestones such as birth, marriage, leaving and returning home. Features the premiere of Edna Yeh’s setting of Sara Teasdale’s “Twilight.” The concert will be held on Saturday, Dec. 2 at 7:30 p.m. at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, 1601 Mary Dr., Pleasant Hill and Sunday, Dec. 3 at 4 p.m. at Montclair Presbyterian Church, 5701 Thornhill Dr., Oakland. Tickets: $15-$30. Website: VociSings.org.

"The Diablo Women's Chorale presents Under A Winter's Sky, a joyous musical program celebrating holiday magic and performed alongside live musicians and a children’s choir. Performances will be held on Friday, Dec. 8 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 10 at 3 p.m. at the Walnut Creek United Methodist Church (1543 Sunnyvale, Avenue in Walnut Creek). Advance tickets are $28 for adults, $18 for Students, and free for children under 6. Information is available on their website, diablowomenschorale.org".

Berkeley Symphony presents Holiday Winds on Sunday, Dec. 3 from 4 - 6 p.m., at Piedmont Center for the Arts, 801 Magnolia Ave, Piedmont. Enjoy a selection of holiday favorites at this Berkeley Symphony concert. Cost: $40. For more info see www.berkeleysymphony.org/event/holiday-winds/ or call (510) 841-2800 or email tickets@berkeleysymphony.org.

Theatre

Aurora Theatre Company presents Felonious Mixtape Nov. 30 - Dec. 9 on Thursdays, Fridays,and Saturdays at 8 p.m., at Aurora Theatre Company, 2081 Addison Street, Berkeley. Join Felonious for an evening of exhilarating hip hop theatre that will fuse the power and traditions of theater, music, dance, and education. Cost: $30/$27 for subscribers. For more info see https://auroratheatre.org or call (510) 843-4042 or email info@auroratheatre.org.

Other

The Kiwanis Club of Moraga Valley will once again be selling See’s Candies in the Rheem Shopping Center near CVS from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Dec. 23. Kiwanis is all about charities, youth organizations and families in need, and what better way to support the community, give a helping hand to those in need, and spread the cheer of See’s candy than by shopping at the Kiwanis store. 100% of the net proceeds going to worthy local charities and organizations that benefit the community. 

The Orinda Historical Society is having an Open House on Thursday Nov. 30 from 5 - 7 p.m. Enjoy home baked cookies, soft drinks, wine and lilting guitar music while you explore Orinda's History Museum and get to grips with your holiday shopping. They will have unique Woven Throws showing Orinda's old landmarks plus signed copies of Arcadia's Images of America: Orinda. Below the Library, opposite the elevator and Cafe Teatro www.orindahistory. org, (925) 254-1353

It’s a Wonderful Life in Lafayette Holiday Celebration, Dec. 3 at 4:30 p.m. This free, fun, family-friendly celebration includes Santa sightings, free train rides on the Lafayette Express, official holiday tree lighting ceremony, one-of-a-kind photo ops, live musical entertainment, kid’s crafts, holiday treats and more! Arrive early and plan to stay! Festivities begin at 4:30 p.m. when Santa is scheduled to parade along Golden Gate Way starting at the Lafayette Historical Society and arriving at Lafayette Plaza (corner of Mt. Diablo Blvd. and Moraga Road) at 5 p.m. The “It’s a Wonderful Life in Lafayette” event is presented by the Lafayette Chamber, and sponsored by local Lafayette Realtor The Dana Green Team and Branagh Development, who together are also hosting the environmentally-friendly downtown Lafayette twinkle lights for the Holiday Season. Learn more at https://lafayettechamber.org/holiday.

The local branch of AAUW-OML (American Association of University Women - Orinda, Moraga, Lafayette) is offering an opportunity for families to bring their children to the Rheem Shopping Center in Moraga on Sunday, Dec. 3 from 1 - 3 p.m. to meet Santa! Look for Santa right outside the Moraga Art Gallery at 432 Center Street.

Wine and Tapas Speaker Series Presents: Ex-Clergy who broke new ground and lived to tell the tale as massive cultural shifts began emptying the pews, clergy attempted to respond by initiating a transformation within the institutions they served. Our guests will share their stories; successes, failures, insights, surprises, and perspectives gained from their work. Their story might hint at the future of spirituality for our time. The event will take place on Sunday, Nov. 26, 4:30 - 6 p.m. Creekside Commons 1035 Carol Lane, Lafayette. Free and open to the public, bring a drink or small plate to share, donations welcome.

Santa Day at 5A in Moraga on Saturday, Dec. 2. Be the Star You Are!® collaborates with 5 A Rent-A-Space to provide this annual family-fun event. Volunteers will help kids write letters to Santa and enjoy crafts. Enjoy hot cocoa and snacks, plus get a photo with Jolly St. Nick. Free event. 5 A Rent-A-Space: 455 Moraga Rd. #F, Moraga. www.bethestaryouare.org/events-1/santa-day-at-5a

Hospice East Bay is proud to be celebrating their Annual Tree of Lights. 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.

The Acalanes Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and VFW Post 8063 will host a ceremony at the historic Lafayette Cemetery  on Saturday, Dec. 16 at noon. Following the ceremony, wreaths will be placed at the graves of nearly 300 veterans who lie at rest in the historic Lafayette Cemetery. The public is invited to attend the ceremony and assist Scout Troop 284 place the wreaths as they say each veteran’s name out loud. Learn more about the event at www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/CA0565.

All are cordially invited to attend St. Mary's College Guild's Christmas Luncheon held at SMC's Soda Center, Moraga, on Dec. 12, featuring pianist Sharon Lee Kim and the Award Winning St. Mary's College Choir. Social Hour is at 11 a.m. There will be a Holiday Bake Sale and a Raffle for a Money Tree. All proceeds benefit SMC Scholarship Fund for needy students of St. Mary's College. Cost $50 per person. Menu: Salmon Picatta or Chicken a la King.  Send your order with your check, (payable to: St. Mary's College Guilt) and reservations to:  Marybeth Dyer - 6410 Valley Oak Plaza, Martinez, CA. 94553. For Questions Call:  Marybeth Dyer:  (925) 387-5283  Please RSVP by Wednesday, Dec. 6.

Calling all elves and holiday helpers: join us at the Winter Workshop for Kids! This second annual event will be held Saturday, Dec. 16, at Lafayette Plaza Park, from 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Children will have the opportunity to make a gift for someone they love. All materials and assistance will be provided, and parents/guardians can help with assembly too. Weather-permitting choices include Giant Jenga, Giant Connect 4, chess, wooden train track, and more. This event is brought to you by Lamorinda Sunrise Rotary in partnership with Lafayette Parks and Recreation. We invite you to join us and help spread the spirit of giving! (925) 309-9275, terrylpickering@gmail.com, https://lamorindasunrise.org

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