The Lafayette Chamber’s spring signature event, the Taste of Lafayette Restaurant Stroll, is sold out but the community is invited to free music in Lafayette Plaza Park on Tuesday, May 16, 5pm-7pm. Acalanes Community Music will start the evening off at 5pm followed by local ModernTone Studios' musicians, 5:30pm-7pm. Bring a picnic or pickup takeout from a local restaurant as well as your lawn chair and join us in downtown Lafayette for a lovely musical evening. Learn more here.

Friday, June 2: Sausalito

Friday, June 9: The 925 Band

Friday, June 16: Hot Dog Chicken

Friday, June 23: Lamorinda Arts Council’s Lamorinda Idol Contestants

Plan your picnic in the park by ordering takeout from Lafayette’s restaurant row. Lawn chairs, blankets, and air guitars welcome! Stop by vendor row for kids’ activities, to meet local nonprofits, and see and buy local art! Learn more at https://lafayettechamber.org/rock.

🍬 The first 100 students to register from each school will receive a voucher at packet pickup for 1/4 lb of bulk candy from Zoonie’s Candy Shop!

🏅 The school* with the most registrations by September 30 AND the school with the most registrations in total will receive an additional $500 beneficiary check! 

🏅 The school who most increases their number of runners compared to last year will receive an additional $500 beneficiary check! (Includes the High Schools, too!)

Race Day is Sunday, October 22, 2023. 5k: 8am, 10k: 8:15am, 2 mile fun run/walk: 8:45am. Start/Finish Line is on Mt. Diablo Blvd. between Moraga Road and Oak Hill Road. Reservoir Challenge (Virtual Race): October 12-21, 2023. Please note, the Reservoir is closed for the 10k runners on Race Day, Oct. 22.

Healthy Lifestyles Health Fair is held at the same time as the races, Sunday, October 22, 2023, 7:30am-10:30am, Lafayette Circle (east side.) Includes vendors, kids' activities and more! Learn more and get the link to register at https://lafayettechamber.org/resrun.

A Friend of the Chamber membership provides a way for community members to support the efforts of the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce. We are 75 years strong and our mission continues “To promote and maintain a healthy business climate and to preserve and enhance the quality of life in Lafayette.” 

All aspects that make up a community are important to us: schools, residents, churches and synagogues, community organizations, activities, and the city government. Chamber members work with representatives of all these groups for the betterment of our community. A lifetime Friend of the Chamber membership is $150 per family. Learn more here>>

Did you miss our May nonprofit email blast? Read it here!

Have an event to share with our community? Add it to our Community Calendar!

JAZZ CAFE RETURNS TO STANLEY MIDDLE SCHOOL ON FRIDAY, MAY 12^th at 6:00PM 

With a goal of giving a more professional performing experience to budding Lamorinda musicians, the much-anticipated annual Jazz Café returns to Stanley Middle School’s Multi Use Room on Friday, May 12^th at 6:00pm. Lamorinda residents have long flocked to the popular “Jazz Café” event to experience a fun (and free) evening of jazz, coffee and dessert.

This year’s Café marks the debut of Stanley Middle School’s new music director Todd Minson, who succeeds the legendary Bob Athayde.  Among the student ensembles that will be performing are the Stanley Jazz Crusaders, the Stanley Jazz Messengers, Stanley Chorus, Campo Jazz Ensemble and the Acalanes Jazz Ensemble. Stanley Middle School is located at 3455 School Street in Lafayette. For more information email stanleyjazzliaison@gmail.com.

May ATTRACTION from Mountain Shadow Film Society

Context: Just this last week, Governor Gavin Newsom issued a proclamation declaring April 24, 2023 as “A Day of Remembrance of the Armenian Genocide.”

”AURORA’S SUNRISE” is an extraordinary historical drama and true life story of Aurora Mardiganian. At 14, she loses everything during the 1915 Armenian genocide. She immigrates to New York, and becomes a media sensation by starring in an early silent film, “Auction of Souls,” and becomes the face of one of the largest charity campaigns in American history. A creative blend of vivid animation, archival interviews and footage from her silent movie, this film revives a forgotten story of survival. Documentary / Historical Drama / Armenia, Germany & Lithuania / with English subtitles / Non-rated / 96 min TRAILER

MONTHLY FILMS ARE FREE FOR MEMBERS. IF YOU ARE NOT YET A MEMBER, CHECK OUT MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION HERE. 

International Film Showcases' May film is a comedy/drama called Ajoomma. Ajoomma means Auntie. The film was Singapore’s Oscar submission for 2022. We are the USA commercial premiere. A feel good movie that will leave a smile on your face. Opening in Orinda for at least one week on 5/19/23 and at the Jarvis Conservatory Napa on 5/13/23.

Synopsis: A widow obsessed with Korean soap operas travels abroad for the first time in her life and finds more than she bargained for in Seoul. Trailer

Further information is available on our web site at www.internationalshowcase.org.

The Diablo Symphony enlivens Mother’s Day afternoon with a range of beautiful and energetic music, including the world premiere of a concerto for pandeiro (the Brazilian tambourine) and an uproarious twentieth-century work played with a screening of Charlie Chaplin’s film The Adventurer. Featured guests Brian Rice and The Berkeley Choro Ensemble join the orchestra on May 14 at 2:00 p.m. at the Lesher Center for the Arts in a program of music from Brazil, including Felipe Senna's Brazilian Choro Suite and his Concerto for Pandeiro and Orchestra with Brian Rice as pandeiro soloist. The orchestra will also perform Brazilian-American composer Clarice Assad’s “Brazilian Fanfare,” incorporating rhythms and dances from different regions and eras of her native country. The program concludes with Darius Milhaud’s “Le Bœuf sur le Toit,” an uproarious piece envisioned by the composer to be played with any of Chaplin’s films. Milhaud’s compositions were influenced by jazz and Brazilian music, and the performance of this work with the screening of The Adventurer provides a lighthearted finale to the DSO’s Diamond Jubilee season. Advance tickets are available at the Lesher Center for the Arts box office (925-943-7469) and at https://www.diablosymphony.org/. Tickets are $40 for adults and $10 for youth 13–17. Children 12 and under are free but need a ticket, and a discounted ticket price of $30 is available for groups of 10 or more seniors ages 62 and up. Tickets will also be available at the door.

The DSO is also excited to announce its 2023-2024 season, packed full of local talent and fabulous music for all to enjoy! Local favorites Mads Tolling, violin, Randall Benway, piano, and Greg Brown, saxophone, join the DSO to perform joy-filled music from Beethoven to jazz. The season also features a wide range of imaginative new works by women—from local composer Jean Ahn to Jessie Montgomery and Missy Mazoli—and the Symphony itself tackles new heights, bringing Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring to Walnut Creek. Come and experience the beauty of live music and community with us, beginning on September 17 at the Lesher Center for the Arts at 2:00 p.m., when Randall Benway returns to perform Beethoven’s lyrical Fourth Piano Concerto. Pairing the concerto with Sibelius’s romantic and nostalgic First Symphony, the program matches the beauty of the fall season. Season details are available at www.diablosymphony.org and season and individual tickets will be available soon.

Lamorinda Arts Council

The Ekphrasis Collaborative Exhibit is hosted by the Lamorinda Arts Council, California Writers Club and Lamorinda Arts Alliance. Ekphrasis is a Greek word defined as writing that describes art. Discover 100 paired writings and visual artworks on display. Purchase art online with one click. Visit https://lamorindaarts.org/ekphrasis/.

The Lamorinda Arts Council presents award-winning Walnut Creek artist Mary Claire Stotler's figurative and abstract paintings in April at the solo Virtual Art Gallery at Wilder. View her work in this virtual solo show online at https://lamorindaarts.org/online-galleries/.

Lamorinda Idol 2023 is well underway. Over 120 K-12 students have signed up to audition for the annual singing competition. Visit https://lamorindaarts.org/lamorinda-idol-audition-information/ to submit audition videos.

 

Join friends of the Lamorinda Arts Council for conversations about the creative life. Bring whatever art, digital art, music, writing, etc. you are working on as a “prompt” to start the conversation. What is stirring up (or blocking) your creative juices. Look for our Picassoesque poster of Dora Maar (Picasso’s muse & model) — that’s us! Just show up. http://lamorindaarts.org  

Lamorinda Idol 2023 runs from April through August. Finalists and runners up are announced June 1. For more details on the program visit https://lamorindaarts.org/idol-2/.

The Lamorinda Arts Council presents wildlife paintings by Alexandra Saunders, photos of fathers by Nancy Rubin and artifacts from Sister City Tabor in the Art Gallery at the Orinda Library June 3 through July 1. Visit https://lamorindaarts.org/gallery-2/ for details.

 

The Lamorinda Arts Council presents featured Lafayette photographer Jennifer Lothrigel’s nature-centric photographs in the solo Virtual Art Gallery at Wilder during June. “Briones Regional Park provides a medication on belonging, lineage and connection to body and place,” said Lothrigel. View and purchase her work online at https://lamorindaarts.org/online-galleries/.

The Lamorinda Arts Council invites you to listen to emerging writers reading their work and local artists speaking about their artwork. Held at the Lafayette Library Arts & Science Room, 3491 Mt. Diablo Blvd. from 2-3:30 p.m., a reception follows outdoors in the Library Courtyard. Visit https://www.lamorindaarts.org/art-embraces-words/ to participate as a writer or artist, in this free program or call 925.359.9940.

Join friends of the Lamorinda Arts Council for conversations about the creative life. Bring whatever art, digital art, music, writing, etc. you are working on as a “prompt” to start the conversation. What is stirring up (or blocking) your creative juices. Look for our Picassoesque poster of Dora Maar (Picasso’s muse & model) — that’s us! No Host Bar – just show up. http://www.lamorindaarts.org

The Lamorinda Arts Council presents altered books by Kelly Gentry, photographs by Karl Stinson, paintings by Cheryl Kamp and illustrations by Shiva Jafarzadeh during July in the Art Gallery at the Orinda Library. Meet the artists at their reception on Jul. 8 from 3-5 p.m. Visit http://www.lamorindaarts.org/gallery-2/ for more information.

 

The Lamorinda Arts Council presents Concord artist Jennifer Granat’s paintings. “Figurative work is a major feature of my portfolio as well as surreal or composite landscapes and portraits,” said Granat. View and purchase her artwork online at https://lamorindaarts.org/online-galleries/.

 

Lamorinda Arts Council features the Ekphrastic poetry of Nana-Dicta Graves at the Town Hall Theatre Lobby, 3535 School Street, Lafayette; no host bar available. View David Chu’s “Freedom of Abstraction” exhibit also on display. For more information or to participate in the program visit https://lamorindaarts.org/art-embraces-words/ or call 925-359-9940.

 

Join friends of the Lamorinda Arts Council for conversations about the creative life. Bring whatever art, digital art, music, writing, etc. you are working on as a “prompt” to start the conversation. What is stirring up (or blocking) your creative juices. Look for our Picassoesque poster of Dora Maar (Picasso’s muse & model) — that’s us! No Host Bar – just show up. http://lamorindaarts.org  

Saint Mary's College Museum of Art (SMCMoA) Community Exhibits

Art Practice Capstone: Points of View (May 18 through June 18, 2023) 

Opening Reception: May 18, 2023, 4 to 6 p.m.

Hija Del Maíz: Alondra Puentes Gallegos MFA Thesis (Title pending) (May 24 through June 18, 2023) 

Gallegos examines identity and trauma as an Indigenous woman living in the settler colony of the United States. Hija Del Maíz explores specific events in her life through the elements of phenomenology, social justice, and somatics and how they intersect and inform her choreographic process of healing. Alondra Puentes Gallegos is an Indigenous performance artist, educator, and choreographer born in Heroica Matamoros Tamaulipas, Mexico, based in Dallas, TX. She holds a BA in Dance Studies from Texas Woman's University and completed her Master of Fine Arts in Dance and certification in Dance Management from Saint Mary's College of California.

River of Words: Art & Environmental Literacy (May 24 through June 18, 2023) 

Louis Siegriest (1899-1989) captured the vast changes in built and unbuilt land in the West through his 20th-century paintings. This exhibition brings forward an oeuvre of work that contextualizes the artist's influences and exploration of land, memory, and materials –unearthed from the ground up. This exhibition is on view through June 18, 2023. 

The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission to exhibitions and programs are free. More information can be found at www.stmarys-ca.edu/museum.

Join the Museum of Art and Dr. E and Friends for a family day exploring senses through art and nature. In conjunction with the current exhibition "From the Ground Up" participants will learn how to bind books to keep and trace their exploration of sensory engagement with art and the natural world. This program is suited for artists, explorers and makers of all ages. Any questions please contact: museum@stmarys-ca.edu or tel: 925-631-4379

Lamorinda Arts Alliance (LAA) is pleased to announce our member show “Wellness & Wellbeing” at the John Muir Health Auxiliary Gallery at John Muir Health, Aspen Center, Walnut Creek, now through Thursday, May 18.

Hours are Monday-through Friday 7 am - 6pm, and alternate Saturdays with shortened hours. Please check with the Aspen Surgery Center’s reception desk at (925) 937-8100 if visiting on a Saturday. 

Participating Artists: Karen Baden Thapa, Annette Laurel Batchelor, Helen Chu-Hirschberg, Denise Hillman, Elizabeth Kennen, Nora Krauss, Melchia Kutches, Connie Millholland, Anne Morrison Rabe, Zahra Nafar, H. Newbury, Paula Oesterling, Adrienne Rogers, Marian Sims Harris 

Lamorinda Arts Alliance website: www.laa4art.org.

Once they meet, they will never be the same! This 15" x 10" fused glass piece captures the unstoppable feelings that emerge when fire and ice meet. It was created for the Lamorinda Art Alliance's (LAA) Exhibit "Opposites Attract" and will be displayed from June 1-29 at the Leslie Dirks Brown Gallery, in San Ramon. A reception will be held on June 10, 4-6 p.m. Mark your calendar and stop by the gallery to check it out!

Whitchurch Glass Designs will be attending the Strawberry Festival in Ventura on May 19 & 20 and the Shadelands Ranch Museum Summer Market on July 30 (10-3) in Walnut Creek. Details about these festivals and other 2023 events are posted on www.WhitchurchGlassDesigns.com. Learn how Cynthia makes her designs and keep up to date on studio projects by following her on Instagram @WhitchurchGlassDesigns. 

Lafayette artist and resident, Cynthia Whitchurch creates her art by melting and bending colored glass into custom molds producing beautiful pieces including panels, bowls, plates, dishes, coasters, night lights and more. She welcomes the opportunity to partner with local retailers to showcase her work. Contact Cynthia at WhitchurchGlassDesigns@yahoo.com.

The Lesher Center for the Arts announces the 2023/2024 season on May 20! Alongside resident organizations Bedford Gallery and Center Repertory Company and nonprofit partner Diablo Regional Arts Association, the Lesher Center will unveil the upcoming riveting visual art and world-renowned performances in Contra Costa County.

Prepare for captivating plays and musicals, breathtaking dance performances, innovative visual arts, and thought-provoking concerts. Unlock a world of unforgettable experiences! Stay tuned to witness the unveiling of the Lesher Center Presents productions and visual arts exhibitions, inclusive of the Headliners Series, Bedford Gallery, and Center Repertory Company.

Cruise the River Thames with Handel’s Water Music

George Frideric Handel (1685 - 1759) spent most of his musical life in Great Britain though he was born in Germany. Handel’s 18^th century masterpiece, Water Music, is a suite of short pieces for small orchestra known for its highly spirited movements in dance form. It was commissioned by King George I of Great Britain specifically for a concert on the River Thames.

Water Music premiered on July 17, 1717 on the River Thames. Fifty musicians serenaded King George I and his courtly companions as they sailed up the Thames on a royal barge. Water Music’s lavish premiere was the King’s way of reminding London that he could carry out gestures of more grandeur than his son, Prince George Augustus. Water Music was one of the first compositions to use the large curled French horns derived from their early use as hunting calls.

Handel’s second Water Music suite uses trumpets to stirring effect. The third suite abandons the brass instruments in favor of flutes, whose timbre imparts a sweet and intimate tone. By treating the several families of instruments as distinct choirs, Handel produced calls and responses between different groups of players. These contrasting tone colors were ideally suited for outdoor performance. Handel scored Water Music for the exact outdoor setting in which it was to be performed. Join the Pacific Chamber Orchestra with Refreshing music designed for floating on the Thames with a King.

Cruise up the River Thames on a barge with PCO’s music fit for a King. https://youtu.be/Wi4OKoTqiiw

Refreshing – Orinda Sat. 5/20 @ 7:30 PM, St Stephens Episcopal Church, 66 St Stephens Drive, Orinda CA 94563

Refreshing – Livermore Sun. 5/21 @ 3:00 PM, Bankhead Theater, 2400 First Street, Livermore CA 94551

Tickets and more information at https://pacificchamberorchestra.org.

Upcoming at Town Hall Theatre

May 20th at 8:00pm. Tickets/More Info: https://www.townhalltheatre.com/beyond-paris-skies

June 3rd-24th (Previews June 1st & 2nd) Tickets/More Info: https://www.townhalltheatre.com/crumbs

Camps run June 5th-August 4th. Register/More info: https://www.townhalltheatre.com/summer-2023

Yes, and Wine! Adult Improv - Monthly at Town Hall Theatre

Next Class: June 18th 7-9pm. Register/More info: https://www.townhalltheatre.com/adult-education

New Exhibition! Jeff Heyman’s “Every Day is Memorial Day”

The city’s Public Art Committee has selected “Every Day is Memorial Day” by local photographer Jeff Heyman, for an exhibit at the Lafayette Library’s Public Art Gallery.

This collection of black and white photographs focuses on the somber experience of walking among the Lafayette Crosses, or Lafayette Hillside Memorial, and contemplating the lives lost during war. The show is on view through August 30 at the Library Public Art Gallery, located in the lobby of the Don Tatzin Community Hall at the Lafayette Library and Learning Center, 3491 Mt. Diablo Blvd., and is open during public events occurring in the Community Hall. For more information about the exhibit, visit the Public Art Committee webpage.

Mark your calendars! The public is invited to an opening reception on Monday, May 22 from 6 to 7 p.m. Heyman will be giving an artist’s talk about his photographic work as well as his experience in war zones while he served with United Nations Peacekeeping. The event is free and refreshments will be provided by the Public Art Committee.

View all upcoming events at The Ruth Bancroft Garden and Nursery at https://www.ruthbancroftgarden.org/events.

A brand-new production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream by Julia Adam based on Shakespeare’s charming story of a world where humans encounter the realm of magic. With lush costumes and sets, the comedic ballet will be set to Felix Mendelssohn’s beautiful score. May 26 & 27. The program will also feature an encore performance of Orange by the Artistic Director of the Houston Ballet, Stanton Welch, set to the music of Antonio Vivaldi; a Diablo Ballet premiere of Sir Richard Alston’s, Such Longing, set to the music of Chopin; and the romantic duet from Encores choreographed by Sally Streets.  For tickets and information, visit: https://diabloballet.org/a-midsummer-nights-dream.

Wish Upon A Star tickets are available NOW! Don’t miss The Peter Pan Foundation's annual original benefit musical extravaganza. We have six shows, three amazing casts, and one magical story to tell Labor Day Weekend! Can’t wait to see you there!

The Peter Pan Foundation proudly presents: PETER PAN JR

We'll spend three fun-filled weeks from June 5th to June 23rd learning and rehearsing the show, and end our time together in a fully costumed outdoor performance! We will be rehearsing Monday - Friday from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM with shows on Friday June 23 @ 3 PM and Saturday June 24 @ 3 PM.

Peter Pan Jr is a condensed version of the Tony-award winning musical based on J.M. Barrie's classic tale. Peter and his mischievous fairy sidekick, Tinkerbell, visit the nursery of the Darling children late one night and, with a sprinkle of pixie dust, begin a magical journey across the stars that none of them will ever forget. In the adventure of a lifetime, the travelers come face to face with a ticking crocodile, a band of bungling pirates and, of course, the villainous Captain Hook! Learn more and register here.

CALIFORNIA SHAKESPEARE THEATER ANNOUNCES LINEUP FOR “AT THE BRUNS”

New series to showcase wide range of programming from partner community arts and culture organizations that align with Cal Shakes’ values and support the Bay Area theater ecosystem. Cal Shakes will return to producing live theater in 2024 for its 50th anniversary.

“We’re excited to bring this new summer performing arts series to our families, friends, and neighbors” says Clive Worsley, Executive Director of Cal Shakes. “‘At the Bruns’ is an extension, not a replacement, of our Shakespearean roots. This year we’ll have great music on the mainstage, a site-integrated theater production, stand-up comedy, classical music and more. It’s an exciting lineup that is guaranteed to be a fun time. We hope you’ll join us back in the eucalyptus groves.”

Season Opening Picnic

Sunday, May 28 – Doors open at 1 p.m. for a first performance at  2 p.m., then a 4 p.m. performance.

Some of the other organizations planning on joining the celebration include Cancer Support Community, The Mosaic Project, We Players, Young People’s Symphony Orchestra, and Cal Shakes Conservatory Instructors. Face painting and balloon critters will also be available. There will be food and drink available at the café.

Tickets: Free, but reservations are required go to https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1nojXtCLC3Z-TbzGEeUYoL3xDcoT7y1qODlLPAxyXhhw to reserve your spot.

Tickets: $20 and up – To purchase, visit ypsomusic.org/tickets.

Good Medicine: A Night of Live Native Stand-Up returns to the Bruns Memorial Amphitheater  for the third straight year with the best and brightest from North America’s Native comedy scene taking the stage for a night of laughs under the stars. Hosted by Good Medicine founder and Oakland-based Native comedian Jackie Keliiaa, “Good Medicine” at Cal Shakes’ setlist features top Native stand-up comics hailing from across the U.S. and Canada, including Jana Schmieding, Brian Bahe, Larry Omaha, and Dakota Ray Hebert.

Tickets: $25 and up – To purchase, visit calshakes.org/good-medicine.

The Lamorinda Arts Alliance, Lamorinda Arts Council and California Writers Club – Mt. Diablo Branch are pleased to announce the “Ekphrasis Project and Exhibition” at the Art Gallery at the Orinda Library through June 2, 2023.

Ekphrasis is a Greek word defined as writing that describes or explains other art; for this exhibit, we add that art can describe or explain writing.

This creative ekphrastic project features the work of over 90 participating visual artists and authors, showcasing their original artwork and writings. Visual Arts include mixed media, glass work, mosaic, paintings, photography, porcelain, and woodturning. Literary works include prose/flash in fiction, non-fiction, memoir, essay, and poetry.

The Art Gallery at the Orinda Library is located at 26 Orinda Way in Orinda. The Gallery is open Monday – Thursday, 10:00 am to 8:00 pm, Friday – Saturday, 10:00 am – 6:00 pm. Closed on Sundays. Call 925-254-2184 for more information or visit http://ccclib.org.

Park Theater Renovation Campaign

Spring has sprung and with it, a whole flurry of activity with the Park Theater Renovation Campaign. Here are some highlights … 

The TPTT Board recently approved final schematics for the Park’s new look and Arcsine Architecture and The Shalleck Collaborative did an outstanding job listening to our community’s desires, incorporating the very heart of the original cinema into an exciting and sustainable, community-centered cultural hub. You can see the new schematics on our website parktheatertrust.org including two theaters with small stages. The new Park Theater will offer full digital, 16mm, and 35 mm film capabilities; the mezzanine community space will overlook two pocket gardens adjacent to the iconic neon marquee, restored to its past golden glow. Patrons will still buy their tickets at the historic ticket booth out front, which will be part of an expanded lobby where concessions and a commercial kitchen will serve up healthy eats along with the best popcorn in the East Bay! The inviting rooftop terrace will share its sunny space with a solar installation to ensure energy savings.

Thanks to many community supporters, the all-volunteer TPTT has had a lot of success, raising the initial $3 million for the purchase and entering the Phase 2 Renovation Campaign with terrific momentum in 2023. Now that plans are refined, there are some beautiful new naming opportunities allowing individuals and organizations to support this once-in-a-lifetime, transformational civic project. There are many ways to give and all contributions are cumulative through the course of the campaign so what you gave yesterday, and give or pledge today, can really add up to something very special. TPTT’s Spring Appeal to all Lafayette households was delivered early April and contributions continue to arrive daily at TPTT’s P.O. box. These, in addition to our on-going pursuit of local, state, federal and foundation funding, point to a very bright future for the Park campaign. As you consider your 2023 giving, please consider making a generous donation to the Park Theater Renovation Campaign. Every dollar counts and will get us closer to our goal of reopening late 2024/early 2025!

Lastly, please join us for three upcoming events to support the Park: June 2 and June 16, you will find us handing out free popcorn and selling custom logo Park merchandise at the upcoming Rock the Plaza concerts. Spread the word and come see us. Special thanks to the recently formed Acalanes High School Park Theater Booster Club, which has enthusiastically joined our push and provided great support at the Earth Day Festival in April.

On Monday, August 28, we will hold the Park Theater Renovation Benefit Golf Tournament at one of Northern California’s finest golf courses, Orinda Country Club. Hosted by Bali Construction, this will be a great day of golf and entertainment in support of the Park. Sponsorships (and perks!) are still available and range from $500 to $5,000. All donor levels receive tournament recognition as well as guest passes to the post-golf reception. Registration for individual golfers and teams is now open - please visit our website to sign up! parktheatertrust.org

Lafayette's three Cs--Community Foundation, City and Chamber of Commerce will once again partner for the second annual Lafayette Community Day. This special day of volunteerism and celebration will include an opportunity for attendees to sign up for day-of volunteer opportunities in the categories of youth development & education, seniors, arts & culture, diversity and kindness and town beautification.

Learn more and sign up to volunteer at https://lafayettecommunityday.org.

Moraga Art Gallery announces “Spring Exhibit ’23,” which opened on April 5^th and features the eye-catching work of two member artists residing in Lafayette: Danguole Rita Kuolas and Pat Prosek.

Also featured are watercolors of classic California landmarks: Half Dome, Carson Pass, Rodeo Beach, and others, by guest artist Donald Dupont. The exhibit, which runs until June 4th, also includes work by more than two dozen gallery members and guest artists. 

The gallery, at 522 Center Street in Moraga’s Rheem Shopping Center, is open Wednesday to Sunday from 12 noon to 5:00 pm. For more information, visit www.moragaartgallery.com or call 925-376-5407.

OLLI @Berkeley Summer Registration Now Open

Hot off the press: OLLI @Berkeley's summer brochure! Check it out. Registration is now open. OLLI @Berkeley is a one-of-a-kind learning community for one-of-a-kind learners, ages 50+. Weekly classes (online and in person) take place in June with video recordings available to enjoy through Aug. 31. Learn with us anywhere, any time! No Cal affiliation required. Just curiosity and a love of learning. Sign up here to be the first to learn about registration openings, events & more.

Contact Three Thirty Three Arts to add more “Community . Collaboration . Creativity” to Lafayette!

SAVE THE DATES for 2023 Notes4Hope Events

Learn more at www.notes4hope.org or read the April issue of Greet Lafayette featuring Sandy Preto!

The Community Foundation of Lafayette is pleased to announce that local favorite classic rock cover band Other People's Money (OPM to local fans) will entice guests to dance to their favorite songs at the Community Foundation's Summer Soirée September 9 at the Lafayette Library and Learning Center Amphitheater and Patios. OPM is a perfect match for the event's theme of "Celebrate Community" as the band has been celebrating community by raising more than $300,000 for local schools and nonprofits since it began over 20 years ago. Likewise, the Community Foundation has been celebrating community by connecting generous donors to local nonprofits for over 20 years as well, providing grants of more than $1.2 million.

These versatile musicians put on a high-energy show that is not to be missed—with Bill Chan on lead guitar, Tom Velken on bass guitar, Steve Hall on drums, and Kevin Chew on lead vocals. OPM performs throughout California, including the Millbrae Art & Wine Festival and our own Lafayette Art & Wine Festival Premier Stage.

The Summer Soirée is an al fresco fundraising event for the Community Foundation of Lafayette. Party begins at 6pm with a champagne and hors de oeuvres reception, followed by a delicious three-course sit down dinner with wine pairings, decadent dessert bar, live auction, cash bar with signature cocktails and mocktails, and dancing under the stars. Please remember to get your tickets early, this event has sold out previously! Use code “EARLY” at checkout to save $25 per ticket, but only for a limited time!

As part of the 175+ celebration, the City of Lafayette Public Art Committee and the Lafayette Historical Society (LHS) have created a series of beautifully designed, photo-realistic history wraps and installed them on seven utility boxes along Mt. Diablo Boulevard between First Street and Delores Drive. The wraps utilize archival photos from LHS’s impressive collection and show pioneer and farming days, Lafayette's early recreation and social clubs (including Town Hall Theatre and the infamous 1930s horse show that drew thousands from far and wide), the growth of the downtown, and the birth of what Lafayette is today. Visit www.lovelafayette.org/175plus for more information on the new utility box wraps.

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