MORAGA
Gallery staff invite public to weekend events Aug. 7-8
To celebrate its full-time return to normality, the Moraga Art Gallery invites art fans of all ages to a free and festive reception from 5 to 7 p.m. Aug. 7.
Its current show, “Midsummer Synergies,” which ends Sept. 19, features Donna Arganbright’s ceramics and Danguole Rita Kuolas’ etchings as well as paintings, photos, ceramics, glassware, jewelry, woodworking, sculpture and other media by more than 25 members and guest artists. Also, flutist Nike Rejto, whose work is touted by NPR to “enthrall, caress and go straight to the soul,” will be play for all to enjoy throughout the reception. The gallery is at 432 Center St. in Moraga’s Rheem Shopping Center. Come to meet the artists and enjoy light snacks and wine.
Another event will take place at the gallery the following afternoon, on Aug. 8, when artist Kuolas will demystify printmaking during a free public demonstration using solar etching. All are welcome at any time from 1 to 4 p.m., and all will be invited to take home a small original etching as a keepsake. The gallery is now open Wednesday through Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. For more information, call 925-376-5407, email [email protected] or visit moragaartgallery.com online.
— Moraga Art Gallery
BRENTWOOD
Community Chorus returning to East County, all welcome
The Brentwood Community Chorus is back from its COVID-19 pandemic hiatus. Choral singing has been proven to boost your mood, reduce stress, and improve your health and overall well-being. You can enjoy all this and more by joining the Brentwood Community Chorus. Auditions are not required, and all ages are welcome.
The Brentwood Community Chorus, under the direction of Susan Stuart will meet from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays at the Brentwood Community United Methodist Church (809 Second St. in Brentwood) beginning Aug. 17, and masks are required for all rehearsals. There is no registration fee for the fall session, but participants must purchase their own music. For additional information and to register, visit brentwoodcommunitychorus.com.
— Brentwood Community Chorus
WALNUT CREEK
Valley Art Gallery opens new show with over 300 works
Valley Art Gallery has a new selection of more than 300 artworks representing the best of the best of East Bay artists. All the artists are juried into membership, and each work in the new show is individually juried in as well. There will be an open house at the gallery to commemorate the opening from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 7.
The artworks on display are available for sale or rent. Also available is a wide selection of juried, high quality, hand-made crafts and jewelry. The gallery has returned to its pre-COVID schedule, Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Remember that digital doors are always open for browsing, and we’ll continue to be available to discuss any work that has caught your interest or to arrange a no-obligation one-on-one appointment at a time of your choosing. The Valley Art Gallery is at 1661 Botelho Drive, Suite 110, in Walnut Creek. For more information, call 925-935-4311 or visit valleyartgallery.org online.
— Valley Art Gallery
‘Recology’ exhibit features art from repurposed materials
Through Oct. 17, the Bedford Gallery is presenting “Reclaimed: The Art of Recology,” a survey of artists who have participated in the Artist in Residence program.
This special exhibit of work created from unwanted materials encourages viewers to perceive “trash” in a new light. Through introspective, playful and highly original explorations, these artists reveal the hidden stories our rubbish tells us about ourselves and our relationship with the world. Since 1990, more than 150 professional artists and 50 student artists have completed residencies, making art from scavenged materials.
“Recology” is meant to empower communities to conserve natural resources. Also, the Artist in Residence program is driven by a mission to amplify the voices of systemically marginalized populations; offer a community space for learning; and host a public education program that inspires children and adults to reimagine their role in creating a just and sustainable world. The gallery is inside the Lesher Center for the Arts at 1601 Civic Drive. For more information, call 925-295-1417 or go to www.bedfordgallery.org/recology.
— Bedford Gallery
ANTIOCH
El Campanil Theatre streaming ‘Kabaret for Kids’ show
“Kabaret for Kids,” a musical variety show starring Bay Area actors, is streaming at El Campanil Theatre’s website, elcampaniltheatre.com, the theater’s first foray into online programming.
The musical was filmed entirely on location on El Campanil Theatre’s stage. This production features theater veteran Kat Bautista as host; “Kabaret for Kids” chorus members McKenna Rose, Sofia Rose and William Taeyoon Foon; special guests “Piano Man” Arjun Vaithara and Taleia Hicks as “Kabaret Kitty”; and newly created animation segments for “Peteski & Belugi” and “Magic.”
The show was originally created and performed by award-winning theater and cabaret star Samantha Samuels and quickly became a popular touring attraction throughout the country in performing arts centers, theaters, schools, fairs and festivals. Known for providing unique experiences, adventures and discoveries for children in theater, the show is set to original songs by Steven Shore and Eric Vetro featuring a range of themes from the interactive “Hey Lo Dee Oh Doh” to the engaging “With Friends.” With access tickets available exclusively via the theater’s website, the program will be available worldwide for $10 per household.
— El Campanil Theatre
‘Friday Night Music on the Delta’ to last through October
Antwon Webster and Delta Music Productions are presenting “Friday Night Music on the Delta,” a family event hosted in downtown Antioch’s “Rivertown” every Friday from 5 to 9 p.m. The music series is held in the E Street parking lot downtown and will continue through October.
“Music has proven to be a stress reliever, therapy for those dealing with depression and other mental illness, and helps to develop children’s brains. Bringing people back together after the pandemic is important as well. So many have missed the human connection, and this event allows them to regain trust in the outside environment,” Webster said.
These events are free to the public and have been bringing clean and family-friendly music to the residents of Antioch and surrounding areas, also while providing a safe environment for people to meet, congregate, relieve stress and reconnect with the community, Webster added. In support of these events, a few local merchants have sponsored events to help revitalize Antioch. For details on music lineups, visit facebook.com/AntiochDeltaMusic online.
— Delta Music Productions
DANVILLE
‘Renaissance’ art exhibit at Blackhawk Gallery till Oct. 10
The Alamo Danville Artists’ Society will host the Blackhawk Gallery’s new exhibit, “Renaissance,” which is on view Wednesdays through Sundays now through Oct. 10.
Free and open to the public and curated by Debby Koonce, Julia O’Reilly and Andrea Schwartz, “Renaissance” features 30 Blackhawk Gallery member artists. Members’ artworks include paintings, drawings, sculptures, ceramics, photographs and wearable art. The Blackhawk Gallery is at 3416 Blackhawk Plaza Circle in Danville’s Blackhawk Plaza Shopping Center. Regular gallery hours are Wednesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, call 925-648-8023 or visit adas4art.org/blackhawk_gallery online.
— Blackhawk Gallery
CONCORD
Music & Market returns to Todos Santos through Sept. 30
The city of Concord’s Music & Market concert series has returned this summer to Todos Santos Plaza. Last year’s series was canceled due to the citywide effort to slow the spread of COVID-19. Music & Market is a Concord tradition enjoyed by thousands of people each summer who come from all over the East Bay to experience live music by local bands and pick up farm-fresh produce at the farmers’ market.
“We are excited to see Music & Market and other community events return to Concord’s ‘living room,’ ” Mayor Tim McGallian said. “As of today, more than 70% of Contra Costa residents are fully vaccinated, which has enabled us to bring back the events that our community has come to know and love. I encourage all of our residents to have some fun responsibly and, of course, get vaccinated!”
Residents and visitors can enjoy Music & Market every Thursday from now through Sept. 30 at Todos Santos Plaza on the corner of Willow Pass Road and Grant Street in downtown Concord. Parking is free. The farmers’ market opens at 4 p.m., and concerts begin at 6:30 p.m. To see the full concert lineup, visit cityofconcord.org/downtownevents. For updates on the Music & Market series, follow the city of Concord on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
— city of Concord
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