Contra Costa Herald

News Of By and For The People of Contra Costa County, California

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3 Queens of Motown Tribute show at Pittsburg’s California Theater Friday, Dec. 1st

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By Art Ray

If you missed the Michael Jackson Tribute show last week at the California Theatre in Pittsburg, you missed a great show.  It was a good example of the quality of shows Anthony Lane Entertainment is bringing into the beautiful theater.

The Jackson “Foreverland” tribute show on stage was great, but I was really impressed with the non-stop energy and choreography of the show’s horn section.

Next Friday, December 1st it’s going to be the 3 Queens of Motown that takes the stage at the historic and newly remolded theater. Watch out Bay Area you now have a new place to go to see great live entertainment acts in Downtown Pittsburg, California.

Just back from a successful tour playing multiple sold out Las Vegas area casinos the Nathan Owens-produced 3 Queens of Motown Tribute show takes to the stage Friday December First in Pittsburg at the California Theatre.  Mark that on your calendar

The 3 Queens of Motown is a Las Vegas style high energy stage show that pays tribute to Tina Turner, Aretha Franklin and Diana Ross and Owens nine-piece band under his music direction.

Here’s a great idea: How about making it a date night with that someone special or call up some friends and have a theater party?

In an effort to introduce you to the beautiful and newly remolded historic theater the owner, Anthony Lane is keeping the price down to $25.00 for general admission seats. Typically, the 3 Queens seats go from $35.00 to $75.00 and at $25.00 that is the best entertainment value in the entire Bay Area.

Put together your party and get your tickets today before they sell out. All of the 3 Queens shows sell out. We are most proud that we sold out Yoshi’s on a hard to sell Tuesday night after a busy three-day Memorial Day weekend. So, you already know we are going to sell out the California Theater. Tickets can be purchased today at www.tickets831.com.

The California Theatre is located at 351 Railroad Avenue. See you at the show on December 1st.

For info on booking the 3 Queens Tribute Show drop me an email at Art@3QueensTributeShow.com.

Maya Cinemas offers free movie passes for donation to local food banks

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Nov. 22 – Dec. 23

Maya Cinemas, known for developing movie theatres in underserved communities with state-of-the-art presentation, first-class amenities and community involvement, is offering free movie passes for every $10 donation to a local food bank. Beginning on November 22nd and running through December 23rd, movie-goers can make a donation at any Maya Cinema and receive 2 free movie passes (valid 1/1/24 – 4/30/24) for every $10 they donate. Donations are made through the Maya Cinemas’ Maya Community Foundation.

The Maya Community Foundation is dedicated to the development and enrichment of the lives of people in the community in which Maya Cinemas’ theatres serve. The foundation is dedicated to fostering and supporting under-served, low-income communities through a variety of programs.

Donations can be made in-theatre at Maya’s Pittsburg locations at 4085 Century Boulevard.

“Supporting the communities we serve, is at the core of Maya Cinemas. We believe experiencing movies together helps develop stronger more empathetic communities, so we look for more ways to make movies more accessible to more people while giving back to those who need our support.” said Greg Heckmann, Director, Marketing at Maya Cinemas.

ABOUT MAYA CINEMAS

Maya Cinemas was chartered in 2000 with a mission to develop, build, own and operate modern, first-run, multi-plex movie theaters in underserved, family oriented, Latino-dominant communities. Maya Cinemas offers first-run Hollywood movies and unique content through its Canal Maya program in high-end theaters focused on quality of design, state-of-the-art film presentation technology, and providing first-rate entertainment with superior customer service. The Maya Community Foundation is dedicated to the development and enrichment of the lives of people in the community in which Maya Cinemas serve. ww.mayacinemas.com/

Brilliance: Danville exhibition to feature works from Lamorinda Arts Alliance

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Town of Danville partnered with local artists’ group on display opening November 4.

By Samantha McNally, Lamorinda Arts Alliance

The Town of Danville announces the opening of Brilliance, an exhibition featuring works by members of the Lamorinda Arts Alliance. Brilliance is juried and curated by Karen Baden Thapa, and co-curated by Ruth Stanton with the goal of displaying a selection of media that when seen all together, creates a dynamic, uplifting show for all to enjoy.

The artists of Brilliance describe their combined collection of artworks in this show as “full of intensity, sparkle, dazzle, and luminosity.” Brilliance opens Saturday, November 4 with an artists’ reception from 4 to 6 p.m. The reception is open to the public, and the exhibition runs through December 15.

The Village Theatre Art Gallery is at 233 Front Street, Danville. For more information, including hours and artists, visit www.danville.ca.gov/arts.

About the Town of Danville

Incorporated in 1982, the Town of Danville is in Contra Costa County, at the center of the San Ramon Valley. The Town comprises 18.5 square miles and has 43,906 residents. Danville began as a small rural village during the 1850s, and although the Town is suburban, it still retains its small-town character. The Town operates and maintains over 167 acres of parkland, including six community parks, sports fields, a dog park, walking trails, and facilities including the Village Theatre and Art Gallery and Danville Community Center. Danville’s primary commercial district lies in the center of the community and offers resident-serving commercial businesses, boutique shopping, and fine dining. The Town operates under the Council-Manager form of government and is governed by a five-member Town Council elected at large and serving staggered four-year terms.

Martinez Main Street Arts to feature Black and White theme Nov. & Dec.

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Young Zebra by Samantha McNally (L) and Trees by Olga Jusidman (R). Source: Martinez Street Arts

Main Street Arts in Martinez, at 613 Main Street, is not only a great source of fine art, created by local artists, its continuing community outreach activities make it an important addition to the area.

Festive Firsts…On the First Friday of each month, Main Street Arts can be seen highlighting one of its eleven members for the evening, as well as showcasing the varied works of its other talented members.  The gallery offers up fine wine and hors d’oeuvres. (Provided bi-monthly by the very talented Kate and Catie!) These Friday events are new this year and have been a spirited addition to Downtown Martinez.

Giving back…The gallery participates in many other community activities, such as the Zombie Beer Crawl, Halloween Spooktacular, Holiday Sparkle Sip & Shop, the Santa Beer Crawl, and many other activities throughout the year. Main Street Arts donates artwork to local organizations for auctions and raffles. They provide funds for Alhambra High School Art Scholarship programs, and for local murals.

Black and White by Pam McCauley and Running on Empty by Paula Oesterling. Source: Martinez Street Arts

Coming up… November 1st through the end of December, the gallery will feature a “Black and White” theme on our “Guest Wall”. Each member of the gallery has submitted works in black and white. This promises to be a dramatic display of artists’ collective talents.

Tis the season…Holiday art will adorn the front windows of the gallery during this same time period. Our Christmas tree will be decorated with hand-painted and hand-sculpted ornaments. We have the perfect holiday gift for everyone on your list!

Cutting Board and Coasters by Jerry Hild. Source: Martinez Street Arts

Featured Artist…Each month, a piece of artwork is raffled off.  November will feature a mixed media work of Gwenn Spratt.

Gallery Hours…Wednesday-Saturday 11-4, Sunday 10-2, First Fridays 11-9

For more information visit www.mainstreetarts.net.

Join Save Mount Diablo at Party for the Planet benefit bash Nov. 11

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By Laura Kindsvater, Senior Communications Manager, Save Mount Diablo

LAFAYETTE, CA—Grab your kids, grandparents and dancing shoes and come on down to Creekside Commons in Lafayette at 6 PM on Saturday, November 11th to Party for the Planet! This fun and lively event is a benefit to support the great work of Save Mount Diablo.

Blue-Eyed Grass, Save Mount Diablo’s house band, will open the show. Later in the evening the Jim Ocean Band will treat the audience to a live performance of their new album, “FrankenClime”—a humor-infused, danceable rock ‘n’ roll monster mash spotlighting the environmental challenges of the times.

Date: Saturday, November 11, 2023

Time: 6:00 PM Doors, 6:45 PM Show

Location: Creekside Commons, 1035 Carol Lane, Lafayette

Admission: $20 adv/$25 door—Ages 18 and under are FREE

Tickets: https://P4TP_SaveMtD.eventbrite.com

Information for the public: https://jimoceanmusic.com

Jim Ocean Band

In addition to the music this action-packed event includes a “Trashy Fashion” runway show produced by Ellie Treanor and RC Ferris. Guests are encouraged to join the fun by wearing their best upcycled/re-designed clothing or homemade costumes sourced from recycled materials.

Plan to arrive at 6 PM to make a trashy fashion accessory—a favorite activity for kids and the young at heart alike. Learn more about Save Mount Diablo and Sustainable Walnut Creek. A selection of vendors will showcase their services or sell their unique “sustainability products,” plus MCE will be on hand to provide education about clean energy options.

Premium beer and wine, and yummy snacks and desserts will be available for sale, courtesy of Sustainable Contra Costa.

Plan to bring something for the sustainability-in-action “Bring an item, take an item” table—a fun way to upcycle a like-new, no-longer-needed household item or an unwanted gift you’ve been holding onto—and perhaps leave with a new treasure of your own.

This is your chance to Party for the Planet while supporting the good work of Save Mount Diablo.

Everyone who buys a ticket in advance will be entered into a drawing for a special “Discover Diablo Experience” led by Save Mount Diablo Executive Director Ted Clement. The lucky winner will be treated to a hike on stunningly beautiful lands not yet open to the public that includes a delicious picnic lunch on a ridgeline with impressive views of the eastern side of Mount Diablo.

Blue-Eyed Grass

Buy your tickets now at https://P4TP_SaveMtD.eventbrite.com! (Ages 18 and under are FREE.)

This concert is part of the band’s “Fossil Fools Tour” in support of the FrankenClime project.

This benefit is made possible by the generosity of our sponsors. Sincere thanks to MCE and Sustainable Walnut Creek.

About Jim Ocean Music

Over the decades, singer/songwriter Jim Ocean has written an impressive collection of thought-provoking, genre-bending songs that explore the nuances and quirks of the human animal. With his new band, he has turned his eye toward the environmental challenges of the day. With soulful harmonies and a tight, driving rhythm section, the Jim Ocean Band has come out swinging with its debut album, “FrankenClime.” Featuring concerned, smart lyrics set to a beat, the in-your-face energy and contagious hooks have audiences dancing, laughing, and thinking all at the same time. As much about the mission as the music, the Jim Ocean Band welcomes collaborations and is available to produce benefit concerts for social justice and environmental organizations. See more information about the band at https://jimoceanmusic.com/epk.

Why this music and why now? Because the Earth needs a good garage band!

About Blue-Eyed Grass

Blue-Eyed Grass is Save Mount Diablo’s house band, made up of Ted Clement, Save Mount Diablo Executive Director; John Gallagher, Save Mount Diablo Board member; and Bob Loomis, Dave Schneider, and Rich Silveira, all Save Mount Diablo supporters.

About Save Mount Diablo

Save Mount Diablo is a nationally accredited, nonprofit land trust founded in 1971 with a mission to preserve Mount Diablo’s peaks, surrounding foothills, watersheds, and connection to the Diablo Range through land acquisition and preservation strategies designed to protect the mountain’s natural beauty, biological diversity, and historic and agricultural heritage; enhance our area’s quality of life; and provide educational and recreational opportunities consistent with protection of natural resources. To learn more, please visit www.savemountdiablo.org.

East Bay photographer to exhibit photos of Orinda oak trees at de Young Museum

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Photo courtesy of Jeff Heyman.

Beginning Sept. 30

“Oak Scars No. 3, Orinda, California, 2023,” a series of photographs of oak trees by East Bay photographer Jeff Heyman, 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 from September 30, 2023 to January 7, 2024. There is a free public opening on Saturday, September 30. 

Heyman’s series of black and white photographs – presented together in a single 20-inch by 20-inch print – consists of nine closeup images of the “scars” on oak trees after their limbs have been removed. Each photograph captures the many unique scars left on these old growth oak trees from decades of serial delimbing. 

“A tree endures many scars during its lifetime, and I have documented a number of the sometimes-strange markings on oak trees in Orinda where I live,” said Heyman. “These oak scars, in many ways, mirror the scars we acquire over the course of our own lives,” he added. 

Oak Scars No. 3, Orinda, California, 2023. By Jeff Heyman

Heyman first took photography classes at San Ramon Valley High School in Danville, CA during which time he learned Ansel Adams’s Zone System and met noted photographers, including Ruth Bernhard. He went on to earn a degree from San Francisco State University in Fine Art Photography, studying under photographers Catherine Wagner, Melanie Walker, Jack Welpott and Don Worth, as well as painters Paul Pratchenko and Robert Bechtle.

This is Heyman’s first piece to hang at the de Young Museum, a place he visited frequently with his parents while growing up in San Francisco. He has had his work exhibited in a number of solo and group shows. Heyman’s photographs are regularly featured in the Lamorinda Weekly, The Orinda News, and other publications. You can see his work, including “Oak Scars No. 3,” at https://heymanfoto.smugmug.com. More information about The de Young Open 2023, including exhibit hours, can be found at https://www.famsf.org/exhibitions/de-young-open-2023

Five-time Grammy® nominee David Arkenstone brings his captivating concert to NorCal Oct. 5-10

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An Evening with David Arkenstone & Friends with stops in Weaverville, Lakeport, Cloverdale, Sonoma and Berkeley on the Pacific Northwest Tour 2023

“David Arkenstone & Friends was one of the best shows of the year!” WOW Hall in Eugene, Oregon

From his first Grammy® nomination in 1992 through his latest Grammy® nomination in 2022, David Arkenstone’s music has become the soundtrack to our lives with unforgettable NBC Sports themes such as The Kentucky Derby to epic gaming music for World of Warcraft and Emperor: Battle for Dune, from Music Inspired by Middle Earth to area music as you stroll through Epcot at DisneyWorld. His September-October tour brings a lively candlelit evening of music blending neo-classical piano, new age, Celtic, progressive rock, orchestral, and world music to Northern California. With over 100 million Spotify streams and 60+ CDs, David’s music holds something for everyone, taking concertgoers on a wondrous musical journey from first note to last. (See his discography)

Joined on stage by virtuoso musicians Kimberly Zaleski (flute), Laurann Angel (violin), Cecilia Caughman (cello), and Josh Gilgoff (percussion), David has plenty of surprises in store and will debut songs from his newest release. Since his first album in 1987, the acclaimed Valley in the Clouds, this musical visionary continues to create distinctive tracks that inspire the imagination. David enjoys touring and meeting his fans from around the world.

“I think the attraction to come to one of my shows is the amount of different kinds of music you will hear and the high caliber of talent you will be presented with. There’s something for everybody. People have told me that it looks like we’re having the best time of our lives during the concert. It spills over the stage into the audience. After the show to be able to meet the people that have shared the music, I’m so grateful,” said David.

David Arkenstone & Friends around the campfire at WOW Hall in Eugene, Oregon. Photo by Skyeler Williams

A musical storyteller, he is passionate about taking listeners on a journey, creating sonic tapestries that evoke every emotion. His music has been described as “soundtracks for the imagination”.

“I envision a place where I would like to go, or an adventure I would like to take, and let my imagination run free,” he shared. “I’ve gotten countless messages from listeners who love to take these journeys with me. I’m sometimes surprised by how powerfully people in so many age groups respond to my music.”

According to his Wikipedia page, “After moving from Chicago to California at the age of ten, David was involved in various high school bands playing guitars and keyboards, playing baseball in his spare time. He studied music in college and started a progressive rock band named after himself, but he soon discovered his own musical voice in the instrumental genre.” Listen to samples of his music on David’s YouTube Channel.

Tickets are on sale now for An Evening with David Arkenstone & Friends! The tour will include the following stops:

9/22 Monroe WA – Wagner Performing Arts Center

9/23 Victoria BC – Phillip T. Young Recital Hall, University of Victoria School of Music

9/24 Victoria BC – First Unitarian Church of Victoria

9/26 Maple Ridge BC – ACT Arts Centre

9/27 Vancouver BC – The York

9/28 Tacoma WA – McMenamins Elks Temple w/Special Guest Pinniped

9/29 Portland OR – Stage 722 w/Special Guest Chasing Ebenezer

9/30 Eugene OR – WOW Hall

10/1 Roseburg OR – The SunnySide Theatre

10/3 Coos Bay OR – The Dolphin Playhouse

10/4 Ashland OR – Jackson WellSprings

10/5 Weaverville CA – Trinity Alps Performing Arts Center

10/6 Lakeport CA – Soper Reese Community Theatre

10/7 Cloverdale CA – Cloverdale Performing Arts Center

10/8 Sonoma CA – Sebastiani Theatre

10/10 Berkeley CA – Freight & Salvage (live concert and live stream)

Tickets are on sale now for the Pacific Northwest Tour 2023 of An Evening with David Arkenstone & Friends at davidarkenstone.com or linktr.ee/davidarkenstone.

Pittsburg: Maya Cinemas joins 2nd National Cinema Day offering $4 movies Sunday, Aug. 27th

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Celebrates the power of movies to bring us together, with all movies, all formats, all showtimes, all day for no more than $4

Maya Cinemas in Pittsburg is excited to partner with the Cinema Foundation to celebrate the second annual National Cinema Day this Sunday, August 27th.

Maya Cinemas will be participating in the one-day event, which celebrates the power of movies to bring us all together, and discounted admissions for all movies in all formats (including Premium Large Format screens) will be no more than $4. Maya Cinemas will also offer $4 Medium Popcorn, $4 Large Soda and a $4 Kid’s Tray.

To celebrate National Cinema Day on August 27th, dozens of movies in all formats at all participating theaters will be no more than $4, including new films opening this weekend like Gran Turismo: Based on a True Story, The Hill and Retribution, current box office hits like Barbie, Oppenheimer, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, and Sound of Freedom, recent family hits like Blippi’s Big Dino Adventure and Disney’s The Little Mermaid Sing-Along, to classic re-releases like Jurassic Park.

For more details, visit NationalCinemaDay.org or MayaCinemas.com. Join friends, families, and communities of moviegoers at a theater near you.

ABOUT MAYA CINEMAS

Maya Cinemas was chartered in 2000 with a mission to develop, build, own and operate modern, first-run, multi-plex movie theaters in underserved, family oriented, Latino-dominant communities.  Maya Cinemas offers first-run Hollywood movies and unique content through its Canal Maya program in high-end theaters focused on quality of design, state-of-the-art film presentation technology, and providing first-rate entertainment with superior customer service. The Maya Community Foundation is dedicated to the development and enrichment of the lives of people in the community in which Maya Cinemas serve.

ABOUT THE CINEMA FOUNDATION

The Cinema Foundation is a donor-supported 501(c)(3) charitable non-profit – is dedicated to promoting the essential cinema exhibition industry by developing future diverse workforces and growing moviegoing communities through research, education and philanthropy.

Since March 2022, the Cinema Foundation’s mission is dedicated to shaping the future of the great collective experience of moviegoing and the cinema industry. It works to support and impact the health of the cinema sector both in the short term and for years to come and is continuously expanding its contributions to the magic of moviegoing. The Cinema Foundation builds on NATO’s mission and relationships and expands NATO’s impact in ways that help individual employees and companies as well as the industry as a whole. We are the Foundation of a great industry, thecinemafoundation.org.

Brentwood resident to perform as Tina Turner at Pittsburg Seafood Festival

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Lea Sweet performed as Tina Turner at the 2023 East County Juneteenth Celebration. Sources: (Left) 3 Queens of Motown. (Right) Herald file photo

Lea Sweet part of 3 Queens of Motown Tribute Show

By Allen D. Payton

Considered to be one of the top Tina Turner Tribute artists in the country, Brentwood resident Lea Sweet will perform as a cast member of the popular 3 Queens of Motown Tribute Show during the Pittsburg Seafood Festival.

The 3 Queens of Motown also includes Samantha Alexes as Aretha Franklin and Stacy Carter as Diana Ross. Under the music direction of music director Nathan Owens and his exciting nine-piece band, they will perform Sunday, September 10th at 3:30 pm.

Sweet performed in tribute to Tina Turner in July at the completely sold-out Bill Picket Rodeo in Dublin. The rodeo is the largest, annual African American, family friendly event to take place in the Bay Area. The 3 Queens of Motown also performed last month at Vallejo’s Empress Theater.

To learn and see more about the 3 Queens of Motown Tribute Show visit their website at www.3QueensTributeShow.com.