East Bay Concert Guide

More than a dozen musical legends are performing in the region this month. Take Diablo’s quiz to find out which concert is right for you.

By Virginia Shannon

Published: July 26, 2019

Start

How many acts do you want to see in one show?

One Headliner

What’s your preferred musical genre?

Photo courtesy of “Weird Al” Yankovic.

A. Parody pop, with a classical twist.
A symphony orchestra accompanies the incomparable “Weird Al” Yankovic on August 9 at Berkeley’s Greek Theatre. thegreekberkeley.com.

B. Modern jazz, with a hint of funk.
Pioneering pianist Herbie Hancock descends upon the Greek Theatre on August 23. thegreekberkeley.com.

C. Southern rock, with a bluesy edge.
Get transported to “Sweet Home Alabama” as Lynyrd Skynyrd’s farewell tour stops at the Concord Pavilion on August 24. livenation.com.

D. R&B and soul, with a horn section and local ties.
Oakland’s own Tower of Power brings down the house at their hometown Fox Theater on August 24. thefoxoakland.com.

Photo by Scott Robert Ritchie.

E. Classic pop/rock, performed by a member of the most famous rock band of all time.
Catch the one and only Ringo Starr on August 28 at the Paramount Theatre. paramounttheatre.com.

F. Art pop/rock, with a flair for fashion.
Roxy Music frontman and style icon Bryan Ferry plays the Fox Theater on August 31. thefoxoakland.com.

Photo courtesy of The Temptations. Photo courtesy of The Four Tops.

Photo by James O'Mara.

Co-Headliners

Which era do you feel more connected to?

A. 1960s and ’70s Motown.
Sing along with The Temptations and The Four Tops atLivermore’s Wente Vineyards on August 6. wentevineyards.com.

Photo by Scott Schafer.

B. Late 1970s and ’80s new wave.
Alt-rock progenitors Elvis Costello and Blondie share the stage at the Concord Pavilion on August 8. livenation.com.

The More, The Better

How old are you?

Photo by Sakuri Toshi.

A. Over 40.
In celebration of its golden jubilee, the 50th Anniversary Concord Jazz Festival lights up the Concord Pavilion on August 3, with performances from musical icons including Chick Corea (pictured), Poncho Sanchez, and The Legendary Count Basie Orchestra—as well as more recent jazz greats, such as Dave Koz and Grammy Award winner Esperanza Spalding. livenation.com.

Photo by Mary Ellen Matthews.

B. Under 40.
Mingle among millennials at San Francisco’s Outside Lands music festival on August 11 to witness headliner Paul Simon (right)—who’s currently on his Homeward Bound farewell tour—play classic hits such as “Graceland” and “The Sound of Silence.” Kacey Musgraves, Leon Bridges, and Mavis Staples also take the Golden Gate Park stage that day. sfoutsidelands.com.

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Faces

JDRF Summer Classic

Active Charity joined forces with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) and brought together volunteers and members of the community for a day of golfing and an after-party consisting of cocktails, dinner, silent and live auctions, music, and dancing at Wente Vineyards. All proceeds benefited JDRF and went toward research for type 1 diabetes.

Moonlight on the Mountain

Save Mount Diablo’s 18th annual fundraising gala, which took place in September in Mount Diablo State Park, was a tremendous success. Guests were taken up the mountain slopes for the evening; there, they enjoyed a three-course meal, live music, silent and live auctions, and amazing views along the China Wall. With about 480 community members and elected officials in attendance, the organization raised more than $516,000, which will allow it to continue its mission to preserve, restore, and defend the natural lands and wildlife habitats that are currently at risk.

LLS Charity Event

The Pivot Agency and Round Hill Country Club presented the 2019 Pivot LLS Tennis Tournament, a men’s and women’s doubles competition for country club members. (Nonmembers also donated to the cause.) All funds supported the Bay Area chapter of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Tails at Twilight

In an effort to continue to eliminate animal cruelty and provide educational programs, the East Bay SPCA hosted a fundraiser that featured an appearance by former KTVU news anchor Diane Dwyer, lots of food, premium wines and craft beers, a silent auction, casino games, facility tours, and the opportunity to meet shelter animals. The participating wineries and breweries included Calicraft Brewing Co. and Wood Family Vineyards.

Champions Gala

The Order of Malta Clinic of Northern California, a nonprofit medical facility located in Oakland, held its 11th yearly gala at the St. Francis Yacht Club in San Francisco. The organization, which has provided free on-site health-care services to the East Bay’s uninsured and low-income residents since 2008, has a volunteer staff of over 50 physicians and nurses. This sold-out charity function was about recognizing these generous volunteers, giving moral support to the cause, and raising funds so the clinic can continue its lifesaving work.

World Diabetes Day Event

On October 10, Neiman Marcus in Walnut Creek hosted a panel that spoke about diabetes awareness and gave information about new technology and prevention tips. Attendees enjoyed wine from Wente Vineyards and food, which was provided by the Neiman Marcus Cafe.

Gourmet Gallop

Food and wine lovers took a self-guided stroll through downtown Walnut Creek and sampled bites from 18 participating eateries—including Torsap Thai Kitchen, Oke Poke, and Silk Road—at this yearly event. All proceeds benefit Diablo Ballet and its PEEK Outreach Program (Performing Arts Education and Enrichment for Kids).

Coming to the Rescue

More than 200 guests were in attendance for Contra Costa Humane Society’s (CCHS) gala fundraiser, enjoying food, music, and auctions while learning all about CCHS. Funds support programs and services that promote pet adoption and help provide for animals and their families in need.

Orinda Classic Car Show

The community’s automotive all-stars came together for the 15th year in a row to raise money for causes such as the Educational Foundation of Orinda, the Orinda Association’s Seniors Around Town transportation program, Orinda Parks and Recreation, arts, and the Orinda Historical Society. The weekend kicked off with a preshow party—which included dinner, libations, and dancing—at the new Orinda Arts and Garden Center. The next day, the show took place at Orinda Motors and featured an exhibit of classic Porsches and a second special display of vintage station wagons.

Summer Wine Festival

In August, Saint Mary’s College of California and its alumni association held their 15th annual summer festival in order to give financial assistance to students. The afternoon consisted of wine tasting, delicious food, and a lot of fun. Some of the wineries, breweries, and vendors in attendance included Canyon Club Brewery, Captain Vineyards, Michael’s Chocolates, and Wente Vineyards. Proceeds from ticket sales benefit student scholarships.

Day in the Park

In an effort to raise money for the Taylor Family Foundation, which provides financial and emotional aid for children in Northern California who are living with life-threatening illnesses and disabilities, supporters gathered at Camp Arroyo in Livermore for the organization’s annual celebration. The event was a smashing success and included a wide selection of gourmet food, desserts, drinks, and silent and live auctions. Musical guest Brian Culbertson, an award-winning jazz musician known for hits such as “Always Remember” and “Colors of Love,” rocked the stage.

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