Top Tickets: June 3-9

Diablo's picks for the can't-miss events of the coming week: Country Joe McDonald, American Idol's Jordin Sparks, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Walnut Creek's Art & Wine Festival, and East Bay Open Studios.

Weekend dilemma: See a musical, take a wine appreciation class, or tour art studios? The choice is yours, but we guarantee you simply can’t go wrong.  Here are your Top Tickets…

June 4: Country Joe McDonald
When folk singer and Berkeley native Country Joe McDonald performed in Concord last year, he led 2,052 guitarists in “This Land is Your Land” and made it into the Guinness Book of World Records. This week, he performs at the Music and Market series (farm-fresh produce meets live concerts) to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Woodstock. Todos Santos Plaza, Willow Pass Road between Mt. Diablo and Grant streets, Concord, farmers market 4–8 p.m., concert 6:30–8 p.m., free, (925) 671-3464, concordfirst.org.

June 6: Jordin Sparks
Attention American Idol fans! Does it feel like months since the Kris Allen–Adam Lambert showdown? Are you experiencing AI withdrawl? Then don’t miss season six winner Jordin Sparks when she puts on a free show following the Oakland A’s game this Saturday (they play the Baltimore Orioles). Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, 7000 Coliseum Way, Oakland, 6 p.m., game tickets $9–$48, (510) 638-4627, www.oaklandathletics.com.

June 6–7: The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
I must confess: The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is one of my all-time favorite musicals. If you haven’t yet seen this hilarious, Tony Award-winning production about six quirky young spellers, their obsessive parents, and the competitive world of spelling bees… um, hurry up and buy your t-i-c-k-e-t-s! Bankhead Theater, 2400 First St., Livermore, $35–$75, (925) 373-6800, tickets: bankheadtheater.org, more information: spellingbeethemusical.com.

June 6–7: Art & Wine Festival
Take the whole family out to Heather Farm Park for this popular annual festival. While the kids enjoy inflatable jumpies, air-brush tattoos, and a rock wall, Mom and Dad can taste wine and beer, take wine appreciation classes, and enjoy local art and entertainment. Plus, don’t miss the grape stomp competition. Heather Farm Park, N. San Carlos Drive and Ygnacio Valley Road, Walnut Creek, 11 a.m.– 6 p.m., free, (925) 934-2007, walnut-creek.com.

June 6–7 and 13–14: East Bay Open Studios
More than 400 East Bay Artists representing 13 East Bay cities open their studios to the public for two weekends. Pick-up or download a map, and take a self-guided tour through the local art scene, where you will see artists at work and perhaps find the perfect piece to display in your home. Maps available through Pro Arts, 550 Second St., Oakland, free, (510) 763-4361, proartsgallery.org.

For even more events happening this week, browse the complete listings on Diablo’s Community Calendar.

 

Posted at 12:12 PM in Best Of Editor Picks | Permalink