Top Tickets: May 13-19

Diablo's picks for the can't-miss events of the coming week: Ayelet Waldman, Company C Contemporary Ballet, Danville International Children's Film Festival, Lafayette Kitchen Tour, Livermore Scottish Games, and Taste of Lafayette.

Memoirs, ballets, films, kitchens, kilts, and food comas. What do these have in common? They’re the varied ingredients that make for an awesome week in the East Bay. Here are your Top Tickets…

May 14: Ayelet Waldman
Every mother makes little mistakes. Lighten up and celebrate the touching, humorous, and sometimes maddening moments of motherhood with Berkeley author Ayelet Waldman. She visits Danville to read from and talk about her recent memoir, Bad Mother: A Chronicle of Maternal Crimes, Minor Calamities, and Occasional Moments of Grace. Rakestraw Books, 522 Hartz Ave., Danville, 7 p.m., free/reservations required, (925) 837-7337, rakestrawbooks.com.

May 15–16: Company C Contemporary Ballet
Twyla Tharp’s The Little Ballet headlines Company C’s spring program. Created for Mikhail Baryshnikov and performed previously by only American Ballet Theatre, and Tharp’s own company, the piece is an interplay between classical and popular dancing. Rounding out the repertoire are Vespers, Akimbo, Boink, and Dioscures, a world premiere by the East Bay’s own Nicolai Kabaniev. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek, 8 p.m., $25–$40, (925) 943-7469, tickets: lesherartscenter, more info: companycballet.org.

May 15–17: Danville International Children’s Film Festival
If your family loves going to the movies, you’ll want a day or weekend pass to view 36 films by and for children—and participate in workshops on acting, editing, and animation. Special guests for the annual film fest include Nancy Cartwright, the Emmy-winning actress who is the voice of Bart Simpson, and Raini Rodriguez of Paul Blart: Mall Cop. Showings at Village Theater, 233 Front St., workshops and special events at Town Hall, 201 Front St., Danville, prices vary, (925) 277-1355, caindiefilmfest.org/danville/index.html

May 16: Lafayette Kitchen Tour
Get ideas for decorating or remodeling your kitchen on a tour of six fabulous Lafayette homes at this 10th annual event. Gourmet box lunches are available for purchase, and proceeds benefit Youth Homes, Inc., a charity that provides counseling for abused and neglected children in Contra Costa County. Various starting locations, Lafayette, 10 a.m.–3 p.m., $35 admission, $12 lunch, (925) 283-6772, lafayettejuniors.org.

May 16–17: Livermore Scottish Games & Celtic Celebration
Don your kilt and head to the Tri-Valley for a celebration of all things Scottish. The two-day event features pipe bands, country and highland dancing, living history presentations, contemporary Celtic music, rugby, sheep dogs, and heavy athletics. The caber toss is a must-see. Robertson Park, Livermore, $7–$15, (925) 373-5748, livermoregames.com.

May 19: Taste of Lafayette
Start your evening at a wine and beer reception with live musical entertainment, then sample the signature cuisine of 17 Lafayette restaurants, and enjoy hors d’oeuvres, dessert, and coffee at the Plaza. To keep you moving withough disturbing the fabulous food coma you may experience, a free shuttle will loop continuously between event locations. Begin at Lafayette Plaza at Mt. Diablo Blvd. and Moraga Rd., Lafayette, 5:30–9 p.m., $45, (925) 284-7404, lafayettechamber.org.

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

Posted at 11:33 AM in Best Of Editor Picks | Permalink