Top Tickets: May 27-June 2

Diablo's picks for the can't-miss events of the coming week: Cal Shakes' Romeo and Juliet, Ellen Tauscher in Lafayette, the Aquanuts perform, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy in San Ramon, and Georgia O'Keeffe and Ansel Adams side-by-side.

Spring is slowly fading into summer, so get out and enjoy the warm weather watching Shakespeare in an amphitheater nestled in the East Bay hills, or poolside as Olympians dazzle with swimming synchronicity. Here are your Top Tickets…

May 27–June 21: Romeo and Juliet
Cal Shakes begins another exciting season of outdoor theater with a modern take on Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, directed by Jonathan Moscone. Arrive 45 minutes early to catch Grove Talks, where speakers provide insight into the relationship between the play’s text and history and the current production. Bruns Amphitheater, 100 Gateway Blvd., Orinda, $20–$63, (510) 548-9666, calshakes.org.

May 28: Ellen Tauscher
Congresswoman Ellen Tauscher, who hails from Alamo, was recently selected by President Obama to be Undersecretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Affairs. At this Commonwealth Club appearance, she offers her perspective on issues of the day, including nuclear weapons, transportation, and gay rights. Veterans Memorial Hall, 3780 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette, 6 p.m., $7–$18, (415) 597-6705, commonwealthclub.org.

May 30: Night of Champions
Last summer, members of the Walnut Creek Aquanuts synchronized swimming team charmed judges to a fifth-place finish at the Olympic Games. See them perform in person at Night of Champions, hosted by KTVU Sports Director Mark Ibanez and featuring a silent auction and appetizers from local restaurants. Clarke Memorial Swim Center, Heather Farm Park, 1750 Heather Dr., Walnut Creek, 2–6 p.m., $25–$50, aquanuts.org.

May 30: Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
Contemporary swing band Big Bad Voodoo Daddy got its big break when “You & Me & the Bottle Makes 3 Tonight” and “Go Daddy-O” were featured in the cult comedy Swingers. Boogie on down to San Ramon to see the band perform its hits, as well as songs from a new album of Cab Calloway covers. Dougherty Valley Performing Arts Center, 10550 Albion Rd., San Ramon, 8 p.m., $33–$38, (925) 973-2787, ci.san-ramon.ca.us/parks/theater.

May 30–September 7: Natural Affinities
Painter Georgia O’Keeffe and photographer Ansel Adams first crossed paths in New Mexico in 1929, and started a lifelong friendship. Compare the works of these two celebrated (and seemingly different) American artists in this joint exhibition, and you’ll see many similarities, especially in their approach to landscape. San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, 151 Third St., San Francisco, $9–$15, (415) 357-4000, sfmoma.org.

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

Posted at 12:14 PM in Best Of Editor Picks | Permalink