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Upcoming Events from the Lafayette Chamber

Lafayette Business Women at Little Seeds

Wednesday, November 20, 5:15pm-6:30pm

Community Thanksgiving Breakfast

Thursday, November 21, 7am, Lafayette Veterans Memorial Center

PLEASE CALL FOR WAITLIST

Plaid Friday - Shop Local!

Friday, November 29, Downtown Retail Stores

It's a Wonderful Life in Lafayette Holiday Celebration

Sunday, December 8, 4pm-6pm, Lafayette Plaza

Holiday Mixer at Merrill Gardens

Wednesday, December 11, 5pm-7pm

➡ Lafayette Chamber Events Calendar ⬅

More events from our members!

Lafayette Community Events Calendar

Nonprofit Email Blast (Nov/Dec)

Nominations are now open for the 2025 Business Person of the Year!

Deadline to submit nominations is Friday, December 6, 2024 at noon. 

Eligibility Criteria for the 2025 Business Person of the Year:

• Must be a current Lafayette Chamber of Commerce member for at least two years.
• Actively involved with a successful business, community organization, or non-profit.
• Demonstrates sustained involvement with the Chamber or other community-based organizations.
• Supports the Chamber’s mission to promote a healthy business climate and enhance Lafayette’s quality of life.
• Has given time, money, or energy to make Lafayette a vibrant community where people live, work, and shop.
• Exemplifies excellence in leadership, innovation, and mentorship.
• Actively fosters collaboration within the business and community sectors.
• Demonstrates a commitment to environmental or social responsibility.
• Shows resilience and adaptability in navigating challenges, contributing to the community’s continued success.

Former BPOY award recipients include Ed Stokes, Paul Barendregt, Dan Kelly, Barb Sorken, Dave Hill, Don Jenkins, Cynthia Murdough, Paul Bettelheim, Bob Ewen, Sereta Churchill, Ann Denny, Caesar Perales, Dennis Garrison, Scott Hampton & Wendy Tamis, Steve Cortese, Mike Heller, Mo Levich, Larry Blodgett, Tom Courtright, Larry Duson, Jay Lifson, Colleen McCormick, Brian Aiello, Leila Douglah, Andy and Wendy Scheck, Brenda Oum, Dana Green, Terry Ring, Jennifer Perlmutter, John McCormick, Tom Stack and Hollie Lucas-Alcalay.

2025 Business Person of the Year nomination deadline is Friday, December 6, 2024 at noon. The announcement will be made mid-December with the dinner tentatively scheduled for the last Thursday in January. Nominees are submitted to an Independent Selection Committee made up of five voting members: the current Lafayette Chamber President, Vice-President, current recipient, and two selected Board Members plus a staff liaison to facilitate and take notes.

Questions? Feel free to call the Lafayette Chamber at 925-284-7404.

To submit a nomination, complete the form on this page.

OUR NOVEMBER & DECEMBER EMAIL BLASTS ARE SPONSORED BY



Shred Defense

Upcoming Local Events & Special Announcements from our Lafayette Chamber Members & Arts Community

Mountain Shadow Film Society

“Tragic, romantic, and very, very funny” – Hollywood Reporter

“Heart-wrenching and uplifting” – New York Times 

This Italian box office sensation comes to the States in 2025, but Mountain Shadow has snagged this pre-theatrical release!

Synopsis: Comedian Paola Cortellesi’s black-and-white directorial debut follows Delia, a working-class mother who experiences domestic abuse at the hands of her military veteran husband. Delia suffers in silence, but then a mysterious letter arrives giving her the courage to change the circumstances of her life. As empowering as it is humorous, the film movingly depicts -- as the filmmaker puts it -- “the plight and grace of the many ordinary women who have built our country.” NR - Comedy/drama - Italian, w/ English subtitles - 118 min. TRAILER

Friday, November 15th - 4:30 PM

Saturday, November 16th - 4:30 PM

Saturday, November 16th - 7:30 PM

Walnut Creek Library, 1644 N. Broadway, Walnut Creek

Non-Member General Admission: $13.00. Tickets available for non-members on a first-come basis beginning 30 minutes before showtime. Or purchase tickets in advance by calling Mountain Shadow: 925-787-6965.

More info: http://mountainshadow.org.

Diablo Ballet

Make your holidays merry and bright with Diablo Ballet's 2024 edition of The Nutcracker Suite performing at the Lesher Center for the Arts on November 15 - 16. This magical take on the classic with added dances and new costumes, tells the story of the Diablo family and their daughter Clara who check into the Nutcracker Suite at the Fairmont Hotel for a Christmas Eve adventure. Clara’s dream takes her on a magical journey through the land of sweets that will include students from Diablo Ballet School. This whimsical ballet is a perfect kick-off to the holidays and is sure to delight all audiences. Ticketholders are invited to a post-performance event after each performance including a festive meet and greet with the cast and more after the 2 pm performance. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit: diabloballet.org. 

Whitchurch Glass Designs at Clocks, Etc. this weekend!

Lafayette glass artist, Cynthia Whitchurch, will be at Clocks, Etc. on Saturday, November 16th, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., showcasing her collection of beautiful, one-of-a-kind glass ornaments and sun catchers.

Select your favorites and choose a font. When you come to the event, Cynthia will personalize your ornaments on the spot!

In addition to the glass ornaments and sun catchers, Cynthia is also featuring her collection of glass pendants, nightlights and coasters. Clocks, Etc. is located at 971 Moraga Road, Lafayette.

Love these ornaments and sun catchers but can't make the event? No worries!  

You can order your favorite glass designs with Clocks, Etc. throughout the holiday season. Order by any Sunday and it will be available to pick-up the following Wednesday!

Saint Mary's College Museum of Art

Ensemble Assemblage, Nov 22 at 3 p.m. and Dec 7^th at 3 p.m.    

Ensemble Assemblage brings forward Desiree Sturrock’s (SMCMoA student assistant) senior music capstone project. Saint Mary's artists will collaborate and perform through music and movement to respond to work from the exhibition Isole: A Voyage Among My Dreams.

Family Day, Dec 7, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

As the nights get long, we all need a bit more light! Join us in crafting star ornaments and garlands for holiday-themed art day. Explore the theme of concealing and revealing in our current exhibitions. Ignite a new story and purpose for found objects and reused materials. Families of all ages are welcome. Seasonal treats and beverages are provided. Free and open to all. 

Holiday Members Event, Dec 12, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. (Members only)

Immerse yourself in works of art from our current exhibits, Isole: A Voyage Among My Dreams and Visceral Processes. Participate in a special ‘closer looking’ of select artworks as we toast to a wonderful year and celebrate the season's spirit. Enjoy refreshments and live cello music as you mingle with fellow art enthusiasts and MoA supporters. This is a members-only event. Please call (925) 631-4379 to inquire about membership of the SMC MoA.

For more information visit https://www.stmarys-ca.edu/museum-art.

Attention Local Artists!

The City of Lafayette Public Art Committee invites applications for our Winter exhibits! We are seeking submissions for both our museum-quality public art display case at the library (ideal for 3-D works like textiles, handmade books, ceramics, wood, and glass) and our downtown gallery space at the Community Hall Gallery for paintings and photography. This opportunity is open to local creatives in Lafayette and nearby areas.



Deadline: November 22

How to Apply: Visit lovelafayette.org/PublicArt for details and the application form.

Showcase your work and contribute to Lafayette’s vibrant art community!

Come see Contra Costa Ballet's timeless production of The Nutcracker

Get your tickets for Contra Costa Ballet’s timeless production of The Nutcracker at the Lesher Center for the Arts, in Walnut Creek, on November 29^th, 30^th and December 1^st. This one-hour production is perfect for everyone especially younger children. Hope to see you there! Learn more and purchase tickets at https://www.contracostaballet.org.

Lamorinda Arts Council

November 2024

Art Gallery at the Orinda Library: Tapestries by Aiko Kobayashi Gray and Artisan Jewelry by Lisa Marie Del Gavio

The Lamorinda Arts Council invites the public to view magnificent tapestries by fabric artist Aiko Kobayashi Gray and antique and vintage artisan jewelry by Lisa Marie Del Gavio during November. Visit the Gallery to view artwork and purchase artwork online through November 30 at 26 Orinda Way. Normal hours are Monday – Thursday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday – Saturday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; closed Sundays, and Nov. 11, 27 and 28. Call 925.254.2184 for more Library information or visit http://ccclib.org/. Questions about the exhibit or need more information? Email gallery@LamorindaArts.org, visit https://LamorindaArts.org/galleries-2 or call 925.359.4490.

Art Gallery at Wilder: “Abstract Serenity - A Reflection of Nature’s Beauty”

The Lamorinda Arts Council invites you to view featured artist and LAC Emeritus President Denise Nomura’s artwork in the Art Gallery at Wilder. Nomura’s artwork has evolved from meticulous representational portrayals of nature to currently expressing herself in an abstract format. "I have finally found my stride and comfort zone in abstract Impressionism,” she said. Exhibit runs Nov. 4 through Dec. 6, M-F, closed weekends and Nov. 11, 27 and 28. For more information go to https://LamorindaArts.org/current-exhibits-wilder/, email wildergallery@lamorindaarts.org or call 925.359.9940. Please download directions if visiting.

December 2024

Art Gallery at the Orinda Library: Creative Strokes Painting Group, Floral Photography, Fused Glass, and Ceramic Sculpture – Artist Reception Sunday December 8, 2:30 – 4:30 p.m.

The Lamorinda Arts Council presents artwork from Barney Howard’s Creative Strokes Painting Group, floral photography by Barbara Brady-Smith, fused glass pieces from Reddy Lieb and ceramic sculpture by Judy Miller on view in the Art Gallery at the Orinda Library from December 2 to 30. Meet the artists at a festive reception in their honor on Sunday December 8 from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. where light refreshments will be served. The Creative Strokes Painting Group includes paintings by Barney Howard, Chris Kutzscher, Anne Murry and Alix Watson. Barbara Brady-Smith’s exhibit is entitled “The Art of Flowers.” She reminds us to look for the tiny details we often overlook in her resplendent floral photographs such as her 16” x 20” lustre print, “Dahlia Delight.” Reddy Lieb’s 30 fused glass pieces are themed “There is Enough for Everyone.” True to her theme, she was inspired Susan Sontag’s wise words, “Art is a form of nourishment (of consciousness, the spirit).” Judy Miller is showing 10 ceramic sculptures including a 13” x 7” x 6” piece, “Liberty and Justice.” Visit the gallery at 26 Orinda Way during normal library hours – Mon. – Thu. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Fri. – Sat., 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; closed Sunday and Dec. 24, 25 and 31. Call 925-254-2184 for more information or visit http://ccclib.org/. Questions about the exhibit or need more information? Call 925.359.4490, email gallery@LamorindaArts.org or visit https://LamorindaArts.org/galleries.

Art Gallery at Wilder: A Life Rooted in the Power of Photography

The Lamorinda Arts Council features LAC Treasurer John Brown’s photographs in the Art Gallery at Wilder during December. A lifelong photographer, iconic moments in John’s life are memorialized by his fascination with photography. As a student he was class yearbook and newspaper photographer at Tulane University and again at the Coast Guard Officer Candidate School. Perhaps most importantly, he met his wife Carol while taking her photograph. To this day the Orinda resident’s work remains fresh because his interests are varied and, “Every day presents a new opportunity to explore.” He draws inspiration from photographers Ansel Adams and Bert Stern. “There are many interpretations for any picture and all can be correct,” he said. The exhibit runs December __ through January 5, M-F, closed weekends and Dec. 24, 25, 31 and Jan 1. For more information about the exhibit go to https://LamorindaArts.org/current-exhibits-wilder/, email wildergallery@lamorindaarts.org or call 925.359.9940. Please download directions if visiting.

Glorious Handel’s Messiah

You are invited to attend the Awe-Inspiring and Glorious Handel’s Messiah on November 30^th and December 1^st  in Lafayette and Livermore. This world-class event is performed by The Pacific Chamber Orchestra (PCO) and directed by the incomparable Maestro Lawrence Kohl.

For this concert, two music students are FREE with each purchase of an adult ticket. Please use this discount code: PCOMUSIC

PCO’s performance of Handel's Messiah is a perfect way to welcome the holiday season. Revel in the communal experience of the grace, artistry and splendor. Be uplifted to a place of wonder, love and harmony. Be awed by the soaring, rich vocal tones the acclaimed soloists and thrilled by the PCO’s thunderous 50 voice chorus. PCO's annual Messiah production, according to critic Julie Motz of the KWMR- FM radio show "Arts Desire", is one of the most transporting musical and theatrical experiences I ever have - and it works its magic on me year after year." You will leave singing Hallelujahs!

For further information and tickets, please visit: pacificchamberorchestra.org 

Journey into Oz with the The Peter Pan Foundation December 6-8!

Come enjoy our adult performers in a special concert on Friday, December 6th at 7:00 PM where you’ll follow us “Over the Rainbow” as we “Ease on Down the Road” for a “Wicked” good evening of music. Our talented group of elite singers will be performing music from Wicked, The Wiz and The Wizard of Oz.

Then, see the first-ever entirely youth cast PPF winter production of “The Wizard of Oz.” Our Tornado cast performs Saturday, December 7th at 3:00 and 6:00 PM

and our Rainbow cast closes out our magical weekend on

Sunday, December 8th at 3:00and 6:00 PM!

Tickets for all shows are available at www.peterpanfoundation.org.

The Peter Pan Foundation proudly presents “Once Upon A December”: Starring Justin Campo and Jordan Smith

Come and join us for an evening of vocal excellence as PPF’s own Tenor-Extraordinaires take the stage for this one-night-only event! We are thrilled to take you on a harmonious journey through the past featuring selections from hit Broadway musicals, classic Disney films as well as favorite Pop and Holiday tunes. Don’t miss special appearances by PPF’s own B. Noel Thomas and Leslie Noel Hansen—as well as a few surprise guests!



Tickets will be available for purchase via Cash or Venmo at the door (Adults: $20 / Students: $10 / 10 below: Free). There will be one (1) fifteen - minute intermission. Refreshments will be available for purchase before the show and during intermission.

You do not want to miss this amazing night of music and memories! Learn more at www.peterpanfoundation.org.

SYNERGY - When the Outstanding Outperform

Two of the Bay Area’s leading choirs will come together to create a sensational tour de force of seasonal choral music. Voci Women’s Vocal Ensemble and WomenSing, directed by Ofer dal Lal, will present Synergy, a varied program that will include works for double-choir, choir and solo, and other choral combinations. Allow the music to envelop you as you hear these stellar singers create a unity of sound that will be more expressive and affecting than any single part.

Is it possible for a piece of music to breathe life in a way that grips you and takes you on a journey? Yes, it is. Highly regarded Welsh composer Paul Mealor creates a salve for the soul with his rendition of A Spotless Rose. As with any true relationship, synergy occurs when one partner can complete the other’s sentences. Listen to Benjamin Britten’s A Hymn to the Virgin, a spiritual conversation where short Latin phrases engage and respond to Medieval English. Britten’s small, beautifully formed masterpiece was composed when he was only 16.

Among several choral pieces of joy that will be performed, Tarik O’Regan’s Alleluia, Laus et Gloria is a shimmering example. The work is a laudatory fanfare! The program will also feature Estonian composer, Urmas Sisask, who gathered his inspiration for his music through astronomy based on the trajectories of the planets in our solar system. From this he created the Planetal Scale upon which Heliseb väljadel is based. This prayer to the Virgin Mary brings synergy between Music and the Heavens, and the Heavens and Man.

Through these pieces, and many more, we will discover the Synergy within this holiday season. Partake in our collaboration and hear both Voci Women’s Vocal Ensemble and WomenSing as we sing together as one.

Two Concert Dates:

Saturday, December 7 - 4:00 p.m.

St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 66 St. Stephen’s Drive, Orinda

Reception to follow this concert

Sunday, December 8 - 4:00 p.m.

St. Mary Magdalen Church, 2005 Berryman St., Berkeley

Purchase Tickets at: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/synergy-when-the-outstanding-outperform-3641849

Color Rhapsody at the Moraga Art Gallery

The Moraga Art Gallery's holiday show, "Color Rhapsody," features the work of two member artists: 

K. DeGroot, known for strikingly elegant necklaces, earrings, medallions and other one-of-a-kind wearable art jewelry using beads, carved wood, brass, carved bone, and more. 

Also watercolorist George Ehrenhaft, whose engaging paintings convey the majesty of our planet's land, seas and sky.  

The featured guest artist, Ellen Sachtschale adds still more color with joyful, feel-good ceramic pieces, seen recently at the Oakland Museum, Orchard Nursery, and Bancroft Gardens.  

In addition, the gallery's "Boutique Room" is a holiday shopper's paradise, offering an array of original small paintings by the gallery's members, along with handsome wooden objects from pizza cutters and pens to platters, bowls and jewelry boxes. Also unique vegetable parchment jewelry, silk scarves, decorative and practical glassworks, ceramics and much more.   

The gallery, at 432 Center Street in the Rheem Shopping Center, ordinarily open noon to 5:00 pm, Wednesday to Sunday, will be open daily from December 1st to 24th.  On Saturday, December 7th from 5:00 to 7:00 pm, the public is cordially invited to a free reception to meet the artists, browse the collection, enjoy light snacks, wine, and live music befitting the gallery's gracious ambience.  For more information, visit moragaartgallery.com or call (925)376-5407.

Town Hall Theatre

THT Main Stage: Every Christmas Story Ever Told

December 7th-21st

Previews on December 5th & 6th

Tickets/More Info: https:/www.townhalltheatre.com/every-christmas-story

Fast, furious, and slightly irreverent Every Christmas Story Ever Told is look at holiday classics and traditions. Santa Claus, Rudolph, the Grinch, and just about every other seasonal character, make an appearance in this raucous comedy that will have you laughing all the way to the New Year!

Enjoy music in the lobby 1 hour before each performance, provided by the Contra Costa Performing Arts Society and local musicians!

Yes & Wine Adult Improv

December 15th from 7pm-9pm

Tickets/More Info: https://www.townhalltheatre.com/adult-education

These one-night-only classes are a great way to stretch your boundaries, meet new people, and have some laughs! Classes are open to improvisers of all skill levels.

Young Playwrights Festival

Submissions due by 12/31/24 at Midnight

More Info: https://www.townhalltheatre.com/young-playwrights

Young playwrights are invited to submit their own short play for consideration to be produced at Town Hall Theatre by professional directors and actors! 

YPF is made possible thanks to a generous grant from the Community Foundation of Lafayette.

Become A Sustaining Donor

More Info: https://www.townhalltheatre.com/donate

Do you believe the arts are an important part of our community? Become a Sustaining Donor today and keep the arts strong in Lafayette and Lamorinda!

Town Hall Theatre’s programs create unique opportunities to experience live storytelling, foster young talent, and celebrate our community. Plus, investing in the arts has lasting benefits for the whole community—it boosts the local economy, attracts out of town dollars, and inspires future generations to keep creativity thriving.

Free Daytime Concert

Guitar and Vocal Acoustic Music; Folk, Country and Cool

Don Tatzin Community Hall at the Lafayette Library, 3491 Mt. Diablo Blvd

Tues., Dec. 10th, 11:30 am to 12:30 pm, Doors open 11 am

Tickets Not Required.

This free daytime concert is brought to you by Front Porch Music with support from the Community Foundation of Lafayette and in concert with Lamorinda Village. The one-hour show will feature three acts playing a lively mix of vocal and guitar music with harmonies. Musicians featured will include locally well-known performers Joe Peters, Michael Ching, Andree and Austin Hurst, Brian Skinner, and Mike Miller. This is a free event until all seats are filled with no ticket required. Doors will open at 11 am. This is the first in a series of three daytime concerts.

For more information, visit www.frontporchmusic.org.

Diablo Symphony Orchestra

The Diablo Symphony Orchestra is joined by the Fratello Marionettes and the San Ramon Valley Chorale in a joy-filled holiday concert on Saturday, December 14, 2:00 p.m. at the Walnut Creek Presbyterian Church. Archangelo Corelli’s Concerto Grosso in G Minor (“Christmas Concerto”)—according to the composer, “written for Christmas night”—concludes with a musical image of shepherds rejoicing, capturing the joy of the season also reflected in Pergolesi’s uplifting setting of the Magnificat for choir and chamber orchestra (a work now often attributed to Pergolesi’s teacher Francesco Durante). Joining the orchestra, the Fratello Marionettes bring scenes from The Nutcracker to life, in interpretations by both Tchaikovsky and Duke Ellington! And, completing the celebration, the orchestra and choir present a potpourri of holiday favorites that will delight listeners of all ages.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the DSO’s website at www.diablosymphony.org or call the Lesher Center for the Arts box office (925-943-7469; 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek—open Wednesday–Sunday, noon to 6:00 p.m.). Tickets are $45 for adults and $15 for youth 13–17. Children 12 and under are free but need a ticket to have a seat, and a discounted ticket price of $35 is available for groups of 10 or more seniors ages 62 and up. (Ticket prices include all processing fees.) Tickets will also be available at the door.