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Arts & Entertainment

Celtic Band Brings Out Moraga's Best In Summer Concert Series

Irish music, fair weather, a picnic basket - and family. Moraga turns out for an upbeat songfest in the waning days of the summer concert series. And our "Lens Around Lamorinda," Tom Black, is there.

Think of it as the Tanglewood of Lamorinda – without the mosquitoes. A big plus. It's the Moraga Park Foundation Summer Concert Series, a winner in every respect.

I have lived in Lafayette for years and confess I had never attended a Moraga concert. Raving about it, a friend suggested that I go. So I did.

Beautiful evening, temperature in the 70s, fair skies, killer view of the hills, sublime venue at the Moraga Commons, nice people, up-tempo music from a local Celtic rock band called Pladdohg, which, I was told, means nothing in Irish or any other language for that matter.

I spoke with a pair of Moragans — Bob Reynolds and Judy Dinkle – each of whom has lent a guiding, loving hand in presenting the series, now in its 33rd season and which, not incidentally, is free to the public. Tanglewood is not, and besides, it's a much longer drive – by nearly 3,000 miles. Think of the gas and time saved by going to Moraga. Another plus.

The ninth and final concert of the series – La Ventana, a Santana Tribute Band - is Thursday, Aug. 19, starting at 6:30. Do yourself a favor and go and be sure to buy something at the refreshment stand, because the Moraga Park Foundation, the sole sponsor, needs the revenue from the food, drink and ice cream sold. It's truly an all-volunteer affair. No one is paid a dime.

People come from all over, many bringing blankets to spread on the hillside grass, picnic baskets and coolers, lawn chairs and the family hound. Everyone is welcome. No security checkpoint, no proof of U.S. citizenship required. Attendees range in age from newborns – I saw one being discreetly nursed – to octogenarians using walkers. Agewise, about as diverse as you can get.

According to Judy Dinkle, who is on the board and on the committee that selects the bands, the number of performances this year was reduced from 13 because money grew tight. Out-of-pocket cost for the series, she said, is "about $10,000." A lot of bang for the buck, I'd say.

Bob Reynolds said he's served on the 12-member board "forever." Perhaps so, but he exhibits the enthusiasm of a cheerleader, welcoming guests as they arrive, shaking hands, smiling a lot and introducing the band to the audience from the bandshell, built by the Foundation in 2001.

I also spoke with another person with cheerleader-like enthusiasm, Erin Bloom, lead vocalist and a resident of Lafayette for the past 14 years. A schoolteacher, she has summers free to immerse herself in music that stirs her soul.

Thanks, Pladdohg and the Moraga Foundation, for the most enjoyable evening. You both rock!

Next time I leave the camera at home and bring a blanket and bottle of wine.

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