Starry Nights series features concert band

BRENTWOOD -- The city of Brentwood's concert series continues on Friday with the Brentwood Concert Band playing a variety of popular tunes. The free music will be at the renovated City Park at 710 Second St. beginning at 7 p.m.

The series wraps up this weekend with The Brentwood Concert Band, which features musicians ranging from high school students to retirees from Brentwood and surrounding areas, playing classic rock, rhythm and blues and more.

The free music will be at the renovated City Park at 710 Second St. beginning at 7 p.m. Ample parking is available in the parking garage at 150 City Park Way. Bring lawn chairs, blankets and a picnic basket.

No dogs, no glass containers and no audio/video recording devices. For more information, contact the Parks & Recreation office at 925-516-5444.

Stage Right troupe opens "Gypsy Aug. 17

ANTIOCH -- Stage Right Conservatory Theatre Inc. will open "Gypsy" by Arthur Laurents and produced by arrangement with Tams-Witmark Music Library Inc. at the Nick Rodriguez Community Center, 213 F St.

This award-winning Broadway musical about an aggressive stage mother is directed by Bryan Anthony and choreographed by Stacey Dempsey, Join Rose, June and Louise on their trip across the United States during the 1920s, when vaudeville was dying out and burlesque was born.

Music by Jule Styne and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim include "Let Me Entertain You," "Everything's Coming Up Roses," "Together Wherever We Go, and "Roses Turn."

Performances are 7 p.m. Aug. 17, 18, 24, 25 and 2 p.m. Aug. 18, 18, 25 and 26. Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and students, $5 for children 10 and younger. Seniors pay only $5 on both Sunday matinees. Limited seating available. For more information, call 925-216-4613 or visit www.srctgrp.org.

El Campanil presents traditional Philippine dance program

ANTIOCH -- The El Campanil Theatre presents Tagabanua, a dance interpretation conceptualized, designed and choreographed by folkloric choreographer Jay Loyola, at 7 p.m. Aug. 18 at 602 W. Second St.

The show features traditional music by a Philippine indigenous tribe in Palawan with performances by Bay Area dance and musical artists.

Taga Banua is a Palawano word that means "from the village." Loyola created the concept in 1998 as a way to incorporate native dance forms to assimilate his art to people's lives and to strengthen cultural identity.

The evening also features "Alab ng Puso," a dance that explores the meaning, perception, beauty and understanding. Inspiration came from the simple yet profound lyrics of Lupang Hinirang the national anthem of the Philippines. Its music was composed in 1898 by Julian Felipe, with lyrics in Spanish adapted from the poem Filipinas, written by José Palma in 1899.

The performance features the world premiere of Jay Loyola's new work inspired by Lucrecia Reyes- Urtula's "Lemlunay Festival." The piece is collaboration with award-winning Philippine composer Tony Castro and will be performed to live instrumentation by American Center of Philippine Arts. The program will also include "Mindanao Pageantry" (1994) "Philippine Panorama" (1990).

Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and $10 for children. For information and tickets, call 925-757-9500, or go to www.elcampaniltheatre.com.

Sign-ups taken for art classes in Brentwood

BRENTWOOD -- Registration is open for a new series of art classes in Brentwood.

After school art classes for kids start Aug. 13 with "Art for Boys" for ages 6 through 12, and "Fashion Portfolio" for ages 8 through 14.

Tuesday afternoon classes in include "First Steps for Drawing" for ages 5-7, and "Paint Plus" for ages 6 through 12, both starting Aug. 14.

Wednesday evening classes for adults and teens include "Acrylic Painting for Adults and Teens" and "Introduction to Jewelry Making," both starting Aug. 15

All classes are held at the Brentwood Community Center, 35 Oak St. For details and registration, call Brentwood Parks and Recreation at 925-516-5444 or find the Activities Guide online at www.brentwoodca.gov.

Stompy Jones R&B band to perform Aug. 25

ANTIOCH -- Stompy Jones showcases vintage jump-style rhythm and blues at a concert at 8 p.m. Aug. 25 at El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. Second St.

The band recreates the historic sounds of the 1940s, such as shuffle drumming and bounce piano, and combines them with a sense of the contemporary.

Stompy Jones is a San Francisco-based sextet, renowned for its jumpin' rhythm, wailing improvisations, hip charm and explosive stage show.

Also on stage are, John & Charissa Ratto and friends performing Swing and Jitterbug for your entertainment.

Get your tickets early for this sellout show.

Adults are $22; seniors (62 and over) $20; children (under 18) $15. For information and tickets, call 925-757-9500, or go to www.elcampaniltheatre.com.

Soul Request free concert is Saturday

ANTIOCH -- Antioch is again holding free concerts from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturdays at Waldie Plaza on Second and I streets.

On tap this week is R&B and pop group Soul Request. The lineup also includes: county rock group Bell Brothers on Aug. 18; and 1950s and 1960s rock group Tuck & Roll on Aug. 25.

For more information, visit www.Art4Antioch.org or call 925-325-9897.

PACO calls for artists, volunteers for art show

PITTSBURG -- The Pittsburg Arts Collaborative is looking for local artists and volunteers in preparation for its annual Summer Art Exhibit set to open on Aug. 25 at the Impulse Gallery, 329 Railroad Ave.,

Submission for artwork is set for Aug. 18 and 19 at the Impulse Gallery. However, much work needs to be done in preparation for that date and PACO is looking for volunteers to assist.

Each artist may submit three pieces and there is a $35-per-artist entry fee.

The opening artists' reception will be held 6 to 8 p.m. Aug. 25 and features cash awards, live music, hors d'oeuvres and refreshments.

Cal Pine Corporation and the Dean & Margaret Lesher Foundation have joined Pacific Community Services Inc. in its ongoing support of for PACO's regional community arts projects.

For more information, call Nancy Kelly at 925-754-7666, email pacoartshows@aol.com, or go to pacoart.org.