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Community Calendar

Talks/Authors

Frances Mayes' "Every Day in Tuscany: Seasons of an Italian Life." In this sequel to her New York Times bestsellers "Under the Tuscan Sun" and "Bella Tuscany," the celebrated "bard of Tuscany" (New York Times) lyrically chronicles her continuing, two decades-long love affair with Tuscany's people, art, cuisine, and lifestyle. March 24, 7:30 p.m. free. Kepler's, 1010 El Camino Real, Menlo Park. Call 650-324-4321. www.keplers.com

Kristen Horler. Kristen Horler discusses her book "Baby Boot Camp," about a fitness program for new mothers. Saturday, March 27, 2 p.m. Free. Books Inc., 855 El Camino Real, Palo Alto. www.booksinc.net

Marcia Gagliardi. Cuisine concierge Marcia Gagliardi discusses and signs "The Tablehopper's Guide to Dining and Drinking in San Francisco. Thurs., April 1, 7:30 p.m. Free. Kepler's, 1010 El Camino Real, Menlo Park. Call 650-324-4321. www.keplers.com

Paul McHugh. Paul McHugh discusses and signs his mystery book "Deadlines: A Novel of Murder, Mystery, and the Media." He's a former reporter with the San Francisco Chronicle. Tue., March 30, 7:30 p.m. Free. Kepler's, 1010 El Camino Real, Menlo Park. Call 650-324-4321. www.keplers.com

Peter Abaci. Peter Abaci discusses and signs his book "Take Charge of Your Chronic Pain: The Latest Research, Cutting-Edge Tools, and Alternative Treatments for Feeling Better." Wed., March 31, 7:30 p.m. free Kepler's, 1010 El Camino Real, Menlo Park. Call 650-324-4321. www.keplers.com

Peter Nathaniel Steve Poizner. Gubernatorial candidate Steve Poizner discusses and signs his book "Mount Pleasant: What Happened When I Traded a Silicon Valley Board Room for an Inner City Classroom." Friday, April 2, 7:30 p.m. Free. Kepler's, 1010 El Camino Real, Menlo Park. Call 650-324-4321. www.keplers.com

Concerts

The 26th Annual Bach Celebration. Presented by the Palo Alto Chamber Orchestra, the program includes a special arrangement of Sonata in A Major by Boccherini, with Coleman Itzkoff as soloist; and Concerto for Two Cellos by Vivaldi. Sunday, March 28, 4-6 p.m. $10-$20 the Valley Presbyterian Church, 945 Portola Road, Portola Valley. Call 650-856-3848. www.pacomusic.org

A Touch of Brass and Panache. A Touch of Brass, Peninsula big band directed by Ed Morrison, will be performing at Corte Madera School. Singers from Panache (CMS's jazz choirs) will be featured as guest vocalists with the band. March 29, 7-9 p.m. Free. Corte Madera School MUR, 4575 Alpine Road, Portola Valley. Call 650-851-1777 ext. 2215. www.atouchofbrass.net

Vocal Concert & "Primavera" at Ladera . The Franzen Vocal Studio presents a spring themed concert, "Primavera", with a potpourri of musical styles. The program includes songs from Opera, Operetta, Broadway, Hollywood and concert favorites, featuring the students of the Franzen Vocal Studio, with concert pianist Dmitriy Cogan. March 28, 4-4 p.m. $10 admission at the door. Ladera Community Church (UCC), 3300 Alpine Road, Portola Valley. Call 408-288-8519. carlfranzen.com/carlcontact.html

El Alia

Marcus Shelby presents "MLK and Jazz"@ The Portola Valley Library. Acclaimed jazz musician Marcus Shelby will present "MLK and Jazz": an interactive lecture about Dr. King and the Civil Rights Movement and the rich history of jazz, blues and freedom songs. March 24, 7-8 p.m. Free. Portola Valley Library, 765 Portola Road, Portola Valley. Call 650-851-0560.

Jack Bowen. Jack Bowen, a philosopher and water-polo coach, discusses and signs his book "If You Can Read This: The Philosophy of Bumper Stickers." Thurs., March 25, 7:30 p.m. Free. Kepler's, 1010 El Camino Real, Menlo Park. Call (650)324-4321. www.keplers.com

Easter Story Time. This story time will feature Jan Brett's "The Easter Egg" and Olivier Dunrea's "Ollie's Easter Eggs." Sun., April 4, 11:30 a.m. Free. Kepler's, 1010 El Camino Real, Menlo Park. Call 650-324-4321. www.keplers.com

Free Docent-led Wildflower Walks. To spotlight spring wildflowers, Edgewood Park and Natural Preserve docents offer free wildflower walks every Saturday and Sunday from mid-March through early June. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. Edgewood Park and Natural Preserve, 10 Old Stage Coach Road, Redwood City. Call 1-866-463-3439. www.friendsofedgewood.org

Year for Priest Speaker Series. Fr. Jim McKearney speaks on "Spirituality of the Priesthood." Wed., March 24, $10. St. Patrick's Seminary & University, 320 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park. Call 650-289-3321. www.stpatricksseminary.org