Forget the usual panel of experts – this year, the crowd gets to call the shots at Lamorinda Arts Council’s (LAC) spirited Mixology celebration.
LAC is quite literally “shaking” things up this year by changing all the voting categories on Oct. 10 from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Theatre Square.
And LAC President Sue Farmer, co-chair of the event with Tony DeMartile, explains why.
“This year we decided to have the audience be the only judges,” she said. “Mixology is really a celebration of everything we love about Lamorinda – creativity, community, great food, wonderful music, and, of course, a little friendly competition. It’s an evening to come together, have fun and raise a glass to the arts.”
Enjoy luscious craft cocktails and mocktails curated by up to 18 bartenders 18 bartenders competing for Mixologist of the Year, Top Amateur, Audience Favorite and the Art of Staging awards, totaling over $1000.
Several Orinda Rotarian bartenders are signed up, including Tommy O’Dowd, Tony DeMartile and Abby Leiva. The entire Theatre Square comes alive during Mixology with exotic staging tables, a playlist that can’t be beat and some fancy footwork by a Joy in Motion-led flash mob.
See what the event is like in this 2024 Mixology video. https://bit.ly/46sHM1T.
Community volunteer Cindy Powell said she’s always happy to be a part of the Mixology fun and support for the Lamorinda Arts Council.
“I have entered Mixology at least half a dozen times and am entering again this year with a family-friendly punch,” said Powell. “Punch bowls are making a comeback, kind of retro. Some Orinda families open up their garage door on Halloween and welcome little trick-or-treaters and their parents – a great way to meet your neighbors. With my entry, I just set up my punch bowl and let everyone serve themselves.”
Expect savory bites like Casa Orinda’s famous chicken along with tasty offerings from Saffron, Fourth Bore and Siam Orchard Thai Restaurant, all included in the $85 ticket price. The $135 Patron Level Ticket also includes a $50 tax deductible donation to LAC plus a cocktail kit set with two infused salts and sugars. Visit LamorindaArts.org/mixology.
LAC thanks a host of event sponsors for their generous support, which include Premiere Mixologist Coldwell Banker Realty; Grand Mixologist Molly Smith, Village Associates Real Estate; Signature Mixologist Park Place Wealth Advisors, Inc.; Happy Hour Sponsors Old Salt Merchants and Saint Anthony’s Thrift; Garnish Sponsors Siam Orchid, Saffron, Casa Orinda and The Fourth Bore. Additional contributors include Lamorinda Theatres, Orinda Theatre Square, The Orinda News and Joy in Motion.
Every glass you raise supports LAC arts programs, including Artify Orinda, Arts Ambassadors (elementary school exhibit), monthly art exhibitions at the Orinda Library and the annual High School Visual Arts Competition (VAC).
VAC is a one-of-a-kind opportunity for teen student artists to be recognized and honored including cash prizes. LAC’s annual gallery activities engage hundreds of local student, adult and senior artists.
Invite some friends and have some fun enjoying craft cocktails and mocktails at Mixology with your souvenir shot glass and savory bites from local restaurants while supporting the arts in Lamorinda.
Mixology is Oct. 10 from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Orinda Theatre Square, 1 Moraga Way, Orinda. Questions? Email mixology@LamorindArts.org, call 925.359.9940 or visit LamorindaArts.org/mixology.
