The Saratoga Contemporary Artists group is celebrating its new season with a special September meeting at the new Saratoga Library on Sept. 11 at 7 p.m. The meeting will honor Maree Lubran, selected as the group's artist of the year, followed by a demonstration by artist Fanny Retsek-Lutz, who teaches through UC-Santa Cruz Extension and operates Magpie Studios. Paintings crafted by group members will also be up for viewing, with ribbons awarded to the best in "peer review." Anyone interested in the arts is invited to attend. Refreshments will be served. For more information, call 408.255.5026. The library is located at 13650 Saratoga Ave.


Contemporary jazz greats at Montalv

Contemporary jazz legends Spyro Gyra will perform at Montalvo's garden theater on Sept. 10 at 7:30 p.m. The band was formed in 1975, leading the way for a smooth but energetic mix of jazz sounds that incorporate r&b, Latin and Brazilian influences. Tickets are $35 to $65 each and are available through http://www.villamontalvo.org or http://www.ticketmaster.com.


New Japanese art classes at Hakone

Residents can now sign up for fall classes at Hakone. Several new classes are on the roster, including Saturday art for children, folded books with blueprinting, velvet design and painting and beginning drawing classes. Classes range from Monday nights to Saturday mornings, with per-class or full-session cost options. For more information regarding specific class offerings, visit www.hakone.com.


Second annual Art in the Park Sept. 27

Art enthusiasts, mark your calendars—the second annual Art in the Park is heading to Saratoga on Sept. 27 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thanks to the Saratoga Arts Commission and the Saratoga Recreation Department, Wildwood Park will be transformed into a venue where the work of more than 30 artists, representing a variety of mediums, will be on display. Wine tasting, food booths, and musical entertainment will also be on-site to enrich the experience.