Dancing in the street and more in the foothills

Local event calendars aren’t as full this month, giving you time to plan your own excursions and impromptu day trips.

And it’s a little cooler up here.

Come and join us for one of the following activities:

▪ Is sleuthing your style? Take a step back in time by participating in the re-enactment of an actual 1800s court case.

Columbia’s History’s Mysteries event takes place on four Saturday mornings this summer: July 25, Aug. 1, Aug. 15 and Aug. 29. On Aug. 1 an additional performance will take place at 2 p.m.

This year’s tragedy involves a duel. The disagreement between Thomas Allen and William Knox in 1854 resulted in – but I don’t dare tell. It’s a mystery you can help solve.

Space is limited, and reservations are highly recommended. The cost is $5 for adults and $1 for children. Children under 12 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Due to some violence, the subject matter may not be appropriate for younger children. Call 209-588-9128, visit the park museum or go to www.friendsofcolumbiashp.com for details about this and other events in Columbia.

▪ The annual Bear Valley Music Festival brings entertainers, singers and musicians from around the world to the Sierra Mountains. For two weeks performances are held almost nightly, featuring music from a variety of eras and genres.

Award-winning pianist Olga Kern and her son Vladislav come from a long line of musicians, with family ties to Rachmaninoff and Tchaikovsky.

A collection of symphonic music will be led by Maestro Michael Morgan from the Bay Area.

Also included will be country, folk, bluegrass and gospel sounds by the T Sisters and the County Line Trio, and jazz by Paula West.

Kenny Metcalf will perform Elton John’s early hits. And other lesser-known, but just as talented, musicians are part of the lineup.

Call 209-813-0554 or go to www.bearvalleymusicfestival.org for the festival schedule, ticket information, directions and more.

▪ Summer evenings in Yosemite Valley can be spent so many ways: taking a walk in the moonlight, roasting marshmallows, playing board games with the family or watching for falling stars. Or by taking advantage of the fascinating programs at the Yosemite Theater. Each night of the week the presentations vary, but combine elements that are both educational and entertaining.

Enjoy storytelling woven with songs, or listen to a park ranger’s experiences handling emergency response situations. Observe history recreated in portrayals of men and women who lived long ago. Or meet rock climbers, photographers, filmmakers and others whose creative work brings them in touch with Yosemite’s wonders every day.

Go to www.yosemiteconservancy.org/yosemite-theater for details.

▪ “The Fairy Tale Network” is playing at Oakhurst’s Golden Chain Theatre, presented by the GCT Kids. For one night only, Saturday, the humorous account depicts three mice working together to come up with new television programming the chief will like – or else. (The chief is of the feline variety.)

The fun starts at 6:30 p.m. and tickets are reasonably priced for this community theater group production. The theater is at 42130 Highway 41. More information is available at www.goldenchaintheatre.org or by calling 559-683-7112.

This story was originally published July 19, 2015 at 2:57 PM with the headline "Dancing in the street and more in the foothills."