Fandango at the Buehler House in Orinda, Sept. 13

Fandangos were celebrations of music, dance, and good company that were quite common in California’s early Rancho era, prior to statehood. They were held to honor patron saints, to commemorate births and marriages, to mark the end of a cattle run, or whenever a celebration was called for.

A contemporary fandango will be held on the evening of September 13th at the Buehler House in Orinda and will benefit the Joaquin Moraga Adobe. The Adobe was the site of many a fandango in the 1840’s when it was the home of Don Joaquin Moraga, grandson of early California explorer Jose Joaquin Moraga.

The Friends of the Joaquin Moraga Adobe is committed to the restoration of the Adobe that was built in 1841 and is considered the oldest surviving building in Contra Costa County.

The nearby Buehler House was designed and built by Frank Lloyd Wright for Maynard and Kate Buehler in 1948. The home sits on 3.5 acres, is traversed by two small streams and features a Japanese teahouse and gardens designed by Henry Matsutani, the designer of the Japanese Gardens at Golden Gate Park. In addition to designing the home, Wright designed a number of pieces of furniture for the home.

The Buehler House was recently purchased by Gerald Shmavonian. Citing the nexus between a recent renovation of the Buehler House and the future restoration of the Adobe, Mr. Shmavonian has generously offered the property as a venue for the Fandango. The Fandango will feature live music, tapas, wine and beer and will offer tours of the home, the workshop, the pool house, the playhouse, the teahouse and the gardens. Frank Lloyd Wright experts will be on hand to answer questions. Details and registration: http://fandango.from-ca.com

¡Viva el Adobe!

Contact: Bobbie Landers (925) 254-8260