Three for Free

by Metro Staff

Looking for something to do but short on funds? Here are three summertime suggestions.

Oakland Civic Orchestra, Sunday, June 6, Lake Merritt United Methodist Church, 1330 Lakeside Drive, 4 p.m. The Oakland Civic Orchestra, conducted by Artistic Director Martha Stoddard and Associate Conductor Kate McLoughlin, presents its season finale concert, Sea Pictures. The program features internationally acclaimed mezzo-soprano Malin Fritz as guest soloist in Elgar's song cycle, Sea Pictures, and includes Schubert's Rosamunde Overture and Dvorak's Czech Suite. Admission is free. Call 238-7275 for more information.

Oakland Municipal Band July 4 and Sundays, July 11 through July 25. A treasure in the heart of the city, the Oakland Municipal Band plays on the shore of scenic Lake Merritt in the stunning 1912 Edoff Memorial Bandstand. What could be more inviting on a warm Sunday afternoon? It's two hours of variety that includes jazz, pop, big bands, classical, show tunes, and marches. Stretch out on a blanket under shady oaks, pack a lunch and enjoy the ambiance. It doesn't get any better than this, and it's free. Concerts begin at 1 p.m., ending at 3 p.m. in Lakeside Park, 666 Bellevue, Oakland.

Spring ProArts Open Studios tour, June 5-6 and June 12-13. For almost 30 years, Pro Arts''East Bay artists have opened their studies to'visitors from all over the Bay Area. Here's your chance to see the work of some of the hundreds of artists living and working in our neighborhoods. Pick up a catalog at a participating site, or check out www.proartsgallery.org. [link for Metro Web edition www.proartsgallery.org/ebos/index.php]