By: Matt Milde

This September, treat yourself to one or more of the exciting program occurring at the Menlo-Atherton Performing Arts Center. On Sept. 16 from 6-8:30 p.m., Darpana Academy of Performing Arts presents “Finding My Voice.” Dr. Mallika Sarabhai will be performing with her team will use the centuries-old Bharat Natyam dance form to focus on this century’s burning issues such as intolerance and global warming. This performance will be hosted in collaboration amongst three organizations devoted to the arts and social causes. Join the Tuolumne River Trust Sept. 17 from 6:30-9 p.m. as they present a night of fun and films to celebrate the Tuolumne River at the Tuolumne River Film Festival. The event will feature short films from the Wild and Scenic Film Festival, live music and much more. On Sept. 23 from 7:30-9:30 p.m. the Palo Alto Jazz Alliance invites you to celebrate their 25th Anniversary Concert with the Anderson Twins Trio, featuring Peter and Will Anderson. The New York Times calls them "virtuosos on clarinet and saxophone." Their trio will be completed by guitarist Felix Unger, one of their contemporaries from Juilliard. Finally, on Sept. 29 through Oct. 1, ZiRu Dance presents the second annual Silicon Valley Dance Festival: Aftershock. The festival will include performances that represent a range of acclaimed Bay Area choreographers, from established innovators to rising stars in contemporary ballet, modern, hip-hop and more. This September you’ll find many opportunities to get out of the house and enjoy a multitude of performing arts programming in your own backyard.