A typical night at the Napa Valley Opera House tends to make this reporter feel conspicuously young. I’ll let my hair down from its ponytail and trade my flip flops for a pair of heels in an attempt to blend in. But Saturday night, at the Opera House’s Best of the San Francisco International Stand-Up Comedy Competition, the ponytail prevailed.

In a celebratory mood embracing everything from new weekend performances to in-demand, star-power artists for both classical and pops concerts, the Napa Valley Symphony Orchestra has unveiled a stellar lineup for its diamond jubilee season.

Imagine a Napa where a morning stroll for a cup of coffee, a quick drive to a meeting downtown or a shopping trip to a local store also means a deep, rich, engaging arts experience.

If there is one thing that characterizes “The Golden Road: French Wine or Moonshine?” it is fun. If there is one thing that radiates from this novel, it is the joy of a great friendship.

Auditions for the Napa Valley Youth Chorus take place Thursday, Sept. 6, at Harvest Middle School, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. in room M2.