Looking for Something To Do? Free Events June 27 to July 3

Here are events scheduled Saturday, June 27, to Friday, July 3.

All events are free, so take a look -- and don't you dare say there's nothing to do in Pasadena! 

The Pasadena Summer Youth Chamber Orchestra will perform Mozart, Kreisler, Bruch and Schumann Saturday, June 27, at 7:30 p.m. at Pasadena Presbyterian Church.

Urban meets highbrow when Black Violin performs a groundbreaking blend of contemporary and classical music Saturday, June 27, at 8 p.m. at the Levitt Pavilion. A pre-concert festival will begin at 6:30 p.m. Bring a picnic or purchase dinner at the park. 

 

Everyone is invited to the Pasadena Museum of History for Happy Birthday Pasadena: Forward Motion! on Sunday, June 27, from 1 to 4 p.m. View fascinating cars, bicycles and other vehicles that were innovative for their time, explore the exhibitions When Johnny Came Marching West: How the Civil War Shaped Pasadena and Thaddeus Lowe: Chief Aeronaut of the Union Army, enjoy live entertainment, refreshments, crafts workshops and children's activities and have a piece of birthday cake (Mayor Tornek will cut the first piece) to mark the 129th year since Pasadena's incorporation as a city.

Legendary jazz singer Barbara Morrison will perform Sunday, June 28, at 7 p.m. at the Levitt Pavilion. A pre-concert festival will begin at 5:30 p.m. Bring a picnic or purchase dinner at the park.

Science humorist Dave Zobel will host a multimedia presentation about the popular CBS sitcom The Big Bang Theory Monday, June 29, at 1 p.m. at the Pasadena Senior Center. You do not have to be a member to attend.

The Pasadena Master Chorale will present the world premiere of Earth Speaks by composer in residence Reena Esmail Monday, June 29, at 7:30 p.m. at First Congregational Church. 

Free Adoption Day at the Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA is   Tuesday, June 30, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Adoption fees will be waived for all available animals, including dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, pocket pets and reptiles.

Pam Kay and the Tap Chicks will perform lively dance routines and Vaudeville-style comedy in clever costumes Tuesday, June 30, at 6 p.m. in the band shell at Memorial Park. Bring a picnic or purchase dinner at the park.

Internationally acclaimed classical pianist Michael Sellers will perform Wednesday, July 1, from 12:10 to 12:40 p.m. for the popular Music at Noon recital series at Pasadena Presbyterian Church. Feel free to bring a sack lunch.

The classic Disney film Johnny Tremain (1957, NR) starring Hal Stalmaster and Luana Patten will be shown on the big screen Wednesday, July 1, at 1 p.m. in the Donald R. Wright Auditorium at Central Library. Based on the popular children's book by Esther Hopkins Forbes, 14-year-old Johnny is drawn into the American Revolution and learns about life and himself along the way.

Join in the International Olympic Day celebration Wednesday, July 1, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. in the Crawford Family Forum at Southern California Public Radio. A number of Olympic medalists will speak. Although the event is free, reservations are required.

Rhythm Child will perform interactive reggae, rock and soul for children (and everyone) Thursday, July 2, at 7 p.m. at the Levitt Pavilion. A pre-concert festival will begin at 5:30 p.m. Bring a picnic or purchase dinner at the park.

Admission to the Pasadena Museum of California Art is free the first Friday (and third Thursday) of every month. On Friday, July 3, from noon to 5 p.m. see the exhibitions "Someday Is Now: The Art of Corita Kent" and "Alexandra Grant and Steve Roden: These Carnations Defy Language" as well as ongoing exhibitions and everything else the museum has to offer.

Into the Woods (2014, PG) starring Meryl Streep and Johnny Depp will be shown on the big screen Friday, July 3, at 1 p.m. at the Pasadena Senior Center. You do not have to be a member to attend. A witch tasks a childless baker and his wife with procuring magical items from classic fairy tales to reverse a curse put on their family tree.

The first Friday of every month from 5 to 8 p.m. is Free Admission Night at the Norton Simon Museum. On Friday, July 3, enjoy the current exhibition "Human/Nature: Photographers Constructing the Natural World" and everything else the museum has to offer.  

Take a tour of the Tournament House any Thursday at 2 p.m. or 3 p.m. through Aug. 27. Owned by the City of Pasadena, the former Wrigley Estate is home to the Tournament of Roses Association. A docent will lead you through the 18,500-square-foot Italian Renaissance mansion built in 1906. In addition to 21 magnificent rooms, you'll see displays related to Rose Bowl Games, Rose Queens and their Courts and plenty of historic memorabilia from football trophies to tiaras. Then visit the adjacent Wrigley Gardens with 1,500 varieties of roses. 


SAVE THE DATES!
Movies in Parks begin Tuesday, July 7
The Old Pasadena Film Festival begins Thursday, July 9.

Photo credits: Dave Zobel, Pasadena Master Chorale, Gannett Company, Kossen Talent, Pam Kay and the Tap Chicks, Michael Sellers, Walt Disney Productions, International Olympic Committee, Rhythm Child, Pasadena Museum of California Art, Langley Filmbox, Pasadena Museum of History, Norton Simon Museum, Tournament of Roses Association.

Looking for Something To Do? Free Events June 20 to 26

Here are events scheduled Saturday, June 20, to Friday, June 26.

All events are free, so take a look -- and don't you dare say there's nothing to do in Pasadena!

The Pasadena Chalk Festival is Saturday and Sunday, June 20 and 21, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Paseo Colorado. Drop by both days to see all the works in progress, vote for your favorites, enjoy live music, take the children to Kids Zone to create their own masterpieces, check out the classics at the Pasadena Police Department's Classic Car Show (Sunday only) and much more. (And yours truly will be the emcee on the main stage.)

Enjoy a performance by the Los Angeles Children's Chorus concert choir ensemble Saturday, June 20, at 7 p.m. at Pasadena Presbyterian Church before they head off on an international tour.

Cayucas will perform their sun-drenched, jangly pop Saturday, June 20, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. in the courtyard at One Colorado. 

Element Band will perform Armenian-inspired folk fusion Saturday, June 20, at 8 p.m. at the Levitt Pavilion. A pre-concert festival will begin at 6:30 p.m. Bring a picnic or purchase dinner at the park.

Michael Haggins will perform jazz Sunday, June 21, at 7 p.m. at the Levitt Pavilion. A pre-concert festival will begin at 5:30 p.m.  Bring a picnic or purchase dinner at the park.

Activities for Pasadena Public Library's Read to the Rhythm summer reading program this week include the following (and much more!):

• For children: Cory Hills takes storytelling to a new level with percussion instruments Monday, June 22, at 10:30 a.m. at Hill Avenue Branch Library and Thursday, June 25, at 3 p.m. at Lamanda Park Branch Library.
• For teens: Experience the fun of Korean pop music videos in a one-of-a-kind KPop MV dance class Monday, June 22, from 3 to 5 p.m. at Central Library. Call 626-744-4246 to sign up.
• For adults: Enjoy the rhythms of the Ernie Del Fante Jazz Quartet Wednesday, June 24, at 4 p.m. at Hastings Branch Library. 
• Download the summer newsletter for the full schedule.  

"Something the Lord Made" (2004, NR) starring Alan Rickman and Mos Def will be shown on the big screen Wednesday, June 24, at 1 p.m. in the Donald R. Wright Auditorium at Central Library. Two medical pioneers -- one a celebrated heart surgeon and the other an overlooked lab assistant -- change history in the 1940s when they perfect "blue baby" surgery for infants with heart defects. Based on a true story.

Birdie's Playhouse will perform music with a Latin twist for children (and everyone) Thursday, June 25, at 7 p.m. at the Levitt Pavilion. A pre-concert festival will begin at 5:30 p.m. Bring a picnic or purchase dinner at the park.

Incendio will perform music from South America, Ireland and Spain Friday, June 26, at 8 p.m. at the Levitt Pavilion. A pre-concert festival will begin at 6:30 p.m. Bring a picnic or purchase dinner at the park.

Photo credits: Pasadena Chalk Festival, Los Angeles Children's Chorus, Secretly Canadian, Element Band, Michael Haggins, Long Beach Island School District, Quase Deuces, Birdie Mendoza, Jango.

Looking for Something To Do? Free Events June 13 to 19

Here are events scheduled Saturday, June 13, to Friday, June 19.

All events are free, so take a look -- and don't you dare say there's nothing to do in Pasadena!

Pasadena Public Library's "Read to the Rhythm" Summer Reading Challenge for children up to age 12, teens entering grades 7 to 12 and adults begins Saturday, June 13, and continues through Aug. 8. It offers plenty of special events, programs and prizes for all ages! Registering is easy online (click on Adult, Teen or Children) or at your nearest library. Upcoming activities include the following (and much more!):

• For adults: Of Thee I Sing: The Magna Carta @ 800 Saturday, June 13, at 2 p.m. at Allendale Branch Library will feature folk singer Ross Altman as he presents songs and stories about milestones in liberty and justice for all. Enjoy his renditions of classics by Woody Guthrie, Bob Dylan, Marian Anderson, Paul Robeson, Lead Belly, Paul Ochs, Joan Baez and more.

• For children, teens and adults: The Read to the Rhythm kickoff is Saturday, June 13, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Central Library. Drop in and create your own musical instruments and enjoy other fun activities.

• For children: Explore your musical side as you experience the magic of drumming and making music Saturday, June 13, at 3 p.m. at Linda Vista Branch Library and Thursday, June 18, at 3 p.m. at Hastings Branch Library and 3:30 p.m. at Santa Catalina Branch Library. 

• For teens: An epic Just Dance party for the Wii U is Tuesday, June 16, at 3:30 p.m. at Santa Catalina Branch Library with hits including "Diamonds" by Rhianna, "Maps" by Maroon 5, "Bailando" by Enrique Iglesias and many more. Comfortable clothing and water bottles are highly recommended!

• Download the summer newsletter for the full Summer Reading Club schedule.

Admission to the USC Pacific Asia Museum is free the second Sunday of every month. On Sunday, June 14, create Silk Road art from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., explore the galleries from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., enjoy Silk Road Story Time at 10:30 and 11:30 a.m., take a spotlight Silk Road tour at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. and watch a performance by the Indian Performing Art Center and Kathak Kala Academy at 2 p.m.

Sheila E. and Pete Escovedo will kick off the summer season at the Levitt Pavilion Sunday, June 14, at 7 p.m. Bring a picnic dinner or purchase food at the park. A pre-concert festival will begin at 5:30 p.m.

Kristoff and Kane will perform voice with piano Wednesday, June 17, from 12:10 to 12:40 p.m. as part of the popular Music at Noon recital series. Feel free to bring a sack lunch.

The Emmy Award- and Golden Globe Award-winning HBO film "Temple Grandin" (2010, NR) starring Claire Danes and Julia Ormand will be shown on the big screen Wednesday, June 17, at 1 p.m. in the Donald R. Wright Auditorium at Central Library. The film is based on the true story of an autistic woman who becomes one of the top scientists in the humane-livestock industry.

Admission to the Pasadena Museum of California Art is free the third Thursday (and first Friday) of every month. On Thursday, June 18, from 5 to 8 p.m. see the new exhibitions "Someday Is Now: The Art of Corita Kent" and "Alexandra Grant and Steve Roden: These Carnations Defy Language" as well as ongoing exhibitions and everything else the museum has to offer.

Calarts Hands On'Semble will perform rhythms for children Thursday, June 18, at 7 p.m. at the Levitt Pavilion. Bring a picnic dinner or purchase food at the park. A pre-concert festival will begin at 5:30 p.m.

"The Theory of Everything" (2014, PG-13) starring Eddie Redmayne and Felicity Jones will be shown on the big screen Friday, June 19, at 1 p.m. in the Scott Pavilion at the Pasadena Senior Center. The film is based on the true relationship experiences of renowned astrophysicist Stephen Hawking and his wife Jane as he embarks on his groundbreaking study of what he has little of -- time. You do not have to be a member of the Pasadena Senior Center to attend.

Griffin House will perform folk rock Friday, June 19, at 8 p.m. at the Levitt Pavilion. Bring a picnic dinner or purchase food at the park. A pre-concert festival will begin at 6:30 p.m.  

SAVE THE DATE!

The Pasadena Chalk Festival, featuring hundreds of artists using pavement as their canvas and chalk as their medium, is Saturday and Sunday, June 20 and 21, at Paseo Colorado.

Looking for Something To Do? Free Events June 6 to 12

Here are events scheduled Saturday, June 6, to Friday, June 12.

All events are free, so take a look -- and don't you dare say there's nothing to do in Pasadena!

Dispose of your household hazardous waste safely Saturday, June 6, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Lot K at the Rose Bowl Stadium. Acceptable items include motor oil, oil filters, antifreeze, vehicle batteries, household batteries, brake fluid, paint thinner, cleaners with acid or lye, pesticides, herbicides, expired pharmaceuticals, fluorescent light bulbs and more. Click on the link above for a full list.

The drought is wreaking havoc on many lawns and gardens. Learn how to water your gardens and landscaping to keep them healthy during a drought Saturday, June 6, at 10:30 a.m. at Hill Avenue Branch Library.

The annual Make Music Pasadena will feature more than 100 concerts rotating on stages in Old Pasadena, the Playhouse District, Memorial Park, Central Library and Paseo Colorado Saturday, June 6, from noon to 9 p.m. with genres including rock, jazz, blues, pop, R&B, Afro-Caribbean, folk, electronic, classical and more. And the festival will include the Pasadena Symphony and Pops Music Under the Stars concert in front of City Hall -- their annual gift to the community.

KCRW's Summer Nights concert series in the courtyard at One Colorado kicks off with De Lux's synth-driven, feel-good disco, funk and post-funk Saturday, June 6, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Do you know musical instruments vibrate in fractions? Or that when it comes to length, shorter instruments sound higher and longer instruments sound lower? Children will learn about the math and science behind musical instruments and then make their own Monday, June 8, from 2 to 3 p.m. at Central Library. Call 626-744-7262 to sign up.

"Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story" (2009, NR) starring Cuba Gooding Jr. and Kimberly Elise will be shown Wednesday, June 10, at 1 p.m. on the big screen in the Donald R. Wright Auditorium at Central Library. Ben Carson rose from a poor, inner-city childhood to become one of the world's greatest neurosurgeons. Based on a true story.

Pete Morris traveled on a medical mission to Guatemala with Mending Kids International and documented through sketches and watercolors the work of doctors and volunteers and the children and families they serve. An opening reception for his works Thursday, June 11, at 5 p.m. at the Pasadena Senior Center will include wine and cheese, and Morris will discuss his works. The art will be on display through the end of June. You do not have to be a member of the Pasadena Senior Center or even a senior to attend.

"Mr. Turner" (2014, R) starring Timothy Spall and Paul Jesson will be shown on the big screen Friday, June 12, at 1 p.m. in the Scott Pavilion at the Pasadena Senior Center. The film explores the last quarter century of the great, eccentric English painter J.M.W. Turner (1775-1851). You do not have to be a member of the Senior Center to attend.

SAVE THE DATE!

* Pasadena Public Library's Read to the Rhythm summer programs for children, teens and adults begin Saturday, June 13 and continue through Aug. 8.

* Summer film and concert series are just around the corner at parks and other locations throughout Pasadena. Stay tuned!

Photo Credits: All Bio Recovery, Johnson County K-State, Pasadena Symphony and Pops, Times Union, IMDB, Pete Morris, Thin Man Films Ltd.