Looking for Something To Do? Free Events August 27 to September 2

Here are events scheduled Saturday, Aug. 27, to Friday, Sept. 2.

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

Bring your broken appliances, electronics, jewelry, tools, toys, dull knives and other items to Transition Pasadena's Repair Café Saturday, Aug. 27, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Jackie Robinson Center where volunteer experts will fix them for free. Also visit the Really, Really Free Market (bring something, take something), seed exchange and a container gardening workshop. 

A special summer concert and dance party with Afro Funké featuring Ethio Cali performing Ethopian jazz and funk and Bodhi Rock performing reggae will take place Saturday, Aug. 27, from 5 to 10 p.m. at the Levitt Pavilion. Bring a lawn chair or a blanket plus a picnic or purchase dinner at the park.

Night Lights will perform indie rock with a soul influence Saturday, Aug. 27, from 7:30 to 10 p.m. in the courtyard at One Colorado.

Don't miss your final opportunity to see "Flying Horses and Mythical Beasts: The Magical World of Carousel Animals" on a special Family Free Day Sunday, Aug. 28, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Pasadena Museum of History that will include a crafts workshop, old-time games in the garden and ice cream sundaes. 

Nick Herman and Christopher James will guide visitors through their exhibition The Modeling Agency: Tektite -- reflux Sunday, Aug. 28, from 3 to 5 p.m. at Armory Center for the Arts. 

The Playhouse District Summer Jazz Concert Series presents the Scott Martin Latin-Soul Band Sunday, Aug. 28, from 5 to 7 p.m. in the courtyard outside Vroman's Bookstore.

California Feetwarmers will perform Dixieland and Big Band music Sunday, Aug. 28, at 7 p.m. at the Levitt Pavilion. Bring a lawn chair or a blanket plus a picnic or purchase dinner at the park. A pre-concert festival will begin at 5:30 p.m.

Pasadena Senior Center's Concerts in the Park presents Inca performing traditional Peruvian music Tuesday, Aug. 30, at 6 p.m. at Memorial Park. Bring a lawn chair or a blanket plus a picnic. You do not have to be a senior or a member of the Pasadena Senior Center to attend.

Jazz bassist Putter Smith will perform with pianist Gary Foster Wednesday, Aug. 31, from 12:10 to 12:40 p.m. for the popular Music at Noon recital series at Pasadena Presbyterian Church,.

"Hoosiers" (1986, PG) starring Gene Hackman and Dennis Hopper will be shown Wednesday, Aug. 31, at 1 p.m. in the Donald R. Wright Auditorium at Central Library. A coach with a checkered past enlists the help of an alcoholic misfit to help him train a high school basketball team in a small Indiana town to become a top contender for the 1951 championship.

The Debonaires will perform urban Ska-lite music Thursday, Sept. 1, at 7 p.m. at the Levitt Pavilion. Bring a lawn chair or blanket plus a picnic or purchase dinner at the park. A pre-concert festival will begin at 5:30 p.m. 

The first Friday (and third Thursday) of every month is Free Admission Day at the Pasadena Museum of California Art. On Friday, Sept. 2, from noon to 5 p.m. enjoy the current exhibitions plus everything else the museum has to offer.

"Me Before You" (2016, PG-13) starring Emilia Clark and Sam Claflin will be shown Friday, Sept. 2, at 1 p.m. in the Scott Pavilion at the Pasadena Senior Center. A young woman in a small English town forms an unlikely bond with a recently paralyzed man when she becomes his caretaker.

Photo credits: Repair Cafe Stuttgart, Night Lights, Pasadena Museum of History, Armory Center for the Arts, Skirball Cemter. Putter Smith, De Haven Productions, Pasadena Museum of California Art, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM),

Looking for Something to Do? Free Events Aug. 20 to 26

Here are free events scheduled Saturday, Aug. 20, to Friday, Aug. 26.

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

Singing/songwriting duo Jim and Sam will perform Saturday, Aug. 20, at 7 p.m. in the courtyard at One Colorado.

South Lake Avenue Business District's Rooftop Cinema Series presents "Hook" (1991, PG) starring Dustin Hoffman and Robin Williams Saturday, Aug. 20, at 8 p.m. on the roof of Corporate Center Pasadena, 251 S. Lake Ave. When Captain Hook kidnaps his children, an adult Peter Pan must return to Neverland and reclaim his youthful spirit to challenge his old enemy. While the event is free, you must have a ticket,  Bring a beach chair and arrive as early as 6 p.m. for DJ music. Bring a picnic or purchase dinner at the event.

The Yuval Ron Ensemble will perform world music Saturday, Aug. 20, at 8 p.m. at the Levitt Pavilion. Bring a lawn chair or a blanket plus a picnic or purchase dinner at the park. A pre-concert festival will begin at 6:30 p.m.

The FluteSonic Orchestra will perform Sunday, Aug. 21, from 2:30 to 4 p.m. in the Donald R. Wright Auditorium at Central Library. 

Claudia Lennear and The New Ash Grove Players will perform folk, country, blues and bluegrass Sunday, Aug. 21, at 4 p.m. at the Levitt Pavilion. Bring a lawn chair or a blanket plus a picnic or purchase food at the park. A pre-concert festival will begin at 3 p.m.

The Chambers Brothers Featuring Joe and Willie Chambers will perform their hits and more Sunday, Aug. 21, at 7 p.m. at the Levitt Pavilion. Bring a lawn chair or a blanket plus a picnic or purchase dinner at the park. A pre-concert festival will begin at 5:30 p.m.

The Playhouse District Summer Jazz Concert Series presents Tony Inzalaco Sunday, Aug. 21, from 5 to 7 p.m. in the courtyard outside Vroman's Bookstore.

Dr. Lee Scott Thiesen, an expert on food, culture and Latin American history, will make a presentation titled "Xocalatl" (Chocolate) Monday, Aug. 22, at 1 p.m. in the Scott Pavilion at the Pasadena Senior Center. Learn the captivating history of chocolate from the discovery of cacao trees hundreds of years ago to the present day -- a story of intrigue and desire with wondrous culinary and scientific aspects. Chocolate tasting will follow the talk. Reservations are required: Call 626-795-4331. You do not have to be a member of the Pasadena Senior Center to attend.

Pasadena Senior Center's Concerts in the Park presents Lisa Haley & the Zydekats performing Cajun and zydeco music Tuesday, Aug. 23, at 6 p.m. at Memorial Park. Bring a lawn chair or a blanket plus a picnic. You do not have to be a senior or a member of the Pasadena Senior Center to attend.

Sonia Lee and Menghua Lin will perform piano works for four hands Wednesday, Aug. 24, from 12:10 to 12:40 p.m. for the popular Music at Noon recital series at Pasadena Presbyterian Church.

"Chariots of Fire" (1981, PG) starring Ben Cross and Ian Charleson will be shown Wednesday, Aug. 24, at 1 p.m. in the Donald R. Wright Auditorium at Central Library. Two British track athletes, one Jewish and the other Christian and each with a very personal reason for running, compete in the 1924 Olympics in Paris. Based on a true story.

Moonlight Movies at Paseo Colorado presents "Zootopia" (2016, PG) with the voice talents of Ginnifer Goodwin and Jason Bateman Wednesday, Aug. 24, at 8 p.m. A rookie bunny cop and a cynical con artist fox team up to solve a mystery. Come as early as 6:30 p.m. to snag your seats.

Marley's Ghost will perform bluegrass Thursday, Aug. 25, at 7 p.m. at the Levitt Pavilion. Bring a lawn chair or a blanket plus a picnic or purchase dinner at the park. A pre-concert festival will begin at 5:30 p.m.

Jan Sanders, director of the Pasadena Public Library system since 2005, is retiring after a 45-year career. Stop by a community reception and thank her for her service Friday, Aug. 26, from 3 to 5 p.m. on the west patio at Central Library. Refreshments will be provided. Email chany@cityofpasadena.net with your RSVP.

Members of the Villa-Parke Community Center boxing program will compete in the first ever Centennial Square Boxing Show Friday, Aug. 26, at 7 p.m. in front of Pasadena City Hall.

Rising Latino stars including Los Rakas and Stefano Vieni will perform Friday, Aug. 26, at 8 p.m. at the Levitt Pavilion. Bring a lawn chair or a blanket plus a picnic or purchase dinner at the park. A pre-concert festival will begin at 6:30 p.m. 

Photo credits: Mike Zwahlen, Amblin Entertainment, Yuval Ron Music, Hollywood Improv, Innovative Percussion Inc., Kathy from Honduras, Lisa Haley & the Zydekats, L.A. Cicero, Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation, Walt Disney Pictures, Marley's Ghost, Pasadena Now, Juan H, Remezcla, SXSW.

Freedom Tour -- Some Didn't Make the Cut

I took more photos with my phone than I could ever possibly include on my blog posts and Facebook posts during my eight-week Freedom Tour, so I've chosen a handful of favorites to share with you that didn't make the cut in the first rounds.

Looking for Something to Do? Free Events August 13 to 19

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

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

Some of Southern California's finest artists will be featured at the Pasadena Art Walk Saturday, Aug. 13, from noon to 9 p.m. throughout Old Pasadena, including opening receptions for two gallery shows, a classic rock and roll photo show, an arts and crafts workshop and more.

Grassy Knook Productions presents "A Midsummer Night's Dream," one of William Shakespeare's most popular and magical plays, Saturday, Aug. 13, at 6:45 p.m. at Brookside Park. Come as early as 4 p.m. with a picnic or purchase dinner at the park.

Singer/songwriter RIVVRS will perform alternative folk, pop and soul Saturday, Aug. 13, from 7:30 to 10 p.m. in the courtyard at One Colorado.

Jan and Dean's Beach Party! Featuring Dean Torrance will perform Saturday, Aug. 13, at 8 p.m. at the Levitt Pavilion. Bring a lawn chair or a blanket plus a picnic or purchase dinner at the park. A pre-concert festival will begin at 6:30 p.m.

Roto Pasadena, a video public art event, will debut Saturday, Aug. 13, from 8 to 10 p.m. in the Civic Center area. Stroll down Garfield Avenue and see animated videos projected on City Hall, Pasadena Police Department and Central Library as well as video interviews with residents, police officers and elected officials. Food trucks will be on site if you want to purchase dinner or snacks.

Pianist George Ramirez, violist Marisa Sakaguchi and saxophonist Ken Lavner will perform Sunday, Aug. 14, at 2:30 p.m. in the Donald R. Wright Auditorium at Central Library, sponsored by Tuesday Musicale of Pasadena.

Grassy Knook Productions presents "A Midsummer Night's Dream," one of William Shakespeare's most popular and magical plays, Sunday, Aug. 14,, at 3:45 p.m. at Brookside Park. Come as early as 2 p.m. with a picnic or purchase food at the park.

The Playhouse District Summer Jazz Concert Series presents Michael Haggis Sunday, Aug. 14, from 5 to 7 p.m. in the courtyard outside Vroman's Bookstore.

Doug MacLeod will perform acoustic blues Sunday, Aug. 14, at 7 p.m. at the Levitt Pavilion. Bring a lawn chair or a blanket plus a picnic or purchase dinner at the park. A pre-concert festival will begin at 5:30 p.m.

Pasadena Senior Center's Concerts in the Park presents Alan Chapman and his family, the Von Chaps, Tuesday, Aug. 16, at 6 p.m. at Memorial Park. Bring a lawn chair or a blanket plus a picnic or purchase dinner at the park. You do not have to be a senior or a member of the Pasadena Senior Center to attend. 

Violinist Annelle Gregory and pianist Alexander Sinchuk will perform Wednesday, Aug. 17, from 12:10 to 12:40 p.m. for the popular Music at Noon recital series at Pasadena Presbyterian Church.

"The Bad News Bears" (1976, PG) starring Walter Matthau and Tatum O'Neal will be shown Wednesday, Aug. 17, at 1 p.m. in the Donald R. Wright Auditorium at Central Library. An aging ex-minor leaguer who is down on his luck coaches a team of misfits in an ultra-competitive California Little League.

Moonlight Movies at Paseo Colorado presents "Inside Out" (2015, PG) with the voice talents of Amy Poehler and Lewis Black Wednesday, Aug. 17, at 8 p.m. When a young girl is uprooted from her Midwest life and moved to San Francisco, her emotions -- joy, fear, anger, disgust and sadness -- conflict on how best to navigate a new city, house and school. Come as early as 6:30 p.m. to snag your seats.

The third Thursday (and first Friday) of every month is Free Admission Day at the Pasadena Museum of California Art. On Thursday, Aug. 18, from 5 to 8 p.m. enjoy the current exhibitions and everything else the museum has to offer.

The Bob Baker Marionettes will perform for children (and everyone) Thursday, Aug. 19, at 7 p.m. at the Levitt Pavilion. Bring a lawn chair or a blanket plus a picnic or purchase dinner at the park. A pre-concert festival will begin at 5:30 p.m.

"Shutter Island" (2010, R) starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Mark Ruffalo, will be shown Friday, Aug. 19, at 1 p.m. in the Scott Pavilion at the Pasadena Senior Center. A U.S. marshal investigates the disappearance of a murderer who escaped from a hospital for the criminally insane. You do not have to be a member of the Pasadena Senior Center to attend.

Paseo Colorado's Swingin' Under the Stars summer concert series presents Flattop Tom and His Jumpcats Friday, Aug. 19, from 7:30 to 10 p.m. As an added bonus, if you've always wanted to learn swing dancing, instructors from the Pasadena Ballroom Dance Association will offer free lessons from 7 to 7:30 p.m.

Singer/songwriter Karla Bonoff will perform Friday, Aug. 19, at 8 p.m. at the Levitt Pavilion. Bring a lawn chair or a blanket plus a picnic or purchase dinner at the park. A pre-concert festival will begin at 6:30 p.m.