Looking for Something to Do? Free Pasadena Events September 1 to 7

Here are events scheduled Saturday, Sept. 1, to Friday, Sept. 7.

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

Bring the kids for Nature Tails Storybook Time featuring books about animals and nature Saturday, Sept. 1, at 10:30 a.m. in the Children's Corner inside the Eaton Canyon Nature Center. Nature Tails are scheduled every Saturday morning.

The closing day of the exhibition Dreaming the Universe: The Intersection of Science, Fiction & Southern California Sunday, Sept. 2, at 1 p.m. will feature a special presentation by theremin musician Ed Sussman, who will present the history of this remarkable instrument, invented more than 100 years ago, that uses radio frequencies, is played without any hands touching it and often has been heard in science fiction film and TV soundtracks. See how it works and then try it yourself.

The summer concert series for all ages in the Scott Pavilion at the Pasadena Senior Center will conclude Monday, Sept. 3, at 6 p.m. with the Great American Swing Band featuring the sounds of Big Band, rhythm and blues, jazz and Dixieland. All ages are welcome. Bring family, friends and a brown bag picnic or purchase snacks at the concert, and don't be surprised if you kick up your heels and dance in the aisles! You do NOT have to be a member of the Pasadena Senior Center to attend.

The Reptile Family will present an entertaining experience filled with wonder for young children Tuesday, Sept. 4, from 10 a.m. to noon in the Garfield Promenade on the street level at Paseo Colorado. 

The Screening Mimis Film Discussion Club presents Infamous (2006, R) starring Toby Jones and Sandra Bullock Tuesday, Sept. 4, at 3 p.m. in the Scott Pavilion at the Pasadena Senior Center. Truman Capote does first-hand research about two convicted murderers of a family in rural Kansas for his iconic book In Cold Blood. The Screening Mimis Film Discussion Club features a movie the first and third Tuesday of every month, preceded by a presentation about the film's hidden history and followed by a lively discussion. You do NOT have to be a member of the Pasadena Senior Center to attend but you do have to be 50 or older.

The Bob Baker Marionette Theater will perform in the courtyard at One Colorado every Tuesday in September. On Tuesday, Sept. 4, at 4:30 p.m., people of all ages will enjoy great, time-honored family entertainment. Reservations are encouraged.

Brazilian guitarist Hugo Nogueira, accompanied by pianist Ekaterina Bessmeltseva, will perform classical works Wednesday, Sept. 5, from 12:10 to 12:40 p.m. for the popular Music at Noon recital series at Pasadena Presbyterian Church.

Little Women (1994, PG) starring Susan Sarandon and Winona Ryder will be shown Wednesday, Sept. 5, at 1 p.m. in the Donald R. Wright Auditorium at Central Library. In New England during and immediately after the Civil War, the March sisters Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy live alone with their mother while their father serves as a soldier in the Union Army. As years go by, the lives of the sisters take twists and turns with triumphs and tragedies as they grow up. The film is based on the novel by Louisa May Alcott.

Part silly, part slick, Christopher T. Magician's performance will delight people of all ages Thursday, Sept. 6, from 4:30 to 5 p.m. in the courtyard at One Colorado. Reservations are recommended.

Take a tour of the iconic, historic Bridge Building at the hillside campus of Art Center College of Design Friday, Sept. 7, at 10 a.m. for a look at the cutting-edge facilities, the student gallery that showcases dynamic works from all disciplines, and more. The building was designed in the 1970s by modernist architect Craig Ellwood. 

Admission to the Pasadena Museum of California Art is free the first Friday (and third Thursday) of every month. On Friday, Sept. 7, from noon to 5 p.m. enjoy the current exhibitions and everything else the museum has to offer.

The Great Debaters (2007, PG) starring Denzel Washington and Kimberly Elise will be shown Friday, Sept. 7, at 1 p.m. in the Scott Pavilion at the Pasadena Senior Center. At a small African American college in the 1930s, a professor forms a student debate team that goes on to beat Harvard University in the national debate championships. The film is based on true events. You do NOT have to be a member of the Pasadena Senior Center to attend but you do have to be 50 or older.

The first Friday of every month is Free Admission Night at the Norton Simon Museum. On Friday, Sept. 7, from 5 to 8 p.m. enjoy the current exhibitions and everything else the museum has to offer.

Today's robotic spacecraft are beginning to experiment with laser communications, artificial intelligence and 3-D printed parts. But do you know some of the first spacecraft the U.S. sent to the moon included parts made of wood, or that spacecraft used to record data on motorized magnetic tape recorders? On Friday, Sept. 7, at 7 p.m. in Ramo Auditorium at Caltech's Baxter Hall (#77 on this map), a panel of experts from JPL will look back over the decades at how far robot exploration has come and consider where we might be headed. 

Photo credits: Child's Play International, Feiwel & Friends, Sleeping Bear Press, Tiger Specials, The Hollywood 360, Gift House, Warner Independent Pictures, One Colorado, Huntington Beach School of Music, Columbia Pictures Corporation, Pasadena Museum of California Art, Harpo Films, Norton Simon Museum, Jet Propulsion Laboratory

Looking for Something to Do? Free Pasadena Events Aug. 25 to 31

Here are events scheduled Saturday, Aug. 25, to Friday, Aug. 31.

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

The War of the Worlds (1953, NR) starring Gene Barry and Ann Robinson will be shown Saturday, Aug. 25, at 2 p.m. in the Donald R. Wright Auditorium at Central Library. A worldwide invasion starts with a Martian attack on a small California town. This screening is in conjunction with Dreaming the Universe: The Intersection of Science, Fiction, & Southern California, the current exhibition at the Pasadena Museum of History. Stay after the screening for a conversation with film historian Justin Humphreys and the film's lead actress, Ann Robinson.

The Lions will perform soul and reggae Saturday, Aug. 25, at 7 p.m. in the courtyard at One Colorado. Come early to claim your seat. Reservations are encouraged.

South Lake Business Association's Rooftop Cinema summer series concludes with Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015, PG-13) starring Harrison Ford and Daisy Ridley Saturday, Aug. 25, at 8 p.m. on the roof of the parking structure at 55 S. Lake Ave. Three decades after their defeat of the Galactic Empire, a new threat has arisen and only a ragtag group of heroes can stop it. While the event is free, you must have a printed ticket for free priority entry (come as early as 6 p.m. for priority seating and DJ spins). Bring a beach chair and a picnic or purchase dinner at the event. 

The Playhouse District Association Summer Jazz Concert Series concludes with the Michael Haggins Band Sunday, Aug. 26, from 5 to 7 p.m. in the courtyard adjacent to Vroman's Book Store.

The summer concert series for all ages in the air conditioned comfort of the Scott Pavilion at the Pasadena Senior Center continues with Leah Zeger performing spirited Gypsy jazz and beloved standards Monday, Aug. 27, from 6 to 7 p.m. You do NOT have to be member of the Pasadena Senior Center to attend, and all ages are welcome. Bring a brown bag picnic dinner plus family and friends or purchase snacks at the screening.

Sylvie will perform a sing-along for young children Tuesday, Aug. 28, from 10 a.m. to noon in the Garfield Promenade on the street level at Paseo Colorado.

Mandolinist Evan Marshall will perform Wednesday, Aug, 29, from 12:10 to 12:40 p.m. for the popular Music at Noon recital series at Pasadena Presbyterian Church.

Billy Elliot (2000, R) starring Jamie Bell and Julie Walters will be shown Wednesday, Aug. 29, at 1 p.m. in the Donald R. Wright Auditorium at Central Library. A miner's son in northern England stumbles upon a ballet class on his way to a boxing lesson, an experience that forever changes his life while he keeps his dancing prowess a secret from his widowed father and overbearing brother.

Photo credits: Paramount Pictures, The Lions, Lucasfilm, Michael Haggins, Matt G, Sylvie Simhon, Evan Marshall, StudioCanal

  

Looking for Something to Do? Free Pasadena Events Aug. 18 to 24

Here are free events scheduled Saturday, Aug. 18, to Friday, Aug. 24.

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

See works created by recent graduates of Art Center College of Design Saturday, Aug. 18, from 1 to 5 p.m. in Exhibit Hall B at the Pasadena Convention Center in the categories of advertising, environmental design, film, fine art, graphic design, illustration, industrial design, photography, product design, transportation design and more (and meet the grads while you're at it).

Teens 13 to 18 are invited to a zine-making workshop focusing on select 20th century abstract paintings Saturday, Aug. 18, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Norton Simon Museum. Participants will express their thoughts about the works through the creation of eight-page zines. While the workshop is free, registration is required.

The Last Picture Show (1971, R) starring Jeff Bridges and Cybill Shepherd will be shown Saturday, Aug. 18, at 2 p.m. at Allendale Branch Library. In a small, speck-on-the-map west Texas town, high school seniors go to the movies, hang out at the pool hall and lust after each other while learning about the pitfalls and compromises of adulthood. There also will be a discussion about this timeless classic, and refreshments will be served.

Reverend Tall Tree will perform blues and soul Saturday, Aug. 18, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the courtyard at One Colorado. While the concert is free, registration is encouraged.

South Lake Business Association's Rooftop Cinema summer series kicks off with Jurassic Park (1993, PG-13) starring Sam Neill and Laura Dern Saturday, Aug. 18, at 8:30 p.m. on the roof of the parking structure at 55 S. Lake Ave. Two dinosaur experts are invited by an eccentric millionaire to preview his new amusement park on an island off Central America where cloned dinosaurs begin to rage out of control due a major power breakdown after their arrival. Come as early as 6 p.m. for priority seating and DJ spins. Bring a beach chair (no blankets or tall chairs) and a picnic or purchase dinner at the event. While the film is free, tickets are required for priority entry. Parking at 55 S. Lake Ave. will be complimentary; enter the structure on the west side of Lake Avenue just south of Colorado Boulevard (driveway adjacent to Chase Bank).

The Playhouse District Association Summer Jazz Concert Series presents the Donavan/Muradian Quintet/DMQ playing jazz classics Sunday, Aug. 19, from 5 to 7 p.m. in the courtyard adjacent to Vroman's Book Store.

An LA Opera community educator will give a multimedia presentation titled The Creation of an Opera Monday, Aug. 20, at 1 p.m. at the Pasadena Senior Center, featuring an in-depth look at all aspects of opera beyond music and singing, incuding set design and costume design, illustrated with examples from some of the world's most beloved operas. You do NOT have to be a member of the Pasadena Senior Center to attend, but you do have to be 50 or older.

The summer concert series for all ages in the air conditioned comfort of the Scott Pavilion at the Pasadena Senior Center continues with Grammy-winning Lisa Haley and the Zydekats performing lively Cajun Zydeco music with plenty of Louisiana spice Monday, Aug. 20, from 6 to 7 p.m. You do NOT have to be a member of the Pasadena Senior Center to attend, and all ages are welcome. Bring a picnic/brown bag dinner plus family and friends,

After a mini gallery tour of the current exhibition Brody Albert: Strata, children ages 2 to 5 will track their fingersprints to show where they've made their marks in a creative visual journey, plus enjoy readings of The Finger Prince and Sandy's Incredible Shrinking Footprint  Wednesday, Aug. 22, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. as part of the ongoing fourth Friday Wee Reads series at the Pasadena Museum of California Art. Children must be accompanied by parents or other caregivers.

Celebrate Ray Bradbury's birthday with free admission to the Pasadena Museum of History exhibition Dreaming the Universe: The Intersection of Science, Fiction & Southern California Wednesday, Aug. 22, from noon to 5 p.m. 

Baritone Mark Wilson Jordan will perform Wednesday, Aug. 22, from 12:10 to 12:40 p.m. for the popular Music at Noon recital series at Pasadena Presbyterian Church.

The Spy Next Door (2010, PG) starring Jackie Chan and Amber Valletta will be shown Wednesday, Aug. 22, at 1 p.m. in the Donald R. Wright Auditorium at Central Library. An international spy on loan to the CIA gives up his job in hopes of leading some semblance of a normal life with his girlfriend next door and her rambunctious brood. A classic cartoon will be shown as well.

Nathalia will perform bilingual music for young children ages 0 to 5 as they sing along Thursday, Aug. 23, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Linda Vista Branch Library.

Korey Dane will perform original music in the styles of Tom Waits and Leonard Cohen Thursday, Aug. 23, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the courtyard at One Colorado. While the concert is free, registration is encouraged.

Downsizing (2017, R) starring Matt Damon and Kristin Wiig will be shown Friday, Aug. 24, at 1 p.m. in the Scott Pavilion at the Pasadena Senior Center. When scientists discover how to shrink humans down to five inches tall as a solution to overpopulation, a man and his wife decide to get small and move to a downsized community, a choice that triggers life-changing adventures. You do NOT have to be a member of the Pasadena Senior Center to attend but you do have to be 50 or older.

Guest artists from MUSE/IQUE will explore the ultimate musical road trip Friday, Aug. 24, at 3:30 p.m. at the Pasadena Senior Center as the orchestra prepares to celebrate our unique American sound, from Duke Ellington's New York state of mind and Jackie Wilson's Detroit sound to Frank Sinatra's Vegas and the sparkling southern splashes of James Brown. You do NOT have to be a member of the Pasadena Senior Center to attend but you do have to be 50 or older.

Dancing Under the Stars wraps up for the summer with Salsa Night featuring the Susie Hansen Latin Band Friday, Aug. 24, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. in the Garfield Promenade on the street level at Paseo Colorado. Come as early as 7 p.m. for a dance lesson from the Pasadena Ballroom Dance Association, then enjoy the live music -- whether you decide to kick up your heels or not!

Photo credits: Daniel Nimenez, UCLA, Columbia Pictures Corporation, Random Length News, Universal Pictures, DMQ, Cienradios, Getty Images, Second Story Press, Podenco, Mark Wilson Jordan, Relativity Media, Nathalia, Paramount Pictures, Adopt-A-Highway, Susie Hansen

Looking for Something to Do? Free Pasadena Events August 11 to 17

Here are events scheduled Saturday, Aug. 11, to Friday, Aug. 17.

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

The Pasadena Police Department will host an open house Saturday, Aug. 11, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Savor free BBQ and refreshments, see forensics demonstrations, tour the police building (including the jail), meet and greet police staff and more, including children's activities.

Anyone ages 13 to 18 is invited to Teen Anime Afternoon for classic anime, Japanese snacks and the newest manga in the library's collection Saturday, Aug. 11, from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Children's Story Room at Central Library.

Parks After Dark presents a concert with the theme Latin Fiesta! Saturday, Aug. 11, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Villa-Parke.

Jessica Childress will perform R&B with a rock n' roll energy Saturday, Aug. 11, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the courtyard at One Colorado. Registration is encouraged. 

The second Sunday of every month is Free Admission Day at the USC Pacific Asia Museum. On Sunday, Aug. 12, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. learn about items in the museum's collection related to water, enjoy water-based art activities, docent-led tours of the galleries and a special storytime for children. 

The Playhouse District Association Summer Jazz Concert Series presents the Little Brazil Trio performing Brazilian jazz Sunday, Aug. 12, from 5 to 7 p.m. in the courtyard adjacent to Vroman's Book Store.

The summer concert series for all ages in the Scott Pavilion at the Pasadena Senior Center continues with Pam Kay and the Tap Chicks entertaining with energetic dance routines, Vaudeville-style comedy and clever costumes Monday, Aug. 13, from 6 to 7 p.m. Bring a picnic; all ages are welcome; membership at the Pasadena Senior Center is not required. The concert series will continue every Monday through Sept. 3.

With plenty of props and costumes, Ruth and Emilia will perform for children Tuesday Aug. 14, from 10:30 a.m. to noon in the Garfield Promenade on the street level at Paseo Colorado.

Classical pianist Stephanie Ng will perform Wednesday, Aug. 15, from 12:10 to 12:40 p.m. for the popular Music at Noon recital series at Pasadena Presbyterian Church.

Lost in the Barrens (1990, NR) starring Nicholas Shields and Evan Adams will be shown Wednesday, Aug. 15, at 1 p.m. in the Donald R. Wright Auditorium at Central Library. Two boys -- a white orphaned teen and a Cree boy -- get lost in the Canadian wilderness in 1935, and the only goal is to survive. The film is based on the 1956 novel by Farley Nowat. A classic cartoon will be shown as well.

Children and families are invited to a hands-on lesson in archaeology and a hunt for treasures that will lead to an ancient civilization Wednesday, Aug. 15, from 4 to 6 p.m. in Studio on 4th (fourth floor) at Central Library. Call 626-744-4066, ext. 4 to sign up. You'll be digging in dirt so make sure you wear old clothes.

The third Thursday (and first Friday) of every month is Free Admission Night at the Pasadena Museum of California Art. On Thursday, Aug. 16, from 5 to 9 p.m., in conjunction with the current exhibition Grafton Tyler Brown: Exploring California, join Red Hen Press and notable African American writers for a reading of contemporary poetry, then stay for a reception courtesy of Lagunitas Brewing Company.

The Playhouse District Association presents Third Thursdays every month throughout the summer. On Thursday, Aug. 16, from 6 to 9 p.m. watch featured artist Brenda Barrios paint a mural, enjoy free admission at the Pasadena Museum of California Art and the USC Pacific Asia Museum, listen to live musical performances at Boston Court and Lyd & Mo Photography, see a photo exhibition at the Ice House's Un-Gallery, participate in a collaborative art project at the Pasadena Playhouse, play jumbo versions of classic games, be part of the performance art at a Silent Disco headphones party, and much more. 

Singer Shana Halligan will perform sultry jazz Thursday, Aug. 16, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the courtyard at One Colorado. Registration is encouraged.

The Pursuit of Happyness (2006, PG-13) starring Will Smith and Thandie Newton will be shown Friday, Aug. 17, at 1 p.m. in the Scott Pavilion at the Pasadena Senior Center. A talented, often unemployed single father struggles to make ends meet while raising his young son after they are evicted from their San Francisco apartment with nowhere to go. You do NOT have to be a member of the Pasadena Senior Center to attend but you do have to be 50 or older.

Dancing Under the Stars continues with Salsa Night featuring Orquesta Charangoa Friday, Aug. 17, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Paseo Colorado's Garfield Promenade on the street level. Come as early as 7 p.m. for a dance lesson from the Pasadena Ballroom Dance Association, then enjoy the live music -- whether you decide to kick up your heels or not!

SAVE THE DATE!

South Lake Business Association's Rooftop Cinema summer series kicks off with Jurassic Park (1993, PG-13) starring Sam Neill and Laura Dern Saturday, Aug. 18, at 8:30 p.m. on the roof of the parking structure at 55 S. Lake Ave. Two dinosaur experts are invited by an eccentric millionaire to preview his new amusement park on an island off Central America, where cloned dinosaurs begin to rage out of control. Arrive as early as 6 p.m. for priority seating and DJ spins. Bring a beach chair (no blankets or tall chairs) and a picnic or purchase dinner at the event. While the film is free, tickets are required for priority entry. Parking at 55 S. Lake Ave. will be complimentary. 

Photo Credits: Pasadena Police Department, JP Games, Sonoma County Philharmonic, Jessica Childress, USC Pacific Asia Museum, Little Brazil Trio, Pay Kay, Ruth and Emilia, Stephanie Ng, Atlantis Films, English Heritage, Pasadena Museum of California Art, Playhouse District Associaiton, Columbia Pictures, Paseo Colorado