Looking for Something to Do? Free Pasadena Events August 31 to September 6

Here are events scheduled Saturday, Aug. 31, to Friday, Sept. 6.

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

One Colorado's Saturday Night Music presents Hamish Anderson performing rock, blues and more Saturday, Aug. 31, from 7 to 9 p.m. in the courtyard.  

The summer concert series for all ages in the Scott Pavilion at the Pasadena Senior Center concludes Monday, Sept. 2, at 6 p.m. with the Great American Swing Band featuring the sounds of Big Band, rhythm and blues, jazz and Dixieland. Bring family, friends and a brown bag picnic. 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, and all ages are welcome, from children to older adults.

The Screening Mimis Film Discussion Group presents the documentary "A Man Named Pearl" (2006, G) Tuesday, Sept. 2, at 1:30 p.m. in the Scott Pavilion at the Pasadena Senior Center. The film tells the inspiring story of self-taught topiary artist Pearl Fryer and shows what one person can achieve when he allows himself to share the full expression of his humanity. The Screening Mimis Film Discussion Group features a provocative 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. See the trailer here. 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 returns to the courtyard at One Colorado Tuesday, Sept. 3, at 4:30 p.m. with everyone's favorite friends on strings. After the show, the marionettes will hang out for photo opps. The Bob Baker Marionette Theater will be at One Colorado the same time every Tuesday in September, with a new show every week.

"Geronimo: An American Legend" (1993, PG-13) starring Wes Studi and Gene Hackman will be shown Wednesday, Sept. 4, at 1 p.m. in the Donald R. Wright Auditorium at Central Library.  Geronimo, with 34 men, managed to elude 5,000 U.S. cavalry soldiers and eventually surrendered; all the while, the lieutenant charged with capturing the elusive Apache leader was torn between a grudging respect for Geronimo and his duty to follow orders. See the trailer here.

"The Best of Enemies" (2019, PG-13) starring Taraji P. Henson and Sam Rockwell will be shown Friday, Sept. 6, at 1 p.m. in the Scott Pavilion at the Pasadena Senior Center. During the racially charged summer of 1971, an outspoken civil rights activist and a local Ku Klux Klan leader reluctantly co-chair a community summit about desegregation of schools in Durham, N.C. The film is based on true events. See the trailer here. 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. 6, from 5 to 8 p.m. enjoy the current exhibitions "The Sweetness of Life: Three 18th-Century French Paintings from The Frick Collection" and "AIR LAND SEA: A Lithographic Suite by William Crutchfield" plus everything else the museum has to offer.

Photo credits: Hamish Anderson, Great American Swing Band, Tentmakers Entertainment, California Through My Lens, Columbia Pictures, Astute Films, Norton Simon Museum.

Looking for Something to Do? Free Pasadena Events Aug. 17 to 23

Here are events scheduled Saturday, Aug. 17, to Friday, Aug. 23.

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

One Colorado's Saturday Night Music presents James Supercave performing a combination of psych-rock and pop that creates an artsy, hybridized sound Saturday, Aug. 17, from 7 to 9 p.m. in the courtyard. 

Enjoy a spellbinding afternoon of eclectic, eccentric and exemplary works, from poems to stories to hilarious monologues and more as 15 members of the Independent Writers of Southern California read aloud some of their witty, emotional and thoughtful works Sunday, Aug. 18, beginning at 2 p.m. at Vroman's Bookstore (main store).

The Pasadena Playhouse District's Summer Jazz Concert Series presents the Joe LoPiccolo Trio performing contemporary jazz Sunday, Aug. 18, from 5 to 7 p.m. in the courtyard adjacent to Vroman's Bookstore.

An LA Opera community educator will use a multimedia presentation to take participants down memory lane Monday, Aug. 19, at 1 p.m. in the Scott Pavilion at the Pasadena Senior Center as they learn about Leonard Bernstein, one of the first American-born conductors and composers to receive worldwide fame. You do not have to be a member of the Pasadena Senior Center to attend, but you do have to be 50 or older. (Oh, and it's Bern-stein, not Bern-steen. Makes me crazy when I hear it mispronounced.)

The summer concert series for all ages in the Scott Pavilion at the Pasadena Senior Center continues with the Susie Hansen Latin Band performing fiery Latin jazz and salsa that will compel you to dance in the aisles Monday, Aug. 19, at 6 p.m. Feel free to bring a picnic. All ages are welcome.

The Screening Mimis Film Discussion Group for adults presents "The Damned" (1969, R) starring Dirk Bogarde and Ingrid Thulman Tuesday, Aug. 20, at 1:30 p.m. in the Scott Pavilion at the Pasadena Senior Center. A wealthy, anti-Nazi industrialist who has done business with the Nazi Party pays a heavy price when some family members are sent to the Dachau concentration camp for execution. The Screening Mimis Film Discussion Group features a provocative 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.

Classical guitarist Taro Wayama and violinist David Lee Ruest will perform Wednesday, Aug. 21, from 12:10 to 12:50 p.m. for the popular Music at Noon recital series at Pasadena Presbyterian Church.

"Akeelah and the Bee" (2006, PG) starring Keke Palmer and Laurence Fishburne will be shown Wednesday, Aug. 21, at 1 p.m. in the Donald R. Wright Auditorium at Central Library. Despite her mother's objections, an 11-year-old girl from south Los Angeles with a gift for words enters various spelling contests, for which she is tutored by a visiting English professor, and in turn unites her neighbors who witness her courage and inspiration.

On Wednesday, Aug. 21, at 3:30 p.m. at the Pasadena Senior Center, MUSE/IQUE guest performing artists will explore how humanity is at its best when movement and music BAND/TOGETHER. You do not have to be a member of the Pasadena Senior Center to attend, but you have to be 50 or older. The first 16 people who register for this event in advance at the Welcome Desk and attend will receive complimentary tickets for MUSE/IQUE's Aug. 24 BAND/TOGETHER concert featuring American Ballet Theatre and Anderson and Roe at the Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical Gardens.

One Colorado's Thursday Night Music presents Joel Simpson performing funk, soul and pop Thursday, Aug. 22, from 7 to 9 p.m. in the courtyard.

The documentary film "Buena Vista Social Club" (1999, G) will be shown Friday, Aug. 23, at 1 p.m. in the Scott Pavilion at the Pasadena Senior Center. In 1996, renowned guitarist and record producer Ry Cooder coaxed some of the greatest names in the history of 20th century Cuban music, some as old as their 90s, out of retirement to collaborate on what would become a best-selling, Grammy-winning album. The venture revived the performing careers of the musicians, who were forced to stop performing after Fidel Castro became the communist dictator of Cuba. The documentary includes their reactions to the experience of traveling outside of Cuba, interviews with each of the main performers and footage of a resultant sell-out concert at Carnegie Hall. You do not have to be a member of the Pasadena Senior Center to attend, but you do have to be 50 or older.

Photo credits: Blurred Culture, Joe LoPiccolo, New York Philharmonic, Susie Hansen, Italnoleggio Cinematografico, Guitar Salon International, Out of the Blue...Entertainment, MUSE/IQUE, Joel Simpson, Road Movies Filmproduktion.

Looking for Something to Do? Free Pasadena Events Aug. 10 to 16

Here are events scheduled Saturday, Aug. 10, to Friday, Aug. 16. 

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

Parks After Dark presents the final concert of the summer season Saturday, Aug. 10, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at Memorial Park: Latin Fiesta! featuring the Colombian group La Sonora Dinamita, credited as the source of the popular rebirth of cumbia music throughout Latin America. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and a non-alcoholic picnic.

One Colorado's Summer Concert Series continues in the courtyard with singer/songwriter Chris Pierce performing soul and blues Saturday, Aug. 10, from 7 to 9 p.m.  All ages are welcome, and kicking up of heels on the dance floor is encouraged!

The second Sunday of every month is Free Admission Day at the USC Pacific Asia Museum. On Sunday, Aug. 11, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. discover how food inspires art and cultural identity. Create your own food-inspired artwork, listen to stories about food in Asian cultures, go on a docent-led tour of galleries and other areas of the museum and participate in a virtual reality experience that combines Asian cuisine and poetry.

Tuesday Musical of Pasadena presents the Second Sunday Concert Sunday, Aug. 11, at 2:30 p.m. in the Donald R. Wright Auditorium at Central Library. The program will feature soprano Britta Sterling with double bassist Stewart Rosen and pianist Matias Piegari performing works by J.S Bach, Gabriel Fauré, Enrique Granados, Gian Carlo Menotti and Antonio Vivaldi. 

Playhouse District Association's Summer Jazz Festival presents the Donavan/Muradian Quintet (DMQ) performing straight-up jazz featuring music by John Coltrane, Sonny Clark and Hoagy Carmichael plus original music by Jeff Donavan and Larry Muradian Sunday, Aug. 11, from 5 to 7 p.m. in the courtyard adjacent to Vroman's Bookstore.

The summer concert series for all ages in the air conditioned comfort of the Scott Pavilion at the Pasadena Senior Center continues with The Michael Haggins Band performing smooth jazz, R&B and funk Monday, Aug. 12, at 6 p.m. The concerts are open to the community and all ages are welcome. Feel free to bring a picnic dinner. All ages are welcome.

Violinist Joanna Lee, accompanied by pianist Feng Bian, will perform Wednesday, Aug. 14, from 12:10 to 12:40 p.m. for the popular Music at Noon recital series at Pasadena Presbyterian Church.

"White Fang" (1991, PG) starring Ethan Hawke and Klaus Maria Brandauer will be shown Wednesday, Aug. 14, at 1 p.m. in the Donald R. Wright Auditorium at Central Library. Based on Jack London's classic novel, the film tells the story of a young late-19th century Klondike gold prospector and the half wolf/half dog he rescues from a villainous man.

A reading of "And Yet We Persist," a new play about American suffrage by Daphne White, will be presented Wednesday, Aug. 14, at 6:30 p.m. in the Donald R. Wright Auditorium at Central Library. The play is an exploration of the epic battles, lies, personal disloyalties and political betrayals that took place between Susan B. Anthony and the power brokers of her time; as well as her often complicated relationships with Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Sojourner Truth and Frederick Douglass.

The Pasadena Conservatory of Music's adult guitar ensemble will perform a chamber recital Wednesday, Aug. 14, at 7 p.m. in the conservatory's Barrett Hall.

Families of all ages are invited to take part in theater games and improv Thursday, Aug. 15, at 3:30 p.m. at Hill Avenue Branch Library.

Diana Purim & Eyedentity will perform jazz, funk, Brazilian and Latin fusion Thursday, Aug. 15, from 7 to 9 p.m. in the courtyard at One Colorado for the Summer Concert Series. Kicking up heels on the dance floor is encouraged!      
                                                                            

"Hotel Mumbai" (2019, R) starring Dev Patel and Armie Hammer will be shown Friday, Aug. 16, at 1 p.m. in the Scott Pavilion at the Pasadena Senior Center. Dedicated staff at a luxury hotel risk their lives to protect guests against a terrorist siege, while a desperate couple makes unthinkable sacrifices to protect their newborn child. The film is based on true events. You don't have to be a member of the Pasadena Senior Center to attend, but you do have to be 50 or older.

Parks After Dark presents the final movie of the summer season: "How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World" (2019, PG) with the voice talents of Jay Baruchel and America Ferrera Friday, Aug. 16, at 8 p.m. at Washington Park. In the final "...Dragon" saga, Hiccup struggles to take his place as leader of Berk, now a gloriously chaotic dragon utopia, but when the ruthless dragon hunter Grimmel arrives determined to kill Toothless and as many other dragons as he can, Hiccup and Toothless leave Berk and journey to the Hidden World, thought only to exist in myth, to save dragonkind. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and an alcohol-free picnic.

Photo credits: La Sonora Diamita, Los Angeles County Arts Commission, DMQ, Santa Clara University, Walt Disney Pictures, National Women's History Museum, Pasadena Conservatory of Music, Kid Activities, Diana Purim, Hamilton and Electric Pictures, DreamWorks Animation.

Looking for Something to Do? Free Pasadena Events Aug. 3 to 9

Here are events scheduled Saturday, Aug. 3, to Friday, Aug. 9.

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

Every week, Family Fun Saturday at Eaton Canyon Nature Center includes activities for all ages. On Saturday, Aug. 3, from 9 a.m. to noon, enjoy a family nature walk, Nature Tails Storytime, a presentation with a live wild animal and creating a nature craft to take home.

California Assemblyman (and former Pasadena City Councilman) Chris Holden's annual summer block party on his street (500 block of East Jackson Street between North Madison and El Molino) Saturday, Aug. 3, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. will feature live entertainment, free hot dogs and lemonade, children's activities, free school backpacks (while supplies last) classic car show, free health screenings, community resource fair and much more.

Children 12 and younger will watch with glee as post-modern juggler Michael Rayner presents Whacky Jugglement, a combination of funny tricks and stunts with a whole lot of improvised fun Saturday, Aug. 3, at 11 a.m. in the Donald R. Wright Auditorium at Central Library.

The two-part documentary miniseries "Ken Burns's Mark Twain" will be shown Saturday, Aug. 3, from 2 to 5 p.m. in the Donald R. Wright Auditorium at Central Library. Considered the funniest man of his time, Mark Twain was a critic of human nature who used his humor to attack hypocrisy, greed and racism. As America's best loved author, he created some of its most memorable characters and quote-worthy sayings. Director Ken Burns digs beneath the legend to discover the true Twain and reveal his extraordinary life.

One Colorado's Summer Concert Series continues in the courtyard with Ty Taylor performing soul and mid-century jazz standards with a pop edge Saturday, Aug. 3, from 7 to 9 p.m. Kicking up heels on the dance floor is encouraged for all ages!

The Playhouse District Association's Summer Jazz Concert Series presents the Little Brazil Trio performing Brazilian music from a contemporary perspective Sunday, Aug. 4, from 5 to 7 p.m. in the courtyard adjacent to Vroman's Bookstore.

The summer concert series for all ages in the air conditioned comfort of the Scott Pavilion at the Pasadena Senior Center continues with Sligo Rags performing Celtic folk with a decidedly bluegrass attitude Monday, Aug. 5, at 6 p.m. This event is open to the community and all ages are welcome. Feel free to bring a picnic.

The Screening Mimis Film Discussion Group for adults presents "Match Point" (2005, R) starring Scarlett Johansson and Jonathon Rhys-Meyers Tuesday, Aug. 6, at 1:30 p.m. in the Scott Pavilion at the Pasadena Senior Center. A clandestine love affair with a woman from the U.S. sends the life of a British tennis pro into a tailspin. The Screening Mimis Film Discussion Group features a provocative 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 first Tuesday of every month is Free Family Night at Kidspace Children's Museum. On Tuesday, Aug. 6, from 4 to 8 p.m. you and your children will discover the art of food as you practice your piping skills, learn the tips and tricks of napkin-folding and more. At 6 p.m. in the Stone Hollow Amphitheater, watch as food is created with balloons and learn what it's like to be a balloon artist.

A kickoff party for National Night Out Tuesday, Aug. 6, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Memorial Park will feature free food, entertainment, games, children's activities, free bike registration, giveaways and more. Meet first responders from the Pasadena Police Department and Fire Department, get up close and personal to a big, red fire engine and a police car and visit information booths featuring programs and services of various other City of Pasadena departments as well as community organizations. National Night Out raises crime prevention awareness and strengthens community spirit and unity.

"Hardball" (2001, PG-13) starring Keanu Reeves and Diane Lane will be shown Wednesday, Aug. 7, at 1 p.m. in the Donald R. Wright Auditorium at Central Library. As a condition of a bailout loan from a friend, an underachiever and inveterate sports gambler in Chicago must coach a corporate-sponsored Little League baseball team made up of low-income youths who live in the notorious Cabrini Green housing project. The film is based on true events.

At the next open forum of PasadenaPhotographyArts Wednesday, Aug. 7, at 7 p.m. at Armory Center for the Arts, artist and publisher Douglas Stockdale will discuss how a photography book can become an artistic object.

The summer recital of Pasadena Conservatory of Music's Adult Jazz Combo is Wednesday, Aug. 7, at 7:30 p.m. in the PCM Auditorium.

Parks After Dark presents "Cars 3" (2017, G) with the voice talents of Owen Wilson and Cristela Alonzo Thursday, Aug. 8, at 7:30 p.m. at Villa Parke. Lightning McQueen sets out to prove to a new generation of racers that he's still the best race car in the world. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and an alcohol-free picnic.

"Stan and Ollie" (2018, G) starring Steve Coogan and John C. Reilly will be shown Friday, Aug. 9, at 1 p.m. in the Scott Pavilion at the Pasadena Senior Center. Diminished by age, and with their golden era as the kings of Hollywood behind them, Laurel & Hardy, the world's greatest comedy team, sets out on a grueling tour of post-war Britain in an attempt to reignite their film careers. The film is based on true events. You don't have to be a member of the Pasadena Senior Center to attend, but you do have to be 50 or older.

Photo credits: County of Los Angeles, California Assemblyman Chris Holden, Michael Reyner, PBS, For the Record, Little Brazil Trio, Rick Takenaga, BBC Films, Freepik, Kidspace Children's Museum, National Association of Town Watch, pasadenaphotographyarts, Pasadena Conservatory of Music, Pixar Animation Studios, Entertainment One.