Looking for Something to Do? Free Events Nov. 12 to 18

Here are events scheduled Saturday, Nov. 12, to Friday, Nov. 18.

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

Learn to identify the wide variety of camellias and azaleas plus tips on how to grow them successfully from Descanso Gardens horticulturist Wayne Walker Saturday, Nov. 12, at 10:30 a.m. at Hill Avenue Branch Library.

The Caltech-Occidental Concert Band will perform Kamioka's In Autumn Skies, Coakley's Lyric Essay, Dunlap's Character Sketch No. 1, Nelson's Courtly Arts and Dances, Chance's Variations on a Korean Folksong, Hanson's Chorale and Alleluia and Woolfenden's Gallimafry Saturday, Nov. 12, at 8 p.m. in the Ramo Auditorium at Caltech's Baxter Hall (#77 on this map).

A recital titled "From Bach to Piazzolla" Sunday, Nov. 13, at 2:30 p.m. in the Donald R. Wright Auditorium at Central Library will feature violinists Ruben Aghiyan and Ophelia Nanagyulyan and pianist Shushan Hakobyan, sponsored by Tuesday Musicale of Pasadena.

Grandparents and grandchildren are invited to see "Zootopia" (2016, PG) with the voice talents of Ginnifer Goodwin and Jason Bateman Monday, Nov. 14, at 4 p.m. in the Donald R. Wright Auditorium at Central Library. A rookie bunny cop and a cynical con artist fox team up to solve a mystery. Popcorn will be served. (People of all ages are welcome.)

Soprano Judith Siirila Paskowitz, accompanied by pianist Daniel Bridston, will perform Wednesday, Nov. 16, from 12:10 to 12:40 p.m. for the popular Music at Noon recital series at Pasadena Presbyterian Church. 

"The Producers" (1967, PG) starring Gene Wilder and Zero Mostel will be shown Wednesday, Nov. 16, at 1 p.m. in the Donald R. Wright Auditorium at Central Library. A theatrical producer who has fallen on hard times conspires with his accountant to produce a surefire flop and keep investors' money.

Dr. Lee Scott Thiesen, an expert on food, culture and Latin American history, will discuss Xocalatl (Chocolate) Thursday, Nov. 17, 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 presentation,. Reservations are required at the Welcome Desk or by calling 626-795-4331. You do not have to be a member of the Pasadena Senior Center to attend.

Sacred objects play important roles within the societies that venerate them. Although we may think of these objects as fixed in place, surrounded by museum glass and guards, many have surprising histories of movement that helped establish their significance. Dr. Kate Craig, assistant professor of history at Auburn University, will present "On the Trail of Medieval Relics: Tracking Sacred Journeys" Thursday, Nov. 17, at 5 p.m. in Caltech's Baxter Hall (#77 on this map).

The third Thursday (and first Friday) of every month is Free Admission Day at the Pasadena Museum of California Art. On Thursday, Nov. 17, from 5 to 8 p.m. enjoy the current exhibitions and everything else the museum has to offer. 

"Willie Wonka & the Chocolate Factory" (1971, G) starring Gene Wilder and Peter Ostrum will be shown Friday, Nov. 18, at 2:30 p.m. at the Pasadena Senior Center. Young Charlie seeks the priceless golden ticket that will win him a lifetime supply of sweets and a tour of a mysterious candy man's chocolate factory. You do not have to be a member of the Pasadena Senior Center to attend.

The James Webb Space Telescope will revolutionize JPL's study of the cosmos after it is launched in late 2018 as the successor to the Hubble and Spitzer Space Telescopes. Learn more about it Friday, Nov. 18, at 7 p.m. in the Vosloh Forum (Building UU on this map) at Pasadena City College during a presentation by Dr. Michael Ressler of JPL's Intersteller and Heliospheric Physics program. 

SAVE THE DATE!

The Pasadena Doo Dah Parade is Sunday, Nov. 20

Photo credits: mari-2007, Morley Nurseries Ltd., Caltech, Shushan Hakobyan, Ophelia Nanagyulyan, Walt Disney Pictures, Judith Paskowitz, Crossbow Productions, Kathy from Honduras, The Arts Desk, Pasadena Museum of California Art, Wolper Pictures Ltd., Canadian Space Agency.