Looking for Something to Do? Free Events Jan. 14 to 20

Here are free events scheduled Saturday, Jan. 14, to Friday, Jan. 20.

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

The 2007 documentary "Rare Earth" will be shown Saturday, Jan. 14, at 4 p.m. at Caltech's Beckman Auditorium (#91 on this map). Our planet is unique in the solar system and perhaps even in the galaxy. The film explores some key chapters in Earth's past -- from the formation of our moon to mass extinctions of life -- and asks how essential these events were to the emergence of complex life forms, including us. Christopher Spalding, a graduate student in geological and planetary sciences at Caltech, will introduce the film and lead a post-screening discussion.

The Whyman Project will perform genre-bending chamber music with an intriguing mashup of musical styles from classical and jazz to pop, rock and film music Saturday, Jan. 14, at 7:30 p.m. at Pasadena Presbyterian Church.

Pianist Louis Landon will perform Wednesday, Jan. 18, from 12:10 to 12:40 p.m. as part of the Music at Noon recital series at Pasadena Presbyterian Church.

"Ladyhawke" (1985, PG-13) starring Michelle Pfeiffer and Matthew Broderick will be shown Wednesday, Jan. 18, at 1 p.m. in the Donald R. Wright Auditorium at Central Library. A thief comes to the aid of tragic lovers -- a woman who is cursed to become a hawk every day at sunrise and a man who turns into a wolf at sunset -- while the sorcerer who cast the spell sends his henchmen to prevent the couple from ever living in human form again.

The third Thursday (and first Friday) of every month is Free Admission Day at the Pasadena Museum of California Art. On Thursday, Jan. 19, from 5 to 8 p.m. enjoy the current exhibitions and everything else the museum has to offer.

Noir Night Thursday, Jan. 19, at 6 p.m. in the Donald R. Wright Auditorium at Central Library will feature Phoef Sutton, author of the modern L.A. noir mysteries "Heart Attack and Vine" and "Crush," who will introduce the film "The Long Goodbye" (1973, R) and discuss some of its labyrinthine plot points and the story behind the making of this witty and enthralling movie starring Elliott Gould and Nina van Pallandt, based on the Raymond Chandler novel of the same name. Private eye Philip Marlowe befriends a down-and-out war veteran whose wealthy and promiscuous wife ends up dead. As his friend goes on the lam, the police and a vicious gangster go after Marlow before he finally solves the case. Please note this film is not appropriate for children.

"The King and I" (1956, NR) starring Yul Brynner and Deborah Kerr will be shown Friday, Jan. 20, at 1 p.m. in the Scott Pavilion at the Pasadena Senior Center. A British widow hired by the king of Siam to tutor his many wives and children in modern western culture soon finds herself in a culture clash of her own. Based on true events. You do not have to be a member of the Pasadena Senior Center to attend.

Photo credits: Bill Frymire, The Whyman Project, Louis Landon, Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation, Pasadena Museum of California Art,, Lion's Gate Films.