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Friday, July 26, 2019

Looking for Something to Do? Free Pasadena Events July 27 to Aug. 2

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

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


It's Showtime at Your Library! is the theme of this year's summer reading program for children, teens and adults through Aug. 3. Register here. In addition to reading, there are plenty of events and activities at all branches. Here are events scheduled July 27 to Aug. 3:
"The Many Worlds of Huckleberry Finn" is the topic of an illustrated and interactive talk Saturday, July 27, at 2 p.m. in the Donald R. Wright Auditorium at Central Library. Dr. Peter J. Blodgett, curator of western American history at The Huntington Library, will interweave Mark Twain's and Tim De Roche's novels and their respective river settings, followed by a conversation with the audience. Many of Mark Twain's novels, including his 1883 novel "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn," take place at the Mississippi River, and Mark DeRoche's 2018 novel "The Ballad of Huck and Miguel" strongly features the Los Angeles River. DeRoche's novel was the subject of this summer's One City, One Story community reading celebration.

A live public podcast titled "The Social Territories of a Warming World" Saturday, July 27, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Armory Center for the Arts will be a community conversation about non-ideal theories of art, collaborative design and spatial justice in the 21st century city. A working podcast studio has been curated for the event, one of a series of podcasts (the next is Aug. 3) in conjunction with the exhibition "The Winter Office: Non-Perfect Dwelling," new works that engage the challenges facing Southern California, including rising housing inequality, economic displacement, house-lessness and environmental disaster. The works feature a comic book anti-hero, ancient ammonite fossils, futuristic holograms and the operational podcast studio, all of which create an environment where urgent approaches to dwelling and cohabitation can be imagined and planned.


Old Pasadena Summer Cinema presents "Nacho Libre" (2006, PG) starring Jack Black and Ana de la Reguera Saturday, July 27, at 8:30 p.m. in the courtyard at One Colorado. Berated all his life by those around him, a monk follows his dream and moonlights as a luchador (Mexican wrestler). Seating is limited, so arrive early to secure your seat. Free popcorn from IPIC Theaters will be available while supplies last.


The Playhouse District Association's Summer Jazz Concert Series presents the Iban Lee Trio performing straight-ahead jazz Sunday, July 28, 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, July 29, at 6 p.m. Feel free to bring a picnic. Membership at the Pasadena Senior Center is not required, and all ages are welcome. The concert series will continue every Monday through Sept. 2.

"Soul Surfer" (2011, PG) starring AnnaSophia Robb and Dennis Quaid will be shown Wednesday, July 31, at 1 p.m. in the Donald R. Wright Auditorium at Central Library. A teenaged surfer who took to the waves at a young age and later participated in national surfing competitions overcomes the odds and her own fear of returning to the water after losing her left arm in a shark attack. The film is based on true events.


Children, teens and adults are invited to a Harry Potter birthday party Wednesday, July 31, at 4 p.m. at Hastings Branch Library. Wizards and witches who attend this magical birthday bash will be tested on their Harry Potter trivia, create wizard crafts, show off their costumes representing their favorite Harry Potter characters, and much more.


Vroman's Bookstore will host "Women in Classical Music," a panel discussion and Q&A on women's roles in classical music, issues and challenges female musicians face and the future of inclusivity in music, Wednesday, July 31, at 7 p.m. in the Playhouse District store. While the event is free, registration is encouraged.

One Colorado presents its summer concert series in the courtyard every Thursday and Saturday evening. The series kicks off with Laika & the Unit performing dreamlike music with organically orchestrated themes Thursday, Aug. 1, from 7 to 9 p.m. Kicking up the heels on the dance floor is encouraged for all ages!


Parks After Dark presents "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse" (2018, PG) with the voice talents of Shameik Moore and Jake Johnson will be shown Thursday, Aug. 1, at 7:30 p.m. at Grant Park. In a fresh vision of a different Spider-Man universe, teen Miles Morales becomes the Spider-Man of his reality and joins five counterparts from other dimensions to stop a threat for all realities.


Old Pasadena Summer Cinema presents "Zootopia" (2016, PG) with the voice talents of Ginnifer Goodwin and Jason Thursday, Aug. 1, at 7:30 p.m. at Central Park. A rookie bunny cop and a cynical con artist fox team up to solve a mystery. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and an alcohol-free picnic. Come as early as 6:30 p.m. for DJ music, activities for the kids and free ice cream from Paradis while supplies last.


"The Mustang" (2019, R) starring Mattias Schoenaerts and Jason Mitchell will be shown Friday, Aug. 2, at 1 p.m. in the Scott Pavilion at the Pasadena Senior Center. A convict in a rural Nevada prison who struggles to escape his violent past is required to participate in a rehabilitation therapy program involving wild horses, where he finds his humanity in gentling an especially unbreakable mustang. You don't have to be a member of the Pasadena Senior Center to attend, but you do have to be 50 or older.


On Friday, Aug. 2, at 3:30 p.m. at the Pasadena Senior Center, MUSE/IQUE guest performing artists will explore music from their upcoming concert TRAIN/GLORY that celebrates trains as a historical catalyst for human inspiration and connections. You do not have to be a member of the Pasadena Senior Center to attend, but you do have to be 50 or older. Participants who register in advance at the Welcome Desk and attend this event will be eligible for a limited number of free tickets for MUSE/IQUE's Aug. 3 TRAIN/GLORY concert at Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical Gardens.

Admission to the Norton Simon Museum is free the first Friday of every month. On Friday, Aug. 2, from 5 to 8 p.m. enjoy the current exhibition "The Sweetness of Life: Three 18th-Century French Paintings from The Frick Collection" and everything else the museum has to offer.


Parks After Dark presents "BumbleBee" (2018, PG-13) Friday, Aug. 2, at 7:30 p.m. at Victory Park. On the run from an agent of a secret government department that monitors extraterrestrial activity on Earth, Autobot Scout B-127 transforms himself into a Volkswagen Bug and finds refuge in a small-town California junkyard where a teenaged girl discovers him and soon learns this is no ordinary yellow VW.


Photo credits: City of Pasadena, Paramount Pictures, Playhouse District Association, Pam Kay, Enticing Entertainment, Vroman's Bookstore, Laika & the Unit, Easy Breezy Parties, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Walt Disney Pictures, Canal+, MUSE/IQUE, Norton Simon Museum, Hasbro.

Friday, July 19, 2019

Looking for Something to Do? Free Pasadena Events July 20 to 26


Here are events scheduled Saturday, July 20, to Friday, July 26.

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

The opening reception for "I, The Real Me," a vibrant, heartfelt exhibition of works by adult artists with developmental disabilities, is Saturday, July 20, from 3 to 5 p.m. at Armory Center for the Arts. Several artists will be there to discuss their works. Light refreshments will be served. The artists are participants in the City of Pasadena's Adaptive and Inclusive Recreation Program. The exhibition will be in place through Sept. 8.

Old Pasadena Summer Cinema presents "Coco" (2017, PG) with the voice talents of Anthony Gonzalez and Gael Garcia Bernal Saturday, July 20, at 8:30 p.m. in the courtyard at One Colorado. Despite his family's baffling, generations-old ban on music, young Miguel aspires to be an accomplished musician and enters the Land of the Dead where he meets an array of extraordinary characters who help him unlock the real story behind his family history. Seating is limited, so arrive early to secure your spot. Free popcorn will be provided by IPIC Pasadena while supplies last.

Old Pasadena Summer Cinema and Parks After Dark present "Singles" (1992, PG-13) starring Bridget Fonda and Campbell Scott Saturday, July 20, at 8:30 p.m. at Central Park. In grunge-era Seattle, a group of twenty-something friends try to find love and come to terms with their passage into adulthood. Come as early as 6:30 p.m. with a lawn chair or blanket and an alcohol-free picnic and enjoy DJ music, special activities and free ice cream from Paradis while supplies last.

The creators of award-winning immersive theater events Wicked Lit, History Lit and Mystery Lit present a wicked afternoon of staged readings of new short plays adapted from classic horror literature Saturday, July 20, and Sunday, July 21, from 3 to 4:30 p.m. in the Donald R. Wright Auditorium at Central Library. Each afternoon will include two short plays and an audience Q&A with the playwrights. This event is not suitable for children under 13.

Old Pasadena Management District's Summer Jazz Concert Series presents The Tony Inzalaco Group performing bebop jazz Sunday, July 21, from 5 to 7 p.m. in the courtyard adjacent to Vroman's Book Store.

"It's Showtime at Your Library!" is the theme of this year's summer reading program for children, teens and adults through Aug. 3. Register here. In addition to reading there are plenty of events and activities at Central Library and all branches. Here are events scheduled July 20 to 26:

Pasadena Summer Youth Chamber Orchestra will perform Monday, July 22, at 6 p.m. in air conditioned comfort in the Scott Pavilion at the Pasadena Senior Center to kick off the center's free summer concert series. This event is open to the community and all ages are welcome. Feel free to bring a picnic. 

It's Kids Week at Vroman's Bookstore. Here are fun-filled activities planned for young ones. All will take place in the Playhouse District store.
  • Bring your children for some fun music and movement activities with a summertime theme, all led by Pasadena Conservatory of Music Monday, July 22, at 11 a.m. at Vroman's Bookstore. Call (626) 449-5320 to sign up. Book purchases are not required to attend. 
  • Little ones will love exploring their creativity and making art with help from Armory Center for the Arts Tuesday, July 23, at 11 a.m. at Vroman's Bookstore. Call (626) 449-5320 to sign up. Book purchases are not required to attend.
  • Bam! Boom! Pow! Kids will create their own capes, masks and superpowers and show them off in a photo booth Wednesday, July 24, at 11 a.m. at Vroman's Bookstore. Watch them become the superheroes they've always wanted to be! Call (626) 449-5320 to sign up. Book purchases are not required to attend. 
  • Help your little ones celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Moon Landing Thursday, July 25, at 11 a.m. at Vroman's Bookstore where they'll make rocket ships, turn themselves into little astronauts, play an asteroid toss game and enjoy a special snack of moon craters and Tang. Call (626) 449-5320 to sign up. Book purchases are not required to attend. 
  • You and your children will escape the heat with some good, old-fashioned water activities Friday, July 26, at 11 a.m. at Vroman's Bookstore. Be sure to wear something you won't mind getting wet, and bring a towel to dry off with afterward. Call (626) 449-5320 to sign up. Book purchases are not required to attend. 

"Touching Home" (2008, PG-13) starring Ed Harris and Robert Forster will be shown Wednesday, July 24, at 1 p.m. in the Donald R. Wright Auditorium at Central Library. Twin brothers must contend with their homeless, derelict father and ne'er-do-well friends while working at a small-town rock quarry after failing to find success as major league baseball players. The film is based on true events.

In honor of National Carousel Day, admission will be free to the exhibition "Giddy Up! Children Take the Reins" Thursday, July 25, from noon to 5 p.m. at Pasadena Museum of History. National Carousel Day commemorates the date in 1871 when William Schneider of Davenport, Iowa, was issued the first American patent for a carousel.

Parks After Dark presents "BumbleBee" (2018, PG-13) Thursday, July 25, at 7:30 p.m. at Villa Parke. On the run from an agent of a secret government department that monitors extraterrestrial activity on Earth, Autobot Scout B-127 transforms himself into a Volkswagen Bug and finds refuge in a small-town California junkyard where a teenage girl discovers him and soon learns this is no ordinary yellow VW.

Children and teens ages 8 to 17 are invited to Open Mic Night Friday, July 26, at 5 p.m. at Vroman's Bookstore where they may choose to read some poetry, share a short story or sing an original song. Let the world hear what you have to say! Call (626) 449-5320 to sign up. Book purchases are not required to participate.

Old Pasadena Summer Cinema presents "Ocean's 8" starring Sandra Bullock and Cate Blanchett Friday, July 26, at 8:30 p.m. in the courtyard at One Colorado. Upon her release from prison, Danny Ocean's estranged sister Debbie assembles a team of expert crooks to pull off the heist of the century at the Met Gala in New York City. Free popcorn will be provided by IPIC Pasadena while supplies last.


Photo Credits: City of Pasadena, Pasadena Summer Youth Chamber Orchestra, The Chopra Center, Walt Disney Pictures, Warner Bros., Wicked Lit, Winston Movie, Rank Ranger, Hasbro, Wise Geek.

Friday, July 12, 2019

Looking for Something to Do? Free Pasadena Events July 13 to 19

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

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 a concert with the theme "Summer Throwback" Saturday, July 13, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Washington Park. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and an alcohol-free picnic.

Old Pasadena Summer Cinema presents "The Lego Movie" (2014, PG) with the voice talents of Will Arnett and Morgan Freeman Saturday, July 13, at 6:30 p.m. at Central Park. An ordinary Lego construction worker joins a quest to stop an evil tyrant from gluing the Lego universe into eternal stoppage. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and an alcohol-free picnic.

Old Pasadena Summer Cinema presents "Monsters Inc." (2001, G) with the voice talents of John Goodman and Bill Crystal Saturday, July 13, at 8:30 p.m. in the courtyard at One Colorado. Blue-furred behemoth James P. "Sully" Sullivan and his one-eyed assistant Mike Wazowski work for Monsters Inc. where energy for the city of Monstropolis is fueled by the screams of human children who have been spooked by monsters that hide under their beds and in their closets. But when Sully and Mike are followed from the human world by a little girl named Boo, they are exiled to her universe where they discover that the Abominable Snowman is a fellow refugee. Seating is limited, so arrive early to secure your seat. Free popcorn from iPic Theaters will be available while supplies last.

Admission is free to the Pacific Asia Museum the second Sunday of every month. On Sunday, July 14, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. enjoy the current exhibition "Tsuruya Kōkei: Modern Kabuki Prints Revised & Revisited," all of the galleries and everything else the museum has to offer. This will be the final day of the Modern Kabuki Prints exhibition -- with 77 prints by Tsuruya Kōkei, widely celebrated as one of Japan's leading contemporary artists -- so don't miss it!

"It's Showtime at Your Library!" is the theme of this year's summer reading program for children, teens and adults through Aug. 3. Register here. In addition to reading, there are plenty of events and activities at all branches. Here are events scheduled July 13 to 19:

The Playhouse District Association's Summer Jazz Concert Series presents the Lorenzo Grassi Trio performing Latin jazz Sunday, July 14, from 5 to 7 p.m. in the courtyard adjacent to Vroman's Book Store.

Renowned jazz bassist Putter Smith, accompanied by pianist Jeff Colella, will perform Wednesday, July 17, from 12:10 to 12:40 p.m. for the popular Music at Noon recital series at Pasadena Presbyterian Church.

"The Mighty Macs" (2009, G) starring Carla Gugino and Marley Shelton will be shown Wednesday, July 17, at 1 p.m. in the Donald R. Wright Auditorium at Central Library. In the early '70s, Cathy Rush becomes the head basketball coach at Immaculata University, a tiny, all-female Roman Catholic college in Pennsylvania, and in spite of no gym, no uniforms and the possibility of the college closing, leads the team to their first national championship. The film is based on true events.

Master guqin player Jiazhen Zhao, China's official bearer of guqin music and culture, will perform Thursday, July 18, at 7 p.m. at the Pacific Asia Museum. One of China's most ancient instruments and the favored instrument of Confucious, the guqin (pronounced you-kin) is a seven-string instrument similar to a zither. While the event is free, reservations are required.

"Chicago" (2002, PG-13" starring Richard Gere and Renée Zellweger will be shown Friday, July 19, at 1 p.m. in the Scott Pavilion at the Pasadena Senior Center. Two murderers, one a small-time chorus girl and the other a major Vaudeville star, vie for the fame inside the Cook County Jail that will keep them from the gallows in 1920s Chicago with the help of a hotshot attorney and a scheming prison matron. You do not have to be a member of the Pasadena Senior Center to attend, but you do have to be 50 or older.

Old Pasadena Summer Cinema presents "How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World" (2019, PG) with the voice talents of Jay Baruchel and America Ferrera Friday, July 19, at 7:30 p.m. at Victory Park. In the final chapter of the "How to Train Your 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 must 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. Come as early as 6:30 p.m. for DJ music, children's activities and free ice cream from Paradis while supplies last.

Old Pasadena Summer Cinema presents "Enchanted" (2007, PG) starring Amy Adams and Susan Sarandon Friday, July 19, at 8:30 p.m. in the courtyard at One Colorado. A classic Disney fairy tale collides with modern-day New York City when a princess from the past is thrust into current times in The Big Apple by an evil queen. Seating is limited, so arrive early to secure your spot. Free popcorn will be provided by iPic Theaters while supplies last.


Photo Credits: City of Stockbridge, Warner Bros., City of Pasadena, Christian Araya, Quaker Media, Doovi, DreamWorks Animation, Miramax, Walt Disney Pictures.

Friday, July 5, 2019

Looking for Something to Do? Free Pasadena Events July 6 to 12


Here are events scheduled Saturday, July 6, to Friday, July 12.

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, July 6, from 9 a.m. to noon, enjoy a family nature walk, Nature Tails Storytime, a presentation with a live animal and creating a nature craft to take home.

"It's Showtime at Your Library! is the theme of this year's summer reading program for children, teens and adults through Aug. 3. Register here. In addition to reading, there are plenty of events and activities at Central Library and all branches. Here are events scheduled July 6 to 12:
  • Learn all about the L.A. River Saturday, July 6, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the parking lot behind Central Library. The River Rover will take visitors through a tour of the river's past, present and future, plus you'll experience the interactive watershed table, design the river as you want to see it in the future and much more. All ages are welcome.
  • Children ages 5 to 8 are invited to make their own stop-motion movies with LEGOs Saturday, July 6, from 2:30 to 4 p.m. in Studio on 4th (fourth floor) at Central Library
  • Children ages 5 to 12 will enjoy "The Three Little Pigs: A Puppet Musical Monday, July 8, at 3 p.m. at Hill Avenue Branch Library and Thursday, July 11, at 10 a.m. at San Rafael Branch Library. The fun show teaches the timeless lesson that hard work and dedication pay off.
  • The Billy Bonkers show for children ages 5 to 12 will be filled with amazing magic, slapstick comedy and much more Wednesday, July 10, at 2 p.m. at Allendale Branch Library and 4 p.m. at Hastings Branch Library.
Old Pasadena Summer Cinema presents "Babe" (1995, G) starring James Cromwell and Magda Szubanski Saturday, July 6, at 8:30 p.m. at Central Park. A piglet finds himself on a farm where he is adopted by a border collie and slowly adjusts to his new home, but when he discovers the fate of most pigs is the dinner table, he devotes himself to becoming a useful resident of the farm by trying to learn how to herd sheep despite the skepticism of the other animals and the kindly but conventional Farmer Hoggett. Come as early as 6:30 p.m. for DJ music, fun activities for all ages and free ice cream courtesy of Paradis while supplies last.  Bring a beach chair or blanket and an alcohol-free picnic.

Old Pasadena Summer Cinema presents "Captain America: Civil War" (2016, PG-13) starring Chris Evans and Robert Downey Jr. Saturday, July 6, at 8:30 p.m. in the courtyard at One Colorado. A newly formed team of Avengers continues efforts to safeguard humanity, but when politicians want to direct the team, the new status quo fractures the Avengers as they try to protect the world from a new and nefarious villain. Arrive early to secure your seats. Free popcorn from iPic Theaters will be available while supplies last.

Tuesday Musicale presents "A Vocal Extravaganza" Sunday, July 7, at 2:30 p.m. in the Donald R. Wright Auditorium at Central Library featuring singers Ingrid Helge, Diana Briscoe, Gwendolyn Brown, Marina Battifora, Carol Lande, Ruth Ridenour and Maria del Pilar Gomez, accompanied by pianist Geraldine Keeling.

The Playhouse District Association's Summer Jazz Concert Series presents the Elliott Caine Quintet performing bebop, boogaloo and Latin jazz Sunday, July 7, from 5 to 7 p.m. in the courtyard adjacent to Vroman's Book Store.

"The Stray" (2017, PG) starring Michael Cassidy and Sarah Lancaster will be shown Wednesday, July 10, at 1 p.m. in the Donald R. Wright Auditorium at Central Library. A stray dog comes out of nowhere and impacts a family struggling in many ways. 

Parks After Dark presents "Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation" with the voice talents of Adam Sandler and Selena Gomez Wednesday, July 10, at 7:30 p.m. at Villa-Parke. Everyone's favorite monster family embarks on a vacation aboard a cruise ship so Drac can take time off from managing the hotel, but the dream vacation turns into a nightmare when his daughter Mavis realizes Drac has fallen for the ship's mysterious captain who hides a dangerous secret that could destroy all of monsterkind. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and an alcohol-free picnic.

The Great American Songwriters series  presents "Penniless Immigrant to American Icon: Irving Berlin" Thursday, July 11, at 2 p.m. in the Scott Pavilion at the Pasadena Senior Center. Join pianist Bob Lipson and commentator/performer Saul H. Jacobs for this fun, interactive musical journey through the life and work of Irving Berlin, featuring hit songs he wrote for iconic Broadway musicals including "Annie Get Your Gun," "Holiday Inn" and "Betsy," plus songs he wrote for popular recordings including "Blue Skies," "God Bless America," "Always," "How Deep is the Ocean?" and "Say It Isn't So." 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 documentary film "Apollo 11" (2019, G) with archival footage of Buzz Aldrin, Walter Cronkite and others will be shown Friday, July 12, at 1 p.m. in the Scott Pavilion at the Pasadena Senior Center. The film, 50 years in the making, features never-before-seen, large-format footage of one of humanity's greatest accomplishments: successfully sending a manned spacecraft to the moon. You do not have to be a member of the Pasadena Senior Center to attend, but you do have to be 50 or older.

Old Pasadena Summer Cinema presents "Clueless" (1995, PG-13) starring Alicia Silverstone and Stacey Dash Friday, July 12, at 8:30 p.m. in the courtyard at One Colorado. Two rich, pampered high school students whose most important priorities are wearing the right clothes and being as popular as possible take a new girl under their tutelage with the goal of transforming her from a geek to a fashionista and boosting her popularity.


Photo credits: Shantae Latrese, City of Pasadena, Universal Pictures, Marvel Studios, Living His Word, Ganna Sorbat, Pure Flix Entertainment, Sony Pictures Animation, Songwriters Hall of Fame, CNN Films, Paramount Pictures.