Paseo Spring Fest Post Card click to embiggen

I’m not a fan of malls, but I am a sucker for a good fine art event.  At least Paseo Colorado is a semi-open mall.   Paseo Spring Fest promises to be among the better ones as it is a juried event, meaning the artists have to be reviewed by a jury panel to ensure they are accomplished at what they do.

During your time at the art show if you need a break and feel the need for a little libations do stop in at the Bodega Wine Bar.

Parking is fairly good at the Paseo.  It is about 6 blocks, an easy walk from the Gold Line Memorial Park Station which is a pretty good option if you are mass transit enabled.

Details: Sat 10AM-6PM, Sun 11AM-6PM, 280 E. Colorado Blvd.Pasadena, CA MAP HERE

Pasadena Earth and Arts Festival poster, click to embiggen

You’d think I live in Pasadena given how often I post about the place, I don’t, but they always have something of interest going on.  This Saturday its the 10th Annual Pasadena Earth and Arts Festival to be held in and around the Armory Center for the Arts across from Memorial Park.  Here’s the run down of things that will be at this FREE festival:

• huge eco-market place with exhibitors private and public helping you to live green
• The Green Truck and Coolhaus food trucks for sustainable noshing
• First ever sustainable beer garden with a biodegradable “little red cup” featuring the beer from Craftsman Brewing Company and Eagle Rock Brewery
• Fallen Fruit will be there with its jam making wisdom.  Feel free to bring in your found fruit from public spaces or your own back yard.

For gawds sake take public transpo to the Gold Line and exit Memorial Park Station…you’ll be right at the park and only a very short walk to the Armory Center.  Show your metro pass or ticket at the Transportation Booth and they will have a gift for you…well a gift as long as the supply lasts.  Beats the difficulty in finding parking in the area which can be expensive when you do find a space and don’t forget that PPD does patrol hard for scofflaws.

Details:Saturday April 14, 2012 11AM-5PM, 145 Raymond Street, Pasadena CA, MAP HERE

It isn’t often I get jazzed about a press release’s contents but this event sounds too cool to pass up.  A tradition in some Asian countries is a night market wherein streets become giant markets for the night. That is is exactly what is happening this Saturday night in Pasadena on Oakland Avenue between Union and Colorado.  The event promises to be filled with music, food and merchandise all with an Asian flare to it.  Admission is FREE!

Parking is tough (and expensive and extensively patrolled for scofflaws) in that area.  I strongly suggest that if you are mass transit enabled do so and get yourself onto the Gold Line and take it to the Memorial Station and walk the couple of blocks it takes to get there.

Details: April 14, 2012, 5-11:30PM, Oakland Avenue, Pasadena  MAP HERE. 626 Night Market Web Site.

Full press release after the break. Read the rest of this entry →

Pair of Ford Focus at the Petersen Museum.

This promises to be an interesting event this coming Saturday on the steps of City Hall in Pasadena.  The folks at Clean Vehicle Rebate Project and the city of Pasadena are sponsoring the fair and it is free and open to everyone.

The EV Fair will feature a number of vehicles for test drives and on static display. As of now I have confirmed that a Nissan LEAF, Chevy Volt, Mitsubishi i-MiEV, Toyota Prius Plug-In and CODA will be available for attendees to experience at the event. (Unfortunately Ford dealerships have not quite received the all-electric Focus so the dealers will not be participating. They are, however, working with Ford to provide a Focus EV for the event).   UPDATE 3/29 Ford will have a new Focus EV at the event.   They will also have a number of electric vehicle charging equipment providers at the event displaying products and providing information on home installation). Read the rest of this entry →

Freddy Douglas, (left) and Graham Hamilton duel over the woman they both love in "The Illusion" at A Noise Within. Photo by Craig Schwartz.

It was way back last September when I looked over the collection of productions planned for the acclaimed repertory company A Noise Within’s first season in its brand new Pasadena home. Of those plays set to be staged, the previously unheard of “The Illusion”  — a comedy written way back in the 17th century by Pierre Corneille and adapted by Tony Kushner — interested me the most, especially when I read it was about an estranged father going on a mystical journey to reunite with the son he’d long abandoned. Not to get all TMI or psychoanalytical but the reason it struck a chord is that I’m a son of an abandoning father whom I’ve never met and thus with that kind of baggage I quickly ordered up tickets to see what Corneille and Kushner might have to say on the subject. Then I waited. Six months. Until last night.

Going in, I had no expectations about the play but with many past experiences sitting before A Noise Within’s stage, I had every expectation the company would do an incredible job, and it most certainly did.

“The Illusion” opens with the father, Pridamant (Nick Ullett), venturing into a cave in search of the sorcerer Alcandre (Deborah Strang) to help reconnect him to the son (Graham Hamilton) he selfishly disavowed 15 years earlier. With the help of her servant Amanuensis (Jeff Doba) Alcandre conjures three episodes from the young man’s life. Pridamant watches with each scene finding the boy in a slightly different world where names change and allegiances shift, but only as the strange tale reaches its conclusion does he learn the ultimate truth.

Read the rest of this entry →

In the waning months of the last year of the last century spent toiling as the editor of a weekly newspaper in Pasadena a press packet landed on my desk detailing an exhibit at the Mendenhall Gallery and from it I discovered and become enthralled with the art of Richard Bunkall, a resident of the city and long-time instructor at Arts Center College of Design.

Little more than a week later, at the age of 45, Bunkall died after a five-year struggle with Lou Gehrig’s disease. In shock as I read the perfunctory obituary in the Pasadena Star-News, I mourned his passing somewhat selfishly in that I’d just found his heroic art. As such I wanted both to know more and share that with my readers, and thanks to the grace of his widow Sally during what had to be such a difficult time, she allowed myself and writer Kathleen August to intrude upon the Bunkall home, and access his studio, where he created his amazing works, and where surrounded by family and friends he passed in May 1999.

It was a deeply emotional experience and privilege, to say the least.

Q&A: Curator Peter Frank (center) is flanked by artists Kenton Nelson (left) and Ray Turner (right) as they discuss Bunkall's life and his art.

It was equally emotional to visit the Pasadena Museum of California Art (PMCA) last night for a standing-room-only event surrounded by some of his most profound and moving creations, to remember the man and his art and to celebrate the launch of a new book devoted to both, the first publication of the artist’s remarkable 25-year career as a painter and sculptor.

If this is your first time hearing about Richard Bunkall or it’s been a long time since you last thought about him, I’d encourage you to make a trip out to the PMCA to introduce or reacquaint yourself with his remarkable imagery before the exhibit, “Richard Bunkall: A Portrait” closes April 22.

Where: Pasadena Museum of California Art, 490 E. Union Street, Pasadena, 91101
When: Wednesday – Sunday, 12 – 5 p.m., through April 22.
Cost: $7 adults; $5 seniors and students; free the first Friday of the month

In case you are planning to attend, or occupy, the 2012 Rose Parade , you might want to take note that it’s being held on Monday, January 2nd, 2012 instead of on New Year’s Day. You don’t want to camp out a day early. The Tournament of Roses site explains the “Never on Sunday” rule the event follows:

“The Tournament of Roses is a tradition full of traditions, one of which is our “Never on Sunday” policy. In 1893, officials decided to move the parade to Monday, January 2 to avoid frightening horses tethered outside local churches and thus interfering with worship services. As a result of this reverent gesture, speculation abounds as to the rare instances of rainfall on New Year’s Day (only ten times in Rose Parade history), prompting some to ask the Tournament about its special pact with a “friend upstairs.” Also as a result of this tradition, other collegiate bowl organizations have instituted similar procedures.”

City of Burbank float 2009 by Jodi

I’m planning to check out the  Rose Parade this year, thanks to a friend who lives just off the route. Are you planning on going? If you’ve been in the past and have any tips, feel free to share in the comments.

Are you a Gleek and a pet lover? Then this event is for you!*

The Rescue Train is holding its 5th annual Race for the Rescues event this Sunday, October 24 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. The day will include a 5k, 10k and kids fun run along with lots of entertainment along the way. The proceeds benefit 10 non-profit pet rescue organizations in LA. There will be a huge silent auction, face painting for the kids and lots of pet shopping to dress up your four legged friend in time for Halloween. And if you were looking to adopt a new four legged friend, there will be dog and cat adoptions all day through the LA Animal Services and Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA.

And  your celebrity hosts for the event? Jane Lynch from Glee along with Carrie Ann Inaba from “Dancing With The Stars” and Danielle Fishel from the Style Network’s “The Dish.” Get your Gleek on!

Registration starts at 7am with races starting at 8:30. All events will wind down around 1pm. For a full schedule of events and to sponsor racers or make general donations to The Rescue Train, click here.  For more general info on The Rescue Train, please click here.

*I’m looking at you, Blogging.la author Queequeg!

Photo of "Jetta Rose," one of many pets who need homes via Rescue Train

Mark your calender for ArtNight Pasadena on Friday, Oct. 8, from 6 to 10 p.m.  It will have something for every taste when 14 of the city’s most prominent arts and culture institutions open their doors for free. There is a lot of depth to this event. So what are you looking for? Cool comic strips or old masterpieces? Sound art or classical music? Modern Chinese design or graffiti art? You will find it here.

ArtNight Pasadena kicks off Pasadena ArtWeekend, a three-day, six-event, citywide arts festival. Saturday’s offerings include Art of Food from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on South Lake Avenue, ArtHeritage parade from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. beginning at Los Robles Avenue and Howard Street and ending at La Pintoresca Park, ArtWalk from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Playhouse District and ArtRhythm from 5 to 9 p.m. at Paseo Colorado. On Sunday, ArtPerformance will take place at the Levitt Pavilion in Old Pasadena. For more information visit www.PasadenaArtWeekend.com or call (626) 795-9311.

You also have a choice in transportation: Metro Gold Line, walking, bicycling tour or free shuttle buses available at each of the venues. Best Gold Line station is the Memorial Park Station that is 1 block east of the Armory Center for the Arts. From there you can catch the various shuttles and buses quite easily.

ArtNight Pasadena’s featured exhibitions and performances include:

Alliance Française de Pasadena
34 E. Union, Kendall Alley
“Paris,” an art exhibit by the recognized Los Angeles-based painter Roberto Gutierrez whose black-and-white canvases and gray watercolors give a nostalgic feel to the City of Lights.

Armory Center for the Arts
145 N. Raymond Ave.
“Steve Roden: In Between, A 20 Year Survey,” the first survey of the artist’s work in all its divergent forms, including sound. Plus, NewTown’s “Convergences” presents 11 artists who integrate digital media, sculpture and installation.

Art Center College of Design
1700 Lida St.
“ENERGY,” an exhibition where left brain and right brain intersect and natural forces can be seen through the prisms of science, art and history. Also, recent work in the student gallery.

Kidspace Children’s Museum
480 N. Arroyo Blvd.
Lineage Dance, exploring the famous Kidspace Ant Climber with a playful look from a bug’s point of view in a site-specific dance. Also, art projects exploring the elements of the earth, and family dance time.

Lineage Performing Arts Center
89 S. Fair Oaks Ave.
Nonstop live music and contemporary dance performances, including Lineage Dance’s latest piece, “Defining Moments.”

Norton Simon Museum of Art
411 W. Colorado Blvd.
Two exhibitions, “Hiroshige: Visions of Japan” and “Not Wanting to Say Anything About Marcel: An Artwork by John Cage,” plus centuries of masterpieces on permanent view.

One Colorado
North side of Colorado Boulevard between Union, Fair Oaks and DeLacey.
“Three Founts,” a site-specific, fanciful fountain in the courtyard, drawn from Pasadena history by artist Lynn Aldrich. Also, new Artist in Residence, Carly Steward, in “The Artist Studio.”

Pacific Asia Museum
46 N. Los Robles Ave.
“China Modern: Designing Popular Culture 1910-1970,” an exhibition that demonstrates how different political and social ideas are transmitted via everyday products, advertising and graphic design.

Pasadena City College
1570 E. Colorado Blvd.
Pasadena’s hidden treasure of contemporary art at PCC’s Shatford Library: 24 original works from the Artist in Residence program, 1987-2010. Plus, in the College Art Gallery, an exhibition of work by influential graphic artist Edward Fella.

Pasadena Museum of California Art
490 E. Union St.
Three exhibitions: “CDB 2010: Action/Reaction,” showcasing design from California; “Desire: Six Los Angeles Artists,” featuring contemporary art about desire; and an installation by artist Megan Geckler in the Project Room.

Pasadena Museum of History
470 W. Walnut St.
“Pasadena Patron: The Life & Legacy of Eva Scott Fenyes,” the world of art, live music and dance from Pasadena’s Gilded Age, and one of early Pasadena’s most influential women.

Pasadena Central Library
285 E. Walnut St.
“Art of the Book” as seen through graphic novels, paintings, photographs, and theatrical and musical performances, and craft-making. Also, “The Word: Between the Lines,” works by Pasadena Society of Artists members.

Pasadena Symphony
Ambassador Auditorium
131 S. St. John Ave.
Harpist Alison Bjorkedal and others create an intimate musical preview of the 2010/11 season at the Pasadena Symphony’s new home, Ambassador Auditorium. Also, venue tours and special ticket offers.

Shumei Arts Council
2430 E. Colorado Blvd.
“The Dalai Lama and His People,” photography and book signing by Don Farber. Also, Makoto Taiko drumming at 6:30, 7:30, 8:30 and 9:30 p.m.

For more information call the ArtNight Pasadena Hotline at (626) 744-7887 or visit their WEB HERE. For accessibility information or written materials in alternative formats, call (626) 744-7249. To join ArtNight bicycle tours visit www.cicle.org.

I was entertaining visitors recently at the fabulous Huntington Library in Pasadena, when, in the Desert Garden, we happened upon this cactus.  Even though it did not have a “thumb,” the cactus made me think of a certain greeting often given on the nearby Los Angeles area freeways.

More bad news on the Arts front: The Pasadena Playhouse, an L.A. landmark and institution, California’s only State Theatre, will be closing its doors, possibly for good, due to financial woes.

With 2 million owed to creditors and no way to pay, the current production of Camelot looks to be its last. Thirty seven employees will be out of work after the final curtain February 7th.

Stephen Eich, executive director of the Pasadena Playhouse, has said he is looking for ways to fulfill his obligation to current subscribers amidst massive financial restructuring and possible bankruptcy.

Attempts to find a donor to name the main auditorium after have thus far proved fruitless, as corporate donations have dwindled.

The company was founded in 1917, and the building itself built in the twenties, this is a huge loss for the arts, and a huge loss for theatre. I truly hope they find a way to re-open their doors soon.

The 2010 Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade is already history, but you still have a chance to see the gorgeous floats up close in person. Whether you are into parades or not, seeing these mobile works of art is worth it. The entire surface of each float must be covered in natural materials only. Flowers, seeds, bark, leaves, and husks are among the many materials used in some astoundingly creative ways. Faboomama gave us a peek at the many, many hours of volunteer labor that go in to making each one.

An adorable monkey giving a big snake a buzz cut on Cal Poly's "Jungle Cuts"

The theme of this year’s parade was “A Cut Above The Rest.” The talented students from Cal Poly put a humorous spin on it with their concept “Jungle Cuts,” which had monkeys styling the “hair” of various animals. It was perhaps the largest crowd pleaser and it took some maneuvering to get close and take photos. I guess the float builders knew how popular their float would be and set up a merchandise booth next to it where they sold posters and t-shirts of their design of their scene of newly coiffed beasts.

You have until 5pm today (ticket sales end at 3pm) and from 9am to 5pm tomorrow to check out the floats. Click here for comprehensive information on where, when, how much, dos and don’t, directions, transportation options, etc. You can even download a free podcast which serves as an audio tour.

My personal recommendations are to take advantage of one of the many shuttle options, wear comfortable walking shoes, allow yourself at least two hours, and bring some water as it’s pricey on-site. Also, make sure you take a look at Burbank’s award winning entry. It’s mighty impressive.

I walked into the store and it caught my eye.  Hundreds of hang tags hanging from the shelves with the word “Banned” on them with some text.  Close inspection revealed why a book was banned and where.  From elementary schools here to military juntas,  if it was banned and is on Vroman’s shelves its labeled for your ease in identifying the offending book.

My favorite is on the list.   Don Quixote.  I loved that book in high school.  It was the source of  my question authority mindset I have carried into adulthood (Hunter S Thompson sorta cemented that notion, but I digress a bit).

If you want to easily see what has been banned and pick up your own copy just pop on over to either of the Vromans locations in Pasadena.

Vroman’s Bookstore:

• 695 E. Colorado, Pasadena CA 91101, 626-449-5320
• 3729 E Foothill Blvd (Hastings Ranch), Pasadena CA 91107, 626-351-0828

Rendering of Possible Alameda Gold Line Station, in Beautiful Downtown… Azusa???

Metro had another meeting today. They decided to move forward with Westward extensions of the Red & Purple Lines to somewhere, a Downtown Connector, further extension of the Gold Line from East L.A., and the Orange Line train bus to Chatsworth. Super. Start building the damned things already.

Just one question… Why is L.A. still ignoring one of the fastest-growing traffic nightmares in the city?

101-134-210. It’s not code. It’s three major freeways that bridge the gap between the two Valleys. Van Nuys. Sherman Oaks. Studio City. Universal City. Burbank. Glendale. Pasadena. Major job centers. Thousands of motorists playing a daily game of car jockey at 15mph.

Why isn’t the city addressing this region with any sort of urgency? Why aren’t there at least discussions on the table about a Metro Rail link between the San Fernando Valley and the San Gabriel?

I went back to Metro’s Long Range Transportation Plan to see if I missed something when it first came out.

Read the rest of this entry →

Sunday 1/18 may be the day of the Parade but Pasadena and the local bloggers and media are amped and starting the celebrations early.  

Sunday Parade Day details.  1/18/09, 8:30am set ups,  11:30(ish)AM start.  Pasadena Cal.  The Parade starts at Raymond/Holly south to Colorado then turns west to Colorado/Pasadena Avenue.

Queen Skittles blog is full of information.  She and the Grand Marshall, Charles Phoenix (my favorite Mid-century Americana pop culture archivist) kick of the activities tomorrow morning on KTLA’s morning show. She’s arriving at 5:30 in the freaking am Friday at the studios and will be on anytime between then and 9AM.  Queen Skittles advises that among the activities will be disco dancing with the choreography by the woman who came up with the YMCA dance routine.  Tivo this one if you can’t sit in front of the tube waiting for it to happen.

Mademoiselle Gramophone broke the news on her blog regarding one of the entries in the parade in her post “Thorny Rose“.  Ann Lau, human rights activist and winner of the “Thorny Rose” award will be in the thick of it.  She won the award for her pressure on the Pasadena City Council and the Rose Parade last year to not allow the Chinese a float in the parade.  She will be riding her own float of sorts led by the “Great Firewall of China Marching Brigade”.

The official Doo Dah Parade site can’t be skipped.  The page to bookmark and keep for reference is the Parade Route and Directions as it gives you driving directions and Metro station info for those of you who are rail enabled. 

The invite card provided by Queen Skittles.  It does get bigger with a click.  She asked that all the local talent that helped her with the shoot, costuming etc., be given some recognition.  Here it is: Photo Assistant: Alex Fallas, Blue dress: Aaardvark’s of Pasadena, who is the official clothing sponsor; modified with fabric and rhinestones by Kristina King, Crown: Cassie Marquez, Hairstylist: Reyna Rodriguez Soto, Makeup: Airica Hartsfield.

One final note, zomg…it looks like we are home this weekend as all the kid sports are “bye”.  A first in many years and I get to go this year!