altadenablog

"Some Cupid kills with arrows, some with traps"

by Timothy Rutt

San Pedro theater troupe Shakespeare by the Sea concluded its summer in Farnsworth Park Sunday night with the Bard's comedy of love and misunderstandings, "Much Ado About Nothing."

Dogberry, Leonato, and Verges palaver before Hero and Claudio's wedding.

Governor Leonato reacts joyously to the wedding of his daughter Hero and her beloved Claudio, not anticipating that the groom-to-be will accuse her of infidelity in one of several mixups and misunderstandings in Shakespeare's comedy.

Falsely accused, Hero faints in the arms of Beatrice as Benedick looks on (Beatrice and Benedick are the real love story, anyway!)

A very substantial set was moved onto the Farnsworth Park stage for the play.

Shakespeare by the Sea (in Farnsworth Park) this Sun.

San Pedro troupe brings the Bard to Altadena  and elsewhere this summer

by Sean Fitz-Gerald

This Sunday, there'll be something new at Farnsworth Park Amphitheater, as it brings a bit of the Bard to the Altadena summer.

Pictured: Lear (David Graham) and Cordelia (Katie Pelensky) in Shakespeare by the Sea's "Tragedy of King Lear."

Farnsworth Park will host Shakespeare by the Sea, (SBTS) a nonprofit organization that puts on free performances of Shakespeare’s timeless tales. This Sunday at 7 PM, SBTS will present their abridged, two-hour version of the "Tragedy of King Lear."

The San Pedro-based Shakespeare by the Sea is currently on its 14th season, says artistic director and founder Lisa Coffi.  For those who haven’t heard of the organization before, and are wondering what the buzz is about, Coffi says,  “It is kind of like either going to the Hollywood Bowl or the Gibson Amphitheatre, where you are welcome to bring your own picnic baskets and blankets. It’s a good darn time. It’s real family friendly,” Coffi said.

Whoa! Bob & Marie Mann make Altadena a Western music haven

Bob and Marie Mann open their home to
performers and fans of cowboy culture

by Lizze Slocum

Pictured: Marie and Bob Mann.

Bob and Marie Mann want to introduce a new audience to Western music through a series of concerts held at their Altadena home.

Not "country and western" music, mind you. To those who frequent the Manns’ events, C&W stands for "Cowboy and Western" music.

This isn’t the fare you’ll hear on your local country and western radio station. “Western music and cowboy poetry,” says Bob, “focus on the traditions of the American West, particularly the rural West. The music and the poetry celebrate the life of the cowboy on the open ranges, as well as traditional and [modern] ranch life, the values, the hazards, the practices and the landscape where that lifestyle takes place.”

Western music was associated with country music because of Billboard magazine’s chart classification system; its connotation as a sub-genre of country music is erroneous. Widely popular in the United States during the 1930s and 1940s, Western music had declined by the 1960s. In more recent years, however, those who love it have stepped forward to promote Western musicians and groups. Well-attended annual events here in the Southland include Santa Clarita’s annual Cowboy Festival and the Big Bear Cowboy Gathering, which the Manns helped sponsor for three years.

Shhh! NewTown plans public performance with public transit Saturday

NewTown, the Altadena-based arts collective, is having a kind of public transit flash mob going on Saturday.  

"Hallelujah/Aloha: a surrpetitious intervention for six voices" by Richard Amromin will run roughly from 1:20 PM to 6 PM Saturday.  A vocal sextet will perform at Sierra Madre Gold Line station at 2:15, take the train making one stop along the route to Union Station, arrive and perform at Union Station around 3:28, leave at 4:01, making one stop along the way, arrive at Sierra Madre station and take taxis to 415 S. Lake Ave. (Macy's), arrive and perform, wandering north to 345 S. Lake (The Shops on Lake Avenue area), where the event ends.

NewTown says: "The event is free.  If you want to travel with the event, the day pass on the Gold Line is $6 ... "Hallalujah/Aloha is intended as a subtle public intervention.  If you choose to attend we ask that you do not act like an audience.  Simply mingle in the area as if doing other things."

We've got a line in on a different flash mob event Friday which we hope to show you on video later in the day.  Sorry, can't give any details!

Arts Council's ARTBreak at Webster's June 17-24

The Altadena Arts Council is presenting its annual "Altadena ARTBreak"  on June 17-24.  The event, which showcases the creative ability and talent of the area's school-age children and youth, will be held at the Temporary Gallery in the Webster's complex, 2460 N. Lake Ave.

According to Mary Ann Stevenson, executive director, "ARTBreak is all about celebrating the talent and creativity of Altadena/Pasadena are children and youth and providing a venue to highlight the important role that the arts can play in transforming their attitudes and appreciation of their talents and abilities."

This year, thanks to the generosity of the Webster family, the Arts Council will have the opportunity to transfarm a currently vacant store owned by the Websters into an art gallery.  The event will kick off with an opening night reception on Fri., June 17, starting at 6 PM to which the public is invited, and will also feature a variety of entertainment and activities.  Gallery hours are Sat., June 18 3-7 PM, Sun., June 19 2-5 PM, and Mon. thru Fri. 3-7 PM.

The arts council is seeking volunteers to assist in hosting this exhibit.  Please contact the Council at 626-797-5798.  Information is also available at the Arts Council's website, altadenaartscouncil.org.

 

Art on Palm spring show May 21 at Wild Wood Park

Pictured: Last year's spring Art on Palm show at Wild Wood Park.  Photo: Bill Westphal.

For one day only artists and artisans will exhibit their work at the 14th bi-annual Art on Palm, held Saturday, May 21st, 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. in Wild Wood Park, a secluded canyon garden of Altadena, at 1419 E. Palm Street, Altadena, 91001.

The one-day-only show and sale features ceramics, collage, drawings, encaustic, fabric, fiber, glass, jewelry, paintings, photography, watercolors and woodcarving and turning, 

Encircled by ancient oaks, the canyon setting for Art on Palm is a restorative venue for guests and a stunning backdrop for the artists’ works. According to the event’s co-producer Mary Jane Elgin, “Art on Palm achieves many goals. It selects exceptional artists whose beautifully-realized works attract a discerning clientele to a foothill canyon of remarkable beauty, supports our local economy and raises funds for the West L.A. Fisher House.”

"Allusions of Spring" is the Library's April exhibit

"Allusions of Spring," an art exhibit by the students of the Pasadena Atelier Art Studio, will be on display at the Altadena Main Library Community Room, 600 E. Mariposa St., from April 4-30.   Opening reception is April 9 from 5-7 PM.  

This exhibit showcases the teacher and students of the Pasadena Atelier Art Studio and their spring-themed paintings and drawings as interpreted or seen by each emerging artist.

 

Call for artists: Theatre Americana art festival June 25 at Farnsworth Park

Theatre Americana, for all practical purposes Altadena's resident theater troupe (they usually perform in the Davies Auditorium at Farnsworth Park) is looking for visual and performing artists to participate in their planned festival of the arts on Sat., June 25.

Theatre Americana President Donna Scarantino says that "We are hoping to invite dance companies, theatre troupes, live bands, and artists. Theatre Americana will supply the lighting and sound for this event, which will take place in the amphitheater at Farnsworth Park."

Scarantino says" We are asking those who participate in this event to volunteer their time and their talent in support of the arts, while providing a culturally enriching experience for the public."

Interested? Contact Scarantino by email: donna8461@sbcglobal.net

Photographer Janet E. Dandrige is Library's February artist

The Altadena Library Community Room Presents, “Mchanganyiko” ("mixed" in Swahili), photographic works by Janet E. Dandridge.

Dandridge, a Los Angeles-based artist, began her photography career at age 9 with a point-and-shoot camera documenting the happenings in her community.   Janet is adept with fine art, portraiture, abstracts, and photojournalism; and continues to build upon collections that focus on social-political ideals that not only affect her immediate community, but the world. This exhibit showcases a mixture of some of her earlier portraiture and abstracts. For more information, please go to www.janetedandridge.com or www.evorevophoto.com. Exhibit is on display for the month of February.

Library: Black History Month call for artists

The Altadena Library is looking for artists of all media to display artwork in the Community Room in celebration of Black History Month in Feb. 2011.  A total of five artists will be chosen for the group exhibit.  Deadline for submission is Jan. 14, 2011.  Click on the graphic for more details.

Have a holly Folly (Bowl) holiday at the open studio sale Sat.

Local artists Susanna Dadd, Doris Finch, and James Griffith invite you to fill those Christmas stockings with jewelry, fiber art, and paintings from their open studio sale at 918 E. Altadena Dr. on Sat., Dec. 11, from 10 AM - 5 PM.

(The Folly Bowl is Dadd and Griffith's brainchild, hence the headline -- but you knew that!)

Griffith and other local artists will also be represented at the Off-Ramp Gallery's ArtZone, a one-stop holiday shop for affordable art at 1702 Lincoln, Pasadena.  Off-Ramp and Project 210 are joining forces for the Dec. 11-19 art sale and exhibit.  For more information, see their website here.

Young Musicians Music Project in concert at Longfellow Dec. 17

The VYMA (Verdugo Young Musicians Association) Music Project at Longfellow Elementary, in partnership with PasadenaLEARNs, is pleased to invite you to its Winter Concert . The young musicians have prepared a musical feast, with a full range of music from the movies, American soul and the classical repertoire.

The concert will be at Longfellow Elementary School Auditorium, 1065 E. Washington Blvd. Pasadena, on Fri., Dec. 17, starting at 6 PM.  This event is free and open to the public. Donations are accepted.

Come hear the Orchestra, the Choir, the Kinder Music and the Musicianship Class.

This is Year Two for the Music Project, a program inspired by El Sistema, the now famous music education program that is sweeping the world with its revolutionary approach to music. (LA Philharmonic Music Director Gustavo Dudamel is a supporter.) The musicians this year sound better than ever! You will be surprised! Your enjoyment will be theirs!

The VYMA Music Project at Longfellow Elementary, PUSD was launched on September 21, 2009, as an afterschool supplemental music education program. VYMA  partners with Pasadena LEARNS to give free instruments and free classical music instruction to students from grades K-5.

Tribute to two local artists

Our friend Colleen Dunn Bates at Hometown Pasadena has a thoughtful piece today about two artists who have passed:  Altadenan Rusty Derr, and La Canadian (?) Phil Joanou.  She attended both men's recent funerals, and the takeaway quote for us (because that's our story, too!):

If your spouse’s career means you have to be in LA, but you love the mountains and hate the city, Altadena makes for a mighty fine compromise.

Check it out!

"Living Room" - bass clarinet and Hang drum duo -- at Beckett Hall Tues.

Edward and Sharon Bailey Beckett will host "Living Room" in concert at their home, Beckett Hall, 1051 E. Altadena Dr., on Tues., Dec. 7, at 8 PM.

Living Room is Manu Delago, one of the most accomplished and popular PANArt Hang players with top rated and multi-million view YouTube videos; and bass clarinetist Christoph Pepe Auer, Austrian Newcomer of the Year 2007.

Formed in 2006, Living Room focuses on the enchanting sound of the PANArt Hang set against the bass clarinet's huge tonal range and have toured the world performing in more than 20 countries.

(The PANArt Hang is like two steel drums welded together in a UFO shape.  Invented in the year 2000, the tonal possibilities of the instrument are still being explored).

Coloring Book, their new CD/DVD, is a diverse and colourful compilation of 11 newly-recorded tracks, ranging from fresh compositions to selected songs from the "Mega-Hits" series on Youtube , to grooves accompanied by Zimbabwean rap. The included DVD is of the seven 2009 Living Room concerts. Each one with its own energy, history and palette of sounds and sights.

The 2010 Colouring Book World Tour will be in Los Angeles for only three performances. Attend one and experience the sonic wizardry of this accomplished duo. More details and links here:

http://GotHang.com/ColouringBook/

The Last Artbender @ McGinty's next weekend

Ben McGinty's Gallery at the End of the World bids goodbye with its final group show next weekend, Dec. 2-5.

Brian Dario is the featured artist in a weekend that's a combination art show/party/happening, and will no doubt draw a large amount of people to say goodbye to an Altadena institution.

The Gallery is at 2475 Lake Ave.

Schedule:

Thurs., Dec. 2: Artist reception 6-9 PM.  Music: HB3 & friends

Fri., Dec. 3: First Friday Art Club Opening, 7 PM-1 AM, $5 cover.  Music: The Subs with Chico's Bail Bonds

Sat., Dec. 4: Potluck  barbecue - bring a dish to share. Music: Artichoke

Sun., Dec. 5: Brunch.  Music: HB3, Nocturra & Rich Sarabia

The Gallery is open every day from noon-6 PM.

 

"Spirits" play at the Mausoleum

Collage/performance artist Marnie Weber will have gallery show at a place that's not exactly your usual spot: the Mountain View Mausoleum Gallery. (Yes, there is a gallery in the mausoleum!)

The exhibit premieres with a sold-out show tonight, "Eternity Forever," which includes the gallery show, a film, and a performance.  Karen at West of Rome, the producers of the event, say that "tonight's show features special performative aspects that will not happen again ... [including] a performative theater in the graveyard itself featuring some of the characters from her films."

One of the highlights will be a performance by The Spirit Girls, a band created by Weber as an aspect of her art.  The Spirit Girls will perform a live score to her film, "Eternal Heart," followed by a selection of their greatest hits.  Too bad if you didn't get a ticket: Weber says this is probably the last appearance of the Spirit Girls -- on this plane, anyway.

The exhibit will run through Dec. 20 at the Mausoleum.

Edward Beckett exhibition in Hollywood Nov. 12

Altadena artist Edward Beckett (whom we recently profiled) will exhibit his work, "Notes on Time," at the Wildfire Studio in Hollywood, 640 S. San Vicente Blvd, Los Angeles, from 6:30-9 PM Nov. 12

Fall Art on Palm Sat., Oct. 30

The fall Art on Palm sale and exhibit will be Sat., Oct. 30, 9 AM-4:30 PM at 1419 E. Palm (down in the canyon).

This one-day-only show and sale features ceramics, collage, drawings, fabric, glass, jewelry, paintings, photography and woodcarvings. The tree encircled setting for Art on Palm offers an inviting venue for guests and a stunning backdrop for the displays. According to Mary Jane Elgin, “The event benefits everyone because it brings talented artists and their finely crafted works to a discerning and appreciative clientele in a lovely setting.”  Admission and parking are free; light refreshments will be available for sale.

Art on Palm will also benefit the Fisher House Foundation.  The artists donate a portion of their sales to this non-profit organization that provides humanitarian support for wounded military personnel and their families.  For more information about Fisher House Foundation, please visit their West LA Chapter at http://www.westlafisherhouse.org/

"Ecosexual wedding" planned at Farnsworth Park, Oct. 23

You never know what will happen in Altadena ...

Performance artists Annie Sprinkle and Elizabeth Stephens have announced that they will have an "ecosexual wedding" at Farnworth Park Amphitheater on Sat., Oct. 23. Officiant will be Rev. Billy of the Church of Life After Shopping. Hey, it's free.

 We're just going to let you read the rest on their website.

Or this website.

Music, video, and live visual performance Labor Day weekend at the Folly Bowl

The only-in-Altadena Folly Bowl, the outdoor amphitheater at the home of Sue Dadd and James Griffith at 1601 E. Loma Alta, promises a Labor Day weekend of unusual artistry by artists in very different fields.

Long-time collaborators Carole Kim (live video) and Jesse Gilbert (designer/programmer) will be "stepping out" with Gilbert's new audio/visual interface, SPECTRAL, joined by different artists in performances on Sat., Sept. 4, and Sun., Sept. 5.

On Saturday, Eve Luckring will present poetry and short videos, with Anne Le Baron (harp) and Michael Dessen (trombone, electronics).  On Sun., Kim, Gilbert, and Luckring will be joined by Motoko Honda (electronics) and Carmina Escobar (trombone, electronics).

Both performances start at 7:30 PM, $10 ($5 children).  You are invited to bring your own picnic, refreshments, cushions or blankets, and all trash must leave the premises.

Bios of the artists after the jump.

An evening of music and drama at the Folly Bowl Aug. 21

Altadena's Folly Bowl presents a free outdoor evening of new theater and music next Sat., Aug. 21, at the Bowl, 1601 E. Loma Alta Dr., starting at 7 PM.


BRING seat cushions/blanket, a picnic & beverage (alcohol okay); please clean up after yourself.

Music curated by Andrew Pask

Musician: Janeen Rae Heller
"Pi” written and directed by Heidi Darchuk
with Shaughn Buchholz, Jack Littman, Lake Sharp with Corryn Cummins

Musician: David Haerle
"Those Who Get Close” written and directed by Christopher Kelley
with Jacqueline Wright

Musician: Emily Hay
“The Tearing Beauties” written and directed by Sissy Boyd
with Tina Preston, Lisa Denke and Irene Muzzy

Musician: Jim McAuley
"Stellae” written and directed by Kevin O’Sullivan
with Mike Wiles and Suzanne Fletcher

Musicians: The McGuffey Readers
"Stone God” written and directed by Sharon Yablon
with Mickey Swenson, Anton Jarvis and Lake Sharp

Musician: William Roper
"All Around The World” written and directed by Michael Hacker
with Rachel Whitman, Mark Fite and Gray Palmer

Leslie Perry book fundraiser Aug. 4 at Church of Truth

Join the friends of Leslie Perry in an evening of music, storytelling, comedy, and spoken word to help raise funds to publish his book of plays and stories.

Master storyteller Perry, an Altadena resident, is a familiar face in schools, libraries, and festivals around the area.  Coffee Gallery impresario Julie Sandoval tells us that they are just several hundred dollars away from raising enough money  to create a legacy in print to Perry's work.

The fundraiser will be at the Church of Truth, 690 E. Orange Grove Blvd., Pasadena, at 7 PM on Wed., Aug. 4.  For more information, call 795-6905.

Altadena Arts Council announces summer program

The Altadena Arts Council sent us this info on their summer program:

The Altadena Arts Council is making it possible for Altadena/Pasadena area parents to provide their children and youth with an opportunity to be a pART of ART of the creativity this Summer at its "Creative Summer Arts Discovery Workshops!"  They'll learn from experienced teachers, create exciting projects, make lifelong friends.  They'll explore and discover art in its many forms as they also discover the artist in themselves. 

And, how about this: "It's affordable!"  Only $55/per one-week workshop; $100/per two-week workshop.  Want another bonus? Families enrolling two or more children pay only $50/per child (T-shirt included!). 

If you are a parent, here's a great opportunity for your child.  If you are Gramma/Pa, aunt/uncle/cousin, friend/neighbor or total stranger, here's a great  opportunity for you as well to pass along this information. 

Applications now being accepted for Session A: July 19 - July 23; and Session B: July 26 - July 30. Applications can be downloaded from www.altadenaartscouncil.org. For questions, contact the Altadena Arts Council at 626-797-5798 or e-mail: info@altadenaartscouncil.org.

Classes are from 9 AM-3 PM on the campus of Sacred Heart Church, 600 W. Mariposa.

Taiko drum performance at Farnsworth July 29

The booming sounds of Japanese Taiko drums will be heard in the foothills as the Akafuji Daiko drumming troupe from Otsuki City, Japan, will perform at Farnsworth Park at 5 PM Thurs., July 29. The public is invited to attend.

The group is traveling to the U.S. to play at a Colorado Rockies baseball game in Denver, followed by a stop in southern California.

The Akafuji Daiko owns the Guiness world record largest drum, the World Peace Drum.  The last time they visited the U.S. was to play at a September 11th memorial in New York. 

As an added bonus there's a local performer who appears with the group: Andrew Lyzenga, son of Dr. and Mrs. Gregory Lyzenga of Altadena, is currently teaching English at a high school in Japan and is a member of Akafuji Daiko.  Lyzenga is an alumnus of Clairbourn School, Flintridge Preparatory School and the University of Redlands.

 

Folly jolly time at the Folly Bowl

The Folly Bowl -- one of the supreme "only in Altadena" places -- will hold a short, late concert Saturday night with HB3 performing from 9 -10 PM.


Susanna Dadd, who with James Griffith host the Folly Bowl in their own backyard,  said that the late concert was to accommodate concertgoers who will also be attending the retirement party for Armory Gallery of the Arts' Jay Belloli earlier in the evening.

For those who haven't been there before, the Folly Bowl is an intimate outdoor amphitheater at Dadd and Griffith's home at 1601 E. Loma Alta Dr.  The Folly Bowl started because, Dadd said, "we're artists and we know other artists."  They started with performances by a friend, microtonal musician Kraig Grady, and over time other musicians asked to perform at the site.  Now, she says, they have  ten concert season scheduled for this year, "more than we've ever had," Dadd says.  "We try to keep the shows quite different," from Indian music to a benefit jazz concert.


Because it is such an informal venue, concertgoers need to make certain accommodations, Dadd said.  Because of the steep stairs, it is inaccessible to people with certain disabilities.  Patrons also should bring sweaters or blankets to keep off the evening chill, and are asked to "pack in and pack out" any refreshments, as trash-loving bears have been known to frequent the neighborhood.

Saturday's artist, HB3, is a local resident who plays the piccolo bass (an electric bass pitched lower than a guitar but higher than a standard bass) with influences in various kinds of music.  He most recently appeared at the June Art Bender at McGinty's Gallery at the End of the World.

"Winds of Angkor" sets sights on Cambodian arts festival

Altadena resident and composer Sarah O'Brien checked back in with us recently: her June 6 fundraiser for her musical, Winds of Angkor, had to be canceled, which put a roadblock on the production's plans to perform at the Cambodian Youth Arts Festival this summer.

However, she says, they are still going ahead with plans to perform in Cambodia, and are looking for supporters.  Anyone interested in pledging support of the production, which benefits ongoing recovery efforts in Cambodia, may do so at:

http://kck.st/c8u8py and get one of the fun rewards offered, including postcards from Cambodia, t-shirts, caps, dinner at Raffles in Phnom Penh (of course, you have to get to Cambodia yourself!) and even a producer's credit!  You can pledge your support for as low as $5, so everyone can play!

"America's Western Sweetheart" in house concert Saturday

We were recently very pleased to make contact with Bob Mann, whose Big Hat Promotions carries on the heritage of cowboy music here in Altadena.  This summer, Bob is hosting some house concerts (with complimentary food and beverages) that celebrate the Western way of life.

This Sat., June 26, it's Belinda Gail: An Evening with "America's Western Sweetheart." Doors open at 5:30 PM, show at 7 PM.

Belinda Gail is one of the most sought after singers performing Western music today. A vibrant and natural entertainer with a dynamic and captivating voice, Belinda stirs the emotions and visions of the West in the heart of every audience she embraces. It is no wonder that Belinda truly is "America's Western Sweetheart".

Belinda's long list of awards and accolades include multiple "Female Performer of the Year" awards from the Western Music Association. Belinda has also received the Will Rogers Achievement award in the category of "Female Vocalist of the Year", presented by the Academy of Western Artists.

Suggested donation: $20 per person includes refreshments (which Bob says includes his "cowboy approved" ribs).  Make your reservations early at:

big.hat@ sbcglobal.net  

Snortland's "Now That She's Gone" ain't gone yet: see it this weekend!

If you haven't had a chance to see local author/lethal weapon Ellen Snortland perform her one-woman show, Now That She's Gone,  you have another chance this weekend as she helps close the first Hollywood Fringe Festival on Sun., June 27.

Now That She’s Gone is a play that explores Ellen Snortland’s often hilarious, irreverent and sometimes torturous relationship with her Norwegian-American mother.Now That She’s Gone has been described as a Lily Tomlin / Garrison Keillor / Eve Ensler hybrid… passionate, poignant and funny in turns. A memoir piece with Eleanor Roosevelt, sex, drugs and lutefisk, the play and performance has received rave reviews and standing ovations in California, New York, and Washington, D.C. Not just for women, there’s even a chase scene!

Two performances (noon and 7 PM) at the Complex Theatres - East Theatre, 6476 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood.  TIckets are $20 and can be purchased online at:

https://www.ovationtix.com/trs/pr/738155

or by phone (toll free) at 866-811-4111.

Altadena ARTBreak 2010 coming to Farnsworth Park June 12

 

The Altadena ARTBreak 2010 Community Arts Festival, sponsored by the Altadena Arts Council (TAAC), with support from Los Angeles County Parks and Recreation Department, is in its countdown phase for a Saturday, June 12 opening at Farnsworth Park.

Developed by the Arts Council as a vehicle to celebrate the talent and creativity of our area’s children and youth, this will be the fourth ‘ARTBreak and
promises to showcase an impressive menu of visual and performing arts talent
representing public, private and charter schools.

The event will offer a full day of entertainment consisting of a wide array of creative young talent, including five of the area’s top jazz bands, representing such schools John Muir High School, Pasadena High School, Eliot Middle School and South Pasadena High School, as well as the ARTBreak All-Star Band and The TRACS, an exciting young rock band of 11-14 year olds that already has appearances at a number of highly regarded music festivals, including the Eagle Rock Music Festival, under their belts. Then, there is the John Muir High School Choir, Altadena Children’s Choir, the Pasadena Rosebud Academy Poets, Sue Bee Dance Ensemble, Mexica Folklorico, Odyssey Charter School Dramatists, guitarist Kareem Ali, vocalist Brittany Anderson, classical pianist and ACT-SO Gold Medalist Quran Shaheed, pianist Mia Barinaga, and the Aveson Music Club Marimbas and Harmonicas.

All of this will be complimented by a great concert by longtime supporters of ARTBreak, the Crown City Chamber Orchestra performing works by Von Suppe and Rossini; a terrific selection of artworks from the School District’s “No Boundaries” Exhibit; dance; drama; numerous workshops, hands-on/take home projects; the Magic of Maseo; food and refreshments; prizes and more.

Topping this all off  will be a special appearance by the red-hot indy band, Holloh, which will close out the event.

For further information regarding ‘ARTBreak, please call 626-797-5798. The Arts
Council will be accepting applications for a limited number of food and/or non-food
vendors thru Saturday, June 5th.

Contact Information:

The Altadena Arts Council (TAAC)
4234 Aralia Road, Altadena, CA 91001
626-797-5798
gstevenson@altadenaartscouncil.org

Artists: deadline for Home Studio Tour weekend is May 23 [UPDATED]

UPDATE 5/11: we received new info from Ben McGinty at the Gallery at the End of the World, which replaces the earlier version of this story

We are looking for home based artists to participate in a home studio tour.

The tour is Sat. June 26, 10 AM - 5 PM and Sun. June 27, 10 AM-3 PM.

A participating fee of $35.00 from each artist will help with publicizing the event with a donation of a piece of your work for a benefit silent auction .to benefit the gallery.

We will hold a gala opening reception Friday evening  June 25 from 7 PM- 11 PM showcasing the donated artwork, kicking off the silent auction for bidding through the weekend.

Maps and tickets for the event will be available for purchase that night and throughout the weekend here at the gallery.

We will hold a closing reception at the gallery Sunday from 3 -7 PM. The artists are encouraged to be here for the conclusion of the weekend event and cheer on the recipients of the silent benefit auction.

(You are more than welcome to set your front yard or driveway as your viewing area if you would rather not have attendees in your home.)

We are also encouraging artists to have other artists friends join you at your home for the event.  The fee for added artists is $70 with each artist donating a piece of their work.

So come on Altadena artists! lets rally together and show off our talents!  This can turn into a fantastic event we can have yearly.

There's a stack of applications at the front door of the gallery, 2475 N. Lake. I look forward to hearing from you.

For more information, call 626-794-4888 or email: altaartistshst@gmail.com

Children's choir does "Jungle Book" at Westminster Pres this weekend

The Altadena Children's Choir will be performing an original production of Rudyard Kipling's "The Jungle Book" this weekend at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Morrison Hall, 1757 N. Lake, Pasadena.  Tickets are $10, $5 for students and seniors, and kids 12 and under are free.  Saturday's performance is at 7 PM, and Sunday at 4 PM.  This performance is supported in part with funds from the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Foundation.

Vox Femina garden party (at an undisclosed location!)

Join Vox Femina for a very special afternoon in Altadena on Sun., May 23, 2-4 PM.

"Iris in Wonderland" with Dr. Iris S. Levine and the Los Angeles-based women's vocal ensemble is a garden party at a stunning Altadena estate. Tour the award-winning gardens, enjoy high tea featuring a sumptuous buffet, coffee, and champaigne-- and a picture of you at the Mad Hatter's Tea Table.  Also bid on the treasures at the silent auction, and hear Vox Femina in this incredible setting.

Tickets are $75, from voxfeminala.org, or call 310-922-0025.  (The undisclosed location of this event will be revealed to you after ticket purchase!)

NewTown rattling the cup

NewTown, the Altadena-based collective of interesting and edgy art experiences, is looking for new members, for as low as $25 for artists:

• Memberships will be matched by the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs and the Los Angeles County Arts Commission. $ = $$$
• Every $ goes to directly into programs. We won’t waste a penny on silly tote bags, coffee cups or other fodder for re-gifting.
• NewTown reaches out to the arts community, recently working with, L.A. Filmforum, and the City of Pasadena Parks and Natural Resources and Cultural Affairs Divisions.

For more information, or to become a member, check their website.

Library Community Room: Fournier reception, May 8

The Altadena Library Community Room presents

Basis of Our Grounds – Artwork by Nicole Fournier

Opening Reception will be held Saturday, May 8, 2010 from 6-8pm

Nicole's work is fundamentally about growth, awareness, and overcoming obstacles. Her artwork is a combination of digital photography and an ancient wax painting technique called encaustics. The work depicts moody environments showcasing flora and fauna. They are beautifully fragile, yet portray a sense of strength and caution. Nicole's work reflects her own personal interest in showing how important it is for people to continue to monitor our impact on the environment.

 

Lynn Redgrave: an Altadena memory

Reader Dierdre Del Re sent us this note about the passing of Lynn Redgrave:

Ms. Redgrave was a regular dog walker at the Cobb Estate for a short while several years back - she was performing at either the Mark Taper or Dorothy Chandler. This was perhaps 2005 or 06.

I had a friendly dog at the time and often stopped to chat idly with her while our dogs socialized. Being a native Angeleno, I tried to “play it cool,” however, she was very open about her reason for being in LA and how she came to be at the Cobb Estate. She was apparently performing in downtown LA and staying at the then Ritz-Carlton. One of her knowledgeable pals introduced her to the Cobb Estate for dog-friendly fun. She lived in New York then and shared a funny story about flying with her dog. She was very lovely and friendly.

Wonder if anyone else met her at the Cobb Estate?

Our memories of this gracious lady are only thru her films and TV work.  The memory that best sticks with us was some "Shakespeare for Kids" special in the late 60's -early '70's -- Miss Redgrave wearing some kind of orange hot pants outfit. The special included short "Laugh-In" type blackouts, of which the only one we remember was her father, Sir Michael Redgrave, letting the dog out with "That Line" from the Scottish Play.

Master Chorale holds silent auction, Brahms Requiem June 12-13 [corrected]

The Pasadena Master Chorale (which sings at the Altadena Community Church, 943 W. Altadena Dr., is holding its spring silent auction online: 

The Pasadena Master Chorale (Jeffery Bernstein, Music Director) is pleased to present the first annual Spring online auction to raise funds for the programs of the Chorale.  Educational outreach, school adoption and our subscription concerts are some of the things that the proceeds of this auction will support.

The Chorale will also present the Brahms Requiem on June 12 and 13 at the church:

Of his choral masterwork, A German Requiem, Johannes Brahms (1833-1897) wrote: "As for the title, I must admit I should like to leave out the word 'German' and refer instead to 'Humanity'." This comment points directly to the heart of his greatest choral composition, in direct contrast to his tendency to speak cryptically, even jokingly, about most of his works. (Of his life-affirming and lyrical Second Symphony, for instance, he quipped that the orchestra should wear black funereal armbands "because of its dirge-like effect.") A German Requiem may be the most comforting, humane requiem ever written. 

Tickets are $15, and available here.

UPDATE: Date corrected: see comments.

"Abstract: Altadena" brings the fun

We weren't able to attend last night, but the irresistible force Bill Westphal stepped in:

Attendance was a little light at Saturday's Abstract: Altadena exhibit held in Galloway Alley. It was a wonderful exhibit of abstract photos from local photographers organized by Molly Tierney. Local merchants were there displaying there goods and a variety of food was available. Those Manning Boys were on hand and provided music.

The Alley and the Abstract photos on display. Molly Tierney can be seen at the far right talking to Walt Mancini and Gloria Fogler-Mancini who had images on display at tonight's exhibition. Our hats go off to Molly for organizing this wonderful photo exhibition. We look forward to more.

More after the jump.

"Amazing Altadena" application deadline April 26

"Amazing Altadena, " the Altadena Library District's first arts festival, will be accepting applications from fine artists thru April 26.  For more details, go to www.altadenalibrary.org .

Morrow offers art workshops this month

Altadena artist Heather Morrow has two workshops coming up:

On Sat., April 10, from 2-4 PM, its "Goddess Within" at Kat Scrap Studio, 2455 N. Lake Ave., (626) 398-0355.

In this workshop we will decoupage an' Goddess body form. Morrow will guide you to create a unique work of art, inspired by your own vision.

Each participant will be provided with the necessary supplies; however, you are welcome to bring any objects or embellishements to add to your work (or share).
[$35 - includes all materials]
Space is limited so call to reserve your spot, now!

On Sat., April 17, from 10:30 AM-12:30 PM, it's "What's In Your Head?" at Heart & Soul Healing Art Center, 167 North Lake Ave., Pasadena, 91104, (626) 798-8337:

In this workshop we will be decoupaging a Styrofoam head with beautiful papers and pictures from magazines. Consider it a 3-dimensional vision board. Artist Heather Morrow will guide you to create a unique work of art, inspired by your own vision.

Each participant will be provided with the necessary supplies; however, you are welcome to bring any images, objects or embellishments to add to your work (or share).

[$30 - includes all materials]

Space is limited so call to reserve your spot, now!
There is an artist inside of you!

Applications available for Library fine arts show June 5

The Altadena Library District and Friends of the Library is accepting applications for space for its first annual Fine Arts Show, June 5, "Art on Millionaire's Row."  The show will feature artists, food, and community groups.  Artists residing in Altadena will be given priority. Booth space and salon space is available. Deadline is April 26.  Applications and guidelines are available at the library and at www.altadenalibrary.org.

Zane Grey play premieres at his estate to benefit library expansion

Friends of the Altadena Library and The Moveable Theatre Company announce the world premiere staged reading of the winning entry from the Zane Grey Playwriting Contest: “Surprise Valley” by Mary Casey. 

The performance and reception will take place Sat., May 1, 2010 at the former home of famed western author Zane Grey in Altadena at 4 PM.

The competition asked authors to write a dramatization about the life of long-time Altadena resident, famed author Zane Grey.  Zane Grey (January 31, 1872 - – October 23, 1939) was an American author best known for his popular adventure novels and stories that presented an idealized image of the rugged Old West. Zane Grey and his wife Dolly moved to California in 1918.  

In 1920 they located in Altadena, California, where Grey bought a prominent mansion on East Mariposa Street, known locally as "Millionaire's Row". Designed by architects Myron Hunt and Elmer Grey (no relation to the author), the 1907 Mediterranean style house is acclaimed as the first fireproof home in Altadena, built entirely of reinforced concrete as prescribed by the first owner's wife. Grey summed up his feelings for Altadena with this quote: "In Altadena, I have found those qualities that make life worth living." In 1926 Mrs. Grey helped establish the Altadena Library District, and was its first Board President. 

Tickets are $75 and include a catered reception, performance and a question & answer session immediately following with the author, cast and director.  All proceeds will benefit the expansion of the Altadena Library.  

If you have questions about this event or would like to purchase tickets, please call 626-798-0833 ext. 105.  For more information about the Moveable Theatre Company and the Zane Grey Contest, please visit their website at http://moveabletheatrecompany.org, for more information about the Friends of the Altadena library visit http://www.altadenalibrary.org/friends

A gallery of the Gallery

The fabulous Debbi Swanson Patrick of Altadena Above It All, who was one of the participating artists in this weekend' Art Bender at the Gallery at the End of the World, has some pictures of the party (including belly dancing by the equally-fabulous ex-Doo Dah queen Mickie Mills!).  Check it out!

Take the Altadena Home Art Studio Tour Weekend June 25-27

Ben McGinty of the Gallery at the End of the World, 2475 N. Lake, is announcing the first annual self-guided tour of Altadena home studios on the weekend of June 25-27.

The event will kick off  Friday evening June 25 at the Gallery with the opening of the silent auction show which will be available for bidding through the weekend.  The Friday event runs from 6-11 PM.

On Sat., June 26, the gallery will open at 9 AM for the sale of tickets and viewing and bidding on the silent auction.  Artists studios will open by 9:30 AM, and all events close at 6 PM.  TIckets are $8, and will include a map to the participating artists' studios.

On Sun., June 27, the Gallery will open and tours will resume at 9 AM.  Studios will close at 3 PM, which will be the start of the closing event at the Gallery.  The silent auction will close at 5 PM, at which time the highest bidders can purchased the art.

The fee for participating artists is $35 to be listed on the map and promotion of the event, and a donation of a piece of art for the fundraiser benefit silent auction.  The only prerequisite is that the public can access your studio easily and your studio is within the town of Altadena. Deadline for participating is May 23.

UPDATE:  Shoulda put this in!  Phone 626 794 4888, email altaartistshst@gmail.com for more information and to get started.

Edward Beckett's art interprets Pasadena Conservatory concert

Altadena artist Edward Beckett will be involved with the Pasadena Conservatory of Music's "Mansions & Music" on the stunning campus of Sacred Heart [Girl's] Academy in Flintridge (behind JPL) on Sun., March 14, at 3 PM.
 
Pianist Mark Robson will play a 2-hour piece of modern piano music (including intermission) by the French composer, Olivier Messiaen (1908-1992), Vingt Regards Sur L'Enfant-Jesus.
 
Beckett's wife Sharon Bailey Beckett tells us: "Edward's symbolic expressionist art work will reflect or interpret the music being performed.  The music has 20 movements and Edward has created a drawing for each movement, along with a magnificent painting that is thirteen feet wide.  Edward will also be giving a small talk."

Lauded by the Los Angeles Times as a pianist with “one of the great techniques” and “an inquiring mind,” Mark Robson has created a career which expresses his diverse interests as soloist, chamber artist, composer, and conductor. He has been on the music staff of the Los Angeles Opera since January of 1991, working as an assistant conductor and coach, and has been a musical assistant at the Salzburg and Spoleto (Italy) festivals. Robson’s music has been programmed on concerts in Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, Barcelona, and Paris.
 
Tickets are $75 per person and proceeds benefit the Pasadena Conservatory of Music.  Seating is limited.  Reservations are required.  626.683.3355  www.pasadenaconservatory.org
 

 
 
 

Aperture Society has an opening at the Library March 5

The Aperture Society of Los Angeles will feature the works of seven members in a display of photographic works at the Altadena Library, 600 E. Mariposa.  The Aperture Society is a non-Profit group dedicated to furthering the practice of fine art photography and is open to everyone to join.

There will be a reception on Fri., March 5, from 5-9 PM at the library's Community Room to open the show. All are invited.

Arts in Altadena is the topic on "Our Town" Wed. night

Michele Zack will be sitting in for Marie Stein on Our Town, Wed. 9 PM, on Charter’s Arroyo Channel 32 (or watch streaming video on your computer at PasadenaCommunityNetwork.com).

 

"
Michele and Ben McGinty, whose “Gallery at the End of the World” is the center of Altadena’s art scene, will discuss not only the Gallery and its current and upcoming shows, but also Altadena as a vortex for art and artists across our town’s idiosyncratic past. Join us for a discussion about what it is that makes this place such an art magnet, and a look at a few of the interesting characters who have come here to make art. We will also share contemporary and historic images, and take viewer calls the second half of our program, at 626/794-8585.

(The picture is by Kay Neilson.  Michele tells us:

"Kay Neilsen came to Altadena in 1936 from Denmark, and inspired Fantasia while working for Disney. While among the most famous artists of the "Golden Age of Illlustration," he struggled to make a living  because he worked rather slowly.")

It's the arts!

• A nod to Altadena author (and our old Claremont School of Theology classmate) Michelle Hunevan, whose new novel, Blame, is one of the five fiction finalists for the National Book Critics Circle.
• On the heels of that, Hometown Pasadena celebrates Hunevan and many other local authors who've had books coming out, including Altadena's Marla Frazee, Ian Whitcomb, Michele Zack, sometime Altadenan Liz Palmer, and Naomi Hirahara (whose detective character, Mas Arai, is an Altadena gardener)
  
• Edith Roberts, former president of the Pasadena symphony (and a 50-year resident of Tanoble Dr.) died Sunday and earned this obit from the PSN.
• A Montreal musician who calls himself "Catman" has started a blog devoted entirely to Case Study House #20, the Saul Bass house on Santa Rosa.

NewTown looks at Brakhage works

The always-interesting Altadena-based arts consortium NewTown is holding an event in Los Angeles on March 10:  "Blast Phemy #2"  (oooh! how edgy and transgressive!) , but it's a mashup of the films of Stan Brakhage and new music by a variety of artists.  (We knew Stan and his ex-wife Jane back in the day, so we support any attempt to celebrate his work!)

It also has an open artist's call for installations at the Armory Center for the Arts, show opening Sept. 12.  Details here.

The return of Theatre Americana

About 100 people attended the premiere of Donna Scarantino's play "Polterheist" at Davies Auditorium, celebrating the resurrection of the WPA-era Theatre Americana at its old home.  We managed to capture a few scenes of a great evening.

Monday watercolor sessions to begin at Coffee Gallery

Donna Barnes-Roberts tell us:

I teach a series of watercolor classes at The Coffee Gallery in Altadena. My new Monday Afternoon Watercolor Class will  begin February 22nd which goes for 8 weeks.

I teach the nuts and bolts of watercolor. If you have had other watercolor teachers, I can almost guarantee that my classes will be really different. For one thing, I only take 6 students per class, so I can see what is happening with your work, and we discuss EVERYTHING about watercolor - art, composition, pretty much anything you like.

The complete run-down is at http://barnesroberts.com/other1