altadenablog

Caltech goes Latin Jan. 30

Caltech band guy William Bing of Altadena says that there's something caliente happening next week, and you can't beat the price:

The Caltech Jazz Bands are having a big concert of Latin jazz music on Sat., Jan. 30, at 8 PM, in Beckman Auditorium on the Caltech campus.   It's free!!!   No tickets required, but you might want to get there a little early as last year all 1200 seats were full by concert time.
We're going to have Mariachi Alma de Mexico, world famous composer Paul Lopez, and Latin great percussionist Robertito Melendex.   There are also going to be some Latin dancers to spice things up a bit.

For further information, please call the Caltech Music Office at 626 395-3295, or visit the band's website at:   http://bands.caltech.edu

Altadena Arts Council plans June 12 ARTBreak event

Gene Stevenson of the Altadena Arts Council says that they are getting active again, and are planning for a major event in Farnsworth Park on June 12.

The Altadena ARTBreak 2010 Community Arts Festival organizers are seeking vendors (food and non-food), volunteers and student-artists to participate in the day-long event which will be held at Farnsworth Park in Altadena, California, on Saturday, June 12, 2010.

ARTBreak was developed by The Altadena Arts Council (TAAC) and “is designed to celebrate the talent and creativity of our area’s young people” says Mary Ann Stevenson, Arts Council Executive Director.“ “It also provides an opportunity to highlight the important role that the arts can play in transforming their attitudes and appreciation of their own talents and capabilities.” Student- artists (3rd grade thru 12th grade), attending local public or private schools can obtain applications to perform or exhibit their works online at www.altadenaartscouncil.org.

Kyoda and Celaya featured in January library exhibit

On view in the Altadena Library Community Room during the month of January:  Artwork by Jaqueline Kyoda (top) and David Celaya.

Altadena Library seeks new poet laureate

The Altadena Library is now accepting applications and nominations for its new Poet Laureate. Poets who live, work or are active in the Altadena community are invited to apply.

The inauguration of the Poet Laureate for Altadena Library 2010-2012 will take place on April 10 at the library's annual Poetry & Cookies celebration. The laureate's poetry will be featured at this event and in the library's annual publication of poetry which will be available at the presentation. 

Applications, which are due February 1, 2010, are available online (www.altadenalibrary.org) and at the library.  The current Poet Laureate for Altadena Library is Marcia Thompson, whose book, The Wisdom in Your Wings: a Poetic Tribute to Dr. Maya Angelou, has been adapted for the theater.

 

More information is available at www.altadenalibrary.org; pdutton@altadenalibrary.org; and 626-798-0833

The main Altadena Library is located at 600 East Mariposa Street, Altadena, CA 91001.

Annie Fourguette photographs @ Coffee Gallery

Coffee Gallery hosts autobio writing/performance workshop

Telling Tales Theatre at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2027 North Lake Avenue.

This exciting autobiographical writing/performance workshop encourages both experienced and new writers to cultivate their literary skills in a stimulating and supportive environment
 
Workshop Begins Sat., Jan. 9, 2010 at 1-3 PM. at the Coffee Gallery Backstage
 
Theme:  The Adventure of Self Discovery
 

Ibarionex Perello on KPCC tonight

Local photog Ibarionex Perello will be featured in American Public Media's The Story tonight, talking about his mentor and the Boy's Club in Hollywood, where he first learned the art of shutterbugging.  It will air locally on KPCC at 8 PM.

Theatre Americana returns to Farnsworth Park Feb. 13

Theatre Americana would like to extend an invitation to all directors & playwrights to be guests at a reception to celebrate Theatre Americana's  return to the stage at the historical Davies Hall (Farnsworth Park) Altadena. 

During the depression, President Roosevelt asked Congress to set aside funds to build theaters to assist in creating employment for writers, directors and actors - thus fulfilling the President and Eleanor's desire to provide support and opportunities in the theatrical community.  Davies Hall was one of two theatres built at the end of the WPA program.

Theatre Americana became the resident theatre at Farnsworth Park Amphitheater and Davies hall, chartered with the commitment to produce original plays by American playwrights. The last play produced on the stage at Davies Hall was over 15 years ago.  

Please save the date of Saturday, February 13th @7 PM for champagne &  hors d'oeuvres reception that precedes an original play directed by Bill Shaw (director of Music Theatre of San Gabriel Valley).  More details about the evening will follow.

We hope you will attend and celebrate as Theatre Americana's legacy comes home to the Altadena  community.  

Guests, please respond to:  donna8461@sbcglobal.net

 

LA High School for the Arts open for enrollment

The Los Angeles County High School for the Arts (LACHSA), the premier performing and visual arts high school in the Western U.S., has set January 22, 2010 as the deadline for applying to all art departments of the school for enrollment in the Fall 2010.

Located on the campus of California State University LA (CSULA), LACHSA is celebrating 25 years of nurturing Los Angeles talent.  In addition to meeting academic requirements, prospective students gain admission to the school through audition or portfolio review in one of four arts departments: Dance, Music (instrumental or vocal), Theatre, and Visual Arts. Film/TV and Musical Theatre Ensemble are strong programs within LACHSA available as electives to enrolled students. Each department sets the standards for its own audition or portfolio review process. Detailed information about the application/audition process can be downloaded from LACHSA’s website at www.lachsa.net.

"Vision Boards" workshop Jan. 2

From Altadena artist Heather Morrow:

Vision Boards: Creative Souls Art Workshop

Saturday, January 2, 2010, 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM

In this workshop, we will create Vision Boards. Visualization is one of the quickest ways to achieve your goals. It is a way to communicate with the universal power on what you want in your life.

What better way to start 2010 with a clear vision of your life!

Armory offers scholarship for young artists

From the Armory Center for the Arts:

Scholarship Money Available for Local Teen Artists:

Young Artists Grades 7-12 Invited to Submit Work to Los Angeles Scholastic Art Awards

• 15 Seniors Will Receive Top Honors and $10,000 Awards Nationally
• Additional $3.9 Million Scholarships Available to Selected Students
• Exhibition at the Armory Center for the Arts in Pasadena for Regional Winners and Other Prizes
• New This Year: The Armory Center for the Arts and The Pasadena Weekly Partner to  Recognize the Artistic Achievements of One Special PUSD Student
  

Deadline to Submit: January 15, 2010

Pasadena, CA (December 21, 2009) – The Armory Center for the Arts in Pasadena has partnered with Ovation TV and The Alliance for Young Artists & Writers to present the  Los Angeles Scholastic Art Awards, the regional art competition of the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. The Awards are the largest source of scholarship funds for creative teens in the U.S., offering recognition, exhibition, publication and scholarship opportunities for outstanding students in creative fields.

A few places still open for watercolor classes

The ever busy and forktacular Donna Barnes-Roberts tells us that she has a few spaces open for her watercolor classes at the Coffee Gallery starting in January:

They are in the Conference Room at The Coffee Gallery, and since the room is small, the classes are small.  That way I can see what everyone is doing and provide individualized instruction instead of big mass paint-alongs.  As close to private lessons as possible without the high price tag. 

I do have some openings, and hope that people might want to give classes as Christmas presents.  I will provide an attractive gift card to present to the recipient, and they have gone over well in the past. 

If there are any questions, I can be reached at donna@barnesroberts.com or at 626-791-0851.  My website is at www.altadenaartist.com or www.barnesroberts.com.

Westminster Presbyterian's Christmas brass concert Sunday

William Bing, Caltech's director of bands and faithful Altadenablog reader, sends us this about Sunday's annual brass concert at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1757 N. Lake:

“A Musical Gift”
Event:  8th Annual Christmas Concert and Carol Sing-Along
Date:  Sunday, December 13, 2007
Time: 7 PM
Featured Artists:

Modern Brass Ensemble, featuring Doug Tornquist, tuba and Imre Szilas, organist

This concert is free and open to the public.   It will feature the Modern Brass Ensemble and organist Imre Szilas in traditional and contemporary settings of holiday music. .  There will be special arrangements of traditional carols by Anne McGinty, Raymond Burkhart, and Bill Reichenbach.   Members of the ensemble have played for many movies and recordings, including “A Christmas Carol”, “The Princess and the Frog”, “Transformers”, “2012”.   Artists they have performed with include Diana Krall, Barbara Streisand, and Josh Groban.

Please bring the entire family and enjoy the musical spirit of Christmas in one of the most beautiful churches on the west coast.

For further information, please call the church office at (626) 794-7141

Mwaura's calendar art

Mickie Mills in PSN has a piece on Altadena artist Ngene Mwaura, who is showing at the Art Bender at McGinty's this weekend.  The omniscient Monica Hubbard tells us that the website now in the article is incorrect -- it should be www.altees.net (how does she KNOW these things?)  Mwaura's website is http://www.ngenemwaura.com/

Selah in concert @ Atladena Community Church

Just got in this notice of the Selah Gospel Choir's holiday concert tonight at 7:30 at the Altadena Community Church, 943 E. Altadena Dr.  Admission is $5.

McGinty's Art Bender weekend kicks off tonight

McGinty's Gallery at the End of the World (Altadenablog sponsor) will kick off its quarterly Art Bender Weekend tonight with a reception for the artists starting at 6 PM at the gallery, 2475 N. Lake.  Activities continue throughout the weekend (check out the ad on the left hand column for details).

Christmas ornament class @ Heart & Soul Healing Art Center

Altadena artist Heather Morrow will lead a session to create Christmas ornaments on Sat., Dec. 5, 10:30 AM-12:30 PM at Heart & Soul Healing Art Center, 1167 North Lake Ave., Pasadena.

In this session we will create holiday ornaments. You will leave with something fun to decorate the tree.

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 objects or embellishments to add to your work (or share).

[$30 - includes materials.]

Please call (626) 798-8337 to make reservations. Reservations are needed to ensure enough materials.

Greeting card-making workshop Dec. 6

On Sun., Dec. 6, 1-4 PM, there will be a Greeting Card Making workshop at the home and studio of artist Karen Bagnard (www.morethanmermaids.com), 517 Wapello Street, Altadena.

$30 – all materials provided - Make as many cards as you like

Bring your imagination and sense of play…bring a friend (or two)… make new friends… create cards to give to all your family and friends… amaze yourself!

Reserve your space now:  626-798-9307 … or just show up!

.

Westminister Presbyterian hosts Caltech Glee Clubs in winter concert

The Caltech Glee Clubs will perform a concert at Westminster Presbyterian Church, at 1757 North Lake Avenue in Pasadena, on Friday and Saturday night from 8-10 PM. The program will feature music by Homilius, Salas, Handel, Mendelssohn, Brahms, and Casals, plus arrangements of songs from India, China, Japan, Kenya, and the United States. The Caltech Chamber Singers will also share gems of the holiday season. Information: http://events.caltech.edu/events/event-7001.html[1].

Still life in Altadena

Mickie Mills in today's PSN profiles Altadena still life artist Kathleen Swaydan, who will be in the Creative Arts Group show this weekend in Sierra Madre and McGinty's Gallery in December.

And now ... the fork in the road

Got this one circulating in the newsgroups from our friend Donna Barnes-Roberts (who's starting new watercolor classes, below):

I don't know if you were in Pasadena when there was a building in Old Town with the legend: "My People are People of the Dessert: Said T.E. Lawrence picking up his fork"

Well, some slightly wacky people up in the unincorporated township called Altadena felt a certain lack in their souls after that mural fell to progress oh so many years ago, and have erected an 18 foot fork at the fork in the road where Pasadena Ave. divides into two one way streets. If you go North on Pasadena Ave., from Glenarm, you will see it at the fork in the road. See it before some bureaucrat takes it down - though it is built sturdily and set in over 400 pounds of concrete. One of the participants was anticipating arrest, though he just turned 75, and didn't actually build it. However, he certainly had a twinkle in his eye when he mentioned the word "arrest". The whole think was a kind of birthday present for Pasadena.

This is officially the LARGEST fork in the road, according to one of the participants. Really.

Just goes to show, Pasadena is not just for fuddy-duddy types.

I have to go teach my class now, or I would tell you more, I know this was filmed by the artists, and may be up on Youtube soon - that is the plan. We'll see.

(photo stolen from courtesy KPCC).

Crown City Symphony @ Senior Center Nov. 21

Crown City Symphony, a community orchestra founded in 2003 under the sponsorship of the Pasadena Senior Center, will give two free concerts, November 21 & 22, at 2 PM both days.   The first concert is at the Altadena Senior Center, 560 E. Mariposa, Altadena, and the second concert is at the First Baptist Church of Pasadena, 75 N. Marengo.   Marvin Neumann is the conductor, and Tim Divers, trumpeter, is the soloist (both are from Altadena)

The program is:

“Calm Sea & Prosperous Voyage” by Mendelssohn
Horn Concerto #3 by Mozart; Tim Divers,  Trumpet Soloist
Symphony # 1 by Robert Schumann

Mr. Divers is a freelance trumpet player from Altadena, performing with the finest orchestras in Southern California, including the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Pasadena Symphony, the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra and Pacific Symphony.  He has played on many movie and television soundtracks and is on the facultiesof Occidental College and Glendale City College as a trumpet teacher.   He has performed as soloist with the Glendale Symphony Orchestra and the Pasadena Summer Youth Chamber Orchestra.   For this concert, he has arranged the famous Mozart Horn Concerto for the E flat piccolo trumpet.
 
Crown City Symphony, whose motto is Ability not Age, has received grants from The Pasadena Tournament of Roses Foundation and the City of Pasadena Cultural Affairs Division.  
 
The web site is crowncitysymphony.org.   For more information email Roberta Wilcox, manager, at manager@crowncitysymphony.org, or call (626) 797-1994.
 

Watercolor classes start @ Coffee Gallery this week

Donna Barnes-Roberts is once again offering watercolor classes at the Coffee Gallery on Monday nights or Wednesday afternoons, starting Nov. 4.  Give her a call at 626-791-0851 for details, or check out her website at http://www.barnesroberts.com/

Beverly Mickens song & story @ Altadena Junction Nov. 14

Altadena Junction, 2526 & 2524 El Molino Ave., showcases Beverly Mickins in "Atomic Lounge" on Sat., Nov. 14, at 8 PM.

Beverly Mickins is a actor, writer, storyteller and singer. She was recognized as the creator and founder of L.A.’s longest running storytelling venue “Story Salon” with a 2005 Women in Theater Award. As part of “Story Salon” she wrote and performed her successful one woman show “The Driving Piece,” and started the very popular “Atomic Lounge” series where she combines singing and storytelling. She can be heard regularly on the “Story Salon” podcasts available at www.StorySalon.com.

On November 14th Beverly will be singing with her longtime guitarist John O’Kennedy. She will be joined on stage by several Los Angeles storytellers, to create a memorable evening of story and music.

$10 Cover. Please RSVP (626) 791-8586. Limited Seating.

Ashes to Glass's

Karin the Altadenahiker has some nice shots and thoughts about yesterday's Altadena Heritage Boho Highbrow weekend concert by the Los Angeles Contemporary Ensemble (we were taking pictures, but the new camera is still defeating us!)

UPDATE: Colleen Dunn Bates of Hometown Pasadena also has a look at the evening (we ran into each other as we were leaving and she was coming in on our way to other engagements that night!)

UPDATE 10/27: Michele Zack saves our hash with these pictures of Sunday's activities:

Richard Davies (with cane) shares stories from original Concerts on the Crest with boho goers.

Warming up before the concert ...

Shostokovich in the fading light brings Boho weekend to an end!

"Amazing Altadena" arts & crafts fest needs helpers!

Something new from the Altadena Library:

Are you an artist? Do you want to show your work in a new and exciting venue?

Amazing Altadena
Arts & Crafts Festival

to be held Summer, 2010

• Committee Members needed now:   Bring your great ideas!
• Be a part of the Altadena Art Community:  Booths and/or Salon space available!
• Volunteer to help: participate  in this exciting event!!

Complete the questionnaire at:

http://www.altadenalibrary.org/

and mail it to:      

AMAZING ALTADENA COMMITTEE
600 E. Mariposa Street, Altadena CA 91001

or fax: 626-798-3169

Altadena arts this week

• One of our favorite young artists (and a righteous babe), Molly Tierney, the Project: Altadena gal, will be showing her photographs through Nov. 6 at Gallery Godo, 6749 E. San Fernando Rd. #C, Glendale.
• And Edward Beckett's Altadena studio show opens Oct. 24 and closes Nov. 6.  It will feature new prints, the most recent icons, paintings and photography by three significant artists, including Edward. It's at Beckett Hall, 1051 E. Altadena Dr. UPDATE: Canceled this weekend, will be rescheduled!
• And don't forget Altadena Heritage's Boho-HIghbrow Weekend coming up Sat. and Sun.  PSN front-pages it today with pictures at the Mountain View Mausoleum site in a story by Janette Williams.

Octavia Butler reading today in San Francisco

Via Boing Boing, today there's a reading in San Francisco to benefit the Octavia Butler Scholarship Fund.  Butler, from Altadena, was a masterful writer in a genre where there are few women or African Americans, science fiction, and a recipient of a MacArthur Foundation genius grant.  She died in 2006.

Linda Dove wins poetry prize

Altadena poet Linda Dove has won the 2009 Dorothy Brunsman Poetry Prize from Bear Star Press. The prize, awarded annually for the best unpublished manuscript of poems by a writer west of the central time zone, includes a cash award and publication. In Defense of Objects is Dove’s first full-length collection, and several of its poems have won previous awards, such as the 2005 Stephen Dunn Award and the 2001 Alice Longan Award for a collection inspired by the American Southwest. “Eye, Appaloosa” has been nominated by Bear Star’s editor for a Pushcart Prize.


Linda Dove was born in Berkeley but grew up in Columbia, Maryland. She attended Mt. Holyoke College, where she studied with Joseph Brodsky and was awarded Highest Honors in English. She received MA and PhD degrees from the University of Maryland. After a short stint teaching in western Michigan, Dove moved to the southwest for eight years. There, she taught literature and creative writing at Prescott College and Yavapai College while ranching in Skull Valley, Arizona, with her husband.

They now live in Altadena with their daughter. Dove is president of the Rocky Mountain Division of the American Society for Aesthetics.

In Defense of Objects impressed the contest judges with its carefully nuanced observations of the concrete world in which we live: “You sit dumb on the shelf. Maybe you are an urn, a jewel box, a shell. An artist’s / scrawl.” But Dove’s project is a two-way interrogation. She “calls out” the objects and is attentive to the questions they seem to ask in return. This is a joyful book, and a debut collection that reads like the work of a mature artist.

“The meditative, quiet beauty of Linda Dove’s In Defense of Objects helps defend the reader against all sorts of daily blindnesses. Not least of theobjects worth defending, this poet shows, are words themselves, which she employs with subtlety, wit, and depth of feeling."
~ Mary Jo Salter, author of A Phone Call to the Future: New and Selected Poems

Pick up negatives & prints for Project: Altadena

Photo by Walt has given its final warning:

Project: Altadena Participants 

Last reminder to come pick up your boards and negatives from Photography by Walt. They won't be available after this Saturday October 10th.

If you would like a CD of your 27 images we can do that for you for 5.00. Reprints and enlargements can also be ordered from your project.

Thanks again! 
Studio hours tue-fri 10:00-5:30 Sat 10:00-4:00 (may be closed on location sat)

2455 N. Lake Ave

Altadena, CA 91001

626 797 7207

Storytelling Jam at Altadena Junction this Sunday

Altadena Junction proudly presents...

Storytelling Jam (spoken word and music)

An evening of unique performers blending storytelling and music in an intimate setting.

Featuring Julio Martinez, Geoffrey Leigh Tozer and Beverly Mickins. Hosted by Lance Anderson.

About The Performers:
Julio Martinez is the weekly host of KPFK Radio’s Arts in Review, is a theatre critic for Daily Variety and Features Editor of Latin Heat Magazine where he also contributes a weekly TeleVision column. Formerly, he performed as a guitarist for singers Al Jarreau, Sarah Vaughn and others.... Geoffrey Leigh Tozer is the Sly Crooner of Swanktown "your pal the lounge lizard mixing martinis and stirring up modern urban fairy tales" on SiriusXM Book Radio.... Beverly Mickins is the creator of Story Salon the longest running storytelling show in Southern California. Her Atomic Lounge shows combine singing and storytelling.... Lance Anderson has been telling stories in a wide array of venues for nearly 20 years. One of the first storytellers to experiment with podcasting, he also founded the LA Podcasters in 2005. Anderson is also the current "Ringleader" of both Verge of LA literary magazine and Altadena Junction.

$10 Cover. RSVP Required.
(626) 791-8586

AltadenaJunction.com

Sunday, September 27, 2009
Time:	7:00pm - 8:30pm
Location:	Altadena Junction
Street:	2524 & 2526 El Molino Ave.
City/Town:	Altadena, CA

"Andersonville Trial" at All Saints Sept. 24-27

Jennifer King of Altadena (and a mighty blogger herself) wants us to know that her husband, Eddie King, is directing "The Andersonville Trial," to be presented Thurs.-Sat. at 8 PM and Sun. at 2 and 7:30 PM at the Forum at All Saints Church, 132 E. Euclid, Pasadena.

This is a Blues & Bar-B-Q Stage Company production in association with All Saints Pasadena.
It’s going to a great show, stellar cast ...All professional actors with a passion for theatre.

Suggested donation is $10, going toward the Peace & Justice ministry at All Saints.
 

Project: Altadena -- wasn't that a party?

A look at a few of the scenes at tonight's North Lake Open House:

Altadena authors (from left) Andre Coleman, Ellen Snortland, Michele Zack, and Jervey Tervalon at a meet & greet at Webster's Fine Stationery.  Michelle Hunevan and Revell Revati were also there to sign their works.

Wreck n Sow entertained the crowd in Galloway Alley.

The photos of Project: Altadena! were on display in the outdoor gallery.  Thanks to Molly TIerney, who worked so hard to make this happen!

We photographed Debbi Swanson Patrick photographing firemen for one or the other of her many blogs!

(It was also great to meet so many Altadenablog readers tonight!)

Arts Coaliton Open House Sat.: even fire can't bring us down!

The North Lake Ave. Business District in conjunction with the Altadena Arts Coalition will have an open house on Sat., Sept. 5, from 5 PM until whenever to celebrate Project: Altadena!

Project: Altadena! will be the largest photo-exhibit of its kind in Altadena history. Over 2,000 photos, all taken with disposable cameras by Altadena residents of what they love about "their" Altadena! One photo from each entrant will be enlarged to 8X10 and will be on display (and for sale) at Altadena Junction on El Molino Ave.

There will be food booths highlighting selections from O'Happy Days, The Coffee Gallery and Park Bench Deli, plus there will be a taco booth, too!

Altadena's own band, Wreck & Sow, will be playing for your enjoyment....brothers Pierre and Andre Dupuy along with band members Mike Stave, Randy Cochran and Dan Leahy are all set to tear it up. This night is going to be huge, people!

Webster's Fine Stationery  invites you to a book signing by Altadena authors from 5-8 PM.

Webster's says, "This is going to be so much fun....hope you can make it!  Live music, food, entertainment - we've got it all at the Altadena Arts Coalition's  North Lake Business District Open House!".

Scheduled authors include Andre Coleman, Revvell Revati, Michele Zack, Michelle Huneven and Jervey Tervalon.  (Just added: Ellen Snortland!) We'll also have Bo Astrup's LA Photobooth outside the store so you can record your memories of this fabulous evening forever!

Gallery at the End of the World: Group art show: Wreck N Sow playing on the 'Cement Stage',  vegetarian catering by John from O Happy Days, and The Coffee Gallery mobile coffee unit will be available.  The Gallery has events all weekend -- check the ad in the right-hand column for more details!

Photography by Walt:  will be open for "funphoto" sessions at the studio and offering other studio specials!

20 minute oil portrait at Altadena Junction Fri.

From Lance Anderson at Altadena Junction:

In the Spirit of Franz Hals and Fotomat, Alex Schaefer will be painting 20 minute oil portraits from life! Sit and get painted.

Alex Schaefer was born in 1969. Like many artists, he took an interest in painting relatively late in life, but for whatever reason, at 18 he began to study drawing and painting in earnest a study that has continued to this day. He applied twice to the Art Center College of Design and was accepted the second try. His exposure to certain influential teachers such as Richard Bunkall, Dan McCaw, and Harry Carmean cultivated a deep fascination for art, specifically the history and craft of oil painting, representation, and expression.

After graduation in 1992, Mr. Schaefer entered the burgeoning video game industry where he worked for nine years with the virtual light and space of digital media, an experience that invariably influenced his perception and depiction of painted light and space on canvas. While no longer making video games, he still loves computers but takes particular delight in all the earthy, messy, “analog” aspects of paint and flaunts its physicality.

In addition to his expanding reputation as a fine artist, he is a loved and admired composition and painting instructor at the Art Center College of Design. Mr. Schaefer’s artwork is in a growing number of collections, both public and private, in the United States and abroad.

The event will be 7-11 PM Fri., Sept. 4, at Altadena Junction, 2524 & 2526 El Molino Ave.

"The History Man" at Altadena Junction Aug. 29

Lance Anderson's performance space, Altadena Junction, starts its new season with ”The History Man,” a new one act play by local storytelling stalwart Leslie Perry, as well as other stories and poems featuring Perry and Finn Carter.

The performance is at Altadena Junction, 2524 & 2526 El Molino, on Sat., Aug. 29, 8-10 PM.  For more information, call 626.791.8586.

Lake Ave./Arts Coalition Open House set for Sat., Sept. 5

You can't get too much of a good thing.  After May's first (and wildly successful) open house, the North Lake Ave. Business District in conjunction with the Altadena Arts Coalition will have another open house over Labor Day weekend -- Sat., Sept. 5, from 5 PM until 10 or so.

Highlight of the event will be Project: Altadena -- a display of the work of 100 local photographers armed with disposable cameras who recorded 2,700 pictures of life in our town over the month of July.  According to Lori Webster of (Altadenablog sponsor) Webster's Fine Stationery, and a member of the Arts Coalition, "The Project: Altadena! photos will be displayed in the alley behind Altadena Hardware.  We plan to take one photo from each submission, enlarge it and display those at Altadena Junction.  All photos will be returned to the photographer after the exhibit.  Food and entertainment will be available in the alley, and also at different business locations." 

Among the businesses reporting in so far: Webster's Fine Stationery will host another Blogger's Cafe and a book signing by novelist and Pasadena Weekly reporter Andre Coleman. Webster's will also showcasing new products with free samples and givaways.

Ben McGinty, owner of (Altadenablog sponsor) the Gallery at the End of the World, will hold another "Art Bender Weekend" highlighting local artists.  McGinty says that "Wreck N Sow will be playing on the 'Cement Stage', John from O Happy Days will be catering to the delights of the vegetarians in our midst and The Coffee Gallery will be serving caffeinated treats!"  Julie Sandoval of Coffee Gallery told Altadenablog that they would have their mobile unit up to to make it more convenient for everyone attending.

There will be lots more, so keep checking Altadenablog for the latest details!

Flower Power Painting on Sat.

A little out of our borders, but Altadena artist Heather Morrow will be leading a class, "Flower Power Painting," on Sat., Aug 1, 10:30 AM-12:30 PM  at the Heart & Soul Healing Art Center, 1167 North Lake Ave., Pasadena.

Come discover your Creative Soul and awaken your artistic spirit. In this workshop, we will painting a colorful flower(s) on Aluminum sheeting attached to a piece of ¼ inch plywood. This splash of color against the contrasting elements is sure to draw attention. Artist Heather Morrow will guide you to create a 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 embellishments to add to your work (or share). [$30 - includes materials.] Reservations are recommended to ensure enough materials.

For more information, call (626) 798-8337

Some like it hot at the Music and Arts Festival

A modest but enthusiastic crowd showed up at Loma Alta Park today for the first Altadena Music and Arts Festival.  Besides the booths featuring the work of local artisans, the stage was alive with local musicians.  Here, the Pirates of the Black Swan perform their nautical peg-leg pop.

Sunday's Altadena Music & Arts Festival has impressive lineup

Just got the bullet from Julie Sandoval, mistress of the Coffee Gallery, who is spearheading the first Altadena Music & Arts Festival at Loma Alta Park this Sun.,  July 26, 10 AM - 3 PM.

"I serve a lot of artists in the Coffee Gallery, and a lot of them told me that the arts festivals are too expensive for them," Sandoval said.  Knowing the large number of artists in Altadena, she said, it just made sense to put together a festival to celebrate that community.

The festival will be in conjunction with the Naked Crow Mountain Bike Challenge taking place earlier in the park that morning, which raises funds for Altadena Meals on Wheels, the Lance Armstrong Foundation, and Ronald McDonald House.  The Altadena Rotary will be serving a pancake breakfast during the race, and will also be serving hamburgers and hot dogs at lunch time.

"This is our first time doing this arts festival -- I didn't make it that big," Sandoval said, pointing out that they only have 20 booths, and will use the $40 per booth fee to pay the musicians.  She does plan to double the number of booths by the next festival, which will be Oct. 4, and headlined by a Beatles revival band.

Acts scheduled for Sunday's festival include:
10 - 10:30:  Bluegrass jam
10:30-11:  Bill Burnett
11-11:10: Storyteller Leslie Perry, backed up by Robert Hilton, an Altadenan who makes his own instruments
11:10-11:30 Robert Hilton and his instruments
11:30-11:40:  Storyteller/podcaster Lance Anderson
11:40-noon:   Songnet.org
noon-1 Pirates of the Black Swan
1-1:20 Brothers Landau
1:20- 1:50   Bohemia Soul Wrestlers (which Sandoval said Bill Burnett calles "the next Association")
1:50-215: singer/songwriter Dale LaDuke
2:15 -close  Sligo Rags

Booths include jewelers, potters, clothiers, masseuses, the Association of Fingerstyle Guitarists, and Altadena Junction.  Pirates of the Black Swan supplied the PA system for the festival.

"It'll be awesome," Sandoval said " ... we'll raise a barn!"

Carol Channing to do Sept. 6 benefit for Altadena Community Church

Yes, that Carol Channing, star of Broadway, who will present an unplugged evening on Sun., Sept. 6, in a benefit for Altadena Community Church's Roof Repair Fund at the church, 943 E. Altadena Drive.

Full details are here, but here are the highlights:

An unplugged evening that follows a simple format, as Carol Channing offers memories, humorous storytelling and an advance preview of her new gospel CD entitled "For Heavens Sake" and several of her signature tunes, including "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend," " Little Girl From Little Rock" and, of course, "Hello, Dolly!" that brings the audience up close and personal with the Ultimate Broadway Baby. Hurry!

For tickets, call 626-395-9923.  TIckets are $75 for main floor, $35 for balcony ($10 for children 10 and under), and VIP tickets (including a reception with Channing) are $125.

For more information, go to www.altadenaucc.org.

Music & Arts festival, mountain bike challenge this weekend at Loma Alta Park

How come nobody tells us about these things and we have to discover them by accident?

Case in point:  this Sunday, the Altadena Music & Arts Festival will take place at Loma Alta Park from 10 AM-3 PM.  Performers include Sligo Rags, Pirates of the Black Swan, Lance Anderson, Leslie Perry,  Bill Burnett, and many others.  

As well, the Naked Crow Mountain Bike Challenge will take place that day, a fine festival for elite mountain bikers.  SIgn-in starts at 6 AM, race starts at 8 AM, again at Loma Alta Park.

Elliott Caine Sextet at Farnsworth Park summer concert series Sat.

Trumpter Elliott Caine and his sextet headline the Sheriff's Support Group summer concert series at Farnsworth Park this Saturday, July 25, starting at 7 PM.

The Elliott Caine Sextet

Inspired by '60 "Blue Note" style jazz, as well as by the music of Tito Puente and Mongo Santamaria, the Elliott Caine Sextet plays original compositions, as well as the works of Lee Morgan, Hank Mobley, Donald Byrd, et al.

The group's critically acclaimed first release, Orientation, has received generous radio airplay across the USA, being the "#1 most added" for jazz, nationally, for the week of 11/5 to 11/11/99, eventually reaching #29 on national radio's Gavin List in January 2000. Two of Elliott's original compositions from the CD are featured in the film, "Relax...It's Just Sex,” starring Jennifer Tilly, Paul Winfield, and other notables. The film has headlined at many film festivals and has been distributed internationally.

 Le Supercool, the 2nd CD release by the Elliott Caine Sextet, further explores musical ideas initiated with Orientation. Released in early 2001, Le Supercool received impressive notice nationally and internationally, attaining the rank of #14 for radioplay in the USA in early February 2001 (Gavin Jazz List). Additionally, music from Le Supercool has been used as interlude music for radio station WBAI in New York City. Selections from Le Supercool have been played on radio stations in Russia, France, Indonesia, Mexico, Canada and other nations in addition to the USA. Additionally, music from both CDs has been used for television and other "independent" films.

The 3rd CD release from Elliott Caine, "Blues from Mars", from 2006, showcases further compositional development from Elliott as well as the musical cohesiveness of the group. The CD has received enthusiastic reviews from Jazz Times (USA), Swing Journal (Japan), Cadence (Canada), Sonic (Germany), and numerous other print, radio and online sources from around the world. A new CD by the group is being planned.

Open call @ Gallery for Sept. show

Emerging and established artists are invited to an open call at the Gallery at the End of the World, 2475 N. Lake Ave., from noon to 5 p.m. Saturdays through Aug. 1.

Selected artists will display their work in a group show Sept. 3 to 6. All media are welcome. No appointment is necessary, but artists are to bring their portfolios. For more information, call (626) 794-8779 or visit www.galleryattheendoftheworld.com.

You can pick your friends, or you can pick your banjo ...

Bob Stane at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N. Lake,  sends a note that they'll be hosting a free bluegrass jam on Sun., July 12, 12:30-3:30 PM., and will continue the second Sunday of each month.

Pickers and audience members welcome -- no reservation, no cost!  For more information, contact David Naiditch, 626-797-1827, or email at: french10@pacbell.net

Not your grandmother's tea party

Local pottery artist Heather Morrow lets us know of an "invitation-only" event with a conspiratorial twist next Sat., July 18, at Amy's Patio Cafe, 900 E. Altadena Dr.:

"Take the Tea Cup With You Party"

Come, select a hand-made tea cup and enjoy a refreshing cup of tea brewed in tea pots created by the artists at charming Amy’s Patio Café in Altadena.  And after you have enjoyed your tea and other delightful refreshments, you get to take your tea cup with you to enjoy for years to come.

Cost is $35 per person, including tea, refreshments, and the tea cup of your choice, to keep forever.

Participating artists include Morrow and fellow Altadena potter Evan Vieser, as well as Sally Ann Stahl, Celeste Iida, and Chris McCormick.

Here's the conspiratorial twist:

Why a tea party?
Most of the above artist are "covert" potters. During the week we are mild mannered office coordinators, chefs, IT trainers, etc. We dream of the day when we can be just potters. Add the prevailing economic climate and things don't  look too good.  Enter the Covert Potters Association (CPA).

The idea for the "Take Your Tea Cup with You Tea Party" started on a drive back from Phoenix, AZ, after the 2009 National Council for the Education of Ceramic Arts (NCECA) Conference.  Seven hours of driving and a lot of new information in our heads gave us the incentive to take matters into our own hands.  We could hold to the idea that the economy is bad and there's no reason to even try, or we could do something.  Store sales are down and many stores are not buying new/untried stock.  We decided to take our passion for pottery to the people and stage our own events that would, yes, sell our product, but also cultivate a relationship with our customers.

Our first event is this Tea Party.  The ceramic artists putting together this event are filled with passion and excitement, believing that the handmade movement and functional art can enrich our daily lives.  We're creating an event that takes art off the shelf and puts it in your hands to use.  Our hope is that the tea party is filled with good food, laughter and beautiful cups  that will creating an impression that will last a lifetime; as well as creating a connection with our customers that goes beyond the buyer/seller relationship.

There are two seatings: 3:30-4:30 PM, and 5-6 PM.  For reservations and more information, check out their website, http://www.teacupparty.com/

Project: Altadena -- still snappin' away!

PSN's Janette Williams takes note of Project: Altadena -- 100 photographers, 2700 pictures, all ready to capture a month in our town.  They were there on opening day and got quotes and a picture from the lovely Debbi Swanson Patrick.  Molly Tierney at Photography by Walt tells us that there are still some cameras left, and Altadenablog is happy to tell you that we still have a couple of cameras we are willing to give for free to some deserving young person who otherwise might not be able to participate (write us!)  We're really looking forward to seeing how this project spools out (and yes, we're already taking pictures!).

Project: Altadena starts today!

Today is the start of "Project: Altadena," a group photography project chronicling a month in the life of our town.  100 disposable cameras will be going out starting today.  Here's what Molly Tierney of Photography by Walt, 2455 N. Lake,  has to say about it:

Disposable camera?? I know, I know we live in a digital world these days, but put it aside for a day and get back to the basics. With a disposable camera you don't have the instant gratification that we get from technology so now you must plan out every shot!

FIRST 100 PARTICIPANTS!!

The only criteria is that you must live in Altadena.

Cameras will be available at Photography by Walt July 1st
I will open early on July 1st at 8:00 am

Normal Business hours are Tue-Fri 10:00-5:30 and Sat 10:00-4:00
(Sat studio may have on location appointments so you may call 626 797 7207)

Cost $20.00

Last day to drop off cameras is Friday July 31st

The show will be hosted in Altadena on Saturday September 5th in conjunction with other fine events from The Altadena Arts Coalition and the local businesses.

2700 Photos!!!

NOTE: Altadenablog has paid for a limited number of cameras to go to people (such as area youth) who otherwise wouldn't be able to participate.  Know someone deserving?  Drop us a line at altadenablog@gmail.com

Darrell Lauer in recital, Beckett Hall, Sunday matinee

 Edward and I would love to see you and share this wonderful music with you in the intimacy of our living room, 1051 E. Altadena Drive (opposite St. Mark's School).

 

2:30 pm curtain--New York tenor Darrell Lauer in Recital, specialist in German/Italian/French art songs and American works + Southern California's Twyla Meyer, pianist and accompanist par excellence

 

Bring an appetizer/munchie to share at Intermission and cash donation for the performers.  CDs will be on sale--checks are acceptable for CD purchase.  Those who RSVP will have reserved seating on a first come first served basis.

 

You will have the most delightful time being up close and personal with these world-class performers and Edward and I will love greeting you! 

Questions/RSVP  626-791-7953 sharon@beckettstudio.com   Please feel free to bring friends.

 

Warm regards, Sharon Bailey-Beckett

"Wet metal" -- an excerpt

Altadena novelist and food writer Michelle Hunevan has an exerpt from her new novel in LA Weekly.  The story takes place in the  jail of the Altadena Sheriff's Station (of course, the jail hasn't actually been used in years, and there's no basement at the Sheriff's Station, but that's why it's fiction, ain't it?)