altadenablog

Gothard Art Open Studio Sun.

Something for the weekend:

Gothard Art Presents The Fifth Annual Open Studio
215 Laurel Drive, Altadena, CA 91001

Sunday, Oct 12, 2008
11 AM to 6PM

Featuring Mary’s Photographs and Patrick’s new paintings

Live Jazz by Robert Kyle & Friends

Come and enjoy an afternoon of fabulous art with great live music in the tranquil foothill setting of Altadena. Browse while you listen and enjoy the delicious food and drink .

We look forward to seeing you. Invite a friend.
Music: 1PM to 4PM

"Monster drawing rally" at Farnsworth Oct. 12

Yes, it's close to Halloween, but this has nothing to do with drawing actual monsters ...

Outpost for Contemporary Art is pleased to announce Monster Drawing Rally on October 12, 2008, from 3pm-7pm at the William D. Davies Memorial Building in Farnsworth Park in Altadena.

The event will consist of four one-hour shifts with approximately 25 artists drawing simultaneously each hour. Audiences will have the rare opportunity to watch art come to life and purchase completed drawings for $75 each. Admission is $10 and up.

Going to pot

PSN's Michelle Mills, aka "Adventure Girl" or "Fun 101 Grrrl" or Doo-Dah Princess or whatever she's calling herself these days, is doing Raku at the Gallery at the End of the World this week with artist David Lovejoy.

Gallery at the End of the World salon next Sunday, Sept. 28

Gallery at the End of the World is holding its monthly Sunday Salon next week, and here's the details:

ARTISTS-- the Sunday Salon is one of the newer ventures we've established up here at the Gallery At The End Of The World.

Part Art Show / part Workshop & Networking Event, the Sunday Salon is designed for artists to come up, show their work, hang out with other artists and swap info about techniques, tactics, other upcoming arts events, etc. In addition to all the GATEotw's regular artists, we also invite ALL artists to be a part. It's a fun introduction to the Gallery At The End Of The World universe. We also invite a select list of art lovers, collectors, gallery owners, interior designers, appraisers, etc, so that you can actually SELL your work at the salon, too, and/or get picked up for additional shows at some of the other galleries we work with.

TO SHOW ART AT THE SUNDAY SALON:
-next salon is Sunday, September 28, 12noon-dusk
-show up at 11am with the work you intend to show; make sure it is ready to hang; the gallery can provide hammer, nails, screws, and other wall hardware
-$20 co-op fee to reserve display space for the day, plus 20% of sales to the gallery (co-op fee helps pay for cashier, security, catering, vino, etc)
-our friendly cashier will handle all sales transactions for you; all sales proceeds will be waiting in an envelope for you at the end of the day

GALLERY AT THE END OF THE WORLD
Sunday, September 28, noon-dusk (artists hang work 11am)
2475 N. Lake Ave., Altadena 91001
626-794-8779
www.galleryattheendoftheworld.com
myspace.com/galleryattheendoftheworld

"Altadena Lane" is Coffee Gallery/Whitcomb TV project

Altadena's ex-pop star and man-about-town Ian Whitcomb announced that the Coffee Gallery Backstage will be producing "Altadena Lane," a TV program taking advantage of the talent that appears in that local venue.

Whitcomb told Altadenablog that six episodes of the "Tonight Show"-style program will be produced, starting in October, and will be shopped around to see if there's interest.  Whitcomb will host and lead the house band, with guests being the artists who appear at Coffee Gallery. 

Artist: Chris Mathis

Via Mike of Cafe Pasadena, check out this website from Altadena artist Chris Mathis.

Munyungo!

(We just like saying that out loud.  Try it!)

A steamy night at Farnsworth Park became steamier with the Latin jazz of Munyungo appearing as part of the summer concert series.  During the set we sat in, we heard Weather Report, Charile Parker, and Miles Davis classics with a Latin tinge. 

Bandleader Darryl Munyngo Jackson sets the beat.

A great part of this band was that the melody was carried -- not by the usual instruments, such as a horn or electric guitar -- but by an amplified violin.

Photos by Bill Westphal (who else?)

Gothard Art Open Studio Oct. 12

Sounds like a pleasant Sunday afternoon in the fall:

Gothard Art Presents The Fifth Annual Open Studio
215 Laurel Drive, Altadena, CA 91001

Sunday, Oct 12, 2008
11 AM to 6PM

Featuring Mary’s Photographs and Patrick’s new paintings

Live Jazz by Robert Kyle & Friends

Come and enjoy an afternoon of fabulous art with great live music in the tranquil foothill setting of Altadena. Browse while you listen and enjoy the delicious food and drink .

We look forward to seeing you. Invite a friend.
Music: 1PM to 4PM

Another iPhone sketch

Another sketch of Altadena life made on an iPhone, this time by Steph Kardos.

(We've featured Steph's work before on his regular sketchblog).

We hear you can also make phone calls on these things. They've gone about as far as they can go.

Salon this Sunday at the Gallery at the End of the World

Altadena's boho art spot is becoming more popular than ever, and sent this message on the Pasadena Culture listserv:

Artists-- the Sunday Salon is one of the newer ventures we've established up here at the Gallery At The End Of The World.

Part Art Show / part Workshop & Networking Event, the Sunday Salon is designed for artists to come up, show their work, hang out with other artists and swap info about techniques, tactics, other upcoming arts events, etc. In addition to all the GATEotw's regular artists, we also invite ALL artists to be a part. It's a fun introduction to the Gallery At The End Of The World universe.

We also invite a select list of art lovers, collectors, gallery owners, interior designers, appraisers, etc, so that you can actually SELL your work at the salon, too, and/or get picked up for additional shows at some of the other galleries we work with.

TO SHOW ART AT THE SUNDAY SALON:
-next salon is Sunday, August 31st, 12noon-dusk
-show up at 11am with the work you intend to show; make sure it is ready to hang; the gallery can provide hammer, nails, screws, and other wall hardware
-$20 co-op fee to reserve display space for the day, plus 20% of sales to the gallery
-our friendly cashier will handle all sales transactions for you; all sales proceeds will be waiting in an envelope for you at the end of the day

GALLERY AT THE END OF THE WORLD
Sunday, August 31, noon-dusk (artists hang work 11am)
2475 N. Lake Ave., Altadena 91001
626-794-8779
www.galleryattheendoftheworld.com
myspace.com/galleryattheendoftheworld

Munyungo Latin Jazz@ Farnsworth Aug. 30

The Farnsworth Park Summer Concert Series continues Sat. with Munyungo, at 7 PM in the amphitheater:

DARRYL MUNYUNGO JACKSON

Seasoned percussionist Darryl Munyungo Jackson possesses an ever-increasing collection of instruments with which to execute his craft. That is one of the reasons this warm & unassuming West Coast artist can be found in virtually any musical setting—whether it’s Funk, Pop, Jazz, Latin, Reggae, or traditional dance music of such countries as Nigeria, Senegal, Ghana, Haiti, Brazil & Cuba.

Despite his youthful appearance, Munyungo is no newcomer: in his over thirty years of playing, he has developed an awesome versatility & became a well-respected & much requested session, concert & tour player. He has performed with Miles Davis, Stevie Wonder, Sting, Kenny Loggins, Herbie Hancock, Dianne Reeves, the Zawinul Syndicate, George Howard, Ronnie Laws, The Temptations, Four Tops, The Supremes, Bennie Maupin, Bill Summers, Marcus Miller, & dozens of others, including numerous ethnic music & dance troupes.

Munyungo’s passion for the timbales was only the beginning. From that point, he made the natural progression to Congas, Bongos, Latin Percussion & beyond, eventually to religious Bata Drumming & numerous drums & percussion from many different cultures.

Subsequently, he met & worked with traditional drummers from Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, China & Japan resulting in a collection of over four hundred percussion instruments & drums from all over the world — all of which he plays proficiently.

Why that name? On several occasions, he performed with some players from Africa & the Caribbean, who would shout “Munyungo!” (Which is a Zulu word meaning “door” or “entrance”) to cheer him on as he played — and it wasn’t long before the word attached to him as a nickname. Now, for him, the name means “Gateway to Heaven.”

Munyungo is deeply committed to understanding — & keeping alive — the tradition surrounding the instruments he plays. “It’s hard to study drums without studying the cultures from which they come,” he points out. This respectfulness seasons his playing with hearty passion & enjoyment.

For series information visit: www.altadenasheriffs.blogspot.com or call; 626-296-2103

Smooth jazz in the night ...

... at last night's Farnsworth Park concert series, with the Robert Pope Ensemble's tribute to singer Benson Brown. Photos by Bill Westphal and us ...

Singer Robbie Brown takes control.

Hot sax and cool vibes make an exciting mix

Robert Pope lays down the bottom of a tasty musical dish.

Classical and Americana music at Beckett Hall Aug. 24

The promising new Beckett Hall concert series from Bright Moments in a Common Place will hold an exciting gathering next Sun., Aug. 24.  Artist Edward Beckett and his wife, Sharon, hold the concerts at their gracious home at 1051 E. Altadena Dr., two blocks east of Lake at Maiden Ln. 

Sharon tells Altadenablog they are privileged to host these two wonderful performers in separate performances that day:

Classical Music Radio Personality Laura Brodian: Laura shares a wonderfully fun and beautiful hour of beloved classical hits in her inimitable style. Dr. Laura Brodian Freas is a voiceover artist and classical music personality on radio station KCSN in Los Angeles. During your life, you also may have heard her at WFIUI, Bloomington, Indiana, KQED–FM San Francisco, KUSC, Los Angeles, and KMZT, Los Angeles. She is the voice of Delta Jazz for Delta Airlines.

An avid costumer, dancer in the English Regency style, science fiction artist and early music expert, Laura is the widow of Frank Kelly Freas, illustrator for MAD magazine, NASA and hailed the “Dean of Science Fiction Artists”.

Americana / Country Singer & Songwriter Brad Colerick: Colerick’s music blends Americana, Folk and Country to create smooth, catchy melodies that seep into your heart with a single listen. Brad Colerick’s finely wrought, plainspoken lyrics find the poetry in everyday language to celebrate the often forgotten moments that make life worth living.

While Colerick’s friends add plenty of sparkle to Lines in The Dirt, it’s the songs that make the album memorable. Colerick’s understated delivery and beautiful melodies reveal new levels of emotional complexity with every listen. It’s a deep, rich album -- a welcome addition to the canon of great American music.  www.bradcolerick.com

$10 per person suggested donation--all monies in the fish bowl go to the performers.

Come for one or both performances.

3:15 – 4 and 5 - 6 PM Food: bring a munchie to share with your friends, as well as your favorite beverage. Non-alcoholic punch and finger food buffet will be provided.

Please email or phone in your seat reservation—seats are reserved until 15 minutes before the event begins.

Beckett Hall--yellow and green historic house on the corner of Maiden Lane and Altadena Drive—Parking on Altadena Drive or Maiden Lane—Please RSVP—626-791-7954 x11 Sharon  sharonb@beckettadvisors.com.  Map: http://www.beckettadvisors.com/mapenlarge.html

What can't Keni do with an iPhone?

Keni Davis, who does the new-to-me art blog Plein Air XTreme, actually did this sketch on his iPhone while visiting the Altadena Library.  Keni has very interesting ideas about the value of sketching in public.  (We love artists who do their thing in public -- painters, musicians performers, etc.) Do visit the site of this very talented Altadena artist -- we like it a lot!

Snortland kills 'em in NYC

... Ellen Snortland, that is, of Altadena, whom we know from her work at the PWeekly.  She's performing her one-woman play at the NY International Fringe Festival in the Big Apple, and got his great review. (BTW -- Ellen's working on a film, too!)

(Monica Hubbard keeps 'em rolling in!)

Drawing a bead on beads

The Pasadena Hilton will be hosting the Pasadena Bead and Design Show today thru the weekend.  Altadena bead designer Delia Traister of Phoenix Rizing is featured in this story by Robert Hong for the SGV Tribune.

Benson Brown & Pope Ensemble at Farnsworth Sat.

Benson Brown & the Robert Pope Ensemble will be the featured artists at Satuday's Concert in the Park at Farnsworth, starting at 7 PM.

Benson Brown's musical career spans a period of 40 years. His vocal stylings encompass a variety of musical idioms such as ballads and show tunes tastefully laced with jazz, R & B and gospel.

His early professional career began with singing on the piano bar circuit at various supper clubs and dinner houses on the West Coast from San Diego to San Francisco. During an engagement on the Sunset Strip in Hollywood he met Jimmy Rowles, a renowned jazz pianist and was invited to sing with him at Sherry's on the Strip, a popular jazz nightspot.

While enjoying a successful stint with Jimmy Rowles, he was heard by Louie Belson who invited him to appear with his big band at the Hollywood Palladium and various theatres in New York City.

Benson, being an accomplished pianist himself, later formed a jazz trio called Feva. He again had success playing such popular nightspots as Joan Rivers' "Ye Little Club," the National Playboy Club circuit and several European tours.

His latest endeavor is based on the nostalgic premise of bringing back the beautiful music from the 40's, 50's and 60's by such vocal icons as Nat King Cole, Billy Eckstine and Johnny Hartman, while using his own vocal stylings and interpretations. Benson Brown is a new millennium balladeer with his roots· firmly embedded in the rich sounds of jazz from a kinder, cooler, gentler time.

Robert Pope started studying and playing the upright bass in New York City in the 1960s. He studied with Ron Carter and Cecil McBee. His first professional gig was in 1965 with the original Inkspots, led by Deek Watson.

He was also a member of the Jazz Mobile Band in New York City in the late '60s. He led several groups and freelanced until 1990, when he returned to his hometown, Pasadena, Calif.

He attended Pasadena Community College's Jazz Program and played in the Studio Jazz Band and the Pasadena Community Orchestra.

Prior to forming Sounds of Jazz Quintet, he freelanced in the Los Angles area. He played the WorId Stage several times with his band, and his group played three years in a row on the Jazz Caravan. He and his band also played at the Temecula Jazz Festival and at Club 322. Today, he freelances around the Los Angeles area and performs with singer Benson Brown.

Louis Van Taylor rocks the house

Last night's Farnsworth Park concert series with Louis Van Taylor and his group featured smokin' jazz and ended up with everyone dancing in the aisles.  Altadenablog had to leave early, but we did sit through a hot remake of Miles Davis' So What.  Next week, Benson Brown & the Robert Pope Ensemble.

Photos by the ubiquitous Bill Westphal.
 

Jazz in space?

Two fun things to do tonight that won't cost a thing:

• Go to Farnsworth Park for the Sheriff's Support Group Concert in the Park, starting at 7 PM, and enjoy the jazz sounds of Louis Van Taylor and his group.
• Then start looking at the northwest horizon about 8:10 PM for a passover of the International Space Station.  ISS should be overhead about 8:12 PM.

Louis Van Taylor at Farnsworth Concert Series Sat., Aug. 9

The Sheriff's Support Group of Altadena presents Louis Van Taylor this Sat., Aug. 9, starting at 7 PM at Farnsworth Park in the annual Summer Concert Series.

Louis Van Taylor's musical influences can be traced to his parent’s appreciation of jazz, ranging from the likes of Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Lionel Hampton, Dinah Washington, Sarah Vaughn and Dizzy Gillespie.

Louis spent his first eleven years of growth in the private and public schools of Salt Lake City, Utah, enjoying the sounds of classical music and his father’s choice of Miles Davis’ "Sketches of Spain" and Cannonball's and John Coltrane's duet recordings chiming throughout the family's home.

Though interested in learning the violin, upon leaving Utah and arriving in Los Angeles during the late 60’s, Louis Taylor Sr. encouraged his son to pursue a wind instrument. His junior high school teacher at Foshay, Mrs. Bicknell, provided her students an opportunity to try out all the instruments: woodwinds, brass and percussion, before choosing the instrument of their liking. Louis’ choice was the B-flat soprano clarinet and in less than two weeks the bass clarinet.

After a brief stay in Los Angeles the Taylor Family moved to Pasadena, where Louis upon hearing a friend’s rendition of "Wade in The Water," on the tenor saxophone, made a change. From stage bands to a top-40 band, Louis abandoned the bass clarinet for the tenor, nurtured by the sounds Eddie Harris, John Coltrane, Stanley Turrentine, Wilton Felder, Junior Walker, Jimmy Heath, Joe Henderson, Eric Dolphy and the like.

With private study and mentorship from Warne Marsh, the LB West Coffee House early morning jams with drummer Candy Finch, Charles Owens, Bill Greene, Buddy Collete, and a dear friend Gary Hammon, the lure of mastery was on.

He attended CSLA for his bachelor degree in Music and private study through the Berkley School of Music Correspondence course while a member of the Ray Charles orchestra. Now adding all the saxophones and woodwinds to his arsenal, Louis has been much sought after with the likes of his first professional job with the Temptations featuring Dennis Edwards and Otis Williams, a twenty year association and employment with Ray Charles, to the Gap Band, Kool and the Gang, Gerald Wilson, Jimmie and Jeannie Cheatham, Maxine Weldon, Charles Wright, Eric Benet, Carl Thomas and many esteemed others.

www.louisvantaylor.com

Music of India @ Folly Bowl Aug. 23

The Folly Bowl is an only-in-Altadena attraction, and here's what's coming up:

CALCUTTA TO CALIFORNIA - JUGALBANDI ENSEMBLE

PARTHO SARATHY PAUL LIVINGSTONE ABHIJIT BANAJE

Sarod Sitar Tabla

Presented by Sangeet School of Music, Los Angeles
at the FOLLY BOWL
1601 E. Loma Alta Drive, Altadena, Ca 91001
August 23 2008, 7.30 pm, doors open 7 pm

Suggested donation $15, $10 students

Partho Sarathy is one of the finest classical musicians from India and a disciple of the legendary Pandit Ravi Shankar. His music embodies the true heritage of Hindustani raga music. His virtuosity on the sarod makes his exploration of ragas an exercise in harmony, tranquility and his serious meditative approach makes his music literally soar to unscaled height of fulfillment. Partho is based in Calcutta, the cultural mecca of India. He has been performing for the last 30 years in India and all over the world and will be in residence in Los Angeles this fall in collaboration with the Sangeet School of World Music and undertaking a west coast tour with the Calcutta to California Jugalbandi Ensemble.

Paul Livingstone has studied sitar rigorously for the past 22 years in India & US. Also a disciple of Ravi Shankar, Paul is also a composer and educator and has performed around US, Europe, Latin America, South East Asia & India. Paul began his studies of Hindustani music at the age of 15 and has also learned from Amiya Dasgupta & Rajeev Taranath as he contiuenes to study rigorously, teach, record new music and perform.

Abhijit Banerjee is one of the most sought after creative artists in the realm of Indian classical music. He has accompanied nearly all the top ranking luminaries of Indian classical music including Pt.Ravi Shankar, late Pt.Nikhil Banerjee, Begum Parweena Sultana, Pt.Jasraj, Pt Shiv Kumar Sharma, Dr. Balamurali Krishnan to name a few. As a tabla soloist he has also made his mark in numerous performances including the prestigious National Program this summer 2008.

Bring a pillow, a picnic if you like, and a sweater. Rain cancels.

Directions: From 110 fwy: Go to end and proceed up Arroyo Blvd, Turn left on Green, right on Lake. Turn right on Altadena and left on Porter. Entrance is at Porter and Loma Alta, park on street.

From 134 fwy: Exit at Lake Ave, go north towards mountains. Turn right on Altadena and left on Porter. Entrance is at Porter and Loma Alta, park on street.

Tickets on sale for Maya Angelou tribute

Tickets go on sale today for "The Wisdom in Your Wings: A Poetic Tribute to Dr. Maya Angelou," a theatrical piece by Altadena's poet laureate Marsha L. Thompson.  The performance will be Nov. 7-9 at Davies Auditorium in Farnsworth Park.  TIckets are on sale at Instruments of Praise, 2010 N. Lincoln Ave., Pasadena, and Jaed's Bookstore, 1920 N. Lake Ave. Atladena.  For more information, contact CODi Entertainment, 626-398-9901.

McGinty's full weekend

McGinty's Gallery at the End of the World, 2475 N. Lake Ave., has a full weekend schedule: First Friday Art Club will be held 7PM-1 AM Fri, Performers include The Sundowners, Almase Arabesque and Rick Sarabia, as well as refreshments. Admission is $5.

On Saturday, bring a dish to share for the potluck barbecue, open mic and Foothills Artwalk from noon to 10 p.m.  On Sun., mimosa and bloody mary brunch from 12-6 PM, with a group show featuring more than 25 area artists.  Admission to these events is free.

Huang's "Impressions of Sozhou" premieres at Huntington

Altadena composer Joan Huang attended the premiere of her work, "Impressions of Suzhou," as part of the Huntington Library's summer concert series.  Huang, who grew up in Shanghai, wrote the piece to commemorate the gardens of Sozhou, China, where her grandparents are buried.  It was a fitting premiere to celebrate the library's beautiful new Chinese Garden (Altadenablog's a big fan of the Huntington).  PSN has a glowing piece on Huang today.

John McEuen @ Coffee Gallery July 31

For only $20, you can hear a legend in a small space, so what's stopping you?  The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band's prime mover in a solo show, 8 PM, these always sell out.  Reservations 398-7917.

Also, Jack Tempchin (a blast from Altadenablog's past) will be appearing Aug. 9, for $15.  And yes, his website is www.peacefuleasyfeeling.com

Richard Davies: art and science

Bringing you tomorrow's news today, PSN profiles Richard Davies, former JPL-er and now astronomical artist.  Davies is presently showing at the Armory as part of the Zorthian/Feynman exhibit, and will be displaying artwork for sale at McGinty's on Thursday.

McGinty's Salon on Sunday

McGinty's Gallery at the End of the World, 2475 N. Lake Ave., will hold its monthly Sunday Salon from noon to dusk Sunday.  Browse and buy work by established and emerging artists in a range of media. Many of the artists will be on hand.

Admission is free.

For more information, call (626) 794-8779, or visit www.galleryattheendoftheworld.com

Five Acres' art therapy

Whittier Daily News has a piece on Altadena's Five Acres program, using art as a way for the kids to get the healing they need.  Altadena artist Leigh Adams took on six kids, teaching them the art of mosaic for a project for Five Acres.

Zorthian/Feynman panel at Armory Sunday

Panel Discussion on Jirayr Zorthian / Richard Feynman exhibition
at the  Armory Center for the Arts
Sunday, July 13, 2 p.m.

A panel discussion about the exhibition “Jirayr Zorthian / Richard Feynman: A Conversation in Art” will take place in the Caldwell Gallery at the Armory Center for the Arts Sunday, July 13, at 2 p.m. Panelists will include: Michelle Feynman, the authority on her father, Richard Feynman’s, art; Seyburn Zorthian, a respected practicing artist and an expert on the art of her father, Jirayr Zorthian; and Richard Davies, a physicist, painter, and close friend of both Richard Feynman and Jirayr Zorthian. Davies’ exhibition is also on view at the Armory. Jay Belloli, curator of the exhibition and Gallery Director at the Armory, will serve as moderator. Admission to the panel discussion is free.

The Zorthian /; Feynman exhibition will be on view through August 31, and documents one of the most famous and unusual artist and scientist friendships in the history of Southern California, that between artist and public personality Jirayr H. Zorthian and Caltech Nobel Laureate physicist Richard P. Feynman. A color-illustrated catalogue has been published by the Armory in connection with the exhibition. This exhibition is made possible by a generous grant from the Pasadena Art Alliance.

The Armory is located at 145 North Raymond Avenue, Pasadena, and the gallery is open Tuesday – Sunday, noon-5 p.m. Admission is free. The Armory is easily accessible from the Gold Line Memorial Park Station in Pasadena. For information about Armory exhibitions and events, the public may call 626.792.5101 x122, or visit the Armory website at www.armoryarts.org

Coffee Gallery online!

The Coffee Gallery has a spiffy new website, and is inaugurating something cool tomorrow night at 7 PM!  Here's the announcement:

 

“WEBCAST LAUNCH PARTY”

with

IAN WHITCOMB & FRIENDS

at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena; reserv, 626-398-7917. Includes dinner. It’s an invitation (reservations required) to be a guest of The Coffee Gallery  and The Coffee Gallery Backstage’s new multicamera internet web video simulcast operators, and along the way, to help launch the new Coffee Gallery “front stage” website,

www.funkylittlecoffeehouse.com

. Mirror Image Sound Studios, in the same building, will host free tours of their facility. DINNER AND SHOW ARE FREE, with reservation, to help celebrate something that’s been in the works for a long time.

Bob Stane says:  I think "dinner" is a bit overstated as Larry Wines has not eaten for about a week and the usual snacks and beverages of our Open Houses takes on  exaggerated importance in his mind.  Larry has been known to sing for a Kosher hot dog, on a bun with no mustard.  An ugly thing to witness as he sang while eating.  Anyway, calories will be dispensed and a reservation is suggested.  Although there will be no admission charge, a small container will be there and we hope to collect a tiny amount of cash
for "gas money" for Ian and The Boys.  Think of it as a "rent party" but for petroleum.  A hint of things to come.

Phone For Reservations:  (626) 398-7917. 

Down Beat Express at Farnsworth Park Sat. 7 PM

The Altadena Sheriff's Station annual concert series at Farnsworth Park continues Saturday with the Down Beat Express Big Band.

The Down Beat Express Big Band was founded in Pasadena twenty-five years ago by saxophonist Safford Chamberlain. Pat Emmett took the baton a year later. Since then, the band has played dozens of gigs from park concerts to wedding receptions to stage shows and jazz festivals.

In '07 for instance, in addition to the Farnsworth Park Concert, and private functions, the band performed at "Two-Strike Park" in LaCrescenta, The Sun City Theater in Palm Desert where it headlined "The Veterans' Day Salute Stage Show", and at the "Orange County Live Music Festival" in Anaheim.

Saturday's performance features the band's popular vocal star Jennifer Gates. John Noreyko will be our male vocalist for the 'Salute to Sinatra' set. John is a staff performer at Disneyland, tours parts of the U.S. annually, and does his 'Sinatra Sings' show in various L.A. area Clubs. Daveena Limonick will also perform on the ‘Sinatra Set’. She has performed with the Downbeat Express over they last two years at Farnsworth Park.

CD's will be available for purchase at the concert, and admission is free.

It's a Zorthian kind of day

PSN's Larry Wilson reminds us that the Armory Center for the Arts' exhibition, "Jirayr Zorthian/Richard Feynman, A Conversation in Art," opens next week. 

Besides being a rare exhibition of Zorthian's work and an even rarer exhibition of Nobel Prize winner Feynman's art, there's another artist on display:  retired JPL'er and Altadenan Richard Davies, who will present six paintings of freewheeling galaxies in space.  Gotta go!

Drive all night

Everlast, another musician that Altadenablog's never heard of, talks about driving all night and his creative process -- starting from his hom here in Altadena.

Feynman & Zorthian: art meets science, science meets art

Arroyo Monthly is a high-end yet free magazine that you can find around Altadena and Pasadena.  (Judging by the advertising, it's apparently aimed at people who are obsessed with their bodies and their kitchens.)  Anyway, in the June issue (not yet online) there's a nice piece by Jenine Baines about two area originals:  Altadena artistic legend Jirayr Zorthian and Nobel Prize winner  Richard Feynman (who is buried in Mountain View Cermetery).

The two men shared a friendship and were mutual students of each other.  It's all part of a Zorthian retrospective at the Armoey Center for the Arts, which runs from June 29-Aug. 31.  It's the first major exhibition of Zorthian's paintings, drawings, and architectural designs in over 50 years.  Worth checking out.

Millard Canyon

Check out the painting at this blog by artist Alex Schaefer of our local landmark.

Because I could not stop for death ...

PSN's Larry Wilson has a wonderful tribute to Aladena's late poet laureate, Jean Burden.  Fun fact: she was the poetry editor for Yankee magazine, which celebrates all things New England, for over half a century.  And she was doing it from her Altadena home!

Coffee Gallery holds music ed fundraiser May 27

Jaamoo.com hosts a benefit at Coffee Gallery this month:

Jaamoo is proud to present its inaugural MUSIC MOOVES benefit event to raise money for music and music education. The event will take place on Tuesday, May 27th, starting at 7pm at the Coffee Gallery/Coffee Gallery Backstage in Altadena, CA.

The event will feature:

Performances by some top LA-based musical artists

Silent auction that will include some rare music memorabilia

Raffles and giveaways

Acoustic side stage performances

Performances by up-and-coming area music students

Admission to the Backstage performances are $15, with all other activities being FREE.

Get the details here.

It's probably already sold out, but ...

... it may be worth a try:

Thursday, May 1
8:00 P.M.
JOHN McEUEN with Matt Cartsonis and Nathan McEuen

The Coffee Gallery
Altadena, CA
2029 Lake Ave.
Altadena, CA
Reservations suggested: 626 398 7917
http://www.coffeegallery.com/

Jazz singer holds forth at Cal State Fullerton

CSF's Daily Titan has a great story about Grammy-winning jazz singer (and former Altadenan) Carmen Bradford, who recently gave a concert and master class at the school.

JAED Bookstore hosts Frederick Williams April 19

Monica Hubbard, who always has her finger on the pulse of the community, sends us this:

You are cordially invited to attend a wine and cheese book release party for San Antonio based author Frederick Williams. His new novel Just Loving You is due to be released on April 19, and our customers will have the first opportunity to review and purchase this phenomenal novel that actually takes place right here in Pasadena, California. Frederick, who spent 15 years in Pasadena, and graduated from John Muir High School, spent last summer in our city to write this wonderful story.

The event will be on April 19, from 2-5 PM at JAED Bookstore, 1920 N. Lake Avenue, Suite #104, Altadena, California 91001.

Please come out to meet and greet Frederick and welcome him back to Pasadena.

Thompson named poet laureate; celebrate with cookies!

From our friends at the Altadena Library.  In fact, it's from the Friends of the Altadena Library:

The Friends of the Altadena Library will sponsor its sixth annual Poetry & Cookies celebration on Saturday April 19 at 2 pm. This event will feature the crowning of the Poet Laureate for Altadena Library, May 2008 through April 2010, Marcia L. Thompson. 

Miss Thompson, who serves as literacy coordinator for Head Start Escalon in Altadena, was chosen for this honor by the library’s Poet Laureate Committee.  She will be the second person to hold this position.  The library’s first poet laureate, Ralph Lane, passed away last year. 

Those attending this delightful program will have the chance to meet and hear poets from Altadena and the surrounding area read their poetry.   There will also be a drawing for two poetry baskets filled with items that poets or poetry lovers might enjoy.  Past attendees have commented on what an “inspiring and fun event” this free program has been.  Following the main readings, there will be an open mike and a poet’s corner where poets may share their poetry publications and offer them for purchase.   

The library’s 2008 edition of Poetry and Cookies, a compilation of poetry by local poets will also be available for sale at the event.   The library is located at 600 East Mariposa Street, Altadena.     For more information please call 626-798-0833 or check the library’s website at www.altadenalibrary.org.

An island of treasure surrounded by asphalt

Dave Ocker's Mixed Meters blog has a photo essay of a vernacular art treasure: the FotoBuster kiosk in the parking lot at the shopping center at Lake and Altadena Drive.  We've passed by it many times and never realized its bizarre uniqueness!

Boho weekend at the Gallery

McGinty's Gallery at the End of the World will have its First Friday Art Club on April 4, 7 PM - 1 AM .  Five bucks gives you art, live bands, dancers, and refreshments.  Foothills Artwalk is on Saturday, noon to 10 PM: potluck barbecue and open mike (free).  Mimosa and Bloody Mary Sunday brunch noon-6 PM April 6, free (free?).  More info:  626-794-8779    or www.galleryattheendoftheworld.com    

Altadena-based composer wins composition prize

Patricio da Silva of Altadena has won the second annual International Barto Prize for his composition, "Three Movements for PIano."  The $5,000 biennial prize is for works written for solo piano and based on a poem.  Da Silva, a native of Portugal, based his piece on a work of Fernando Pessoa, Portugal's greatest poet.

The work was performed by Tzimon Barto at two concerts over the weekend at Eustis, Fla.

Says Barto:

"It is very kinetic," Barto said. "It's a brilliant piece. The first and third movements are extremely energetic, very sophisticated. The second movement is very beautiful, like a cloud of harmonies."

Get the details at the Orlando Sentinel.

"Bright Moments" features Scottish fiddling April 5

We've attended the Zinks' "Bright Moment in a Common Place" house concerts off and on for awhile, and had to drop out due to kids (!)  Happy to see that they're still going strong.

April 5-Saturday night at Beckett Hall

Edward and Sharon Beckett are honored to host Two-time National Scottish Fiddling Champion Colyn Fischer and Pianist Shauna Pickett-Gordon, co-founder of the Scottish Fiddlers of Los Angeles and the Peninsula Scottish Fiddlers in a House Concert on Saturday night, April 5 at 7:45 PM (house opens at 7 PM)

Another in the Bright Moment in a Common Place series of house concerts in fine Altadena homes.

$12 suggested donation at door.
100% of all donations go to the artists.
The house is happy to host the event at no charge.

Bring munchies to share at Intermission.

1051 E. Altadena Dr.  Altadena, CA  91001
626-791-7954 x 11 RSVP to reserve your seat.