Eureka Day stirs the Playhouse

Good morning, Pasadena. This is News N’ Roses—the newsletter that brings you fun and holds the drama. Unless it’s theatre!

In Today’s News N’ Roses:

• Eureka Day at the Playhouse

• New Pasadena Merch Store

• Events This Wednesday & Thursday

• Updates on Save the Dates!

• Live Music Lowdown

Let’s get to it.

—Matthew Ramirez

Happy belated birthday Gigi! 🎂

THE DIGEST

Eureka Day at the Playhouse

The Tony-winning satire Eureka Day is now playing at Pasadena Playhouse through Oct. 5. Set at a progressive Berkeley school, it starts with well-meaning consensus politics… until a mumps outbreak pushes the community into chaos. It’s sharp, funny, and uncomfortably relatable.

🍷 Tonight’s preview includes “Wine Wednesday,” with complimentary wine before the 8 p.m. show.

This show also marks a milestone: the Playhouse’s first season since regaining ownership of their historic campus after more than 50 years. A little history, a lot of laughs, and plenty to think about. Get tickets here.

New Pasadena Merch Store

If you haven’t heard about Visit Pasadena, they’re the folks who promote our city as a destination for visitors and events. Now they’ve taken it a step further by launching their first official online merch store with Pasadena-inspired gear like totes, stickers, water bottles, and t-shirts.

The launch also kicks off Threads of Pasadena, a collab series with local makers. First up is Pasadena CLSC (pronounced “classic”), founded by the grandson of Mack Robinson and great-nephew of Jackie Robinson. Their “Smell the Roses” line includes sweatshirts, tees, socks, and hats with artwork by Dennis Robinson.

You can shop online or stop by the Visitor Center at 300 E. Green St. to pick something up in person.

@NEWSN_ROSES

📷@therbac📍The Rose Bowl Aquatic Center
Tag @newn_roses to get your photos in New N’ Roses!

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Wednesday

• ☀️ CCID End of Summer Celebration: Caltech’s Center for Inclusion & Diversity is wrapping up summer with food, games, and community before the school year kicks off. A relaxed way to connect and recharge on campus. Wednesday, September 10 from 12PM–1:30PM.

• 🏅 Pasadena Rotary Weekly Meeting & Courage Awards: This week’s Rotary gathering at the University Club includes the L.A. County District Attorney’s Courage Awards—honoring individuals who rose to the occasion in extraordinary moments of crisis. Wednesday, September 10 at 12PM.

• 🌟 America’s Got Talent Live Taping: The hit competition continues at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium. See the judges Simon Cowell, Sofía Vergara, Mel B, and Howie Mandel, along with host Terry Crews, and jaw-dropping performances up close in this live studio experience. Tuesday, September 9 at 2:30PM.

• 🐶 Barks & Books with Sawyer: Kids can spend a cozy afternoon reading aloud to Sawyer, a gentle therapy dog who makes storytime stress-free and fun. A warm way to build confidence with a furry friend by their side. Wednesday, September 10 from 4:30PM–5:30PM.

• 🌱 Green Teens at Sierra Madre Library: A chance for teens to connect, volunteer, and learn while earning service hours—this week’s projects focus on caring for the native and drought-tolerant plants around the temporary library space. Wednesday, September 10 at 4PM.

• 🪘 Centering Sounds: African & Latin American Rhythms by Earthseed: Washington Park comes alive with Earthseed’s vibrant mix of African and Latin American rhythms, weaving folk, jazz, and world influences into one joyful outdoor concert. Wednesday, September 10 at 5:30PM.

• 🎭 Eureka Day at Pasadena Playhouse: A razor-sharp satire set in a Berkeley school where an outbreak sparks chaos, comedy, and a crash course in group dynamics. Jonathan Spector’s Tony-winning play delivers laughs with a bite. Wednesday, September 10 at 8PM.

• 😂 Jiaoying Summers at The Ice House: With her fearless, sharp-edged comedy on identity, culture, and motherhood, Jiaoying Summers has become an online sensation—and now she’s bringing that energy live to the Legendary Room. Wednesday, September 10 at 8PM.

Thursday

• ☕ Meet Me at the Village! (In Person Edition): A relaxed morning of coffee, bagels, and conversation with Pasadena Village—perfect for making connections and learning more about the community. Thursday, September 11 at 10AM.

• 🥕 South Pasadena Farmers’ Market: Every Thursday, Mission Street transforms into a tree-lined marketplace filled with fresh California produce, tasty prepared foods, and live music—perfect for picking up groceries or just soaking in the neighborhood vibe. Thursday, September 11 from 4PM–7PM.

• 🏛️ New Deal Legacies in the San Gabriel Valley: Pasadena Heritage teams up with The Living New Deal for a talk on how 1930s programs left their mark on local schools, parks, art, and culture—traces of history that still shape our daily lives. Thursday, September 11 at 6PM.

• 🧘 Wellness in the Park: Archetype Dance Movement: A brand-new dance movement class makes its debut—expect free-flowing, modern moves designed to shake off stress and open up space in body and mind. Part of the free outdoor Wellness in the Park series. Thursday, September 11 at 6PM.

• 🎭 Eureka Day at Pasadena Playhouse: A razor-sharp satire set in a Berkeley school where an outbreak sparks chaos, comedy, and a crash course in group dynamics. Jonathan Spector’s Tony-winning play delivers laughs with a bite. Thursday, September 11 at 7PM.

• 📖 Jane Eyre: A Staged Reading by The Rose Players: Charlotte Brontë’s timeless story comes to life in an intimate 60-minute performance at Shakespeare Villa—an evening of love, resilience, and classic literature brought to the stage. Thursday, September 11 at 7PM.

• 😂 One Man, Two Guvnors at A Noise Within: Set in 1960s Brighton, this fast-paced farce follows a man juggling two bosses at once—cue the comic chaos, physical gags, and a live skiffle band. A rollicking night of theatre that guarantees laughs. Thursday, September 11 at 7:30PM.

• 🎨 Artists, Bohemians & Craftsmen of the Arroyo: Step back into the early 20th century, when Pasadena was a hub of the American Arts & Crafts movement. Pasadena Museum of History’s Julia Long highlights the artists and makers—from tilemaster Ernest Batchelder to the Greene brothers—who left a lasting imprint on the Arroyo. Thursday, September 11 at 7PM.

Save the Date

• 🎶 Made in Memphis | MUSE/IQUE: A powerful celebration of the soul music born in Memphis—where voices like Otis Redding, Carla Thomas, and Isaac Hayes turned songs into anthems of resilience and change. September 12–14, 7:30PM–9:15PM.

  

• 🐾 Puppy Yoga at The Langham: Stretch, breathe, and laugh your way through a yoga class surrounded by playful, adoptable pups—an hour of pure joy with a purpose. Saturday, September 13 from 10:30AM–11:30AM.

• 🌹 South Pasadena Tournament of Roses Yard Sale: Treasure hunting with a purpose—this two-day community yard sale helps fund South Pasadena’s beloved self-built Rose Parade float. Every purchase goes toward keeping a century-old tradition rolling down Colorado Boulevard. Friday, September 12 and Saturday, September 13 from 8AM–4PM.

• 🎷 Live Rooftop Jazz with the Karolyn Dudro Quartet: Soak up the South Pasadena night sky with Karolyn Dudro’s soulful vocals backed by a top-tier quartet. Expect smooth jazz, bossa nova, and fresh spins on pop favorites—all from a rooftop setting made for music lovers. Saturday, September 13 from 7:00PM–9:30PM.

• 🛍️ Rose Bowl Flea Market: The legendary flea takes over the Rose Bowl every second Sunday with more than 2,500 vendors—think antiques, vintage fashion, art, and one-of-a-kind finds you won’t see anywhere else. Sunday, September 14 from 9AM–3PM.

• 📚 Avatar Book Club at dym Books & Boba: The Dawn of Yangchen: Dive into F.C. Yee’s latest Avatar novel with a community of readers (and boba fans) for an in-depth discussion on Yangchen’s story and its place in the Avatar universe. Sunday, September 21 from 11AM–12:30PM.

• 🎨 Pasadena ARTWalk: Playhouse Village comes alive with over 180 artisans showcasing fine art, photography, fashion, jewelry, home goods, and more. A vibrant outdoor weekend market that celebrates creativity and handmade artistry. Saturday & Sunday, September 20–21 from 11:00AM–6:00PM.

• 🏊 RBAC Annual Benefit: “Cheers to 35 Years”: Noor Pasadena hosts an evening celebrating community, leadership, and the future of aquatics. Olympic gold medalist Cullen Jones leads the night with honors for local leaders and standout student athletes, plus a powerful call to action for water safety. Tuesday, September 30 starting at 5:30PM.

  

• 🎉 Pasadena Latino Heritage Festival: Celebrate culture, resilience, and community at this year’s festival themed “Un Pasado con Orgullo, un Futuro con Esperanza” (A Proud Past, a Hopeful Future). Centennial Square in front of City Hall will come alive with music, food, and festivities honoring Pasadena’s Latino heritage. Saturday, October 11 from 5:00PM–9:00PM.

• 🛍️ Artazan Handcraft Market: The Pasadena Convention Center transforms into a vibrant marketplace with over 200 artisans showcasing ceramics, jewelry, textiles, fine art, and gourmet treats. Enjoy live music, hands-on workshops, and seasonal shopping that celebrates creativity and community. Saturday & Sunday, October 11–12 from 10:00AM–5:00PM.

Nothing in this section is sponsored. These are just the things you need to know. I’ll always let you know if something is sponsored!

CIVIL NEWS

New Senior Housing for the Civic Center

Pasadena just approved an $83 million senior housing complex at 280 Ramona Street, right in the Civic Center. The five-story project will bring 100 affordable apartments (99 for low-income seniors and one for a manager), complete with a courtyard, community room, and on-site offices. Some units will even be reserved for unhoused seniors.

No parking lot here though, instead, there’ll be a covered loading zone and a dedicated paratransit pickup spot along Ramona Street. The city is leasing the land for 99 years at just $1 a year to make it happen.

Help Clean Up the Arroyo Seco

If you’ve been meaning to give back to nature, here’s your chance. Pasadena is joining California Coastal Cleanup Day, the nation’s largest one-day volunteer event, with a local cleanup at the Lower Arroyo Seco.

📍 360 N. Arroyo Blvd.
🗓 Sunday, Sept. 21
⏰ 9 a.m. to noon

Pasadena Audubon will provide cleanup supplies, but bring your own water bottle, hat, and gloves. It’s part of a statewide effort that brings out thousands of volunteers to care for our coasts and waterways. See more details here.

Human Services Commission Meeting

This monthly gathering at the Jackie Robinson Community Center focuses on Pasadena’s human service needs—looking at gaps, challenges, and opportunities to better support residents of all ages. Wednesday, September 10 at 6PM.

NEWS N’ ROSES WEATHER

Wednesday

78 🌡️ 61 |☀️| 💨 S 8 mph

🌆 Air Quality Index: 19 (Good)

Thursday

78 🌡️ 61 |☀️| 💨 SE 7 mph

Temperature readings taken from the Pasadena Doppler Radar.

LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

• 🪘 Centering Sounds: African & Latin American Rhythms by Earthseed: Washington Park comes alive with Earthseed’s vibrant mix of African and Latin American rhythms, weaving folk, jazz, and world influences into one joyful outdoor concert. Wednesday, September 10 at 5:30PM.

• 🥂 Jeff Hamilton Trio at Bacchus’ Kitchen: Jazz icon Jeff Hamilton returns for his much-anticipated annual performance, joined by Tadataka Unno on piano and Jon Hamar on bass. Paired with a multi-course dinner from Chef Claud, it’s a night where music and flavor flow together seamlessly. Wednesday, September 10 at 6PM.

• 🎶 Jones House Band at Jones Coffee Roasters: A trio blending pop, retro, and cinematic sounds with cellos, guitars, and vocals—catch their set while the South Pasadena Farmers Market buzzes right outside. Thursday, September 11 at 4PM.

THANKS!

Thanks for reading News N’ Roses today. If you found something useful, share it with someone who, for some reason, still uses a typewriter.

Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up.

Want to get your business in News N’ Roses? Your ad here! Let’s talk.

Did I miss something or make a mistake?
Have an event you’d like me to add to the newsletter?
Let me know at [email protected].