Good morning, Pasadena. This is News N’ Roses. Fun fact: the average person walks the equivalent of five times around the world in their life. That’s like 38,900 walks around the Rose Bowl loop.
In today’s News N’ Roses:
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Death of a Salesman Playing at A Noise Within
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Alice Cooper at Monsterpalooza
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Events this Wednesday & Thursday
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Restaurant Spotlight: Bone Kettle
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Live Music Lowdown
Let’s get to it.
—Matthew Ramirez
THE DIGEST
Death of a Salesman Playing at A Noise Within
Pasadena’s A Noise Within is bringing Death of a Salesman to the stage starting March 28, with previews playing now.
Arthur Miller’s classic follows Willy Loman, an aging salesman chasing a version of success that’s slipping further out of reach. The story unfolds over a single day as financial pressure, family tension, and regret all collide. It’s heavy, but in a way that still feels very current.
The production is directed by Julia Rodriguez-Elliott and stars Geoff Elliott and Deborah Strang, who’ve worked together for years and bring that history into the roles of Willy and Linda.
What makes this one worth seeing is how relevant it still feels. Themes around job security, feeling left behind, and chasing the “American Dream” hit just as hard today, especially with how quickly industries are changing.
Shows run through April 19 with evening and weekend matinees. There are also post-show talks and discussion groups if you want more context after. For tickets and show information, click here.
If you’re into theater or just want something different to do, this is a strong one to have on your radar.
Alice Cooper at Monsterpalooza
Legendary rocker Alice Cooper is coming to Pasadena for the Monsterpalooza horror convention, happening May 29–31 at the Pasadena Convention Center.
He’ll be there all three days for pro photo ops with fans, but you’ll need a convention ticket first before booking one. No selfies at the table, just official photos.
Monsterpalooza is one of the biggest horror and special effects conventions out there, bringing together actors, directors, and some of Hollywood’s top creature creators. Expect panels, screenings, and over 400 vendors focused on horror films, practical effects, and monster culture.
If you’re into horror or just want a unique weekend event, this one always draws a big crowd. For more information and tickets, click here.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
Wednesday (3/25)
🎉 YWCA Glendale & Pasadena Centennial Kickoff Reception: A reception celebrating 100 years of service with an evening of stories, reflection, and community. 735 E. Lexington Dr. Glendale | Wednesday | 4PM–6PM
🧵 Make a Skirt with Pockets / Female Fiber Artist Series – Fabric Printing: Two hands-on workshops covering sewing a skirt with pockets and fabric printing inspired by Lucienne Day. Remainders Creative Reuse (RCR) | Wednesday | 6PM
🧠 Trivia Night: A weekly trivia night hosted by Game Night Trivia where teams test their knowledge. Stone Brewing Tap Room – Pasadena | Wednesday | March 25 | 6PM–8PM
🎭 Death of a Salesman: A production of Arthur Miller’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play following Willy Loman’s struggle with ambition, identity, and the American Dream. A Noise Within | Wednesday | 7:30PM
🎭 Oliver!: A musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic following young Oliver’s journey through London in search of family and belonging. La Canada Playhouse | Wednesday | 7PM
😂 Pasadena Comedy Show: A comedy night featuring improv and stand-up performances hosted by Paddy with weekly guest comedians. The Mixx | Wednesday | March 25 | 8PM–10PM
Thursday (3/26)
🥕 South Pasadena Farmers’ Market: A weekly market featuring California-grown produce, prepared food vendors, and live music. South Pasadena Farmers’ Market | Thursday | March 26 | 4PM–7PM
🥂 Pasadena Chamber of Commerce Inaugural Spring Soiree: A celebratory evening marking the Chamber’s anniversary with drinks, hors d’oeuvres, and a program honoring longtime members. Pasadena Chamber of Commerce | Thursday | March 26 | 5PM–7PM
🏛️ University Club of Pasadena Community Open House: A community open house celebrating the restoration of the historic clubhouse with hosted wine and beer, light bites, live music, and guided tours of the newly restored spaces. University Club of Pasadena | Thursday | March 26 | 5:30PM–7:30PM
✍️ Writer’s Block: Creative Writing & Meaningful Connection: A writing session where participants free-write, share work, and connect with other writers. Octavia’s Bookshelf | Thursday | March 26 | 6PM
🍷 Italian Wine Tasting on the Rooftop: A guided tasting featuring wines from multiple Italian regions paired with a curated menu. Visionarium Live Italian | Thursday | March 26 | 6PM
🎻 Violin Master Class | Lina Bahn: Violinist Lina Bahn coaches Pasadena Conservatory of Music students in a public master class. Pasadena Conservatory of Music (PCM) | Thursday | March 26 | 6:30PM
📚 Altadena: Between Wilderness and City with Michele Zack: Historian Michele Zack discusses the reissue of her acclaimed book exploring Altadena’s history, identity, and its place within the region, with updated insights including the impact of the Eaton Fire. Pasadena Museum of History | Thursday | March 26 | 7PM
🎭 Oliver!: A musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic following young Oliver’s journey through London in search of family and belonging. La Canada Playhouse | Wednesday | 7PM
🎭 Death of a Salesman: A production of Arthur Miller’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play following Willy Loman’s struggle with ambition, identity, and the American Dream. A Noise Within | Wednesday | 7:30PM
💃 Thursday Tango: A weekly tango night with fundamentals and combos classes followed by a practica and social. FlowState Studio | Thursday | March 26 | 8PM–11PM
Upcoming Events
👽 Octavia E. Butler Library Science Fiction Festival: A sci-fi themed afternoon with workshops, demos, art, and a book fair celebrating imagination and storytelling. Octavia E. Butler Magnet, 1505 N. Marengo Ave | Friday | March 27 | 3PM–6PM
🌊 Chad Cannon & Hui Wu: Music for the Ocean: A multimedia concert of new compositions and improvisations exploring ocean life through music and animation. Boston Court Pasadena | Saturday | March 28 | 8PM
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!
RESTAURANT SPOTLIGHT
Bone Kettle
Bone Kettle is my favorite restaurant in Pasadena.
Everything here is centered around rich broths and slow-cooked meats, and you can taste it right away. The menu pulls from Southeast Asian flavors but does its own thing without overcomplicating anything.
My favorite dish is the Rendang Carbonara. It has 24-hour braised shredded short ribs, noodles, bacon, parmesan, bell peppers, herbs, and a poached egg. It’s rich, savory, and just really well put together. Add the bone marrow. It’s worth it.
Rendang Carbonara
Their appetizers are just as good as everything else. The oxtail dumplings are a must. The sisig with crispy pork belly and egg is one of the best things on the menu. The chicken wings are super flavorful with that sweet and spicy glaze. And the bone marrow with grilled bread and citrus is easily one of the best starters you can order.
36 hour bone broth
The space is modern but comfortable. Good for a date or just a solid dinner out.
Also, little secret: they have a pandan crème brûlée that’s not on the menu, so you have to ask for it—and you should. It’s free if it’s your birthday (keep this on the down-low).
Bone Kettle
67 North Raymond Ave
(626) 765-3788
NEWS N’ ROSES WEATHER
Wednesday
80 🌡️ 57 |🌤️| 💨 SW 7 mph
🌆 Air Quality Index: 91 (Moderate)
Thursday
83 🌡️ 57 |🌤️| 💨 SW 7 mph
Temperature readings taken from the Pasadena Doppler Radar.
LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN
🎻 Music at Noon: Cantabile String Quartet: A midday concert featuring a quartet of Pasadena Community Orchestra members performing chamber music across a range of styles. Pasadena Presbyterian Church | Wednesday | March 25 | 12:10PM–12:40PM
🎷 The David Eastlee Trio: Jazz standards from an accomplished guitarist who’s performed with a long list of notable musicians, bringing a classic, polished sound to the night. Edwin Mills | Wednesday | March 25 | 6PM–10PM
🎶 Midweek Live Jazz Night at Visionarium: RC & Noir perform a live jazz set blending classic influences with modern style. Visionarium | Wednesday | March 25 | 6:30PM–8:30PM
🎤 Skullcrusher: Skullcrusher performs music from her album And Your Song is Like a Circle blending folk and electronic elements. Lodge Room | Wednesday | March 25 | 7PM
🎶 Pasadena Chorale Presents Songs of Love: A choral program exploring different expressions of love through works by composers including Samuel Barber and Eric Whitacre. Pasadena Chorale | Wednesday | March 25 | 7:30PM
🎸 Doug MacDonald: A live jazz performance by guitarist Doug MacDonald known for his classic, bop-influenced style. Edwin Mills | Thursday | March 26 | 6PM–10PM
🎶 Last Thursday Live Jazz with Trio WoRK: Trio WoRK performs a live jazz set featuring standards, original pieces, and modern influences. Visionarium Live Italian | Thursday | March 26 | 6:30PM–8:30PM
🎤 Cornelia Murr: Cornelia Murr performs songs from her album Run To The Center with Reverend Baron and Storey Littleton. Lodge Room | Thursday | March 26 | 8PM
THANKS!
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