Good afternoon, Pasadena. This is News N’ Roses. The Artemis II crew comes back from their trip to the moon today! Splash down is expected to be at around 5PM PDT. If you’d like to see the live coverage, it will be on NASA TV.
In today’s News N’ Roses:
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Golden Gloves is Coming to Pasadena This Weekend
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Pasadena Begins Citywide Sidewalk Repairs April 13
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Pasadena Plants 15 Trees at Villa Parke for Arbor Day, April 18
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Events this Weekend
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Live Music Lowdown
Let’s get to it.
—Matthew Ramirez
THE DIGEST
Golden Gloves is Coming to Pasadena This Weekend
Some of California’s best amateur boxers are heading to Victory Park Recreation Center (2575 Paloma St.) this Saturday and Sunday, April 11 and 12, to compete for a state championship title. Bouts start at noon on Saturday and 11 a.m. on Sunday.
Male and female competitors ages 18 and older will be throwing hands at the highest level of amateur boxing in the state. Local fans will have extra reason to cheer: Adriana Nuñez of Pasadena’s Villa Parke Boxing Program will be in the mix. Winners earn a trip to the National Tournament of Champions in Tulsa, Oklahoma, May 11–16.
The Golden Gloves has a serious pedigree — Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson, Oscar de la Hoya, and Floyd Mayweather Jr. all came up through this tournament. Today’s competitors are gunning to follow in those footsteps.
Tickets are at the door only. General admission is $25; kids 10 and under get in for $10. Click here for more information.
Pasadena Begins Citywide Sidewalk Repairs April 13
The city’s Public Works Department kicks off its FY26 Annual ADA Citywide Sidewalk Improvement Project on Monday, April 13. The project covers roughly 600 locations across Pasadena, with work including the removal and replacement of about 75,000 square feet of sidewalk, plus curb and gutter improvements to help with stormwater drainage.
The goal is better pedestrian safety, improved accessibility for people with disabilities, and cleaner drainage in surrounding neighborhoods. Construction is handled by CJ Concrete Construction, Inc., which was awarded the contract by City Council last November. Work is expected to wrap up by July 2026. For more information, click here.
Pasadena Plants 15 Trees at Villa Parke for Arbor Day, April 18
Mark your calendar for a free tree-planting event at Villa Parke (363 E. Villa St.) on Saturday, April 18, from 8 a.m. to noon. Volunteers will plant 15 new street trees around the park, all donated by the Pasadena Beautiful Foundation, with City staff leading the effort. Show up at the multi-use field near the picnic tables at the corner of Garfield Avenue and East Villa Street. Wear long pants, closed-toe shoes, and sun protection.
The event is co-hosted by the Department of Public Works, Council District 5, and the Pasadena Beautiful Foundation. It’s part of the city’s annual Arbor Day tradition — Pasadena has held Tree City USA status from the National Arbor Day Foundation for 35 consecutive years, and has earned the Foundation’s Growth Award for excellence in urban forestry for 25 straight years. The Pasadena Beautiful Foundation has planted more than 15,000 trees citywide since its founding in 1960.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
Friday (4/10)
🎬 PIFF 2026 Film Screenings: The Pasadena International Film Festival screens four blocks of independent short films and features throughout the day, with a moderated Q&A following each block. Laemmle NoHo 7 | Friday | April 10 | Various Times
🥋 Caltech Tai Chi Club: The Caltech Tai Chi Club meets weekly to practice Hao-style tai chi chuan, Yang-style tai chi, kung fu, and other forms, with instruction open to all levels at no charge. Caltech’s Hameetman Center 220 – Multipurpose Room | Friday | April 10 | 7PM
🎭 Death of a Salesman: A Noise Within presents Arthur Miller’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play, directed by Julia Rodriguez-Elliott, following aging salesman Willy Loman as his dreams and sense of identity unravel. A Noise Within | Friday | April 10 | 7:30PM
🎨 Paint Nite: Here Comes The Sun Little Darling: A casual paint night for adults 18+ at The Corner Craft Kitchen + Bar, open to all skill levels. Hilton Pasadena | Friday | April 10 | 7:30PM
🎻 MUSIC | History of the Tango from Martin Chalifour: LA Philharmonic Concertmaster Martin Chalifour performs Astor Piazzolla’s Histoire du Tango and more, tracing the evolution of Argentine tango through violin and guitar across four eras. Sierra Madre Playhouse | Friday | April 10 | 8PM
Saturday (4/11)
🐦 Bird Sit with the Pasadena Audubon Society: A free drop-in bird identification session led by PAS Board Member Deb Tammearu on the rear lawn of the Gamble House — bring water, sunscreen, a hat, and a chair or blanket; binoculars available to borrow. The Gamble House | Saturday | April 11 | 8AM
🌽 Pasadena Farmers’ Market at Victory Park: A certified farmers’ market offering locally-grown fruits, vegetables, and farm products including jams, jellies, and fish, bought directly from local growers. Victory Park | Saturday | April 11 | 8AM
🧘 The Courtyard Series | Fitness Sessions Supported by Vuori: A monthly outdoor fitness session featuring a rotating lineup of classes from local studios, followed by a private shopping hour at Vuori. One Colorado | Saturday | April 11 | 8AM
🌱 Learn Regenerative Gardening by Doing it Yourself with Capri Kasai!: A hands-on monthly volunteer gardening session at Arlington Garden covering native planting, landscaping, and weed identification — free and open to all. Arlington Garden Pasadena | Saturday | April 11 | 9AM
🦎 The Lizard & El Sol: A bilingual theatrical adaptation of Alma Flor Ada’s folktale about a fearless lizard’s quest to bring back the missing sun, featuring live music and presented primarily in Spanish but designed for all audiences. Playhouse Village Park | Saturday | April 11 | 9:30AM & 11AM
🥊 2026 Southern California State Golden Gloves Boxing Tournament: Amateur boxers from across California compete for a state championship title, featuring top-level male and female competitors ages 18 and older — winners advance to represent California at the National Tournament of Champions in Tulsa. Victory Park Recreation Center | Saturday | April 11, 12 | 12PM
🎉 Junior League of Pasadena’s Centennial Celebration: A centennial luncheon celebrating 100 years of the Junior League of Pasadena, featuring a silent auction and the premiere of an oral history short film. University Club of Pasadena | Saturday | April 11 | 12PM
📷 Opening: 2026 Student Photography Exhibit: An opening reception for the 2026 Student Photography Exhibit featuring 44 finalists’ photos, on display at SPARC Gallery through May 2. SPARC Gallery | Saturday | April 11 | 3PM
🎭 The Playhouse Party: A fundraising celebration for Pasadena Playhouse featuring cocktails, silent auctions, and special entertainment, with proceeds supporting the theater’s artistic programs and productions. The Pasadena Playhouse | Saturday | April 11 | 6PM
🐱 Feline Photography: Art Show Reception with Tail Town Cats: A community art show celebrating cat photography inside the Tail Town adoption lounge, with light refreshments and art available for purchase to benefit the cats — ages 6 and up. Tail Town Cat Cafe | Saturday | April 11 | 6PM
🕺 Pasadena Ballroom Dance Association’s Weekly Saturday Night Swing: James Intveld & The Swing Sinners: The Pasadena Ballroom Dance Association’s weekly swing dance features live music from James Intveld & The Swing Sinners, open to dancers of all ages and experience levels, with a complimentary swing lesson at 7:30PM. Grace Hall | Saturday | April 11 | 8PM
🎻 MUSIC | History of the Tango from Martin Chalifour: LA Philharmonic Concertmaster Martin Chalifour performs Astor Piazzolla’s Histoire du Tango and more, tracing the evolution of Argentine tango through violin and guitar across four eras. Sierra Madre Playhouse | Saturday | April 11 | 8PM
Sunday (4/12)
🛍️ Rose Bowl Flea Market: The world-famous monthly flea market featuring over 2,500 vendors selling antiques, vintage finds, and more — tickets must be purchased online in advance. Rose Bowl Stadium | Sunday | April 12 | 5AM
🌿 Mindful Wildlife Walk and Talk: Watershed: A guided walk through Hahamongna Watershed Park co-led by Pasadena Humane Wildlife Director Lauren Hamlett and water systems expert Paloma Avila, focused on the local watershed ecosystem. JPL Bridge Explorer Rd. | Sunday | April 12 | 7:30AM
🍵 7th Annual Pasadena Festival of Tea: A tea festival featuring samplings from local vendors specializing in Japanese, Chinese, Taiwanese, and Indian teas, a Matcha Café, ceramic tea wares by local artists, and traditional Japanese tea ceremony demonstrations in the garden’s teahouse. Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden | Sunday | April 12 | 10AM
🎵 American Colonial Folk Songs with Rachael Denny: Rachael Denny performs and shares American colonial folk songs in an all-ages, participatory concert in the Webster Amphitheater — bring instruments or just your voice. Pasadena Conservatory of Music | Sunday | April 12 | 12PM
🧘 Yoga and Sounds in the Garden with Living Earth: A monthly outdoor yoga and live music session led by yoga teacher and musician Qur’an Shaheed in the lower garden — yoga participation is optional, and simply listening under the trees is welcome. Arlington Garden Pasadena | Sunday | April 12 | 12PM
🎨 Play House: A free, family-friendly drag ball for kids hosted by artist and educator Austyn de Lugo-Liston, featuring local drag queens, dress up, and arts and crafts. Armory Center for the Arts | Sunday | April 12 | 12:30PM
🎬 FILM | The Strong Man: Sierra Madre Playhouse screens Harry Langdon’s 1926 silent comedy directed by Frank Capra, with live piano accompaniment by Larry Garf and an introduction and post-show discussion with writer Rich Procter. Sierra Madre Playhouse | Sunday | April 12 | 8PM
Upcoming Events
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!
NEWS N’ ROSES WEATHER
Friday
69 🌡️ 53 |🌤️| 💨 S 10 mph
🌆 Air Quality Index: 64 (Moderate)
Saturday
64 🌡️ 51 |🌤️| 💨 SW 9 mph
Sunday
56 🌡️ 46 |🌧️75% | 💨 S 8 mph
Temperature readings taken from the Pasadena Doppler Radar.
LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN
🎹 Friday Night Piano Vibes at Visionarium with Mitchel Campbell: Mitchel Campbell performs a piano set moving between smooth jazz, pop classics, and international hits — ticket price fully redeemable for food and drinks. Visionarium Live Italian | Friday | April 10 | 7PM
🎸 Daryl Darden: LA-based jazz and blues guitarist Daryl Darden, who has shared the stage with George Benson, B.B. King, and Kenny Burrell among many others, performs a live set. Edwin Mills | Friday | April 10 | 7PM
🎸 Cass McCombs: Cass McCombs performs with his band, with support from Hand Habits. Lodge Room Highland Park | Friday | April 10 | 8PM
🎻 MUSIC | History of the Tango from Martin Chalifour: LA Philharmonic Concertmaster Martin Chalifour performs Astor Piazzolla’s Histoire du Tango and more, tracing the evolution of Argentine tango through violin and guitar across four eras. Sierra Madre Playhouse | Friday | April 10 | 8PM
🎺 Club 1881 Live Jazz: Live jazz every Friday night featuring artists from around the world. Club 1881 | Friday | April 10 | 8:30PM
🎸 GMB @ LA Dead Night – Pasadena: The Gold Money Band plays two sets of Grateful Dead music at the storied LA Dead Night, presented by Blues for Sallah, with a full six-piece lineup. Old Towne Pub Pasadena | Friday | April 10 | 9PM
🎷 Highland Park Jazz Band at The Barkley: Live jazz with no cover charge — come for dinner, drinks, and dancing. The Barkley Restaurant & Bar | Friday | April 10 | 9PM
🎹 Hyoung Kim Piano Recital: A piano recital at Barrett Hall featuring Hyoung Kim, with complimentary drinks and light appetizers before and after the performance. Pasadena Conservatory of Music | Saturday | April 11 | 5PM
🎻 Jaime Jorge in Concert! – Pasadena, CA: Renowned violinist and speaker Jaime Jorge performs an inspirational concert, having touched audiences in over 80 countries across 6 continents. Pasadena Adventist Church | Saturday | April 11 | 6PM
🎶 Sylvia & The Rhythm Boys: Sylvia and her band perform jazz standards from the Great American Songbook, spanning the 1920s through the 1960s. Edwin Mills | Saturday | April 11 | 7PM
🎸 Bowie Acoustic Live from Funk to Funky: An acoustic David Bowie tribute on guitar and piano spanning his full catalog, from his folky beginnings to his later work — requests welcome. Visionarium Live Italian | Saturday | April 11 | 7PM
🎤 Alex Cameron: Australian singer-songwriter Alex Cameron performs with support from Kirin J Callinan, a longtime collaborator returning to US stages for the first time since 2024. Lodge Room Highland Park | Saturday | April 11 | 7PM
🥁 Anthony Fung: Drummer and composer Anthony Fung brings his quartet to Boston Court to perform original music from his latest album FO(U)RTH, drawing on collaborations with Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, and Chris Potter. Boston Court Pasadena | Saturday | April 11 | 8PM
🎸 SLAMDINISTAS hit the Old Towne Pub with The Roadhouse Rebels and Spanish Magazine: SLAMDINISTAS bring Brit/pub/glam/garage rock to the Old Towne Pub alongside The Roadhouse Rebels and Spanish Magazine. Old Towne Pub Pasadena | Saturday | April 11 | 8PM
🎶 Sharon Marie Cline & The Todd Hunter Band: A jazz brunch featuring vocalist Sharon Marie Cline and the Todd Hunter Band performing jazz, soul, and contemporary music alongside an Italian brunch menu — ticket price fully redeemable for food and drinks. Visionarium Live Italian | Sunday | April 12 | 12PM
🎷 Sunday Night Jazz at The Barkley!: The Richard Glaser Quartet performs live jazz with no cover charge — come for dinner, drinks, and dancing. The Barkley Restaurant & Bar | Sunday | April 12 | 7PM
🎻 Clarice Jensen & Chuck Johnson: Cellist Clarice Jensen and multi-instrumentalist Chuck Johnson perform separately and together in a new collaboration blending cello, effects, and ambient composition. Lodge Room Highland Park | Sunday | April 12 | 8PM
THANKS!
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