It’s the Weekend, Pasadena! RBAC Water Safety Day, Wage Raises, RENT Opens

Good morning, Pasadena. This is News N’ Roses. The newsletter that’s overflowing with events — like the RBAC pool on a summer afternoon. 💦

In today’s News N’ Roses:

• RBAC Kicks Off 35 Years with a Splash

• New Pasadena Minimum Wage

• Lots of Events this Weekend!

• The Marquee: RENT

Let’s get to it.

— Matthew Ramirez

THE DIGEST 

💦 RBAC Kicks Off 35 Years with a Splash (Literally)

To celebrate its 35th anniversary and launch a new water safety campaign, the Rose Bowl Aquatics Center hosted a big poolside kickoff — complete with city leaders and firefighters treading water for 35 minutes to raise awareness about drowning prevention.

There were CPR demos, deep water dance classes, and even a visit from Paralympic swimmer Jamal Hill, all driving home the message: water safety is for everyone. More events and lessons will continue all May for National Water Safety Month — dive in and support the cause!

💸 New Minimum Wage Alert: $18.04 in Pasadena Starting July 1

Heads up, workers and employers — Pasadena’s minimum wage is getting a summertime raise! Starting July 1, the new hourly rate will be $18.04 (yup, even those 4 cents count). That’s up from $17.50, and it’ll stick around through June 2026.

🍟 But fast-food folks at national chains? You’re already ahead of the game at $20/hour, thanks to a statewide rule that kicked in this spring.

Moral of the story: check your paychecks, know your rights, and maybe treat yourself to something nice. You earned it.

@NEWSN_ROSES

📷@cityofpasadena📍Pasadena City College

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WHAT’S HAPPENING

Friday

• 🌱 Mindful Wildlife Walk & Talk: Seeds: Join Pasadena Humane and Nina Raj of the Altadena Seed Library for a peaceful morning walk at the JPL Bridge, exploring the role of seeds in ecosystems, food access, and community connection. 7:30AM–9:00AM at JPL Bridge, Explorer Rd, Altadena.

• 🎉 AAPI Heritage Month Celebration: Celebrate Asian American Pacific Islander heritage with Caltech’s APACT community, featuring a live performance by Shop 300 Band and good vibes for all. 5PM–7PM at Caltech. RSVP here.

• 🎶 Vocal Arts Master Class | Daniel Ebbers: Learn from acclaimed tenor and educator Daniel Ebbers as he coaches emerging vocalists in this free public master class. 6PM at Pasadena Conservatory of Music.

• 🎤 Senior Talent Adults ages 50+ are invited to share their talents—singing, dancing, acting, and more—at the Senior Talent Showcase happening Friday, May 16 · 12PM–2PM at Robinson Park Recreation Center. Registration is now closed. Questions? Call (626) 744-7300.

• 🎭 RENT: Jonathan Larson’s iconic musical comes to Lineage Performing Arts Center in a powerful new production featuring the Lineage Dancers. Experience this timeless story of love, loss, and community like never before. Opening night! 7PM at LPAC.

• 🎤 Don Friesen: Catch award-winning comedian Don Friesen live at The Ice House’s California Room for a night of sharp, self-deprecating comedy that hits all the right notes. 7:30PM at The Ice House.

• 🎭 Adam Ferrara, Sklar Bros, Bassem Youssef & More!: A powerhouse night of comedy with Adam Ferrara, the Sklar Brothers, Bassem Youssef, Leah Rudick, and Irene Tu—hosted by Kiki Andersen. 7:45PM in the Legendary Room at The Ice House.

• 🎷 Alex Johnson, saxophone – A Tribute to Art Blakey + the Jazz Messengers: Feel the thunder of hard bop as saxophonist Alex Johnson leads a dynamic sextet in tribute to jazz legend Art Blakey. 8PM at Sierra Madre Playhouse.

• 🎶 Caltech Glee Club and Chamber Singers Concert: Enjoy a rich program of choral music by Purcell, Mozart, Debussy, Lauridsen, Whitacre, and Kirchner, performed by Caltech’s Glee Club and Chamber Singers under the direction of Nancy Sulahian. 8PM at Ramo Auditorium. Free admission, no tickets required.

• 🎤 Crazy Woke Asians: Celebrate Asian Heritage Month with this award-winning, nationally touring comedy showcase spotlighting the funniest Asian American comedians. Known for sold-out shows across the U.S. and features in The LA Times and NBC, Crazy Woke Asians brings its high-energy lineup to the Ice House. 9:30PM in the California Room. Ages 21+ with 2-item minimum.

Saturday

• 🌿 Pasadena Farmers’ Market at Victory Park: Shop fresh and local from certified California growers offering seasonal fruits, veggies, fish, jams, and more. 8:30AM–12:30PM at the corner of Sierra Madre Blvd and Paloma Street.

• 🐶 Pop-Up Dog Adoption at Pasadena Farmers Market: Pasadena Humane’s Wiggle Waggle Waggin’ rolls into Victory Park with adorable adoptable pets. Swing by to meet your future furry friend and give them a forever home. 9AM at Pasadena Farmers Market, Victory Park.

• 🎶 In Tune: The Art of Musical Excellence: A full-day, hands-on workshop for drummers, guitarists, bassists, keyboardists, and vocalists—featuring expert-led sessions, mock auditions, and a high-energy group finale. Presented by Bleeding Excellence in collaboration with Los Angeles College of Music. 8AM–5:30PM in Pasadena. Free with registration.

• 🎓 88th Annual Seminar Day: Dive into a full day of groundbreaking research and innovation as Caltech opens its doors for lectures, panels, and discoveries across science and engineering. 8AM–5PM on campus. Free and open to the public.

• 🌳 Reopening of Loma Alta Park in Altadena: Celebrate a major milestone in Altadena’s recovery with the reopening of Loma Alta Park. The revitalized park debuts new youth programs, a senior center, Dodgers Dreamfields, Clippers Court, library branch, and more—all designed to uplift the community after the Eaton Fire. 9AM.

• 🚲 Bike Resource Fair & Family Ride: Swing by Hastings Branch Library for bike safety checks, a decorating station, and two family-friendly neighborhood rides — one for experienced cyclists and one for training wheels! 10:30AM–1:30PM, rides at 12PM and 12:30PM.

• 🎶 PCM at The Gamble House | Musical Storytime: Pasadena Conservatory of Music brings “Charlie Parker Played Be Bop!” to life with live music, story time, crafts, and movement for kids ages 3–9 at The Gamble House. 11AM.

• 🎶 Cruel World 2025: Goldenvoice’s darkwave and new wave music festival returns to Brookside at the Rose Bowl with New Order, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, The Go-Go’s, Devo, She Wants Revenge, Midge Ure, Garbage, and more. 12PM at Brookside at the Rose Bowl.

• 🍷 Vino in the Village: Sip and stroll through Playhouse Village with eight wine tastings, small bites, and live music at local businesses. 4PM–7PM — includes a commemorative glass. 21+ only.

• 🎼 Caltech Orchestra Concert: Enjoy an evening of sweeping orchestral works including Borodin’s In the Steppes of Central Asia, Liszt’s Les Préludes, Dvořák’s Slavonic Dance, and Wagner’s Prelude and Liebestod from Tristan and Isolde. Saturday, 8PM at Ramo Auditorium, Caltech. Free and open to the public.

Sunday

• 🚴‍♀️ Around the Cycle Super Sunday Femme Ride: A welcoming, no-drop 20-mile ride for women and femme-identifying cyclists. Beginners encouraged! Just show up and roll. 9:30AM–11:30AM starting from Around the Cycle Bike Shop.

• ⚡️ Pasadena E-bike Expo: Thinking about going electric? Test ride a wide range of e-bikes from seven local bike shops all in one place on the Rose Bowl lawn. 10AM–2PM near Seco & Rosemont. Free, open to all, and part of Pasadena Bike Month. Bring a helmet!

• 📚 Printed Matter’s LA Art Book Fair: A global celebration of art publishing featuring 300+ exhibitors, live performances, lectures, and workshops across ArtCenter’s South Campus. 11AM at 950 S Raymond Ave.

• 🎼 Caltech Orchestra Concert: Enjoy an evening of sweeping orchestral works including Borodin’s In the Steppes of Central Asia, Liszt’s Les Préludes, Dvořák’s Slavonic Dance, and Wagner’s Prelude and Liebestod from Tristan and Isolde. Sunday, 3PM at Ramo Auditorium, Caltech. Free and open to the public.

• 🎹 Piano Bar at Stone Brewing Pasadena: Enjoy an all-request piano show with Johnny King at Stone Brewing Tap Room. From Journey to Snoop Dogg, anything goes in this sing-along session. Family- and dog-friendly with plenty of seating. 3PM–6PM.

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!

THE MARQUEE

🎭 RENT at Lineage Performing Arts Center

📍 Lineage Performing Arts Center, 920 E. Mountain St., Pasadena
🗓️ May 16 – June 8 | 🎟️ $40–$65
🎫 Get tickets here

After 25 years of dreaming, Lineage Performing Arts Center is finally ready to bring RENT to the stage — and if the buzz is any indication, it’s going to be well worth the wait. I’m actually so excited about this one! This long-anticipated production is packed with local heart, a phenomenal cast, and Lineage’s signature dance-forward storytelling that promises to add fresh physicality to this already electric show. Opening night is tomorrow — don’t miss your chance to be part of it from the very beginning.

📖 What’s It About?
Based loosely on Puccini’s La Bohème, RENT follows a ragtag group of artists in New York’s East Village during the 1990s. They’re broke, inspired, and struggling to love and create in the midst of HIV/AIDS, rising rents, and inner conflict. It’s a story of chosen family, creative fire, loss, and the reminder to live every day like it’s your last.

💃 This production features Lineage’s dance ensemble, bringing high-energy movement and new dimension to the music. It’s not just a musical — it’s a full-bodied, community-rooted performance that vibrates with life, love, and the power of art. This is a milestone for Lineage — 25 years in the making — and one of the most exciting local productions you’ll see this year.

🎶 And yes, the music hits just as hard today:
“Seasons of Love,” “La Vie Bohème,” “Light My Candle,” “One Song Glory”… goosebumps incoming.

Forget regret, or life is yours to miss.
See RENT. Support the arts. Feel everything.

CIVIL NEWS

🚌 Learn About Pasadena’s New Transit Facility

Join the City on Wednesday, May 28, 6–8PM at Lamanda Park Library to preview plans for the upcoming Transit Operations & Maintenance Facility.

Get project details, ask questions, and see how it will support Pasadena Transit and Dial-A-Ride.

NEWS N’ ROSES WEATHER

Friday

70 🌡️ 55 |⛅| 💨 S 8 mph

🌆 Air Quality Index: 44 (Good)

Saturday

63 🌡️ 53 |🌧️| 💨 S 7 mph

Sunday

69 🌡️ 54 |⛅| 💨 S 8 mph

Temperature readings taken from the Pasadena Doppler radar.

LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

• 🎹 Larry Garf Performs: Enjoy a morning of ragtime, blues, jazz standards, and Beatles gems from beloved pianist Larry Garf. Friday, 9AM at Jones Coffee Roasters, Pasadena.

• 🎶 Stanley Oropesa Performs: Don’t miss this local favorite accordionist playing everything from Bach to film scores. A charming mid-morning treat for all ages. Friday, 11AM at Jones Coffee Roasters, Pasadena.

• 🎷 Alex Johnson, saxophone – A Tribute to Art Blakey + the Jazz Messengers: Feel the thunder of hard bop as saxophonist Alex Johnson leads a dynamic sextet in tribute to jazz legend Art Blakey. Friday night, 8PM at Sierra Madre Playhouse.

• 🎶 Caltech Glee Club and Chamber Singers Concert: Enjoy a rich program of choral music by Purcell, Mozart, Debussy, Lauridsen, Whitacre, and Kirchner, performed by Caltech’s Glee Club and Chamber Singers under the direction of Nancy Sulahian. Friday, 8PM at Ramo Auditorium. Free admission, no tickets required.

• 🎶 In Tune: The Art of Musical Excellence: A full-day, hands-on workshop for drummers, guitarists, bassists, keyboardists, and vocalists—featuring expert-led sessions, mock auditions, and a high-energy group finale. Presented by Bleeding Excellence in collaboration with Los Angeles College of Music. Saturday, 8AM–5:30PM in Pasadena. Free with registration.

• 🎷 Jenny & The Jazz Birds: Start your weekend with smooth jazz, funk, and blues from this beloved South Pasadena band performing live at Jones Coffee Roasters on Raymond Ave. Saturday, May 17 · 10AM.

• 🎶 Cruel World 2025: Goldenvoice’s darkwave and new wave music festival returns to Brookside at the Rose Bowl with New Order, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, The Go-Go’s, Devo, She Wants Revenge, Midge Ure, Garbage, and more. Saturday, 12PM at Brookside at the Rose Bowl.

  

• 🎻🎹 Pianist/Violinist Ray Ushikubo: Witness a rare dual-instrument performance as Ray Ushikubo dazzles on both piano and violin with works like Bach’s Chaconne and Chopin’s Polonaise Heroic. Saturday, 8PM at Boston Court Pasadena.

• 🎼 Caltech Orchestra Concert: Enjoy an evening of sweeping orchestral works including Borodin’s In the Steppes of Central Asia, Liszt’s Les Préludes, Dvořák’s Slavonic Dance, and Wagner’s Prelude and Liebestod from Tristan and Isolde. Saturday, 8PM at Ramo Auditorium, Caltech. Free and open to the public.

• 🎻 Kevin Burke, Irish Fiddle Legend: Experience the brilliance of one of Ireland’s greatest traditional musicians, Kevin Burke, in an intimate evening of masterful fiddle playing. From the Bothy Band to collaborations across classical, folk, and rock, Burke brings decades of musical legacy to life. Saturday, 8PM–10PM at Caltech. Presented by Pasadena Folk Music Society and Caltech.

• 🔥 Red Hot Chili Peppers Tribute at The Mixx: The Premiere live tribute band brings your favorite RHCP hits to life with uncanny likeness. Sing along, sip cocktails, and vibe out to a live music video mix on Pasadena’s largest LED wall. Sunday, 8PM.

THANKS!

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