Festival of Women Authors

Good morning, Pasadena. This is News N’ Roses. Did you know that if you type 67 into Google, your screen bends up and down. If you don’t know what 67 means, it doesn’t really mean anything, honestly.

In today’s News N’ Roses:

• Pasadena Festival of Women Authors

• ArtNight Pasadena This Friday

• Events this Wednesday & Thursday

• Civic News

• Live Music

Let’s get to it.

—Matthew Ramirez

THE DIGEST

Pasadena Festival of Women Authors

Although this year’s Pasadena Festival of Women Authors is officially sold out, organizers are opening the doors virtually. The festival will offer a free livestream of select Ballroom sessions on Saturday, March 14, allowing readers to hear directly from some of today’s most acclaimed women novelists.

Now in its 18th year, the Pasadena Festival of Women Authors celebrates the achievements of women writers while supporting literary programs across the community. Over the years, the festival has raised more than $500,000 for organizations that promote writing and literacy, including Pasadena City College, Pasadena Public Library, WriteGirl, PEN Center Los Angeles, the Pasadena Senior Center, and the Altadena Library District.

The livestream will feature lively discussions where authors often share the personal stories, creative process, and unexpected inspirations behind their novels — the kind of candid insights rarely heard outside events like this.

Readers tuning in will hear from an impressive lineup of authors. The morning session includes Amity Gaige, author of the bestselling novel Heartwood; Leila Mottley, whose breakout novel Nightcrawling was selected for Oprah’s Book Club and became a New York Times bestseller; and Kathy Wang, known for her acclaimed novels Family Trust and Imposter Syndrome.

The afternoon session features Virginia Evans, author of the debut novel The Correspondent, and Karen Russell, a Pulitzer Prize finalist whose new novel The Antidote was recently named to the National Book Award longlist.

Anyone interested in watching the livestream can register for free by emailing [email protected]. A link will be sent to registered viewers several days before the event. You can visit their website for more information on the event.

ArtNight Pasadena This Friday

Pasadena’s signature cultural open house, ArtNight Pasadena, returns this Friday, March 13 with a citywide evening of art, music, dance, and performances — all free.

From 6:00–10:00 PM, museums, galleries, and cultural spaces across Pasadena will open their doors with special programming, exhibitions, performances, and hands-on activities. To make it easy to explore multiple locations, free shuttle buses will run between participating venues throughout the evening.

Highlights include dancing and art workshops at the Armory Center for the Arts, masterpieces by Monet, Van Gogh, Picasso, and Raphael at the Norton Simon Museum, and basket-weaving inspired by contemporary Japanese basketry at the Gamble House.

You can also catch taiko drumming at Shumei Arts Council, jazz from Pasadena-born bassist Michael Haggins at the Jackie Robinson Community Center, student art exhibitions at Pasadena City College, and live music throughout the night at the Pasadena Conservatory of Music.

ArtNight takes place twice a year — typically the second Fridays of March and October — and remains one of Pasadena’s most popular cultural events.

For full details on ArtNight venues, participating partners, and shuttle bus routes, click here.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Wednesday (3/11)

🎹 Music at Noon: Marina Grozdanovich, piano: Internationally acclaimed pianist Marina Grozdanovich performs an expressive lunchtime recital as part of the Music at Noon concert series. Pasadena Presbyterian Church | Wednesday | 12:10PM.

🎤 Pasadena Rotary Weekly Club Meeting with Speaker: Phyllis Hansen: Hear a talk on El Camino Real Bells and the history of the King’s Highway from Campo de Cahuenga Historical Memorial Association representative Phyllis Hansen. Rotary Club of Pasadena | Wednesday | 12PM.

🎨 Arts & Culture Commission Meeting: The commission meets monthly to advise the City Council on programs, partnerships, and initiatives that support arts and culture in Pasadena. Hale Building | Wednesday | 5:30PM.

🧶 Female Fiber Artist Series – Wrapped Sculpture: Create sculptural artwork inspired by Judith Scott using repurposed materials and fiber techniques in this hands-on workshop. Remainders Creative Reuse | Wednesday | 6PM.

Trivia Night: Gather your smartest friends for a weekly trivia showdown hosted by Game Night Trivia while enjoying drinks and friendly competition. Stone Brewing Tap Room | Wednesday | 6PM–8PM.

📚 PEN Presents: Fundraising for Elementary Schools Workshop: A practical workshop for elementary school leaders and parent volunteers on planning, prioritizing, and running effective school fundraising efforts. McKinley School Library | Wednesday | 6PM.

🎤 Free Open Mic Night @ Altadena Music Center: Share a song, poem, or story—or just come listen—at this relaxed open mic hosted by Quazar. Altadena Music Center | Wednesday | 7PM–9PM.

🎶 Wine & Song: Aireene & the Itch, Marty Axelrod, Ed Tree: Enjoy an evening of Americana and original songs featuring Aireene & the Itch alongside performances by Marty Axelrod and Ed Tree. The Hive | Wednesday | 7PM.

🎭 Amadeus: This acclaimed stage drama explores the intense rivalry between composer Antonio Salieri and the brilliant but unpredictable Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The Pasadena Playhouse | Wednesday | 8PM.

😂 Pasadena Comedy Show: Enjoy a midweek comedy night hosted by Paddy featuring guest comedians and improv-style performances. The Mixx Pasadena | Wednesday | 8PM.

Thursday (3/12)

🎶 The Great American Songbook: Pianist Bob and vocalist Don perform classic standards and Broadway tunes while sharing stories behind the music. Pasadena Senior Center | Thursday | 1:30PM.

🥕 South Pasadena Farmers’ Market: Shop certified California-grown produce, prepared foods, and enjoy live music at this weekly farmers market. South Pasadena Farmers’ Market | Thursday | 4PM–7PM.

🧵 Beginner Sewing 2: Build on basic sewing machine skills while learning techniques like top-stitching, hemming, and decorative stitches through hands-on practice. Remainders Creative Reuse | Thursday | 6PM.

🖼️ Text & Transparency Collage: Learn techniques for creating layered collage art using text and handmade transparencies with both provided and personal materials. Remainders Creative Reuse | Thursday | 6PM.

✍️ Writer’s Block: Creative Writing & Meaningful Connection: A welcoming writing session where participants can free-write, share their work, and connect with other writers. Octavia’s Bookshelf | Thursday | 6PM.

🤖 Dreams, Data, and Destiny: How AI and Emerging Science Will Shape Our Future Lives: A community conversation exploring how AI and emerging science are shaping the future of medicine and healthcare. Huntington Medical Research Institutes | Thursday | 6PM.

🎭 Amadeus: This acclaimed stage drama explores the intense rivalry between composer Antonio Salieri and the brilliant but unpredictable Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The Pasadena Playhouse | Thursday | 7PM.

🎤 Go Fact Yourself LIVE with Jennifer Morrison and Drew Lynch: A live pop culture trivia show hosted by J. Keith van Straaten and Helen Hong featuring actor Jennifer Morrison and comedian Drew Lynch. The Crawford | Thursday | 7PM.

🎤 Breaking The Ice: Open Mic: New and upcoming comedians take the stage for short sets during this open mic night at the Ice House. The Ice House Comedy Club | Thursday | 7PM.

💃 Tango Thursdays ft. Robert: Learn tango fundamentals and combos with instructor Robert, followed by a social practica to dance and practice your moves. FlowState.Studio | Thursday | 8PM.

Save the Date

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!

CIVIC NEWS

Arts & Culture Commission Meeting

The commission meets monthly to advise the City Council on programs, partnerships, and initiatives that support arts and culture in Pasadena. Click here to view agenda. Hale Building | Wednesday | 5:30PM.

Pasadena City Council Meeting

The City Council holds a regular meeting to discuss and vote on city business and community issues. Click here to view agenda. City Hall Council Chambers | Wednesday, March 11 from 6PM.

Human Services Commission Meeting

The commission meets monthly to advise the City Council on human service needs and community support programs for residents of all ages. Click here to view agenda. Jackie Robinson Community Center | Wednesday, March 11 from 6PM.

Urban Forestry Advisory Committee Meeting

The committee meets monthly to advise the City Council on Pasadena’s street tree plan and policies related to protecting public trees. Click here to view agenda. City Yards – Public Works | Wednesday, March 11 from 6PM.

Planning Commission Meeting

The commission meets to review planning policies, zoning matters, and development projects that shape Pasadena’s growth. Click here to view agenda. Pasadena City Hall Council Chambers | Wednesday, March 11 from 6:30PM.

WEATHER

Wednesday

79 🌡️ 51 |🌤️| 💨 W 6 mph

🌆 Air Quality Index: 61 (Moderate)

Thursday

88 🌡️ 63 |🌤️| 💨 W 4 mph

Temperature readings taken from the Pasadena Doppler Radar.

LIVE MUSIC

🎹 Music at Noon: Marina Grozdanovich, piano: Internationally acclaimed pianist Marina Grozdanovich performs an expressive lunchtime recital as part of the Music at Noon concert series. Pasadena Presbyterian Church | Wednesday, March 11 | 12PM.

🎶 The David Eastlee Trio: Guitarist David Eastlee leads a night of jazz standards with his trio, showcasing his acclaimed playing and original compositions. Edwin Mills | Wednesday, March 11 | 6PM.

🎷 Jazz Night at Visionarium Live Italian – Chuck Johnson: Saxophonist Chuck Johnson performs smooth live jazz during an evening of Italian food, wine, and relaxed ambiance. Visionarium Live Italian (South Pasadena) | Wednesday, March 11 | 6:30PM.

🎸 The Technicolors: Phoenix rock band The Technicolors bring their fuzz-driven indie sound and cinematic songwriting to the stage. Lodge Room (Highland Park) | Wednesday, March 11 | 7PM.

🎶 Jones House Band: A lively trio performs pop, film scores, retro mid-century favorites, and original songs featuring cello, guitar, and vocals. Jones Coffee Roasters | Thursday, March 12 | 4PM.

🎶 Doug MacDonald: Veteran jazz guitarist Doug MacDonald performs classic standards and swinging jazz with his signature warm tone and West Coast style. Edwin Mills | Thursday, March 12 | 6PM.

🎶 Baths – Celebrating Cerulean R World Tour: Electronic artist Baths celebrates the 15th anniversary of Cerulean with a special performance tied to the expanded Cerulean R release. Lodge Room (Highland Park) | Thursday, March 12 | 7PM.

🎷 Thursday Night Jazz @ The Tap Room: Enjoy live jazz in an intimate setting during the Tap Room’s weekly Thursday night performance. The Langham Pasadena | Thursday, March 12 | 7:30PM.

🎻 Sords/Walz/Durkovic Trio: The trio presents a “Brahms Bonanza” featuring the C Minor Piano Trio, the E minor cello sonata, and selections from the Hungarian Dances. Boston Court Pasadena | Thursday, March 12 | 8PM.

THANKS!

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