Good Shows Coming Up

Good morning, Pasadena. This is News N’ Roses — the newsletter that lines up fresh events like a bakery lines up donuts before sunrise.

In today’s News N’ Roses:

• A Noise Within: Death of a Salesman Opens March 28

• America Sings! Pasadena this Saturday

• Events this Monday & Tuesday

  • New Save-the-Dates

• Civic News

• Live Music Lowdown

Let’s get to it.

—Matthew Ramirez

P.S. Happy birthday Raquel Villanueva! 🎂

THE DIGEST

A Noise Within: Death of a Salesman Opens March 28

A Noise Within is staging Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman this spring, in a new production directed by Julia Rodriguez-Elliott. Geoff Elliott leads as Willy Loman, with Deborah Strang as Linda. The run is March 28–April 19, with low-price previews beginning March 22.

The play takes place over a tense 24-hour stretch inside the Loman family, but it keeps slipping between the present and Willy’s memories as things start to fracture. At the center is a guy who bought hard into the idea that personality, hustle, and being “well-liked” guarantees security — and what happens when the job, the economy, and the culture stop rewarding that. It’s a family story, but it’s also a blunt critique of tying human value to career status, money, and achievement.

This production is leaning into the theme of becoming obsolete: in the late 1940s it’s the traveling salesman getting replaced by new systems of communication and retail; now it lands differently because everyone’s watching technology reshape work again. If you’ve only ever thought of this as required reading, this is the version that tends to convert people.

A Noise Within’s Death of a Salesman runs March 28–April 19, with previews starting March 22 (including Pay What You Choose previews from $10 on March 26–27). Performances are 7:30PM Thursday–Saturday and 2PM Saturday–Sunday (no Saturday matinee on March 28). Tickets start at $41.75 ($20 for students). For more tickets or more information visit anoisewithin.org.

America Sings! Pasadena this Saturday

This Saturday, February 28, America Sings! Pasadena brings about 400 student singers to town for a full day built around two things: music and service.

The morning is focused on the students (rehearsals + workshops led by composer/educator John Jacobson and guest clinicians), and it also includes a service project supporting schools impacted by the Altadena fires—direct help for students and educators affected by the disaster.

The performances for you to watch:

• 1–4PM: individual choir performances on the steps of Pasadena City Hall (100 N. Garfield)

• 4:00PM: a massed-choir finale with all 400 singers together on the steps

It’s intentionally non-competitive and inclusive built to highlight youth voices, arts education, and community support in one of Pasadena’s best backdrops. For more information, click here.

NEWSN_ROSES

📷@anoisewithin📍A Noise Within, Pasadena
Tag @newn_roses to get your photos in New N’ Roses!

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Monday (2/23)

🌿 Homeschool Day: Homeschool families are invited to enjoy free entry and educational materials during this special morning designed just for them. Descanso Gardens | Monday, February 23 from 9:30AM–11:30AM

🏃‍♂️ Run With Us: Monday Fun Run: Join this community run with 4- and 6-mile options, shoe demos, and monthly prizes, open to runners, walkers, and even furry friends of all paces. Run With Us | Monday, February 23 at 6PM

📚 Michelle Maryk, in conversation with Amy Landecker, discusses & signs The Found Object Society: Author Michelle Maryk joins Amy Landecker to talk about her speculative suspense debut exploring a secret society that lets members relive the final moments of the dead, followed by a book signing. Vroman’s Bookstore | Monday, February 23 at 7PM

🗺️ San Marino Historical Society: LA Scavenger: The Ultimate Search for Los Angeles’s Hidden Treasures: Author Danny Jensen leads an interactive talk exploring more than 300 hidden and iconic L.A. landmarks featured in his book, using photos and rhyming clues to guide the journey. San Marino Community Center, MPR1 | Monday, February 23 from 7PM–8PM

Tuesday (2/24)

🥕 Pasadena Farmers’ Market at Villa Parke: Shop fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables, and farm products directly from certified farmers who sell only what they grow. Villa Parke | Tuesday, February 24 from 8:30AM–12:30PM

🧸 Toddler Tuesday: A special morning designed for little ones with toddler-friendly activities and adapted play spaces throughout the museum. Kidspace Children’s Museum (KCM) | Tuesday, February 24 at 10AM

📖 Legacy Project: Create scrapbooks, story collections, and memory albums that reflect on the past and honor resilience in partnership with the Trauma Resource Institute. Pasadena Village Office Community Room | Tuesday, February 24 at 10AM

🧵🖨️ Identifying Fabrics & Analog Hangout with Typewriters Anonymous: Choose between a hands-on class on fabric properties and care or an unplugged creative session using classic typewriters for letter writing and poetry. Remainders Creative Reuse | Tuesday, February 24 at 6PM

🧠🍻 Geeks Who Drink Trivia: Gather your team and put your knowledge to the test at this weekly trivia night with food, drinks, and prizes on the line. T. Boyle’s Tavern | Tuesday, February 24 at 8PM

🎭 Amadeus: This Tony Award-winning drama follows the fierce rivalry between Antonio Salieri and the prodigious Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, starring Jefferson Mays and directed by Darko Tresnjak. The Pasadena Playhouse | Tuesday, February 24 at 8PM

Save the Date

🔋 Caltech Watson Lecture – Kimberly See: Chemistry professor Kimberly See explores how batteries work and their role in today’s energy landscape, followed by a Q&A. Caltech | Wednesday, February 25 from 7:30PM–8:30PM

🎨 Exclusive California Club Art Tour and Lunch: Join California Art Club President Emeritus Peter Adams and CEO Elaine Adams for a private guided tour of the California Club’s art collection, followed by a hosted luncheon in the Sunset Room. California Art Club | Thursday, February 26 from 10:45AM–1:30PM

🎶 America Sings! Pasadena: Hundreds of student singers from across the country gather for a day of music and community service, culminating in a grand finale massed choir performance on the steps of City Hall. Pasadena City Hall | Saturday, February 28 from 1PM–4PM

🏆 57th NAACP Image Awards: The nationally televised awards honoring excellence in entertainment and literature by artists of color will air live from Pasadena, celebrating achievements across film, television, music, and more. Pasadena Civic Auditorium | Saturday, February 28

🛍️ Pasadena City College Flea Market: Browse antiques, collectibles, and a wide range of vintage finds from more than 400 vendors spread across the PCC parking lots. Pasadena City College | Sunday, March 1

🛍️ Rose Bowl Flea Market: Explore more than 2,500 vendors offering antiques, vintage clothing, local art, and specialty finds at this monthly market. Rose Bowl Stadium | Sunday, March 8 from 9AM–3PM

🎬 The Langham Huntington Film Tour: Take a 90-minute guided walking tour of the historic hotel and grounds, highlighting the films and TV shows shot on location, led by My Valley Pass co-founder Jared Cowan. The Langham Huntington, Pasadena | Sunday, March 8 from 10:30AM–12PM

💎 International Gem and Jewelry Show: Shop directly from designers, wholesalers, and manufacturers offering jewelry, gemstones, beads, engagement rings, watches, and more. Pasadena Convention Center | Friday, March 13 from 12PM–6PM; Saturday, March 14 from 10AM–6PM; Sunday, March 15 from 11AM–5PM

🎨 ArtNight Pasadena Spring: Museums and cultural institutions across the city open their doors for free with special programming during this twice-yearly celebration of art and culture. City of Pasadena | Friday, March 13 from 6PM–10PM

🏠 Pasadena Spring Home Show: Meet and compare a wide range of home improvement professionals in one place to get ideas and inspiration for your next renovation or remodel. Pasadena Convention Center | Saturday, March 14 from 10AM–8PM; Sunday, March 15 from 10AM–5PM

📚 Pasadena Festival of Women Authors: National bestselling author Amity Gaige joins seven acclaimed writers for a morning of personal stories, conversation, book signings, and lunch. Pasadena Convention Center | Saturday, March 14 from 9AM–2PM

🌟 Golden Future 50+ Expo: This interactive lifestyle and active aging expo features exhibitors, free health screenings, live entertainment, and resources focused on health, finance, and community. Pasadena Convention Center | Saturday, March 14 from 9AM–1PM

🎼 California Young Artists Symphony: The CYAS presents its season finale featuring Mendelssohn’s “Psalm 42,” Sibelius’ Symphony No. 4, and Strauss’ “Macbeth” at Rothenberg Hall. The Huntington, Pasadena | Sunday, March 15 from 6PM–9PM

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

Finance Committee Special Meeting

The City Council’s finance committee meets to review city financial matters, with members including Mayor Victor Gordo and Councilmembers Rick Cole, Tyron Hampton, and Gene Masuda. Click here to see full agenda. Pasadena City Hall Council Chambers | Monday, February 23 at 3PM

Municipal Services Committee Meeting

The City Council’s Municipal Services Committee meets to discuss city operations and services, with members including Justin Jones, Rick Cole, Tyron Hampton, and Jason Lyons. Click here to see full agenda. Pasadena City Hall Council Chambers | Tuesday, February 24 at 4PM

Accessibility and Disability Commission Meeting

The commission meets to discuss accessibility issues and community inclusion, representing a cross-section of Pasadena’s disability groups and professionals in the field. Click here to see full agenda. Jackie Robinson Community Center | Tuesday, February 24 at 5:30PM

NEWS N’ ROSES WEATHER

Monday

76 🌡️ 56 |🌥️| 💨 W 4 mph

🌆 Air Quality Index: 37 (Good)

Tuesday

74 🌡️ 55 |🌥️| 💨 SW 5 mph

Temperature readings taken from the Pasadena Doppler Radar.

LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

☕🎶 Triple Shot Jazz Trio: This Pasadena-based trio performs modern jazz with improvisations and original compositions, blending jazz and blues traditions with touches of gospel and funk. Jones Coffee Roasters | Monday, February 23 at 9AM

🎸 The Riner Scivally Trio: Guitarist Riner Scivally brings an evening of jazz standards, Brazilian tunes, and original compositions alongside bassist Mike Alvidrez and drummer Paul Kreibich. Edwin Mills | Monday, February 23 from 6PM–10PM

🎷 Live Jazz Night at Visionarium Live Italian: RC & Noir return with their smooth, refined jazz sound for an intimate evening of live music. Visionarium Live Italian | Tuesday, February 24 from 6:30PM–8:30PM

☕🎹 The Coffee Shop Jazz Trio: Led by pianist Matt Politano, this trio blends modern jazz and Latin fusion with a rotating lineup of guest musicians throughout the year. Jones Coffee Roasters | Tuesday, February 24 at 8:30AM

THANKS!

Thanks for reading News N’ Roses today. If you found something useful, share it with someone who thinks skiing is better than snow boarding. ⛷️

Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up.

Want to partner with News N’ Roses or plan an event with us that will reach over 5,000+ people? Email me.

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].