Good morning, Pasadena. This is News N’ Roses, the newsletter that is as exciting as having the next two weeks off!

In today’s News N’ Roses:

• Record-Breaking 605 All Star Band at the Rose Bowl

• Octavia’s Bookshelf Will Celebrate One Year Open

• New events and music this weekend

Let’s get to it.

— Matthew Ramirez

THE DIGEST 🎄

Record-Breaking 605 All Star Band at the Rose Bowl

The 2024 Rose Parade is set to make history with a record-breaking 605-member All-Star Band, the largest in the event’s history, comprising talented high school musicians from across Southern California who earned their spots through a rigorous audition process. These young musicians will join an impressive lineup of participants that includes international marching bands and performers, representing a diverse array of cultures and musical styles. The theme for this year’s parade, “Celebrating a World of Music: The Universal Language,” highlights the global connections forged through music. Tournament of Roses President Alex Aghajanian has praised the collaborative effort that brings the parade to life, emphasizing its significance as a cultural and artistic showcase. This cherished New Year’s Day tradition draws spectators from around the world, both in person and via broadcast, as Pasadena once again becomes the center stage for this iconic celebration.

Octavia’s Bookshelf Will Celebrate One Year Open

Octavia’s Bookshelf, an independent bookstore dedicated to celebrating the works of writers of color. Founded by Nikki High just last year, introduced a unique literary hub honors the legacy of acclaimed author Octavia E. Butler. Butler is a Pasadena native whose groundbreaking science fiction continues to inspire readers worldwide. Octavia’s Bookshelf offers a carefully curated selection of books that amplify diverse voices, featuring authors from various backgrounds and genres. Nikki High’s vision for the store is rooted in inclusivity and community engagement, creating a welcoming space for readers to explore stories that reflect a wide range of experiences. Located in the heart of Pasadena, the bookstore has quickly become a cultural gem, attracting visitors who are eager to connect with Butler’s legacy and discover new perspectives. With its focus on elevating underrepresented voices, Octavia’s Bookshelf is a testament to the power of literature to bring communities together and inspire meaningful conversations.

@NEWSN_ROSES 🎅🏼

📷@onecoloradooldpasadena | 📍 One Colorado, Old Pasadena

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WHAT’S HAPPENING 🎁

Friday

• 🩰Pasadena Dance Nutcracker: featuring guest artists , the Pasadena Chorale, US National Men’s Gymnastics and Chinese dragons at the San Gabriel Mission Playhouse, Dec 20

• 🐕Roses and Wet Noses: Last-Minute Holiday Pet Adoptions Surge as Pasadena Humane Offers Fee Waivers, Dec. 20-31

• 🧪Mad Science: Winter Wonderland of Science: Join Altadena Library for an interactive and educational science show presented by Mad Science, 4-4:45 PM

• 🧠Stand-Up for Mental Health: 809 Fight for Awareness presents Stand-Up for Mental Health at The Ice House Comedy Club featuring Chris Estrada, 7:45 PM – 9:15 PM

• ➰Annie Jr.: Based on Little Orphan Annie, Harold Gray’s popular comic strip, Annie has become a worldwide sensation. Winner of seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical, 7 PM

• 🎸Rock En Español: Listos pa’ la posada rockera mas prendida del 2024 en Los Angeles? Los invitamos para un gran show en vivo con los super rockers Angellinos, 8 PM – 1 AM

Saturday

• 🌳Docent-Led Family Nature Walk: Join Eaton Canyon Natural Area Park outdoors for a free guided walk in Eaton Canyon Natural Area, 9 AM

• 🛒South Pas Flea Market: Buy! Trade! Sell! Join South Pas Flea every 3rd Saturday of the month! Free admission for shoppers and walkers alike, 9 AM – 3 PM

• 🎅Santa Snacks & Stories: Join Pasadena’s One Colorado for a jolly good time at with Santa Snacks & Stories event, 1 -2 PM

• 🩰Holiday Dance featuring The Alpha Rhythm Kings Pasadena Ballroom Dance Association’s Annual dance event, 8 PM

• 🎤Live Tribute to System Of a Down & Weezer Holiday Show: One of the best tributes, Disorder performing all the hits plus a special live tribute to Weezer by local rockers Say It Ain’t Weezer live on stage, 8 PM

• 🎭A Christmas Carol: A Noise Within presents a classic to bring in the holiday vibes! A classic, but readapted, 2 PM

Sunday

• ❄️Winter Frolic: Celebrate the jolliest time of the year! Now through January 5, join in the merrymaking at the 4th Annual Winter Frolic at Kidspace, 10 AM – 3:30 PM

• 🎺The Gold Line Jazz Collective The Gold Line Jazz Collective is led by the talented pianist Hank Mehren, who is well-known locally and internationally for his incredible musical abilities., 10 AM – 12 PM

• 🕎 Latkes, Latkes, Good to Eat: A Chanukah Story by Naomi Howland Presented by Vroman’s and PJ Library, 11 AM – 12 PM

• 🎻Violin Masterclass: Pasadena Conservatory of Music (PCM) presents a free Violin Masterclass with Almita Vamos, a graduate of the Juilliard School, 7 PM

Save the Date

• 🌹Floatfest: 2-mile display features Rose Parade float after their appearance on the parade route. Each year, nearly 70,000 visitors go to Sierra Madre and Washington Boulevard in Pasadena for a rare opportunity to get up close to these incredible floats and admire the details and creativity that make each display unique. The event’s family-friendly, celebratory atmosphere also gives guests a chance to interact with the float exhibitors, Jan 1 – 3

• 🎨Blended Worlds Art Exhibit: The last day to view this exhibiting and unique art exhibt developed by JPL, Jan 4.

• 🦕Jurassic Quest: The nation’s leading dinosaur-themed entertainment experience, Jurassic Quest, will bring its collection of meticulously crafted prehistoric creatures to the Pasadena Convention Center, Jan 3-5

• 🎭HADESTOWN: Teen Edition: PUSD’s All-Star Musical, which draws on the talent of high school students and teachers from all of the district’s high schools, Jan 29 – Feb 1

• 💎Pasadena Bead and Design Show: featuring over 300 exhibits of artisan materials, jewelry, and creative workshops, Jan 17-19

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!

CIVIL NEWS 🦌

Pasadena Holiday Closures

The City of Pasadena has announced its holiday closures and service reminders for the 2024 holiday season. Most city offices, including administrative services and libraries, will be closed on designated holidays such as Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Essential services like police, fire, and trash collection will continue without interruption. Residents are reminded to check adjusted schedules for street sweeping, parking enforcement, and public transit during the holiday period.

NEWS N’ ROSES WEATHER 🎄

Friday

71 🌡️ 51 |☀️| 💨 NNW 2 mph, gusts up to 3 mph

🌆 Air Quality Index: 55 (Poor)

Saturday

68 🌡️ 52 |☀️| 💨 VAR 1-2 mph, gusts up to 3 mph

Sunday

67 🌡️ 51 |☀️| 💨 VAR 1-2 mph, gusts up to 3 mph

Temperature readings taken from the Pasadena Doppler radar. 

THANKS!

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