Good morning, Pasadena. This is News N’ Roses—the newsletter with a good eye for what’s happening.
In Today’s News N’ Roses:
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Pasadena Playhouse Turns the Spotlight on Its Students
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Events this Monday & Tuesday
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Live Music Lowdown
Let’s get to it.
—Matthew Ramirez
🎃THE DIGEST
Pasadena Playhouse Turns the Spotlight on Its Students
The Pasadena Playhouse isn’t just putting on plays—it’s teaching Pasadena how to be in one. On Monday nights, the historic theater buzzes with energy: adults in the “Playhouse Singers” class croon show tunes while kids down the hall dream up ghost stories for their own mini-plays.
Under artistic director Danny Feldman, the Tony Award–winning Playhouse has quietly built a full-on theater school with classes for everyone—kids, teens, retirees, even a dentist who just really loves to sing. From “Acting for Non-Actors” to “Theatermakers: Myths and Legends,” there’s something for every level of stage fright (or lack thereof).
It’s all part of the Playhouse’s plan to make “Theater for Everyone” more than a slogan. Scholarships cover part of the tuition for about 20% of students, and classes are taught by real pros—including Broadway vets and Juilliard grads.
And if you’re wondering—yes, students do perform. There’s even a “Jingle + Mingle” holiday showcase coming up in December, where kids and parents take the stage together.
A century after opening its doors, the Playhouse has gone back to its roots—teaching, performing, and proving that the best stories don’t always happen on the main stage.
Instructor Adam McDonald, left, rehearses with his students the Playhouse Singers in the black box theater. (Jill Connelly / For The Times)
WHAT’S HAPPENING👻
Monday
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🕷️ Spooky Craft Time: Get crafty with pumpkins, bats, and spooky bookmarks at Hastings Branch Library’s Halloween-themed art session—costumes welcome! Monday, October 27 from 4–6PM.
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🎃 Carved at Descanso Gardens: Wander through glowing jack-o’-lanterns, towering wood carvings, and dazzling light displays in this enchanting, family-friendly Halloween experience. Monday, October 27 at 6PM.
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👟 Monday Fun Run: Kick off your week with a friendly 4- or 6-mile group run, gear demos, and prize giveaways—everyone’s welcome, from casual joggers to seasoned runners (dogs too!). Monday, October 27 at 6PM.
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🏛️ Haunted Heritage – A Preservation Mixer: Celebrate Pasadena’s history with a spooky twist at ID-éclair in Old Pasadena—enjoy wine, sweets, and great company while connecting with fellow preservation enthusiasts. Monday, October 27 from 7–9PM.
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🎥 Free Screening: Bright Harvest – Powering Earth From Space: Discover how Caltech scientists turned a decades-old dream into reality with the world’s first space-based solar power demo—followed by a panel with the researchers themselves. Monday, October 27 from 7:30–9PM.
Tuesday
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💼 7th Annual Future of Work Conference: Join Pasadena City College and LA County leaders for a half-day conference on rebuilding stronger, fairer, and more resilient systems through education and workforce collaboration. Tuesday, October 28 at 8AM.
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🍎 Pasadena Farmers’ Market at Villa Parke: Shop fresh, locally grown produce and meet the farmers behind your food at this beloved Pasadena market—plus enjoy jams, jellies, and other farm favorites. Tuesday, October 28 from 8:30AM–12:30PM.
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💀 Día de los Muertos Celebration at PCM: Celebrate life and remembrance with mariachi, ballet folklórico, musical tributes, and a community ofrenda at Pasadena Conservatory of Music. Tuesday, October 28 from 5:30–7:30PM.
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🌌 Astronomy in the Park: Peer through telescopes with the Old Town Sidewalk Astronomers and discover the wonders of the night sky at Sierra Madre Memorial Park. Tuesday, October 28 at 6PM.
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🔪 My Favorite Murder Live: True crime fans, rejoice—Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark bring their hit podcast to the Pasadena Civic for a night of dark humor, shocking stories, and killer chemistry. Tuesday, October 28 at 7PM & 9:30PM.
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😂 ha ha ha ha ha ha ha: Award-winning comedian Julia Masli brings her chaotic, hilarious, and heartfelt one-woman show to Pasadena—where your problems become part of the performance. Tuesday, October 28 at 8PM.
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🧠 Geeks Who Drink Trivia: Round up your smartest friends for a lively night of trivia, prizes, and pints at T. Boyle’s—Pasadena’s go-to Tuesday hangout for brainy fun. Tuesday, October 28 at 8PM.
Save the Date
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🚀 Mars Symphony: Experience a mesmerizing fusion of live music, science, and visuals as CaltechLive!, JPL, and the Caltech Management Association take you on a journey through humanity’s exploration of the Red Planet. Thursday, October 30 from 7:30–9PM.
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🎃 Boo Bash with the Badge – Trunk or Treat Halloween Extravaganza: Celebrate Halloween with the Pasadena Police Department at this family-friendly “Trunk or Treat” filled with decorated police vehicles, games, music, and loads of candy. Come in costume and enjoy a safe, spooky night in the heart of Pasadena. Thursday, October 30 from 4–7PM.
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🛍️ Pasadena City College Flea Market: Hunt for treasures and unique finds among 400+ vendors offering everything from vintage collectibles to quirky bargains at PCC’s beloved open-air market. Sunday, November 2.
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 Upgrades Traffic Signals for Safer Streets
Two new traffic signal systems are up and running at Del Mar Blvd. & Michigan Ave. and Orange Grove Blvd. & Craig Ave., part of Pasadena’s push for safer, more efficient streets.
The Del Mar project, serving the busy Caltech corridor, includes new signals, fiber optic upgrades, curb ramps, and fresh pavement. Over on Orange Grove, the city added a fully ADA-compliant system with new crosswalks, corner extensions, and improved signage.
Both projects were funded through a mix of federal, state, and LA Metro programs, aiming to make Pasadena streets safer for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike.
The City Council’s Finance and Audit Committee—led by Mayor Victor Gordo—convenes to review Pasadena’s financial matters and upcoming agenda items at City Hall. Monday, October 27 at 3PM.
NEWS N’ ROSES WEATHER🍂
Monday
75 🌡️ 59 🌤️| 💨 NE 3 mph
🌆 Air Quality Index: 88 (Moderate)
Tuesday
87 🌡️ 60 |🌤️| 💨 NE 4 mph
Temperature readings taken from the Pasadena Doppler Radar.
🕷️LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN
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🌹 Music in the Rose Garden: Stroll through The Huntington’s lush Rose Garden as live classical music from Pasadena Conservatory musicians fills the air—a peaceful midday escape. Monday, October 27 at 1PM.
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🎶 The Coffee Shop Jazz Trio: Ease into your morning with modern jazz and Latin fusion from pianist Matt Politano and his trio at Jones Coffee—perfect vibes with your first cup. Tuesday, October 28 at 8:30AM.
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💀 Día de los Muertos Celebration at PCM: Celebrate life and remembrance with mariachi, ballet folklórico, musical tributes, and a community ofrenda at Pasadena Conservatory of Music. Tuesday, October 28 from 5:30–7:30PM.
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🎵 Camerata Pacifica Performs: Enjoy an evening of timeless chamber music by Beethoven, Mozart, and Chopin, performed by world-class musicians in The Huntington’s elegant setting. Tuesday, October 28 at 7:30PM.
THANKS!🕸️
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