The Rose Bowl Aquatics Masters Swim Team wins the SPMS Championship, plus Robbins Brothers hosts a wine, cheese, and jewelry pairing event in Pasadena.
News N’ Roses
July 31, 2026
Good afternoon, Pasadena. This is News N’ Roses. Did you know that the iconic cover photo for Nirvana’s 1991 album Nevermind was photographed at the Rose Bowl Aquatics Center? Seventeen years later, the same photographer recreated the image at the very same pool with Spencer Elden as a teenager.
In this weekend’s News N’ Roses:
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Rose Bowl Masters Swim Team Wins SPMS Championship
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Robbins Brothers Hosts Wine, Cheese & Jewelry Pairing in Pasadena
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Events this Weekend
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Live Music Lowdown
Let’s get to it.
—Matthew Ramirez
P.S. Happy birthday to my friend, incredible runner, and CrossFit athlete, Veronica!
THE DIGEST
Rose Bowl Masters Swim Team Wins SPMS Championship
The Rose Bowl Aquatics Masters Swim Team is bringing another championship home to Pasadena after capturing first place at this year’s Southern Pacific Masters Swimming (SPMS) Championships in Mission Viejo. The team scored an impressive 1,944 points, with 49 swimmers contributing to the victory through standout individual performances and 34 relay swims. The women’s team led the charge with 879 points, while the men added 843, helping secure the overall title.
Several Rose Bowl swimmers earned high-point honors in their age groups, but one performance stood out above the rest. Maurine “Mighty Mo” Kornfeld, who is 105 YEARS OLD (you read that correctly), once again proved that age is no barrier to competition. Racing in the 105–109 age group, she claimed another victory in the 50-meter backstroke, continuing to inspire teammates and swimmers across the country with her remarkable longevity and competitive spirit.
The team also celebrated dozens of personal bests and podium finishes. Next up for the Rose Bowl Masters swimmers: we’ll be at the Masters National Championships in Sacramento next week!
Robbins Brothers Hosts Wine, Cheese & Jewelry Pairing in Pasadena
Looking for a different kind of afternoon out? Robbins Brothers is hosting Perfect Pairings on Saturday, August 8, from 1–5 PM at its Pasadena showroom. The free event pairs Verragio fine jewelry with a curated wine tasting, artisan cheeses and charcuterie, live piano music, and personalized tarot readings that match guests with gemstones and jewelry styles based on their personalities and relationships. Visitors can also take advantage of special event pricing, financing offers, and other promotions available throughout the weekend. A special Verragio trunk show and exclusive offers continue through August 9. Click here for more information.
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WHAT’S HAPPENING
Friday (7/31)
🎸 Summer Sunset Concerts at Lacy Park: Viva Santana: A Santana tribute band brings the classic rock energy to a lovely summer evening in the park. Lacy Park | Friday | July 31 | 6–8PM
🤠 Kids’ Night Out! (aka Parents’ Night Out): Kids can enjoy crafts, dancing, pizza, and a movie while parents enjoy an evening out. The Hive, South Pasadena | Friday | July 31 | 6PM
🥋 Caltech Tai Chi Club: A relaxed weekly gathering for anyone looking to practice tai chi on campus. Caltech’s Hameetman Center 220, Multipurpose Room | Friday | July 31 | 7PM
🎬 Movies in the Park: Zootopia 2: Catch the sequel under the stars at a classic Pasadena summer tradition. Grant Park | Friday | July 31 | 7PM
🎤 Maz Jobrani: The comedian and actor known for Superior Donuts and his YouTube special brings his standup to the Legendary Room. Ice House Comedy Club’s Legendary Room | Friday | July 31 | 7:30PM
🤠 Altadena Revealed: Zane Grey, the Open, and Altadena: A local talk exploring the life and Altadena connection of the man who invented the western story. Eaton Fire Collaboratory | Friday | July 31 | 7–8:30PM
🎬 Movies in the Park: How to Train Your Dragon: A free outdoor screening of the beloved animated adventure. Sierra Madre Memorial Park | Friday | July 31 | 8PM
🎭 Mexodus: A new musical exploring the lesser-known Underground Railroad route south into Mexico. The Pasadena Playhouse | Friday | July 31 | 8PM
Saturday (8/1)
🎙️ Overlook Community Listening Session: Help shape the future of the One Arroyo Overlook. Share your ideas to inform the restoration and long-term vision for this Pasadena landmark Brookside Golf Club | Saturday | August 1 | 9AM
📚 Vroman’s Bookstore Summer Sale Continues Through August 2: The upstairs Event Space is stocked with discounted books and merchandise through Sunday. Vroman’s Bookstore | Saturday | August 1 | 10AM–9PM
🎨 Underdog Finds: Expressing Voices Through Craft: A craft showcase celebrating creative expression from local makers and artists. Armory Center for the Arts | Saturday | August 1 | 1PM
🐛 The Very Hungry Caterpillar & Other Stories: Experience a one-hour musical adaptation of Eric Carle’s beloved stories featuring live orchestra, singers, narration, and award-winning animation. A Noise Within Theatre | Saturday | August 1 | 1PM
🎉 Chris Holden’s 27th Annual Community Resource Fair and Block Party: A neighborhood block party with live music, family activities, and local resources for Eaton Fire-affected families. 500 Block of East Jackson Street | Saturday | August 1 | 3PM
💦 Parks After Dark: Aqua Boogie Nights: An all-ages night of swimming, music, and dancing at the neighborhood pool. Villa Parke Pool | Saturday | August 1 | 6–9PM
🎶 2026 Levitt Vibe Pasadena Music Series: Niki J Crawford | Leah Ashton: A free outdoor concert featuring soulful sounds at one of Pasadena’s favorite summer series. Memorial Park | Saturday | August 1 | 6PM
🎶 29th Annual Concert Series 2026: A Tribute to the Beatles: A summer concert series bringing a tribute to The Beatles at the beloved Altadena park. Loma Alta Park | Saturday | August 1 | 7PM
Sunday (8/2)
🎒 3rd Annual Dena Community Backpack Giveaway: A community giveaway stocking local kids up with backpacks before the school year begins. Rose Bowl Stadium | Sunday | August 2 | 10AM–3PM
🐦 Hummingbirds at The Huntington: A monthly drop-in talk on the science, culture, and care of hummingbirds with specialist Cole Imperi. The Huntington’s Tiffany Sisters Hummingbird Gazebo | Sunday | August 2 | 10:30AM
📚 Vroman’s Bookstore Summer Sale Ends Today: Last chance to catch the summer sale at Pasadena’s beloved local bookstore. Vroman’s Bookstore | Sunday | August 2 | 10AM–9PM
🎸 2026 Summer Concerts in the Park: “4 Lads from Liverpool”: A Beatles tribute band brings the Fab Four’s classic sound to an outdoor bandshell setting. Memorial Park Bandshell | Sunday | August 2 | 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!
WEATHER
Friday
91 🌡️ 66 |☀️| 💨 SW 8 mph
🌆 Air Quality Index: 61 (Moderate)
Saturday
94 🌡️ 68 ☀️| 💨 SW 8 mph
Sunday
93 🌡️ 68 |☀️| 💨 S 8 mph
Temperature readings taken from the Pasadena Doppler Radar.
LIVE MUSIC
🎸 Summer Sunset Concerts at Lacy Park: Viva Santana: A Santana tribute band brings the classic rock energy to a lovely summer evening in the park. Lacy Park | Friday | July 31 | 6–8PM
🎸 Daryl Darden: Guitarist Daryl Darden brings an evening of jazz and blues after more than five decades of performing around the world. Edwin Mills by Equator | Friday | July 31 | 7PM
🎸 The Hotelier – 10 Years of Goodness: Celebrate the 10th anniversary of Home, Like Noplace Is There with The Hotelier on their special anniversary tour. The Lodge Room | Friday | July 31 | 7PM
🎷 Noz Toka Live at Visionarium: Enjoy an evening of live music as Noz Toka blends jazz, Latin classics, and American favorites with sophisticated vocals and saxophone. Visionarium Live Italian | Friday | July 31 | 7PM
🎶 2026 Levitt Vibe Pasadena Music Series: Niki J Crawford | Leah Ashton: A free outdoor concert featuring soulful sounds at one of Pasadena’s favorite summer series. Memorial Park | Saturday | August 1 | 6PM
🎶 29th Annual Concert Series 2026: Britain’s Finest: A summer concert series bringing a tribute to The Beatles at the beloved Altadena park. Loma Alta Park | Saturday | August 1 | 7PM
🎉 Ed Romero’s 85th Birthday Bash: Celebrate vocalist Ed Romero’s 85th birthday with an evening of jazz and songs from the Great American Songbook. Edwin Mills by Equator | Saturday | August 1 | 7PM
🎤 Rome Streetz – Sock It To My Pocket Tour Album Release Show: Critically acclaimed rapper Rome Streetz brings his Sock It To My Pocket album release tour to Highland Park. The Lodge Room | Saturday | August 1 | 7:30PM
🎸 2026 Summer Concerts in the Park: “4 Lads from Liverpool”: A Beatles tribute band brings the Fab Four’s classic sound to an outdoor bandshell setting. Memorial Park Bandshell | Sunday | August 2 | 6PM
🎷 Ken Song: Enjoy an evening of live jazz with Ken Song. Edwin Mills by Equator | Sunday | August 2 | 6PM
🎷 JAZZ | Sidney Jacobs: Live jazz at one of the area’s most intimate neighborhood venues. Sierra Madre Playhouse | Sunday | August 2 | 8PM
THANKS!
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