Good morning, Pasadena. This is News N’ Roses. Did you know Michael Jackson debuted his iconic moonwalk at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium? On May 16, 1983, during Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever, he stunned audiences performing Billie Jean—and created one of the most unforgettable moments in pop culture.
In today’s News N’ Roses:
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Pasadena is Giving Small Businesses their Moment
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‘Exit the King’ Coming to A Noise Within
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Events this Wednesday & Thursday
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Civic News
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City Manager Search Reset After Futrell Withdrawal
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Restaurant Spotlight: Kyushu Sushi
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Live Music Lowdown
Let’s get to it.
—Matthew Ramirez
A MESSAGE FROM ROBBINS BROTHERS
If you’re looking for a thoughtful way to celebrate this year, Robbins Brothers has something special in store. On May 2 from 1 to 5 PM, their Pasadena flagship will host Baubles, Bubbles & Blooms, a feel-good afternoon that pairs celebration with giving back.
The event supports 4th Trimester, an organization dedicated to helping new moms and families navigate the early stages of parenthood with care, resources, and community. The nonprofit focuses on families often left out of traditional systems, including low-income, immigrant, and crisis-impacted communities. Robbins Brothers will donate 10% of event proceeds to further that mission.
Expect more than just shopping. Guests can enjoy 20% off storewide with some exclusions, live piano from musician and mom Ella Vos, a floral cart with complimentary bouquets, a champagne bar, and live art by Ashley Urban creating custom cards and jewelry boxes. The experience is produced by Lindsay Luv Creative, known for immersive, feel-good events.
It’s a chance to celebrate moms, support moms, and maybe pick up something special along the way.
THE DIGEST
Pasadena is Giving Small Businesses their Moment
For the first time, the City of Pasadena is launching its own Small Business Week, running May 3 through 9, with a lineup designed to support entrepreneurs at every stage. The initiative, organized by the city’s Economic Development Division and backed by Logix Federal Credit Union, brings a local spin to the long-running national celebration led by the U.S. Small Business Administration.
The week includes a free procurement webinar on May 5 that breaks down how to bid on city contracts and navigate the system, plus an invite-only breakfast with Mayor Victor Gordo focused on growing a digital presence without a big budget.
One standout moment is Thursday’s “She Builds: From Idea to Empire,” created in partnership with the Pasadena Women’s Business Center and Altadena Girls. Nearly 75 high school students will connect with women founders across industries like beauty, food, e-commerce, and floral design for real, small-group conversations about building a business from the ground up.
It’s a strong first showing for Pasadena, and a clear signal that the city is investing in the next generation of founders as much as the current ones. For more information, click here.
‘Exit the King’ Coming to A Noise Within
If you’re in the mood for something thought-provoking with a twist of humor, Exit the King is coming to Pasadena. Staged by A Noise Within, this classic by Eugène Ionesco runs May 9 through 31, with previews starting May 3.
The story follows King Berenger on his final day as he refuses to accept the inevitable, surrounded by an eccentric cast of characters trying to hold his crumbling world together. It’s equal parts absurd, funny, and unexpectedly moving, blending Ionesco’s signature style with a surprisingly heartfelt take on mortality.
Directed by Michael Michetti, the production leans into the play’s dark humor while gradually revealing something deeper and more reflective. Expect a show that starts off playful and chaotic, then lands somewhere much more emotional by the final curtain.
Performances take place at A Noise Within’s Pasadena home, with tickets starting around $40 and lower-cost preview options available. If you like your theater a little quirky, a little philosophical, and very human, this one’s worth a spot on your calendar. Click here for tickets.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
Wednesday (4/29)
🎻 Open Rehearsal | Songs About Story: A behind-the-scenes rehearsal with faculty and guest artists exploring works by Schubert and Golijov. Pasadena Conservatory of Music (PCM) | Wednesday | April 29 | 5PM
🧵 Female Fiber Artist Series – Deconstructed & Make a Skirt with Pockets: Two sewing classes exploring deconstructed design inspired by Rei Kawakubo and creating a skirt with pockets. Remainders Creative Reuse (RCR) | Wednesday | April 29 | 6PM
🧠 Trivia Night: Weekly trivia hosted by Game Night Trivia with teams competing over drinks. Stone Brewing Tap Room – Pasadena | Wednesday | April 29 | 6PM–8PM
🎶 Wine & Song: Brian Whelan; Jennings & Keller: A live performance featuring Americana, country, and folk artists Brian Whelan and Jennings & Keller. Mamma’s Brick Oven Pizza | Wednesday | April 29 | 7PM
🎬 INCEPTION on the BIG screen!: A screening of the sci-fi film following a thief who infiltrates dreams to plant an idea. Regency Academy 6 | Wednesday | April 29 | 7:30PM
😂 Pasadena Comedy Show: A live comedy night featuring host Paddy and rotating guest comedians. The Mixx Pasadena | Wednesday | April 29 | 8PM
Thursday (4/30)
🧠 A Cultural Thursday Event! The Machinery of the Mind: The Science of Cognition and Emotion Across the Lifespan: A lecture exploring the science behind cognition and emotion across the lifespan. Pasadena Senior Center (PSC) | Thursday | April 30 | 2PM
🥕 South Pasadena Farmers’ Market: Shop certified California-grown produce along with prepared food, live music, and weekly vendors. 913 Meridian Ave. | Thursday | April 30 | 4PM–7PM
🎓 “Celebrating Our Schools: Discover 2026”: An evening supporting Pasadena Unified students and educators featuring an interactive student showcase. The event also honors Dawn and Jim O’Keeffe and brings together community members in the City Hall Courtyard. Pasadena City Hall Courtyard | Thursday | April 30 | 5PM–7:30PM
🧵 Beginner Sewing 2 & Text & Transparency Collage: Two hands-on classes covering intermediate sewing techniques and creating layered collage transparencies. Remainders Creative Reuse (RCR) | Thursday | April 30 | 6PM
Upcoming Events
Upcoming events are added to the News N’ Roses events page. Check them out here!
*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
City Manager Search Reset After Futrell Withdrawal
Pasadena’s search for a new city manager is back to square one after Mike Futrell withdrew from the role, choosing to remain in Riverside. Victor Gordo confirmed the decision in a rare weekend statement, adding that interim City Manager Matthew Hawkesworth will continue leading the city while officials reassess their next steps. The City Council has been searching for a new City Manager since last year when Miguel Marquez announced his retirement.
Pasadena Rental Housing Board Meeting
The board meets to oversee and discuss matters related to Pasadena’s housing charter amendment. Pasadena City Hall Council Chambers | Thursday | April 30 | 6PM
RESTAURANT SPOTLIGHT
Kyushu Sushi
by Peter Dills, Local Food Dude ([email protected])
Listen to the ‘Peter Dills AKA LA Foodie’ podcast here or SoundCloud here.
You know the type of place. You drive by it, maybe for years, and say, “Next time.” My dad
made a career out of those spots—the ones hiding in plain sight. Well, this time I went back.
Here’s the twist—I had been here before. Years ago. Different name, different ownership, and honestly, it didn’t leave much of an impression. But lunch the other day? This is not the same restaurant.
Small, cozy, family-run—and you feel it right away. The taishō (the boss behind the sushi bar) working with family. That’s always a good sign. There’s pride there. Rhythm.
Inside Seating and Bar
Lunch plates run about $16, which still matters these days. I went with the chicken teriyaki, my friend had the beef. Portions? Forget about it. No way you’re finishing everything unless you came in starving.
Food comes out fast—these guys know the lunch crowd. Service is friendly, not fawning.
They’re there when you need them, and gone when you don’t. My dad would’ve appreciated that.
Now here’s my clincher. The sushi plates at the table next to me looked so good I almost changed my order mid-stream. And when you see what I’ll call a few expats—people who know their Japanese food—sitting comfortably and eating well, you take notice. That doesn’t happen by accident.
Chirashi
Solid Japanese beer selection, and that sushi bar? Perfect for a solo lunch.
This is exactly the kind of place you almost overlook—and shouldn’t. New ownership, new
energy, and a reason to come back. Next time? I’m sitting at the sushi bar.
Kyushu Sushi
950 E Colorado Blvd #101
Order Online
NEWS N’ ROSES WEATHER
Wednesday
74 🌡️ 52 |🌤️| 💨 SW 9 mph
🌆 Air Quality Index: 47 (Good)
Thursday
72 🌡️ 54 |🌤️| 💨 S 8 mph
Temperature readings taken from the Pasadena Doppler Radar.
LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN
🎶 Music at Noon: Ruth Kasckow, flute & Bryan Pezzone, piano: A lunchtime concert featuring flute and piano performances. Pasadena Presbyterian Church | Wednesday | April 29 | 12:10PM
🎻 Open Rehearsal | Songs About Story: A behind-the-scenes rehearsal with faculty and guest artists exploring works by Schubert and Golijov. Pasadena Conservatory of Music (PCM) | Wednesday | April 29 | 5PM
🎷 Riner Scivally Live at Visionarium: Riner Scivally performs live with his smooth jazz guitar in an intimate setting. Visionarium Live Italian – South Pasadena | Wednesday | April 29 | 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
🎤 Shabazz Palaces: Shabazz Palaces performs live featuring Aceyalone. LODGE ROOM Highland Park | Wednesday | April 29 | 8PM
🎸 Doug MacDonald: Doug MacDonald performs live as a jazz journeyman guitarist. Edwin Mills | Thursday | April 30 | 6PM – 10PM
🎷 Free Live Jazz Show: A live jazz performance featuring the Glendale Community College Orchestra with dinner and drink specials. The Mixx Pasadena | Thursday | April 30 | 7PM
🎶 Brigitte Calls Me Baby – Irreversible Tour: Brigitte Calls Me Baby performs live featuring Skorts. LODGE ROOM Highland Park | Thursday | April 30 | 8PM
THANKS!
Thanks for reading News N’ Roses today. If you found something useful, share it with someone who watched Michael at the iPic Old Town as their last movie before they close 🙁
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