Pasadena Weekly 12.15.22

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Christina Fuoco-Karasinski christina@timespublications.com

DEPUTY EDITOR Luke Netzley lnetzley@timespublications.com

CONTRIBUTORS Jeff Favre, Kamala Kirk, Laura Latzko, Ellen Snortland

ART ART DIRECTOR Stephanie Torres storres@timespublications.com

ZAC REYNOLDS Zac@TimesPublications.com (626) 360-2811

Santa Yuk: Santa Ranta 2022

By Ellen Snortland Pasadena Weekly Columnist

If you’re a Santa worshipper, stop reading now as I’m not of your tribe. Lest you think I’m simply a curmudgeonly Santa-phobic crackpot, let me give you some background about why I go on my annual anti-Santa rants.

I was five years old and cute as a Norwegian fairy child. I was tow-headed, stubborn and prone to extreme displays of merriment or temper. You could say I was kind of “polar” without the “bi,” which was appropriate for the season: I only had moderation while sleeping. It was Christmas Eve and Mommy gussied me up so I could wait for Santa. My dress was grey and black diaphanous material with flocked dots, a red velveteen belt and accents, and a red satin petticoat. Kind of a hooker look, now that I reflect on it.

We lived on a small farm outside of Denver, Colorado. We had chickens, some cattle, a few horses, and Shad, my beloved German Shorthair pointer. My family was not doing well, as Daddy had been unemployed for months due to rumors about his being a communist. (He wasn’t.) Nonetheless, my parents were house-proud and did what they could with very little. The house smelled like pine and roasting meat.

“When is Santa coming?” I say.

“Soon.”

“Why is he coming?”

“To bring presents.”

“Why?”

“Because that’s Christmas.”

“Why?”

“Just wait.”

“Where’s Daddy?” Crickets.

The tree was lit up with bubble lights. My two sisters also dressed to the nines, sat on the couch. Alane, the eldest, was bored; Mary, the middle daughter, was already focused like a shark on the chum

under the tree. She liked presents. Mommy was herding us around to get pictures of “the girls” in front of the tree.

“Smile, girls.”

“When is Santa coming?”

“Soon.”

“Where’s Daddy?!”

Then hark! The yonder sleigh bells ring.

“Can you hear that, Ellen? That’s Santa! He’s outside. He’s parking his reindeer.”

“Ho, ho, ho! Merry Christmas! Ho, ho, ho!” The bells are now in the house. Those malevolent bells, the soundtrack of my horror.

The door to our living room and eating area opened, and the ugliest, saddest, scariest creature I’d ever seen walked in. The monster wore nasty, stretched out and faded red long-johns, had a phony beard, a flaccid red pointy cap, some kind of belt … and those awful sleigh bells. As soon as he showed his face with glued-on cotton balls and rouged cheeks, I let out a bone-shattering scream. (Think Drew Barrymore in “E.T.”)

Never one to hide behind my mother, I launch myself at this monster that had breached our home. “Where’s my Daddy? Where’s my Daddy? Where’s my Daddy?” I scream as I beat his chest. My sisters are convulsing in hysterical laughter. My mother is frozen, presumably wondering if she should blow Santa’s cover to reveal that it’s Daddy after all. “Santa” scrams, jingling all the way with those horrible bells. Then he returns, throws the gift bag into the room, and runs out again.

This is a potent reminder that not all children think Santa is wonderful. Just think for a minute — stand back and let go of your emotional attachment or sentimentality — about what this fellow represents. Who is he to be judging good and bad? He seems to be utterly corrupt! That red face and red nose? That’s

not “jolly”; those are classic checklist items for chronic alcoholism. My parents exhorted me to never, ever talk to strangers, but Santa was the strangest person I’d ever seen.

His human rights abuses are legendary! He’s a white male exploiter. He enslaves “elves” that work in his factory. How did that make us feel, accepting toys while knowing they are made on the backs of children? Unions, anyone? And then there’s his immense ego: Mrs. Claus does all the work, and he gets all the praise.

We collectively whine about how Christmas has become so materialistic, yet the source is right in front of us. Christmas is about gifts and one-night delivery; it’s OK for little children to sit on the lap of a man they’ve never met if he’s in a shopping mall; it’s OK to be loud and rude if you have a big bag of gifts; breaking into homes through backdoors or fireplaces is acceptable behavior; it’s OK to smuggle expensive items in bags; public drunkenness and smoking is fine; it’s OK to exploit short people

•CARTOON•

in workshops, etc., etc. Instead of a rotund white man with a slapped-on smile, imagine these attributes with a woman or any other ethnic group. We wouldn’t stand for it.

I am fond of the original St. Nicholas and his claim to fame: leaving money for two young women who were going to be sold because their parents couldn’t afford a dowry. An anti-human trafficking St. Nick? Sign me up! But the Ho Ho Ho, naughty and nice guy? Yuk.

So, my friends, I come by my Santa contempt honestly. Join my “Santa Stinks” Facebook group to join other Bah-Humbuggers. Bah, Humbug with the best, and have a Merry Un-Santa Christmas!

Ellen Snortland has written this column for decades and also teaches creative writing. She can be reached at: ellen@beautybitesbeast. com. Her award-winning film “Beauty Bites Beast” is available for download or streaming at vimeo. com/ondemand/beautybitesbeast.

We want to hear from you!

Being in print is a lot more meaningful than grouching on Facebook. Send compliments, complaints and insights about local issues to christina@timespublications.com.

Partners honor Latina breast cancer survivors

By Pasadena Weekly Staff

The Cancer Support Community partnered with City of Hope and the Langham Huntington, Pasadena Hotel, to offer Volver al Bienestar to Latina breast cancer survivors

The eight-week course featured professionally facilitated support groups, workout sessions and educational workshops on topics ranging from fear of recurrence to relationship recovery.

Volver al Bienestar is the Spanish adaptation of Cancer Support Community’s Return to Wellness program.

In collaboration with City of Hope, Cancer Support Community tailored this free program to Latinas who have completed active treatment for breast or gynecological cancer.

Throughout the series, the group explored what the transition to survivorship means to them.

On the group’s last evening together, the women celebrated with a meal at the Langham Huntington, Pasadena. One participant shared, “Me regreso mi vida” (“I feel I got my life back”), while another commented, “Nunca me habian celebrado asi” (“I had never been celebrated in this way”).

One of the women brought her violin and played an emotional tribute to the women in honor of their sisterhood.

“Providing this valuable series in the Spanish language is unprecedented for our organization and we’re grateful to clinical psychologist and group facilitator Dr. Cristina Gomez, instructors Ana Maria Delgado, Irma Moyao and Lluvia Higuera, and for our wonderful partner, City of Hope, who helped make this dream a reality,” said Dr. Alison Wong, CSC’s

program and clinical director.

Gomez described the group as a “wonderful group of resilient and strong women,” adding, “I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve in my capacity to the Latinx community.”

Cancer Support Community Pasadena provides free support groups, educational workshops, and healthy lifestyle classes to cancer patients and their families, cancer survivors, and those bereaved in the greater San Gabriel Valley. For more information, call 626-7961083 or visit cscpasadena.org.

PASADENA | ALHAMBRA | ALTADENA | ARCADIA | EAGLE ROCK | GLENDALE | LA CAÑADA | MONTROSE | SAN MARINO | SIERRA MADRE | SOUTH PASADENA

Ana Maria Delgado, Georgina Flores, Yuri Aquino Carrillo, Andrea Sigaladiaz, Yolanda Perez, Ana Celina Gomez, Luz Marmolejo and Dr. Cristina Gomez.

Pasadena PD releases snapshot of calls

By Pasadena Police Department

This information provides a greater awareness to the Pasadena community. The critical events detailed below are a snapshot of the calls received to the police communications center daily.

• Total calls for service for November: 8,190 (year to date: 96,838)

• 911 calls for November: 5,126 (year to date: 60,540)

• Total calls received by police dispatch center: 18,499 (year to date: 219,469)

• De-escalation techniques used during calls: (year to date: 1,101)

• November collected/seized firearms: 16 (year to date: 233)

• Pistols: 12 (year to date: 167)

• Rifles/assault rifles: Three (year to date: 50)

• Shotguns: One (year to date: 16)

Snapshot of calls

Nov. 1: Pasadena police officers responded to a residence in the 700 block of Oak Knoll Avenue regarding a disturbance between mother, father and daughter. Officers discovered that the daughter and mother began arguing and the daughter armed herself with a kitchen knife. The daughter threatened her mother, but before she could cause any harm, the father disarmed the daughter. No one was injured, and when police arrived on scene, the knife was recovered, and the suspect was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon.

Nov. 2: A Pasadena police traffic motor officer attempted to conduct a traffic enforcement stop on a vehicle near St. John Avenue and Walnut Street. The driver failed to yield to the officer and fled. A pursuit was roughly 6 miles and lasted about 5 minutes. The pursuit concluded in the 300 block of San Rafael when the female driver stopped the vehicle and fled on foot. The driver was taken into custody without further incident. Officers searched the vehicle and found a man hiding inside. The officers also found a replica firearm and drug paraphernalia. The driver was on probation and admitted to using methamphetamine. The man and women were arrested and taken to the Pasadena Jail.

Nov. 7: Pasadena police officers responded to a residence in the 200 block of Ohio Street regarding a domestic violence incident. Upon arrival, officers attempted to contact the involved parties. The female was cooperative; however, the male subject ran away toward his apartment. The officer attempted to detain the man and after a brief struggle, the suspect was detained — but an apartment window was broken. The officer was cut twice and treated. The suspect was not injured and was arrested for delaying and resisting the officer’s investigation. The domestic violence incident was determined to be verbal.

Nov. 12: Pasadena police officers responded to an assault call involving a firearm near Old Town Pasadena. The police helicopter directed officers to the suspects; one was on foot and the other was driving in a vehicle. The officers detained the female suspect after she ran from the scene and attempted to hide in a store. The man was extricated from the vehicle. It was later discovered that the assault stemmed from a dispute over parking with a local store manager. The argument escalated into a physical fight where the victim was bitten and scratched along the face. The male suspect brandished a handgun at the victim. The suspects were booked for assault with a deadly weapon.

Nov. 13: Pasadena police officers responded to a residence in the 900 block of North Raymond Avenue regarding a man whose head was bleeding. The suspect fled before officers arrived. During the investigation, it was determined that the victim and the suspect live in bungalows across from each other. The victim stated that he got into an argument rearding the suspect letting homeless people charge their cellphones on the property. It escalated and the suspect hit the victim on the back of the head with a 6-foot PVC pipe. After being hit, the victim fell to the ground and may have sustained a fractured forearm. The victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment. Assisting officers searched the area but did not locate the suspect. Detectives have assumed the investigation.

Nov. 14: Pasadena police officers responded to a multiuse office building in the 500 block of South Lake Avenue regarding a subject with a knife. Employees from a nearby restaurant detained the suspect, who entered a restaurant that was closed. When officers arrived on scene, it was discovered the suspect discharged a fire extinguisher inside the building’s hallway causing over $2,500 in damage and clean-up costs. An officer found the suspect’s knife but no victims. The suspect was arrested for vandalism.

Nov 15: Pasadena police officers stopped four people near Navarro Avenue and Tremont Street. As officers approached the group, one subject fled on foot holding his hands inside his jacket pockets. Officers chased the subject for approxi-

mately one block and saw the suspect discard an item into bushes. The subject was detained shortly thereafter. Officers searched the bushes and found a 9 mm ghost gun. The suspect was arrested for weapon violations.

Nov. 16: Pasadena police officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop near Fair Oaks Avenue and Howard Street. The vehicle failed to yield, and a 3-mile pursuit ensued. When the suspect yielded to officers, he was detained. During a search of the suspect’s vehicle, officers found fentanyl, drug paraphernalia and counterfeit U.S. currency. The suspect was arrested and transported to the Pasadena Jail.

Nov. 18: Pasadena police officers conducted a traffic stop near Fair Oaks Avenue and Washington Boulevard. Officers immediately smelled marijuana emitting from inside the vehicle. The driver was detained and during the search of the vehicle, officers recovered a loaded firearm and two fully loaded magazines. The driver was arrested for carrying a concealed weapon.

Nov. 14: Pasadena police officers conducted a traffic enforcement stop near Navarro Avenue and Washington Boulevard. Officers immediately smelled marijuana from inside the vehicle. As the occupants were asked to exit the vehicle, the passenger (suspect) admitted to having a handgun. The handgun was recovered from the suspect’s waistband. The suspect was arrested for carrying a concealed weapon and booked at Pasadena jail.

Nov. 21: Pasadena police officers responded to an assault call at a residence in the 400 block of Vineyard Place. Upon arrival, officers contacted the victim, who stated his brother-in-law hit him in the head with an airsoft handgun and then struck him with a crowbar. After the assault, the suspect fled the location before police arrived. Officers recovered the airsoft weapon at the scene. The suspect was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon.

Nov. 26: A Pasadena police officer stopped a vehicle near Fair Oaks Avenue and Colorado Boulevard. The driver said he had a firearm in the glove compartment. The driver was detained and officers found a firearm and a fully loaded magazine. The driver was arrested for weapon violations.

Nov. 28: Pasadena police officers responded to Marshall Fundamental School regarding a student threatening another student via social media. The suspect threatened the victim and brandished a handgun on a social media posting. While investigating the threat, officers learned the suspect was on the campus and possibly had the firearm. The campus was locked down, and the unarmed suspect was quickly detained. Officers searched the campus but did not locate a weapon. An hour later, the school lockdown was lifted. The suspect had a no-bail warrant and was arrested for criminal threats.

Nov. 30: A Pasadena police officer attempted to investigate a pedestrian near 3600 E. Colorado Boulevard. The officer approached the subject, who was holding his waistband. He fled on a scooter. The officer followed him in his vehicle as the suspect rode around a building into an alleyway. While fleeing, the subject discarded his jacket. The officer detained the suspect and searched for the jacket. Officers recovered a handgun in the jacket. The suspect was arrested for weapon violations.

ARTS & CULTURE

Theatre Americana battles to bring ‘Magnolias’ to the stage

By Jeff Favre Pasadena Weekly Contributing Writer

In a case of fact mirroring fiction, the women in the cast of “Steel Magnolias” experienced the characters’ emotions of family and fun, replaced by heartache — followed by perseverance.

After rehearsing for months to stage its summer production of the 1987 Robert Harling play, which became a blockbuster film two years later, four performers from Pasadena’s Theatre Americana contracted COVID-19. Within a few days from opening night, the show was shelved — and no one knew if it would ever be revived.

But producer, actress and artistic director Donna Scarantino, embodying the strength of the women portrayed in the play, regrouped.

“Steel Magnolias,” directed by Tony Rago, is now the holiday show, running Friday, Dec. 16, to Sunday, Dec. 18, at Pasadena’s Lineage Performing Arts Center. Performing a well-regarded work also continues the longstanding Theatre Americana tradition of trying to present a classic and a new work each year.

“There were a lot of tears and difficult decisions to make,” Scarantino said, after canceling the original run. “The grieving started, and then we decided, no, we’re going to go ahead. We were apprehensive about having anything in December because of everyone’s schedules and because there’s so much going on in LA in December. But we’re excited to have it during Christmastime.”

Set in a small Louisiana town, the dramedy focuses on a diverse group of women who enjoy each other’s company in the good times while providing love and support when things get hard. Scarantino portrays M’Lynn, whose daughter suffers serious health issues.

Theatre Americana first staged the play six years ago. Its popularity with the company’s core audience inspired Scarantino to produce the revival.

“This has been the year of the woman, where she’s been in the news a lot with women’s rights, and we thought that this is such a beautiful story about love and friendship that we should do it again,” she said. “And we’re passionate about this play and have been wanting to do it ever since, but other things came up.”

One of the original cast members six year ago was Sarah Hunter, who plays the wealthy, cantankerous Ouiser.

“It’s the most fun role and the whole thing,” Hunter said. “She has such great lines, like, ‘The only reason people are nice to me in this town is because I have more money than God.’ She’s a wisecracking person with a good heart.”

Hunter is a playwright who has penned several shows. She appreciates “Magnolias” author Robert Harlin’s depth with the characters and sharp humor.

“The way he writes, you know he has to be Southern,” she said. “He also really understands women and is so true to these women, and all of the little quips are so clever.”

Most of the cast comes from company members. But Paula Montgomery, who is the gentile but feisty Clairee, is an outsider. She auditioned, and, she said, beat out some professional competition — even though she has never been in a play.

“I performed for many, many years, but mostly singing and dancing. I’ve done some acting, and Donna said, ‘Just try it,’ so I did,” Montgomery said. “I remembered the movie. I adored Clairee, because I consider her to a little bit of a smart aleck, but in the nicest possible way.”

Montgomery is excited to perform, but, for her, it’s also the story itself that she will recall long after the curtain lowers.

“I find myself reading this play over and over, and I never get tired of it,” she said. “I think because it has all the elements that we all experience in life, the loss and the hilarity and silliness and relationships. It has stayed with me, and I think it’ll be with me the rest of my life.”

For Scarantino, she’ll remember the struggles of postponing the production, and how they have made the most of transforming it for the holidays.

“It’s different from the run-of-the-mill holiday shows, because we are actually having Christmas carols being sung in the lobby prior to the show by some of our members,” she said. “It’s not your traditional holiday concert. There is a Christmas scene in it, but there’s so much more that audiences will feel from this play. We’re excited to finally bring it back.”

“Steel Magnolias”

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 16, and Saturday, Dec. 17; 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 18

WHERE: Lineage Performing Arts Center, 920 Mountain Avenue, Pasadena COST: $20

INFO: https://bit.ly/TheatreAmericana

The cast of Theatre Americana’s “Steel Magnolias” is Joanna Mercedes (Annelle), Mary Ellen Gridley (Truvy), Paula Montgomery (Clairee), Sarah Hunter (Ouiser), Marianne Davis (Shelby) and Donna Scarantino (M’Lynn).

Video producer attributes success to timing

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski Pasadena Weekly Executive Editor

Satien Mehta won an MTV VMA for producing Fall Out Boy’s “Uma Thurman” music video, worked with Grammy Award-winning artists and international brands like Jack Daniel’s, Kaiser Permanente and Universal Music Group.

Recently, he’s been producing projects for Halsey and her makeup line, About Face, and directed a Jay Pharoah music video.

He attributed it all to being at the right place at the right time.

“My career has been interesting,” said Mehta of Pasadena. “I feel like it’s been a chain of random things that just happened.”

Pasadena resident Satien Mehta has produced music videos for Fall Out Boy and New Boyz featuring Ray J. He was part of a team who won an MTV VMA for Fall Out Boy’s song “Uma Thurman.”

Chris Mortenson/Staff photographer

He “fell into” his career after interning for Universal Music Group from August to December 2006 and Sony BMG from August to December 2007. The first video he worked on — “Tie Me Down” by New Boyz featuring Ray J. — went to No. 1 on MTV. He served as the production coordinator.

Mehta’s resume also includes stints with Stampede Management in artist development; Tommy Hilfiger; Prodigy Management in artist management; as the first A&R in the United States for Circus Records; and, since 2016, as a producer/owner of Drive International Agency.

“I decided in 2016 to focus 100% on producing,” he said. “I’ve worked mainly on hip-hop and electronic, small and big businesses. I want to focus on corporate and the commercial side of things. I’ve been working with Kaiser Permanente for the last four years.”

Mehta grew up in Phoenix and lived in Beaverton, Oregon and San Diego, where he attended the University of San Diego. He moved to LA in 2009.

Mehta relocated to Pasadena from Downtown LA after COVID-19 hit and the George Floyd demonstrations began.

“After that, it was like Grand Theft Auto,” he said. “My son was 4 years old, and it wasn’t safe for us to be in the area. I looked for a part of town that was good for us. Pasadena has been the best place.”

Now, he’s searching for his next project. He’s entertaining the idea of recruiting the help of a venture capitalist. Mehta has not accepted funds before, so he’s a little hesitant. He built Drive International Agency from scratch. The single father said he has put millions of dollars back into the city by employing local crews.

“I’m looking at the universe and asking for guidance,” he said.

“I’ve peaked in my independent space. I’ve been in talks with a venture capitalist recently. He’s interested in helping me raise money to build out my company more than just me and my assistant.

“I’ve always prided myself on the standards and the customer service I provide. About 99% of my business has been referrals.”

Mehta does treasure his time with the likes of Fall Out Boy. The VMA, which the team shares, is in the band’s management office.

“They’re really nice guys,” Mehta said. “We spent four or five days with them. It was like organized chaos, basically. The executive producer, who was a friend of mine, called and said he had never done a music video before. This was on a Friday afternoon, and they were going to start filming on Monday.”

Within six hours, he found a tank, obtained insurance and a location for a scene in which the vehicle runs over a car.

“They were going to scrap that part, but I said, ‘Give me six or seven hours,’” he recalled. “I did everything, and we locked in the tank. There was a lot of stuff with insurance that I had to deal with, but it worked out great.”

Satien Mehta Instagram: satien_mehta TikTok: @sattheproducer

Satien Mehta of Pasadena recently worked on videos for Halsey’s makeup company, About Face. Chris

Symphony’s holiday celebration features LC Powell

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski Pasadena Weekly Executive Editor

LC Powell remembers seeing “42nd Street” at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion at age 4.

She recalled thinking, “I want to do that” — and she has.

After her first professional recording at age 16 in 1995, Powell has lent her vocals to both “Frozen” films, “Mulan” and “Lady and the Tramp,” as well as on Michael Buble’s “Nobody But Me” album, among others.

An Emmy-winning guest vocalist, Powell will appear at the Pasadena Symphony’s annual Holiday Candlelight concert at All Saints Church at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17.

She will sing songs like “O Holy Night,” “White Christmas,” “God Bless the Child,” “Silent Night” and “Hallelujah!”

“My favorite thing about the Pasadena (Symphony) experience is having Larry Blank at the helm,” she said about the conductor.

“He is an incredible human being. There aren’t a lot of people in my circles who make everybody feel comfortable. From the top to the bottom, to the right to the left, when you have Larry at the helm, you know you’ll feel safe and comfortable, and the music is going to be excellent.”

She called her career “a ride.” She recently worked on “Disenchanted” with Amy Adams and Patrick Dempsey. For Adams’ Giselle, Powell was given blank bars of music. To create the vocals, she recalled all the Disney princesses, including the Little Mermaid whom she adored when she was 8.

Born in Azusa, Powell was raised by musician parents. She wanted to be a ballerina, but when she became “tall and curvy, that swiftly ended.”

“I trained in my earlier years as a dancer, but music was always something I did,” she said. “My dad was always rehearsing with ensembles, and it was nice to have that around.”

Powell has performed around the world. She lives in her childhood home with her husband, taking care of family. However, she’s considering a return to Florida.

She serves as music director, producer, contractor, casting director, arranger and voice actor with clients including Netflix, HBO Max, Amazon, DreamWorks, Cartoon Network and Disney.

Powell volunteers on numerous SAG-AFTRA committees and on the board of directors for the American Society of Music Arrangers and Composers (asmac.org).

She was the principal vocalist for Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross’ “The Way It Used to Be” for HBO’s Watchmen. It was nominated for a 2020 Emmy. “Something in

Soloist LC Powell lent her vocals to both “Frozen” films. She’ll perform with the Pasadena Symphony on Saturday, Dec. 17.

the Air” from “Elena of Avalor” featured a vocal ensemble that she contracted and directed was nominated for a 2021 Daytime Emmy award.

She’s proud of her new management team, helmed by John Regna, a former drummer of 43 years, and record label. Next year, she’ll release an album. Powell will also continue to advocate for hearing safety, as it has affected her.

“In 2009 I was performing at Tuacahn in St. George, Utah, in a production of ‘Aida,’” she recalled.

“There were large flashpot explosions — that shouldn’t have been anywhere near humans — placed on both sides of the stage at my ear level on platforms, which went off twice and permanently damaged my hearing. Actors’ Equity was no help in the matter, I had to leave the show and was out of work for a while. This was the same season they taught two actors how to drive tractors toward each other onstage to play chicken in ‘Footloose,’ lots of unsafe dealings there. Another actor was injured as he was required to fall into a pond.

“I have molded earplugs that have filters in them. You can actually hear a certain amount.”

Powell is focused on her Pasadena Symphony show. Powell is hoping that her Dis ney background will attract families with young children to the symphony.

“It’s nice to work on projects where the families can come together over the same piece of entertainment,” she said.

“With ‘Phineas and Ferb,’ I had so much positive feedback. They say they can watch it with their kids and it doesn’t annoy them. It’s designed for smart people.”

WHEN: 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17

WHERE: All Saints Church, 132 N. Euclid Avenue, Pasadena

COST: Tickets start at $25

INFO: pasadenasymphony-pops.org

Holiday Candlelight with the Pasadena Symphony featuring conductor Larry Blank; soloist LC Powell; the Los Angeles Children’s Chorus; Donald Brinegar Singers and the JPL Chorus; and the LA Bronze Handbell Ensemble

Pasadena’s Suzanna Guzmán hosts

Emmy-winning Holiday Celebration

By Luke Netzley Pasadena Weekly Deputy Editor

For Emmy Award-winning TV host and mezzo soprano Suzanna Guzmán, the LA County Holiday Celebration is a moment of pride and joy. This year, the Pasadena resident will host the 63rd annual event for her ninth year at The Music Center’s Dorothy Chandler Pavilion alongside her co-host, professional roller skater, skate choreographer and coach Candice Heiden.

“People have been watching the celebration since their parents took them, since their grandparents took them,” Guzmán said. “It’s a holiday tradition that is intact. And I don’t know if you’ve ever walked into your ancestral home or your elementary school and the flood of nostalgia and connection and the childlike wonder that we grew up with, that’s intact. That’s what they can expect. They can expect to see people lift their hearts. Performers who are children now, their grandparents came as children to the Holiday Celebration. And that legacy, that tradition, it’s tangible.”

This year’s Holiday Celebration, held on Saturday, Dec. 24, will feature 21 music ensembles, choirs and dance companies from across the county, including returning audience favorites like the Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles; gospel singers Lorenzo Johnson & Praizum; all-women global soul ensemble ADAAWE; Grammy® award-winner Daniel Ho with Hawaiian hula dancers Hālau Hula Keali’i o Nālani; Philippine folk arts dance company Kayamanan Ng Lahi; all-female mariachi ensemble Las Colibrí; Mexican folkloric dance troupe Pacifico Dance

Company; current student and alumni ensemble Palmdale High School Choral Union and Sunday Night Singers; world chamber music ensemble Quarteto Nuevo; Asian/country fusion musicians Sound of China Guzheng Ensemble; children’s ensembles MUSYCA Children’s Choir and Our Lady of the Angels Children’s Chorus; and Urban Voices Project, a choir comprised of people impacted by homelessness on Skid Row.

New to the event this year are award-winning blues band Sista Jeans Blues Machine; hip-hop dance ensemble Temper Tantrum; all-kids a cappella group Squad Harmonix; secular a cappella choir Voices of Reason; modern kathak ensemble Shivam Arts Dance Company joined by Clarita Corona of Arte Flamenco; tap dance ensemble Reverb Tap Company; keepers of the Ballet Russe legacy Pacific Ballet Dance Theatre; and the California School of the Arts – San Gabriel Valley Vocal Arts Ensemble.

“There are groups this year that I cannot wait to hear,” Guzmán said. “I think what is most compelling is that we will have the audience back. Three years ago, we did the show from the Pavilion and the opening sequence. … They pulled the camera back to reveal a completely empty theater. It makes my voice catch even now that we weren’t able to have an audience there. … It was just beyond heartbreaking to see an empty theater. … The whole beauty of live theater is that it infuses the live audience with a certain chemical. … It does something.”

The 63rd annual LA County Holiday Celebration will fill The Music Center’s Dorothy Channdler Pavilion on Saturday, Dec. 24.

This will be the first time that the Holiday Celebration will be held before a live audience since 2019. The program will also be broadcasted live on PBS SoCal, streamed online at kcet.org and pbssocial.org, or via the PBS app for at-home audiences to watch from 3 to 6 p.m.

“The audiences have been slow to return,” Guzmán said. “The feeling of live theater, live performance … they’ve forgotten. So I hope that they can remember what it’s like to be a physical part o it. There’s a whole wonderful wave of immersive theater happening that is having a resurrection. And I think people forget that all theater is immersive.

“Many people have never been to The Music Center because they think it’s out of their reach. Everything is free. You can sit with your entire family in the orchestra section and parking is free. Your seats are free. You can see the performers’ sweat. You can see them take breaths. There is nothing like the feeling of the holiday spirit infusing your body with joy. … That’s what I miss, and I can’t wait.”

For Guzman, the annual Holiday Celebration strikes an emotional chord. Her involvement with The Music Center dates back in the mid-1980s when she first partook in the Edwin Lester Musical Theater Workshop run by film and TV actor Paul Gleason, an intensive musical theater training program that ran from 6 to 11 p.m. on weekdays.

She would go on to perform in the first season of LA Opera, sing as a principal artist in her childhood artistic hero Franco Zeffirelli’s production of La Traviata at the Metropolitan Opera, host the Emmy-winning 60th Annual Los Angeles County Holiday Celebration and create an interactive show called “Don’t Be Afraid!” that teaches children across the country how to sing opera.

“Live performance is my heart’s passion,” Guzmán said. “For me, Christmas is the Holiday Celebration. It is the LA County celebration. … It is a holiday celebration for everybody. And to be a part of it live, there is no greater holiday tradition.”

LA County Holiday Celebration

WHERE: The Music Center’s Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 135 N. Grand Avenue, Los Angeles

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 24, from 3 to 6 p.m.

COST: Free admission

INFO: holidaycelebration.org

Emmy Award-winning TV host and mezzo soprano Suzanna Guzmán will present her ninth Holiday Celebration this year.

Company explores Clara in new ‘Nutcracker’

By Laura Latzko Pasadena Weekly Contributing Writer

For Pasadena Dance Theatre, presenting the popular ballet “The Nutcracker” is a tradition that dates back over 40 years.

This year, the organization will stay true to this tradition, however, it will bring a revised version of the ballet.

The production will run from Thursday, Dec. 22, to Saturday, Dec. 24, at the San Gabriel Mission Playhouse, where it has performed for more than 30 years.

The Pasadena Dance Theatre’s take this year will be modern, focusing on Clara. In the story, Clara and Hans/the Nutcracker are both 16-year-olds. Clara is double-casted, with dancers Liana Zangwill and Catalina Bilandzija playing the role.

Jacob Schmieder-Hacker will portray Hans, the nephew of Clara’s godfather Herr Drosselmeyer. The three dancers are advance students in the company’s school.

The show will feature all new staging and choreography. However, the first act will still boast historic costumes and sets, with the intricate ballroom scene.

“The Nutcracker” delves into Clara’s emotional and psychological development as she faces the challenges of adolescence and a journey of self-discovery.

Interim artistic director Jessamyn Vedro said she wanted to make Clara multidimensional.

“My version is really a coming-of-age story for Clara, as she is navigating the challenges of growing up and feeling ambivalent about losing the freedom of childhood but also wanting to grow up and have some agency and independence,” Vedro said.

The show also explores the developing relationship between Hans and Clara.

“It’s a story about the connection between those two people and Clara coming to realize how she can develop and have grown-up relationships and still not lose the imagination you have as a child and the ideas of having adventure, seeing new things and exploring the world,” Vedro said.

In her dreams, Clara travels around the world, including China, France, Scotland, Spain, Egypt and the Ukraine.

Vedro said the production has been adapted to fit modern sensibilities and be more representative of diverse populations.

“I tried to make sure that the choreography was respectful of the different cultures in places they are visiting,” Vedro said.

“I updated some of the costumes in that way so that it is more modern.”

Vedro tried to work with small businesses and artisans for the new costumes. An artisan in Ukraine made costumes for the Russian Variation section, which features Ukrainian-like folk dances.

“It allows us give back to small businesses at this difficult financial time and also be good global citizens as well,” Vedro said.

This is Vedro’s first year directing and choreographing “The Nutcracker.” However, she has choreographed other productions for Pasadena Dance Theatre and other companies, starting when she was in high school.

The company offers chances for students to choreograph and often brings in choreographers to create new works on the dancers.

“We are focused on giving the students an opportunity to have a professional experience where they are interacting directly with the choreographer. They also get the opportunity to choreograph

on each other,” Vedro said.

Vedro danced in “The Nutcracker,” almost every year, from 1990 to 2021.

Her career started at age 8 with a production of “The Nutcracker.” The show inspired her to keep dancing and fostered her love of ballet. She said many other children take an interest in the artform because of the show.

“I know, to some people, these performances are their first performances onstage,” Vedro said.

“It can really start a lifetime of loving the arts, which is why we are all here. Even those who don’t go on to have professional careers as ballet dancers, if they start when they are young or in high school, it can be such a valuable experience for them.”

She said it has been fun making changes to a show she grew up with from a young age.

“It has been an interesting challenge to choreograph ‘The Nutcracker’ because I’ve done the same version of it for many, many years as a dancer,” Vedro said.

“I had to really take myself away from everything that I have done with ‘The Nutcracker’ and bring a fresh take.”

The production will feature special guests from the American Ballet Theatre. Katherine Williams, a dancer who began training at an early age with the Hawaii State Ballet, will portray the Sugar Plum Fairy. She started out with American Ballet Theatre Studio Company in January 2007, became an apprentice in December 2007, and joined the company’s corps de ballet in June 2008. She became a soloist in September 2018.

Eric Tamm — a dancer who started with tap and jazz before training in ballet starting at age 14 — will perform the role of the Cavalier. He began with the American Ballet Theatre Studio Company in August 2004, became an apprentice with the main company in January 2007, joined the corps de ballet in December 2007 and rejoined the company in January 2020 after a hiatus.

For a time in her career, Vedro danced with the American Ballet Theatre’s Studio Company. Hamm was one of her colleagues.

“I’m very fortunate that I have a lot of friends who still dance professionally for American Ballet Theatre and other major companies. I’m able to utilize my network,” Vedro said.

More than 50 dancers will be part of “The Nutcracker.” This includes dancers as young as 7 years old. It also features adult dancers, many of whom take on the more dramatic roles.

“It’s common for ballets to have some former dancers or older dancers take on character roles, where they may do some dancing, but it’s predominately acting,” Vedro said.

“We really rely on them to help convey aspects of the story that the audience needs to understand.”

Vedro said that many of the adult dancers started with Pasadena Dance Theatre, went on to have careers with other companies and later came back to perform with the organization.

The show requires a big commitment on the part of the dancers. Rehearsals started in August. The more advanced students rehearsed all day on Saturdays and Sundays for months.

“It’s a major part of their lives for the fall and winter,” Vedro said.

Pasadena Dance Theatre Presents “The Nutcracker Ballet”

WHEN: Various times Thursday, Dec. 22, to Saturday, Dec. 24

WHERE: San Gabriel Mission Playhouse, 320 S. Mission Drive, San Gabriel PRICE: Tickets start at $25 INFO: 626-683-3459, pasadenadancetheatre.org

Clara’s Cocktail and Cocoa House

WHEN: 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 23

WHERE: San Gabriel Mission Playhouse, 320 S. Mission Drive, San Gabriel PRICE: Tickets start at $25 INFO: 626-683-3459, pasadenadancetheatre.org

American Ballet Theatre guest artist Katherine Williams will portray the Sugar Plum Fairy in the Pasadena Dance Theatre’s show.

Guest artist Eric Tamm from American Ballet Theatre will portray the Cavalier in “The Nutcracker.”

Alex DiMattia/Contributor

Jade Young/Contributor

Joe Normal invites fans to Christmas in Jersey

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski Pasadena Weekly Executive Editor

Sierra Madre singer-songwriter Joe Normal is spreading East Coast cheer with his new three-song EP “Christmas in a Blue-Collar Town.”

Normal said the Phil Spector-influenced song, which hearkens back to his days in New Jersey, came about organically.

“Songs just drop into your universe,” he said. “It was the middle of November. It was such a good song and a good statement from where I am as an artist and where my roots are. It was something I hadn’t heard before and it recalls working towns back east.

“It’s a workin’ town. You don’t hear a lot about that in Christmas music.”

He has fond memories of Christmas in New Jersey. He described his late father as a “quiet, shy man.” However, during the holiday season, he haggled Christmas tree lot owners to get the tree half price.

“As a kid seeing that, I was so proud of my dad,” he said. “I wrote about it in the song. It’s one of those moments where I sat in the car and watched him, doing his song and dance with the guy.”

“Christmas in a Blue-Collar Town” is whetting fans’ appetite for a new album, due in March. As-of-yet unnamed, the collection fits nicely in his catalog, he said.

“There are songs that definitely speak to the blue-collar working-class kind of vibe but there are also some love songs,” he said.

“I don’t want to say it’s a ‘departure,’ but when the emphasis is on playing shows, you want to reach people in bars and clubs and make a statement that speaks to them. Everybody has a love song.”

He added it isn’t important to play love songs live, as he strives to lift his audience. At this point in Normal’s life — he’s married and has kids — he’s looking at the past and where he’s going.

“I speak to people in their forties and fifties,” he said. “Most of us aren’t looking at relationships the way younger people do: ‘How do we keep this together? We’ve gone through a lot.’ We’re evaluating where we are in our lives.”

Normal moved to California in the 1980s with his bandmates in the American glam punk band The Zeros, who defined the Hollywood club scene.

“In the scene, some people were metal, punk or glam,” he said. “In my heard, I was listening to the Pretenders, The Smiths, The Jam and British pop. I could play a smoking guitar, too. That was the time to do it.

“Then the scene changed. I went more into the singer-songwriter kind of thing. That scene is long gone, but there are a few people who pay attention and are aware of what everybody went on to do. I’ve been to Nashville and have roots in the Americana scene.”

The move to the singer-songwriter scene was seamless for Normal. A longtime fan of The Beatles and the Rolling Stones, Normal learned how to write songs on the acoustic guitar — without Marshall stacks and a Les Paul, he said with a laugh.

“For me, to switch, it was just unplugging,” he added. “In the ’90s, they started doing all that unplugged stuff. The reason it worked was because people write songs on an acoustic instrument.

“You need to be alone, with your instrument. It helps if you have some kind of emotion or feeling. I start humming a melody and a word or two or a line comes to me. It’s very intuitive. Some people say if you have a good title, the song will write itself. That’s writing from the head. I have to write from the heart.”

Joe Normal

joenormalusa.com

Instagram: @joe.normal Twitter: @joenormalusa Facebook: facebook.com/JoeNormalUSA

New Jersey-bred Joe Normal said he writes from the heart, not the head.

Joe Normal/Submitted photo

Lightscape returns to LA Arboretum through Jan. 8

By Kamala Kirk Pasadena Weekly Staff Writer

Returning to the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden, Lightscape is bigger, bolder and brighter.

“Lightscape celebrates and highlights the Arboretum’s extensive gardens and landscapes with dazzling displays of color, light and sound,” said Richard Schulof, Los Angeles Arboretum director.

Through Sunday, Jan. 8, Lightscape offers 18 experiences along a 1-mile trail through the 127-acre landscape.

“Except for the popular Winter Cathedral, all this year’s installations are new, with many making their U.S. premiere at our show. The Winter Cathedral is a tunnel of twinkling holiday lights, ideal for family photos. Thousands of glowing lights give the experience of moving through a cloud of stars. And last year, the Winter Cathedral hosted multiple wedding proposals.”

Three installations that are making their U.S. debut this year are Willo’-the-Wisps, Whole Hole and the Laser Garden. Will-o’-the-Wisps is a legion of mystifying, glowing entities that haunt the night with a soft flicker, glowing discreetly and never revealing their true form.

Whole Hole is a wild-growing and futuristic structure that transports those who enter a wormhole, moving them faster than the speed of light with hundreds of LED strips that help spectators travel through time and space, beginning and ending with a movement toward light.

The Laser Garden is an ever-evolving experience that basks the audience in a blanket of endless green laser beams. A seemingly impenetrable web of light is broken apart by illusive shapes in the dark, illuminating trees and the ground in ways never before seen.

“My personal favorite is the Venus Fountain. Simply spectacular, kaleidoscope colors and images are projected across towering, geyser-like streams of water shot from water cannons, creating a 100-foot-wide liquid screen of dancing lights above the 3-acre Baldwin Lake. In the Arboretum’s tropical forest — one of my favorite places — the Laser Garden combines brilliantly colored laser lights and fog with botanical beauty of the forest, illuminating the diversity of plant forms and textures.”

According to Schulof, the walk through Lightscape takes around 90 minutes or longer to complete, depending on how many times one stops for photos or for hot chocolate, a drink or food.

“Just beyond the Winter Cathedral are fire pits where visitors can make their own s’mores,” Schulof said. “Kits, available for purchase, include a giant marshmallow, graham crackers, chocolate and a stick to create the gooey snack. Children and adults love the s’mores.”

The L.A. Arboretum produces Lightscape in association with Sony Music. Additionally, Lightscape is creatively produced by Culture Creative.

Schulof adds, “Lightscape is created by an international team of artists and designers who have created a show specific to the L.A. Arboretum, unlike any other. All proceeds from Lightscape go directly to improve the Arboretum, with past shows funding new gardens, repairs to the Queen Anne Cottage, and improvements for visitors.”

Lightscape

WHEN: Through Sunnday, Jan. 8

WHERE: Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden, 301 N. Baldwin Avenue, Arcadia

COST: $15 adults, $11 students and seniors, $5 children 5 to 12, free for children 4 and under

INFO: arboretum.org/lightscape

The internationally acclaimed Lightscape has returned to the Los Angeles Arboretum with more than a dozen displays of light, art and music that transform the venue into an illuminated nighttime adventure.

photo

CALENDAR

Linda Vista Arts Display Exhibit DECEMBER

Come support local artists and their work with Linda Vista’s exhibit of watercolor and oil paintings. Each artist brings their own unique style and flavor to their piece, meant to invoke nature, man, or the abstract.

Linda Vista Branch Library, 1281 Bryant Street, Pasadena, free, cityofpasadena.net/library

Video Game Club DEC. 15

Join fellow teenagers for games on the Nintendo Switch. Drop by any time; no registration required. Teens can meet their peers and find new experiences together while playing modern classics.

Hastings Branch Library, 3325 E. Orange Grove Boulevard, Pasadena, free, 4 to 6 p.m., cityofpasadena.net/ library

Cumbia Posada Navideña w/DJs Mando Fever and

DEC. 15

Sloepoke

Enjoy a free dance party with twofor-one drink specials and festive Latin hits. Resident DJ Sloepoke and special guest Mando Fever play classic rock hits, cumbia and merengue.

The Mixx, 443 E. Colorado Boulevard, Pasadena, free admission, 8 p.m. to 1 a.m., themixxclub.com

Upcoming Events

Have an event for the calendar? Send it to christina@timespublications.com.

Zumba DEC. 16

Lose weight, tone up, increase cardio strength, improve coordination, gain self-esteem, and improve endorphins all with the power of Zumba. Through a mixture of cardio and Latin-inspired dance, Zumba has become an exercise of choice for many as it adds fun into the workout. It uses energetic rhythms to get the blood pumping and the mind moving. Beginners welcome.

Lamanda Park Branch Library, 140 S. Altadena Drive, Pasadena, 3 to 4 p.m., free, cityofpasadena.net/ library

A Christmas Carol DEC. 17

Join the Christmas Matters Holiday Carolers Quartet as it serenades and delights with melodic voices, singing classic Christmas carols. Each of the quartet is dressed in traditional Victorian-era outfits and will be taking requests.

Linda Vista Branch Library, 1281 Bryant Street, Pasadena, free, 4 to 5 p.m., cityofpasadena.net/library

Great Literature Discussion Group DEC. 19

Join the literature discussion group for weekly chats about the value and quality of classic pieces of great literature.

Lamanda Park Branch Library, 140 S. Altadena Drive, Pasadena, 10 to 11 a.m., free, cityofpasadena.net/

library

Mighty Chondria: Computer Animation Workshop DEC. 20

Any kids from ages 7 to 12 curious about how computer animation works are encouraged to join in through Zoom for a free workshop. Learn the ropes of how to animate and get started early on learning what modern technology can do for animation. Hastings Branch Library, 3325 E. Orange Grove Boulevard, Pasadena, free, 4 to 5 p.m., cityofpasadena.net/ library

Teddy Bear Tea DEC. 20

Teddy Bear Tea is a seasonal celebration with tea, sandwiches, scones and sweet treats for the whole family to enjoy. Santa Claus will listen to the Christmas wishes of the children, and each child will receive a teddy bear to take home as a memento.

The Langham Huntington, 1401 S. Oak Knoll Avenue, Pasadena, $85, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., langhamhotels.com

“Home Cookin’ Comedy Show” DEC. 21

Hosted by Leonard Smith Jr., “The Home Cookin’ Comedy Show” brings together the best up and coming stand-up comedians in LA. Come support local artists and get a barrel of laughs with chili.

Barney’s Beanery, 99 E. Colorado Boulevard, Pasadena, 9 to 11 p.m.,

free admission, barneysbeanery.com

Ricky Martin Birthday Celebration and Tribute Night DEC. 22

Celebrate the birthday of one of the greatest Puerto Rican singers and songwriters with a tribute night. Enjoy two-for-one drink specials and, of course, a selection of all the best hits by Ricky Martin and Menudo.

The Mixx, 443 E. Colorado Boulevard, Pasadena, free admission, 8 p.m. to 1 a.m., themixxclub.com

Christmas Eve Brunch and Party DEC. 24

Enjoy brunch with Santa Claus and celebrate the season for one last day before Christmas. Enjoy Southern California weather out on the patio, if the weather permits, with music, presents, and plenty of brunch food. COVID-19 vaccination cards and reservations are required.

Pasadena Senior Center, 85 E. Holly Street, Pasadena, $20, 11 a.m., pasadenaseniorcenter.org

34th Annual Kwanzaa Celebration DEC. 27

Enjoy music, stories and the company of others while celebrating the festive occasion of Kwanzaa. Learn more about the holiday, and share the magic with friends.

Presented via Zoom, free, 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., cityofpasadena.net/ library

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