The Artzray staff pick 12 of our favorite musical performances for the upcoming ArtNight Pasadena.

ArtNight Pasadena is a great example of how one city can get behind it’s cultural and artistic roots to make a special evening for the whole community. While many of the cultural organizations involved will host art exhibits (and they really are fantastic!) the Artzray staff chose to spotlight some of the cool musical acts that will be happening throughout the evening.

We should note that these music performances are being offered through the Pasadena Cultural Affirs Division ArtNight MiniGrant Program. It’s pretty awesome that the Arts & Culture Commission funds these mini grants with the goal of expanding participation by Pasadena based non-profit arts and culture organizations, arts organizations without venues, independent non-commercial galleries, ensembles and individual artists. Artzray thinks it’s pretty cool for a city to get behind the local arts community like this!

This list is a collection of the Artzray Staff Picks of must see performances that will be happening on March 13, 2015!

1.  Armory Center for the Arts

Armory Center for the Arts is hosting The Chase Jackson Quintet for Artnight Pasadena. You’ll see Alex Cummings on saxaphone, Ian Mcardle on keys, Brandon Gaoiran on bass, Zaire Darden on drums and of course the cool vibes of Chase Jackson  play traditional and modern acoustic jazz. The Chase Jackson Quintet puts an  emphasis on original music and unique arrangements of familiar songs. Plus, the Armory is an organizational member of Artzray and shares our passion for connecting young people with a life in the arts.

2. artWORKS Teen Center

Rapper Jakhar Reece gives it his all as he performs with other artWORKS students.

3. City of Pasadena – City Hall

The SUBS present an energetic and entertaining acoustic set when they perform at ArtNight Pasadena  featuring 3 versatile vocalists with a remarkable harmonic blend covering rock classics.

4. Kidspace Children’s Museum

Patty Shukla is a mother of three who holds a degree in theater has become a best selling Amazon artist for her original children’s music. Her performance at the Kidspace Children’s Museum for ArtNight Pasadena is a sure hit for anyone with kids! Enjoy children’s’ educational music by Patty Shukla.

5. Lineage Performing Arts Center

Lineage Dance and singer & songwriter Chris Pierce combine forces to to present live music and contemporary dance at Artnight Pasadena.

6. MUSE/IQUE @ Plaza of the Civic

Using a flatbed truck as a stage, MUSE/IQUE creates a community dance party on the Plaza of the Civic! The staff at Artzray think that this dance party will be a true highlight of ArtNight Pasadena.

7. Pasadena Conservatory of Music

Zhena Folk Chorus sings village folk songs from Bulgaria, Croatia, Georgia, Macedonia, Romania and Ukraine when they perform at the Pasadena Conservatory of Music for the ArtNight Pasadena event!

8. Pasadena Museum of History

Who Can Sleep (singer/songwriter Dean Vivirito and guests) performs original songs and improvised soundscapes.

9.  PUSD @ The Shops on Lake Avenue

The Pasadena Unified School District student art exhibit No Boundaries will host musical performances by The Staff Lounge, a jazz ensemble composed of the talented PUSD music faculty (and special friends) along with PUSD student performances.

10. Shumei Arts Council

Based in Pasadena, the Makoto Taiko (originally Shumei America Taiko Group) purpose is to elevate spiritual sentiment in the audience through the drumming sound of a traditional Japanese percussion instrument known as “taiko.” Makoto Taiko drumming serves as a bridge among different cultures for global understanding beyond language and words. You are invited to experience traditional Japanese taiko drumming featuring Makoto Taiko at the Shumei Arts Council for ArtNight Pasadena. The dynamic drumming performance starts at 6:15, 7:15, 8:15 & 9:15.

11. Side Street Projects

The Los Angeles Children’s Chorus are aged six to eighteen and come from all over the greater Los Angeles area to form an amazing Children’s Chorus.  They began in 1986 and have provided musical training to over two thousand children.  Los Angeles Children’s Chorus presents activities involving ArtNight Pasadena guests who will create new lyrics to familiar tunes and enjoy a lively community sing-along.

12. USC Pacific Asia Museum

Hip hop group Culture Shock Los Angeles educates its dancers, students and audiences about the cultural history of Hip-Hop how it relates to other art forms. Besides being amazing performers, Culture Shock LA’s educational programs bring low and no-cost dance and urban arts instruction to young people and adults at school and community center sites throughout Los Angeles County. This is a ArtNight Pasadena performance that you do not want to miss!

Bonus!

Light Bringer Project @ Day One

Although not a musical act we have to throw in the amazing Mac Makers’ Chundra fantasy two story art car, adventure vessel! It’s definitely a must see and a must do when you are traveling through ArtNight Pasadena!