Today

    • Thu 25
    A person in casual clothing and a cap is dancing, silhouetted against a bright blue background with dramatic lighting and smoke effects.
    June 25 11:00AM - 12:00PM Auditorium

    “A Remarkable Story” with Zoot Velasco and Altadena Heritage

    Zoot was severely burned as an infant, losing the muscles in his right foot, yet went on to a 12-year career as a professional dancer, actor, and international touring artist working with Prince, Michael Jackson, Arsenio Hall, and James Cameron among others. In addition to raising more than $32 million for various organizations, he built four art centers for the City of LA, a Boys & Girls Club, and a Theatre for the City of Long Beach. Join us to hear his remarkable story.

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    Fri 19
    An older woman with gray hair, wearing a purple zip-up jacket and earphones, sits on a bench in a gym lifting two dumbbells. Gym equipment and a man are visible in the background.
    June 19 11:00AM - 12:00PM Auditorium

    Extra Hour: Why Strength Training is Essential for Aging Well

    Join Regional Fitness Director Cesar Barragan and Fitness Instructor Julian Love as they discuss how strength training supports independence, balance, bone health, and overall quality of life as we age. Come learn why maintaining muscle is important for staying active, and see the demonstration of simple strength exercises. They will also discuss how personal training can provide support for those looking to build confidence and create a fitness routine that fits their lifestyle.

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    Fri 12
    A grand piano with its lid open sits on a wooden stage next to a padded black bench, with warm lighting and a backdrop of wooden panels.
    June 12 11:00AM - 12:00PM Auditorium

    A Concise Chronicle of Piano Music from Bach to Bartok, Part II

    Dr. Vatché Mankerian holds a doctor of musical arts degree from USC’s Thornton School of Music and began teaching at the Pasadena Conservatory of Music in 1988. Join him as he discusses the history of piano music, the popularization of the solo recital and how the piano was finally established as the king of musical instruments. This series of lecture-recitals will chronicle the development of characteristic works for piano by some of the greatest composers.

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    Mon 8
    A close-up of a person playing a violin, focusing on the instrument and bow. The person is wearing a patterned vest and a white shirt, with warm lighting highlighting the violin’s wood grain.
    June 8 11:00AM - 12:00PM Auditorium

    The Romantic and the Impressionist with Paul and Stephanie

    This musical duo performs the iconic Brahms Violin Concerto, Brahms’ only violin concerto. In addition, they will perform the delicate music of Eric Satie, famed for his work the Gymnopédies. A must for all music lovers.

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    Fri 5
    A person wearing a black jacket with purple cuffs plays a grand piano, with their hands on the keys and reflections visible on the pianos glossy surface. Twinkling lights are in the blurred background.
    June 5 11:00AM - 12:00PM Auditorium

    Vieness Piano Duo

    The Vieness Piano Duo stands among the most electrifying and in-demand piano duos on the world stage today. Comprised of pianists Eva Schaumkell and Vijay Venkatesh, the pair is celebrated for their intuitive musical communication, technical brilliance, and powerful stage presence. Join us for what will be a moving and memorable performance.

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    Thu 4
    Close-up of hands playing an electronic keyboard, with a smartphone resting on the instrument. In the background, a drum set and other musicians are partially visible, suggesting a live music performance.
    June 4 4:00PM - 5:00PM Auditorium

    Chad Edwards Band

    Pianist Chad Edwards has been active in the LA area jazz scene for more than four decades, performing in a wide range of musical settings. His first CD “Resolution” received critical acclaim, featuring a mix of original compositions and fresh arrangements of jazz standards. His album, “Wyoming Roads” was released in May 2024, and is receiving enthusiastic reviews. Please join us for this exceptional afternoon of music.

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    Thu 4
    Two people stand against a dark sky, pointing at illuminated constellations highlighted among stars, with a silhouette of trees and a sunset on the horizon.
    June 4 11:00AM - 12:00PM Auditorium

    Mythology in the Stars

    This multi-part series concludes. Guest Toby Hooper shares insights and stories about the constellations, celestial stars and planets. If you’ve ever looked up at the night sky and pondered all that is overhead, you won’t want to miss this presentation.

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    • Thu 28
    A vivid image of the Orion Nebula in deep space, displaying swirling clouds of purple and pink gas, bright stars scattered throughout, and a radiant star glowing at the bottom edge.
    May 28 11:00AM - 12:00PM Auditorium

    Star Myths Written in the Nighttime Sky

    Join Toby Hooper as he explores the stories for which the constellations of the Zodiac are named, and other stories of celestial stars and planets. This event will be a multi-part presentation on Thursday, May 14, Thursday, May 21 and Thursday, May 28, and will extend into June.

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    Wed 27
    Two people stand on stage, partially visible. One holds a microphone and has a hand on their chest. The background is dark and blurry, with indistinct lights and another person in the distance.
    May 27 7:00PM - 8:00PM Auditorium

    Arroyo Singers

    The Arroyo Singers is a nonprofit women’s choir founded in 1961 by a group of Caltech faculty wives. Today, they are a group of women from the Pasadena area and surrounding communities who share a love of singing and good fellowship.

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    Tue 26
    Close-up of an old, hand-drawn map showing curved roads, a small house, scattered trees, and a section of land with a grid pattern, all in black ink on aged paper.
    May 26 3:30PM - 4:30PM Auditorium

    The Five Stans & Western China

    Join resident Douglas Noble as he takes us to the lands of steppes, desert, and mountains, cross-crossed by centuries of invasion yet also the historic Silk Route trading corridors between the West and China. Douglas will share insights from his 2006 trip to Kashgar and its old city and animal market in Western China, then on to all five “Stans” (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan). He’ll share his experiences with a variety of peoples, architectural highlights, colorful markets, diverse countryside, and at least one local ruler who memorialized himself in a gold statue. Not to be missed!

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    Fri 22
    Close-up of a person’s hands playing a piano, with their fingers pressing the keys and a reflection of their hands visible on the glossy piano surface. The scene is softly lit, creating a calm atmosphere.
    May 22 11:00AM - 12:00PM Auditorium

    The Oscars!

    Renowned pianist, Dr. Kelly Anderson joins us this month to perform and discuss Oscar-winning music. An instructor at Pasadena City College, Dr. Anderson records for various media including documentaries, and brings his storytelling to every performance.

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    Thu 21
    A vivid image of the Orion Nebula in deep space, displaying swirling clouds of purple and pink gas, bright stars scattered throughout, and a radiant star glowing at the bottom edge.
    May 21 11:00AM - 12:00PM Auditorium

    Star Myths Written in the Nighttime Sky

    Join Toby Hooper as he explores the stories for which the constellations of the Zodiac are named, and other stories of celestial stars and planets. This event will be a multi-part presentation on Thursday, May 14, Thursday, May 21 and Thursday, May 28, and will extend into June.

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    Fri 15
    A person with long brown hair, wearing a striped sweater and jeans, stands in front of a colorful abstract painting with swirling pink, red, and orange patterns in an art gallery.
    May 15 11:00AM - 12:00PM Auditorium

    Art Speaks: Art Works That Make You Wonder

    Why does some art draw you in? Every other month, the MonteCedro Art Committee offers an opportunity to explore our varied responses to the art in our collection. In May, we will look at pieces in the Art Collection that are mysterious. We will discuss why an artist might pick this subject or what made the artist depict this abstract. What do our own responses suggest as meanings? Come and join a lively conversation.

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    Thu 14
    A vivid image of the Orion Nebula in deep space, displaying swirling clouds of purple and pink gas, bright stars scattered throughout, and a radiant star glowing at the bottom edge.
    May 14 11:00AM - 12:00PM Auditorium

    Star Myths Written in the Nighttime Sky

    Join Toby Hooper as he explores the stories for which the constellations of the Zodiac are named, and other stories of celestial stars and planets. This event will be a multi-part presentation on Thursday, May 14, Thursday, May 21 and Thursday, May 28, and will extend into June.

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    Thu 7
    May 7 7:00PM - 8:00PM Auditorium

    Spanish Piano with Pianist Junko Garrett

    Junko Ueno Garrett is an exceptionally talented Japanese pianist loved by audiences globally. She has toured and performed around the world, and now brings her unique musical interpretation to MonteCedro.

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    Wed 6
    Close-up of a person playing a violin, with their hand on the fingerboard and a bow in motion, set against a dark background with blurred sheet music visible.
    May 6 11:00AM - 12:00PM Auditorium

    Romance Music

    Join Paul and Stephanie as they take us on a wonderful musical journey, touching on some of the world’s most beloved composers and the music that made them famous. Works will include classics from Dvorak to the exquisite Estrellita by Ponce, Moszkowski’s Guitarre, and pieces by Bach and Kreisler.

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    Tue 5
    May 5 4:00PM - 5:00PM Auditorium

    Cinco de Mayo Celebration

    Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Mexican Army’s unlikely victory over France at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. Although it is a minor holiday in Mexico, it is a cultural celebration in the United States. Join us for festive beverages, music, and appetizers that capture the spirit and fun of this annual event.

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    • Tue 28
    April 28 7:00PM - 8:00PM Auditorium

    An Evening of Opera, Musical Theater, and other classics

    Marco and Marie are an international classical and multi-genre duo consisting of tenor Marco Antonio Lozano and soprano Christa Marie Stevens. Their vast repertoire of solos and duets include operatic, art song, classical crossover, Great American Songbook, musical theater, holiday, and international favorites. Join us for dessert and coffee while you take in a wonderful evening of Opera music.

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    Fri 24
    April 24 11:00AM - 12:00PM Auditorium

    Spring has sprung

    Renowned pianist, Dr. Kelly Anderson joins us this month to perform and discuss music inspired by this season. An instructor at Pasadena City College, Dr. Anderson records for various media including documentaries, and brings his storytelling to every performance.

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    Fri 17
    April 17 11:00AM - 12:00PM Auditorium

    Evolution of the Rank Badge Design

    The Chinese tradition of wearing rank badges, also known as Mandarin squares, to demonstrate civil, military or imperial rank began in 1391 during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), and continued throughout the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). These insignia were sewn onto or woven into the wearer’s garments to indicate their rank. Join resident David Hugus for a lecture on the evolution of Chinese rank badges.

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