Music Comes Up Roses Today, as Pasadena Tournament of Roses Celebrates World Music Day

The Tournament House on South Orange Grove Boulevard, typically a bastion of New Year’s tradition, will transform into a vibrant hub of global musical expression today as the Tournament of Roses Association joins in the worldwide celebration of World Music Day.

This convergence of cultures and sounds in a place steeped in Americana offers a poignant reminder of music’s universal language. 

From noon Friday until late afternoon, the manicured lawns and elegant rooms of the Wrigley Mansion will reverberate with melodies that span continents and centuries, bringing together diverse communities in a harmonious celebration of human creativity.

Amateur musicians will mingle with seasoned performers, their instruments creating an impromptu orchestra in the rose garden. This grassroots jam session sets the stage for an afternoon of cultural exploration and musical discovery.

The festivities, presented by Remo, kick off with open community jam sessions from noon to 5:30 p.m. continuously on the Tournament House grounds.

Musicians of all levels are invited to practice with their bands or play solo in the Wrigley Mansion rose garden, according to the Tournament of Roses.

From 1 to 3 p.m., the Tournament House front lawn will host a variety of performances by local musicians and dance troupes.

Featured performers include Nandani Sinha, Brooke deRosa, and Michael Crane, who will present “Don’t Be Afraid – It’s Just Opera” and lead musical theater sing-alongs.

The afternoon will also showcase Aztec, Folklorico, and Salsa dance troupes, adding visual spectacle to the musical offerings.

A workshop titled “Rhythm Wellness and You” will be held from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. in the Tournament House Rose Room.

Limited to 50 participants, the workshop will explore music’s therapeutic benefits and its impact on health and well-being.

Attendees will learn how drumming can enhance mental clarity, mood, energy, stress management, and community relationships, organizers said.

Workshop presenters include Ping Ho, founder of Arts & Healing Initiative, Mike DeMenno, manager of Recreational Music Activities at Remo, Inc., and Cory Hills, multi-percussionist and Grammy Award-winning artist.

Hilary Yip, chair of the Music Therapy Department at California State University, Northridge, will also contribute to the presentation.

The day will conclude with a community drum circle from 6 to 7 p.m. on the Tournament House front lawn, led by Diana Wallace.

Wallace, a vocalist, multi-percussionist, creator of InsideOutLoud, founder of Urth Rhythms, and Remo endorsed facilitator, will guide participants through the drumming experience.

Participants are encouraged to bring their own percussion instruments or reserve one provided by the organizers, though seating and instruments are limited.

Audiences are welcome to bring blankets or chairs to enjoy the music during the jam sessions and drum circle.

The Tournament House is located at 391 S. Orange Grove Blvd. in Pasadena, with parking available at the venue for all events.

For more information about the World Music Day celebrations, visitors can check the Tournament of Roses website at https://tournamentofroses.com/world-music-day/.