Sold-Out Comedy Night Raises $61,500 for Playhouse Village Programs

A hundred-dollar ticket to a comedy show bought a year of free jazz concerts, outdoor movies, and public art for one Pasadena neighborhood.

The Playhouse Village Foundation’s fourth annual “A Night Out in Playhouse Village” raised $61,500 at the Ice House Comedy Club on February 11, according to the Foundation — proceeds that will fund the downtown Pasadena district’s year-round slate of free community programs, from Summer Jazz and Movies in the Park to public art installations and streetscape improvements along Colorado Boulevard.

Kevin Nealon, the former Saturday Night Live cast member known for nine seasons on the show and his role as Doug Wilson on the Showtime series Weeds, headlined the sold-out evening in the Ice House’s Legendary Room at 24 N Mentor Ave.

Nealon, who also appeared in the film Happy Gilmore, performed to a capacity crowd.

Foundation Board Chair Arash Danialifar emceed the event, which opened with small bites and drinks before the headline set. Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo welcomed the audience and recognized the Foundation’s contributions to the district, according to the Foundation’s statement.

The evening also featured live and silent auctions, with more than 40 local businesses donating items, the Foundation said. Among the auction offerings was a diamond pendant and earrings set from Robbins Brothers Fine Jewelers, valued at more than $5,000, according to the Foundation.

Each $100 ticket directly supports the Foundation’s sponsorship of free programming that includes Summer Jazz, Movies in the Park, wellness events, holiday celebrations, and Bark in the Park, according to the Foundation. Proceeds also fund tree planting, enhanced outdoor dining areas, and public amenities including the district’s Spun Chairs, the Foundation said.

The event was supported by title sponsors including Village Hero Sponsor Lagerlof Cares; Village Gold Sponsors GD Realty, IDB Bank, and Robbins Brothers Fine Jewelers; and Village Silver Sponsor Block by Block.

Playhouse Village is a walkable district in downtown Pasadena supported by the nonprofit Playhouse Village Association and the Playhouse Village Foundation. More information is available at www.playhousevillagefoundation.org.