A Blues Maverick Brings Musical Healing to Fire-Scarred Pasadena

Veteran performer headlines free concert series
Published on Sep 4, 2025

[photo credit: Pasadena Village]

When Preston Smith takes the stage Wednesday evening at Washington Park, audience members will witness an artist who has performed harmonica and scat rap on Quincy Jones’ television show “Vibe,” and once sang at high-profile events.

“Preston Smith is a musical anomaly. One of a kind in a sea of roots performers,” notes music industry observer Jodi Siegel.

Smith’s solo blues performance marks the third installment of Pasadena Village’s “Centering Sounds” concert series, designed to bring healing through music to a community still recovering from recent fires.

The free outdoor concert begins at 5:30 p.m. with chair seating provided on the lawn.

Throughout his unconventional career, Smith has performed at numerous functions for entertainment luminaries.

The event is sponsored by New Wave Home Care, with limited parking available in the lot plus ample street parking.

“Centering Sounds: A Solo Stroll Through the Blues with Preston Smith” will run on Wednesday, Sept. 17 at 5:30 p.m. Washington Park, 700 E. Washington Blvd., in Pasadena. For more call (626) 765-6037 or visit https://www.pasadenavillage.org/events/3761-centering-sounds:-a-solo-stroll-through-the-blues-w_-preston-smith. Tickets: Free.

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