On Sunday, May 25 at 7 p.m., the curtain will rise on a night of music, dance and unity at the AGBU Vatche and Tamar Performing Arts Center. But this is no ordinary concert. Dawn Over ‘Dena is a powerful multicultural benefit performance created entirely by volunteers to raise urgent funds for those devastated by the Eaton Fire, which displaced families and upended lives across Altadena, Pasadena and Sierra Madre.
From Grammy-nominated legend Hiroshima, to the evocative choreography of the Pasadena Dance Theater, from the soul-stirring drummers of the Peace Players led by Brother G, to mesmerizing performances by Amita Batra, the Hamazkayin Ani Dance Company and the Hamazkayin Nayirian Choir, Susanna B and the beloved Benn Family, to the upbeat energy of ever popular sounds of members from Ozomatli, this evening will pulse with the heartbeat of a community refusing to let its neighbors suffer alone.
All net proceeds will go directly to nonprofit organizations serving the victims most in need, including the PCC Foundation that benefits Pasadena City College and the Pasadena Educational Foundation supporting the Pasadena Unified School District —with more to be announced.
Each $150 ticket is more than just a seat in the auditorium—it’s a gift of relief, a sign of solidarity and a promise of brighter days for those who lost so much.
“The flames took homes, but they didn’t take our spirit,” said Beth Baird, a victim of the Eaton Fire and a member of the 40-member organizing committee.
“This is about showing up for each other, giving what we can and letting people know they are not alone, and they are not forgotten,” said Patricia Kinaga, lead concert organizer.
Frank Cardenas of the PCC Foundation noted “Hundreds of students resided in burn areas, which were hardest hit by the wildfires, losing homes, apartments, cars and all of their possessions. Many more continue to need assistance to recover what they lost. Their recovery will require our continued commitment, and we are grateful for the community’s support of our students.”
Dr. Patrick Coneyrs, Executive Director of the Educational Foundation added “We’re thankful to be a beneficiary of the Dawn Over Dena concert. The strength and resilience of the Pasadena Unified community continues to inspire us, and we remain committed to supporting students, families, and schools throughout the long recovery ahead.”
The concert is the work of a dynamic volunteer committee made up of fire survivors, artists, doctors, educators, marketers and civic leaders—ordinary people moved to do something extraordinary in the wake of disaster.
“Help us sell out all 600 seats and surpass our fundraising goals,” Kinaga said. Sponsorships and major donor opportunities are still available. “The time to act is now because healing begins with us.” Major sponsors include: Karmodaya, Inc., Fish King and the East Los Angeles College and The Foundation. “We owe to those families who lost their homes and lifetime of memories an evening of normalcy and hope for rebuilding their communities,” said Dr. Jay Sandhu, President of Karmodaya.
“Years from now, when we look back and tell this story, we will tell of a community that came together to help see one another through, with bold creativity, to build back stronger than before. We are so grateful for the support of our friends and neighbors as we chart a course to the future,” said Dr. José A. Gómez, president of Pasadena City College.
“We are grateful for the generosity and heart that inspired this concert,” said PUSD Superintendent Dr. Elizabeth Blanco. “The support for our students, staff, and families impacted by the Eaton Fire is a powerful reminder that we are not alone, and that together, we will continue to restore, rebuild, and rise.”
Tickets and information: www.dawnoverdena.net or call Audrey Noda at (626) 437-7509, Adeline Yoong at (818) 426-4017 or Gwen Owens at (626) 253-4879. Donations can be made to: the California Community Foundation – Dawn over ‘Dena fund https://tinyurl.com/
