MUSE/IQUE Announces 2025 Season Celebrating Transformative American Artists

Performance group to explore musical pioneers who 'rejected norms,' offers free access to wildfire victims
Published on Jan 31, 2025

In a bold programming initiative, the Pasadena-based performance organization MUSE/IQUE revealed its 2025 season lineup focusing on transformative moments in American musical history.

The season, titled “Make Some Noise” and curated by MUSE/IQUE Artistic & Music Director Rachael Worby, represents the second year of a groundbreaking two-year exploration building on themes introduced in 2024.

Brandon Victor Dixon and DC6 Singers Collective will headline the season opener “According to Ray” with four performances at Mark Taper Forum: March 21 at 7:30 p.m., March 22 at 2:30 p.m., and March 23 at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. These performances explore Ray Charles’s groundbreaking blend of musical genres.

The organization announced special provisions for community members affected by recent wildfires, offering them free attendance to all performances by completing an information form.

The season, proudly presented by LeeAnn and Ron Havner and JCS Family Foundation, continues MUSE/IQUE’s first-ever initiative examining key musical moments in American history.

“Welcome to the Dream Factory,” presented in partnership with The Wallis for May 3-4 performances, with an additional performance at The Huntington on April 30, examines Hollywood’s first Golden Age immigrants who revolutionized film scoring during the 1930s and 1940s.

“The UnAmericans” will explore artists like Lena Horne, Harry Belafonte, and Judy Holliday, who faced censorship after being placed on the Hollywood Blacklist. Performances are on June 10 at The Huntington at 7:30 p.m., June 11 at The Huntington at 7:30 p.m., and June 15 at Skirball Cultural Center at 3 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.

Additional programming includes “Like It Like Harlem” inn August, celebrating East Harlem’s musical heritage, and “Made in Memphis,” a free open house event at Pasadena Memorial Park in September, exploring Stax Records’ soul music legacy.

The regular season features “Have You Ever Heard of Etta James?” in October, chronicling the Los Angeles native’s journey through gospel, blues, and rock innovation.

The season concludes with “Stand By Me,” a November celebration for major donors contributing $5,000 or above, featuring the works of songwriter Mike Stoller and collaborator Jerry Leiber.

Performances will take place across partner venues including Mark Taper Forum, The Huntington, The Wallis, Skirball Cultural Center, and Pasadena Memorial Park, with support from anonymous donors, the Barth family, Michael Casey, the Knell family, The Jerry and Terri Kohl Family Foundation, Ambassador Robert Kohorst and Shelley Allen, Debbie and Rick Powell, and Alyce de Roulet Williamson.

 

 


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