In the smoky wake of the devastating Eaton Fire, which destroyed more than 9,000 homes in Altadena and parts of Pasadena just two weeks ago, the third annual Pasadena Neighbor Day filled the Wild Parrot Brewing Company in East Pasadena with grateful neighbors, to give thanks for their neighborhoods and their friends.
The event, Sunday, which was “invented“ by East Pasadena residents Russell Mark and his wife, Mika Olsen—founders of the band, the Nextdoors— was a celebration of everything friendly and neighborly about “the Dena”– Pasadena and Altadena.
The band was “adopted” last year as Pasadena’s favorite band, following the debut of its single, “City of Roses,” from their self-produced album, “Linda Vista.”
“This is what makes Pasadena so special,“ said Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo, raising a glass in a toast. “The strength and resilience of its people.”
This year‘s event benefited the Pasadena Educational Foundation, which supports the PUSD and its students, and the Pasadena Symphony.
The afternoon wingding was hosted by “Mr. Pasadena,” Michael Calderon, and featured bluegrass from the LA River String Band, jazz from the Molly Mason Band, original music from singer/songwriter Gwendolyn, who lost her Altadena home in the Eaton Fire,The Nextdoors, rock from Quazar and the Bamboozled, and more bluegrass from the Urban Homestead Hootenanny.
Raffle prizes included tickets to the Rose Parade, coffee with “Mr. Pasadena”and City Councilmembers, and much more. Food and drinks available for purchase.
