*Pasadena – I was fortunate to be able to attend the 4th Annual Live on Green Pasadena. It is beyond me, why have I missed this event in the past. I am grateful for the expanded Marketing and Promotion of Live on Green Pasadena. I have already penciled in the next event on my calendar.
This incredible three-day event celebrated the Power of Music, took place December 29-31, 2018 at the Pasadena Convention Center. I steady flow of thousands of people were in attendance for some or all the days’ festivities. I was in attendance on Saturday, December 29th. The crowd consisted of residents of Pasadena and the surrounding communities, Greater Los Angeles Area as well as football fans following their teams to Pasadena for the Rose Bowl between the Washington Huskies and Ohio State Buckeyes.
The festivities got under way with the Opening Ceremony hosted by former Rose Queen Ashley Moreno. The Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles Color Guard Team Posted of Colors and led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance and National Anthem. The 2019 Rose Parade Queen and Court were introduced consisting of Queen Louise Siskel, Helen Rossi, Rucha Kadam, Lauren Baydeline, Micaela McElrath, Sherry Ma and Ashley Hackett.
Opening remarks and welcome were provided by Barbara Cocks, President of Marketing Firm Huerta Quorum, Monica Spiro, Marketing and Communications Services, Dole Packaging Foods and Andi Poch, Entercom, Vice President of Integrated Partnerships.
The John Muir High School Choir directed by Cassandra Franklin sang a medley of pop tunes to the delight of all in attendance. The New York based Sing for Hope, a non-profit organization founded by opera singers Monica Yunis and Camille Zamora that supports artists who want to use their art to give back to their community. Alex Boyes’ powerful voice and contagious energy was on full display during this portion of the program. He thrilled the crowd with “Celebrate” an upbeat, up-tempo tune that was just right for the occasion. Alex Boye blend of African- infused pop music coupled with vibrant, dynamic visuals have led to viral hits, with almost 1 billion views on his YouTube channel.
Brian James, Assistant Principal, John Muir High School and Cassandra Franklin, Choir Director accepted the inaugural West coast donation of The Sing for Hope Pianos. The Sing for Hope Pianos places artists designed pianos throughout New York City’s parks and public spaces for anyone and everyone to play. Each Summer, the pianos bring individuals and communities together in an open festival of art for all. After their time on the streets, Sing for Hope transports the instruments to New York City’s public schools where they become hubs for Sing for Hope’s ongoing creative programs and enrich students’ lives for years to come.
I was off to the races after the Opening Ceremony. Enjoyed the colorful live dance performance of The Ballet Folklorico Los Angeles Youth Dance Group outside on The Paseo, Let Us Entertain You Stage.
The Culinary Stage featured a mouthwatering live cooking demonstration with Chef Jamie Gwen. Chef Gwen’s segment “Get Your Grill On” featured a demo of Bill Bailey’s Tri-tip. She prepared, cooked and carved-three meals out of one from a recipe that can be found on www.billbaileys.com.
The crowd and I were vibing with Catie Waters. Ms. Waters is an American singer, songwriter and actress. She utilizes her expressive contralto vocals combined with an eclectic mix of jazz, soul, rhythms and blues that draws comparison to Jessie J and the late great Amy Winehouse. Catie Waters thrilled the crowd with the following tunes “Stone Child,” “Spirit in the Sound,” “Midnight,” “Wicked,” “Control,” and a great tune to ring in the New Year “Better Day.”
Felice LaZae is a singer, songwriter and vocal producer with roots in R&B, soul and a dash of rock and roll, creating a unique dark pop sound. Felice LaZae had the crowd rocking throughout her set with the tunes “Feel it Still,” “Gravedigger,” “Turn off the Lights,” “Let’s Stay Together,” “Valerie,” and “Need to Feel.
The “Los Angeles Cultural Festival” presented a vibrant, breathtaking display of costumes worn by beautiful models representing the rich diverse communities of the Greater Los Angeles area. Mark your calendar for June 29, 2019 for the annual Hollywood carnival.
Chef Jamie Gwen- four-time Cookbook author, winner of Food Network’s Cutthroat Kitchen and frequent guest of KYLA’s Morning Show prepared a couple more delicious treats-spicy pineapple salsa, pineapple oatmeal and vegetarian burrito bowl.
My enjoyment of the 4th Annual Live on Green Pasadena, Power of Music concluded with a wonderful set presented by Phillip Phillips, Fox’s American Idol winner. Phillips has released two chart topping albums, and taken his expansive brand of soulful, earthly guitar-fueled rock to stages across the globe. Mr. Phillips became a household name after releasing his five-time platinum single “Home.”
Ricky Richardson is a Southern California based writer, music reviewer and photographer. Contact him via: [email protected]
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