SOUTH PASADENA’S FESTIVAL CELEBRATES
11 YEARS OF MUSIC & ART
The Eclectic, South Pasadena’s Music Festival and Art Walk, returns for it’s 11st year on Saturday, April 28, with Grammy nominated, multi-platinum selling Big Bad Voodoo Daddy headlining the event. BBVD, the incomparable kings of swing, recently released their eleventh album, “Louie, Louie, Louie,” dedicated to jazz legends Louis Armstrong, Louis Jordan and Louis Prima.
See the complete lineup.
Other notable music acts will include retro-nouveau-rockabilly-jump-swing from Maureen and The Mercury 5; afrobeat vibes from Mexico68; flamenco, blues and Latin twang from Twanguero; mesmerizing vocals and graceful piano from Grammy winner Darlene Koldenhoven; the crowd pleasing sounds of Chicago from hometown favorite The South Pasadena Transit Authority; a lineup of Americana singer songwriters playing at the Fretted Frog Stage; jazz in two venues; an open-mic opportunity and lots and lots more music.
“We’ve grown from a small stage and a few hundred local people attending to having thousands celebrate the 10th anniversary of The Eclectic. This continues to be a grass roots and volunteer-driven event, and is one of the last ‘free’ music festivals in the San Gabriel Valley,” said Laurie Wheeler, Chamber President. “What an opportunity for the entire family to enjoy South Pasadena – the music, the arts, the shopping and dining – there’s something for just about everyone.”
“We expect to have a lot of dancing this year,” said Music Director Brad Colerick. “Over 50 musical acts in a variety of genres will make this an unforgettable evening for all.” The Eclectic’s 14 stages include 4 outdoor venues, plus stages inside the Library Community Room, Calvary Church, South Pas Theatre Workshop and nearby intimate venues.
The Eclectic’s headline art event, The Art Experience, is an interactive art installation by Stephen Hsiao that features South Pas’ iconic “Astride Aside” sculpture (also known as “The Walking Man”) stopped in time through the magic of light and shadows. Art coordinator Hope Perello describes The Art Experience as “a special experience, something you won’t find just going to an art gallery”.
Other art events include art openings at SugarMynt and SPARC galleries, family art activities making collages and writing haikus and more. And visit Artisans’ Alley, a unique marketplace that features 26 artists and makers selling unique art and handmade goods.
The Eclectic is family-friendly and free to attend. This year’s Eclectic features a new, more walkable footprint – for the first time directly on Mission Street in South Pasadena. The stages and art events are all within easy walking distance of the South Pasadena Metro Station, a very convenient way to travel to the festival. The event begins at 3pm, with Big Bad Voodoo Daddy taking the stage at 8:30pm.
The Eclectic is produced by the South Pasadena Chamber of Commerce in partnership with DeepMix Entertainment and the City of South Pasadena, and is supported by Eclectic Friends of the Arts, a nonprofit 501(C)(3) organization. Donations to The Eclectic Friends of the Arts in South Pasadena help keep the music free.
