Happy Birthday, America!
It takes a few days to celebrate 234 years of independence
By Leigh Kennicott 07/01/2010
The Fourth of July has become such an institution that it takes more than just one day to celebrate it. Following are a few unique ways to get into the swing of our national birthday party.
Americana at Brand: Where better to get into a patriotic spirit than at a place that's actually named Americana? At 8 p.m. tonight, the Glendale Renaissance Orchestra presents an “All-American Evening of Pops,” featuring music celebrating the nation’s birth, plus a Motown medley, music of the 1950s, an Earth, Wind and Fire medley, a Michael Jackson tribute, a Gloria Estefan medley and more, all starting at 8 p.m. Tickets are $69.50, available at glendalearts.org/events. Americana at Brand is at 889 Americana Way, Glendale. Call (877) 897-2097 for more information.
Levitt Pavilion: The best entertainment deal in town is Levitt Pavilion — not only because of all its great performers, but also because it’s free. Tonight’s concert features Danielia Cotton’s eclectic mix of soul, jazz and rock ’n roll. On Friday, Romanian folk “Fishtank Ensemble” continues with a combination of flamenco and klezmer. Los Pinguos celebrates South America on Saturday,
and on Wednesday, Theatre 360 (formerly Pasadena Youth Theatre) offers “You Can’t Stop the Beat.” Bring the kids and cheer on
our youthful performers. Levitt Pavilion is located in Memorial Park, at the corner of North Raymond Avenue and Holly Street in Old Pasadena. All shows start at 8 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays, and 7 p.m. on Sundays. Visit levittpavilionpasadena.org for their complete summer schedule.
Descanso Gardens: Not only one of our most beautiful areas, Descanso Gardens is also celebrated as a jazz haven during the summer. Wind-instrument wizard Robert Kyle serenades audience members with Brazilian songs beginning at 5:30 p.m. tonight.
The smooth Latin sounds of Mitchell Long and Café Atlantico continue the series at 5:30 p.m. July 8. Descanso Gardens is at 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge. Bring your own blankets and picnic baskets. General admission is $8, $6 for seniors and $3
for children (5 to 12 years) $3. Guild members and children under 5 are admitted free. See descansogardens.org or phone (818)
949-4200 for a full schedule and other information.
Rose Bowl: On Sunday, the Rose Bowl hosts Americafest 2010, touted as “The Biggest and Best Fireworks Show in Southern California.” The fun starts at noon and continues through 9:30 p.m., with food and a family festival, entertainment from Drum Corps International at 7 p.m. and fireworks at 9 p.m. Tickets are $13. Admission is free for kids 7 and under and active military personnel with ID. The Rose Bowl is at 1001 Rose Bowl Drive, Pasadena. Call (626) 577-3100 for more information.
South Pasadena Festival of Balloons and Fourth of July Parade: South Pasadena is going all out this year, with a daylong citywide celebration, beginning with a pancake breakfast from 7:30 to 11 a.m. at the South Pasadena Fire Station, 817 Mound Ave. Tickets are $7. The Festival of Balloons Parade starts at 11:30 a.m. at the corner of Mission Street and Meridian Avenue, following Mission Street and ending at Garfield Park, at the corner of Mission Street and Park Avenue. Games and food start at noon at Garfield Park. The Greenest Mile Fun Run starts at 5 p.m. at the corner of El Centro Street and Fairview Avenue, continuing down Meridian Avenue and ending at South Pasadena High School, 1401 Fremont Ave. To register visit runpasadena.community.officelive.com. A pre-fireworks party with food and games starts at 5:30 p.m. at the high school’s Roosevelt Field. Fireworks start at 9 p.m. Tickets are $7 in advance, $10 at the door.
Hollywood Bowl: The Bowl is the granddaddy of all July Fourth celebrations, one that goes on at 7:30 p.m. July 2, 3 and 4 with fireworks at each performance. This year's event features Vince Gill and the US Air Force Band of the Golden West. Prices vary, but
can be found at hollywoodbowl.org. The Sunday concert benefits the Los Angeles Philharmonic Musicians Pension Fund.
It's now easier than ever to get there from Pasadena by taking the Gold Line to Union Station then picking up the Red Line to Hollywood Boulevard and Highland Avenue. From there, either walk or take the shuttle to the Bowl for free with a Metro ticket. For $5, traditionalists can take the bus that leaves at 5 p.m. from 240 Ramona St. in Pasadena for the 7:30 p.m. show.
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