2008 Juno Award winning Canadian banjoist Jayme Stone and Malian griot singer/kora player Manza Sizzoko build a boundary crossing musical bridge on their collaborative Africa to Appalachia. The project explores the untold branches of roots music. The Canadian virtuoso became curious about what aspects of African music did not make it across the ocean with slavery. "The culture of slavery in North America was clearly not the best context for an authentic and meaningful cultural transmission of music," Stone explains, "There are all kinds of things that never got imparted to the Americans, like these perpetual polyrhythm and supersonic melodies. There are hints of it in old-time music, but things got repurposed, recycled into English ballads, Irish fiddle tunes, and African-American blues. Malian music is very inviting, and you can jam along quite easily."
The Levitt Pavilion for the Performing Arts-Pasadena is proud to present its 8th annual 50 summer concert series. All concerts are FREE to the public beginning June 23 to August 29, Wednesday through Sunday. Enjoy an evening under the stars at Memorial Park in Old Pasadena while listening to quality entertainment ranging from Grammy winners and nominees, to international touring artists, and local favorites!
Seven years ago, The Mortimer Levitt Foundation granted the City of Pasadena funds to transform the historic, but abandoned Memorial Park band shell into a top-quality venue suitable for professional performances. Our mission is to encourage community spirit, and promote respect for diversity by providing free public access to the performing arts. We have provided the community with quality concerts, bringing people from all walks of life together to enjoy a shared evening of great music, under the stars. Last season drew over 55,000 attendess.
The Levitt Pavilion is located in the heart of Old Pasadena at Memorial Park. Before a concert, dine at one of the more than 100 restaurants within walking distance of the venue. Experience a world-class bistro or a casual sidewalk cafe, all nestled in the nationally registered Historic District of Old Pasadena. Turn-of-the-century architecture houses over 200 national retailers, local designer boutiques, and unique specialty shops spanning 22 historic blocks. Old Pasadena also features a vibrant cosmopolitan nightlife, so you can keep dancing after every Levitt concert.
The best children's entertainment around, featuring musicians, storytelling, sing-a-longs, puppeteers, circus and more! Check ourchildren's night listings for performers and schedules.
30 N Raymond Avenue, Suite 100, Pasadena, CA 91103 - (Phone) 626-683-3230 - (Fax) 626-683-3225 The Levitt Pavilion Pasadena is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. Our tax ID is 81-0591705.
