One Colorado (626.564.1066) is a collection of 17 historic buildings housing a mix of nationally acclaimed retailers, designers, unique local merchants, inventive restaurants and a boutique cinema. A full city block located between Colorado, Union, Delacey and Fair Oaks, One Colorado is the retail centerpiece of Old Pasadena with public events hosted year-round in its central courtyard. Saturday nights in August mean courtyard concerts with One Colorado restaurant pop-ups!
All during August, listen to Prohibition-era Jazz, Pop concoctions, rock, Jazz influenced pop soul and more on stage at The Courtyard at One Colorado. All of the concerts are accompanied by pop-up, alfresco dining with One Colorado eateries.
Free; Saturdays, 8 pm; seating is limited; restaurant reservations made through host restaurant.
August 9: Jenny O. and a/k/a An American Bistro (626.564.8111)
Jenny O. marks her own territory in her native city with a playful attitude that shines in her songwriting. Following her critically praised EP “Home,” Jenny O. released “Automechanic,” her debut full-length album, produced by Jonathan Wilson. In Automechanic Jenny O. includes sounds from 70’s R&B, modern folk and country. Jenny O. has toured with Leon Russell, Ben Harper, and Rodriguez. She was also part of The Chuck Regan Revival Tour and Dave Matthews Band Caravan.
August 16: Sun Rai and Il Fornaio (626.683.9797)
A rock star in his native Australia, Sun Rai (“sun ray”), is currently based in LA and making quite the name for himself with his feel-good soul/pop. KCRW DJ Anne Litt describes his tune “San Francisco Street” as “pure 70’s AM gold.” Raised on classical, rock, pop and jazz, at 18 Rai was scooped up by American label Columbia Records. After a management reshuffle, Rai returned to his motherland and started the band Thirsty Merc. Over the next ten years, the band released three albums- one platinum and one 2x platinum. On a Thirsty Merc timeout to focus on writing music that incorporated jazz and other early influences, Sun Rai was created. Rai moved to Los Angeles in 2012, and his music immediately attracted the attention of LA’s music tastemakers, including KCRW’s Chris Douridas. Rai divides his time between Los Angeles and Sydney, and is scheduled to release a new Thirsty Merc album this year.
August 23: Banta and Sushi Roku (626.683.3000)
The Echo Park-based indie pop sextet Banta – Sharaya Mikael (vocals/guitar), Kristin Hardin (vocals), Jon Marcu (drums), Scott Clear (lead guitar), Steve Oh Grohne (bass) and Alathea Reece (keys) — is a fairly new band. They are sure to keep you grooving all night.
August 30: Cheers Elephant and Escuela Taqueria (323.932.6178)
Cheers Elephant is a pop/rock quartet that transplanted to SoCal by way of Philadelphia. Cheers has shared the stage with acts like Mayer Hawthorne, Rubblebucket, The Go! Team, The Walkmen, Darwin Deez, Jefferson Starship, The Mother Hips and more. Cheers blends playful humor, energy, and some really great three-part harmonies.
