Milestones & Final Acts: Athenaeum Turns 95, PIFF Wraps with a Gatsby Finale

Good morning, Pasadena. This is News N’ Roses, the newsletter that’s as quick as Kizazi on the Santa Anita race track!

In today’s News N’ Roses:

• The Athenaeum at Caltech Turns 95

• PIFF Wraps Up

• Events on Wednesday and Thursday

Let’s get to it.

— Matthew Ramirez

THE DIGEST

The Athenaeum at Caltech Turns 95

Nestled in the heart of Caltech’s campus, the Athenaeum has stood as a symbol of elegance, intellect, and tradition for nearly a century—and this year, it turns 95. Originally opened in 1930, the Athenaeum was designed by esteemed architect Gordon Kaufmann, whose work includes the Hoover Dam and Caltech’s own Beckman Auditorium. Blending Mediterranean Revival architecture with old-world charm, the Athenaeum quickly became more than just a faculty club—it became a gathering place for some of the brightest minds of the 20th and 21st centuries.

Albert Einstein famously stayed at the Athenaeum during his time at Caltech in the 1930s. His suite, now known as the “Einstein Suite,” remains a celebrated piece of campus lore. Over the decades, the club has hosted Nobel laureates, tech pioneers, artists, and international leaders, creating an atmosphere of casual brilliance and refined conversation.

Whether you’ve had the chance to attend a dinner there, peek behind its ivy-covered walls during a tour, or simply admire it from the outside, the Athenaeum remains a crown jewel of Pasadena—one that blends the city’s appreciation for history, science, and community in one elegant package.

PIFF Wraps Up

​The 12th Annual Pasadena International Film Festival (PIFF) is in full swing, captivating audiences since April 3 with a diverse lineup of over 130 films from more than 15 countries. Screenings are being held at Laemmle NoHo 7 in North Hollywood, featuring a mix of features, shorts, documentaries, music videos, animations, and web series, each followed by engaging Q&A sessions with filmmakers. ​

The festival will conclude on April 10 with the Great Gatsby Gala & Award Ceremony at Der Wolf in Old Pasadena. For those eager to experience the remaining events, tickets and passes are still available. Visit the official PIFF website for more.

@NEWSN_ROSES

📷@seereenuh📍 Athenaeum, Caltech

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WHAT'S HAPPENING

Wednesday

•  🥞Fire Relief Fundraiser: April’s Thirsty Bears, hosted by San Gabriel Valley Cal Alumni Club, will meet at Foothill restaurant, 6 PM

• 😂Comedy Show: Free Comedy show at The Mixx by the best comedians in town, 8 PM

• 🎸Phi-Psonics Concert: A live recoding session that will show the creative process which evolves to an album, 8 PM

Thursday

• 🌟 Golden Future 50+ Expo: Discover the latest in health, lifestyle, and active aging at SoCal's premier expo for those 50 and over. 9 AM - 1:30 PM

• 🍎 South Pasadena Farmers: Certified, California-grown produce direct from the farm to you, 4 - 7 PM

• 📖 Heartthrob Hangout Book Club: Altadena Library's newest book club and join them for a monthly discussion of a selected romance novel, 4:30 PM

• 🩺 Three Women Doctors of Late Imperial China: Lorraine Wilcox, professor at Emperor’s College, presents the writings of three female doctors from late imperial China, 2:30 - 3:30 PM

• 📽️ Pasadena International Film Festival: The weeklong 12th Annual Pasadena International Film Festival (PIFF) 2025 will highlight this closing night Great Gatsby Gala & Award Ceremony, 7 PM

• 🧱 Memorial Lecture & Reception: Discover the rich history of Batchelder tiles in this engaging talk featuring expert speakers. Learn about their artistic legacy, recent recovery efforts, and ongoing preservation work—followed by a community reception.

Save the Date

• 🐇 Easter Extravaganza: Hop into the fun at the Easter Extravaganza presented by Creative Communal at Pasarroyo, April 12

• 🛍️ Rose Bowl Flea Market: The world famous Rose Bowl Flea Market takes place the second Sunday of every month! Come shop from over 2,500 vendors, April 13

• 🦷 Free Mobile Dental Clinic: Young & Healthy has announced the return of its Mobile Dental Clinic to the Pasadena area, April 17-25

• 🎷 Caltech Jazz Festival: Featuring the Caltech Jazz Band directed by Barb Catlin. Vocalist./composer Teryn Re and her quartet. The legendary trumpeter/composer Bobby Bradford, April 19

• 🎨 Jackalope Pasadena Artisan Fair, Spring 2025: Discover over 200 local artisans at the Jackalope Indie Artisan Fair on April 26 and 27, 2025, from 10 AM to 5 PM at Central Park in Old Pasadena. This free outdoor event features handmade goods, including fashion, jewelry, home décor, art, and more. Enjoy live music, food vendors, and family-friendly activities. Leashed pets are welcome.

  

  Read about Jackalope Pasadena on News N’ Roses!

• 🦸 Pasadena Comic Con: A vendor hall full of comic books, toys, action figures, anime and so much more, May 24

• ⛸️ Juneteenth Celebration: The NAACP Pasadena Branch will hold its Juneteenth Celebration and 4th Annual Roller Jam at Pasadena City Hall, June 14 at 4 PM.

Nothing in this section is sponsored. These are just the things you need to know. I’ll always let you know if something is sponsored!

CIVIL NEWS

Debris Removal Deadline Extended

The deadline to submit a Right of Entry form for Phase 2 debris removal is now Tuesday, April 15, 2025. Fire-impacted residents can opt in for U.S. Army Corps assistance or opt out to manage cleanup independently.

NEWS N’ ROSES WEATHER

Wednesday

80 🌡️ 60 |☀️| 💨 SW 7 mph

🌆 Air Quality Index: 60 (Moderate)

Thursday

82 🌡️ 62 |☀️| 💨 SW 7 mph

Temperature readings taken from the Pasadena Doppler radar. 

LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

🎸 The David Eastlee Trio at Edwin Mills

Enjoy an evening of classic jazz standards with the David Eastlee Trio, led by renowned guitarist and composer David Eastlee. Wednesday, April 9 · 6 PM–10 PM.

🎶 Doug MacDonald at Edwin Mills

Catch jazz journeyman Doug MacDonald live for an evening of smooth standards and timeless swing. Known for his warm tone and deep roots in West Coast jazz, Doug brings decades of experience to the stage. Thursday, April 10 · 6PM – 10PM.

🎷 "Straight, No Chaser" Thursdays: Live Jazz jazz, pop, and piano at The Langham Tap Room

Sip on a top-shelf Manhattan and dig the cool sounds of the finest pianists/vocalists around, playing classic, straight-ahead 1950s and 1960s. April 10 at 8 PM: Christopher Linman.

🖤 Live at Old Towne Pub: Crushing Petals, D.I.Y Valentine, The God Damn Regret, and G.A.M.M.A.

Get ready for a dark and gritty lineup featuring Crushing Petals, D.I.Y Valentine, The God Damn Regret, and G.A.M.M.A. Thursday, April 10. Doors open 7:30PM, $5 cover.

🎹 "Grand Piano" Fridays: The Langham Tap Room

Sip on your top-shelf beverage of choice while the singer & pianist play classic/contemporary pop and soul music, evoking the lounges of the 60s, and 70s. April 11 at 8 PM: Kate Grahn Duo

🎸 Dead Valley at Old Towne Pub

Blues for Sallah presents Dead Valley—a Grateful Dead-inspired night of desert vibes and jam band grooves. Catch it live at Old Towne Pub on Friday, April 11. Expect gritty riffs, good beer, and that signature Pasadena underground energy.

🎤 Live Tribute to New Order at The Mixx

Join us for a very special 80’s Synthpop Newwave Nite with a live tribute to NEW ORDER by the greatest tribute in town. Technique. Enjoy live music videos on the largest LED Wall in town by DJ Jack Tames. Delicious craft cocktails and cold beers. Saturday, April 12, 8 PM.

THANKS!

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