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PW OPINION PW NEWS PW LIFE PW ARTS •CALENDAR• Heartfelt History ALAN BRENNERT DISCUSSES AND SIGNS HIS HIT BOOK ‘MOLOKA’I’ AS PART OF ASIAN PACIFIC ISLANDER DAY SATURDAY AT PASADENA CENTRAL LIBRARY Alan Brennert, an Emmy-winning TV writer who crafted episodes of a diverse array of series including “L.A. Law,” the 1980s version of “The Twilight Zone” and “Star Trek: Enterprise,” fell in love with Hawaii while visiting with his wife in 1980. The island paradise became a yearly vacation favorite for the couple ever since, and wound up providing the inspiration for his novel “Moloka’i,” which has sold a massive 600,000 copies since its release in 2003. Now Brennert has released a sequel, called “Daughter of Moloka’i,” and he’ll be bringing it to the Pasadena Central Library’s Donald R. Wright Auditorium for a discussion and signing at 3 p.m. Saturday . The author’s appearance is part of a slate of events from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. marking Asian Pacific Islander Day, including an 11 a.m. discussion called “Moving Histories: Japanese Americans After the Wartime Incarceration” with author Naomi Hirahara and documentarian Sharon Yamato, and a 1:30 p.m. performance by a troupe of Hawaiian dancers. “I never had a bestseller before, but had written a few fantasy novels in addition to my TV work,” recalls Brennert. 18 PASADENA WEEKLY | <strong>05.09.19</strong> BY CARL KOZLOWSKI “My wife and I took a trip to Moloka’i and found it a unique island with much natural beauty, not much development. Not one stoplight on the whole island and that’s how the locals prefer it. I decided to write about the bonds of community because Moloka’i seemed like the kind of place someone could come to lose themselves. “The more I researched Moloka’I, the more I read about Kalaupapa, a leprosy settlement that was on the island in 1856 and still exists,” he continues. “I learned that every time one of the diseased patients would have a baby, it would be taken away from them for fear it would be hit with leprosy. That’s the novel’s idea: being sent to a remote place far from your family, defy the odds, grow up, get married have a child and have it taken away from you.” “Molokai” is a historical novel that follows the story of a young woman named Ruth who arrives at the Kapi’olani Home for Girls in Honolulu, to her adoption by a Japanese couple who raise her on a strawberry and grape farm in California, her marriage and unjust internment at Manzanar Relocation Camp during World War II ― and then, after the war, to the lifealtering day when she receives a letter from a woman who says she is Ruth’s birth mother, Rachel. “Daughter of Moloka’I” expands upon Ruth and Rachel’s 22-year relationship, only hinted at in “Moloka’i.” It’s a richly emotional tale of two women — different in some ways, similar in others — who never expected to meet, much less come to love, one another, and provides a look at the beauty and history of both Hawaiian and Japanese cultures. “A book club member at an event I did for the first book asked if I ever thought of telling Ruth’s story,” says Brennert. “I said no, and that I had just written ‘Moloka’I’ and was anxious to move other ways. A year ago, I talked to my literary agent about another novel idea I had. Out of the blue, she said tell Ruth’s story and I said OK and there was a book there. It was written to be read as a standalone novel. You can read either one first. They’re complimentary and form one overarching story.” n Alan Brennert discusses and signs his novels from 3-4 p.m. Sat. at the Donald R. Wright Auditorium inside the Pasadena Central Library, 285 E. Walnut St., Pasadena. Admission is free. Call (626) 744-4066. Thursday May 09 through Wednesday May 15 PLEASE NOTE: Deadline for Calendar submissions is noon Wednesday of the week before the issue publishes. Send to johns@ pasadenaweekly.com THURSDAY Caltech/Pasadena Playhouse New Play Festival Pasadena Playhouse 39 S. El Molino Ave., Pasadena (626) 356-7529 pasadenaplayhouse.org Caltech and the Pasadena Playhouse present “MACH 33: The Caltech/Pasadena Playhouse Festival of New, Science Driven Plays,” staged readings of new, unpublished plays exploring scientific, mathematical and technological questions, at 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. The performances feature professional actors and include discussions by Caltech/JPL scientists following the performances. Thursday’s performance is “Bones of the Sea,” by James Armstrong. Friday features “Sizzle, Sizzle, Fly” by Susan Bernstein, and Saturday’s staging is “The Surest Person,” by Kristin Idaszak. Tickets are $15 general admission, $10 for Playhouse members and students. Pasadena Literary Alliance Book Series American Legion Post 13 131 N. Marengo Ave., Pasadena pasadenaliteraryalliance.org/open-book The Pasadena Literary Alliance hosts its Open Book Series, as author Jacqueline Winspear, in conversation with Barbara Abercrombie, discuss two books in Winspear’s “Masie Dobbs” series, “The American Agent” and “What Would Masie Do?” It runs from 7 to 9 p.m. Cost is $50 general admission, $35 for students and educators. Beer, wine and appetizers precede the discussion, and dessert, coffee and conversation follow it. Pasadena Public Library, Central Branch 285 E. Walnut St., Pasadena (626) 744-4066 pasadenapubliclibrary.net Dave Nufer of Pasadena Heritage and the LA Conservancy discusses the Asian roots of Arts and Crafts architecture by Greene and Greene and other architects, as well as mid-century modern styles, starting at 7:30 p.m. Pasadena Public Library, Hastings Branch 3325 E. Orange Grove Blvd., Pasadena (626) 744-7262 pasadenapubliclibrary.net Celebrate Mom by making a Mother’s Day craft, at 4 p.m. Pasadena Senior Center 85 E. Holly St., Pasadena (626) 795-4331 pasadenaseniorcenter.org Ms. Senior California Rita Purdue presents a discussion, “An Act of Kindness,” promoting awareness for seniors’ well-being and inspiring the senior community to elevated, meaningful heights, starting at 10 a.m. Cultural Thursday presents “Great American Songwriters,” a discussion highlighting Hoagy Carmichael and lyricist Johnny Mercer, starting at 2 p.m. Vroman’s Bookstore 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena (626) 449-5320 vromansbookstore.com Jo Giese, in conversation with Chris Erskine, discusses and signs “Never Sit If You Can Dance: Lessons from My Mother” at 7 p.m. FRIDAY Caltech Chamber Music Ensembles Caltech’s Hameetman Center/Frautschi Music Room 1200 E. California Blvd., Pasadena (626) 395-3295 events.caltech.edu The ensembles perform works by Telemann, Mozart, Fauré, Shostakovich and Saint Saëns starting at 8 p.m. Friday and 3:30 p.m. Sunday. Free. Pasadena Senior Center 85 E. Holly St., Pasadena (626) 795-4331 pasadenaseniorcenter.org Free Friday movie matinees start at 1 p.m. on select Fridays. Friday’s film is “Mary, Queen of Scots” (2018). Vroman’s Bookstore 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena (626) 449-5320 vromansbookstore.com Lorene Carey discusses and signs “Ladysitting: My Year with Nana at the End of Her Century” at 7 p.m. SATURDAY Caltech Chamber Singers Caltech’s Dabney Lounge 1200 E. California Blvd., Pasadena (626) 395-3295 events.caltech.edu The Caltech Chamber Singers, directed by Nancy Sulahian and accompanied by William Schmidt, perform works by Monteverdi, Haydn, Brahms, Bach, Duruflé and others at 8 p.m. Free. No tickets required. Crown City Symphony Altadena Community Church 943 E. Altadena Drive, Altadena First Baptist Church 75 N. Marengo Ave., Pasadena (626) 797-1994 crowncitysymphony.org The orchestra performs works by Paganini, Handel and Schubert, directed by Dr. Paul Sherman, with featured violinist David Park, starting at 2 p.m. Saturday at Altadena Community Church and 2 p.m. Sunday at First Baptist Church. Free. Garden Conservancy Open Days Program Private location, Pasadena (888) 842-2442 gardenconservancy.org/open-days Guests are invited to “A Personal Garden Shaped by Travels,” joining landscape architect Nord Eriksson in his family’s award-winning garden to discuss the influences and experiences, including extensive travel, that have shaped his practice and his home. It starts at 3 p.m. Tickets are $40, or $30 for members. Refreshments are included. Pre-registration is required, and location is provided with ticket purchase. Norton Simon Museum 411 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena (626) 449-6840 nortonsimon.org A guided tour visits the exhibition “Woven Tales of Helen and Dido” from 1 to 2 p.m., included in Norton Simon admission of $15 for adults, $12 for seniors, free for students, those 18 and under and members. “Now That She’s Gone” Staged Reading Sierra Madre Public Library 440 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre snortland.com Author, actress and columnist Ellen Snortland performs her one-woman play “Now That She’s Gone,” chronicling her often hilarious, irreverent and sometimes torturous relationship with her Norwegian-American mother, starting at 1 p.m. Free. Pasadena Public Library, Central Branch 285 E. Walnut St., Pasadena (626) 744-4066 pasadenapubliclibrary.net Asian Pacific Islander Day features author Naomi Hirahara, documentarian Sharon Yamamoto and author Alan Brennert discussing their work, and Hawaiian dancers, starting at 11 a.m. Pasadena Public Library, Linda Vista Branch 1281 Bryant St., Pasadena (626) 744-7278 pasadenapubliclibrary.net Adults are invited to create any type of arts and crafts that they wish, with all materials provided, at 11 a.m.
PW OPINION PW NEWS PW LIFE PW ARTS •CALENDAR• Pasadena Senior Center 85 E. Holly St., Pasadena (626) 795-4331 pasadenaseniorcenter.org A smart gardening workshop from 9:30 to 11 a.m. offers tips on improving your lawn and garden and reducing waste in a beginner’s class that providesg hands-on instruction. Restoration Expo Glendale Civic Auditorium 1401 N. Verdugo Road, Glendale glendalehistorical.org The Glendale Historical Society presents its annual Restoration Expo, featuring numerous specialists, contractors, landscape and interior design professionals, period and reproduction tile and hardware suppliers and other resources. Owners of vintage homes can receive practical ideas on maintaining and restoring the original charm and character of their properties while meeting the needs of modern living. The Expo runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free. The Travel Expo Pasadena Convention Center 300 E. Green St., Pasadena (626) 793-2122 visitpasadena.com/events/travel-expo/ The Travel Expo runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The consumerfocused show showcases cultures, experiences and people from around the world, of interest to those planning a vacation, studying abroad or simply wanting to learn about foreign cultures. Meet travel industry leaders, fellow travelers, tour operators and representatives while sitting in on panel discussions and interactive roundtables. Admission is $15 per person, two for $19 or family passes for three for $24. Vroman’s Bookstore 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena (626) 449-5320 vromansbookstore.com The Pasadena Conservatory of Music and Vroman’s present “The Maestro Plays,” a music and storytelling event about the book, “The Maestro Plays” by Bill Martin, Jr. and Vladimir Radunsky, as a storyteller shares excerpts from the book while conservatory musicians perform and engage children through word play, movement and the five senses, starting at 11 a.m. Free. Jeri Westerson discusses and signs “Traitor’s Codex” at 4 p.m. SUNDAY All Saints Church 132 N. Euclid Ave., Pasadena (626) 796-1172 allsaints-pas.org Dr. Caroline Heldman, executive director of the Representation Project, an organization involved with gender justice, pushing back against gender stereotypes and sexual objectification, speaks at the Rector’s Forum at 10:15 a.m. She will discuss the practical work individuals and the faith community can do to improve the world through gender justice. Los Angeles Children’s Chorus Pasadena Presbyterian Church 585 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena (626) 793-4231 lachildrenschorus.org Then chorus, led by Artistic Director Fernando Malvar-Ruiz, performs works including a Spanish language version of “Ave Maria” by Henry Mollicone, Michael Bojesen’s “Gloria” and works by Pergolesi and Mark Hayes. It starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $27 to $46. Pasadena Senior Center Women’s Basketball League Caltech’s Braun Athletic Center 1200 E. California Blvd., Pasadena (323) 320-0948 pasadenaseniorcenter.org Women 40 and older of all skill levels are invited to play 3x3 basketball games from 9 to 11:30 a.m., continuing Sundays through June 9. Registration cost is $35 per player. Call or email Oma Soto at omaksoto@hotmail.com to register. Soulful Sunday Brunch The Rose 245 E. Green St., Pasadena (888) 645-5006 wheremusicmeetsthesoul.com Enjoy a live Motown-style band, gospel choir and mouthwatering brunch from $29 to $58. The $18.50 general admission does not include brunch. Brunch starts at 10 a.m. and music starts at 11 a.m. MONDAY Pasadena Public Library, Central Branch 285 E. Walnut St., Pasadena (626) 744-4066 pasadenapubliclibrary.net Thomas Allbaugh, author of the dark humor novel, “Apocalypse TV” and Dahlia Schweitzer, author of “Going Viral: Zombies, Viruses and the End of the World,” present two views, Allbaugh’s fictional one and Schweitzer’s nonfiction effort, of Apocalypse Anxiety in the 21st century, starting at 7 p.m. Vroman’s Bookstore 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena (626) 449-5320 vromansbookstore.com David Russell discusses and signs “Black Death at the Golden Gate: The Race to Save America from the Bubonic Plague” at 7 p.m. TUESDAY One Colorado 41 Hugus Alley, Pasadena (626) 564-1066 onecolorado.com Trivia Tuesdays run from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays through May. Free. Vroman’s Bookstore 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena (626) 449-5320 vromansbookstore.com Matthew McGough, in conversation with Michael Connelly and Miles Corwin, discusses and signs “The Lazarus Files: A Cold Case Investigation” at 7 p.m. WEDNESDAY The Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical Gardens 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino (626) 405-2100 huntington.org Painting with Nan Rae runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. each Wednesday. Newcomers are welcome. Cost is $50 per session. Call (818) 842-6489 to register. Pasadena Public Library, Central Branch 285 E. Walnut St., Pasadena (626) 744-4066 pasadenapubliclibrary.net Free films screen at 1 p.m. Wednesdays. Wednesday’s film is “The Belle of Amherst” (1976). The Rose 245 E. Green St., Pasadena (888) 645-5006 wheremusicmeetsthesoul.com Make your own music with karaoke in the Lobby Lounge at The Rose Wednesday through Saturday night. Vroman’s Bookstore 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena (626) 449-5320 vromansbookstore.com Mary Lea Carroll discusses and signs “Saint Everywhere: Travels in Search of the Lady Saints” at 7 p.m. Wine & Song Americana Singer/Songwriter Music Series South Pasadena Theatre Workshop 1507 El Centro St., South Pasadena blueguitar.club Brad Colerick’s weekly music series features Nathan & Jessie and Pretty Polly at 7 p.m. Tickets are $12 general admission, $17 for table seating. n <strong>05.09.19</strong> | PASADENA WEEKLY 19
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