A Rock Opera for our place and time - Pasadena Right Here Right Now.
String Quartet meets Americana meets Musical Theater in this new project by Russell Mark, with The Nextdoors, made possible in part by a generous grant from the Pasadena Arts and Culture Commission.
The Project
In Mayor Victor Gordo’s address at our 1st Annual Pasadena Neighbor Day celebration, he put forth the proposition that Pasadena is the center of the universe. Let’s just assume for a moment that’s true. Well then what does that mean? Are we a bright shining core? An eye of a storm? A super-massive black hole?
What is the gravity that holds us together? Commerce? Science? Arts? No. We must simply continue listening to his speech for the answer -
Pasadena is the center of the universe because of its people.
Through a series of public gatherings across the city I will get to know the people of this town. We will discuss what’s on our minds. What are our hopes right now? Our fears? What are we optimistic about? What do we love about our city? What is our biggest challenge in the coming year?
These meetings will form bonds between strangers, we will find out what brings us together, what differentiates us, and I will write, produce, and record a series of songs based on the themes that are evoked in these sessions, and will then stage a live performance in Pasadena in May or June 2026. It will be a sort of rock opera to serve as a time capsule of our place and time - right here, right now.
A Start.
Before embarking on this journey I wanted to find some inspiration of my own, and I wrote a prelude to the project, a piece that looks forward with anticipation to what I will find on my quest. It features Mika Larson (The Nextdoors) on cello and viola, and Jin Shan-Dai (Street Symphony, LA Phil) on violins. Are We At Peace? I hope so.
My first in-person appearance to talk with the public and introduce the project was at the Doo Dah Takeover, held in Old Pasadena on Nov 23. I ran into a couple friends over the day - Victoria Thomas at the Dog Haus, and Eddie Rivera at the Old Towne Pub - and they both wrote an article on the project. Read up below!
Let Your Voice Be Heard!
Take our anonymous survey and let us know more about you, your goals, your challenges, and your city.
BE A CONTRIBUTOR TO THIS PROJECT
The Pasadena Arts Commission cautioned that most projects don’t get fully funded through their grant and indeed that’s the case here. So I’m seeking additional funds, as well as community partners. If you would like to be a benefactor for this project you’re invited to do so. All contributors will receive exclusive behind-the-scenes updates, mixes, videos, and more. Read more about the support levels below. Click the buttons to email me and we can discuss payment method you’re comfortable with, and exactly what to expect as a contributor.
IMPORTANT CAVEAT: I do not yet know the date this will be staged. I will strive to lock it in 2 months in advance, and it will most likely be in May or June 2026. If you contribute, and it ends up being on a day you cannot attend, there’s nothing I can really do about that - so be prepared to give your VIP tickets to someone else, or I’ll send you a video eventually. The event will be FREE to ALL, the VIP seats are just reserved seating.
LINCOLN AVE SUPPORTER
$100 - The basic supporter package gets you the music, the behind-the-scenes content, and a shout-out on social media!
Digital Download of album
Access to exclusive behind-the-scenes audio, video, blog for duration of project
Thank you on social media
ROSEMEAD BLVD SUPPORTER
$200 - Kicks it up a notch with a pair of VIP reserve tickets to the final performance
Digital Download of album
Access to exclusive behind-the-scenes audio, video, blog for duration of project
Thank you on social media
2 VIP tickets to the show
GREEN ST SUPPORTER
$400 - Adds a credit as Green Level Sponsor on website, event program (digital and/or print)
Digital Download of album
Access to exclusive behind-the-scenes audio, video, blog for duration of project
Thank you on social media
2 VIP tickets to the show
Mention on website and show program as Green Level Sponsor
ORANGE GROVE SUPPORTER
$800 - Adds 6 more VIP tickets, plus 8 VIP after-party tickets, 8 signed CD copies of album upon release
Digital Download of album
Access to exclusive behind-the-scenes audio, video, blog for duration of project
Thank you on social media
Mention on website and show program as Orange Grove Level Sponsor
8 total VIP tickets to show with VIP afterparty access
8 CD’s of the final recording
COLORADO BLVD SUPPORTER
$1600 - Adds company or personal logo and name to all digital and printed materials throughout the project’s duration. Just 3 available at this level.
Digital Download of album
Access to exclusive behind-the-scenes audio, video, blog for duration of project
Thank you on social media
8 total VIP tickets to show with VIP afterparty access
8 CD’s of the final recording
Mention on website and show program as Colorado Level Sponsor
Your company name/logo on all digital and printed materials for the duration of the project
Exclusive access to a recording session with food and drinks
Special Thank you gift
BIG BANG SUPPORTER
$??? - Got a brilliant idea worthy of Cal Tech genuises that’s different from the above? Lemme know! Trying to keep things simple but I’m open to almost anything!
WHO KNOWS!! HIT ME UP!
Project Goals
Here are some of my goals, intentions, and guidelines for this project.
For anything I’m spending money on, from musicians, to print shops, venues, etc, I will use Pasadena residents and businesses wherever possible
I will keep contributors well-informed of the progress of the project, in fun and engaging ways that people wouldn’t often get a glimpse into. It’s important to note that the terms of the Pasadena art grant dictate that I MUST finish and stage the final product by mid 2026. This means contributors should have no concerns that they will not receive the agreed-upon perks and rewards, I am firmly committed.
I will create a recorded album that will serve as the next Nextdoors release (my band with my wife, cellist Mika Larson)
The final performance will be free of charge, and all ages, so every Pasadenan will have the ability to attend if they so wish.
I will stage multiple performances if possible and if the demand is there, to be as sure as I can that both contributors and simply curious residents can see the performance
I will work with city government and civic groups to reach out to participants in the most responsible and effective way I can
I will strive to reach a wide cross-section of the population, including ESL, elderly, and other groups that may br less likely to actively engage
I will focus on common humanity and positivity, and not on politics or divisiveness
Absolutely no AI will be used in the writing, recording, or performing of any music or lyrics in this project.
LEARN MORE ABOUT:
Official Project Meetups
Office Hours at Wild Parrot Brewing Company Pasadena
Dec 2, 11, 18, 23 from 5-6:30pm
Anyone who lives or works in the Dena is welcome to come by and chat about their year, their goals, challenges, dreams, their connection to the city, how they wish they were more connected - anything really.
Not feeling chatty - you can answer questions on paper or online!
No purchase necessary, but of course everything at Wild Parrot is delicious.
And heck I’ll buy a beverage for the first person to mention that they saw this offer on the website.
Ed note: the first event was a lotta fun, met some interesting and very cool folks, and got to know some friends better.
Dec 12 - Pasadena Heritage Holiday Party - we will have a booth and be gathering stories - PRIVATE, not open to public
Dec 14 - Urban Homestead - POSTPONED, new date TBA
Jan 18 - Pasadena Neighbor Day at Wild Parrot - a great day for me to get to know Pasadena neighbors better
Coming soon - Lots more!