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2025 Jewel City Concert Series Brings Live Music to Downtown Glendale This Fall

September 23, 2025 By Leave a Comment
Dream Phases at the 2024 Jewel City Concert Series, courtesy of Glendale Library, Arts & Culture.

The Jewel City Concert Seriesreturns this fall with five consecutive Saturdays of live music on the Artsakh Paseo, located at 127 Artsakh Avenue in Glendale’s Downtown Arts & Entertainment District. From September 27 through October 25, the community is invited to gather at 5:00 PM each Saturday for an eclectic mix of performances that reflect Glendale’s creative spirit and cultural diversity.

“The Jewel City Concert Series is part of our ongoing commitment to enliven the Artsakh Paseo and create meaningful cultural experiences in Downtown Glendale,” said Director of Glendale Library, Arts & Culture, Lessa Pelayo-Lozada. “The series highlights the creative talent within our community and adds something special to Saturday nights, bringing people together through music in a setting that feels uniquely Glendale.”

Presented by the City of Glendale Library, Arts & Culture Department and sponsored by the Arts and Culture Commission through funding from the Urban Art Program, the series brings neighbors, families, and friends together for a casual evening of live music in the heart of the city. Each concert turns the Paseo into a welcoming outdoor space where people can unwind, connect, and enjoy the rhythm of the city.

This year’s lineup includes:

Concertgoers are encouraged to arrive early to explore the surrounding district and support local businesses before the music begins. All performances are free and open to the public. Attendees are welcome to bring their own chairs, as seating is not provided. Performances run approximately 60 minutes without intermission.

About Library, Arts & Culture

Founded in 1907, the Glendale Library, Arts & Culture Department includes eight neighborhood libraries including the Brand Library & Art Center, a regional visual arts and music library and performance venue housed in the historic 1904 mansion of Glendale pioneer Leslie C. Brand, and the Central Library, a 93,000 square foot center for individuals and groups to convene, collaborate and create. The department also serves as the chief liaison to the Glendale Arts and Culture Commission which works to continually transform Glendale into an ever-evolving arts destination. Glendale Library Arts & Culture is supported in part through the efforts of the Glendale Library Arts & Culture Trust (GLACT). For more information visit GlendaleLAC.org, or contact Library, Arts & Culture at 818-548-2021 or via email at LibraryInfo@glendaleca.gov.

About the City of Glendale

Known as the “Jewel City,” Glendale is the fourth largest city of Los Angeles County. With a population of almost 200,000, Glendale is a thriving cosmopolitan city that is rich in history, culturally diverse, and offers nearly 50 public parks & facilities, with easy access to a municipal airport. It is the home to a vibrant business community, with major companies in healthcare, entertainment, manufacturing, retail, and banking. Visit GlendaleCA.gov for more information and follow us on social media @MyGlendale.

About the Arts and Culture Commission

The mission of the Glendale Arts & Culture Commission is to enrich the human experience, reinforce Glendale’s identity and civic pride through arts and culture, and to recognize the importance of arts to our quality of life and to the local economy. This is accomplished by consciously integrating arts and culture into the daily life of the people of Glendale through urban design, planning, economic development, and education. For more information about the Glendale Arts & Culture Commission see the website: GlendaleArtsAndCulture.org

Filed Under: Featured Events

Grow * A Heartwarming Story About a Little Girl’s Quest to Win a Pumpkin Growing Contest and Find Her Mom

September 23, 2025 By Leave a Comment

Grow is a tale of pumpkins, sabotage, and unlikely family bonds. A no-nonsense farmer living in the self-proclaimed ‘Pumpkin Capital of the World’ takes in her estranged niece Charlie. Charlie decides to enter the local pumpkin growing competition where she and the other pumpkin growers face fierce competition, sabotage and a genetically engineered rival. As she nurtures her pumpkin ‘Peter’ and watches him grow, so does her bond with the townsfolk, farm and her new way of life.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Jackson N. comments, “Grow is a heartwarming story about a little girl’s dream to win a pumpkin-growing contest. With awesome tales of love, laughter, and the power of persistence, Grow encases Halloween magic with some sweet family elements to make it a blast for all ages.” Harper B. adds, “Grow is a wonderful film about family, friends, and loyalty. I like this movie because the lessons of keeping promises run deep. I also love this film because it kept me on my toes and I never knew what would happen next.” See their full reviews below. 

Grow

By Jackson N., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

“It’s better to do the right thing than the easy thing.” Grow is a heartwarming story about a little girl’s dream to win a pumpkin-growing contest. With awesome tales of love, laughter, and the power of persistence, Grow encases Halloween magic with some sweet family elements to make it a blast for all ages.

Grow takes place in the fictional town of Mugford, UK – a small town obsessed with a BIG annual pumpkin contest. The prize would change the lives of anyone in the town, except the Smythe-Gherkins, 50 time annual winners of the challenge. Charlie (Priya-Rose Brookwell) has been sent to live with her Aunt Dinah (Golda Roshuevul) in Mugford since her mother disappeared and decides to put her green thumb to the test by entering the contest. And she will do everything in her power to win so she can use the prize money to find her mom. But with the competition so fierce, does this newcomer even stand a chance?

While Halloween is often celebrated with a bunch of horror films and stories, Grow is a story about family connection and a sweet Halloween film for all ages. Grow is filled to the brim with great actors, like SAG-nominated Golda Roshuevul (Bridgerton), Nick Frost, who will play Rubeus Hagrid in the upcoming Harry Potter TV series, and Jeremy Swift (Higgins in Ted Lasso). It also includes new faces, like up-and-comer Priya-Rose Brookwell, who I predict we will see a lot more of after her first starring role here. As Charlie, she is a perfect example of persistence. She really thinks she will win, even in the face of countless unknowns. The humor in this film is outstanding, with hilarious moments and awesome nods to other movies, like when a gruesomely stabbed pumpkin ends up in the owner’s bed in a nod to The Godfather.  The set and costume designers have created bright, fun costumes and larger-than-life pumpkins that add vibrancy to the neutral background of the town and farm. Hats off to Director John McPhail for a non-scary Halloween movie that families can enjoy.

The main message of Grow is that nothing is impossible and, if you keep pushing for your dreams, you can make it to the top. This film includes themes of love, friendship, and persistence. Parents should be warned that Grow includes some scenes with suspenseful moments, including seeing a hooded man attack multiple pumpkins, and a theme of parental abandonment.

I give Grow 4 out of 5 pumpkins and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. Check it out in theatres when it plays a limited run on Fathom Events starting on October 17, 2025. Happy Haunts Everyone!

Grow

By Harper B., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

Grow is a wonderful film about family, friends, and loyalty. I like this movie because the lessons of keeping promises run deep. I also love this film because it kept me on my toes and I never knew what would happen next.

Grow is about a girl, Charlie Little (Priya-Rose Brookwell), who wants to find her mother, Polly Little (Kathryn Drysdale). However, Charlie is sent to her aunt, Dianah Little (Golda Rosheuvel), who lives on a farm. The town is crazy about pumpkins and a pumpkin contest; some of the neighbors have insane ideas about how to grow a pumpkin. Charlie needs the prize money of $100,000 in order to find her mother, so she enters the contest, and has help from previous winner, Arlo (Nick Frost). 

This film is phenomenal. It is wonderful in every aspect, from the setting to the writing and the acting. I love the setting because it made me feel as if I was really there. It is filmed in Scotland. The actors are phenomenal – my favorite character is Dianah Little because of how much patience she has no matter what happens. The background music enhances the film extremely well. It made me feel things I would not have felt otherwise. Going into the film I had very high expectations for it and it fulfilled all that I thought it would be. The film is also directed very well, particularly by how relationships are shown between Charlie and Dianah Little. When they are separated, they do not feel whole. They have a very deep connection to each other. Polly’s and Dianah’s relationship is also worth noticing. They both are from the Little family, but Polly is popular and Dianah knows how to work hard. Many siblings will relate to this as we see one of them in the spotlight while the other works behind the scenes, without being noticed. We also see Charlie break a promise to her friends, family, and herself. She knows what she must do, but the question is, will she do it?

The film’s lessons are about restoring relationships and being loyal to your friends, family, and even a pumpkin.

I give Grow 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. Grow will be released in theaters October 17, 2025.

Filed Under: Media Reviews

Aquarium of the Pacific Releases Rescued Green Sea Turtle

September 23, 2025 By Leave a Comment
Aquarium of the Pacific animal care staff release a rehabilitated green sea turtle into the ocean from the beach at Seal Beach, CA on Friday, September 19, 2025. Photo Credit: Robin Riggs.

The sea turtle was rescued, brought to the Aquarium for medical care and rehabilitation, and was released at Seal Beach.

A green sea turtle has returned to the ocean after receiving rehabilitation and care at the Aquarium of the Pacific. Aquarium staff released the rehabilitated sea turtle at Seal Beach due to its proximity to a resident green sea turtle population. “Our animal care team has been looking forward to seeing this rescued sea turtle return home fully healed,” said Nate Jaros, vice president of animal care at the Aquarium of the Pacific.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) research team rescued the turtle during a routine survey on July 1, 2025 in the San Gabriel River. The turtle was transferred to the Aquarium for further treatment, including removing a tangled fishing line that was wrapped around the front right flipper and to the margin of its mouth. Medical exams revealed that there was no fishing hook. The Aquarium’s veterinary team removed the fishing line from around the flipper and by the mouth and cleaned and sutured the associated wounds. This adult female green sea turtle spent the past three months recovering at the Aquarium and weighs approximately one hundred thirty-two pounds.

In addition to helping rescued sea turtles, the Aquarium of the Pacific’s Southern California Sea Turtle Monitoring Project is a community science program where Aquarium volunteers track sea turtle activity along the San Gabriel River every month. The program is in partnership with the Los Cerritos Wetlands Authority, Tidal Influence, and NOAA Fisheries conservation and wildlife management groups. This also includes a photo identification program where volunteers take photos of turtles surfacing in the river. “The data that we’re seeing through the community science monitoring program shows that they’re very active near the outflow of the Los Cerritos Wetlands, which illustrates what an important habitat it is for sea turtles,” said Dawn Nygren-Burkert, conservation volunteer coordinator at the Aquarium of the Pacific.

The Aquarium of the Pacific has rehabilitated and released rescued sea turtles since 2000. Some have been fitted with satellite tracking devices that allowed scientists to gather data about their migration patterns and habitats. The Aquarium recently rehabilitated and released an olive ridley sea turtle in August 2025. All species of sea turtles found in waters of the United States are listed as either endangered or threatened and are protected by the Endangered Species Act. Their numbers have fallen to the point that every turtle is important to the future of the species.

The Aquarium of the Pacific also announced in October 2024 that it received a grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation with support from NOAA, as well as matched funds from the KM Shimano Family Foundation, to construct an on-site sea turtle rehabilitation area near its Molina Animal Care Center. The space includes an approximately 4,000-gallon enclosure but will require other specialty equipment and medical supplies. These will further the Aquarium’s efforts in caring for future stranded, sick, or injured sea turtles, so they can heal and return to their natural habitat. Since every rescued sea turtle has a story of survival, the public is invited to help write the next chapter. You can support sea turtle rehabilitation efforts and make an impact for these endangered creatures that will last generations by donating to the rescue to release campaign.

The non-profit Aquarium of the Pacific is a community gathering place dedicated to connecting people to and conserving nature. The Aquarium’s vision is to foster an inclusive community that works together to create our sustainable future. Home to more than 12,000 animals, Aquarium exhibits include Stars of the Sea featuring Our Living Coastline, the Southern California Gallery, Pacific Visions, and Shark Lagoon. Beyond its animal exhibits, the Aquarium offers educational programs for people of all ages, including First Wednesdays featuring a variety of guest speakers. The Aquarium offers memberships with unlimited FREE admission for 12 months and other special benefits.To make a donation to help support the Aquarium, please visit the donation webpage. To visit, reservations are required for everyone and can be made at aquariumofpacific.org or by calling (562) 590-3100.

Credit: The Aquarium of the Pacific.

Filed Under: SoCal City Kids News

Aída Cuevas, known as the unrivaled Queen of Ranchera Music, brings her timeless and celebrated artistry to The Luckman Fine Arts Complex at Cal State LA Sunday, September 28, 2025

September 23, 2025 By Leave a Comment
AÍDA CUEVAS – 50TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR PROMO VIDEO

Aída Cuevas, known as the unrivaled Queen of Ranchera Music, brings her timeless and celebrated artistry to The Luckman Fine Arts Complex at Cal State LA for her monumental 50th Anniversary U.S. Tour

A landmark performance by one of Mexico’s most enduring and influential musical artists: Aída Cuevas, known as the unrivaled Queen of Ranchera Music, brings her timeless and celebrated artistry to The Luckman Fine Arts Complex at Cal State LA for her monumental 50th Anniversary U.S. Tour — Sunday, September 28, at 7:00 p.m.

Recognized as one of the most powerful and emotive voices in Mexican music, Cuevas presents a sweeping program reflecting five decades of iconic hits, including “El Pastor,” “Quizás Mañana,” and many more—each performed with her signature elegance, grace, authenticity, and the deep emotional resonance that has defined her career.

Aída Cuevas has spent 50 extraordinary years as an ambassador of Mexican and Latin American music, captivating audiences worldwide. She remains the only woman in the mariachi genre to win both a GRAMMY® and a Latin GRAMMY®, cementing her place as a true pioneer and icon. Over her illustrious career, she has won two GRAMMY® Awards, received eleven GRAMMY® nominations in the Best Mariachi/Ranchero Album category, recorded an astounding 43 albums, and sold over 11 million copies globally.

Accompanied by a world-renowned mariachi ensemble, this spectacular performance will transport you straight to the vibrant heart of Mexico. Expect a dazzling fusion of fiery rhythms, tender ballads, and stunning stage visuals that bring her music to life in breathtaking detail. Whether you’ve been a lifelong admirer or are discovering Ranchera music for the first time, Aída Cuevas’ masterful storytelling and commanding stage presence promise an experience that will leave you spellbound.

Join us in celebrating her unparalleled legacy and honoring the rich cultural heritage of Mexico in this once-in-a-lifetime event.

AÍDA CUEVAS – Sunday, September 28

The Luckman
5151 State University Drive
Los Angeles, CA, 90032
323-343-6600 • luckmanarts.org

https://theluckman.org/events/aida-cuevas/

Parking: Structure Lot C & Structure E at Cal State LA

Snacks, beer and wine will be available for purchase.

Aida Cuevas:
https://www.aidacuevas.com/

Filed Under: Featured Events

Comedians Jackie Kashian, James Adomian and Janesh Rahlan Appear at Sierra Madre Playhouse, 9/27

September 23, 2025 By Leave a Comment
(L-R) Comedians Jackie Kashian, Janesh Rahlan, and James Adomian
PHOTO CREDIT: Courtesy of Sierra Madre Playhouse

Nationally celebrated comedians Jackie Kashian and James Adomian, bring their sharp wit, hilarious stories, and absurd takes on life to the Sierra Madre Playhouse for an evening of non-stop belly laughs hosted by Janesh Rahlan, on Saturday, September 27, 2025, 8:00 pm. The three comedy heavyweights, who have appeared on Comedy Central, HBO, and late-night TV, each deliver 30-minute sets for 90-minutes of hilarity. Because of venue’s intimacy, Comedy @ the Playhouse is almost like seeing a standup show in your living room. The show is co-presented by Sierra Madre Playhouse and Petty Victories.

Kashian is a stand-up comedian who has appeared on After Midnight, Conan, Corden, HBO, Netflix, Comedy Central, NPR, and Audible. Touring 45 weeks a year, she calls it The Job She Loves Tour. Her five comedy albums and specials have been number one on Amazon and Apple and #3 on Billboard. In addition to her two podcasts – “The Jackie and Laurie Show” and “The Dork Forest” – her writing is featured in “The Comedy Film Nerds Guide to Movies” and the comic book “Comics Comics Quarterly.” She will record and film a new album and special this year.

Adomian is a comedian from California, but his impact can truly be considered global. As a voiceover artist he has appeared on a hundred cartoons and a thousand podcasts. As an on-camera (i.e. “real”) actor, he has enjoyed some amusing failures and tolerated a few partial successes across television, cinema, and the world wide web.

Rahlan, also based in California, is a regular at San Francisco Punch Line and Cobb’s Comedy Club. He’s also performed at clubs across the country, including Chicago Laugh Factory and The Comedy Store. His comedy touches upon his immigrant upbringing and aggressively millennial persona. He’s also appeared in a Super Bowl commercial.

For tickets ($20) and information, please call 626.355.4318 or visit www.sierramadreplayhouse.org. Sierra Madre Playhouse is located at 87 West Sierra Madre Boulevard, Sierra Madre, CA 91024.

Credit: Sierra Madre Playhouse, a vibrant Southern California cultural hub with a rich history spanning a century, energizes audiences and the community with distinctive theatrical productions and captivating live performances. Hailed as a “jewel” (Pasadena Weekly) and “a landmark theater” (ABC7 Los Angeles), the performing arts center has garnered tremendous accolades for its varied repertoire and thought-provoking education and outreach programs curated with social impact in mind. The Los Angeles Times proclaims, “This is theater from the heart.” As one of San Gabriel Valley’s only performing arts center presenting a broad spectrum of performance genres, including theater, music, dance, film, comedy, and family-friendly productions featuring eminent local and national professional artists, the treasured artistic beacon draws audiences from across the Southland. The intimate 99-seat Sierra Madre Playhouse offers an up-close and personal connection to performances that resonate deeply, earning multiple Ovation Awards, NAACP Awards, and LA Times Critics’ Choice honors. It is nestled into a historic building on the inviting Main Street of Sierra Madre, a charming village in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains. Retaining its distinctive movie theater façade and instantly recognizable marquee, the structure has undergone numerous transformations since opening in 1910, from furniture emporium to silent movie theatre to the artistic institution that now stands as a vibrant embodiment of the region’s rich cultural legacy. The Sierra Madre Playhouse fosters creativity that aspires to bridge divides and spark dialogue, all while celebrating the rich tapestry of the American experience and the enduring pursuit of shared understanding.

Filed Under: Featured Events

Why Critical-Thinking Skills Are Important — And How to Teach Them to Your Kids

September 23, 2025 By Leave a Comment

When it comes to traditional schooling, one area of learning that many parents feel is sorely lacking is critical thinking. But how important are these skills? As you might already know, they’re actually critical for life after school — in the real world. But many parents struggle with knowing how to raise independent thinkers, so here are some important tips. Books that teach critical thinking, like the Tuttle Twins series, are one way to instill these skills in your kids.

PHOTO: Tuttle Twins

The Importance of Critical-Thinking Skills

Let’s start with why critical-thinking skills are important. When kids know how to think critically, they’re better able to make decisions and solve problems. They can analyze not only their options but also the consequences of each option, resulting in more thoughtful decisions.

Kids who are critical thinkers are better able to break down complex problems and approach them from a variety of different angles, then developing more creative solutions that often turn out to be more effective.

Critical-thinking skills enable kids to spot misinformation by assessing the credibility of what they’re reading or watching. They can better understand biases and tell the difference between facts and assumptions.

Critical thinkers also articulate their arguments more clearly and logically while not only understanding but empathizing with the views of others. Further, kids who are critical thinkers tend to be more creative because they question pre-existing ideas and view things from new perspectives.

Books That Teach Critical Thinking

Perhaps the best way to begin teaching your kids critical-thinking skills is with books. Books that teach critical thinking open up whole new worlds for your kids by presenting them with a variety of ideas and viewpoints that they may not have considered before!

The Tuttle Twins books are one series that teaches critical thinking. The Tuttle Twins series goes beyond just teaching critical thinking, wrapping each lesson into an exciting adventure that will keep your kids engaged and help them not only retain what they learned but also put it into use!

The Tuttle Twins books are some of the best parenting books for raising smart kids because of how they present their lessons. One book in the Tuttle Twins series that teaches critical thinking is The Tuttle Twins and the Road to Surfdom.

The twins look into a new road to a beach called Surfdom and see how it disrupts the entire community. They learn about the unintended consequences that often don’t receive enough attention when powerful people are determined to go through with their plans. By seeing how the twins discover the consequences of this new road, readers will start to learn how to identify the consequences of their own actions — before taking them.

PHOTO: Tuttle Twins

How to Raise Independent Thinkers: Fun Activities

In addition to books that teach critical thinking, you can see how to raise independent thinkers through some fun activities. Some activities include puzzles like Sudoku or jigsaw puzzles.

You can also hold debates or discussions about complex topics, demonstrating how to solve complex problems. Role playing can help kids understand problems from different points of view and learn how to empathize with others who hold those views.

There are many options for parents wondering how to raise independent thinkers, from books to activities that will be fun for the whole family! Books that teach critical thinking, like the Tuttle Twins series, are a great launching pad to start with before diving into these above activities because they trigger discussions and debates that will also enable critical-thinking skills. Now that you know everything you need to know about teaching critical thinking, it’s time to get crackin’!

Filed Under: SoCal City Kids News