Music Venues in Pasadena

Pasadena seems to go in cycles with its live music venues-sometimes it is feast and sometimes near famine. Right now live music venues in Pasadena are neither feast nor famine and there is enough music to satisfy most tastes and I will present four of my favorites.

AMBASSADOR AUDITORIUM
Old Town Pasadena
No phone number

The Ambassador Auditorium is a tragedy among music venues in Pasadena.
It has some of the best acoustics in the entire world and is very beautiful to boot. It is made of Iranian onyx, African teak, wool carpet from India, and gold overlay. Its chandeliers are spectacular. It seats 1262 people and there are no bad seats in the house. It was at one time a world class venue featuring everyone from Vladimir Horowitz to the Israel Ballet Company.
In the mid nineties its owners, Ambassador College, closed it down. Ambassador College and its auditorium were finally sold to the Harvest Rock Church and Ambassador Auditorium was re-opened in 2004. Unfortunately, it no longer books world class performers and the Ambassador Auditorium is home to the mediocre California Philharmonic.
The only way to contact the Auditorium is through the California Philharmonic at 626 300 8200. No matter the performer, hearing anything in the Ambassador Auditorium is a treat. Parking is nearby and abundant.

THE PASADENA CIVIC AUDITORIUM
300 East Green St. Pasadena Ca 91101
626 449 7300

Operating continuously since deep in the depression in 1932, the Civic is a Pasadena landmark music venue. It is a riot of architectural styles and the painted walls and ceiling are quite lovely. The Emmys are often held here.
The Civic is home to the surprisingly good Pasadena Symphony and it also hosts on the road Broadway musicals. Acoustics are patchy and some seats have blocked vision due to pillars. Try to sit in front of the balcony or in the front of the balcony. Paid parking is close by.

THE SISTERS OF BUBIK
34 South Raymond Pasadena Ca 91101
Pasadena Ca 91101
626 744 0220

Located in the heart of Old Town Pasadena, the Sisters of Bubik
Is one of Pasadena's more unusual music venues. In addition to music, the Sisters of Bubik sell clothing, jewelry, and art plus all sorts of coffee drinks plus bagel sandwiches. In the evening the Sisters turns into a very eclectic music venue running the gamut from classical to rock to folk to jazz. The place is quite small so get there early or call for reservations. Monday nights are open mic and the performances range from very good to God-awful. There is a parking garage across the street and the first 90 minutes of parking are free.

HOLLY STREET BAR AND GRILL
175 East Holly St.
Pasadena Ca 91103
626 440 1421

This is Pasadena's premier music venue for jazz. Each night a different band plays but they are all good. You may not recognize the names of the musicians but most have recordings and are well known within the music business. On some Wednesdays there are jam sessions and you get a chance to hear some great music without having to pay a cover or even buy a drink. There is some street parking and there is a parking garage just down the street.