A partially burnt tree is blossoming on Maiden Ln in Altadena (Photo – W.K.)
In the wake of the devastating Eaton Fire, which displaced families and ravaged neighborhoods across Altadena, Pasadena, and Sierra Madre, a powerful wave of compassion is rising in the form of a community-led benefit concert. On Sunday, May 25 at 7:00 pm, the AGBU Vatche and Tamar Performing Arts Center will host Dawn Over ‘Dena—a multicultural celebration of resilience, created entirely by volunteers and featuring an all-star lineup.
By News Desk
The concert will include performances by Grammy-nominated jazz fusion group Hiroshima, the Pasadena Dance Theater, the Peace Players led by Brother G, Indian classical artist Amita Batra, the Hamazkayin Ani Dance Company and Nayirian Choir, soulful singer Susanna B, the Benn Family, and members of the renowned Ozomatli band.
“This is about showing up for each other, giving what we can and letting people know they are not alone, and they are not forgotten,” said Patricia Kinaga, lead concert organizer. With 600 seats available, tickets are priced at $150, with all net proceeds going directly to nonprofit organizations aiding fire victims, including the Pasadena City College (PCC) Foundation and the Pasadena Educational Foundation.
Beth Baird, an Eaton Fire victim and member of the 40-person organizing committee, emphasized the spirit of the event: “The flames took homes, but they didn’t take our spirit.”
The initiative has received strong backing from local leaders and sponsors such as Karmodaya, Inc., Fish King, East Los Angeles College, and The Foundation. “We owe to those families who lost their homes and lifetime of memories an evening of normalcy and hope,” said Dr. Jay Sandhu, President of Karmodaya.
Frank Cardenas of the PCC Foundation noted that “hundreds of students resided in burn areas,” with many still in urgent need of support. Dr. Patrick Conyers of the Educational Foundation echoed the sentiment, praising the community’s resilience and continued generosity.
“This concert is a testament to what’s possible when ordinary people come together to do something extraordinary,” said Kinaga. Sponsorships and donor opportunities remain open.
For tickets and more information, visit dawnoverdena.net or contact Audrey Noda at (626) 437-7509, Adeline Yoong at (818) 426-4017, or Gwen Owens at (626) 253-4879. Donations can also be made to the California Community Foundation’s Dawn over ‘Dena fund.
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