Russell Mark (Photo – Mika Larson)
Rock operas have always been edgy, on the verge of contradiction, merging classical theatrical performance art with the chaos of a raging rock concert.
By Brian Biery
Are the musicians actors, or are the actors musicians? Will the presentation be marked by outrageous guitar solos, or held in check by the confines of operatic tradition? What is the message of the author, and how is it portrayed through the rhythms, lyrics, and gyrations of the musicians?
Pasadena will soon find out the answers to these questions—and more about the genre of rock operas—as the result of a recent initiative by Russell Mark, co-founder with his wife Mika of the band The Nextdoors. Fortified by an individual artist grant from the City of Pasadena’s Cultural Affairs Division, Mark is writing a rock opera about his adopted city. Titled Pasadena – Right Here, Right Now, the idea is to present a snapshot of what Pasadenans are thinking and feeling right now. According to Mark, “This is a musical time capsule—if you record it and bury it for 100 years, then dig it up, what would you learn about Pasadena at this time?”
For the past couple of months, Mark has been gathering perspectives from the city’s residents with the aim of using them as fodder for lyrics and music. With stops at local bars like Wild Parrot and The Colorado, as well as neighborhood events and public spaces, Mark will talk to anyone who has an opinion about the City of Roses. He notes that “people are curious and interested in participating in the survey. They see that this is a genuine sociological and artistic pursuit.”
Knowing that there are often people on the margins who are left out of public discourse, Mark has made a point to speak to folks who have less access to politicians and cultural institutions. As a result, he has set up a table in front of Friends in Deed in order to survey those waiting for food donations. “The surveys are all anonymous, so I don’t have any link to the participant,” Mark explains, “which reduces some of the resistance to the survey.”
The outcome has been rewarding. Dozens of people have submitted responses, and some of those statements have been quite illuminating. One aspect of the research effort has been an attempt to cut across social and economic groups in order to find commonalities between all of us. One question in particular—agnostic about class—is, “What do you think other people’s challenges are? According to Mark, there is unanimity around these issues, including “the cost of living in Pasadena, rising costs in general, the economy, the political climate—it is a genuine life challenge right now.” Mark observes, “They are answering that way because it is a toxic environment.”
In stark contrast are the answers to the question about what residents appreciate about living in Pasadena. “Most people say they would not want to live anywhere else. Most people say that there is nothing more that the city could do for them,” reports Mark. The key component of that love for the city is woven throughout its natural beauty, from the abundance of trees to the Arroyo Seco and Eaton Canyon. There is agreement that living so close to nature improves one’s quality of life.
Of course, the devastation of the Eaton Fire is mentioned regularly, due to the fact that it upended everyone’s lives. As a result, the fire will be incorporated into the opera through the ways that people have experienced it, both from the damage it caused and how the community has united in response to the catastrophe. During these conversations, Mark has learned that “the help that people received has brought people together in ways that are unique and beneficial—the Dena Strong spirit will continue for a long time to come” due to the trusted bonds and valuable relationships formed since the fire.
One of the more dynamic questions posed considers who controls the narrative when recording history—and who edits that narrative in the future to suit their needs. The answers to the question, “What do you think folks 100 years from now would get wrong about this time?” reflect many of the societal challenges we face today, not just in Pasadena but across the nation. They include the following statements: “That we are not all a bunch of Trumpers. That we resisted. That we were not part of the decisions made to destroy our democracy. That we were not all just mindless zombies on our phones and social media all day. That we actually cared about relationships and had friends and communicated in ways that were not virtual.”
For Mark, it is an artistic exercise where there is no expectation, and that’s the beauty of the endeavor. When we normally talk to politicians, there is a transaction implied. And when we are surveyed by corporations, it is with our role as buyers in mind. With research for a rock opera, “…there is no angle there. I am just listening with as little judgment as I’m capable of,” says Mark. As for the near-future audiences who will hear the recordings and see the performance of these songs about their city, “I just hope it’s an enjoyable and entertaining piece that people will be glad they saw.” Fortunately, we could all use a little optimism and inspiration right now.
Note: Be a part of the project at russellmarkmusic.com/pasadena.
> Power of One sat down with Russell and Mika to discuss the intent and potential impact of a rock opera about Pasadena recently in the studio at Pasadena Media:
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