Arts Are Essential | What’s On in Arts and Entertainment | Sept. 25 – Oct. 2

What we’re watching and listening to around town and online this week

PHOTO: PBS | South Pasadena News | Francesca Hayward as Juliet, William Bracewell as Romeo in The Royal Ballet production of Romeo and Juliet.

A film adaptation of Shakespeare’s masterpiece, Romeo and Juliet takes legendary Royal Ballet choreographer Kenneth MacMillan’s 1965 audience favorite out of the theater and into the streets of a cinematic Verona, offering a passionate reimagining of this timeless love story. A film by the BalletBoyz, the award-winning team of Michael Nunn and William Trevitt, this romantic classic is vividly recreated on atmospheric studio sets in Budapest, combining innovative cinematography and lush choreography. Set to Sergei Prokofiev’s original score performed by the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, the film features the internationally acclaimed current generation of stars from The Royal Ballet including Francesca Hayward as Juliet, William Bracewell as Romeo and Matthew Ball as Tybalt. Great Performances: Romeo and Juliet is available to stream now atPBS.org/gperf and on the PBS Video app.

Hats off to Brad Colerick for continuing to bring us our beloved Wine & Song, week in and week out during the pandemic and special thanks to Tracey Macrum for sponsoring it. Episode 25: Bold Women of Wine & Song features Yosi Mesbah, Anne McCue, Johanna Chase, Teresa Tudury, Jude Johnstone, Sydney Sprague, and Nikki Talley, plus Wednesday Wine Tip with Chiara Shannon: Vincent Couche “Elegance” Champagne. Tune in at BlueGuitar.club

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PHOTO: The Met Opera | A scene from La Boheme at The Metropolitan Opera, 2008.

The Metropolitan Opera closes out Puccini Week with La Boheme, starring Angela Gheorghiu, Ainhoa Arteta, Ramon Vargas, Ludovic Tezier, Quinn Kelsey, Oren Gradus, and Paul Plishka. This is a high definition transmission from the Franco Zeffirelli production in 2008, conducted by Nicola Luisotti. Puccini’s paean to young love and bohemian life has captivated generations of Met audiences. Tune in at MetOpera.org. The Met offers a new opera to stream for 24 hours every day.

PHOTO: Marc Hauser | South Pasadena News | Dave Matthews, Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp, and Neil Young will perform at Farm Aid 2020.

As we all know our farmers are suffering right now and Farm Aid celebrates it’s 35th Anniversary with a virtual festival, Farm Aid 2020 On the Road. Performers include Willie Nelson and The Boys, John Mellencamp, Neil Young, Dave Matthews, and more.  The festival is free to watch but donations are encouraged. Get more information on how to watch and donate at FarmAid.org/festival/

PHOTO: Courtesy DC Jazzfest | South Pasadena News | Jazz at the Hamilton, 2019.

The 16th Annual DC JazzFest goes virtual through Monday. Performers for the weekend include Danilo Perez Trio with Ben Street and Adam Cruz, Matthew Whitaker Quartet, Frederic Yonnet, Dado Moroni, Chuck Brown Band, Cecily, Baby Rose, Maimouna Youssef, Heidi Martin and more plus the 2020 DC JazzPrix Finals. RSVP and watch the livestream at fans.live/livestream/20200924-dc-jazzfest/

PHOTO: SouthPasadenan.com | The “Inside Perspective” exhibit of Fulton Leroy Washington at SPARC gallery in South Pasadena

Don’t miss the powerful Fulton Leroy Washington exhibit “Inside Perspective” now showing at the SPARC Gallery at 1121 Mission Street, open through November 20.  “Inside Perspective” is curated by Richard Blue Trimarchi of Art Works Fine Art Publishing. For private showings by appointment through the end of the exhibition on November 20th, please contact Blue Trimarchi at (626) 676-4195 for availability.

The Jazz Cartel will be back at Jones Coffee in South Pasadena this Wednesday from 5:30-8:30 serving up smooth jazz vocals with a swinging four piece band. Here’s hoping more of these delightful pop-up live music events will continue to bring South Pasadenans together, while six feet apart.

If you know of any upcoming events around town, please contact Alisa@SouthPasadenan.com