Pasadena Party Time

Vroman’s Bookstore

Vroman’s is Southern California’s oldest and largest independent bookstore. A community treasure, generations of Pasadenans have supported it for nearly 130 years. After 50 years at the store, owner Joel Sheldon recently announced his plans to retire and sell the store. Despite potential changes to the store, Vroman’s continues to serve the community with monthly events.

On January 13, Vroman’s welcomed 2024 with “Your Thrive Year: Transformative Conversations for a New 365,” an afternoon of panel discussions at All Saints Church led by Brandi Sellerz-Jackson, doula and author of On Thriving, along with panelists Dr. Mariel Buqué, Arielle Estoria and Tara Schuster. They discussed topics including healing from trauma to practices for mental health, self-care, and relationships.

Vroman’s also hosted several in-store events (free to the public) including travel journalist Nikki Vargas on January 22. She discussed her recently released book, Call You When I Land: A Memoir, and on January 23, local South Pasadena-based professor Mark Eaton discussed Historical Fiction Now, a volume of essays he co-edited. vromansbookstore.com

Sacred Sand Mandala at USC Pacific Asia Museum

USC Pacific Asia Museum (PAM) hosted Tibetan monks from the Drepung Loseling Monastery in South India. The opening blessing ceremony took place on January 24. The monks then spent four days creating a sand mandala — a Tibetan Buddhist tradition that involves creating and destroying paintings made with colored sand.

“USC PAM selected the Buddha of Compassion as the focal point for the mandala, aiming to inspire visitors to cultivate kindness and compassion within our community,” said Cristina Hernandez-Guerrero, USC museums manager of public programs and campus partnerships.

Once the mandala was completed, it was dismantled on January 27 to symbolize the Buddhist belief in the transitory nature of material life. pacificasiamuseum.usc.edu

America’s Got Talent

Between March 16 and April 6, aspiring performers will compete for the $1 million prize on NBC’s America’s Got Talent at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium. Join judges Simon Cowell, Sofía Vergara, Heidi Klum and Howie Mandel, and host Terry Crews as part of the live television audience. Tickets are free but the minimum age requirement to attend is 8. nbc.com/americas-got-talent/

International Gem and Jewelry Show

Need some bling for spring? The International Gem and Jewelry Show (starting at $6) returns to the Pasadena Convention Center March 29-31. Founded in 1967, the direct-to-consumer jewelry show has selections from wholesalers, manufacturers and designers under one roof. Prime pieces for sale include estate, fine and bridal jewelry, as well as gems, pearls and beads. intergem.com