A few dozen Altadenans stood shoulder to shoulder and perched on on lawn chairs and Mexican blankets Sunday, as a dog ambled through, no doubt wondering what all these people were doing in his front yard.
In the world they’re living in after the Eaton fire, this was an hour moment to put down their burdens.
First came young Ryan Barrett, 8, toting his trumpet.
Then came Dale Carter of Altadena and his guitar, inspiring a singalong with Hank Williams’ “Movin’ on Over.”
Dave Evans of Arcadia brought his banjo, because we all need more banjo, and kindness.
Will Agner, 15, of Altadena made his public live performance debut playing the theme from “The Pink Panther” on keyboards. The crowd loved it.
So did Merrilee Fellows of Pasadena, recently retired from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory nearby who described himself as aching to help.
“Music on the Corner: Altadena” was her idea, supported by the two women who play the flute with her: Janet Bordeaux of Pasadena and their teacher Stephanie Barrett, of West Hills.
They call themselves “The Hott Flashes.” The trio, joined by volunteer musicians, offer to play, really, on any corner in town.
Their first performance was at the Grocery Outlet on Lake Avenue on March 9. They were joined by a 3-year-old on the bongos.
“Although I was more a part of the science community, I always had been struck by the depth and breadth of the artists who lived here, and offered their vibrancy and vision: ceramicists, watercolorists, jewelers, musicians, composers, actors, makeup artists, costume designers,” Fellows said.
“I want to do my part to help the scientists, artists, small businesses, and others recover from this fire. I want to remind them of the spirit they will restore, Fellows added. “I know that music is healing so, after asking my fellow flute trio members if they would play, I created this opportunity. I think that the more we support others’ volunteer efforts, the more new efforts will arise. This will lead to the Altadena Renaissance that so many desire and need.”
On this Sunday afternoon, under the shade of a sycamore tree, the trio led with Mozart, before opening the stage to other musicians and a group singalong of “This Land is Your Land,” with lyrics changed to reflect Altadena landmarks.
“We got lost,” one musician apologized after the lively chorus.
“But it sounded good!” Mary Angel of Altadena chimed in from the audience.
The stage is actually the front porch of Herb and Juliane Agner’s home. The couple moved to Altadena almost two years ago, having enjoyed hiking and mountain biking there while visiting a family friend.
That friend and her wife lost their home on Lake Avenue in the wildfire.
Herb Agner said he was all in when he heard about the musical project. A longtime resident of Silver Lake, his new hometown “is close by and a world away.”
Sharing music as a way to strengthen community is an easy yes.
“I appreciate so many people want to reach out, even when they’re not sure what to do,” said Evans. “It’s a wonderful gift.”
Violinist Kate Marshall of Highland Park performed a stirring rendition of “Ashokan Farewell,” famously heard in Ken Burns’ “Civil War” documentary.
“I thought it’s a mix of beautiful and comforting,” Marshall said of the piece. It’s something she learned as a child, and while she remembers not being a fan of enforced practice on the violin in her childhood, “it’s always good when I get to pull it out and share.”
Mike Miller, 45, of Pasadena and his wife Celeste, of Pasadena, said it was good to spend a Sunday with people up on the hill. The two said their lives were woven with love for their favorite Altadena haunts, such as the reopened El Patrón Mexican Restaurant, and the now burnt-out Pizza of Venice, Side Pie and Fox’s.
Miller, who headlined “Mike Miller and the Hi Life” band in New York, brought his guitar and performed an original song.
A rebuilt Altadena won’t exactly be the same, but the spirit will remain, he said.
“Artists of all different genres, I think it’s gonna thrive,” Miller said. “People found safety here, in a lot of places, and we can find it again. I am concerned that we support the older generation and rally as a community to come together to help them.”
Fellows said she understands how people grapple with the loss of that Altadena spirit.
“Before we married, my husband and his daughter lived in a house that was burned in the fire. Although he had sold it years ago, I feel the loss of that home and the memories triggered. I stood at the burned lot and had difficulty placing my memories. I wondered, ‘where is the pool where the kids sang and splashed?’ ‘Where is the tree where I belayed him so that he could trim branches?’”
So for now, Fellows hopes an all-volunteer, all-ages meet-up will strike just the right note of solace.
The third “Music on the Corner” concert is set for 1 p.m. Sunday, March 23, at 1375 New York Drive, in Altadena. All are welcome.