For nearly 40 years, PCM has remained committed to enriching our community by providing opportunities to learn, perform, and enjoy music. This summer and last, PCM partnered with Vroman’s Bookstore to present free public performances that celebrate community, culture, and common ground through the Summer Music Series at Vroman’s.

Prior to the pandemic, PCM and Vroman’s partnered to offer a handful of free, public programs, including several student performances. In fall 2019, Vroman’s hosted an event for the community to gather and discuss The Cellist of Sarajevo by Steven Galloway; a book that inspired the music program selected for a Mansions & Music concert (now known as Musical Interludes), presented in the historic Blacker House.

The Summer Music Series at Vroman’s is a recent addition to our partnership and was inspired by a desire to bring music to the outdoor courtyard of the bookstore. Jennifer Ramos, the Promotional Director at Vroman’s, initially approached PCM in summer 2022 to co-present four free public performances. As our community emerged from the pandemic and craved more in person, live music performance, this series presented an opportunity to promote renewed cultural and social engagement, and bring community members of all ages and backgrounds together through a shared musical experience.

For two years now, the series has offered high-quality, multicultural, and jazz performances in the outdoor courtyard at Vroman’s. By featuring a diverse range of musical traditions and cultures, PCM aims to create meaningful opportunities for individuals to experience and enjoy music while broadening their perspectives and understanding.

This past summer, Danny Janklow + Elevation Band kicked off the season on July 8, performing original works that lended the language of Jazz to the grooves of R&B, Funk, and Indie Soul. Later that month, audiences enjoyed son, rumba, salsa, latin-jazz, samba, bossa-nova, and merengue performed by Stevie Ray Hernandez and friends. The Megan Shung Quintet, an electrifying jazz chamber ensemble drawing inspiration from folk, jazz, and original compositions, captivated audience members with a unique sound and plenty of audience participation. Closing out the season was Clarice Cast, joined by friends to perform Brazilian bossa-nova, samba, and more.

For those of you who joined us this summer and last, thank you! If you enjoyed the Summer Music Series at Vroman’s, please join us for more multicultural and jazz performances at PCM (save the date for ArtNight Pasadena on October 13, 2023!). And if you’re interested in lessons or classes with our talented faculty, contact us at 626-683-3355.