ArtBreak, Book Festival, the Altadena Community Garden Fair .. Keep coming back as we collect more goodies!

Thurs., June 16

• It’s a Boomer cartooner festival at the Coffee Gallery Backstage tonight, 2029 N. Lake Ave., starting at 8 PM.  Will Ryan and the Cactus Cowboys, a combination of the Marx Bros. and the Sons of the PIoneers, will perform, led by cartoon voice guy Will Ryan.  Special guest is the one and only June Foray, the Queen of Cartoons, who’s voiced Rocky the Flying Squirrel and Natasha (of Boris and-). along with hundreds of other cartoon characters.  It’s only $18, reservations:  (626) 798-6236.

Fri., June 17

• “Friday Feast” at the Rancho Bar, 2485 N. Lake. Home made veggie chili in a bread bowl, fresh tomato, basil, garlic and cheese panini on ciabatta bread, and turkey, bacon and sharp white cheddar sandwich with fresh greens.
• The Altadena ARTBreak, presented by the Altadena Arts Council, kicks off with an opening night reception starting at 6 PM.  The public is invited.  The event, which showcases the creative ability and talent of the area’s school-age children and youth, will be held at the Temporary Gallery in the Webster’s complex, 2460 N. Lake Ave., until June 24.  Gallery hours are Sat., June 18 3-7 PM, Sun., June 19 2-5 PM, and Mon. thru Fri. 3-7 PM.
• Coffee Gallery: Frontstage has open mic night, 8 PM, free.  Backstage:  acclaimed guitarist Rick Ruskin, 8 PM, $15, reservations:  (626) 798-6236.

Sat., June 18

• The Eaton Canyon Nature Center Summer Book Festival brings together local authors and their works on science, nature, local history, and environmental living.  The festival will be from 9:30 AM-3:30 PM. Among the speakers and their topics are: Ed Begley, Jr., Living Like Ed; Paul Rippens on Mt. Lowe; Christopher Nyerges on Urban Self-Reliance;  and Joel Harper, who will read All the Way to the Ocean and make music with the kids on the patio throughout the day.  Eaton Canyon Nature Center is at 1750 N. Altadena Dr.
• Tthe 37th annual Altadena Community Garden Picnic and Resource Fair runs  from 1-6 PM at the garden, corner of Lincoln Ave. and Palm St.  All the fun Bring the whole family for great barbecue and garden-fresh, homemade food by the gardeners, a farmer’s market, and many community groups offering resources. Tickets are $7 in advance, $8 at the door.  Children ages 6-12 are $4 and kids under 5 are FREE.  To purchase tickets, please email garden President, Silvera Grant at silveragrant@gmail.com.
• The Pasadena POPS will celebrate Pasadena’s 125th anniversary with a special concert of patriotic music and fireworks Saturday, June 18, at the lawn adjacent to the Rose Bowl Stadium.  Gates will open at 5:30 PM and the concert will begin at 7:30 PM. Single tickets range from $25 to $90. Children 14 and under are $10. Seating options range from round tables with chairs to lawn seating for those who want to bring blankets and low-back chairs. Concert goers may bring their own picnics and beverages or pre-order from four restaurants. Parking is free at the site. The Fireworks POPS Spectacular will be led by guest conductor Michael Krajewski, principal Pops conductor for the Houston, Atlanta and Jacksonville symphony orchestras. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.pasadenasymphony-pops.org or call (626) 793-7172.
• Coffee Gallery Backstage:  Tracy Newman and the Reinforcements (folk) and her brother’s band, Dutch Newman and the Musical Melodians (originals and classic jazz standards), $15, starts at 7 PM.

Sun. June 19

• Monthly gathering to support the midlife journey, third Sunday of the month at a private home in Altadena, 1-4 PM.  For more information go to www.simpleordinarypresence.com/Monthly.html
• Open mic at the Coffee Gallery frontstage, starting 8 PM, free. Backstage:  The Mighty Echos (a capella vocal) 7 PM, $20.