Sunday, December 14, 2025

Healing Through Vinyl: Altadena Musicians Host Fire Relief Concert Sunday

On Sunday, December 14, 2025, Pasadena’s Healing Force of the Universe record store and event space is scheduled to open its doors for a gathering that blends music, memory, and resilience. Billed as both the “Healing Force of the Universe Record Donation Show” and “Acoustic Holiday Singalong,” the event invites neighbors to restore what was lost in the devastating Eaton and Palisades fires earlier this year: not just instruments, but the vinyl collections that carried emotional ties across generations.

The concert is organized by musician and composer Brandon Jay—whose credits include Orange is the New Black and Weeds—founder of the nonprofit Altadena Musicians, alongside venue owner Austin Manuel. Jay and his wife, Gwendolyn Sanford, are themselves survivors of the Eaton Fire, which destroyed their Altadena home and studio and claimed approximately 150–200 instruments.

Jay, who performs under the solo moniker Quasar (sometimes listed as “Quazar”), will be joined by Pasadena pop-rock band Sanglorians, featuring fellow fire survivor and Ozma founding member Daniel Brummel, and the band The Acrylic.

Supporting the nonprofit are board member/partner and web developer De Ivett, publicist KC Mancebo, and a network of volunteers who facilitate pickups and deliveries of large donations like pianos.

The What

This is more than a concert—it’s a vinyl donation drive. Attendees can gain entry by donating five or more used records, or by purchasing tickets ($12 advance, $15 at the door). Proceeds and donated albums will be distributed to registered survivors through the Instrumental Giving platform, a registry Jay created just days after the fires.

The nonprofit began by replacing instruments—over 1,200 donated, reaching more than 500 recipients—but quickly expanded to vinyl collections, recognizing their role as cultural anchors. Reporting differs: LAist cites “1,200 fire survivors helped,” while other reports specify “1,200 instruments placed with over 500 recipients.”

Jay explains: “For people who love vinyl, an LP is a living, breathing thing. Never mind that everything’s on Spotify. The actual album, with its large format, cover art and liner notes, is an emotional tie to reminders of experiences.”

The Where

The venue, Healing Force of the Universe (1200 E. Walnut St., Pasadena), is itself a hub for community healing. Manuel reflects: “You know, our name is Healing Force of the Universe, and I think that gives me a pretty clear direction… especially after the fires.”

Beyond concerts, the venue hosts weekly kids’ music classes, further integrating it into the family community.

The singalong and benefit run from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 14. Doors open at 2:00, with live performances and vinyl collection activities continuing throughout the afternoon.

For Jay, the mission goes beyond replacing lost gear. “It wasn’t just the monetary loss… It was the sentimental value, the stories behind those instruments. That’s what hurt the most.”

He adds: “When someone hands you a family instrument and says, ‘This belonged to my uncle who played in a band in the ’70s,’ that gift has meaning. It makes you feel connected, and that connection is healing.”

Looking Ahead

From harmonicas to Steinway pianos, from vinyl libraries to guitars with family histories, the donations carry meaning beyond their material value. Jay sums it up: “Why not do this on a larger scale? Why not create a space where musicians who lose their instruments in disasters can be matched with donors who want to give theirs away?”

Organizers plan to replicate this model for other disasters, including hurricanes, ensuring that music and memory remain part of recovery.

The Healing Force of the Universe Record Donation Show—also billed as the Acoustic Holiday Singalong—takes place on Sunday, December 14, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Healing Force of the Universe, 1200 E. Walnut St., Pasadena, CA 91106. Admission is $12 in advance, $15 at the door, or free with the donation of five or more used vinyl records.