Saturday, July 11, 2026

Arts & Culture: Make a Dinner Date with Motown

Some summer nights just want a soundtrack — preferably one you already know every word to, sung in the golden glow of the San Gabriels with something cold at your elbow. The good news lands at the Arboretum, where the Pasadena POPS returns for the second night of its Rusnak Summer Concert Series, this one handed over to Motown.

Resident conductor Larry Blank, newly leading the series after Michael Feinstein’s move to emeritus, aims the orchestra straight at the classics: “My Girl,” “Superstition,” and a full night of the Temptations, the Supremes, and Stevie Wonder. Three stage-seasoned soloists handle the vocals: Terron Brooks, Chester Gregory, and Shayna Steele, all with real time on this material.

Gates open at 5:30 p.m. for picnicking, which is half the point. Bring your own spread, pre-order a box dinner from Julienne or Bacchus Kitchen, or work the food trucks and two beverage centers once you’re inside. Tickets start at $38, lawn seats for kids under 12 run $15.

These three come with receipts. Terron Brooks played Eddie Kendricks in the Emmy-winning Temptations miniseries and has backed both Stevie Wonder and Smokey Robinson. Chester Gregory spent a Broadway run as Berry Gordy in Motown: The Musical. Shayna Steele has sung with more than 100 North American orchestras and once rode a Moby single to No. 1 on the dance chart. Between them, they know their way around a soul standard.

The setting does its share of the work. The Arboretum runs 127 acres of gardens tucked against the San Gabriels, on land that once made up Rancho Santa Anita. Come early enough and the golden hour handles the lighting design for free. Pick your footprint: a circular table dressed in linens up front, or a patch of lawn with room to stretch out.

A few ground rules. Single-ticket holders park at Santa Anita Park, Gate 5, for $20, then catch the complimentary shuttle over. And if one Motown night leaves you wanting more, the series rolls on with a toast to the Rat Pack on July 25, an Elton John tribute Aug. 15, and Andrew Lloyd Webber favorites to close things out Aug. 29.

Spread the blanket, pour something cold, and let the Temptations do the rest.

Los Angeles County Arboretum, 301 N. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia. July 11, gates 5:30 p.m., concert 7:30 p.m. Tickets from $38. pasadenasymphony-pops.org/tickets