KCRW Summer Nights – One Colorado

Starts at 730 and ends around 930. The square behind the Gap is closed off and in the middle a stage is setup for Dj’s and Bands to perform. It’s really nice and family friendly as well. You can see some fun acts here, of course these change everytime the events held.
There are several restauants in the square itself so you can dine there and get a good view of the whole thing if you’re on the patios of the restaurants. You could also just mingle in the square with other people who will be dancing to the music.
Since the square is closed off some of he restaurants had booths out that were serving small bites and drinks. Think spicy tuna handrolls and kirin beers from sushi roku. And there was also another vendor selling mexican food, like tacos as well. Prices were reasonable for these vendors. Like 3 – 4 dollars a handroll and 5 bucks for a beer or sangria. You cannot take alcohol out of the square. But you could take a flask in if thats how you roll.

KCRW? Never heard of it.
Name an indie band? That’s related to the race car, right?
When it comes to indie music, I know virtually zero. I only discovered KCRW’s Summer Nights music program after becoming enamored with the band Mr Little Jeans by accident maybe three weeks ago. Free performance in Pasadena? Duh, of course I’ll be there!
Here are my secrets to success for future shows at One Colorado:
1. One Colorado is a retail block which technically doesn’t have an address apparently. Use this address for the iPic Theater instead: 42 Miller Alley, Pasadena, CA 91 105. The entrance to the theater opens on the courtyard where everything is set up.
2. I usually park in one of the major structures in Old Town (which top out at $ 6) because it’s easy and I’m lazy. Here’s their info:
3. It pays to go about an hour early to get a seat up front if that matters to you. Even if you’re in the first row, it probably won’t mean anything later though (see below). At least you can have some drinks and relax with your friends.
4. Il Fornaio sets up a cash bar in the courtyard. If you want to use a card, walk into the restaurant and order from the bar. Let them know you’re at the event so they’ll give you a plastic cup instead of glass.
5. Remember I said getting a good seat only kind of matters? For a long time, security was pushing crowds to the back where it was standing room only. At some point they just gave up and everybody rushed up front. You now have a choice to either leave your seat and join them or not. If you want to see the band, the decision has been made for you. Run forward quickly, even if it means you get separated from your friends; they were too slow and that’s not your fault. I thought I saw a guy spinning with outstretched arms like Zangief to make a space for himself in the crowd. (You probably shouldn’t do that though.)
KCRW set up a really fun event and the crew had a blast. We’ll definitely return for future performances. Cheers to summertime and beautiful Pasadena!