MUSE/IQUE

MUSE/​IQUE is a non profit orchestra founded in 2011 that hold concerts in unique venues. They have 4 different concert programs that include Uncorked (concerts in unique venues, for example, a small concert was in the Rose Bowl Locker Room last year according to a member we met), Free For All (free concerts for the community), Sound of Summer (an amazing concert series performed during the summer at Cal Tech) and KIDS/​IQUE (concerts thats geared towards youth).
My husband and I went to the Summer Of Sound Jazz Genesis last Saturday (the 2^nd concert of a 3 part series during the summer) on Beckman Mall Lawn. We sat in the reserve section, Table G4 (tickets are $ 50 per person). We ate before we came and brought some drinks, fruit and dessert to enjoy (this is a bring your own food and drinks type of concert… alcohol is welcomed. There is also a cash bar so you can buy a drink if you forget to bring some with you).
These two people who sat at our table (each table sits 6 people, but we only had 2 other people sit at our table, which was nice to have a little extra room) were very nice and are members of MUSE/​IQUE and told us that we were in for a real treat for tonight’s concert (as we told them it was our first time checking out this event).
The concert itself was a beautiful nonstop 90 minute musical performance. Towards the end of the concert were some dancers and also some interesting visual effects that accompanied the music well. For this concert, the theme was songs from the famous Leonard Bernstein (American composer and conductor, who composed songs for the musical West Side Story for example). The musical talents and featured singer was truly amazing! I was just wowed from the beginning til the end of the concert and wished there was more!
Now I just wanted to mention a few things. That even though these concerts (outdoor) are during the summer, it actually was rather chilly around the time when the concert started (7:30 pm) and wished I had brought a blanket or a warmer jacket with me (they do sell blankets here by the way).
Also restrooms available are portapotties. I thought they were descent and didn’t have any problems using them. However, it seems that the water ran out towards the end of the evening, as my husband said the toilet he used did not flush and water was coming out very little for him as he tried to wash his hands (but when I had used the restroom earlier in the evening, running water was available).
With all of this intel that you now know of this event, make sure you make MUSE/IQUE’s Sound of Summer program part of your summer plans in the future because this event should not be missed! (The next one will be on Saturday, Aug 29, Part 3: Westside Story).

Imagine a warm summer breeze funneled between two buildings as you sit at the shaded table during sunset. The live music echos out and you’re there having the beverage of your choice and almost a potluck-​like dinner feeling as newly made friends around the table share what they brought.
I’m sitting at the venue, unsure of what to expect and realized it doesn’t matter. I’m with good company, good food and live music. Ultimately, that’s what the event really is – a good time. Bring any food or drink you want and on a summer evening, listen to skillfully played music. Some I recognize, some I don’t, but regardless, the event is worth attending alone or otherwise.

Great venue to come relax, fill your ears up with sweet melodies, and enjoy perfect Cali weather.
I love that they have LED TVs throughout the seating area so those in the back can still see the performers on stage. Speakers are well arranged. We were able to bring our baby along to the concert and experienced no issues. There’s ample space and some benches on the side so we were able to take her to the sidelines when she got fussy so that she didn’t disturb others in the audience. The other plus? You can being your own food and beverages, alcohol included!
Only thing I’d change is to put a little more space between tables. Intimate isn’t a word to describe the set up of seating arrangements. It would have been nice to carry a conversation without overhearing conversations from other tables.
And last, but not least, their portapotties are pretty nice. Reminds me of the facilities in an airplane.

What a unique experience in such an amazing way!
The evening was a brilliantly crafted evening of varying music, surprises, education, superb talent, passion, and all under the stars in glorious weather.
Old school pieces created before the invention of the saxophone— played on the sax! So inventive! It was sound poetry!
Sal’s saxophone section was really the highlight for me. They displayed ridiculous skill the way they were so perfectly in sync. This is not easy. They jumped through the score effortlessly as a team.
What a night. Bring your picnic, bring your friends, and get ready for a classy yet relaxed evening of sound.

All I can say is THANK YOUR Unilocal! Not only did Unilocal hook my boyfriend and I up with an amazing opportunity to see talented musicians, they helped make our 6^th years anniversary memorable. I was almost in tears during Beethoven’s 5^th Symphony because it reminded me of something I miss so much: being part of group that makes beautiful music. Most people don’t know that I played cello all through out my youth and adolescence so I really do miss playing with passionate people. Could this be what it takes to get my rear in gear? Hopefully!
The performance was breathtaking and I was so giddy when I head Bach played on a tenor sax because it’s unheard of! It takes talented people to take on a task like that because, as far as I know, that piece could have written in a totally different key than what a Sax is used to. Although I wasn’t a fan of the staging (I couldn’t see my cello brethren), I did hear them, which is what’s important.
On top of the beautiful performance, I loved hanging out with other elite-​ers because I was able to bookmark a few more places to eat and I am very grateful. Along with awesome company, there were a few free goodies from local business, which is neat so it was pretty awesome to be amongst those who give back to the community by sponsoring programs such as MUSE/​IQUE.

Attended the Muse/​IQUE 5^th of July event at CalTech, and what a wonderful cultural treat it was! There was an excellent orchestra which gifted us with classical and jazz stylings from various time periods, along the awesome singing of Nnenna Freelon. Rachel Worby conducted and lead small discussions on music and science and how both subjects contain seemingly spontaneous genius whose contributions change the course of their respective fields.
The main crowd was definitely the Pasadena Elite, complete with swarming Pasadena Magazine journos snapping society page pics. I think the seats were priced at around $ 70, but this is one of those shindigs where additional donations are definitely being made.
Being outside on the CalTech campus and taking in the audio/​visual beauty of the evening was fabulous, especially being able to take in the sunset around us as we sipped wine and munched snacks.

WOW! I came to MSE/IQUE’s performance last night that was in honor of the classic breakthrough artist, Ella Fitzgerald. It was crazy awesome!
How have I lived in Pasadena for so long and never heard of this! What a shame– everyone should know!
First, its a beautiful outdoor venue at Cal Tech where they set up tables and chairs and you can bring your own picnic baskets and wine– or order them there! There are vendors set up that sell cheese plates and sandwiches or other assorted snacks. There’s also a bar set up where you can order a variety of cocktails, wine or just get some refreshing watermelon water. You hang out on the lawn enjoying your dinner and friend’s company and then the show starts.
The show was beautiful and was full of music and fun interesting comments about artists, science and the nature of life. You can tell that the orchestra is very passionate about what they do and that they do their best to communicate music and musical styles to those that don’t really understand music (that’s me! I’m tone deaf!). They combined classic symphony music with jazz, and explained the rise of jazz music to its elevated level today.
Absolutely everyone was blown away by the show!
Afterwards, the orchestra and many of the audience members went to celebrate with a champagne toast, where we had a chance to speak with the conductor, the singer and the orchestra members. It was an honor to meet everyone. I have a new found respect for musical concerts!

(Attended 07÷27÷13 SA @ 7:30pm): An amusing evening for all in attendance — me included!
Thanks to the recent annual music event, «Make Music Pasadena» (
), I was introduced to Muse/​ique as they presented their «Summer of Sound» program, and actually won a pair of tickets ($ 70.00 value ea.) through a raffle at their information booth.
The show I selected was «Moving Pictures»
which featured cellist Mike Haimovitz and his energetic style of playing. Honestly, I’m not familiar with Mike Haimovitz’s work nor the pieces that were to be played when I selected this date, but that’s the excitement of it all, isn’t it, when a new experience is laid at your feet?!
I parked the Toaster, scampered across the street, followed the marked path, and eventually found my seats (Section A, Row H, Table 3, Seats 1 & 2).
Although you’re allowed to picnic and bring whatever you wanted to drink or eat, I already stuffed myself at an earlier event so I was good… with the exception of dessert which I bought an oatmeal raisin cookie for myself and the entire table ($ 2.00 ea.).
Now, on to the music! The 38-​member orchestra of Muse/​ique was led by Artistic Director and Conductor Rachael Worby. She had a very warm and welcoming demeanor about her as we was playful with both the orchestra and the patrons. The band was equally playful, crafty, and energetic. Matt mixed in well with the orchestra and a special introduction appearance by actress Wendy Malick and vocalist/​songbird, Allison Iraheta. The performance was a magnificent 90-​minute nonstop auditory of the senses. The crowd seemed to be into it that ranged from kids to the elderly.
Service — From the highly-​present parking staff, to the hosts at the entrance, the ushers, and the women who worked the snack tent, all was good. Top rate!
Parking — A separate large parking structure with plenty of stalls was used for general (i.e. FREE) parking on Wilson Ave. just off the actual campus of Caltech, with a short pathway walk to the lawn area. VIP parking was also available (cost unknown) if you’re so inclined.
Atmosphere, décor, ambience — You’re outdoors on the flat Breckman Mall Lawn on the Caltech campus with a multitude of round tables that sat six patrons on wooden white chairs. Each section was easily designated and labeled to find your seat. You’d better be the friendly type because you were paired-​up with other patrons at your table. The sound system was really nice and fit the relatively intimate confines of the area as you’re situated between two buildings with the stage at one end backdropped by a rotund structure. There were plenty of monitors in case your direct view was obstructed. I found one snack tent at the back end of the lawn and noticed a wine table once I entered the lawn area (I believed they sold by the cup).
Attire — It was totally casual, so if I weren’t coming from an earlier event I’d normally be in a t-​shirt, boardshorts, and flip-flops…but make sure to have a long-​sleeve top just in case.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed my first time experience with Muse/​ique and wished them the best for a long and prosperous tenure as another outdoor music option in Los Angeles. Sure, you had the world-​famous Hollywood Bowl and Greek Theatre just to name a few, but if you truly wanted an intimate feel, this was for you. I found very good value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (total bill was around $ 12.00 based on the food I bought; no tip required), but I planned to return in the very near future. And, they accepted my credit card of choice… AMEX!