The Scoop: Aveson's June Jubilee

If you want to be where it’s happening on June 4th, you want to be at Farnsworth Park between 11am and 5pm.  Aveson Charter School is expressing their community beliefs and integrating their annual June Jubilee celebration with the Altadena community by holding it at this historic park.  Celebrating 4 years in Altadena and all of the hard work their kids do throughout the year, their Jubilee promises to be the best yet featuring live entertainment, carnival games and prizes, raffles, bouncy houses, food trucks, bake sale, arts and crafts, a plant booth, face painting, and much more, all in the beautiful shaded setting of our very own Farnsworth Park. 

 Enjoy free live performances in the amphitheater that will delight both adults and kids alike.  Performers include Old Californio, The Hollow Trees, Melissa Green, and Kevin Ridel and The Sunfish.  All four bands are volunteering their talent and this promises to be a grand event. 

Old Californio has roots in the community.  Levi Nunez, an Aveson parent and Old Californio keyboardist, explains, “We are all San Gabriel Valley locals and have friendships that stretch back decades. We are invested in this community and in keeping it authentic. The music (I’m not sure I can give you any label…it’s been described as rootsy, jam band, psychedelic, improvisational rock) is an extension of that. If you listen to our songs you'll hear local places name-[dropped] quite a bit.”  Their music is available for download on iTunes and their new album Sundrunk Angels drops in July.

 If you think kids’ bands can’t possibly appeal to adults, you’d be challenged by The Hollow Trees.  They are an all-acoustic band that labels themselves “folk music for families…which means that the parents like it too!”  They love playing for kids, according to Gregory Hollow Tree, “It’s a lot of fun to make them dance and laugh, and if they learn something or we instill an appreciation of good acoustic music, it’s all the better.  Plus, we’re quite goofy”.  They have a new CD out called Wacky’s Tackle that you can order or download from their website. 

 According to the Daily News-Los Angeles, Melissa Green, a popular LA-based children’s performer, “has a knack for blending catchy folk melodies with playful lyrics about seahorses, magic wagon rides, and ‘Chocolate Ice Cream’.  As if her originals weren’t enough, she also breathes new life into old favorites.”  Green says, “The energy at our shows is so great.  To see kids dancing, singing, jumping, and laughing is just such a cool thing—we have as much fun as they do!!  Our goal is to make music that the whole family can enjoy.”

If you are a Generation X/Y, you’ll feel right at home with Kevin Ridel and The Sunfish.  Having toured with the likes of Weezer and Eve 6, Ridel appeals to both adults and children equally who enjoy rockin’ out a bit.  He says, “we’re looking forward to rocking out for the kids…plus my wife and 4 month old can finally see my band, being a daytime event”.  And so can you!!

If you’re a food truckie, then you’ll feel comforted by the assortment of food trucks providing eats at the Jubilee, there’s something for everyone:  The Hungry Nomad (a mobile spin-off of Sasoun Bakery that specializes in tempting Armenian Pizzas), Greenz on Wheelz (featuring a delicious selection of tossed salads, sandwiches, and wraps), Gringo Tacos (that speaks for itself), and South Philly Experience (serving up a variety of irresistible cheesesteaks).  In addition, Aveson’s own Culinary Arts Booth will be serving up salads, hummus, and other healthy treats.

And if you’ve never heard of June Jubilee’s famous confetti eggs…well, that’s all the more reason to come out and join the fun.  You’ll find something fun for every age, fill your belly and your soul, and you’ll be supporting a valuable public educational option right here in Altadena.