ArtNight took over the streets Friday night in Pasadena, and “Soul Power” was the theme at Day One, next to City Hall.

“It’s actually the title of a music video, conceived and executed by Rasheed Ali, who’s a musician and actually a film editor and he created this piece,” said Tom Coston, President of the Light Bringer Project, a non-profit arts organization based in Pasadena.

Rasheed Ali specializes in Digital Storytelling and according to Coston his piece was “fabulous.”

“It reflects back on the times of social change, in the 60’s and 70’s, in America, and sets it to the music of the day,” he added.

“Rasheed focusing on the year 1968 really gave us the theme to build on,” said Christy Zamani, Executive Director of Day One.

Going along with the “Soul Power” theme, Claudia Morales and Nancy Verdin, both are staff from Day One and former youth advocates, created a globe out of Styrofoam.

“Every couple of years we get some crazy ideas,” said Morales. She explained that they try to raise awareness in regards to issues that are important to them. This year it’s Styrofoam.

“The city of Pasadena is looking into alternatives,” said Morales. “Paper based food products. We thought it would be cool to create a globe, fill it with Styrofoam that we collected from the many restaurants, and around the city and around our office.”

The Styrofoam-filled-globe hung high above the guests’ heads and according to Morales and Verdin, “it’s red because the Earth is bleeding.” Morales explained that Styrofoam is not biodegradable or safe for animals.

Like Rasheed Ali’s Digital Storytelling piece, the other pieces of artwork were centered on “art changing lives,” said Coston.
“One of the things that’s really important about this is that it’s no accident that it’s outside,” said Coston. “Light Bringer and Day One like to take the walls down. Art’s for everybody. Art’s for all ages. You can see the energy and excitement. We’re always very popular because we make it simple and accessible.”

Just a few streets down from Day One, on the plaza of the Civic Center, were The California Feetwarmers, a Dixieland New Orleans jazz band. While their banjo went off on a solo, guests crowded the scene to join in on the music. Several drums were made available to the public, and they around in a large circle and made music.

“I think I’ll let The California Feetwarmers focus on the drumming next time,” joked Mary Rosas, as she attempted to instruct her son on how to use the drums.