A new music venue, Sid the Cat Auditorium, is set to open in the charming suburb of South Pasadena this fall, bringing a fresh perspective to the local live music scene.
Known for its independent spirit, Sid the Cat promises an exciting lineup of nightly concerts featuring both local and national acts, filling a significant gap in the San Gabriel Valley’s entertainment offerings.
South Pasadena has long been celebrated for its trendy Fair Oaks Pharmacy, established in 1915, along with a delightful collection of boutiques and eateries along Mission Street.
Now, just a stone’s throw from this main street, the Sid the Cat Auditorium will occupy the historic building of the former South Pasadena Elementary School.
Originally constructed in 1885 and rebuilt in 1928, the school was decommissioned in 1979; it will now serve as a vibrant venue where fans can discover emerging talent.
The concerts will take place in the auditorium located in the east wing of the school, which has been upgraded with a state-of-the-art sound system capable of accommodating up to 500 attendees.
For those looking to unwind, patrons can enjoy refreshments at Sid’s Bar, located in one of the school’s original classrooms, which boasts a full bar setup and can be accessed via a covered arcade and patio.
In addition to Sid the Cat Auditorium, the former school will also host an outpost of coffee roastery the Boy and the Bear, the craft pubhouse District Brewing Co., and the fourth location of the acclaimed Villa’s Tacos.
Since its inception in 2015, Sid the Cat has earned accolades for championing independent music by hosting countless concerts featuring notable artists such as Bright Eyes, boygenius, Phoebe Bridgers, and Ty Segall.
Previously, Sid the Cat has held shows at various other venues, including Permanent Records Roadhouse and the Highland Park Ebell Club, as well as in more remote locations like the Ojai Valley Woman’s Club and Pioneertown’s Pappy & Harriet’s.
Earlier this year, they organized a benefit concert for musicians affected by the Eaton Fire, featuring performances from a lineup of well-known indie rock artists.
More recently, Sid the Cat curated a free music lineup for the Eclectic Music Festival & Arts Crawl, an annual street fair celebrated in South Pasadena.
The establishment of Sid the Cat Auditorium marks a significant milestone for the promoter, signaling their need for a dedicated space to elevate the quality of events they produce.
Kyle Wilkerson, co-owner and talent booker at Sid the Cat, shared his enthusiasm, stating, “We always knew that we would need our own space in order to produce the highest quality events for concert-goers, and having a home base will give us that.
Our vision is to celebrate music and art the way that sports are revered and celebrated.”
With its opening, Sid the Cat Auditorium is set to become a vital component of South Pasadena’s cultural landscape, dedicated to showcasing the best in music and artistry.
image source from：timeout
