Alan Zorthian, architect, art lover and proprietor of Zorthian Ranch, will serve as Grand Marshal of the 36th Occasional Pasadena Doo Dah Parade.Zorthian, son of well-loved bohemian couple Jirayr and Dabney Zorthian, has been responsible for renewing the life of the unique multi-acre property in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains in Altadena.
Alan grew up surrounded by artists and musicians and is no stranger to Doo Dah culture. Other Grand Marshals in the family include cousin, Savitri D., wife and collaborator with “Reverend Billy” and the Church of Stop Shopping who served in 2007, and of course Alan’s parents, Jirayr and Dabney, who each served in previous years.
Upon their passing, many have conjectured about the fate of Zorthian Ranch. Alan took leadership by building and reinforcing structures on the property, while providing an archive for the art and life of his well-known parents.
Alan also hosts an annual International Folk Music Festival, and has invited the Institute for Urban Ecology to create an urban farm on 22-acres of ranch property. Now the Zorthian Ranch not only remains the site of eclectic cultural gatherings, it will become a hub for ecological workshops and organic ‘growing.’
Upon being notified of his selection, Alan who sounded like he was in his car, paused then uttered, “I’m flabberghasted!” adding “I am not my parents but I gladly accept the honor!” he said.
Parade organizer Tom Coston says Zorthian has all the qualities a Doo Grand Marshal should possess. “Alan has always been a big supporter and friend, he carries the Zorthian torch proudly and has Doo Dah in his DNA.” he explains.
The new Grand Marshal will lead hundreds of Doo Dah marchers and revelers on Saturday, April 27th, stepping off at 11am in East Pasadena.
Last year, dozens of inventive, if zany, art cars and floats accompanied a legion of frolickers past the mom-n-pop shops along East Pasadena’s shady tree-lined streets, including many first-time entries like the Moveable Feast, a dining room table on wheels, Machina Candeo, Conehead Rocket Sled, Hippie Cream, Easy Acres Chicken Sitters, Wisdom Arts Laboratory, combined bands of the 35thDragoon Guards, Mile High Bed, Cheesus Chrust Pizza Company, 2012-13 Queen Patrizzi Intergarlactica, Balkan Brass Band, and the Ladies Auxiliary for Cultural Enrichment, et.al.
WHAT: The 36th OCCASIONAL PASADENA DOO DAH PARADE
WHERE: Colorado Boulevard (between Altadena and San Gabriel Boulevards) in East Pasadena.
WHEN: SATURDAY, APRIL 27TH, Stepping off at 11:00AM!
COST: Always FREE-of-charge!!
(626) 590-7596 PUBLIC MAY CALL
Plenty of street parking is available ~ Parade route is also just west of the Sierra Madre Villa Gold Line Station (at Colorado Blvd. and Sierra Madre Villa). City busses go directly to the area.
Come early! Bring a lawn chair! Visit the local eateries and shops, and attend the after parties all within walking distance. Robin’s Wood Fire BBQ restaurant will be selling a wide range of savory foods on the parade route.
Official Doo Dah After-Party: American Legion, 179 N. Vinedo St. (2 blocks from Parade at Vinedo & Walnut), immediately following the event. Doo Dah Bands, inexpensive hot food and drinks! $3 cover.
For more information go to: www.pasadenadoodahparade.info
Photos Available Upon Request (Enclosed: Alan Zorthian)
