2027 ROSE QUEEN IRENE MADDOX

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2027 Rose Court – left to right:Lucy Wendling, San Marino High School, Tessa Choi, La Cañada High School; Elizabeth Rweyemamu, Polytechnic School; Rose Queen Irene Maddox, Eagle Rock High School; Daniela Guzmán, Arcadia High School; Maria McDonald, Thurgood Marshall Secondary School; Evita Bridge, Mayfield Senior School

PASADENA, Calif. (October 27, 2026) – The crown has found its Queen! The Pasadena Tournament of Roses® is proud to announce Irene Maddox as the 108th Rose Queen®. The announcement was made by President Terry Madigan on the front steps of Tournament House to fanfare by the Pasadena City College Herald Trumpets, marking an exciting milestone on the road to New Year’s Day.

The ceremony continued as Tournament of Roses President Terry Madigan placed the iconic Mikimoto crown, featuring more than 600 cultured pearls and six carats of diamonds, on Irene’s head. The special moment marked the beginning of her journey as Rose Queen and an exciting new chapter for the entire Rose Court.

The celebration brought together past Rose Queens, including the oldest living Rose Queen, Mary Rutte Walllace, who was crowned in 1945.

The Rose Queen and Rose Court have been at the heart of the Rose Parade since 1905. Over the decades, the Queen and Court have become beloved ambassadors of the Tournament of Roses, representing the character, leadership, service and diversity of the Pasadena community.

Irene Lim Maddox is a senior at Eagle Rock High School who enjoys storytelling, leadership and community involvement. She founded her school’s Korean Culture Club and captains both the Varsity Swim Team and Varsity Girls Water Polo Team. Fluent in English and Korean, Irene hopes to pursue studies in law, political science or broadcast journalism.

Andy Vargas Shaking the Crowd

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Sold-Out Outdoor Concert Brings Music, Energy, and Community Spirit to Chino Hills

A night under the stars reminded residents what makes their hometown special

CHINO HILLS, CA — October 2, 2026

All photos by Michael D. Thomas

Chino Hills residents got a rare treat on Friday evening when Andy Vargas, the lead vocalist for the legendary band Santana, took the stage for a sold-out outdoor concert at the Chino Hills Community Center. Under clear skies, with a warm breeze drifting across the grounds and stage lights glowing against the evening, Vargas and his fellow musicians delivered a high-energy performance that kept the crowd on its feet from the first song to the last.

From the moment the opening notes rang out across the open-air venue, the audience knew they were in for something special. Families spread out picnic blankets, teens crowded close to the stage, and longtime fans sang and cheered along. But the evening was about more than music. It was a shared celebration of art, energy, and hometown pride — a reminder of what happens when a community comes together in one place.

A Band on the Rise

The featured performers have been steadily earning recognition across Southern California for their dynamic blend of contemporary hits and original music. Their Chino Hills appearance marked an important milestone in a growing journey, proving their ability to win over loyal fans and first-time listeners alike.

Leading the lineup was Andy Vargas on lead vocals, who is also the lead vocalist for Santana. He was joined by Mark on trumpet, Raul on saxophone, Raul Membreno on percussion, TiKi Pacillas on drums, Albert Salas on keys, Klever Alvarado on bass, and Silas Vasquez on guitar. Together, the eight musicians filled the night with a rich, layered sound — bright horns, driving rhythms, and soaring vocals that carried well beyond the stage.

“It’s a dream come true to play in front of a sold-out crowd in such a welcoming community,” Vargas told the audience during the encore. “Chino Hills, you’ve made tonight unforgettable.”

A Community Effort

The evening’s success was shared by local businesses and volunteers who helped bring it to life. Islands Restaurant of Chino Hills served up crowd-pleasing sliders, while volunteers from the Chino Hills Arts Council greeted guests and helped keep the event running smoothly. City officials noted that gatherings like this one highlight the vibrancy of the local arts scene.

“This is exactly what community events are all about,” said Glen Anderson, a Chino Hills Community Foundation member who served as master of ceremonies. “Great music, families spending time together, and a chance to showcase the talent that makes Chino Hills such a special place to live.”

As the night came to a close with cheers, applause, and a final encore under the stars, one thing was clear: the concert had done far more than entertain. It brought neighbors together, celebrated local talent, and left a whole community humming on the way home.

Pasadena Tournament of Roses® announces 2027 Rose Court

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#355) Lucy Joyce Wendling, San Marino High School (#212) Tessa Rose Choi, La Cañada High School; (#152) Irene Lim Maddox, Eagle Rock High School; (#349) Elizabeth Tabaro Kengaju Rweyemamu, Polytechnic School; (#362) Daniela Guzman, Arcadia High School. (#235) Maria Teresa Monserrat McDonald, Thurgood Marshall Secondary School (#392) Evita Cielo Bridge, Mayfield Senior School.

PASADENA, Calif. (Sept. 28, 2026) – The Pasadena Tournament of Roses® is thrilled to announce the seven members of the 2027 Rose Court presented by Visit Newport Beach. The anticipated reveal was attended by nearly 200 people on the south lawn of Tournament House, including friends and family of the 27 finalists. Volunteer Members of the Tournament of Roses’ Queen & Court Committee made their selections based on several criteria including academic achievement, community and school involvement, public speaking ability and youth leadership.

We are excited to continue the treasured legacy of the Rose Court, whose members benefit by connecting with their communities, giving back in meaningful ways and blooming with self-confidence from valuable experiences they will carry with them for a lifetime. The Tournament of Roses has a long-standing tradition of celebrating educational excellence and continues the legacy by providing each Rose Court member with a $7,500 academic scholarship!

The Rose Queen® and Rose Court represent cherished traditions within the history of the Pasadena Tournament of Roses. This legacy continues with the Announcement and Coronation of the 108th Rose Queen and the presentation of the 2027 Rose Court, to be held on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, on the front lawn of Tournament House.

The 2027 Rose Court will ride on a float down Colorado Blvd. in the 138th Rose Parade® presented by Honda and attend the College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at the Rose Bowl Game®, both on Friday, January 1, 2027.

Kolby Cordell Brings Soulful Vocals and High-Energy Entertainment to Chino Hills

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Chino Hills, CA — April 25, 2026 — The Chino Hills Community Foundation welcomed music lovers to the Chino Hills Community Center for an exciting evening of live entertainment featuring Kolby Cordell, a Top 10 finalist on The Voice.

Cordell delivered a powerful and soulful performance that kept the audience engaged from beginning to end. His smooth vocals, dynamic stage presence, and heartfelt delivery created a memorable concert experience for guests of all ages.

The evening also featured a talented cast of musicians who helped bring the performance to life. Two outstanding background and lead singers, Angelique Brigham and Kimberly May, added rich harmonies and energy that kept the crowd moving and mesmerized throughout the show.

Cordell was backed by an excellent band featuring JC on drums, Kwaku on keys, Andre Brown on bass, and Darrian Houser on guitar and vocals. Together, the group created a lively and polished sound that filled the Chino Hills Community Center with warmth, rhythm, and excitement.

Presented by the Chino Hills Community Foundation, the concert continued the Foundation’s commitment to bringing quality arts, culture, and live entertainment to the local community.

Featured Performers:

Lead Vocals: Kolby Cordell
Background / Lead Vocals: Angelique Brigham and Kimberly May
Drums: JC
Keys: Kwaku
Bass: Andre Brown
Guitar / Vocals: Darrian Houser

The evening was a celebration of music, talent, and community spirit, leaving guests with an unforgettable night of soulful entertainment in Chino Hills.

Story and Photos by: Michael D. Thomas

THE ACE BAND at Chino Hills Community Center

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Chino Hills Community Foundation Presents THE ACE BAND at Chino Hills Community Center

Chino Hills, CA — The Chino Hills Community Foundation presented THE ACE BAND in concert on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at the Chino Hills Community Center, offering the community an evening of lively entertainment under the theme “Music That Moves.”

The performance featured an energetic program of live music led by frontman Jim Tullio, with the band delivering a polished and engaging show that kept the audience entertained throughout the evening. A highlight of the concert was the group’s dynamic horn section, whose choreographed movements and spirited performance added to the festive atmosphere.

The event also marked a significant milestone for the group, as ACE celebrated its 40th anniversary of providing live musical entertainment. The band was co-founded by Jimmy and Bobby ACE, whose vision and dedication have helped sustain the group’s long-standing presence in the live music community.

The ACE Band lineup included:

Robert Chasco — Bass and Vocals
David — Drums
Bob Toillo — Guitar and Vocals
Ray Cordova — Piano and Vocals
Jim Tullio — Lead Singer
Steve Chacon — Saxophone and Vocals
Ray Santillan — Trombone
Patrick Green — Trumpet

The Chino Hills Community Foundation continues to support programs and events that enrich the cultural life of the community, and this concert served as a celebration of music, talent, and community connection.

Photos and story by Michael D. Thomas