Local Residents Host Japan Relief Concert Sunday Night

While traveling to Japan with the California Maritime Academy seven years ago, South Pasadena resident Molly Dixon spent quality time with the Takase family, who lived in South Pas for a number of years before moving back to their hometown in 2003. 

So it's no surprise that when the 8.9-magnitude earthquake and subsequent tsunami hit last month, Molly and her mother, Anne, were a bit shaken up.

"I was overwhelmed by the news that Japan not only suffered an earthquake but a tsunami and a nuclear threat on top of that," said Anne Dixon, who is a preschool teacher at . "I knew I wanted to do something."

Using the connections she had made throughout the 50 years of living in the community, Anne did do something. And tonight, she and her daughter will be hosting in . 

Here's a snapshot into what you need to know before you go. 

When: 6 p.m., Sunday, April 10, at  (north section of the park near tennis courts and the Youth House).

What to expect: "A great time with so many wonderful artists coming together to support this cause," said A Concert for Japan performer and host Brad Colerick. Other artists will include Dave Morrison, Lorin Hart, Severin Browne and Tisa Adamson. All donations will go directly to the American Red Cross.

Why you should go: Not only do Anne and Molly Dixon have friends in Japan—but so do many of your other neighbors around town. For instance, hair-stylist and owner of Salon d' Elegance, Akemi Sakai, is originally from the country.

Girl Scouts will also be on hand selling baked goods and teaching residents how to make origami paper cranes. “The cranes represent hope. And according to a Japanese legend if 1000 cranes are folded, your wish will come true,” said Anne Dixon. “It is important for all of us to do what we can. I feel this is our human responsibility.”