The Village Comes Together In Amazing Way for Community, Culture, & Healing

Rhythms Of The Village rock the stage in front of a packed crowd at their annual Spring Festival on John Muir High School in wake of Eaton fire

On Saturday, May 24th, something powerful happened on the newly remodeled courtyard campus of John Muir High School — a space where over 1,500 community members came together for a purpose much bigger than just music and merch.

The Village Spring Festival, put on by Rhythms of the Village and LA Commons, was more than just a pop-up market — it was a full-on healing space. And in the wake of one of Altadena’s most devastating moments—the Eaton Fire—this gathering became a symbol of strength, unity, and revival.

Emeka Doc Mob Chukwurah Rhythms Of The Village takes the stage at John Muir High School during the 2025 Village Spring Festival

Organized by Giza Tulivu of Shady Business (Sunglasses) and led by Emeka of Rhythms of the Village, the event brought together 50+ vendors, including MADE IN DENA, Nia’s Crafthouse, and so many more. There was live music, mask making, workshops, free family portraits, self-care spaces, and kids’ activities — all surrounded by love, joy, and resilience.

Childhood friends, Steven Sneed & Jason Hardin, work a MADE IN DENA pop-up at the 2025 Village Spring Festival by Rhythms Of The Village

Notable leaders like Baba Onochie, Brandon Lamar, Allen Shay, Betty Ford, Patrice McKenzie, and Victor & Heavenly Hughes of My Tribe Rise were in attendance. But the real stars were the people — DENA came through heavy.

🛑 THE EATON FIRE: A COMMUNITY LOST

On January 8, 2025, the Eaton Canyon Fire ripped through Altadena, destroying homes, businesses, and landmarks — including the shared lot of Rhythms of the Village, Altadena Pizza Company, and Oh Happy Days. It’s estimated that up to 80% of Altadena was impacted, along with areas in Pasadena and Sierra Madre. Rhythms of the Village, a cultural center and Black-owned business that’s served Altadena since 2013, was completely burned to the ground. It wasn’t just a business—it was a hub for culture, education, music, and healing.

Hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of instruments, art, merchandise, and equipment were lost.

💚 HOW YOU CAN HELP:

Rhythms of the Village needs all of us to rebuild. You can contribute directly via their GoFundMe:

👉 Support the Rebuild

As Emeka Chukwurah, organizer of the fundraiser, said:

“This space was never just a business—it was a home for culture, music, art, and community.”

It was an incredible turnout at the 2025 Village Spring Festival by Rhythms Of The Village hosted at Pasadena's John Muir High School

📍 WHAT’S NEXT:

If everything lines up like it should, Rhythms of the Village may return to Muir to host their annual Village Fall Festival—a beautiful full-circle moment of resilience and rebirth.

But for now, we celebrate this weekend’s Village Spring Festival as a powerful reminder of what’s possible when DENA shows up.

Let’s keep showing up.

– Jason Hardin

Founder – MADE IN DENA / Life of a Boss