A Pasadena Music Institution Might Be Disappearing, or It Might Be Getting an Upgrade
Driving down Walnut St. in Pasadena, it’s impossible not to ogle the panache of the deep blue marquee and gilt lettering spelling out the way to Healing Force of the Universe. When Healing Force first opened in 2023—with its rather wordy name derived from Albert Ayler’s 1970 album—it commanded attention, separating itself from other Pasadena musical institutions and record shops with its stylish Hi-Fi stereo system and consistently boundary-pushing live musical acts. Finally, the larger LA music scene found a home in the previously insular Pasadena foothills.
By day, Healing Force serves the Pasadena community as a sleek, modern record store with an eclectic selection, including a section dedicated to local artists. After the sun sets behind the San Bernardino mountains and the neon-blue exterior lights come on, Healing Force transforms into a multipurpose event space, concert venue, and community hub. They host artists like Jeff Parker and a wide variety of classes, including rock band lessons for kids and a series on “How to be a Vinyl DJ.” Everything that happens within Healing Force’s walls is designed and executed with extraordinary care and tailored to bring the titular ‘healing force’ to the local community. HFOTU provides a unique atmosphere with a love of music and human connection always at the forefront.
Inside, you’ll find a space that feels more like a record lover’s living room than a traditional music venue. The interior is littered with couches and floor cushions where audience members grab a viewing point and get comfortable wherever they are able, creating an intimate, communal feel at every Healing Force show that encourages conversation and connection. On most nights you’ll find Austin, the owner, behind the small counter selling merch and serving bottled drinks, tapping his foot along with the crowd. After the velvet curtains close, you’ll likely see him sticking around and chatting with the community, where his enthusiasm and love for Healing Force—both the record store/venue and the thing Albert Ayler was referring to—are infectious.
This summer, the team behind the space sent out a frightening announcement: Healing Force of the Universe would be closing its Pasadena doors permanently this October. While the end of Healing Force in its current iteration is guaranteed, it doesn’t mean the end of the entity as a whole. They hope to transition to the historic G-Son Studios in Atwater Village, the legendary 90’s recording studio and clubhouse of the Beastie Boys. In their own words:
“G-Son gives us room to grow: a licensed bar that supports the business, nearly double the concert capacity while remaining intimate, a larger classroom, a proper green room for artists, a recording studio, more rental opportunities, and a walkable neighborhood where the record store can become part of everyday life.”
As of writing this, Healing Force is just over halfway to their GoFundMe goal of $25,000 which, along with investor backing, will fund the move into their new location. If you live in Pasadena or the greater Los Angeles area, stop by to see what the space is all about—buy a record or two or attend one of the many intimate shows they’re hosting through October 30. If you’re really committed to seeing what this fantastic team can do with G-Son Studios, consider donating to their fundraising campaign. Healing Force has a singular ability to create eloquent events that are intimate and promote deep interconnectedness. In a time and a city which are dedicated to driving us further and further into isolation, it’s my dream that Healing Force may continue to stand as a haven of social connection and Angeleno music culture.
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