Mount Wilson Observatory “Sunday Afternoon Concerts in the Dome” Presents “Celebrating Ben Powell” at Mount Wilson Observatory

Mount Wilson Observatory (MWO)—Southern California’s esteemed home to several of the most groundbreaking astronomical discoveries in history—is pleased to present the fifth “Sunday Afternoon Concerts in the Dome” of its 2025 season inside the magnificent vaulted dome of MWO’s historic 100-inch telescope. On Sunday, August 17, 2025, the audience is invited to “Celebrating Ben Powell,” a performance featuring Roch Lockyer (guitar & vocals), Evan Price (violin), Zach Dellinger (viola), Brian Netzley (bass), and Cécilia Tsan (cello). 

The event is dedicated to the late Ben Powell, violinist extraordinaire who passed away far too soon. Ben opened the "Sunday Afternoon Concerts in the Dome" series in 2017 at its inaugural concert. As Ben’s friends, the musicians will perform music from various genres, gypsy jazz, his favorite, classical, and more, honoring his exceptional versatility on the violin and his beautiful soul. The repertoire will be announced from the stage by Roch Lockyer, Ben’s closest friend who was with him during his last weeks on planet Earth.

As in previous seasons, Artistic Director Cécilia Tsan (Principal Cellist, Long Beach Symphony and Los Angeles Master Chorale) curates the series. Each concert date of the season features the same program presented twice—first at 3:00pm and again at 5:00pm. There will be an artist reception at 4:00pm between each concert’s hour-long session. Tickets cost $60 each and are available for purchase online in advance (highly recommended) or at the door, given availability. For more information on this concert, please visit www.mtwilson.edu/events/concert081725

For more on the entire “Sunday Afternoon Concerts in the Dome” series, please visit www.mtwilson.edu/concerts.

VISITING MWO
The gate to Mount Wilson’s campus opens at 10:00am daily and closes at 5:00pm from early April through November. Entrance to the grounds is free. Visitors can hike, gaze at the telescope domes and towers that dot the landscape, and take a look at historic Mount Wilson photos and letters in the Museum.

The Cosmic Cafe (www.mtwilson.edu/cosmic-cafe), located above the main parking lot at the Observatory entrance, is open on weekends in the spring, summer, and fall. In addition to traditional menu items such as hot dogs, drinks, and snacks, the Café offers wraps, salads, and sweet treats from Little Flower.

PARKING
A U.S. Forest Service Adventure Pass is required to park at the Observatory. A $5 day pass or a $30 dollar annual pass may be purchased at the Cosmic Cafe on weekends between 10:00am and 5:00pm. During the week, passes are available at locations around Los Angeles. The most convenient location before heading up is at the Shell station in La Canada Flintridge at the bottom of the Angeles Crest Highway (https://find.shell.com/us/fuel/10007957-4530-angeles-crest-hwy/en_US). Visit the U.S. Forest Service website for more information about Passes and other locations to buy them: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r05/passes/adventure-pass

For more information about Visiting Mount Wilson Observatory, please visit: https://www.mtwilson.edu/visiting