Melodia Mariposa in Altadena
The Eaton Fire 2025
On the night of January 7th, a fire that started in Eaton Canyon spread in 100 mph winds to consume most of our beloved town of Altadena. Over 9000 structures were lost including 6000 homes.
Our Founder, Irina Voloshna lost her home in the fire along with the homes of many. many of our loyal supporters, members and patrons. Many Altadena musicians lost their homes and we lost most of our local concert venues – the William D Davies Memorial Building in Farnsworth Park, St Mark’s Church and the Altadena Town and Country Club.
Commitment to Community
Even before the fire, Melodia Mariposa was committed to community. We were created out of the trauma of Covid, when Irina Voloshina hosted abouy 70 free concerts on her driveway for her neighbors.
Melodia Mariposa are often asked to take part in community events in Altadena and we are always looking for ways to give back.
Raising Funds for Musicians
At our first concert after the fire in February 2025, we held a fundraiser and collected over $15,000 that we distributed directly to 26 local musicans who had lost their homes.
In other efforts, we also raised and distributed thousands of dollars, the the help of Community Partners, to 28 children who lost instruments in the fire, so they could continue thei music education.
Here Javier De Luna and Nick Cisneros enjoy their new instruments.
This is incredible news! My daughter Lila (10 years old) is also a violinist! She hasn’t been able to have a lesson since the fire and her former violin teacher also lost her house in the fire. This will help motivate her to pick it up again. I am so grateful for all of the amazing and talented people in Altadena who are looking out for each other!
Sara A.
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Thank you so much for your email and your generous offer. We are so grateful, as we’re trying to replace our digital piano we lost in the fire. This will be a tremendous help, and I’m certain our children will be thrilled.
S.M
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Thank you so much for your incredibly kind and generous email. I was so touched to hear about the work you’re doing to help local families who lost instruments in the Eaton Fire, and I am so grateful for your offer.
Hearing that your founder, Irina Voloshina, also went through this makes your offer even more meaningful. It’s truly inspiring to see a community come together in this way.
Zabdiel E.
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My son, Nick was able to purchase one of his favorite guitars that he lost in the fire (see attached photo). He plays it everyday and is very happy and thankful.
Vanessa B.
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Our Altadena Strong concert, featuring the Lyris Quartet, was held in February 2025 – only a month after the fire.
Community Events
Eaton Fire Benefit Concert
Melodia Mariposa was honored to be asked to take part in a variety performance at the Alex Theatre in Glendale on March 27th 2025 to raise funds for Altadena fire victims.
Alongside an eclectic mix of Altadena performers from many musical genres, Melodia Mariposa was represented by the amazing pianist Rodolfo Leone who performed Chopin to rapturous applause.
Eaton Fire Commemoration Event
On the anniversary of the Eaton Fire on Jan 7th, 2026, Melodia Mariposa was honored to perform at the official commemoration ceremony outside Grocery Outlet on Lake Avenue. We were represented by the Melodia Mariposa Brass Quintet led by Doug Tornquist.
Melodia Mariposa was delighted to partner with the following organizations assisting local people and musicians.
Musicians of all ages lost musical instruments to the LA fires. Altadena Musicians are doing something about it by pairing needs with resources. Visit www.altadenamusicians.
Creativity meets generosity.
Freeconcertclothing.org is a resource organized by musicians for musicians offering free, pre-loved, gently used concert clothing and accessories. They have a growing collection of concert attire, mostly black, but some colored gowns and other formal wear. The collection is growing daily and they are updating their website to reflect new additions. If you have anything to donate, please contact them online.
World Central Kitchen has been feeding fire victims and emergency personnel in Altadena. They kindly provided a food truck after two of our concerts. We thank them for their support.