In addition to the sweet smell of bouquets, music will be wafting through a sprawling flower business in Pasadena one night next month.

Muse/Ique, a “counterconventional” group that combines classic and modern sounds, will present “Beatbox/Bloom,” a concert that will mix a string quartet with a beatbox and other unusual accompaniments at Jacob Maarse Florists.

Brian Colburn, executive director of Muse/Ique said the flower business will be a a good stage for the concert because the company is known for supplying bouquets for the queen and her court at the Tournament of Roses coronation ball as well as decorating the broadcast booths on New Year’s Day.

“We’re all about getting into the community’s visibility,” Colburn said. “The store offers a unique physical space as well.”

The 20,000-square-foot flower business, which gets flowers from growers in Washington state, Oregon and the San Diego area, is in a converted car dealership on Green Street and employs 40.

It was founded in 1966 by Jacob Maarse, a Dutch-born flower grower. He was known for his home garden, which he started with 100 rose bushes. Maarse, who developed a high-end clientele, died in 2010 and his son Hank now runs the business.

Hank Maarse was asked to host the April 7 show by Rachael Worby, Muse/Ique’s artistic director. He accepted because he said it would be a good way to honor the memory of his father, who was also a music lover.

“It seemed appropriate to have a concert at the business he started,” Maarse said. “He would be happy to see it. If people appreciate beautiful flowers, they appreciate music, too. They go together hand in hand.”
– Anna Nikonova