Presented by BackRhoades Productions at Gardena Cinema—A Night of Music Featuring Bunny Brunel, Kaylene Peoples, Nolan Shaheed, Elena Gilliam, Mahesh Balasooriya, Ricky Woodard, Joel Taylor, and More
(PRUnderground) February 21st, 2025
The Eaton Canyon Fire left Altadena in ruins—burning 14,021 acres, destroying 9,418 structures, and taking 29 lives. In response, Grammy-nominated bassist Bunny Brunel and an all-star lineup of musicians are joining forces for the Altadena Aftermath Benefit Concert on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at Gardena Cinema. Hosted by BackRhoades Productions, this one-night-only event will raise critical funds to support displaced families and rebuilding efforts.
Spotlight Artists:
- Bunny Brunel – Grammy-nominated bassist, fusion jazz pioneer, founder of CAB, and former member of Chick Corea’s band. He has performed & collaborated with Herbie Hancock, Tony Williams, Wayne Shorter, and countless others.
- Kaylene Peoples – A critically acclaimed jazz vocalist and flutist, as well as an award-winning composer, arranger, and producer who has performed/recorded with luminaries including Hubert Laws, Bobby Lyle, and Larry Dunn.
- Nolan Shaheed – A legendary trumpeter and former music director for Marvin Gaye, who has performed with icons such as Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and Stevie Wonder.
- Joel Taylor – is a world-class drummer known for his versatility across jazz, fusion, and rock. He has performed with legendary artists such as Al Di Meola, Allan Holdsworth, and Mike Stern.
- Mahesh Balasooriya – A virtuoso jazz pianist who has played with Engelbert Humperdinck, Natalie Cole, and Al Jarreau.
- Ricky Woodard – A highly regarded saxophonist, formerly with Ray Charles and the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra.
Bunny Brunel on Giving Back Through Music
“I feel for all the people who lost their homes, their businesses, and, for some, even their lives. It is terrible to see so much destruction. When something like this happens, people need support—not just money, but hope. Music is something that brings people together, no matter where they are from or what they have been through. As musicians, we give what we have—our music. It may not rebuild a house, but it can bring comfort and strength to those who need it. That’s why I am playing in this concert. We want the people of Altadena to know we care, and we are here to help.”
Kaylene Peoples on the Personal Loss of The Mouse House Studio
“The Mouse House Studio was more than a recording space—it was a creative haven where I helped shape its vision. Originally a watchtower in the 1960s, we later converted into a studio that recorded some of the most iconic names in the industry under the expert engineering of Rich Mouser, who built and ran the studio for over two decades. The Mouse House became a hub for legendary artists, including Chris Cornell, Stanley Clarke, Oleander, Hubert Laws, Bobby Lyle, Mike Portnoy, and Bunny Brunel. I found that place, helped build it, and decorated it—it was part of my creative world. This loss is heartbreaking. I recorded almost my entire discography there, hosted concerts, and even produced award-winning films in that space. This concert is personal for me—I want to give back through music, just as The Mouse House gave so much to so many.”
Continued Lineup & Featured Musicians
- Elena Gilliam – Renowned jazz vocalist
- Bryan Cabrera – Drummer and bandleader
- Ladies of Song: Amber Weekes, Cathy Segal-Garcia and Lisa Andrea Torres
- Little Brazil Trio – Natalia Spadini, Marcelo Bucater and Leo Testoni
- Ollie Basie-O Elder – Bassist/vocalist
Additional Featured Musicians:
Joe Calderon – Guitarist
Randall Fisher – Saxophonist/Flutist
Fleming Robinson – Guitarist
J.T. Hudson – Trumpet
Jeff Littleton – Bassist
Anthony G. – Keys/Vocals
Jon Brooks – Percussionist/Drummer
Proceeds will go toward relief efforts for families who lost their homes, businesses, and livelihoods.
A Call to Action from Organizer Kevin Rhoades
Kevin Rhoades, founder of BackRhoades Productions, expressed his personal connection to the cause:
“On January 7, 2025, a single spark and 100 mph winds ignited wildfires throughout Los Angeles County. As a former Pasadena resident, I grew up just blocks below the Altadena fire zone. I prayed for my neighbors and the LA community as a whole. I decided to put my prayers into action. That’s why I organized the ‘Altadena Aftermath Benefit Concert’—to bring the community together and offer direct support to those in need.”
Why Gardena Cinema?
The Gardena Cinema, the last remaining independent single-screen movie theater in the South Bay and the last family-owned single-screen theater in Los Angeles, has become an unexpected yet ideal partner for this event. Rhoades shared how the collaboration came about:
“One morning, I heard a news report about how single-screen theaters were struggling post-pandemic, and Gardena Cinema was mentioned specifically. I needed a venue for my jazz concerts, so I called the theater at 7 AM, expecting to leave a message. To my surprise, Judy Kim, the owner, answered immediately. I told her my idea, and she was on board from the start. That call led to a partnership that will now make a real difference in helping fire victims.”
About the Eaton Canyon Fire’s Destruction
The Eaton Fire has left an irreversible mark on Altadena and surrounding areas. Among the notable structures lost were:
- Andrew McNally House – Historic Queen Anne-style mansion from 1887
- Zorthian Ranch – 48-acre artist colony
- Altadena Community Church – Beloved place of worship
- Christmas Tree Lane – 140-year-old holiday tradition
- The Mouse House Studio – Originally a watchtower, later transformed into a renowned recording studio founded by Rich Mouser, home to legendary artists.
The wildfire also disproportionately affected Altadena’s Black community, with nearly 50% of Black households destroyed or significantly damaged. Community leaders are working to prevent displacement and gentrification by securing housing relief and rebuilding efforts.
Event Details & Ticket Information
Venue: Gardena Cinema, 14948 Crenshaw Blvd, Gardena, CA
Date: Thursday, February 27, 2025
Time: 6 PM – 11:30 PM
Tickets: $30 at the Box office or Online
Join Bunny Brunel and an all-star lineup for a night of music and hope.
Funds Manager: Pasadena Community Foundation | For media inquiries, interviews, or sponsorship opportunities, please contact: Kevin Rhoades at (626) 379-7934
About BackRhoades Productions, LLC
Founded by Kevin Rhoades in 1996, BackRhoades Productions specializes in concert and event promotions, dedicated to creating equitable opportunities for artists and venues alike. As a musician, Rhoades witnessed the challenges artists face in the industry. Taking an innovative approach, he curates musical acts that support both performers and partner venues, ensuring a more sustainable and fair profit distribution. At the core of BackRhoades Productions is a commitment to fostering meaningful connections between artists and audiences. The company enhances the concert experience with intimate VIP pre-show gatherings, where guests can engage in a social setting, provide input on future events, and enjoy all-inclusive appetizers and wine—adding unique value to every performance. More than a production company, BackRhoades Productions is a movement—championing artistry, community, and an immersive live music experience.
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