The Gardena Cinema Theater is set to come alive on Feb. 27 with an evening of music dedicated to a cause greater than just entertainment. BackRhoades Productions plans “The Altadena Aftermath Benefit Concert,” a night where the harmony of jazz meets the spirit of community support, all in aid of families affected by the devastating Eaton Canyon fire.
Kevin Rhoades, who organized the event, was motivated by his personal connection to the affected community, having grown up just a few blocks south of Altadena’s fire zone. He expressed feeling a strong connection to the community, emphasizing that his experiences in the area inspired him to act. The concert is his way of giving back to a community that holds a special place in his heart
The concert will feature an extraordinary lineup of some of Southern California’s premier musicians, all of whom are donating their time and talents to support the cause.
Headlined by Bunny Brunel & CAB, the evening also includes performances by Elena Gilliam, Joel Taylor, George Gilliam, Steve Hommel, Bruce Lett, Chris Barron, Tom Dante, Kayleen Peoples, Joe Calderon, Jon Brooks, Bryan Cabrera, Mahesh Balasoorlya, Ricky Woodward, Nolan Shaheed, Jeff Littleton, Amber Weeks, Lisa Andreas Torres, Cathy Segal-Garcia, Brad Rabuchin, Leo Teston, Natalia Spadini, Marcelo Bucater, Fleming Robinson, Ollie “Bassie-O” Elder, Anthony G, T.J. Hudson, Randall Fisher, and Michae Roundtree.
These musicians are uniting their talents to provide a narrative of resilience and community solidarity.
The Pasadena Community Foundation has been chosen to manage the funds raised, ensuring that every dollar directly aids families in need. Rhoades emphasized that his vision extends beyond music, aiming to show solidarity and support for a community in crisis.
The venue choice carries its own story of perseverance.
Gardena Cinema, one of the last remaining single-screen theaters in Los Angeles County, was struggling to stay afloat post-pandemic. Rhoades learned of the theater’s challenges from a KNX Morning News report, which highlighted the difficulties faced by single-screen theaters. Inspired by the story, Rhoades reached out to Judy Kim, the theater’s owner, who embraced his idea of pairing jazz concerts with movies.
Their collaboration was serendipitous, coming just days before the wildfire disaster. “It was less than a week prior that I learned of the Gardena Cinema Theater and met Judy Kim,” Rhoades reflected. This alignment of events solidified his resolve to organize the benefit concert, transforming the historic venue into a space of purpose and hope.
Reflecting on the disaster, Rhoades recalled his emotional reaction to the news, remembering his upbringing just blocks away from the fire zone.
“I had to read between the lines to see God’s message and plan for me,” Rhoades shared. This spiritual conviction led him to organize “The Altadena Aftermath Benefit Concert” as a way of giving back and rallying community support.
Venue: Gardena Cinema Theater, 14948 Crenshaw Blvd., Gardena, CA 90249. Showtime: Feb. 27, 6 p.m. – 11 p.m. Admission: $30. Tickets available at Box Office, BRP Site, EventBrite, and LiveStream.
