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West Coast Jazz Hour Quintet Brings Iconic 1950s & ‘60s Jazz to Sierra Madre Playhouse

Legendary Drummer Kevin van den Elzen and Pianist Josh Nelson Lead Star-Studded Ensemble

PHOTO: Courtesy of artist | The South Pasadenan | Josh Nelson
PHOTO: Courtesy of artist | The South Pasadenan | Josh Nelson

The West Coast Jazz Hour Quintet, led by acclaimed drummer Kevin van den Elzen and pianist Josh Nelson, will bring the golden sounds of 1950s and ’60s jazz to Sierra Madre Playhouse on September 21, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. Audiences can expect a night of timeless classics, fresh arrangements, and original compositions honoring the spirit of West Coast jazz.

The quintet will perform works by jazz greats Shorty Rogers, John Williams, Henry Mancini, and Gerald Wilson, alongside inventive new material. Joining van den Elzen and Nelson are Ron Stout on trumpet, Daniel Rotem on tenor saxophone, and Ken Wild on double bass.

Acclaimed Jazz Artists with Global Reach

PHOTO: Courtesy of artist | The South Pasadenan | Josh Nelson
PHOTO Courtesy of artist | The South Pasadenan | Josh Nelson

Josh Nelson has toured and recorded with jazz and pop legends including Natalie Cole, Michael Bublé, Benny Golson, and Sheila Jordan. His performances span international festivals, recordings, films, and television.

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PHOTO: Courtesy of artist | The South Pasadenan | Kevin van den Elsen
PHOTO Courtesy of artist | The South Pasadenan | Kevin van den Elsen

Originally from the Netherlands, Kevin van den Elzen has played with celebrated artists such as Dianne Reeves, Hubert Laws, Paquito d’Rivera, and the Bill Holman Big Band. His work with orchestras and big bands across Europe and the U.S. has earned him recognition as a driving force in contemporary jazz drumming.

Event Details

What: Jazz @ the Playhouse – West Coast Jazz Hour Quintet
When: September 21, 2025, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Sierra Madre Playhouse, 87 West Sierra Madre Boulevard, Sierra Madre, CA 91024
Tickets: $12–$35
Info: (626) 355-4318 | www.sierramadreplayhouse.org

About Sierra Madre Playhouse

A cultural landmark in the San Gabriel Valley, Sierra Madre Playhouse has been captivating audiences for over a century with theater, music, dance, and family programming. The 99-seat venue, celebrated for its intimacy and artistic excellence, has won multiple Ovation Awards, NAACP Awards, and LA Times Critics’ Choice honors. Nestled in a historic building with its iconic marquee, the Playhouse remains a vibrant hub for creativity, community engagement, and diverse performance genres.