A 99-seat landmark transforms with world-class artists at accessible prices

When Matt Cook arrived at the Sierra Madre Playhouse in September 2023, the historic 99-seat venue in the San Gabriel Valley faced a reckoning: new labor legislation had doubled production costs, and the old nonprofit theater model no longer worked. The board made a bold pivot—transform into a multi-genre performing arts center.

This February, that vision debuts its jazz series with guitarist-composer Greg Porée and his quintet. Built in 1910 and converted to a silent movie house in 1924, the Playhouse has hosted performances for a century, earning the Los Angeles Times’ praise as “theater from the heart.” In 2024, it achieved formal recognition as a local historic landmark. The venue has earned multiple Ovation and NAACP Awards and was named a “Nonprofit of the Year” by Representative Judy Chu in 2023.

Porée’s career spans Motown legends, serving as musical director for Sonny & Cher and Gladys Knight & the Pips. He has worked with Diana Ross, Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson and The Jackson 5, and was lead guitarist for eight years on the BBC’s “Dancing with the Stars.” His quintet features Léo Costa on drums, Dayren Santamaria on violin, Joey de Leon on percussion and Keith Jones on bass—musicians whose diverse backgrounds create music ranging from acoustic ballads to electric grooves across Latin jazz, fusion and contemporary classical styles.

In October 2024, the Perenchio Foundation awarded the Playhouse a $450,000 grant—the largest in its history—enabling it to expand programming and serve the community with an expected 162 performances annually.

JAZZ | Greg Porée Quintet will run on Sunday, February 1 at 8 p.m. Sierra Madre Playhouse, 87 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre, California. For more information, call (626) 355-4318 or visit https://www.sierramadreplayhouse.org/event/greggporeequintet2026. Ticket prices: $35.