Jazz Percussionist Chris Wabich Appears at Sierra Madre Playhouse

Presented by Sierra Madre Playhouse

Jazz percussionist Chris Wabich crosses musical borders with a rhythm-forward program that surprises, delights, and reveals just how expansive the world of percussion can be at the historic Sierra Madre Playhouse, on Saturday, November 21, 2026, 8:00 PM. Celebrated for his versatility across jazz, world music, fusion, and experimental traditions, Wabich is known for his bold, shape-shifting approach to rhythm that defies categorization. He is equal parts groove-maker and storyteller.  Moving fluidly from intricate hand percussion to driving drum set work, Wabich weaves unexpected textures and global influences into a unified, deeply musical voice. Whether exploring a standard, reimagining a folk rhythm, or crafting something entirely new, he brings a warmth and spontaneity that draw audiences into the heart of the music. Wabich has toured internationally, recorded with artists from Leonard Cohen to Mamak Khadem, and developed a reputation for sonic creativity that turns every performance into an adventure.

For tickets ($35) and information, please call 626.355.4318 or visit www.sierramadreplayhouse.org. Sierra Madre Playhouse is located at 87 West Sierra Madre Boulevard, Sierra Madre, CA 91024.
 

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City: Sierra Madre
Price Range:
$35

Performers

Chris Wabich percussion

Sierra Madre Playhouse

Sierra Madre Playhouse

87 West Sierra Madre Boulevard
Sierra Madre, CA 91024
United States

Sierra Madre Playhouse, a vibrant Southern California cultural hub with a rich history spanning a century, energizes audiences and the community with distinctive theatrical productions and captivating live performances. 

 

Hailed as a “jewel” (Pasadena Weekly) and “a landmark theater” (ABC7 Los Angeles), it has garnered tremendous accolades for its varied repertoire and thought-provoking education and outreach programs curated with social impact in mind. The Los Angeles Times proclaims, “This is theater from the heart.” As one of San Gabriel Valley’s only performing arts center presenting a broad spectrum of performance genres, including theater, music, dance, film, comedy, and family-friendly productions featuring eminent local and national professional artists, the treasured artistic beacon draws audiences from across the Southland. 

 

The intimate 99-seat Sierra Madre Playhouse offers an up-close and personal connection to performances that resonate deeply, earning multiple Ovation Awards, NAACP Awards, and LA Times Critics' Choice honors. In 2023, Rep. Judy Chu named the Sierra Madre Playhouse as a leading ‘Nonprofit of the Year’ in the San Gabriel Valley. The playhouse was given the honor during the 2023 Congressional Leadership of the Year Awards, which recognizes the leadership and volunteerism in the cities making up California’s 28th Congressional District. It is nestled into a historic building on the inviting Main Street of Sierra Madre, a charming village in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains. 

 

Retaining its distinctive movie theater façade and instantly recognizable marquee, the structure has undergone numerous transformations since opening in 1910, from furniture emporium to silent movie theatre to the artistic institution that now stands as a vibrant embodiment of the region’s rich cultural legacy. The Sierra Madre Playhouse fosters creativity that aspires to bridge divides and spark dialogue, all while celebrating the rich tapestry of the American experience and the enduring pursuit of shared understanding.