Music at the Mansion: The Rhythm Rockets
Date: Wednesday, July 8, 2026
Time: 6:30 PM
Location: Ellwood House
Grab your friends and family, bring your blankets and chairs and gather your dancing shoes for some amazing FREE music set against the backdrop of the Ellwood Mansion. On select Wednesday evenings this summer, the pre-show starts at 6:30 Ppm and the headline show is from 7:00 - 8:30 pm. A select menu of beer, wine, beverages, and food/snacks will be available each week for purchase on-site.
The Rhythm Rockets
The Rhythm Rockets promise a guaranteed good time with their boundless energy, top-tier musicianship, and flat-out fun. Since 2000, captivating singer Nicole Kestler has fronted the band, her beguiling vocal delivery steering their repertoire towards classic postwar material from legends like Dinah Washington, Big Maybelle, Peggy Lee, Ella Mae Morse, Ruth Brown, Etta James, and Annie Laurie.
Not only do The Rhythm Rockets sound the part, but they also look it. This seven-piece band embodies the essence of a vintage Rhythm & Blues outfit, with everyone impeccably dressed in suits and ties (except for Nicole, who dazzles in her own style). The horn players perform behind illuminated music stands bearing the band’s logo, adding to the nostalgic charm. The band’s extensive repertoire spans 160 selections, including several originals and a special number penned by the guitarist’s late grandmother—a jazz-loving hipster who wrote "I’ll Take A Holiday From Love" in the 1930s, never imagining her grandson’s band would one day bring it to life.
With a perfect blend of authenticity, talent, and passion, The Rhythm Rockets continue to captivate audiences, making every performance a timeless celebration of Rhythm & Blues. Whether they’re reviving classics or sharing their own creations, the band’s dedication to the genre shines through, ensuring an unforgettable experience for all who see them live.
