The Nextdoors has been called "Pasadena's house band" - and Pasadena's Mayor Gordo calls them "one of the true gems of the city."
Hook-laden, cello soaked Americana is the best way to describe this wife-and-husband duo, who have played all over the city and the country, at everything from public venues, to corporate events, holiday parties, fundraisers, community events... even a retirement home once!
Original songs with national radio play, covers everyone loves - The Nextdoors will craft their performance with you, the client in mind, whether you're a club owner, wedding coordinator, or just looking for a band for your house party.
1 review
Hanna J.
October 14, 2025The first time we saw the Nextdoors was at Lucky Baldwins. It was Mika and Russell on their instruments. They were then invited to play the Sierra Madre Rose Float "Deco Week" when all the tour busses and locals alike flood in to decorate the Tournament of Roses float.
When I say the crowds LOVED them, that's an understatement. The nextdoors turned this event into a fun, warm, and Dancy atmosphere. They had original songs about the neighborhood in Pasadena, 90's cover songs, and even took a few requests (Sweet Caroline).
They had brought in 4 others with them to sing songs or play instruments. We ended up with a 5 person band. Robust sound, loads of variety. They were quick to set up, and really had the room going. Would absolutely hire them again!
Hired as: Americana Band
The Nextdoors
Thanks so much Hanna, it was so much fun to watch an actual Rose Float being built as we played, what a unique space and event, we'd love to do it again! Thanks to your whole team.
Price range: $500 and up.
Languages: English
Gig length: 30 - 180 minutes
We think this testimonial from a client pretty much says it all, and we like to think we maintain a top level of creativity and desire to please no matter what the situation or event:
“We received a recommendation from a well-known Pasadena Hotel event planner, and we could not be more appreciative. We contacted Russell and Mika that same week, and as luck would have it, they were available to perform at our 50-person business reunion. It was a celebration of workmates that formed a bond in the late 1970s and 1980s. The Nextdoors were a joy to work with, collaborating on music selections, mood, and presentation. They were highly professional, organized, and brilliant performers. Much like the musical score of an Academy Award-winning movie, their music and performance was the backdrop of a beautiful evening. We could not have been happier.”
--Bill McCaughey, President, ITS Consulting
“The Nextdoors are one of the true gems of the city.” That’s what Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo said about this wife-and-husband duo that he also dubbed “Pasadena Musical Act of 2024” at their very own Pasadena Neighbor Day festival – a celebration of community and music that The Nextdoors created. The 3rd annual installment raised over $3500 for fire relief efforts after the devastating Eaton Fire.
Their Americana stylings encompass a wide range of influences, with Mika Larson’s soul-stirring cello taking center stage right alongside Russell Mark’s guitar and vocals. The original songs from their 2022 debut album Linda Vista received radio play nationwide including the #1 single “Awaken”. About their live concerts, they explain: “we want our shows to feel like a neighborhood block party – all are welcome, drop-in guests are to be expected, and people leave with smiles on their faces.” They have played numerous live shows, festivals, and events in Pasadena, the SGV, and nationwide since their public debut concert in 2023.
They enjoy crafting the band instrumentation and set list for events ranging from corporate and non-profit, to festivals, community events, holiday parties, milestone celebrations, and more.
Recent concerts include Pasadena Bridge Party, Taste of Arcadia, Wistaria Festival, Good Trouble community rally for John Lewis Day, Dylanfest, The Buccaneer, and LitFest in the Dena. They have toured through the Midwest in addition to playing gigs in NYC.
We work with clients to be sure the technical elements are taken care of - whether by their A/V department, or whether they request we bring our own equipment, we have extensive production managing experience in addition to playing, and will be sure that everyone is clear on what's needed for the best possible results.
Coming soon - a list of some popular cover tunes we play. We won't list our originals here, but we do as many as we can typically, depending on the situation.
Our original music is in the Americana realm, with influences ranging from Tom Petty, the The Beatles, Wilco, Credence, The Doors, and other classic acts. But we are also both classically-trained, and both have been in heavier rock bands in the past, so we combine a lot of things into what we do. But for the most part we are acoustically-driven.
We prefer to have PA system including mains and at least 2 monitors provuded, along with at least 3 microphones on boom stands, and a few DI's. If we are playing with a full band we are of course open to having backling provided but we deal with that on a
Americana Band
