About & Out – What’s Hot In SoCal Jazz – The Week Of April 17, 2023

SoCal jazz highlights this week include Steve Gadd, Artemis, Daniel Rotem, Dean Brown, Bunny Brunel. Malachi Whitson, Marvin “Smitty” Smith, Charles Owens, Nick Finzer, Charles Ruggerio, Jeff Lorber, Marina Pacowski, Omar Sosa, Elliott Caine, and GENR8R.

Please see the online version of About & Out for updated information throughout the week at lajazzpicks.com. It’s a good idea to check with venues directly for any last minute changes and/or cancellations before heading out. The LAjazz.com Quick Calendar lists shows and times three days in advance on the LAjazz.com home page.

Monday 4/17 – Jeff Lorber at Spaghettini

Keyboardist Jeff Lorber is at Spaghettini in Seal Beach with Jimmy Haslip on bass, Gary Novak on drums, and Lenny Castro on percussion. Flutist Holly Hoffman and bassist Rob Thorsen play a noon “mini concert” at The Athenaeum Library in La Jolla. Guitarist Jacques Lesure hosts a jam session at the Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach including drummer Marvin “Smitty” Smith. Guitarist Molly Miller is at Perch in downtown L.A. Bassist Ryan Cross’ Jazz Eclectic is at Riviera 31 at the Beverly Hills Sofitel Hotel. Pianist Mikan Zlatkovich is at Eddie V’s in San Diego. The Hot Club of Los Angeles is at the Cinema Bar in Culver City. Pianist Richard Turner, Jr. is at Vicky’s Of Santa Fe in Indian Wells. Eternity Jazz is at the Chess Park Lounge in Glendale. Trio Renacimiento is at Las Perlas in downtown L.A. Very Good Mondays is at Gold-Diggers in Hollywood. Guitarist Ken Song is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. Blues guitarist/vocalist Artur Menezes is at The Baked Potato in Studio City.

Tuesday 4/18 – Marvin “Smitty” Smith at The Baked Potato

Drummer Marvin “Smitty” Smith is at The Baked Potato in Studio City with Chris Lowery on trumpet, Dale Fielder and Ralph Moore on saxes, Adam Ledbetter on keys, and Edwin Livingston on bass. Pianist Mike Wofford is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Keyboardist Sam Barsh is at Shoo Shoo Baby in downtown L.A. Pianist Gerald Clayton hosts a jam session at Sam First near LAX. Keyboardist Ed Roth is at Seven Grand in downtown L.A. Percussionist Joey De Leon is at the Cana Rum Bar in downtown L.A. Pianist Ehud Asherie plays a solo show at UCSD The Loft in La Jolla. Drummer Marc Van Aken is at the V Hotel in Venice. Saxophonist Chazzy Green is at Catalina in Hollywood. Vocalist Dan Olivo is at La Puglia in Santa Monica. Trumpeter/vocalist Matt Shulman and keyboardist Koji Ono are at the Chess Park Lounge in Glendale. The Brig Band is at The Brig in Venice. The Jazz Town Band is at Casey’s Tavern in Canoga Park. Vocalist Slim Man is at Vicky’s Of Santa Fe in Indian Wells. The Supasol Band is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. Guitarist Matthew Yeakley hosts a jazz jam at General Lee’s in Chinatown Los Angeles. Vocalist Keri Kelsey hosts an open mic at The Gardenia in West Hollywood. Vocalist Ann Cusack & The Generation Jones Band are at Vibrato in Bel Air. Guitarist Mark Leggett is at TRiP in Santa Monica. Drummer Jacob Wendt leads the monthly Long Beach Jazz Jam at The Auld Dubliner.

Wednesday 4/19 – Nick Finzer at Sam First

Trombonist Nick Finzer is at Sam First near LAX with Lucas Pino on sax, Javier Santiago on piano, Emiliano Lasansky on bass, and Benjamin Ring on drums. Drummer Charles Ruggerio plays the music of Thelonious Monk at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Vocalist/pianist Marina Pacowski celebrates a CD release at Vibrato in Bel Air. Trumpeter Brian Lynch is at Dizzy’s in San Diego. Pianist Steve Rawlins celebrates a CD release at Catalina in Hollywood. Guitarists R.J. Root and Will Brahm are at The Grape in Ventura. Keyboardist Joey Navarro is at 1881 in Pasadena. Pianist Adam Hersh is at The Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach. The Flowtet is at the Oeno Wine Bar in Atwater Village. Estilo y Gracia is at the Cara Hotel in Los Feliz. Vocalist Claude Hall is at Bottega Taboo in Valley Village. Vocalist Karine Da Silva is at Garcons de Cafe in downtown L.A. Stixx Soul is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. Trumpeter Gilbert Castellanos is at Panama 66 at the San Diego Museum Of Art. Drummer Tom Dante is at Skyloft in Laguna Beach. The Flight 584 Big Band is at the Mayflower Club in North Hollywood. Producer Debra Graff’s latest livestream benefit for The Innocence Project includes vocalist Jocelyn Medina.

Thursday 4/20 – Steve Gadd at Catalina Jazz Club

Drummer Steve Gadd is at Catalina in Hollywood for the first of three nights (Thu-Sat) with Michael Landau on guitar, Travis Carlton on bass, Jeff Babko on keys, and Walt Fowler on trumpet/flugelhorn. Bassist Bunny Brunel’s CAB is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Drummer Malachi Whitson is at Sam First near LAX. Saxophonist Charles Owens is at The Merc in Temecula. Guitarist Tom Rizzo is at Kulak’s Woodshed in North Hollywood. Saxophonist Daniel Rotem is at The Grape in Ventura. Pianist George Kahn is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Trumpeter Tony Guerrero is at the Casino San Clemente in San Clemente. Vocalist Lia Booth is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Saxophonist Greg Vail is at Campus Jax in Newport Beach. Vocalist Rose Mallett is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Vocalist Rachel Avalon is at the Paragon Cafe in Costa Mesa. Jerry Costanzo & His Gotham City Swingers are at the Cascade Lounge in Palm Springs. The Jazz Cartel Quartet is at Seven Grand in downtown L.A. Saxophonist Justin Chart is at Daddy Diamonds in Hollywood. Guitarist Doug MacDonald is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. Four And More is at Casey’s Tavern in Canoga Park. The Route 66 Trio is at Bourbon Steak in Glendale. The Aristocats are at the Olive & Fig Restaurant & Jazz Bar in Canoga Park. Guitarist Matthew Yeakley is at the Continental Club in downtown L.A. Drummer Davey Miller is at A Twist On Main in Ventura. Pianist Ron Kobayashi is at the Bayside Restaurant in Newport Beach. Sylvia & The Rhythm Boys are at Meet In Paris Restaurant & Lounge in Culver City. Saxophonist David Patterson is at Pips On La Brea in West L.A. The World Stage in South L.A. hosts an evening outdoor patio jam session for instrumentalists.

Friday 4/21 – Daniel Rotem at Sam First

Saxophonist Daniel Rotem celebrates a CD release at Sam First near LAX for the first of two nights (Fri-Sat) with Jeff Parker on guitar, Anna Butterss on bass, and Christian Euman on drums. Drummer Steve Gadd is at Catalina in Hollywood. Pianist Vardan Ovsepian is at Libretto in Paso Robles. Drummer Jose Perez is at the Grand Central Market in downtown L.A. Drummer Trevor Anderies is at The World Stage in South L.A. Tritone Asylum is at The Grape in Ventura.  Violinist Susie Hansen is at the St. Barnabas Harmony Room in Eagle Rock. Drummer/vocalist Dave Tull is at Eddie V’s in El Segundo. The Modern Jazz Syndicate is at Kulak’s Woodshed in North Hollywood. Trumpeter Greg Solman is at Azo Vino in Covina. Drummer Joel Taylor is at 1881 in Pasadena. The SoCal Jazz Collective is at the OC Fish Grill in Irvine. Pianist Ron Kobayashi is at the Bayside Restaurant in Newport Beach. The Aristocats are at the Olive & Fig Restaurant & Jazz Bar in Canoga Park. The Jazz Cartel Trio is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. Drummer Mark San Filippo is at the Barkley Restaurant in South Pasadena. Eternity Jazz is at the Chess Park Lounge in Glendale. The Hot Club of Palm Springs is at Vicky’s of Santa Fe in Indian Wells. Pianist Chris Dawson is at the Langham Hotel Tap Room in Pasadena. The Mad Hat Hucksters are at Golden Island in San Diego. Vocalist Roman Palacios is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego.

Saturday 4/22 – Dean Brown at The Baked Potato

Guitarist Dean Brown is at The Baked Potato in Studio City with Gerry Etkins on keys, Brandon Fields on sax, Aaron Janik on trumpet, Tim Landers on bass, and Marvin “Smitty” Smith on drums. Drummer Steve Gadd is at Catalina in Hollywood. Saxophonist Daniel Rotem celebrates a CD release at Sam First near LAX. Trumpeter Elliott Caine is at the St. Barnabas Harmony Room in Eagle Rock. Pianist Bill Cantos is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Incendio is at Alvas Showroom in San Pedro. Drummer/vocalist Dave Tull is at Eddie V’s in El Segundo. Pianist Mikan Zlatkovich is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego with vocalist Amanda Portella. Bassist Baba Elefante leads a trio featuring guitarist Ron Eschete at the Paragon Cafe in Costa Mesa. Vocalist Howie Levine brings his JazzNatra show to Hawg Heaven BBQ in Pasadena. Guitarist Molly Miller is at Libretto in Paso Robles. JazzZone is at Roscoe’s Jazz Lounge in Long Beach. Jerry Costanzo & His Gotham City Swingers are at Campus Jax in Newport Beach. Saxophonist Will Donato is at Spaghettini in Seal Beach. The Aristocats are at the Olive & Fig Restaurant & Jazz Bar in Canoga Park. Saxophonist David Leech is at Pips On La Brea in West L.A. Vocalist Liela Soder is at the Chess Park Lounge in Glendale. Flutist Holly Hofmann is at the Westgate Hotel in San Diego. Pianist/vocalist Peter Smith is at the Langham Hotel Tap Room in Pasadena. The Wise Guys Big Band Machine is at the Cicada Club in downtown L.A. Vocalist Chloe Perrier is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. Vocalist Mando Cordova is at The Drake in Laguna Beach.

Sunday 4/23 – Artemis at UCSB Campbell Hall

Artemis is at UCSB Campbell Hall in Santa Barbara with Renee Rosnes on piano, Ingrid Jensen on trumpet, Alexa Tarantino on sax/flute, Nicole Glover on sax, Noriko Ueda on bass, and Allison Miller on drums. Pianist Omar Sosa and kora player Seckou Keita are at Catalina in Hollywood with percussionist Gustavo Ovalles. GENR8R is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Bassist Marshall Hawkins is at Tio Leo’s Lounge in San Diego. Trumpeter Elliott Caine is at The York in Highland Park. Drummer Michael Carvin continues his monthly Sunday afternoon residency at the El Portal Theatre Monroe Forum in North Hollywood. Pianist Tommy Gannon is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego with vocalist Andrea Miller. The CSUN Jazz Combos open for pianist Sam Hirsh’s trio and jam session at The Mint in West L.A. Trumpeter Greg Adams & East Bay Soul are at Vibrato in Bel Air. Phat Cat Swinger is at the Cicada Club in downtown L.A. Drummer/vocalist Bryan Cabrera and pianist Ron Kobayashi are at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Saxophonist/vocalist Paula Atherton is at Humphrey’s Backstage in San Diego. Saxophonist Adrian Crutchfield is at Spaghettini in Seal Beach. AFM Local 47 in Burbank does an afternoon jazz festival including groups led by bassist John Leftwich with vocalist Cathy Segal-Garcia and bassist Leslie Baker. Pianist Mike Wofford is at The Manhattan in La Jolla. Vocalist Liela Avila is at Hawg Heaven BBQ in Pasadena. Trumpeter/vocalist Matt Shulman and keyboardist Koji Ono are at the Chess Park Lounge in Glendale. Guitarist Jacques Lesure is at Lavender Blue in Inglewood. Pianist Todd Hunter has the Sunday afternoon brunch at Urban Press Winery in Burbank. The Jazz Cartel plays a brunch at Hawg Heaven BBQ in Pasadena.  Saxophonist Dave Victorino plays a brunch at Club 23 in Covina.  Vocalist Rose Colella has the early Sunday brunch at the Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach. French vocal group Paris Chansons are at Campus Jax in Newport Beach. Pianist Kat Shoemaker leads a jam session in the music of Wayne Shorter at the Jazz Lounge in San Diego.

Monday 4/24 – Andy Prado at The Baked Potato

Drummer Andy Prado is at The Baked Potato in Studio City with Paul Cornish on keys, Daniel Rodriguez on percussion, Philip Whack on sax, Colin Cook on guitar, and Derrick Elliott on bass. Very Good Mondays is at Gold-Diggers in Hollywood with keyboardist Ruslan Sirota. Pianist Irving Flores is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Saxophonist Eric Marienthal is at Spaghettini in Seal Beach with vocalist Lindsey Webster. Guitarist Jacques Lesure hosts a jam session at the Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach including drummer Marvin “Smitty” Smith. Bassist Ryan Cross’ Jazz Eclectic is at Riviera 31 at the Beverly Hills Sofitel Hotel. Pianist Mikan Zlatkovich is at Eddie V’s in San Diego. Pianist Richard Turner, Jr. is at Vicky’s Of Santa Fe in Indian Wells. Eternity Jazz is at the Chess Park Lounge in Glendale. The Hot Club of Los Angeles is at the Cinema Bar in Culver City. Trio Renaciamento is at Las Perlas in downtown L.A.

Tuesday 4/25 – Doug Webb at The Baked Potato

Saxophonist Doug Webb is at The Baked Potato in Studio City for the first of two nights (Tue-Wed) with Mitchel Forman on keys, Jamie Kime on guitar, Jimmy Earl on bass, and Danny Carey on drums.  Keyboardist Adam Hersh plays the music of Allan Holdsworth at Alvas Showroom in San Pedro.  Keyboardist Bobby Lyle is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Pianist Danny Green plays a late afternoon show at The Conrad in La Jolla. Pianist Marc LeBrun is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Percussionist Joey De Leon is at the Cana Rum Bar in downtown L.A. Keyboardist Sam Barsh is at Shoo Shoo Baby in downtown L.A. Trumpeter/vocalist Matt Shulman and keyboardist Koji Ono are at the Chess Park Lounge in Glendale. Vocalist Rose Mallett is at the Purple Room in Palm Springs. The Brig Band is at The Brig in Venice. The Jazz Town Band is at Casey’s Tavern in Canoga Park. Leanna & The Jazz Collective are at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. Vocalist Slim Man is at Vicky’s Of Santa Fe in Palm Desert. Guitarist Matthew Yeakley hosts a jazz jam at General Lee’s in Chinatown. Supasoul is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. Vocalist Keri Kelsey hosts an open mic at The Gardenia in West Hollywood. Vocalist Suzy Williams is at TRiP in Santa Monica. Chapman University’s Big Band and Jazz Combo present a concert at the Musco Center in Orange.

Wednesday 4/26 – Andrew Renfroe at Sam First

Guitarist Andrew Renfroe is at Sam First near LAX with Ben Williams on bass and Jonathan Pinson on drums. Bassist Igor Kogan is at Catalina in Hollywood. Saxophonist Doug Webb is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Vocalist Maria Schafer is at the Oeno Wine Bar in Atwater Village. Estilo y Gracia is at the Cara Hotel in Los Feliz. Vocalist Claude Hall is at The Butcher’s Daughter in West Hollywood. Jumpin Joz is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. Vocalist Lindsey Webster is at Spaghettini in Seal Beach. Trumpeter Gilbert Castellanos is at Panama 66 at the San Diego Museum Of Art. Saxophonist Jerry Mandel is at Bistango in Irvine. Drummer Tom Dante is at Skyloft in Laguna Beach. French vocal group Paris Chansons are at Vibrato in Bel Air. Vocalist Joanna Gerolaga is at Garcons de Cafe in downtown L.A.