About & Out – What’s Hot In SoCal Jazz – The Week Of May 15, 2023

SoCal jazz highlights this week include Matthew Whitaker, Joey Alexander, George Benson & Chaka Khan, Mitchel Forman, Clay Jenkins, Dave Slonaker, Oscar Hernandez, Gordon Goodwin, Clayton Cameron, Roy McCurdy, Kevin van den Elzen, Dale Fielder, Mauricio Morales, Rachel Flowers, and Jason Harnell.

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 5/15 – Dave Slonaker Big Band at The Write-Off Room

Composer/arranger Dave Slonaker’s big band is at The Write-Off Room in Studio City. Guitarist Ned Evett is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Organist Will Blades is at ETA in Highland Park. Vibraphonist Jason Taylor is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Pianist Irving Flores is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. 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. 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. Trumpeter Sarah Kramer is at the Oracle Tavern in downtown L.A.

Tuesday 5/16 – Jason Harnell Two Keyboard Quartet at The Baked Potato

Drummer Jason Harnell is at The Baked Potato in Studio City with Josh Nelson and Gary Fukushima on keys and Michael Mull on sax. Trumpeter Jens Lindemann and the Matt Catingub JazzPops Orchestra are at Catalina in Hollywood. Pianist Gerald Clayton hosts a jazz jam at Sam First near LAX. Vocalist Sharon Marie Cline is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Pianist/vocalist Davide Cerreta is at La Puglia in Santa Monica. The Angel Town Combo is at Seven Grand in downtown L.A. Trumpeter/vocalist Matt Shulman is 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. Saxophonist Justin Chart is at Macallans Public House in Brea. Guitarist Mark Leggett is at TRiP in Santa Monica.

Wednesday 5/17 – VDE Big Band at Vibrato

Drummer Kevin van den Elzen’s VDE Big Band is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Bassist Mauricio Morales is at The Paramount in East L.A. Drummer Benjamin Ring is at Sam First near LAX. Drummer Charles Ruggerio is at The Baked Potato in Studio City playing the music of Thelonious Monk. Drummer Jimmy Branly is at 1881 in Pasadena. Bassist Billy Mohler is at ETA in Highland Park. Estilo y Gracia is at the Cara Hotel in Los Feliz. Saxophonist Randal Fisher is at the Oeno Wine Bar in Atwater Village. Vocalist Lia Booth is at Garcons de Cafe in downtown L.A. Trumpeter Gilbert Castellanos is at Panama 66 at the San Diego Museum Of Art. Drummer Tom Dante is at Skyloft in Laguna Beach. Drummer Davey Miller is at Topa Topa Brewing in downtown Ventura. Jumpin Joz is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. The Flight 584 Big Band is at the Mayflower Club in North Hollywood. Producer Debra Graff’s latest online showcase for The Innocence Project includes vocalist Charlotte Pope and pianist Calli O’Doherty.

Thursday 5/18 – Clayton Cameron at The Baked Potato

Drummer Clayton Cameron is at The Baked Potato in Studio City with Andy Langham on piano, Von Bush on guitar, Edwin Livingston on bass, and Jacob Scesney on sax. Drummer Roy McCurdy is at The Muck in Fullerton. Guitarist Brad Rabuchin is at Kulak’s Woodshed in North Hollywood. Vocalist Danielle Wertz is at Sam First near LAX. Guitarist Pat Kelley is at Libretto in Paso Robles. The Echo Park Project is at Catalina in Hollywood. Vocalist Patrick Barnitt is at the Cascade Lounge in Palm Springs. Vocalist Catte Adams is at The Merc in Temecula. Bassist Sean Riddle is at The Grape in Ventura. Vocalist Maria de la Vega & The Wayward Five are at Seven Grand in downtown L.A. Vocalist Marina Pacowski and pianist Josh Nelson perform an evening of French songs at the Philosophical Research Society in Los Feliz. Vocalist Terrell Edwards is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Drummer/vocalist Bryan Cabrera is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Keyboardist/vocalist Kirk Covington is at Eddie V’s in El Segundo. 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. 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. JazzZone hosts its latest Living Legends afternoon awards show at The Barbara Morrison Performing Arts Center (TBMPAC) in South L.A. with honorees including bassist Jennifer Leitham.

Friday 5/19 – Joey Alexander at the Barclay Theatre

Pianist Joey Alexander is at the Barclay Theatre in Irvine. Keyboardist Mitchel Forman is at The Baked Potato in Studio City with Alex Sill on guitar, Travis Carlton on bass, Lenny Castro on percussion, and Simon Phillips on drums. Trumpeter Clay Jenkins is at Sam First near LAX for the first of two nights (Fri-Sat). Pianist Oscar Hernandez & Alma Libre have the free Friday jazz show at LACMA in west L.A. Keyboardist Rachel Flowers is at Alvas Showroom in San Pedro. Pianist Benny Green is at Libretto in Paso Robles. Vocalist Jane Monheit is at the Purple Room in Palm Springs. Bruns & Bache are at Catalina in Hollywood. Big Bad Voodoo Daddy is at the Cerritos Center For Performing Arts. Drummer Tosin Aribisala is at The World Stage in South L.A. Vocalist Hailey Reinhart is at the Montclair Canyon. Keyboardist Lao Tizer is at The Grape in Ventura. Vocalist Natalie Jacob is at Papille Gustative in Santa Monica. Pianist Melonie Grinnell is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Trumpeter Greg Solman is at Azo Vino in Covina. Guitarist Robby Krieger & The Soul Savages are at Seven Grand in downtown L.A. Vocalist Janice Anderson is at the Canyon Bistro in Topanga. Vocalist Maria de la Vega & The Wayward Five are at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Mojo Repair Shop is at Golden Island in San Diego. Trumpeter Alan Satchwell is at Lost Chord Guitars in Solvang. 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. Pianist Chris Dawson is at the Langham Hotel Tap Room in Pasadena. The Cookies are at Vibrato in Bel Air. The Santa Monica College Jazz Vocal Ensemble is at The Broad Stage in Santa Monica. Tha Saddleback College Big Band is at the McKinney Theatre in Mission Viejo.

Saturday 5/20 – George Benson & Chaka Khan at the LA County Fair

Guitarist/vocalist George Benson and vocalist Chaka Khan are at the LA County Fair in Pomona. Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band is at Catalina in Hollywood. Saxophonist Dale Fielder records a live CD at Alvas Showroom in San Pedro. Keyboardist Don Randi is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Trumpeter Dan Rosenboom is at Libretto in Paso Robles. Vocalist Judy Wexler is at The Grape in Ventura. Trumpeter Clay Jenkins is at Sam First near LAX. Big Bad Voodoo Daddy is at the Libbey Bowl in Santa Barbara. Pianist/vocalist Bill Cantos is at Vibrato in Bel Air. The Jazz Cartel is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Guitarist JJ Sansaverino is at Spaghettini in Seal Beach. Vocalist Howie Levine’s JazzNatra is at Hawg Heaven BBQ in Pasadena. Pianist Mikan Zlatkovich is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego with vocalist Daneen Wilburn. 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 David Arnay is at the Langham Hotel Tap Room in Pasadena. JazzZone is at Roscoe’s Jazz Lounge in Long Beach.

Sunday 5/21 – Matthew Whitaker at the Ace Hotel Theatre

Pianist Matthew Whitaker is at the Ace Hotel Theatre in downtown L.A. Drummer Thomas Pridgen is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Keyboardist John Tesh leads a big band at Campus Jax in Newport Beach. Saxophonist Brian Levy and trumpeter Gilbert Castellanos play the music of John Coltrane and Miles Davis at Dizzy’s in San Diego. Pianist Ed Vodicka is at Catalina in Hollywood. Trumpeter Elliott Caine is at The York in Highland Park. Pianist Sam Hirsh’s trio leads a jam session at The Mint in West L.A. JazzZone is at Roscoe’s Jazz Lounge in Long Beach with percussionist Don Littleton. Vocalist/pianist Yve Evans is at Tio Leo’s Lounge in San Diego. Drummer Bryan Cabrera is at The Drake in Laguna Beach with keyboardist Ron Kobayashi. Vocalist Douglas Roegiers is at the Cicada Club in downtown L.A. Keyboardist/vocalist Freddie Ravel is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Keyboardist Nathan Mitchell is at Spaghettini in Seal Beach. Pianist Mike Wofford is at The Manhattan in La Jolla. Vocalist Liela Avila is at Hawg Heaven BBQ in Pasadena. Trumpeter/vocalist Matt Shulman is at the Chess Park Lounge in Glendale. Guitarist Jacques Lesure is at Lavender Blue in Inglewood. Vocalist Liz Cole has the Sunday afternoon brunch at Urban Press Winery in Burbank. The Jazz Cartel plays a brunch at Hawg Heaven BBQ in Pasadena.  Guitarist Sam Shepherd plays an afternoon jazz brunch at Jack’s in Dana Point.  Vocalist Patrisha Thomson does a brunch at Cafe Laurent in Culver City.   Slide FX has the early Sunday brunch at the Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach.

Monday 5/22 – Andy Prado, Jr. & Friends at The Baked Potato

Drummer Andy Prado, Jr. is at The Baked Potato in Studio City with Cameron Graves on keys, Kyle Zimmerman on sax, Andy Waddell on guitar, Yosmel Montejo on bass, and Ollie Lopez on percussion.   Saxophonist Eric Marienthal is at Spaghettini in Seal Beach with pianist David Benoit. Pianist/vocalist Ray Briz is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. 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. 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. Very Good Mondays is at Gold-Diggers in Hollywood. The Santa Monica College Jazz Ensemble is at the SMC Music Hall.  The El Camino College Studio Jazz Big Band is at the Marsee Auditorium in Torrance.  The United States Air Force Band Of The Golden West is at the Barclay Theatre in Irvine.

Tuesday 5/23 – Azar Lawrence Experience at The Mint

Saxophonist Azar Lawrence is at The Mint in West L.A. with Lynne Fiddmont on vocals, Dale Williams on guitar, Miguel Alvidrez on bass, Chris Lowery on trumpet, Wes Lowery on drums, Robert Turner on keys, and David Leach on percussion.  Keyboardist Sam Barsh is at Shoo Shoo Baby in downtown L.A. with Benny Bloom on trumpet and Tony Austin on drums. Guitarist Dean Grech is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Pianist Tommy Gannon is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Vocalist Jerry Sharell is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Keyboardist/vocalist Tim Hockenberry is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Percussionist Joey De Leon is at Cana Rum Bar in downtown L.A. Trumpeter/vocalist Matt Shulman is 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. Saxophonist Justin Chart is at Macallans Public House in Brea.

Wednesday 5/24 – Groove Legacy at The Baked Potato

Groove Legacy is at The Baked Potato in Studio City with Paulie Cerra on sax/vocals, Ido Meshulam on trombone, Sam Meek on guitar, Billy Steinway on keys, Travis Carlton on bass, and Gary Novak on drums. Guitarist/vocalist Marcel Camargo and vocalist Jessica Vautor are at Sam First near LAX. Drummer Jimmy Branly is at 1881 in Pasadena. Saxophonist Eric Letta and vocalist Leah Ashton host the fifth anniversary of Wednesday night jazz at Oeno Wine Bar in Atwater Village. Estilo y Gracia is at the Cara Hotel in Los Feliz. 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. Drummer Davey Miller is at Topa Topa Brewing in downtown Ventura. Vocalist Staci Griesbach is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Guitarist Danny Anaya is at Garcons de Cafe in downtown L.A. Stixx Soul is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena.