About & Out – What’s Hot In SoCal Jazz – The Week Of May 22, 2023

May winds down with a SoCal jazz week including John Daversa, Jane Monheit, Azar Lawrence, Los Angeles Jazz Quartet, Dwight Trible, New West Guitar Trio, Jon Mayer, Jimmy Branly, Mon David, Andy Prado, Jr., Groove Legacy, and the LA Jazz Institute’s three-day weekend tribute to Stan Kenton.

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 5/22 – 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. Mandolinist Eva Scow and pianist Vardan Ovsepian celebrate birthdays at the Tavern On Brand in Glendale. Saxophonist Terrace Martin is at ETA in Highland Park. 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. Pianist Matt Politano leads a breakfast jazz trio at Jones Coffee Roasters in Pasadena.

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 Terrace Martin is at ETA in Highland Park. 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. The El Camino College Concert Jazz Band is at the Marsee Auditorium in Torrance.

Thursday 5/25 – New West Guitar Trio at The Muck

The New West Guitar Trio is at The Muck in Fullerton. Pianist Jon Mayer is at Sam First near LAX. Saxophonist Rickey Woodard is at The Grape in Ventura. Trumpeter John Daversa’s Progressive Big Band opens a four-night (Thu-Sun) run at The Baked Potato in Studio City. The SoCal Jazz Collective is at Catalina in Hollywood. Vocalist Christine Guter and pianist Josh Nelson are at Kulak’s Woodshed in North Hollywood. Vocalist Maria Schafer is at Campus Jax in Newport Beach. Pianist David Benoit is at Spaghettini in Seal Beach. The Hollywood Film Noirchestra plays the music of Henry Mancini at the Cascade Lounge in Palm Springs. Pianist Raymond De Felitta is at The Merc in Temecula. Pianist Nicole Zuraitis is at Libretto in Paso Robles. MaQui is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Keyboardist/vocalist Kirk Covington is at Eddie V’s in El Segundo. 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.

Friday 5/26 – Jane Monheit at Catalina

Vocalist Jane Monheit opens a two-night (Fri-Sat) run of Brazilian music at Catalina in Hollywood with Max Haymer on piano, Karl McComas-Reichl on bass, Rick Montalbano on drums, and Kevin Winard on percussion. The Los Angeles Jazz Quartet is at Sam First near LAX. Trumpeter John Daversa’s Progressive Big Band is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Vocalist Dwight Trible has the free Friday jazz show at LACMA in West L.A. Pianist Joshua White plays the music of Harold Arlen at the La Jolla Community Center. Vocalist Sacha Boutros is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego with pianist Melonie Grinnell.  Keyboardist Brandon Coleman is at ETA in Highland Park.  Sisters Ann Hampton Callaway and Liz Callaway begin a three-night (Fri-Sun) run at the Purple Room in Palm Springs. Pianist Nick Smith is at The Grape in Ventura. Vocalist Brenna Whitaker is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Vocalist Nancy Sanchez is at the St. Barnabas Harmony Room in Eagle Rock. Trumpeter Ron King is at the Canyon Bistro in Topanga. Pianist Mikan Zlatkovich is at Golden Island in San Diego. Saxophonist Dave Victorino 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. Pianist Valentina Shelton is at the Langham Hotel Tap Room in Pasadena.  Saxophonist Justin Chart is at Papille Gustative in Santa Monica.  The LA jazz Institute begins a three-day tribute to Stan Kenton at the Sheraton Four Points LAX.

Saturday 5/27 – Los Angeles Jazz Quartet at Sam First

The Los Angeles Jazz Quartet is at Sam First near LAX for the second of two nights (Fri-Sat) with Chuck Manning on sax, Darek Oles on bass, Jason Harnell on drums, and Theo Saunders on piano. Vocalist Jane Monheit is at Catalina in Hollywood. Trumpeter John Daversa’s Progressive Big Band is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Vocalist Mon David is at the St. Barnabas Harmony Room in Eagle Rock. Vocalist Luke Carlsen & The Fresh Rhythm are at Vibrato in Bel Air. Sisters Ann Hampton Callaway and Liz Callaway are at the Purple Room in Palm Springs. Drummer/vocalist Tony Jones and pianist/vocalist Peggy Duquesnel are at the Alhambra Performing Arts Center. Pianist Mikan Zlatkovich is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego with vocalist Amanda Portela. 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 Gary Matsumoto is at the Langham Hotel Tap Room in Pasadena. Jumpin Joz is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. Jerry Costanzo & His Gotham City Swingers are at the Cicada Club in downtown L.A. The SLO Vibes Trio is at Libretto in Paso Robles.  The LA Jazz Institute continues its three-day tribute to Stan Kenton at the Sheraton Four Points LAX.

Sunday 5/28 – John Daversa Progressive Big Band at The Baked Potato

Trumpeter/EVI player John Daversa’s Progressive Big Band is at The Baked Potato in Studio City for the final of four nights (Thu-Sun). Drummer Jeff Hamilton is at Libretto in Paso Robles. Guitarist Thom Rotella plays an afternoon show at the Beatrice Wood Center For The Arts in Ojai. Sisters Ann Hampton Callaway and Liz Callaway are at the Purple Room in Palm Springs. Guitarist Riner Scivally is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. Trumpeter Julien Knowles is at The York in Highland Park. Vocalist Lorraina Marro is at La Puglia in Santa Monica. Guitarist Peter Sprague plays the music of John Coltrane at Tio Leo’s Lounge in San Diego. Organists Gregg Karukas and Carey Frank are at the Jazz Lounge in San Diego.  Drummer Jonah Shin opens for pianist Sam Hirsh’s trio and jam session at The Mint in West L.A.  Phat Cat Swinger is at Campus Jax in Newport Beach. Vocalist Andrea Miller is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. JazzZone is at Roscoe’s Jazz Lounge in Long 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 Phillip DeLeon 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. Saxophonist Louis Van Taylor has the early Sunday brunch at the Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach.  The LA Jazz Institute concludes its three-day tribute to Stan Kenton at the Sheraton Four Points LAX.

Monday 5/29 – Hadrien Feraud at The Baked Potato

Bassist Hadrien Feraud is at The Baked Potato in Studio City with keyboardist Frank McComb and drummer Joel Tate.  Saxophonist Daniel Rotem is at ETA in Highland Park.  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.

Tuesday 5/30 – Ben Goldberg + Miller Wrenn at Oracle Tavern

Clarinetist Ben Goldberg and bassist Miller Wrenn split a bill at Oracle Tavern in Silverlake, with Cohen joined by Bobby Bradford on trumpet, Greg Cohen on bass, and Billy Mintz on drums, with Wrenn’s set featuring Lauren Elizabeth Baba on viola and Clint Dodson on percussion.  Bassist Benny Rietveld is at The Baked Potato in Studio City.  Pianist Gerald Clayton hosts the Tuesday jam session at Sam First near LAX. Clarinetist Ben Goldberg and bassist Miller Wrenn split a bill at Oracle Tavern in Silverlake. Pianist Mike Wofford is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Pianist/vocalist Yve Evans is at Eddie V’s in Palm Desert. Strada Swing is at La Puglia in Santa Monica. 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. The M.O.B. Jazz Quintet is at SOhO in Santa Barbara.   Teryn Re’ leads the El Camino College Vocal Jazz Ensemble at the Haag Recital Hall in Torrance.

Wednesday 5/31 – Danny Janklow Elevation Band at The Baked Potato

Saxophonist Danny Janklow is at The Baked Potato in Studio City with Julius Rodriguez on keys, Andrew Renfroe on guitar, Luca Alemanno on bass, and Jonathan Pinson on drums. Drummer Jimmy Branly is at 1881 in Pasadena.  Guitarist Jim Fox is at The Grape in Ventura. Guitarist David Eastlee is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. Pianist/vocalist Yve Evans is at Eddie V’s in Palm Desert. Vocalist Leanna Rodgers is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Vocalist Natalie Hanna Mendoza is at Garcons de Cafe in downtown L.A. Vocalist Donna Greene is at Cafe Fiore in Ventura. Trumpeter Jake Petmecky is at the Oeno Wine Bar in Atwater Village. 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.