About & Out – What’s Hot In SoCal Jazz – The Week Of July 3, 2023

SoCal jazz highlights this week include Azar Lawrence, SRT, Banned From Utopia, Kenny Washington, Jason Harnell, Graham Dechter & Alex Frank, Devin Daniels, Marina Pacowski, Cathlene Pineda & Kris Tiner, Miro Sprague, Pedro Martins with Genevieve Artadi, Karinna Corradini, and the opening week of the annual Jazz In The Pines Festival in Idyllwild.

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 7/3 – Graham Dechter and Alex Frank at The Baked Potato

Guitarist Graham Dechter and bassist Alex Frank lead a quintet at The Baked Potato in Studio City featuring Joe La Barbera on drums, Josh Nelson on keys, and Ralph Moore on sax. Guitarist Jacques Lesure hosts a jam session at the Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach including drummer Marvin “Smitty” Smith. Thruster with bassist Kaveh Rastegar is at ETA in Highland Park. 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. Trio Renaciamento is at Las Perlas in downtown L.A. Very Good Mondays is at Gold-Diggers in Hollywood. Drummer Arman Jalalyan is at the Chess Park Lounge in Glendale. Pianist Tommy Gannon is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego.

Tuesday 7/4 – Ian Roller at The Baked Potato

Saxophonist Ian Roller is at The Baked Potato in Studio City with Joshua de la Victoria on guitar, Brogan Dutcher on bass, and Forrest Rice on drums. Guitarist Shea Welsh and vocalist Hope Diamond are at TRiP in Santa Monica. The Euphoria Brass Band plays an afternoon show at Ferro in Idyllwild, followed by an evening performance from bassist Marshall Hawkins. Trumpeter/vocalist Matt Shulman is at the Chess Park Lounge in Glendale. The Brig Band is at The Brig in Venice. Leanna & The Jazz Collective are at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. Guitarist Matthew Yeakley hosts a jazz jam at General Lee’s in Chinatown. Supasoul is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. Pianist Matt Politano leads a breakfast jazz trio at Jones Coffee Roasters in Pasadena.

Wednesday 7/5 – Banned From Utopia at The Baked Potato

Banned From Utopia featuring multiple original members of Frank Zappa’s bands begin a two-night (Wed-Thu) run at The Baked Potato in Studio City with Ray White on guitar/vocals, Robert Martin on sax/keys/vocals, Scott Thunes on bass, Chad Wackerman on drums, plus guitarists Jamie Kime and Robbie Mangano. Pianist Cathlene Pineda and trumpeter Kris Tiner are at Kulak’s Woodshed in North Hollywood. Trumpeter Julien Knowles is at Sam First near LAX. Vocalist Anne Walsh and pianist Tom Zink are at Vibrato in Bel Air.  Bassist Edwin Livingston is at Seven Nineteen By GS in South L.A.  Pianist/vocalist John Proulx is at the Festival Of Arts in Laguna Beach. Vocalist Leonard Patton is at the Jazz Lounge in San Diego with trumpeter Curtis Taylor. Guitarist Adam Moezinia is at The Grape in Ventura. Keyboardist/vocalist Adam Ledbetter is at Seven Nineteen By GS in South L.A. Drummer/vocalist Dave Tull is at The Creekstone in Idyllwild.  Vocalist Lisa Andrea Torres is at Garcons de Cafe in downtown L.A. 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. Eternity Jazz is at the Chess Park Lounge in Glendale. Jumpin Joz is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. The Flight 584 Big Band is at the Mayflower Club in North Hollywood.  Saxophonist Robert Kyle and guitarist Riner Scivally are at Roe Seafood in Long Beach.  Grex is at the Oracle Tavern in Silverlake with saxophonist Vinny Golia.

Thursday 7/6 – Devin Daniels at Sam First

Saxophonist Devin Daniels is at Sam First near LAX for an evening of video game music with Julien Knowles on trumpet, Paul Cornish on keyboards, Jon Hatamiya on trombone, Logan Kane on bass, and Myles Martin on drums. Vocalist Marina Pacowski and guitarist Larry Koonse are at the Philosophical Research Society in Los Feliz.  Katalyst is at the Miracle Theater in Inglewood.  Banned From Utopia is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Bassist John Leftwich leads a night of Brazilian music at Kulak’s Woodshed in North Hollywood. Trumpeter Tony Guerrero and pianist Jeremy Siskind are at Campus Jax in Newport Beach. Guitarist Kleber Jorge is at the Festival Of Arts in Laguna Beach. Pianist Joshua White is at The Merc in Temecula. Pianist Carey Frank is at Libretto in Paso Robles. Vocalist Aaron Akins is at Catalina in Hollywood singing the music of Nat King Cole. The SicNarf big band is at The Grape in Ventura. Saxophonist Bill Ungerman is at Seven Grand in downtown L.A. Guitarist Adam Moezinia is at the Cascade Lounge in Palm Springs. Vocalist Elaine Gibbs is at Vibrato in Bel Air. 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. Keyboardist Michael Ragonese hosts a jam at the Rhythm Room in downtown L.A. Pianist Max Greenburg is at the Langham Hotel Tap Room in Pasadena. Vocalist Maria De La Vega & The Wayward Five are at Ocean Prime in Beverly Hills. 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. Vocalist Roman Palacios is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego.  Violinist Susie Hansen plays at Carolyn Rosas County Park in Rowland Heights.

Friday 7/7 – Azar Lawrence Experience at LACMA

Saxophonist Azar Lawrence has the free Friday jazz show at LACMA in West L.A. with Lynne Fiddmont on vocals, Dale Williams on guitar, Miguel Alvidrez on bass, Chris Lowery on trumpet, Khalem Salaam on drums, Robert Turner on keys, David Leach on percussion, and Quinn Carson on trombone.  Pianist Miro Sprague leads a trio at The Grape in Ventura. Guitarist Fabiano do Nascimento and percussionist Tiki Pasillas are at Sam First near LAX. Keyboardist Lao Tizer is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Keyboardist David Garfield is at Vibrato in Bel Air. The Page One Band is at The World Stage in South L.A. Pianist Sabine Pothier is at the St. Barnabas Harmony Room in Eagle Rock. Pianist/vocalist John Proulx and bassist Mike Gurrola are at Kulak’s Woodshed in North Hollywood.  Trumpeter Gilbert Castellanos is at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar Hotel in San Diego.  Trumpeter Ron King is at the Canyon Bistro in Topanga. Pianist Melonie Grinnell is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Vocalist Cheryl Barnes is at Matt Denny’s Ale House in Arcadia. Vocalist Natalie Jacob is at Papille Gustative in Santa Monica. Trumpeter/vocalist Johnny Britt is at Catalina in Hollywood. Violinist Damien Escobar is at the Hyatt Regency in Newport Beach. The Catalina Combo is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. Saxophonist Dan St. Marseille is at the Middle Ridge Winery in Idyllwild. Pianist Roy Dunlap is at Libretto in Paso Robles. 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. Drummer Mark San Filippo is at the Barkley Restaurant in South Pasadena. Pianist/vocalist Peter Smith is at the Langham Hotel Tap Room in Pasadena. Pianist Bruce Baker is at the Shade Hotel Sea Level Restaurant in Redondo Beach. Lizzy & Her Contraband are at the Cicada Club in downtown L.A. Vocalist Mando Cordova is at The Drake in Laguna Beach.   Pianist Allen Takatsuka is at the Zinc Cafe & Market in Laguna Beach.  The Rubin Brothers are at Golden Island in San Diego.

Saturday 7/8 – SRT at Catalina

SRT is at Catalina in Hollywood with John “J.R.” Robinson on drums, Andrew Synowiec on guitar, Mitch Towne on keys, and guest saxophonist Tom Scott. Vocalist Kenny Washington is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Guitarist Pedro Martins is at Sam First near LAX with a band including vocalist Genevieve Artadi. Vocalist Karina Corradini is at the St. Barnabas Harmony Room in Eagle Rock. Trumpeter John Daversa plays a big band show at the William M. Lowman Concert Hall in Idyllwild. MAETAR is at Corazon Performing Arts in Topanga. The Soto Six play the music of the Jazz Crusaders at Dizzy’s in San Diego. Trumpeter Greg Adams & East Bay Soul have the afternoon show at the Festival Of Arts in Laguna Beach, followed by an evening performance from vocalist Anne Walsh. Down To The Bone is at Spaghettini in Seal Beach. Saxophonist Nick Gomez is at Collage in San Pedro. Drummer/vocalist Dave Tull is at Eddie V’s in El Segundo. The Jazz Cartel is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Guitarist Allen Hinds is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Ella Swings is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. Guitarist Doug MacDonald is at Eddie V’s in Palm Desert. Bassist Marshall Hawkins plays an afternoon show at the Middle Ridge Winery in Idyllwild. Saxophonist Gerald Albright and guitarist Jonathan Butler are at the Thornton Winery in Temecula. Trumpeter/vocalist Mahealane is at Libretto in Paso Robles. Pianist Mikan Zlatkovich is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego with vocalist Amanda Portella. 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. Flutist Holly Hofmann is at the Westgate Hotel in San Diego. Pianist Gary Matsumoto is at the Langham Hotel Tap Room in Pasadena. Pianist Bruce Baker is at the Shade Hotel Sea Level Restaurant in Redondo Beach. Pianist/vocalist Yve Evans plays an early afternoon show at Harvey House in Idyllwild.

Sunday 7/9 – Jason Harnell at The Baked Potato

Drummer Jason Harnell’s Ithaca Trio is at The Baked Potato in Studio City with Adam Benjamin on keys and Storm Nilson on guitar. The Corbin Jones Big Band opens for pianist Sam Hirsh’s trio and jam session at The Mint in West L.A. Pianist Mikan Zlatkovich plays the music of Ahmad Jamal at Tio Leo’s Lounge in San Diego. Keyboardist Don Randi & Quest are at SOhO in Santa Barbara.  Drummer Dean Mucetti & Rhythm Real are at Bar Bandini in Echo Park. JazzZone is at Roscoe’s Jazz Lounge in Long Beach. Vocalist Mindy Austin is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. Saxophonist Greg Vail and guitarist/vocalist Rick White are at Campus Jax in Newport Beach. Bassist Darryl Williams is at Humphrey’s Backstage in San Diego. Vocalist Jasmine Tommaso is at the Playhouse Village Park in Pasadena. 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. Pianist Robert Turner is at the Langham Hotel Tap Room in Pasadena.  Pianist Allen Takatsuka is at the Zinc Cafe & Market in Laguna Beach.  Vocalist Marina Pacowski 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 Nick Gomez has the early Sunday brunch at the Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach. Vocalist Rose Colella does an afternoon show at the Middle Ridge Winery in Idyllwild. Drummer Don Littleton does a brunch at My Father’s Barbeque in Carson.  Vocalist Patrisha Thomson and pianist Steve Rawlins play a brunch at Cafe Laurent in Culver City.   Pianist Alexander Anderson plays a brunch at Strada in downtown L.A.

Monday 7/10 – Geoff Stradling StradBand at The Write-Off Room

Pianist Geoff Stradling leads his StradBand big band at The Write-Off Room in Studio City. Drummer Joel Taylor is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. 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. Trio Renacimiento is at Las Perlas in downtown L.A. Drummer Arman Jalalyan is at the Chess Park Lounge in Glendale. Guitarist Ken Song is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. Vocalist Grace Fae & The Grandbirds are at Crown City Dance in Pasadena. Pianist Tommy Gannon is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. The Laguna Community Jazz Band is at the Festival Of Arts in Laguna Beach.

Tuesday 7/11 – Shelley Berg at Bistango

Pianist Shelley Berg is at Bistango in Irvine featuring saxophonist Rickey Woodard along with Lyman Medeiros on bass and Kevin Kanner on drums. Groove Legacy is at The Baked Potato in Studio City.  Vocalist Gina Kronstadt is at Vibrato in Bel Air.  Guitarist Jeff Parker is at 2220 Arts+Archives in downtown L.A.  Bassist Ryan Roberts helps lead a benefit for vibraphonist Nick Mancini at TRiP in Santa Monica.  Vocalist Michelle Coltrane is at La Puglia in Santa Monica.  Saxophonist David Binney leads the Tuesday jazz jam at Sam First near LAX.  Vocalist Andrea Miller is at The Drake in Laguna Beach.  Bassist Marshall Hawkins is at Ferro in Idyllwild. Pianist Ron Kobayashi is at the Grand Idyllwild Lodge in Idyllwild. Pinot Noir is at Seven Grand in downtown L.A. Pianist Tommy Gannon is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. 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. 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.  Pianist Matt Politano leads a breakfast jazz trio at Jones Coffee Roasters in Pasadena.

Wednesday 7/12 – Sasha Berliner at Sam First

Vibraphonist Sasha Berliner is at Sam First near LAX with Nicole McCabe on sax, Paul Cornish on piano, Billy Mohler on bass, and Anthony Fung on drums. Keyboardist Scott Kinsey is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Trombonist Richie Rosenberg and keyboardist Scott Healy lead a big band at Vibrato in Bel Air with vocalist LC Powell. Phi-Psonics is at Zebulon in Silverlake.  Drummer Jimmy Branly is at 1881 in Pasadena.  Drummer Ben Scholz leads a trio at The Grape in Ventura including pianist Bill Cunliffe.  Saxophonist Tristan Cappell is at the Oeno Wine Bar in Atwater Village.  Guitarist David Eastlee is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. Keyboardist Scott Wilkie is at the Festival Of Arts in Laguna Beach. Saxophonist Greg Vail is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. 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. Vocalist Scott Johnson is at Garcons de Cafe in downtown L.A.