About & Out – What’s Hot In SoCal Jazz – The Week Of July 24, 2023

The Hollywood Bowl’s 90th Birthday Celebration for Quincy Jones headlines a SoCal jazz week including Diane Reeves, the Sun Ra Arkestra, Ibrahim Maalouf & Angelique Kidjo, Harold Lopez-Nussa, Bill Cunliffe, Kathleen Grace & Josh Nelson, Roy McCurdy, Clayton Cameron, Charles Owens, the Pan Afrikan Peoples Arkestra, Jackie Ryan, Kait Dunton & Andrew Synowiec, Sullivan Fortner, Judy Wexler & Chris Blondal, Don Littleton, and Andy Prado.

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 7/24 – Sun Ra Arkestra at Zebulon

The Sun Ra Arkestra is at Zebulon in Silverlake for the first of two nights (Mon-Tue). Pianist Sullivan Fortner is at the Athenaeum Library in La Jolla. Drummer Andy Prado is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. The Adam Zilberman Big Band opens for the Tom Kubis Big Band at the Gaslamp in Long Beach. Percussionist Poncho Sanchez is at Spaghettini in Seal Beach. Vocalist Angela O’Neill & The Outrageous 8 are at The Write-Off Room in Studio City. Trumpeter Nate Birkey is at SOhO in Santa Barbara. Guitarist Dean Grech is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. 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. Pianist Tommy Gannon is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego.

Tuesday 7/25 – Kathleen Grace & Josh Nelson at Kulak’s Woodshed

Vocalist Kathleen Grace and pianist Josh Nelson are at Kulak’s Woodshed in North Hollywood with bassist Karl McComas Reichl. Vocalist Jackie Ryan is at Bistango in Irvine with pianist Bill Cunliffe and trumpeter Kye Palmer. The Sun Ra Arkestra is at Zebulon in Silverlake. Percussionist Tito Puente, Jr. is at Venice West in Venice.  Organist Carey Frank is at Verse LA in Toluca Lake.  Saxophonist Dennis Mitcheltree is at TRiP in Santa Monica. Vocalist Courtney Lemmon is at La Puglia in Santa Monica. The Irvine Barclay Theatre Jazz Band is at The Drake in Laguna Beach with vocalist Crystal Clulee. Guitarist Terry Wollman is at the Festival of Arts in Laguna Beach. Pianist/vocalist Yve Evans is at Eddie V’s in Palm Desert.  Trombonist Matt Hall is at Seven Grand in San Diego.  The Brig Band is at The Brig in Venice. The Jazz Town Band is at Casey’s Tavern in Canoga Park. 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. The Baked Potato in Studio City hosts a four-act Showcase Night.

Wednesday 7/26 – Bill Cunliffe at Sam First

Pianist Bill Cunliffe is at Sam First near LAX with Mike Gurrola on bass and Mark Ferber on drums. Saxophonist Danny Janklow is at the Baked Potato in Studio City. Percussionist Tito Puente, Jr. is at Bogie’s in Westlake Village. Vocal group Fish To Birds is at the St. Barnabas Harmony Room in Eagle Rock. Vocalist Teryn Re is at the Oeno Wine Bar in Atwater Village. Drummer Adam Clark is at The Grape in Ventura with saxophonist Doug Webb. Pianist/vocalist Yve Evans is at Eddie V’s in Palm Desert. Saxophonist Greg Vail is at The Drake in Laguna Beach.  Saxophonist Nicole McCabe is at ETA in Highland Park.  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 Karine Da Silva is at Garcons de Cafe in downtown L.A. French vocal group Paris Chansons is at Vibrato in Bel Air.  Pianist Centgiz Yaltkaya and bassist Sherry Luchette are at the Tower Bar in West Hollywood.  Producer Debra Graff’s latest livestream to benefit The Innocence Project includes guitarists Dori Amarillo and Angelo Metz.

Thursday 7/27 – Ibrahim Maalouf & Angelique Kidjo at The Grammy Museum

Trumpeter Ibrahim Maalouf is at the Grammy Museum in downtown Los Angeles with vocalist Angelique Kidjo. Pianist Harold Lopez-Nussa is at the Athenaeum Library in La Jolla. Organist Carey Frank is at Sam First near LAX. Drummer Michael Barsimanto is at the St. Barnabas Harmony Room in Eagle Rock. Bassist Will Lyle celebrates a CD release at Campus Jax in Newport Beach. Quarteto Nuevo is at The Muck in Fullerton. Keyboardist Rachel Flowers is at The Grape in Ventura. Trumpeter Skip Spiro’s Little Big Band is at The Mint in West L.A. Vocalist Sharon Rae North is at Catalina in Hollywood. Trumpeter Gilbert Castellanos is at Casa Romantica in San Clemente.  Guitarist Will Brahm is at The York in Highland Park.  Vocalist Spencer Day is at the Festival Of Arts in Laguna Beach. Vocalist Amanda Castro is at the Cascade Lounge in Palm Springs. Vocalist Cheryl Barnes is at The Merc in Temecula.  Guitarist/vocalist Rafael Moreira is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. 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. Vocalist Andrea Miller is at Sebastiani’s in Huntington Beach. Keyboardist Michael Ragonese hosts a jam at the Rhythm Room in downtown L.A. Pianist Mike Greenwood is at the Langham Hotel Tap Room in Pasadena. Vocalist Gretje Angell & 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. Rumproller is at Seven Grand in downtown L.A.

Friday 7/28 – Quincy Jones 90th Birthday Celebration at The Hollywood Bowl

Producer/arranger Quincy Jones’ 90th birthday is honored with a two-day (Fri-Sat) tribute at the Hollywood Bowl with guest artists including Patti Austin, Siedah Garrett, Alfredo Rodriguez, Shelea, and more. Saxophonist Charles Owens is at The World Stage in South L.A. Keyboardist Kait Dunton and guitarist Andrew Synowiec lead a group at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Bassist Billy Mohler is at Sam First near LAX. Violinist/vocalist Leah Zeger fronts a gypsy jazz group at Bacchus’ Kitchen in Pasadena. Saxophonist Christopher Hollyday plays the music of Bud Powell at the La Jolla Community Center in La Jolla. Pianist Max Haymer is at The Grape in Ventura.  Vocalist Brenna Whitaker is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Vocalist Darynn Dean has the free Friday show at LACMA in West L.A. Vocalists Josephine Beavers and Howard Hewett are at Catalina in Hollywood. Vocalist Susan Krebs is at the Canyon Bistro in Topanga. The New Perspective Trio is at Dizzy’s in San Diego.  Saxophonist Nicole McCabe is at The Stowaway in downtown L.A.  The Swingin’ Gypsies are at Golden Island in San Diego. Vocalist Veronique Forget is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Vocalist Natalie Jacob at Papille Gustative in Santa Monica. 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 Aaron Provisor is at the Langham Hotel Tap Room in Pasadena. Pianist Bruce Baker is at the Shade Hotel Sea Level Restaurant in Redondo Beach. Pianist Allen Takatsuka is at the Zinc Cafe & Market in Laguna Beach. Guitarist Michael Paik is at the Chess Park Lounge in Glendale. The Catalina Combo is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. Pianist Zachary Provost is at Eddie V’s in El Segundo.  Keyboardist Zach Tenorio is at ETA in Highland Park.  Vocalists Matt Forbes and Patrick Barnitt are at the Dresden Room in Los Feliz.  Pianist Sabine Pothier plays an afternoon set at Jones Coffee Roasters in Pasadena.

Saturday 7/29 – Diane Reeves at Ventura College Performing Arts Center

Vocalist Diane Reeves is at the Ventura College Performing Arts Center in Ventura, backed by Edward Simon on piano, Reuben Rogers on bass, and Terreon Gully on drums. Drummer Roy McCurdy is at Sam First near LAX. Drummer Clayton Cameron is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. The Pan Afrikan Peoples Arkestra is at 2220 Arts + Archives in downtown L.A. Vocalist Judy Wexler and drummer Chris Blondal are at the St. Barnabas Harmony Room in Eagle Rock. Producer/arranger Quincy Jones’ 90th birthday is honored with a two-day (Fri-Sat) tribute at the Hollywood Bowl with guest artists including Patti Austin, Siedah Garrett, Alfredo Rodriguez, Shelea, and more. Pianist Edward Gabrielyan is at Dizzy’s in San Diego. The New Perspective Trio is at the Jazz Lounge in San Diego. Trumpeter Greg Adams & East Bay Soul are at Spaghettini in Seal Beach. Bassist Rob Thorsen is at Libretto in Paso Robles. The Fabulous Esquires are at the Cicada Club in downtown L.A. JazzZone is at Roscoe’s Jazz Lounge in Long Beach. Ella Swings is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. Guitarist Michael Paik is at the Chess Park Lounge in Glendale. Holy Crow is at Hawg Heaven BBQ in Glendale. Pianist Marc LeBrun is at Eddie V’s in El Segundo. SitaraSon has the free Saturday Latin show at Hancock Park in West L.A. Pianist Mikan Zlatkovich is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego with saxophonist Tripp Sprague. 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/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. Vocalist Adam “Aejaye” Jackson is at Vibrato in Bel Air. The Dave Stephens Band is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Saxophonist Michael Paulo has the afternoon show at the Festival Of Arts in Laguna Beach with organist Gregg Karukas.

Sunday 7/30 – Don Littleton at Roscoe’s Jazz Lounge

JazzZone is at Roscoe’s Jazz Lounge in Long Beach featuring drummer Don Littleton’s Latin jazz Ensemble. Keyboardist Lao Tizer is at the South Coast Winery in Temecula. Guitarist Riner Scivally is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. Guitarist Yu Ooka is at the 3355 Asian Grill in Torrance. The Gift and violinist Susie Hansen are at the St. Barnabas Harmony Room in Eagle Rock. The MB Projkt opens for pianist Sam Hirsh’s trio and jam session at The Mint in West L.A. Blue Quattro is at Venice West in Venice. Keyboardist Kirk Andrés Wilson is at Campus Jax in Newport Beach. Vocalist Sharon Rae North is at Humphrey’s Backstage in San Diego. Keyboardist Adam Wolff is at Tio Leo’s Lounge in San Diego. Trumpeter Greg Adams & East Bay Soul are at Bogie’s in Westlake Village. Saxophonist Javier Vergara is at Playhouse Village Park in Pasadena.  Pianist Roy Dunlap is at The York in Highland Park.  Blues guitarist/vocalist Dennis Jones is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Pianist Mike Wofford is at the Manhattan in La Jolla. Vocalist Liela Avila is at Hawg Heaven BBQ in Pasadena.  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 Rose Gales hosts a vocal jam session at The World Stage in South L.A. Vocalist David Winston Barge 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 Rose Colella has the early Sunday brunch at the Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach. Pianist/vocalist John Proulx has the early afternoon show at the Festival Of Arts in Laguna Beach. Vocalist Sandy Cummings does a jazz brunch at SOhO in Santa Barbara.  Guitarist Andy Waddell does an afternoon show at the Cara Hotel in Los Feliz.

Monday 7/31 – Brent Canter at The Baked Potato

Guitarist Brent Canter is at The Baked Potato in Studio City with Max Haymer on keys, Kaveh Rastegar on bass, and Charles Ruggerio on drums. Saxophonist Eric Marienthal is at Spaghettini in Seal Beach with vocalists Rebecca Jade and Javier Colon. Vocalist Sharon Marie Cline is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Pianist Irving Flores is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Guitarist Adam Moezinia is at SOhO in Santa Barbara. 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. 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 Aaron Steele is at ETA in Highland Park.

Tuesday 8/1 – Ian Roller at The Baked Potato

Saxophonist Ian Roller is at The Baked Potato in Studio City with Cole Riddle on keys, Brogan Dutcher on bass, Forrest Rice on drums, and David Otis on sax. Bassist Ben Williams hosts the Tuesday jazz jam session at Sam First near LAX. Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band is at the Redlands Bowl in Redlands. Alanna & These Fine Gentlemen open for guitarist Shea Welsh at TRiP in Santa Monica. Guitarist Dean Grech is at The Drake in Laguna Beach.  The Heat Quintet is at La Puglia in Santa Monica.  The Brig Band is at The Brig in Venice.  Guitarist Matthew Yeakley hosts a jazz jam at General Lee’s in Chinatown.  Pianist Matt Politano leads a breakfast jazz trio at Jones Coffee Roasters in Pasadena.

Wednesday 8/2 – Josh Nelson & The West Coast Hour Big Band w/Melissa Morgan at Vibrato

Pianist Josh Nelson celebrates a birthday at Vibrato in Bel Air with the West Coast Jazz Hour Big Band featuring vocalist Melissa Morgan. Pianist Will Kjeer is at Sam First near LAX.  Guitarist Will Brahm is at the Oeno Wine Bar in Atwater Village.  Bassist Derek Frank is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Vocalist Susan Krebs’ Work Quintet is at The Grape in Ventura.  Saxophonist Robert Kyle and guitarist Riner Scivally are at Roe Seafood in Long Beach.  Guitarist David Eastlee is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. Pianist Brian Clemens is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Saxophonist Bryan McCann is at Cafe Fiore in Ventura. Guitarist Robby Krieger & The Soul Savages are at The Write-Off Room in Studio City. 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.  The Flight 584 Big Band is at the Mayflower Club in North Hollywood. Vocalist Joelina Garcia hosts the monthly student jazz jam at Artbug Gallery in downtown L.A.