About & Out – What’s Hot In SoCal Jazz – The Week Of September 25, 2023

September closes with a SoCal jazz week including Manhattan Transfer, Monty Alexander, Michael Landau, Catherine Russell, Anthony Wilson, Joel Frahm, Blues Variant, Logan Richardson, Ethiocolor, Anthony Fung, Danny Janklow, West Coast Art Ensemble, Bijon Watson, Steve Lehman, and Joey Navarro.

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 9/25 – Joey Navarro at The Baked Potato

Keyboardist Joey Navarro is at The Baked Potato in Studio City with Brandon Fields on sax, Joey heredia on drums, Joey De Leon on percussion, and Augustin Mario Quiroga on guitar. Vocalist Teryn Re’s Big Band is at The Write-Off Room in Studio City. Saxophonist David Binney is at the Lodge Room in Highland Park with drummer Louis Cole. Saxophonist Eric Marienthal is at Spaghettini in Seal Beach. Bassist Eric Revis is at ETA in Highland Park. Drummer/vocalist Dave Tull is at Eddie V’s in El Segundo. Guitarist Jacques Lesure hosts a jam session at the Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach including drummer Marvin “Smitty” Smith. Pianist Irving Flores is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. 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. Very Good Mondays is at Gold-Diggers in Hollywood. Guitarist Ken Song is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena.

Tuesday 9/26 – Steve Lehman at Sam First

Saxophonist Steve Lehman opens a two-night (Tue-Wed) run at Sam First near LAX with Paul Cornish on piano, Logan Kane on bass, and Damion Reid on drums. Vocalist Michelle Coltrane is at La Puglia in Santa Monica. Pianist Martin Guigui plays music from the “Sweetwater” film soundtrack at Vibrato in Bel Air. Trumpeter Gilbert Castellanos is featured in a program of the Music of Miles Davis at the San Diego State Smith Recital Hall in San Diego. Pianist/vocalist Yve Evans is at Eddie V’s in Palm Desert. The Angel Town Combo is at Seven Grand in downtown L.A. Guitarist Dean Grech is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Guitarist Mark Leggett celebrates a CD release at TRiP in Santa Monica. Pianist James Bianchi is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Pianist Mike Wofford is at the Manhattan in La Jolla. Pianist Sam Barsh is at Shoo Shoo Baby in downtown L.A. Vocalist Rose Mallett is at the Purple Room in Palm Springs. The Brig Band is at The Brig in Venice. 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 9/27 – Blues Variant at Catalina Jazz Club

Blues Variant is at Catalina in Hollywood with Michael Feinberg on bass, Benito Gonzalez on piano, Logan Richardson on sax, and Jeff “Tain” Watts on drums. Saxophonist Danny Janklow is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Trumpeter Bijon Watson is at Seven Degrees in Laguna Beach. Saxophonist Steve Lehman is at Sam First near LAX. Guitarist Max Walker is at the Oeno Wine Bar in Atwater Village. Vocalist Alex Robinson is at Kulak’s Woodshed in North Hollywood. Pianist Ted Howe is at On The Thirty in Sherman Oaks. Pianist/vocalist Yve Evans is at Eddie V’s in Palm Desert. Vocalist Maria Schafer is at Garcons de Cafe in downtown L.A. Saxophonist Greg Vail is at The Drake in Laguna 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. Drummer Davey Miller is at Topa Topa Brewing in downtown Ventura. Pianist Mikan Zlatkovich is at The Manhattan in La Jolla. Jumpin Joz is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. French vocal group Paris Chansons is at Vibrato in Bel Air.

Thursday 9/28 – Monty Alexander at the Barclay Theatre

Pianist Monty Alexander is at the Barclay Theatre in Irvine. Percussionist Andrea Centazzo’s West Coast Art Ensemble is at 2220 Arts + Archives in downtown L.A. Drummer Charles Ruggerio is at Campus Jax in Newport Beach. Drummer Anthony Fung celebrates a CD release at Sam First near LAX. Drummer Jimmy Branly is at The York in Highland Park. Saxophonist Joel Frahm is at The Grape in Ventura. Guitarist Tomas Janzon is at The Merc in Temecula. Guitarist Adam Levy is at Libretto in Paso Robles. Icelandic/Chinese vocalist Laufey is at The Grammy Museum in downtown L.A.  Saxophonist Benn Clatworthy is at Semi Tropic Wines in Costa Mesa.  Guitarist Luca Pino and vocalist Lynn Cardona are at Porterhouse in El Segundo.  Vocalist Francesca Amari is at Kulak’s Woodshed in North Hollywood. Vocalist Maria de la Vega & The Wayward Five are at the Cascade Lounge in Palm Springs. Bassist Nick Campbell is at ETA in Highland Park. The four-day (Thu-Sun) Desert Jazz Festival begins at the Westin Resort & Spa in Rancho Mirage. Pianist Max Greenburg is at the Langham Hotel Tap Room in Pasadena. Guitarist Doug MacDonald is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. Four And More is at Casey’s Tavern in Canoga Park. 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.  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. Bassist Teddy Bang is at the Culver Hotel in Culver City. The Saddleback Big Band is at the McKinney Theatre in Mission Viejo. Trombonist John Egizi hosts a jazz jam at the Copa Cabana in Ventura.

Friday 9/29 – Michael Landau at The Baked Potato

Guitarist Michael Landau is at The Baked Potato in Studio City with Jimmy Johnson on bass and Gary Novak on drums. Saxophonist Joel Frahm is at Sam First near LAX. Ethiocolor is at The Nimoy in Westwood. Saxophonist Logan Richardson is at The World Stage in South L.A.   Vocalist Angie Wells is at LACMA in West L.A. for the free Friday jazz show.  Drummer Anthony Fung is at The Grape in Ventura.  Vocalist Janis Mann is at the Canyon Bistro in Topanga. Vocalist Paul Jost is at Kulak’s Woodshed in North Hollywood. Guitarist Brent Canter is at Libretto in Paso Robles.  Trumpeter Gilbert Castellanos is at the Grand Del Mar Hotel in San Diego.  Vocalist Judith Hill is at Venice West in Venice. The Special EFX All-Stars are at World Records in Bakersfield. Brazilian vocalist Caro Pierotto is at the El Camino College Campus Theatre in Torrance. Vocalist Meloney Collins is at Casino San Clemente in San Clemente. Vocalist Adryon De Leon is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Guitarist Brandon Bae is at the Grand Central Market in downtown L.A. Guitarist Dave Harrington is at ETA in Highland Park. Pianist Sue Palmer is at Books & Records in San Diego. Saxophonist Dave Victorino is at Azo Vino in Covina. Vocalist Natalie Jacob is at Papille Gustative in Santa Monica.  Guitarist Luca Pino and vocalist Lynn Cardona are at the Ritz-Carlton Lena in downtown L.A.  Pianist Theo Saunders is at 1881 in Pasadena.  The SoCal Jazz Collective is at the OC Fish Grill in Irvine. Guitarist Doug MacDonald is at Vicky’s Of Santa Fe in Indian Wells with vocalist Eve Holmes. Pianist Michael Orenstein is at the Langham Hotel Tap Room in Pasadena. 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 Bruce Baker is at the Shade Hotel Sea Level Restaurant in Redondo Beach. The Route 66 Trio is at Bourbon Steak in Glendale.  Guitarist Michael Paik is at the Chess Park Lounge in Glendale. The Catalina Combo is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. Vocalist Douglas Roegiers is at Hawg Heaven BBQ in Pasadena. Vocalist Tasha Taylor is at Vibrato in Bel Air.

Saturday 9/30 – Catherine Russell at Segerstrom Samueli Theater

Vocalist Catherine Russell is at the Segerstrom Samueli Theater in Costa Mesa. Guitarist Anthony Wilson is at Sam First near LAX. Guitarist Michael Landau is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Pianist Sam Ross is at Libretto in Paso Robles. Pianist/vocalist Bill Cantos is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Drummer/vocalist Dave Tull is at Eddie V’s in El Segundo. Vocalist Howie Levine’s “JazzNatra” is at Hawg Heaven BBQ in Pasadena. The Jazz Cartel is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Vocalist/flutist Cobby Brzeski is at Books & Records in San Diego. Guitarist Nils is at Spaghettini in Seal Beach. Vocalist Grace Fae & The Grandbirds are at the Barkley Restaurant in South Pasadena. Pianist Mikan Zlatkovich is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego with saxophonist Brian Levy. The Aristocats are at the Olive & Fig Restaurant & Jazz Bar in Canoga Park. Pianist Gary Matsumoto is at the Langham Hotel Tap Room in Pasadena. Saxophonist David Leech is at Pips On La Brea in West L.A. Pianist Bruce Baker is at the Shade Hotel Sea Level Restaurant in Redondo Beach. The Sultans Of Swing are at the Culver Hotel in Culver City. Vocalist Rose Mallett is at Vicky’s Of Santa Fe in Indian Wells. Guitarist Michael Paik is at the Chess Park Lounge in Glendale. Vocalist Douglas Roegiers is at the Cicada Club in downtown L.A. Jumpin Joz is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena.

Sunday 10/1 – Manhattan Transfer at Haugh Performing Arts Center

Manhattan Transfer is at the Haugh Performing Arts Center at Citrus College in Glendora for an afternoon matinee performance.  Saxophonist Gary Meek is at Vibrato in Bel Air. The Jazz Bakery celebrates Bossa Nova with a concert at the Moss Theater at New Roads School in Santa Monica. Moon Hooch is at the Lodge Room in Highland Park. Drummer Benjamin Ring opens for pianist Sam Hirsh’s trio and jam session at The Mint in West L.A.  Guitarist Graham Dechter and bassist Alex Frank lead a quintet at Tio Leo’s Lounge in San Diego.  Trumpeter Willie Bradley is at Spaghettini in Seal Beach. Guitarist Riner Scivally is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. Vocalist Lia Booth is at Campus Jax in Newport Beach with pianist Gary Matsumoto. Guitarist Stan Ayeroff is at Cantalini’s in Salerno Beach. Pianist Tommy Gannon is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Vocalist Beth Rohde leads a jazz jam at Barsha in Hermosa Beach. 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. Vocalist Rose Gales hosts a vocal jam session at The World Stage in South L.A. Guitarist Sam Shepherd plays an afternoon jazz brunch at Jack’s in Dana Point. Pianist Todd Hunter does the afternoon brunch at the Urban Press Winery in Burbank. Saxophonist Louis Van Taylor has the early brunch at the Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach. Jazzy Ash & The Leapin’ Lizards do a morning program at the Ford Amphitheater in Hollywood.

Monday 10/2 – Bernie Dresel’s BBB at The Write-Off Room

Drummer Bernie Dresel’s BBB Big Band is at The Write-Off Room in Studio City. Guitarist Graham Dechter and bassist Alex Frank lead a sextet at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Keyboardist Jeff Lorber is at Spaghettini in Seal Beach. Keyboardist Brian Hargrove is at The Stowaway in downtown L.A.  Guitarist Jeff Parker is at ETA in Highland Park.  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. Guitarist Ken Song is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. Drummer Issak Weatherwax is at the Culver Hotel in Culver City.  The SBCC Monday Madness Jazz Orchestra is at SOhO in Santa Barbara.

Tuesday 10/3 – Andy James & The Jon Cowherd Sextet at Vibrato

Vocalist Andy James is at Vibrato in Bel Air backed by a sextet led by pianist Jon Cowherd. Saxophonist Ian Roller is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Pianist Gerald Clayton leads the Tuesday jazz jam at Sam First near LAX.  Guitarist Peter Sprague is at the Senses Bistro in San Diego.  Guitarist Doug MacDonald is at La Puglia in Santa Monica with vocalist Deena Russo. Alanna & These Fine Gentlemen open for guitarist Shea Wesh at TRiP in Santa Monica. Pianist Tommy Gannon is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Vocalist Slim Man is at Vicky’s Of Santa Fe in Indian Wells. 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. 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. Supasoul is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena.  Trumpeter Kris Tiner is at the Petroleum Club in Bakersfield.  Pianist Matt Politano leads a breakfast jazz trio at Jones Coffee Roasters in Pasadena.

Wednesday 10/4 – Emmet Cohen at Catalina Jazz Club

Pianist Emmet Cohen is at Catalina in Hollywood. Keyboardist Scott Kinsey is at The Baked Potato in Studio City.  Guitarist Jonathan Kreisberg is at Sam First near LAX for the first of two nights (Wed-Thu).  Vocalist Paul Jost is at The Grape in Ventura. Domi & JD Beck are at The Wiltern in Los Angeles. Drummer Jimmy Branly is at 1881 in Pasadena. Wolf Eyes is at Zebulon in Silverlake with saxophonist Anthony Braxton. Violinist Regina Carter plays with the CSUN Jazz A & B Bands at the Plaza Del Sol in Northridge. Pianist Sam Ross celebrates a CD release at Alvas Showroom in San Pedro. Guitarist Andy Waddell is at the Oeno Wine Bar in Atwater Village.  Guitarist Riner Scivally and saxophonist Robert Kyle are at Roe Seafood in Long Beach.  Guitarist David Eastlee is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. Organist Carey Frank is at the Ace Hotel in Palm Springs. Saxophonist Bryan McCann is at Cafe Fiore in Ventura. Trumpeter Julien Knowles leads a jam session at The York 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. Pianist Mikan Zlatkovich is at The Manhattan in La Jolla. Vocalist Sylvia Rodriguez is at the Culver Hotel in Culver City. The Flight 584 Big Band is at the Mayflower Club in North Hollywood.