About & Out – What’s Hot In SoCal Jazz – The Week Of November 13, 2023

Jazz highlights across SoCal this week include Peter Erskine, Billy Childs, Laufey, One Shot Deal, Greg Mathieson, Dave Slonaker, Bernie Dresel, Cameron Graves, Pete Escovedo, Ken Peplowski, Brenna Whitaker, and Tom Ranier.

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 11/13 – Dave Slonaker Big Band at The Write-Off Room

The Dave Slonaker Big Band is at The Write-Off Room in Studio City. The Buddy Rich Big Band with drummer Gregg Potter is at Catalina in Hollywood. The Tom Kubis Big Band is at Gaslamp in Long Beach. Bassist Kaveh Rastegar is at ETA in Highland Park. Guitarist Dean Grech is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Pianist Irving Flores is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Drummer Nathan Hubbard celebrates a CD release at the Jazz Lounge in San Diego. Vocalist Allison Adams Tucker does a noon concert at the Athenaeum Library in La Jolla. Guitarist Riner Scivally is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. 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. Drummer Issak Weatherwax is at the Culver Hotel in Culver City. Very Good Mondays is at Gold-Diggers in Hollywood. Guitarist/vocalist Artur Menezes is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Saxophonist Mike DeBellis hosts a jam session at Paddy’s Station in San Clemente. Bassist Paul Bryan is at ETA in Highland Park. Guitarist Michael Paik is at the Chess Park Lounge in Glendale. Pianist/vocalist Eric Ekstrand is at Crown City Dance in Pasadena.

Tuesday 11/14 – Cameron Graves at The Baked Potato

Keyboardist Cameron Graves is at The Baked Potato in Studio City with Colin Cook on guitar, Derrick Elliot on bass, and Andy Prado, Jr. on drums. Percussionist Pete Escovedo is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Clarinetist Ken Peplowski is at the Bayside Restaurant in Newport Beach. Vocalist Brenna Whitaker is at Catalina in Hollywood. Pianist Gerald Clayton hosts the Tuesday jam session at Sam First near LAX. Corcovado with vocalist Natalie Jacob and saxophonist Dennis Mitcheltree split a bill at TRiP in Santa Monica. The Sultans Of Swing are at La Puglia in Santa Monica. Pianist Joshua White plays a late afternoon show at The Conrad in La Jolla. Postmodern Jukebox is at the Fremont Theater in San Luis Obispo. Pianist Danny Green is at the Senses Bistro 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. Trumpeter John Reynolds is at Madison On Park in San Diego. Trombonist Matt Hall is at Seven Grand in San Diego. Vocalist Keri Kelsey hosts an open mic at The Gardenia in West Hollywood. Supasoul is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. Guitarist Michael Paik is at the Chess Park Lounge in Glendale. Pianist Matt Politano leads a breakfast jazz trio at Jones Coffee Roasters in Pasadena.

Wednesday 11/15 – Bernie Dresel BBB at Vibrato

Drummer Bernie Dresel’s BBB big band is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Drummer Joe Travers is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Drummer Rodolfo Zuniga is at Sam First near LAX. Postmodern Jukebox is at Humphrey’s Concerts By The Bay in San Diego. Vocalist Dianne Fraser celebrates a CD release at Catalina in Hollywood. Saxophonist Tim Shaghoian at the Oeno Wine Bar in Atwater Village. Bassist Kaveh Rastegar is at ETA in Highland Park. Vocalist/flutist Cobby Brzeski is at the Hotel Republic in San Diego. Saxophonist Greg Vail is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. House Of Waters is at The Grape in Ventura. Trumpeter Julien Knowles leads a jam session at The York in Highland Park. Drummer Tom Dante is at Skyloft in Laguna Beach. Pianist Mikan Zlatkovich is at The Manhattan in La Jolla. The Flight 584 Big Band is at the Mayflower Club in North Hollywood. Vocalist Sylvia Rodriguez is at the Culver Hotel in Culver City. The Barclay Theatre Jazz Band is at Bistango in Irvine. Ori Soaring hosts a jazz jam at Collage in San Pedro. Guitarist Scott Johnson is at Garcons de Cafe in downtown L.A. Guitarist Michael Paik is at the Chess Park Lounge in Glendale. The Glendale Community College Big Band is at The Mixx in Pasadena.  Guitarist David Eastlee is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena.

Thursday 11/16 – Devin Daniels at Sam First

Saxophonist Devin Daniels is at Sam First near LAX with Emiliano Lasansky on bass and Kyle Poole on drums. Drummer Alex Snydman is at The District By GS in South L.A. Guitarist Andy Waddell is at The Grape in Ventura. Trombonist/vocalist Aubrey Logan does a holiday show at Catalina in Hollywood. Pianist Chris Dawson is at The Merc in Temecula. Drummer/vocalist Dave Tull is at Eddie V’s in El Segundo. Drummer/vocalist Bryan Cabrera is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Guitarist/vocalist Rafael Moreira is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. JazzZone leads a jam at BMPAC in South L.A. Pianist Stuart Elster is at the Langham Hotel Tap Room in Pasadena. Alex Mendham & His Orchestra are at the Cascade Lounge in Palm Springs. Vocalist Lynn Cardona is at Porterhouse in El Segundo. Guitarist Doug MacDonald is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. Four And More is at Casey’s Tavern 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. Vocalist Roman Palacios is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Bassist Teddy Bang is at the Culver Hotel in Culver City. Guitarist Michael Paik is at the Chess Park Lounge in Glendale. Vocalist Grace Fae does a happy hour show at The George in Pasadena.  The ESP Jazz Collective is at the Black Rail Kitchen & Bar in Carlsbad.

Friday 11/17 – Peter Erskine at Sam First

Drummer Peter Erskine opens a two-night (Fri-Sat) run at Sam First near LAX with Darek Oles on bass and Alan Pasqua on piano. One Shot Deal plays the music of Frank Zappa for the first of two nights (Fri-Sat) at Alvas Showroom in San Pedro. Organist Greg Mathieson is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Laufey is at The Observatory in Santa Ana. Bruns & Bache are at Catalina in Hollywood. Vocalist Brenna Whitaker is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Saxophonist Sal Crocker is at The World Stage in downtown L.A. Bassist Kevin “Brandino” Brandon is at The Edye in Santa Monica. Pianist/vocalist John Proulx has the free Friday jazz show at LACMA in West L.A. Vocalist Cheryl Barnes is at the St. Barnabas Harmony Room in Eagle Rock. Vocalist Jackie Gibson is at The Gardenia in West Hollywood. Pianist Christopher Linman is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Vocalist Mercedes Moore is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Saxophonist Mindi Abair is at the Westin Resort in Rancho Mirage. Guitarist Nick Reinhart and drummer Justin Brown are at ETA in Highland Park. Trumpeter Greg Solman is at Azo Vino in Covina. Trumpeter Jeff Elliott 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 Chris Dawson is at the Langham Hotel Tap Room in Pasadena. Guitarist Doug MacDonald is at Vicky’s Of Santa Fe in Indian Wells with vocalist Trish Hatley. Pianist Ron Kobayashi is at the Bayside Restaurant in Newport Beach. 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. The Catalina Combo is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. Vocalist Douglas Roegiers is at Hawg Heaven BBQ & Gastropub in Pasadena.

Saturday 11/18 – Laufey at the Ace Hotel Theatre

Vocalist Laufey is at the Ace Hotel Theatre in downtown L.A. for the first of two nights (Sat-Sun). The Los Angeles Master Chorale presents an afternoon concert including music from pianist/composer Billy Childs at Walt Disney Hall in downtown L.A. Drummer Peter Erskine is at Sam First near LAX. Keyboardist Jeff Lorber is at The Grape in Ventura. One Shot Deal plays the music of Frank Zappa at Alvas Showroom in San Pedro. Vocalist Luke Carlsen & The Fresh Rhythm are at Vibrato in Bel Air. Vibraphonist Jason Taylor is at The Write-Off Room in Studio City. Pianist Joshua White is at the Jazz Lounge in San Diego. Vocalist Matt Barber is at the Alhambra Performing Arts Center. Saxophonist Dr. Bruce Eskovitz is at Industry Cafe & Jazz in Culver City. Guitarist Carl Verheyen is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Vocalist Melanie Taylor is at the Canyon Bistro in Topanga. Drummer/vocalist Dave Tull is at Eddie V’s in El Segundo. Vocalist Rose Colella is at Libretto in Paso Robles. Pianist/vocalist Peter Smith is at the Langham Hotel Tap Room in Pasadena. Maetar is at Corazon Performing Arts in Topanga. Flutist/vocalist Cobby Brzeski is at Books & Records in San Diego. Saxophonist Jessy J is at Spaghettini in Seal Beach. Alex Mendham & His Orchestra are at the Cicada Club in downtown L.A. Pianist Mikan Zlatkovich is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego with vocalist Janessa Noland. 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. Vocalist Rose Mallett is at Vicky’s Of Santa Fe in Indian Wells. The Sultans Of Swing are at the Culver Hotel in Culver City. Guitarist Michael Paik is at the Chess Park Lounge in Glendale. Ella Swings is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. The Jazz Mob is at Hawg Heaven BBQ & Gastropub in Pasadena.

Sunday 11/19 – Los Angeles Master Chorale w/Billy Childs at Walt Disney Hall

The Los Angeles Master Chorale presents an evening concert including music from pianist/composer Billy Childs at Walt Disney Hall in downtown L.A. Drummer Paul Peress is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Vocalist Laufey is at the Ace Hotel Theatre in downtown L.A. Percussionist Poncho Sanchez is at Spaghettini in Seal Beach. Pianist Tom Ranier plays an afternoon show at the Beatrice Wood Center For The Arts in Ojai. Pianist Tamir Hendelman is at Libretto in Paso Robles. Vocalist Antonia Bennett is at Catalina in Hollywood. Bassist Alex McLaughlin opens for pianist Sam Hirsh’s trio and jam session at The Mint in West L.A.  Trumpeter Elliott Caine is at The York in Highland Park.  The Brazil Jazz Festa is at Dizzy’s in San Diego. Vocalist Andrea Miller is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego with pianist Tommy Gannon. Pianist Pamela York is at Tio Leo’s Lounge in San Diego. Guitarist Yu Ooka is at the 3355 Asian Grill in Torrance. Drummer/vocalist Bryan Cabrera is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Alex Mendham & His Orchestra are at the Cicada Club in downtown L.A. Guitarist Michael Paik is at the Chess Park Lounge in Glendale. Pianist Mike Wofford is at the Manhattan in La Jolla. Guitarist Ken Song is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. Vocalist Liela Avila is at Hawg Heaven BBQ in Pasadena. Guitarist Jacques Lesure is at Lavender Blue in Inglewood. Pianist Irving Flores is at Madison On Park in San Diego. Pianist Robert Turner is at the Langham Hotel Tap Room in Pasadena. Vocalist Beth Rohde leads a jazz jam at Barsha in Hermosa Beach. Vocalist Rose Gales hosts a vocal jam session at The World Stage in South L.A. Vocalist Keri Kelsey has the afternoon brunch at Urban Press Winery in Burbank. Guitarist Sam Shepherd plays an afternoon jazz brunch at Jack’s in Dana Point. Saxophonist Jimmy Emerzian has the early brunch at the Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach.  The GO Jazz Big Band plays an afternoon concert at the West Ranch High School Theater in Santa Clarita.

Monday 11/20 – Genre Fluid at The Baked Potato

Genre Fluid is at The Baked Potato in Studio City with Julian Coryell on guitar, Matt Rohde on keys, Travis Carlton on bass, and Joel Taylor on drums. The Dave Richards Big Band is at The Write-Off Room in Studio City. Saxophonist Eric Marienthal is at Spaghettini in Seal Beach with pianist/vocalist Keiko Matsui. Vibraphonist Jason Taylor is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Pianist Tommy Gannon is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Guitarist Riner Scivally is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. 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. Very Good Mondays is at Gold-Diggers in Hollywood including trumpeter Jay Jennings. Drummer Issak Weatherwax is at the Culver Hotel in Culver City. Pianist Richard Turner is at Vicky’s Of Santa Fe in Indian Wells.

Tuesday 11/21 – Michelle Coltrane at La Puglia

Vocalist Michelle Coltrane is at La Puglia in Santa Monica with Shea Welsh on guitar, Ron Jerome Avant on piano, Tristan Cappel on sax, Adam Cohen on bass, Wes Lowery on drums, and Arianna Gouveia on vocals. Guitarist Michael O’Neill is at Kulak’s Woodshed in North Hollywood.  Violinist Nora Germain is at Bar Lubitsch in West Hollywood.  Saxophonist Nick Gomez is at Seven Grand in downtown L.A.  Pianist/vocalist Yve Evans is at Eddie V’s in Palm Desert. The Long Beach Jazz Jam is at The Auld Dubliner, led by drummer Jacob Wendt. Nothin’ Personal leads a six-band Showcase Night at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Pianist Sam Barsh is at Shoo Shoo Baby in downtown Los Angeles. Pianist Mike Wofford is at the Manhattan in La Jolla. Trombonist Matt Hall is at Seven Grand in San Diego. 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. Trumpeter John Reynolds is at Madison On Park in San Diego. Supasoul is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. Guitarist Mark Leggett is at TRiP in Santa Monica. Pianist Matt Politano leads a breakfast jazz trio at Jones Coffee Roasters in Pasadena.

Wednesday 11/22 – Charles Ruggerio Plays Thelonious Monk at The Baked Potato

Drummer Charles Ruggerio plays the music of Thelonious Monk at The Baked Potato in Studio City with Mike Gurrola on bass, Jacob Scesney on sax, and Julius Rodriguez on keys. Vocalist Amanda Portela is at the Hotel Republic in San Diego. Pianist/vocalist Yve Evans is at Eddie V’s in Palm Desert. Saxophonist Jerry Mandel is at Bistango in Irvine. Drummer Tom Dante is at Skyloft in Laguna Beach. Pianist Mikan Zlatkovich is at The Manhattan in La Jolla. Vocalist Sylvia Rodriguez is at the Culver Hotel in Culver City. Jumpin Joz is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. Paris Chansons are at Vibrato in Bel Air. DeissMarie is at Garcons de Cafe in downtown L.A.