About & Out – What’s Hot In SoCal Jazz – The Week Of January 8, 2024

January continues with a SoCal jazz week including Sinne Eeg with the West Coast Jazz Hour Big Band, Sara Gazarek, Bob Reynolds, Tim Lefebvre, Nick Mancini, Jason Harnell, Ernie Watts, Mohini Dey, Clarence Penn, Charles Ruggerio, Larry Koonse & David Roitstein, Judy Wexler, and Mark Winkler.

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 1/8 – Janis Mann at The Baked Potato

Vocalist Janis Mann is at The Baked Potato in Studio City with Brandon Fields on sax, Andy Langham on keys, Mike Gurrola on bass, and Jimmy Branly on drums. Guitarist Riner Scivally is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. Saxophonist Michael Lington is at Spaghettini in Seal 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. Drummer Issak Weatherwax is at the Culver Hotel in Culver City. Very Good Mondays is at Gold-Diggers in Hollywood. The Irvine Barclay Jazz Band is at The Drake in Laguna Beach.

Tuesday 1/9 – Gerald Clayton at Sam First

Pianist Gerald Clayton hosts the Tuesday Happenings jam session at Sam First near LAX. The Band Of Brothers is at Libretto in Paso Robles. Pianist/vocalist Bryan Eng does the music of Nat King Cole at Catalina in Hollywood. The Jazz Butchers are at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Vocalist Dave Damiani & The No Vacancy Orchestra are at Vibrato in Bel Air. Corcovado and saxophonist Dennis Mitcheltree split a bill at TRiP in Santa Monica. Vocalist Patrick Barnitt is at La Puglia in Santa Monica. Jumpin’ Joz is at Seven Grand in downtown L.A. Supasoul is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. 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. 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. Pianist Matt Politano leads a breakfast jazz trio at Jones Coffee Roasters in Pasadena.

Wednesday 1/10 – West Coast Jazz Hour Big Band with Sinne Eeg at Vibrato

The West Coast Jazz Hour Big Band is at Vibrato in Bel Air with guest vocalist Sinne Eeg. Drummer Clarence Penn is at Sam First near LAX with a group including Adam Rogers on guitar. Drummer Charles Ruggerio plays the music of Thelonious Monk at The Baked Potato in Studio City with Sasha Berliner on vibes, Mike Gurrola on bass, and Bob Reynolds on sax. Blanco Diablo is at The Grape in Ventura. Drummer Jimmy Branly is at 1881 in Pasadena. Saxophonist Louis Van Taylor is at Seven Grand in downtown L.A. Saxophonist Greg Vail is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Guitarist David Eastlee is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. 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. Vocalist Sylvia Rodriguez is at the Culver Hotel in Culver City. The Barclay Theatre Jazz Band is at Bistango in Irvine. Vocalist Kaylee Daugherty is at the Hotel Republic in San Diego.

Thursday 1/11 – Bob Reynolds at The Baked Potato

Saxophonist Bob Reynolds is at The Baked Potato in Studio City with Ruslan Sirota on keys, Janek Gwizdala on bass, and Gene Coye on drums. Guitarist Larry Koonse and pianist David Roitstein are at Sam First near LAX. Vocalist Mark Winkler celebrates a CD release at the Cascade Lounge in Palm Springs. Vocalist Judy Wexler is at The Grape in Ventura. Vocalist Maria De La Vega & The Wayward Five, are at Seven Grand in downtown L.A. Drummer Richard Sellers is at The Merc in Temecula. The Fernando Pullum Community Arts Center Jazz Band and the Foshay High School Band are at Catalina in Hollywood. Guitarist Doug MacDonald is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. Pianist Matt Politano is at the Langham Hotel Tap Room in Pasadena. 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.

Friday 1/12 – Tim Lefebvre at Sam First

Bassist Tim Lefebvre is at Sam First near LAX with David Binney on sax, John Escreet on piano, and Gary Novak on drums. Mamogi including bassist Mohini Dey plays two shows at Alvas Showroom in San Pedro.  The West Coast Jazz Hour Big Band is at the Barclay Theatre in Irvine.  Vocalist Brenna Whitaker is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Trumpeter Jay Jennings is at Libretto in Paso Robles. Keyboardist Lao Tizer is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Guitarist Thom Rotella is at the Canyon Bistro in Topanga. Drummer/vocalist Dave Tull is at Eddie V’s in El Segundo. Bassist Justin Grinnell & pianist Melonie Grinnell are at Golden Island in San Diego. Trumpeter Greg Solman is at Azo Vino in Covina. Vocalist Erin Stevenson is at Spaghettini in Seal Beach. Vocalist Amanda McBroom is at the Purple Room in Palm Springs. Drummer Ed Smith is at The Grape in Ventura. Vocalist Grace Fae & The Grandbirds are at the Urban Press Winery in Burbank. Pianist/vocalist Valentina Shelton is at the Langham Hotel Tap Room in Pasadena. The Garners Trio is at Books & Records in San Diego. Pianist Anthony Smith is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego with vocalist Santino Sgambelluri. Guitarist Doug MacDonald is at Vicky’s Of Santa Fe in Indian Wells with vocalist Eve Holmes. Pianist Ron Kobayashi is at the Bayside Restaurant in Newport Beach. The Route 66 Trio is at Bourbon Steak in Glendale. Pianist Bruce Baker is at the Shade Hotel Sea Level Restaurant in Redondo Beach. The Catalina Combo is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena.  Vocalists Matt Forbes and Jesse Goddard are at the Dresden Room in Los Feliz.

Saturday 1/13 – Sara Gazarek at Sam First

Vocalist Sara Gazarek is at Sam First near LAX with Miro Sprague on piano, Darek Oles on bass, and Mark Ferber on drums. Saxophonist Ernie Watts is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Vibraphonist Nick Mancini is at The Grape in Ventura. Bassist Mohini Dey celebrates an album launch at Alvas Showroom in San Pedro. Drummer Chris Blondal and guitarist Brad Rabuchin are at the St. Barnabas Harmony Room in Eagle Rock. Percussionist Poncho Sanchez is at the Music Box in San Diego. Saxophonist Brian Levy and trumpeter Gilbert Castellanos lead a quintet at Dizzy’s in San Diego. Pianist/vocalist Bill Cantos is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Drummer/vocalist Dave Tull is at Eddie V’s in El Segundo. Vocalist Amanda McBroom is at the Purple Room in Palm Springs. Vocalist Julie Kelly is at Libretto in Paso Robles. Saxophonist Dale Fielder is at the Dresden Room in Los Feliz. Drummer Don Littleton is at Roscoe’s Jazz Lounge in Long Beach. Vocalist Mercedes Moore is at Books & Records in San Diego. Pianist Mikan Zlatkovich is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego with vocalist Dave Scott. Pianist/vocalist Peter Smith 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. 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. Vocalist Chloe Perrier is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. Tino Productions is at the Cicada Club in downtown L.A.  Vocalist Solene Le Van is at Vittorio’s in Huntington Beach.  Vocalist Angela O’Neill & The Outrageous 8 play a brunch at The Pour House in Monrovia.

Sunday 1/14 – Jason Harnell Ithaca Trio at The Baked Potato

Drummer Jason Harnell celebrates an album release at The Baked Potato in Studio City with Adam Benjamin on keys and Storm Nilson on guitar.  Vocalist Sinne Eeg is at Tio Leo’s Lounge in San Diego with guitarist Peter Sprague.  Trumpeter Elliott Caine is at The York in Highland Park. Drummer Benjamin Ring opens for pianist Sam Hirsh’s trio and jam session at The Mint in West L.A. Vocalist Nita Whitaker is at Catalina in Hollywood. Singers In Law are at Vibrato in Bel Air.  Pianist Eric Dries is at The Drake in Laguna Beach.  The MLK Jazz Fest is at Humphrey’s By The Bay in San Diego. Pianist Peter Smith leads a late afternoon quintet at the First Baptist Church of Pasadena.  Drummer Dean Mucetti & Rhythm Real are at Bar Bandini in Silverlake.  Pianist Mike Wofford is at the Manhattan in La Jolla. Guitarist Jacques Lesure is at Lavender Blue in Inglewood. Pianist Irving Flores is at Madison On Park in San Diego. Guitarist Ken Song is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. Pianist Robert Turner is at the Langham Hotel Tap Room in Pasadena. The World Stage hosts the Rose Gales Vocal Jam Session. Bassist Leslie Baker has the afternoon brunch at the Urban Press Winery in Burbank. Guitarist Sam Shepherd plays an afternoon jazz brunch at Jack’s in Dana Point.  Belvedear does a brunch at Sogno Toscano in Santa Monica. Vocalist Lia Booth has the early jazz brunch at the Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach. Pianist Kat Shoemaker leads an afternoon jam session dedicated to the music of Bill Evans at the Jazz Lounge in San Diego. Drummer Ed Smith does an afternoon brunch at SOhO in Santa Barbara.

Monday 1/15 – Marco Renteria at The Baked Potato

Bassist Marco Renteria celebrates a birthday at The Baked Potato in Studio City with Dennis Hamm on keys, Javier Leal on guitar, and Louie Palmer on drums with guest vocalist/bassist Marco Mendoza. Saxophonist Eric Marienthal is at Spaghettini in Seal Beach with guest saxophonist Vincent Ingala. Pianist Tommy Gannon is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. 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 Riner Scivally is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. Bassist Ryan Cross’ Jazz Eclectic is at Riviera 31 at the Beverly Hills Sofitel Hotel. 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. Pianist Richard Turner is at Vicky’s Of Santa Fe in Indian Wells. Very Good Mondays is at Gold-Diggers in Hollywood

Tuesday 1/16 – Jay Jennings at The Baked Potato

Trumpeter Jay Jennings is at The Baked Potato in Studio City with Joe Cleveland on bass, Brad Allen Williams on guitar, Julian Polack on keys, and Greg Clark, Jr. on drums.  Drummer Kevin Kanner hosts the Tuesday happenings jam session at Sam First in West L.A.  Vocalist Liela Avila fronts the Call 2Peace Ensemble at La Puglia in Santa Monica. The Axon Orchestra is at Seven Grand in downtown L.A. Bassist Glen Fisher leads a jazz jam session at Humphrey’s By The Bay in San Diego. French vocal group Paris Chansons are at Vibrato in Bel Air. Vocalist Keri Kelsey leads an open mic at The Gardenia in West Hollywood. Vocalist Crystal Clulee is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Supasoul is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. 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. Guitarist Giovanni Mejia is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Guitarist Mark Leggett is at TRiP in Santa Monica. Pianist Matt Politano leads a breakfast jazz trio at Jones Coffee Roasters in Pasadena.

Wednesday 1/17 – Will Brahm at Sam First

Guitarist Will Brahm is at Sam First near LAX with Max Haymer on piano, Luca Alemanno on bass, and Rick Montalbano on drums. Pianist Steve Rawlins is at Catalina in Hollywood. Saxophonist Katja Rieckermann is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Vocalist Anne Walsh and pianist Tom Zink are at Vibrato in Bel Air. Guitarist Doug MacDonald is at The Grape in Ventura. Vocalist Veronique Forget is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Vocalist Lia Booth is at Garcons de Cafe in downtown L.A. Vocalist Ira Margolin leads a tribute to Lori Donato at The Gardenia in West Hollywood. Vocalist Amanda Portela is at the Hotel Republic in San Diego. 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. The Flight 584 Big Band is at the Mayflower Club in North Hollywood. The San Pedro Jazz Jam is at Collage in San Pedro.