About & Out – What’s Hot In SoCal Jazz – The Week Of March 11, 2024

SoCal jazz highlights this week include Victor Wooten, Branford Marsalis, Madeleine Peyroux, Otmaro Ruiz, Pete Escovedo, Ozone Squeeze, Jamie Kime, Ian Roller, Miro Sprague & Mike Cottone, Bob Sheppard & Maria Puga Lareo, Karl Denson, Joshua White, Paul Peress, and Wednesday’s benefit at Catalina for Beverly Church Hogan.

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 3/11 – Jamie Kime at The Baked Potato

Guitarist Jamie Kime is at The Baked Potato in Studio City with Matt Rohde on keys, Chris Roy on bass, Danny Carey on drums, and Andy Sanesi on percussion. Pianist Irving Flores is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. 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. Pianist Richard Turner is at Vicky’s Of Santa Fe in Indian Wells. Very Good Mondays is at Gold-Diggers in Hollywood.  Guitarist Angelo Metz is at Wally’s in Santa Monica.

Tuesday 3/12 – Ian Roller at the Lodge Room

Saxophonist Ian Roller celebrates an album release at the Lodge Room in Highland Park with a 20-piece band. Pianist Paul Cornish and saxophonist Henry Solomon host the Tuesday happenings jam session at Sam First near LAX. The Jazz Butchers are at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Beautiful Reflections and saxophonist Dennis Mitcheltree split a bill at TRiP in Santa Monica. Vocalist Aubrey Johnson is at Tavern On Brand in Glendale. Vocalist Elaine Gibbs is at La Puglia in Santa Monica. Guitarist Carlos Velasco is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Vocalist Keri Kelsey leads an open mic at The Gardenia in West Hollywood. 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.  Vocalist Slim Man is at Vicky’s Of Santa Fe in Indian Wells. Pianist Matt Politano leads a breakfast jazz trio at Jones Coffee Roasters in Pasadena.

Wednesday 3/13 – Benefit For Beverly Church Hogan At Catalina Jazz Club

Catalina in Hollywood hosts a multi-act benefit for vocalist Beverly Church Hogan, whose home was recently severely damaged in a landslide. Trombonist Jon Hatamiya is at Sam First near LAX.  Drummer Jimmy Branly is at 1881 in Pasadena.  Bassist MonoNeon is at the Lodge Room in Highland Park. Pink Martini is at the McCallum Theatre in Palm Springs for the first of five nights (Wed-Sun). Guitarist/vocalist Val McCallum is at The Baked Potato in Studio City with a group including guitarist Michael Landau. Pianist/vocalist Yve Evans is at Eddie V’s in Palm Desert. Pianist Tommy Gannon is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Guitarist David Eastlee is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. The Supa Lowery Brothers are at the Freehand Hotel in downtown L.A. 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 Cobby Brzeski is at the Hotel Republic in San Diego. The Cloudmakers are at Seven Grand in San Diego.

Thursday 3/14 – 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. Pianist Miro Sprague and trumpeter Mike Cottone lead a quartet at Sam First near LAX. Saxophonist Branford Marsalis is at The Conrad in La Jolla. Saxophonist Bob Sheppard leads a quintet at the Cascade Lounge in Palm Springs with vocalist Maria Puga Lareo. Vocalist Anne Walsh and pianist Tom Zink are at Campus Jax in Newport Beach. Saxophonist Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe is at Venice West in Venice. Jazzy Steam is at the Musco Center in Orange. Pink Martini is at the McCallum Theatre in Palm Springs. Guitarist Molly Miller is at Casa Romantica in San Clemente. Bassist Rob Thorsen is at Lou Lou’s in San Diego. Pianist Dave Meder is at The Merc in Temecula. Saxophonist Nick Gomez is at the Miracle Theater in Inglewood. Trumpeter Joel Schnaper is at Seven Grand in downtown L.A. Saxophonist Greg Vail is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Drummer Angelo Velasquez is at The Grape in Ventura. Saxophonist Justin Chart is at the Market Restaurant in downtown L.A. Pianist Theo Saunders is at the Langham Hotel Tap Room in Pasadena. Guitarist Doug MacDonald is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. Guitarist Matthew Yeakley is at the Continental Club in downtown L.A. The Irvine Barclay Theatre Jazz Band 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 Andrea Miller is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. The West Coast Jazz Duo is at Stella’s in Dana Point.

Friday 3/15 – Branford Marsalis at the Carpenter Center

Saxophonist Branford Marsalis is at the Carpenter Center in Long Beach with Joey Calderazzo on piano, Eric Revis on bass, and Justin Faulkner on drums. Percussionist Pete Escovedo & Family are at Catalina in Hollywood for the first of two nights (Fri-Sat). Ozone Squeeze is at The Baked Potato in Studio City for the first of two nights (Fri-Sat). Pianist Dave Meder is at Sam First near LAX. One Shot Deal plays the music of Frank Zappa at Campus Jax in Newport Beach. Keyboardist Mark de Clive-Lowe is at The World Stage in South L.A. Saxophonist Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe begins a two-night (Fri-Sat) run at Belly Up in Solana Beach. Flutist Lori Bell is at Golden Island in San Diego. Vocalist Brenna Whitaker is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Pianist Marc Cary is at The Sun Rose in West Hollywood. The Bistro All-Stars are at the Canyon Bistro in Topanga with trumpeter Ron King. Drummer/vocalist Dave Tull is at Eddie V’s in El Segundo. Trumpeter Greg Solman is at Azo Vino in Covina. The Pepper Moons are at Hawg Heaven BBQ in Pasadena. Drummer Zak Najor is at Lou Lou’s in San Diego. Pink Martini is at the McCallum Theatre in Palm Springs. Trumpeter Gilbert Castellanos is at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar in San Diego. Pianist Max Naseck is at the Grand Central Market in downtown L.A. Pianist Kayla Waters and saxophonist Jazmin Ghent are at Spaghettini in Seal Beach. Drummer/vocalist Bryan Cabrera is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Trumpeter Jeff Elliott is at Lost Chord Guitars in Solvang. Pianist/vocalist Valentina Shelton is at the Langham Hotel Tap Room in Pasadena. Drummer Joel Taylor is at 1881 in Pasadena. Guitarist Doug MacDonald is at Vicky’s Of Santa Fe in Indian Wells with vocalist Leanna Rodgers. Bassist Karim Yengsep is at the OC Fish Grill in Irvine. Pianist Ron Kobayashi is at the Bayside Restaurant in Newport Beach. The Route 66 Trio is at Bourbon Steak in Glendale.  Vocalist Kaylee Daugherty is at Books & Records in San Diego.

Saturday 3/16 – Madeleine Peyroux at the Luckman Center

Vocalist Madeleine Peyroux is at the Cal State LA Luckman Center in downtown Los Angeles. Pianist Otmaro Ruiz is at Sam First near LAX. Percussionist Pete Escovedo & Family are at Catalina in Hollywood. Ozone Squeeze is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Bassist Victor Wooten performs his composition “La Lección Tres” with the LA Phil led by conductor Thomas Wilkins at Walt Disney Hall in downtown L.A. Pianist Joshua White plays the music of Rodgers & Hammerstein at Dizzy’s in San Diego. Drummer Paul Peress is at The Grape in Ventura. Vocalist Cathy Segal-Garcia brings her Nonet Eclectic to Kulak’s Woodshed in North Hollywood. Saxophonist Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe is at Belly Up in Solana Beach. Trumpeter Nolan Shaheed is at the Sierra Madre Playhouse. EthioCali is at Gold-Diggers in Hollywood. Saxophonist Dr. Bruce Eskovitz is at the Industry Cafe & Jazz in Culver City. Drummer Rodolfo Zuniga is at Libretto in Paso Robles. The Ladd McIntosh Big Band with vocalist Gretje Angell is at Pasadena Ballroom Dance Association. The Baker Brothers Big Band is at Alvas Showroom in San Pedro. Drummer/vocalist Dave Tull is at Eddie V’s in El Segundo. The San Diego Latin Jazz Collective is at Lou Lou’s in San Diego. The Smooth Jazz All-Stars are at the Westin Resort in Rancho Mirage. Pink Martini is at the McCallum Theatre in Palm Springs for matinee and evening shows.  Vocalist Natalie Hanna Mendoza is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Sylvia & The Rhythm Boys are at Hawg Heaven BBQ in Pasadena. Vocalist Chloe Perrier is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. Pianist Aaron Provisor is at the Langham Hotel Tap Room in Pasadena. Pianist Mikan Zlatkovich is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego with vocalist Lauren Koval. Saxophonist David Leech is at Pips On La Brea in West L.A.  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 Grace Fae is at Hearts & Flame in downtown L.A. The JazzZone Trio does an afternoon show at the Lopez Urban Farm in Pomona. Alligator Beach is at Harvelle’s in Santa Monica. The Garners Trio is at Books & Records in San Diego.  Pianist Ron Kobayashi is at Les Amis in Fullerton.  Vocalist Andrea Miller is at the Westin Bar 1030 in Anaheim.  Violinist Susie Hansen plays a noon show at Nogales Park in Walnut Park.

Sunday 3/17 – Victor Wooten & the LA Phil at Walt Disney Hall

Bassist Victor Wooten performs his composition “La Lección Tres” with the LA Phil led by conductor Thomas Wilkins in an afternoon performance at Walt Disney Hall in downtown L.A. Vocalist Madeleine Peyroux is at the Lobero Theatre in Santa Barbara. Vocalist Kristina Aglinz celebrates a birthday at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Guitarist Doug MacDonald with vocalist Deena Russo open 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.  Pink Martini is at the McCallum Theatre in Palm Springs. The LA Jazz Society presents its Bill Green Mentorship annual concert at Catalina in Hollywood.  Guitarist Dean Grech is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Pianist Tommy Gannon is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Keyboardist Burt Brion is at Humphrey’s Backstage in San Diego. 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. Bassist Ryan Cross is at Delilah in West Hollywood. 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. Vocalist Beth Rohde leads a jam session at Barsha in Hermosa Beach. The Jelly Roll Jazz band is at Casey’s Tavern in Canoga Park. Pianist Todd Hunter & The Brazilians have the afternoon brunch at the Urban Press Winery in Burbank. Guitarist Sam Shepherd plays an afternoon jazz brunch at Jack’s in Dana Point. Guitarist David Marcus does a brunch at Sogno Toscano in Santa Monica. Vocalist Lia Booth has the early jazz brunch at the Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach. Vocalist Josie LaValle does a brunch at the Hotel Republic in San Diego. The Cloudmakers do a brunch at Books & Records in San Diego.  Brit & The Sandbox are at The George in Pasadena for a St. Patrick’s Day brunch.

Monday 3/18 – Kirsten Edkins at The Baked Potato

Saxophonist Kirsten Edkins is at The Baked Potato in Studio City for an album release event with Andrew Synowiec on guitar, Chris Wabich on drums, Sezin Ahmet Turkmenoglu on bass, and Lemar Guillary on trombone. Guitarist Riner Scvially is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. Pianist Irving Flores is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. 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. Very Good Mondays is at Gold-Diggers in Hollywood. The SBCC Big Band is at SOhO in Santa Barbara.

Tuesday 3/19 – Jeff Pifher & Socrates Trial at The George

Saxophonist Jeff Pifher’s Socrates’ Trial is at The George in Pasadena. Vocalist Madeleine Peyroux is at Belly Up in Solana Beach. Pianist/vocalist Bill Cantos is at the Bayside Restaurant in Newport Beach. Pianist Gerald Clayton hosts the Tuesday Happenings jam session at Sam First near LAX. Saxophonist Logan Hone is at Zebulon in Silverlake. Corcovado with vocalist Natalie Jacob is at TRiP in Santa Monica along with the MvA Quintet. Vocalist Diane Elder is at La Puglia in Santa Monica. Vocalist Andrea Miller is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Pianist Irving Flores is at the Senses Bistro in San Diego with vocalist Kaylee Daugherty. Vocalist Tina Schlieske is at SOhO in Santa Barbara.  The Axon Orchestra is at Seven Grand in downtown L.A. 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. The Brentwood Upper School Jazz Band is at Vibrato in Bel Air.

Wednesday 3/20 – Tom Luer’s Project Popular at Sam First

Saxophonist Tom Luer’s Project Popular is at Sam First near LAX with Andrew Synowiec on guitar, Andy Langham on piano, Edwin Livingston bass, and Dan Schnelle on drums. Drummer Charles Ruggerio plays the music of Thelonious Monk and Miles Davis at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Bassist Sean Riddle is at The Grape in Ventura. Vocalist Aaron Akins is at Catalina in Hollywood. Vocalist Leonard Patton is at Books & Records in San Diego. Drummer Aaron Serfaty is at 1881 in Pasadena. Trumpeter Julien Knowles leads a jam session at The York in Highland Park. Guitarist Doug MacDonald is at Eddie V’s in Palm Desert. Drummer Tom Dante is at Skyloft in Laguna Beach. Pianist Mikan Zlatkovich is at The Manhattan in La Jolla. The Barclay Theatre Jazz Band is at Bistango in Irvine. The Supa Lowery Brothers are at the Freehand Hotel in downtown L.A. Jumpin’ Joz is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. The Flight 584 Big Band is at the Mayflower Club in North Hollywood. French vocal group Paris Chansons are at Vibrato in Bel Air. Trumpeter Grant Hungerford leads an open jazz jam at Collage in San Pedro. Guitarist Shea Welsh does a blues show at TRiP in Santa Monica with vocalist Hope Diamond. Pianist Tommy Gannon is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Vocalist Rose Mallett sings the music of Sarah Vaughan at the San Diego City College Auditorium.