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

July continues with a SoCal jazz week including Peter Erskine w/Bob Mintzer, Karrin Allyson, Brian Bromberg, Marvin “Smitty” Smith, Jason Harnell, Ken Peplowski, Eric Marienthal, Lynne Fiddmont, Bob Reynolds, Graham Dechter w/Benny Benack III, Marina Pacowski & Larry Koonse, and Josh Nelson.

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 7/8 – Graham Dechter & Alex Frank at The Baked Potato

Guitarist Graham Dechter and bassist Alex Frank lead a group at The Baked Potato in Studio City featuring Jordan Seigel on keys and Ryan Shaw on drums with guest trumpeter/vocalist Benny Benack III. SML hosts a record release event at Zebulon in Silverlake for the first of two nights (Mon-Tue). Guitarist Jacques Lesure hosts a jam session at the Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach including drummer Marvin “Smitty” Smith. Guitarist Riner Scvially is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. 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. Guitarist Angelo Metz is at Wally’s in Santa Monica. Trio Renacimiento is at Las Perlas in downtown L.A. Pianist Adam Wolff is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego.

Tuesday 7/9 – Ken Peplowski at Bistango

Clarinetist Ken Peplowski is at Bistango in Irvine with a quartet including pianist Tom Ranier. Vocalist Calabria Foti and trombonist Bob McChesney are at Vibrato in Bel Air. Pianist/vocalist Marina Pacowski and guitarist Larry Koonse are at the Philosophical Research Society in Los Feliz. The Jazz Bakers are at The Baked Potato in Studio City. SML hosts a record release event at Zebulon in Silverlake. Pianist Gerald Clayton leads the Tuesday Happenings jam session at Sam First near LAX. The Pepper Moons are at La Puglia in Santa Monica. The Irvine Barclay Jazz Band is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Vocalist Cobby Brzeski is at the Senses Bistro in San Diego. Saxophonist Justin Chart is at Aurora LA in West Los Angeles. Vocalist Keri Kelsey leads an open mic at The Gardenia in West Hollywood. The Brig Band is at The Brig in Venice. Guitarist Matthew Yeakley hosts a jazz jam at General Lee’s in Chinatown Los Angeles. Guitarist Louis Valenzuela is at Madison On Park in San Diego. Pianist Michael Peed is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Pianist Matt Politano leads a breakfast jazz trio at Jones Coffee Roasters in Pasadena.

Wednesday 7/10 – Brian Bromberg at Vibrato

Bassist Brian Bromberg plays the music of Scott LaFaro at Vibrato in Bel Air with Tom Zink on piano and Charles Ruggerio on drums. Saxophonist Alden Hellmuth is at Sam First near LAX. Vocalist Tamara Lalayan is at Catalina in Hollywood. Vocalist/keyboardist Tim Hockenberry is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Saxophonist Greg Vail is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Guitarist Kay-Ta Matsuno is at the Festival Of Arts in Laguna Beach. Drummer Adam Clark is at The Grape in Ventura. Saxophonist Justin Chart is at Aurora LA in West Los Angeles. Drummer Kendall Kay is at 1881 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. 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 Modern Time Trio is at Club 616 in Santa Ana. Pianist Carlos Velasco is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Drummer Zak Najor is at Lou Lou’s in San Diego.

Thursday 7/11 – Bob Reynolds at The Baked Potato

Saxophonist Bob Reynolds is at The Baked Potato in Studio City with a band including Ruslan Sirota on keys and Janek Gwizdala on bass. Band 2 is at The Write-Off Room in Studio City with vocalist Bernard Fowler and keyboardist Larry Goldings. The Stubbs Group is at Sam First near LAX. Pianist/vocalist Bill Cantos and vocalist Lia Booth are at Campus Jax in Newport Beach. Vocalist Elena Gilliam is at the Casino San Clemente in San Clemente. Cortex is at The Mayan in downtown L.A. for the first of two nights (Thu-Fri).  The Jazz Cartel is at the Original Farmers Market in West L.A. Brazilian guitarist/vocalist Teka is at the Festival of Arts in Laguna Beach. Guitarist Zach Caplinger is at Jojo’s Hideaway in Tustin. Pianist Mikan Zlatkovich is at the Jazz Lounge in San Diego. Bassist Mackenzie Leighton is at Lou Lou’s in San Diego. The Brass Brothers are at the Cascade Lounge in Palm Springs. Vocalist Rose Colella is at The Merc in Temecula. The SicNarf big band is at The Grape in Ventura. Vocalist Amanda Castro is at the Mission Playhouse Plaza in San Gabriel. Percussionist Joey De Leon is at the Cana Rum Bar in downtown L.A. Pianist/vocalist Peter Smith is at the Langham Hotel Tap Room in Pasadena. Bassist Karim Yengsep is at Basil Brazil Cuisine in San Juan Capistrano. Guitarist Jacques Lesure is at Norma in West Hollywood. Trumpeter Joel Schnaper is at Seven Grand in downtown L.A. 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. Guitarist David Marcus is at Sogno Toscano in Santa Monica. 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. The ESP Jazz Collective is at the Black Rail Kitchen & Bar in Carlsbad. The West Coast Jazz Duo is at Stella’s in Dana Point. Pianist Brad Bietry is at The George in Pasadena for happy hour. The Geo Trio is at Books & Records in San Diego.

Friday 7/12 – Peter Erksine Trio w/Bob Mintzer at Sam First

Drummer Peter Erskine leads a trio at Sam First near LAX with guest saxophonist Bob Mintzer for the first of two nights (Fri-Sat) including Alan Pasqua on piano and Darek Oles on bass. Vocalist Karrin Allyson is at Catalina in Hollywood. Drummer Marvin “Smitty” Smith has the free Friday jazz show at LACMA in West L.A. Vocalist Lynne Fiddmont is at The World Stage in South L.A. Pianist David Garfield is at Vibrato in Bel Air.  Cortex is at The Mayan in downtown L.A.  Guitarist Thom Rotella is at the Canyon Bistro in Topanga. Vocalist Grace Fae & The Grandbirds are at the Urban Press Winery in Burbank. Vocalist Erin Stevenson is at Spaghettini in Seal Beach. Pianist/vocalist Christopher Linman is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. The Garners Trio is at The Old Globe at Balboa Park in San Diego. Vocalist Veronique Forget is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Vocalist Kaylee Daugherty is at Books & Records in San Diego. Pianist Kat Shoemaker and bassist Doug Walker are at the Jazz Lounge in San Diego. The Euphoria Brass Band is at Lou Lou’s in San Diego. Vocalist Cobby Brzeski is at Madam Bonnie’s in San Diego. The Walt Johnson Sinatra Tribute Band is at The Grape in Ventura. The Music Quintet is at Libretto in Paso Robles.  Bassist Karim Yengsep is at the OC Fish Grill in Irvine.  Pianist Marc LeBrun is at Eddie V’s in El Segundo. Drummer Land Richards is at 1881 in Pasadena. Pianist Ron Kobayashi is at the Bayside Restaurant in Newport Beach. The Route 66 Trio is at Bourbon Steak in Glendale. The Catalina Combo is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena.  Vocalists Matt Forbes and Jesse Goddard are at The Dresden in Los Feliz.  Guitarist Albert Lee is at The Baked Potato in Studio City.

Saturday 7/13 – Karrin Allyson at Catalina Jazz Club

Vocalist Karrin Allyson is at Catalina in Hollywood for the second of two nights (Fri-Sat) with Miro Sprague on piano, Karl McComas-Reichl on bass, and Dan Schnelle on drums. Drummer Peter Erskine leads a trio at Sam First near LAX with guest saxophonist Bob Mintzer. Saxophonist Grace Kelly has an early afternoon performance at the Festival of Arts in Laguna Beach, followed by an evening performance by pianist Josh Nelson. Keyboardist Don Randi & Quest are at The Baked Potato in Studio City. The Temecula Wine & Music Festival is at Monteleone Meadows in Murrieta. Vocalist Elena Gilliam is at the Victory Theatre Center in Burbank. Luke Carlsen & The Fresh Rhythm are at the Pasadena Ballroom Dance Association with guest vocalist Gretje Angell. Alta Musica is at the Folly Bowl in Altadena. Vocalist Pierre Chambers is at Kulak’s Woodshed in North Hollywood. Trombonist Josh Brown is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Down To The Bone is at Spaghettini in Seal Beach. Pianist Mikan Zlatkovich is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego with vocalist Dave Scott. Guitarist Louis Valenzuela is at Panama 66 in San Diego. The Wise Guys Big Band Machine is at the Cicada Club in downtown L.A. Vocalist Adam “Aejaye” Jackson is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Drummer/vocalist Dave Tull is at Eddie V’s in El Segundo. Pianist Adam Wolff is at the Westgate Hotel in San Diego. Saxophonist David Leech is at Pips On La Brea in West L.A. Sylvia & The Rhythm Boys are at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. The Los Angeles Del Tango Ensemble has the Friday Latin music show at LACMA in West L.A. Vocalist Angie Whitney is at The Roost in Cathedral City.

Sunday 7/14 – Jason Harnell at The Baked Potato

Drummer Jason Harnell is at The Baked Potato in Studio City with Kei Akagi on keys and Darek Oles on bass. Saxophonist Eric Marienthal does a benefit for the High Hopes Head Injury Program with vocalist Patti Austin and pianist David Benoit at the Hyatt Regency in Newport Beach. Vocalist Tyrone “Mr. SuperFantastic” Perkins and the Fantastic 8 are at Catalina in Hollywood. Trumpeter Greg Adams & East Bay Soul are at Vibrato in Bel Air.   Vocalists Sacha Boutros and Veronique Forget celebrate Bastille Day at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego.  Trumpeter Elliott Caine is at The York in Highland Park. Drummer Tyler Kreutel is at Tio Leo’s Lounge in San Diego.  Pianist Danny Green is at Panama 66 in San Diego. Saxophonist Victor Gonzalez opens for drummer Kevin Kanner’s trio and jam session at The Mint in West L.A. Bassist Ethan Fairclough leads a quartet in the music of Thelonious Monk at Dizzy’s in San Diego. Soul Sauce is at Roscoe’s Jazz Lounge in Long Beach. The West Coast Chamber Jazz Trio is at Collage in San Pedro. Vocalist Crystal Clulee is at The Drake in Laguna Beach.    French vocal group Paris Chansons is at the Festival of Arts in Laguna Beach. Pianist Sam Hirsh is at the Kookaburra Lounge in Hollywood. 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 Allen Takatsuka is at the Zinc Bar in Laguna Beach.  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. Jenny & The Jazz Birds are at the Playhouse Village Park in Pasadena. Vocalist Patrick Barnitt has the afternoon brunch session at the Urban Press Winery in Burbank. Drummer Tom Dante plays a brunch at Mozambique in Laguna Beach. Guitarist Sam Shepherd plays an afternoon jazz brunch at Jack’s in Dana Point. Guitarist Jacques Lesure and vocalist Lia Booth have the early jazz brunch at the Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach. JP Balmat & The Preservationists do a brunch at Books & Records in San Diego. Co & Company play a brunch at SOhO in Santa Barbara. Sylvia & The Rhythm Boys do an afternoon show at Alvas Showroom in San Pedro.  Saxophonist Will Donato is at the Hotel Zoso in Palm Springs for a Sunday brunch.

Monday 7/15 – Blanco Diablo at The Baked Potato

Blanco Diablo is at The Baked Potato in Studio City with Andy Sanesi on drums, Katisse Buckingham on sax/flute, Jamie Kime on guitar, Matt Rohde on keys, Joey De Leon on percussion, and Dave Goodwin on bass.   Guitarist Tony Pulizzi 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 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. Very Good Mondays is at Gold-Diggers in Hollywood. Guitarist Angelo Metz is at Wally’s in Santa Monica. Trio Renacimiento is at Las Perlas in downtown L.A. Pianist Michael Wolff is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. The M.O.B. Jazz Quintet is at SOhO in Santa Barbara.

Tuesday 7/16 – Ann Hampton Callaway at Vibrato

Vocalist Ann Hampton Callaway is at Vibrato in Bel Air with John Proulx on piano, Trey Henry on bass, MB Gordy on drums, and Paul Viapiano on guitar. Drummer Mark Guiliana celebrates an album release at the Lodge Room in Highland Park. Vocalist Janis Mann is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Pianist Joshua White begins a five-night (Tue-Sat) residency at the Jazz Lounge in San Diego. Drummer Jonathan Pinson leads the Tuesday Happenings jam session at Sam First near LAX. Percussionist Tito Puente, Jr. is at the Redlands Bowl in Redlands. Tap dancer Max Pollak & Afro Cuban Jazz Tap are at Catalina in Hollywood. Vocalist Jennifer Leigh Warren is at La Puglia in Santa Monica. Corcovado is at TRiP in Santa Monica. Guitarist Dean Grech is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Vocalist Slim Man is at the Festival of Arts in Laguna Beach. Pianist Tommy Gannon 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. The Brig Band is at The Brig in Venice. Guitarist Matthew Yeakley hosts a jazz jam at General Lee’s in Chinatown. Guitarist Louie Valenzuela is at Madison On Park in San Diego.  Pianist Ron Kobayashi leads a jam session at Aquarian Drumheads in Orange.  Pianist Matt Politano leads a breakfast jazz trio at Jones Coffee Roasters in Pasadena.  The Hollywood Jazz Orchestra plays a free noon concert at Gloria Molina Grand Park in downtown L.A

Wednesday 7/17 – Big Band Night at the Hollywood Bowl

The LA Phil presents a night of big bands at the Hollywood Bowl with the Maria Schneider Orchestra, Count Basie Orchestra with vocalist Nnenna Freelon, and the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra. Pianist Cathlene Pineda is at Sam First near LAX. Drummer Charles Ruggerio is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. The Four Freshmen are at Vibrato in Bel Air. Pianist Joshua White is at the Jazz Lounge in San Diego. Caleb Chapman’s Crescent Super Band is at Campus Jax in Newport Beach. Pianist Irving Flores is at Books & Records in San Diego. Percussionist Tito Puente, Jr. is at Club Louie’s in Westlake Village. Vocalist Susan Krebs’ WoRK Quintet is at The Grape in Ventura. Vocalist Lia Booth is at Garcons de Cafe in downtown L.A.  Drummer Jimmy Branly is at 1881 in Pasadena. Trumpeter Julien Knowles leads a jam session at The York in Highland Park.  Guitarist David Eastlee is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. Pianist Michael Peed is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. 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. The Modern Time Trio is at Club 616 in Santa Ana. The Flight 584 Big Band is at the Mayflower Club in North Hollywood. Trumpeter Grant Hungerford leads a jazz jam at Collage in San Pedro. The Laguna Community Jazz Band is at the Festival of Arts in Laguna Beach.