About & Out – What’s Hot In SoCal Jazz – The Week Of July 15, 2024

Wednesday’s Big Band Night at the Hollywood Bowl leads a SoCal jazz week including Jane Monheit, Ann Hampton Callaway, Graham Dechter & Alex Frank, Bevan Manson, Mark Guiliana, Peter Erskine, Pete Escovedo, Joshua White, Danny Janklow, Cathlene Pineda, and Blanco Diablo.

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 7/15 – 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.

Thursday 7/18 – Pete Escovedo at Vibrato

Latin percussionist Pete Escovedo is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Keyboardist Herman Jackson is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Bassist Marlon Martinez leads his Marlonious Jazz Orchestra with vocalist Mara Kaye at Sam First near LAX.   The New Jet Set is at the Festival Of Arts in Laguna Beach. Vocalist Melanie Taylor is at Catalina in Hollywood. Pianist Joshua White is at the Jazz Lounge in San Diego. Trumpeter John Reynolds is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Pianist Joe Rotondi is at Eddie V’s in El Segundo. Brazilian vocalist Lua celebrates an album release at Harvelle’s in Santa Monica. Vocalist Andrea Miller is at Campus Jax in Newport Beach. Vocalist Courtney Lemmon is at Jojo’s Hideaway in Tustin. Bassist Mackenzie Leighton is at The Merc in Temecula. Pianist Brian O’Rourke is at the Urban Press Winery in Burbank. Guitarist Alex Ciavarelli is at Lou Lou’s in San Diego. Percussionist Joey De Leon is at the Cana Rum Bar in downtown L.A. Pianist/vocalist Valentina Shelton 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. Vocalist Douglas Roegiers is at the Cascade Lounge in Palm Springs.

Friday 7/19 – Jane Monheit at Catalina

Vocalist Jane Monheit is at Catalina in Hollywood for the first of two nights (Fri-Sat) with Max Haymer on piano, Karl McComas-Reichl on bass, and Rick Montalbano on drums. Guitarist Graham Dechter and bassist Alex Frank lead a quartet at Sam First near LAX. Saxophonist Danny Janklow is at The World Stage in South L.A.  Drummer Jonathan Pinson is at LACMA in West L.A. for the free Friday jazz show.  Drummer Peter Erskine is at Libretto in Paso Robles.  Vocalist Aaron Jacobs & The Swing Tones are at Vibrato near Bel Air. Pianist Joshua White is at the Jazz Lounge in San Diego. Guitarist Dave Askren and saxophonist Jeff Benedict are at the Canyon Crest Winery in Riverside. Guitarist Mike Keneally’s Beer For Dolphins is at The Baked Potato in Studio City for the first of two nights (Fri-Sat).  Trumpeter Gilbert Castellanos plays a free show at the Soka University Campus Green in Aliso Viejo.  Flutist Lori Bell is at The Merc in Temecula.  Vocalist Anita Robles is at the Garden Cafe in Sherman Oaks. Lettuce is at Belly Up in Solana Beach. Bassist Rob Thorsen is at Panama 66 in San Diego. Keyboardist Lao Tizer is at The Grape in Ventura. The Idiomatiques are at Lost Chord Guitars in Solvang. Vocalist Will Downing and saxophonist Cal Bennett are at the Hyatt Regency in Newport Beach. Vocalist Rebecca Jade is at Spaghettini in Seal Beach. Vocalist Mara Kaye is at Golden Island in San Diego. Vocalist Cobby Brzeski is at The Old Globe at Balboa Park in San Diego. Vocalist Kaylee Daugherty is at Books & Records in San Diego. Pianist Anthony Smith is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego with vocalist Santino Sgambelluri. Saxophonist Justin Chart is at the N10 Restaurant in West L.A. Bassist Karim Yengsep is at the OC Fish Grill in Irvine. Drummer/vocalist Dave Tull is at Eddie V’s in El Segundo. Guitarist Thom Rotella 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. Drummer/vocalist Bryan Cabrera is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Pianist Adam Wolff is at the Black Rail Kitchen & Bar in Carlsbad.

Saturday 7/20 – Bevan Manson at The Grape

Pianist Bevan Manson is at The Grape in Ventura with saxophonists Bob Sheppard & David Glasser, Chip Tingle on trombone, Kenny Wild on bass, and Steve Hass on drums. Guitarist Graham Dechter and bassist Alex Frank lead a quartet at Sam First near LAX. Vocalist Jane Monheit is at Catalina in Hollywood. Drummer Peter Erskine leads a trio at the Athenaeum Library in La Jolla with guest saxophonist Bob Mintzer. Pianist Joshua White is at the Jazz Lounge in San Diego. Pianist Jordan Siegel is at Libretto in Paso Robles. Guitarist Mike Keneally’s Beer For Dolphins is at The Baked Potato in Studio City.  Lady Blackbird is at The Sun Rose in West Hollywood.  Vocalist Amanda Castro is at Vibrato in Bel Air. BPM does an afternoon show at the Festival of Arts in Laguna Beach, followed by an evening performance from pianist/vocalist John Proulx. Trumpeter Gilbert Castellanos is at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar in San Diego. Saxophonist Dr. Bruce Eskovitz is at the Industry Cafe & Jazz in Culver City. Keyboardist Lao Tizer is at Lou Lou’s in San Diego. Guitarist Peter White is at the Thornton Winery in Temecula with saxophonists Mindi Abair and Vincent Ingala. Vocalist Dayme Arocena is at Grand Performances California Plaza in downtown L.A. The Aristocats are at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. Vocalist Sacha Boutros is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. The Arsenio Rodriguez Project has the free Saturday Latin Sounds show at LACMA in West L.A. Saxophonist Darren Rahn is at Spaghettini in Seal Beach.  Vocalist Janessa Noland is at Books & Records in San Diego. Pianist John Opferkuf is at the Black Rail Kitchen & Bar in Carlsbad. 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. Lizzy & The Triggermen are at the Cicada Club in downtown L.A. Ashley Anne & The Carnations are at the Pasadena Ballroom Dance Association.

Sunday 7/21 – Billy Vera Big Band at Vibrato

Billy Vera leads a big band at Vibrato in Bel Air. Trumpeter Gilbert Castellanos is at Tio Leo’s Lounge in San Diego. Guitarist Chris Standring, saxophonist Patrick Lamb, and organist Gregg Karukas are at the South Coast Winery in Temecula. Cuban guitarist Kiki Valero is at Catalina in Hollywood.  Nutty does an early evening show at Thomas Ridley Central Park in Huntington Beach.  Vocalist Sharon Marie Cline is at The Drake 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. The Jasmine Band is at the Playhouse Village Park in Pasadena. 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. Saxophonist Ben Sachs has the early jazz brunch at the Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach. Vocalist Mercedes Moore does a brunch at Books & Records in San Diego. Pianist Sue Palmer is at the Hotel Republic in San Diego for a Sunday brunch. Saxophonist Will Donato is at the Hotel Zoso in Palm Springs for a Sunday brunch. The Midiri Brothers are at the Norris Pavilion in Rolling Hills Estates for a late afternoon show.

Monday 7/22 – Judy Wexler at The Baked Potato

Vocalist Judy Wexler is at The Baked Potato in Studio City with Jeff Colella on keys, Chris Colangelo on bass, Larry Koonse on guitar, and Kendall Kay on drums. Guitarist Jeff Parker is at Zebulon in Silverlake.  The Tom Kubis Big Band is at the Gaslamp in Long Beach.  Vocalist Crystal Clulee is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Pianist Tommy Gannon 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 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.

Tuesday 7/23 – Calabria Foti & Kenny Washington at Bistango

Vocalists Calabria Foti and Kenny Washington are at Bistango in Irvine backed by a trio led by pianist Josh Nelson. Trumpeter Jay Jennings is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Trumpeter/vocalist Chris Norton is at La Puglia in Santa Monica. Quarteto Nuevo is at the Festival Of Arts in Laguna Beach. Saxophonist Charlie Arbelaez is at the Senses Bistro in San Diego. Vocalist Andrea Miller is at The Drake in Laguna Beach.  Pianist Brenda Greggio leads a tribute to Joe Henderson at the Jazz Lounge in San Diego.  Pianist/vocalist Yve Evans is at Eddie V’s in Palm Desert.  Trumpeter Nate Birkey is at SOhO in Santa Barbara.  Saxophonist Justin Chart is at the Arth Bar & Kitchen in Culver City.  Keyboardist Sam Barsh is at Shoo Shoo Baby in downtown L.A.  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 Matt Politano leads a breakfast jazz trio at Jones Coffee Roasters in Pasadena. Bassist Glen Fisher leads a jazz jam at Humphrey’s Backstage in San Diego.

Wednesday 7/24 – Alex Johnson Plays Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers at Catalina Jazz Club

Saxophonist Alex Johnson leads a tribute to Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers at Catalina in Hollywood with Otmaro Ruiz on piano, Nolan Shaheed on trumpet, Marvin “Smitty” Smith on drums, and Jeff Littleton on bass. Organist Brian Charette is at Sam First near LAX. Guitarist Thom Rotella is at The Grape in Ventura. The Greyboy All-Stars are at Venice West in Venice. Vocalist Maria Schafer is at Garcons De Cafe in downtown L.A. Guitarist/vocalist Rafael Moreira is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Vibraphonist Anthony Smith is at Books & Records in San Diego. Pianist/vocalist Yve Evans is at Eddie V’s in Palm Desert. Pianist/vocalist Christopher Linman is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Vocalist Kaylee Daughterty is at the Hotel Republic in San Diego. Drummer Jimmy Branly 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. Guitarist David Eastlee 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. French vocal group Paris Chansons is at Vibrato in Bel Air. San Lyon is at SOhO in Santa Barbara.