About & Out – What’s Hot In SoCal Jazz – The Week Of July 29, 2024

July ends and August opens with a SoCal jazz week including Steve Gadd, Esperanza Spalding, Norah Jones, Josh Nelson & Bob Bowman, Doug Webb, Jeff Lorber, Gordon Goodwin, Michael Wolff, Dweezil Zappa, Bill Cunliffe, Danny Janklow, Joshua White, Hailey Niswanger, Sara Gazarek, Brian Swartz, and Jameal Dean.

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 7/29 – Dave Harrington & Dolphin Hyperspace at Zebulon

Guitarist Dave Harrington celebrates an album release at Zebulon in Silverlake – Dolphin Hyperspace opens. Saxophonist Eric Marienthal is at Spaghettini in Seal Beach with guest saxophonist Grace Kelly. Vocalist Sara Gazarek is at the Jazz Lounge in San Diego. Phatback, Earl & Me is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Guitarist Richard Hastings 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. Very Good Mondays is at Gold-Diggers in Hollywood. Guitarist Angelo Metz is at Wally’s in Santa Monica. Pianist Michael Wolff is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego.

Tuesday 7/30 – Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band at the Redlands Bowl

Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band is at the Redlands Bowl in Redlands. Drummer Andy Prado is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Vocalist Sara Gazarek is at Sam First near LAX. Guitarist Fabiano do Nascimento celebrates an album release at 2220 Arts + Archives in downtown L.A. Drummer Evan Stone is at La Puglia in Santa Monica with vocalist Lia Booth. Guitarist Giacomo Turra is at the Lodge Room in Highland Park. Vocalist Hailey Reinhart is at The Music Box in Solana Beach. Violinist Yale Strom is at the Senses Bistro in San Diego. Pianist Tommy Gannon is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. 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. 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. Trio Renacimiento is at Las Perlas in downtown L.A. Pianist Matt Politano leads a breakfast jazz trio at Jones Coffee Roasters in Pasadena.

Wednesday 7/31 – Hailey Niswanger at 2220 Arts + Archives

Saxophonist Hailey Niswanger celebrates an album release at 2220 Arts + Archives in downtown L.A. Drummer Paul Peress is at The Baked Potato in Studio City.  Drummer Jimmy Branly is at 1881 in Pasadena.  Pianist Chad Edwards is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Saxophonist Pedro Valiente is at Sam First near LAX. Irreversible Entanglements is at the Lodge Room in Highland Park. Saxophonist Benn Clatworthy is at Project Barley Square in Torrance. Les Bons Garcons is at Garcons de Cafe in downtown L.A.  Trumpeter Julien Knowles leads a jam session at The York in Highland Park. Jumpin’ Joz 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. Vocalist Amanda Portela is at Books & Records in San Diego.

Thursday 8/1 – Esperanza Spalding at the Luckman Fine Arts Complex

Bassist/vocalist Esperanza Spalding at the Luckman Fine Arts Complex in downtown L.A. Drummer Steve Gadd opens a four-night (Thu-Sun) run at Catalina in Hollywood. Pianist Bill Cunliffe is at Sam First near LAX. Saxophonist Danny Janklow is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Trumpeter Brian Swartz is at The Gardenia in West Hollywood. Pianist Jamael Dean & The Afronauts are at the Hammer Museum in Westwood. Trumpeter Tony Guerrero leads a big band at the Festival Of Arts in Laguna Beach. Trumpeter Gilbert Castellanos is at Lou Lou’s in San Diego. Saxophonist Jason Fabus plays a tribute to Gerry Mulligan at the Cascade Lounge in Palm Springs. Pianist Michael Wolff is at The Merc in Temecula. Brazilian guitarist Eduardo Gudin is at Alvas Showroom in San Pedro. The Beaucoup Brass Band is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Vocalist Meloney Collins and pianist Jason Wanner are at the Casino San Clemente in San Clemente. The Angel Town Combo is at the Original Farmers Market in West L.A. Saxophonist Patrick Lamb is at Campus Jax in Newport Beach. Indian guitarist Vishnu R is at Dizzy’s in San Diego. Pianist Anthony Smith is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego with vocalist Santino Sgambelluri. 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.  Vocalist Grace Fae & The Grandbirds are at The George in Pasadena for happy hour.  Drummer Jake Tompkins is at The Drake in Laguna Beach.

Friday 8/2 – Steve Gadd at Catalina

Drummer Steve Gadd is at Catalina in Hollywood for the second of four nights (Thu-Sat) with Michael Landau on guitar, Jeff Babko on keys, Travis Carlton on bass, and Walt Fowler on trumpet/flugelhorn.  Saxophonist Doug Webb is at The Escondite in downtown L.A. for the first of two nights (Fri-Sat) with a band including Tool drummer Danny Carey.  Pianist Josh Nelson and bassist Bob Bowman lead a quartet at Sam First near LAX. Keyboardist Jeff Lorber is at The Baked Potato in Studio City for the first of two nights (Fri-Sat). Pianist Joshua White has the free Friday jazz show at LACMA in West L.A. Pianist Michael Wolff is at The Grape in Ventura. Vocalist Seth MacFarlane leads a chamber orchestra at Vibrato in Bel Air. The Rocha Collective is at The Sun Rose in West Hollywood. Matt Johnson & The New Jet Set are at The Muck in Fullerton.  Trumpeter Tony Guerrero and pianist Jeremy Siskind are at the Casino San Clemente in San Clemente.  Organist Gregg Karukas is at the Canyon Bistro in Topanga. Vocalist Steve Brock is at The Gardenia in West Hollywood. Pianist Brenda Greggio is at the Jazz Lounge in San Diego. Vocalist Hailey Reinhart is at The Montclair Canyon. Vocalist Perla Batalla is at the Ventura College Performing Arts Center in Ventura. Saxophonist Dennis Mitcheltree is at the Industry Cafe & Jazz in Culver City. Vocalist Zuri Alexander sings songs of Ella Fizgerald at Alvas Showroom in San Pedro.  Trumpeter Gilbert Castellanos is at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar in San Diego.  Vocalist Sheree Brown is at The World Stage in South L.A.  Pianist Joe Rotondi is at Eddie V’s in El Segundo.  Pianist Mikan Zlatkovich is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Pianist Kat Shoemaker is at Golden Island in San Diego. Pianist Sue Palmer is at Books & Records in San Diego. Saxophonist Paul Taylor is at Spaghettini in Seal Beach. Guitarist Scott Parker is at 1881 in Pasadena. 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. The Sunny Blue Trio is at Pips On La Brea in West L.A. Vocalist Chloe Perrier is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. MaQui is at The Drake in Laguna Beach.

Saturday 8/3 – Josh Nelson/Bob Bowman Collective at Sam First

Pianist Josh Nelson and bassist Bob Bowman lead a quintet at Sam First near LAX with Bob Sheppard on sax, Larry Koonse on guitar, and Billy Ward on drums.  Saxophonist Doug Webb is at The Escondite in downtown L.A. for the second of two nights (Fri-Sat) with a band including Tool drummer Danny Carey.  Vocalists Elaine Gibbs, Brenda Lee Eager and Je Je Burton sing a tribute to Barbara Morrison at TBMPAC in South L.A. Drummer Steve Gadd is at Catalina in Hollywood. Keyboardist Jeff Lorber is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Guitarist Dweezil Zappa is at the Orpheum Theatre in downtown L.A. Violinist/vocalist Leah Zeger & The Icy Hot Club are at Bacchus’ Kitchen in South Pasadena. Drummer Michael Barsimonto and saxophonist Louis Van Taylor lead a quintet at the St. Barnabas Harmony Room in Eagle Rock. Keyboardist Don Randi & Quest are at The Grape in Ventura. Pianist Vardan Ovesepian is at Libretto in Paso Robles. Vocalist Lady Blackbird is at The Sun Rose in West Hollywood. Vocalist Luke Carlsen & The Fresh Rhythm Band are at Vibrato in Bel Air. Vocalist Hailey Reinhart is at the Canyon Club in Agoura Hills. Pianist/vocalist Bill Cantos is at the Festival Of Arts in Laguna Beach.  Pianist Karen Hammack is at Eddie V’s in El Segundo with vocalist Liela Avila.  Guitarist Chris Standring is at Spaghettini in Seal Beach. Saxophonist Paul Combs is at Books & Records in San Diego. Brazilian pianist Luis Chamis and vocalist Stephanie Borgani are at Dizzy’s in San Diego. Pianist Brenda Greggio is at the Jazz Lounge in San Diego. Las Chikas have the free Friday evening Latin Sounds show at Hancock Park in West L.A. Pianist Irving Flores is at the Senses Bistro in San Diego. Vocalist Eric Benet and saxophonist Paul Taylor are at the Thornton Winery in Temecula. Vocalist Mercedes Moore is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Pianist Adam Wolff is at the Westgate Hotel in San Diego. Saxophonist David Leech is at Pips On La Brea in West L.A. The Esquires Big Band is at the Cicada Club in downtown L.A. Vocalist Ed Romero is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. The Dave Stephens Band is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Vocalist Joe Croyle is at the Roost Lounge in Cathedral City.

Sunday 8/4 – Norah Jones at the Greek Theatre

Vocalist/pianist Norah Jones is at The Greek Theatre in Los Feliz. Drummer Steve Gadd is at Catalina in Hollywood. Pianist Michael Wolff is at the Jazz Lounge in San Diego. Bassist Benny Rietveld is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. The Corbin Jones Big Band opens for drummer Kevin Kanner’s trio and jam session at The Mint in West L.A. Guitarist/vocalist Camila Meza is at the Athenaeum Library in La Jolla. Guitarist Jonathan Stout plays the music of Charlie Christian at Campus Jax in Newport Beach. Drummer Bryan Cabrera and pianist Ron Kobayashi are at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Vocalist Alex Robinson is at the Festival Of Arts in Laguna Beach. Flutist Althea Rene is at Spaghettini in Seal Beach. Saxophonist Peter De Luke & The Mellotones are at Dizzy’s in San Diego. Vocalist Lindsey Webster fronts a big band led by pianist David Benoit at the South Coast Winery in Temecula. 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 in South L.A. hosts the Rose Gales Vocal Jam Session. The Jelly Roll Jazz Band is at Casey’s Tavern in Canoga Park. Guitarist Sam Shepherd plays an afternoon jazz brunch at Jack’s in Dana Point. Keyboardist Jay Smith has the early jazz brunch at the Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach. Vocalist Cobby Brzeski does a brunch at the Hotel Republic in San Diego.

Monday 8/5 – Drum Fantasy Camp All-Stars at The Baked Potato

Drummers Chris Coleman, Mike Mangini, and Simon Phillips are at The Baked Potato in Studio City with Hagar Ben Ari on bass, Stu Minderman on keys, Chrissi Poland on vocals, and Vinny Valentino on guitar. Black Market Trust is at the Festival Of Arts in Laguna Beach. 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 Tommy Gannon is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Guitarist Richard Hastings is at The Drake in Laguna Beach.

Tuesday 8/6 – Wayne Bergeron/Dave Tull Sextet at Bistango

Trumpeter Wayne Bergeron and drummer/vocalist Dave Tull lead a sextet at Bistango in Irvine. Guitarist Graham Decher and bassist Alex Frank lead a quartet at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Bassist Marlon Martinez’s Marlonious Jazz Orchestra is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Vocalist Norah Jones is at The Rady Shell in San Diego. Pianist Gerald Clayton leads the Tuesday Happenings jam session at Sam First near LAX. Saxophonist Devin Daniels is at The Townhouse in Venice. Vocalist Crystal Clulee is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. M-Pact is at the Festival Of Arts in Laguna Beach. 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 Adam Wolff is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Pianist Matt Politano leads a breakfast jazz trio at Jones Coffee Roasters in Pasadena.

Wednesday 8/7 – Laufey at the Hollywood Bowl

Vocalist Laufey is at the Hollywood Bowl with the LA Phil. The Buddy Rich Big Band Machine is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Bassist Mackenzie Leighton is at Sam First near LAX. Drummer Jimmy Branly is at 1881 in Pasadena. Trumpeter Julien Knowles leads a jam session at The York in Highland Park. Vocalist Billy Valentine isat the Festival Of Arts in Laguna Beach. Vocalist Lia Booth is at Seven Grand in downtown L.A. Pianist/vocalist Christopher Linman is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. 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. Vocalist Josie LaValle is at Books & Records in San Diego. Saxophonist Bryan McCann is at Cafe Fiore in Ventura.