About & Out – What’s Hot In SoCal Jazz – The Week Of August 26, 2024

August ends with a SoCal jazz week including John Daversa, Shelley Berg, Tierney Sutton, Daniel Rotem, Jay Jennings, Tom Kubis, Doug Webb, Clayton Cameron, Anna Mjöll, Randal Fisher, Aaron Janik, Ella Sophie, and Saturday’s Leimert Park Jazz Festival including Billy Childs and Stanley Jordan.

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 8/26 – Aaron Janik at The Baked Potato

Trumpeter Aaron Janik is at The Baked Potato in Studio City with Gene Coye on drums, Chase Jackson on vibes, Javier Santiago on keys, Max Gerl on bass, and Julian Pollack on keys. Saxophonist Eric Marienthal is at Spaghettini in Seal Beach with guest guitarist Lee Ritenour. Vocalist Kiki Ebsen’s Joni Mitchell Project 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 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.

Tuesday 8/27 – Gerald Clayton Tuesday Happenings at Sam First

Pianist Gerald Clayton hosts the Tuesday Happenings jam session at Sam First near LAX. Bassist Marshall Hawkins and pianist Joshua White are at Ferro in Idlyllwild. Pianist Irving Flores is at the Senses Bistro in San Diego. Lizzy & The Triggermen are at Lou Lou’s in San Diego. Vocalist Sweet Baby J’ai is at Vibrato in Bel Air. The Strada Swing Quartet is at La Puglia in Santa Monica. Vocalist Crystal Clulee is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Guitarist/vocalist Val McCallum is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. 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 Matt Politano leads a breakfast jazz trio at Jones Coffee Roasters in Pasadena.

Wednesday 8/28 – Ella Sophie at Sam First

Vocalist Ella Sophie celebrates an album release at Sam First near LAX with Josh Nelson on piano, Alex Frank on bass, and Ryan Shaw on drums. The Tom Kubis Big Band is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Saxophonist Katja Rieckermann is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Native Vibe is at The Grape in Ventura. Drummer Jimmy Branly is at 1881 in Pasadena. Trumpeter Julien Knowles leads a jam session at The York in Highland Park. Jumpin’ Joz 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. The Modern Time Trio is at Club 616 in Santa Ana. Le Bons Garcons is at Garcons De Cafe in downtown L.A. Guitarist Zo Shah is at Books & Records in San Diego. Pianist Carlos Velasco is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Saxophonist Justin Chart is at Casablanca Moroccan Kitchens in West L.A. The Flight 584 Big Band is at the Sagebrush Cantina in Calabasas.

Thursday 8/29 – Shelley Berg at Catalina Jazz Club

Pianist Shelley Berg is at Catalina in Hollywood celebrating a CD release with Carlitos Del Puerto on bass and Dafnis Prieto on drums. Trumpeter John Daversa opens a four-night run with his big band at The Baked Potato in Studio City to celebrate the release of a new live album. Trumpeter Jay Jennings is at Sam First near LAX. Guitarist Will Brahm is at the Cascade Lounge in Palm Springs. Vocalist Billy Valentine is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Violinist Gianna Pedregon is at Campus Jax in Newport Beach. Saxophonist Charlie Arbelaez plays the music of Charlie Parker at Dizzy’s in San Diego. Saxophonist Louis Van Taylor is at The Merc in Temecula. Incendio is at The Grape in Ventura. Drummer/vocalist Dave Tull is at Eddie V’s in El Segundo. Saxophonist Greg Vail is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Vocalist Amanda Portela is at Lou Lou’s in San Diego. Percussionist Joey De Leon is at the Cana Rum Bar in downtown L.A. 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. Guitarist Mitchell Long is at Davina Cucina in La Crescenta-Montrose. 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. 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 Roman Palacios is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Trumpeter Jeff Elliott is at Lost Chord Guitars in Solvang.

Friday 8/30 – John Daversa Big Band at The Baked Potato

Trumpeter John Daversa’s big band celebrates the release of a new live album at The Baked Potato in Studio City for the second of four nights (Thu-Sun). Saxophonist Daniel Rotem is at Sam First near LAX. Pianist Ruslan Sirota is at Libretto in Paso Robles. Saxophonist Randal Fisher is at The World Stage in South L.A. Vocalist Sherry Williams is at LACMA in West L.A. for the free Friday jazz series. The SicNarf big band is at The Grape in Ventura. Vocalist Jennifer Holliday is at Catalina in Hollywood for the first of three nights (Fri-Sun). Vocalist Lilliana De Los Reyes is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Vocalist Susan Krebs is at the Canyon Bistro in Topanga. Vocalist Howie Levine’s “JazzNatra” is at Hawg Heaven BBQ & Gastropub in Pasadena. Vocalist Phyllis Causey is at The Gardenia in West Hollywood. Guitarist Steph Johnson is at Golden Island in San Diego. Pianist Mikan Zlatkovich is at Books & Records in San Diego. Saxophonist Julian Noel is at Dizzy’s in San Diego.  The Guide Trio is at the Tabula Rasa Bar in Hollywood.  Guitarist Louie Valenzuela is at Lou Lou’s in San Diego. Saxophonist Dave Victorino is at Azo Vino in Covina. Vocalist Rebecca Jade is at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar in San Diego.  The EdCode Quartet is at Craftsman Pizza in Placentia.  Drummer/vocalist Dave Tull is at Eddie V’s in El Segundo. Drummer Joel Taylor 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 Grace Fae & The Grandbirds are at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. MaQui is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Trumpeter Emmanuel Borboa is at the Black Rail Kitchen & Bar in Carlsbad. Vocalist Whitney Shay is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego.

Saturday 8/31 – Leimert Park Jazz Festival at Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza

The Leimert Park Jazz Festival is at Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza and features guitarist Stanley Jordan, pianist Billy Childs, saxophonist Justo Almario, and trumpeter Gilbert Castellanos. Vocalist Tierney Sutton is at Sam First near LAX with Serge Merlaud on guitar and Kevin Axt on bass.  Trumpeter John Daversa’s big band celebrates the release of a new live album at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Saxophonist Doug Webb is at The Grape in Ventura. Guitarist David Becker is at Alvas Showroom in San Pedro. Pianist David Benoit is at Libretto in Paso Robles. Vocalist Jennifer Holliday is at Catalina in Hollywood. Pianist/vocalist Bill Cantos is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Pianist Mike Garson is at The Sun Rose in West Hollywood with vocalist Gaby Moreno. Guitarist Dusty Brough is at Lou Lou’s in San Diego.  Vocalist Claude Hall is at The Butcher’s Daughter in West L.A. The Alpha Rhythm Kings are at the Pasadena Ballroom Dance Association. Son Mayor has the free Saturday Latin Sounds series at Hancock Park in West L.A. Guitarist JJ Sansaverino is at Spaghettini in Seal Beach. Pianist Marc LeBrun 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. Vocalist Mercedes Moore is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego.

Sunday 9/1 – Anna Mjöll at Vibrato

Icelandic vocalist Anna Mjöll is at Vibrato in Bel Air with Tom Ranier on piano, Larry Koonse on guitar, Trey Henry on bass, and Ray Brinker on drums. Trumpeter John Daversa’s big band celebrates the release of a new live album at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Drummer Clayton Cameron is at the Sierra Madre Playhouse in Sierra Madre. Pianist Jeff Babko is at Libretto in Paso Robles.  Vocalist Jennifer Holliday is at Catalina in Hollywood. Black Market Trust is at Spaghettini in Seal Beach. Guitarist JJ Sansaverino, vocalist Erin Stevenson, and guitarist Blake Aaron are at the South Coast Winery in Temecula. Pianist Tommy Gannon is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego with vocalist Andrea Miller. Pianist Danny Green is at Panama 66 in San Diego.  Drummer/vocalist Bryan Cabrera is at The Drake in Laguna Beach with pianist Ron Kobayashi.  Vocalist Ruby Presnell is at Tio Leo’s Lounge in San Diego.  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. The Hard Bop Ensemble is at The Copper Room in Yucca Valley. Guitarist Sam Shepherd plays an afternoon jazz brunch at Jack’s in Dana Point. Drummer Tom Dante has a brunch show at Mozambique in Laguna Beach. Vocalist Lia Booth has the early jazz brunch at the Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach. Keyboardist/vocalist Wayne Wilentz has the afternoon brunch at the Urban Press Winery in Burbank. Guitarist John Saavedra plays a brunch at Books & Records in San Diego.

Monday 9/2 – Graham Dechter/Alex Frank Quartet at The Baked Potato

Guitarist Graham Dechter and bassist Alex Frank lead a quartet at The Baked Potato in Studio City including Jordan Siegel on keys and Ryan Shaw on drums. 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 9/3 – Gerald Clayton Tuesday Happenings at Sam First

Pianist Gerald Clayton hosts the Tuesday Happenings Jam Session at Sam First near LAX. The Fresh Mint Pharaohs are at La Puglia in Santa Monica. Guitarist Shea Welsh is at TRiP in Santa Monica. Pianist Michael Peed is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Guitarist Richard Hastings is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Bayou Degradable is at The Baked Potato in Studio City.   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.  The Cookies are at Vibrato in Bel Air.  Guitarist/vocalist Ponpon Chen is at Seven Grand in downtown L.A.  Pianist Derrik Lewis plays a happy hour show at The Tropicale in Palm Springs.   Pianist Matt Politano leads a breakfast jazz trio at Jones Coffee Roasters in Pasadena.

Wednesday 9/4 – Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue at the Hollywood Bowl

Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue are at the Hollywood Bowl. Keyboardist Scott Kinsey is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Bassist Logan Kane is at Sam First near LAX. Trumpeter/vocalist Byron Stripling and organist Bobby Floyd are at Bistango in Irvine. Accordionist Corey Pesaturo is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Saxophonist Greg Vail is at The Drake in Laguna Beach.  Drummer Jimmy Branly is at 1881 in Pasadena.  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.  The Flight 584 Big Band is at the Mayflower Club in North Hollywood.  Pianist Carlos Velasco is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego.  Saxophonist Bryan McCann is at Cafe Fiore in Ventura.