About & Out – What’s Hot In SoCal Jazz – The Week Of October 7, 2024

Jazz across SoCal this week includes the SF Jazz Collective, Jason Moran, Sinne Eeg, Jeremy Pelt, Anthony Wilson, Jeff Babko, Al Di Meola, John Beasley, One Shot Deal, Marta Sánchez, the Buena Vista Orchestra, Elsa Nilsson, Sasha Berliner, and Destiny Muhammad.

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 10/7 – Kay-Ta Matsuno at Spaghettini

Guitarist Kay-Ta Matsuno is at Spaghettini in Seal Beach leading his Kay-Ta Crypto String Society. Blues guitarist Josh Smith is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. 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. Pianist Mikan Zlatkovich is at Eddie V’s in San Diego. Trio Renacimiento is at Las Perlas in downtown L.A. Pianist Adam Wolff is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. The Harry Selvin Orchestra is at the Palm Garden Hotel in Newbury Park. Guitarist Richard Hastings is at The Drake in Laguna Beach.

Tuesday 10/8 – West Coast Jazz Hour Big Band w/Sinne Eeg at Vibrato

The West Coast Jazz Hour Big Band is at Vibrato in Bel Air with Danish vocalist Sinne Eeg. Vocalist Janis Mann is at The Baked Potato in Studio City.  Guitarist Al Di Meola is at The Magnolia in El Cajon.  Polyrhythmics are at SOhO in Santa Barbara. Pianist Gerald Clayton leads the Tuesday Happenings jam session at Sam First near LAX. Vocalist Natalie Jacob is at TRiP in Santa Monica. Vocalist D. Scott Eads is at La Puglia in Santa Monica. Pianist/vocalist Yve Evans is at Eddie V ‘s in Palm Desert. Vocalist Rose Mallett is at the Purple Room in Palm Springs. 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. The Irvine Barclay Jazz Band is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Pianist Matt Politano leads a breakfast jazz trio at Jones Coffee Roasters in Pasadena.

Wednesday 10/9 – Marta Sánchez at Sam First

Pianist Marta Sánchez is at Sam First near LAX with Chris Tordini on bass and Eliza Salem on drums. Guitarist Al Di Meola is at The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano. The Danny Jonokuchi Big Band is at Vibrato in Bel Air with vocalist Christian Wiggs.  Pianist Lewis Porter is at The Grape in Ventura.  Drummer Raul Pineda is at 1881 in Pasadena.  Ohm is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Pianist Aimee Nolte and vocalist Leonard Patton play the music of Laura Nyro at The Jazz Lounge in San Diego. Trumpeter Julien Knowles leads a jam session at The York in Highland Park. 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 Michael LeVan is at Il Gatto in La Habra. Pianist Mikan Zlatkovich is at The Manhattan in La Jolla. Jumpin’ Joz is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. The Modern Time Trio is at Club 616 in Santa Ana. Pianist Michael Peed is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Vocalist Joanna Gerolaga is at Garcons De Cafe in downtown L.A. Vocalist Crystal Clulee is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Pianist/vocalist Yve Evans is at Eddie V ‘s in Palm Desert.

Thursday 10/10 – Jeff Babko at Sam First

Keyboardist Jeff Babko is at Sam First near LAX with guitarist Peter Himmelman and bassist Larry Klein. Saxophonist Bob Reynolds is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Composer/pianist Patrice Rushen is part of a program entitled “On Dissonance” at Walt Disney Hall in downtown L.A. Polyrhythmics is at Venice West in Venice. Trumpeter Gilbert Castellanos is at Lou Lou’s in San Diego. Trumpeter Danny Jonokuchi is at The Grape in Ventura with vocalist Christian Wiggs. Trumpeter Tony Guerrero is at Campus Jax in Newport Beach. Pianist Michael Ragonese is at The Merc in Temecula. Pianist Mikan Zlatkovich is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Rideshare Jazz is at the Urban Press Winery in Burbank. Pianist Eric Dries is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Percussionist Joey De Leon is at the Cana Rum Bar in downtown L.A. 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. Pianist Richard Turner, Jr. is at Vicky’s Of Santa Fe in Indian Wells. The West Coast Jazz Duo is at Stella’s in Dana Point. Saxophonist Justin Chart is at Zaya in downtown L.A. Vocalist Alicia Beach is at The George in Pasadena for happy hour. Vocalist Kaylee Daughterty is at California English in San Diego.

Friday 10/11 – Jason Moran & The Big Bandwagon at Walt Disney Hall

Pianist Jason Moran & The Big Bandwagon are at Walt Disney Hall in downtown L.A. Pianist Otmaro Ruiz is at LACMA in West L.A. Guitarist Anthony Wilson is at Sam First near LAX for the first of two nights (Fri-Sat). Cuban trombonist Jesús “Aguaje” Ramos and his Buena Vista Orchestra are at The United Theater in downtown L.A. One Shot Deal plays the music of Frank Zappa at Alvas Showroom in San Pedro for the first of two nights (Fri-Sat). Pianist Josh Nelson and vocalist Sinne Eeg are at Bacchus’ Kitchen in South Pasadena. Guitarist Thom Rotella is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Harpist/vocalist Destiny Muhummad is at The World Stage in South L.A. Pianist/vocalist John Proulx is at Libretto in Paso Robles. Trombonist Joshua Brown is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Vocalist Lia Booth is at The Jazz Lounge in San Diego. Keyboardist/vocalist Frank McComb is at Catalina in Hollywood. Drummer/vocalist Dave Tull is at Eddie V’s in El Segundo. Vocalist Grace Fae & The Grandbirds are at the Urban Press Winery in Burbank. Guitarist Adam Hawley is at Camila’s Jazz Club in Montclair. Keyboardist Brian Culbertson is at the Hyatt Regency in Newport Beach. Saxophonist Candy Dulfer is at Spaghettini in Seal Beach. Pianist Malik Minert is at Dizzy’s in San Diego. Pianist Allen Takatsuka is at the Union Market in Mission Viejo with vocalist Janet Orsi. Vocalist Adam “Aejaye” Jackson is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Guitarist Doug MacDonald is at Vicky’s Of Santa Fe in Indian Wells with vocalist Melba Miller.  The Jazz Junkies are 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. Violinist Susie Hansen’s Latin Jazz Band is at Il Gatto in La Habra. The Catalina Combo is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. Latin vocalist Salvador Padilla is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego.

Saturday 10/12 – SF Jazz Collective at the Irvine Barclay Theatre

The SF Jazz Collective is at the Barclay Theatre in Irvine with Chris Potter and David Sanchez on saxes, Mike Rodriguez on trumpet, Warren Wolf on vibes, Edward Simon on piano, Matt Brewer on bass, and Kendrick Scott on drums. Guitarist Anthony Wilson is at Sam First near LAX. Saxophonist Steve Lehman opens for pianist Kris Davis at REDCAT in downtown L.A. Pianist John Beasley is at Camila’s Jazz Club in Montclair. One Shot Deal plays the music of Frank Zappa at Alvas Showroom in San Pedro. Keyboardist Don Randi & Quest are at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Groove Legacy is at The Grape in Ventura with guest saxophonist Tom Scott. Trumpeter Herb Alpert and vocalist Lani Hall are at the Lobero Theatre in Santa Barbara. Vocalist Bilal leads a program entitled “Contrapuntal Counterpoints” at Walt Disney Hall in downtown L.A. Pianist Joshua White celebrates the birthday of Thelonious Monk at Dizzy’s in San Diego. Pianist Marta Sanchez is at Libretto in Paso Robles. Vocalist Richard Shelton is at the Purple Room in Palm Springs. Keyboardist Brian Culbertson is at the Thornton Winery in Temecula. Saxophonist Justin Chart is at Sushi Palace in West L.A.  Catalina Jazz Club in Hollywood offers A Tribute To The Buena Vista Social Club. Pianist George Kahn is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Flutist Lori Bell and pianist Kat Shoemaker are at The Jazz Lounge in San Diego. Pianist Marc LeBrun is at Eddie V’s in El Segundo. The Lowdown Brass Band plays a late show at Venice West in Venice. Drummer/vocalist Tony Jones is at the Urban Press Winery in Burbank. Pianist/vocalist Christopher Linman is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Vocalist Cobby Brzeski is at the Hotel Republic in San Diego. The Black Diamonds are at Azo Vino in Covina. Bassist Karim Yengsep is at Basil Brazil Cuisine in San Juan Capistrano. Vocalist Rose Mallett is at Vicky’s Of Santa Fe in Indian Wells. 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 Zzymzzy Quartet is at Lou Lou’s in San Diego. Vocalist Roman Palacios is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Tino Productions is at the Cicada Club in downtown L.A.

Sunday 10/13 – Jeremy Pelt at the Kirk Douglas Theatre

Trumpeter Jeremy Pelt is at the Kirk Douglas Theatre in Culver City with Alex Wintz on guitar, Jalen Baker on vibes, Leighton McKinley-Harrell on bass, and Jared Spears on drums. Flutist Elsa Nilsson’s Pulses and vibraphonist Sasha Berliner are at 2220 Arts + Archives in downtown L.A. The Ithaca Trio is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Pianist Josh Nelson and vocalist Sinne Eeg are at The Jazz Lounge in San Diego. Trumpeter Greg Adams & East Bay Soul are at Vibrato in Bel Air. Saxophonist Candy Dulfer is at the Thornton Winery in Temecula. Vocalist Lia Booth is at Camila’s Jazz Club in Montclair. Pianist/vocalist Betty Bryant is at the Beatrice Wood Center For The Arts in Ojai. Guitarist Yu Ooka is at 3355 Asian Grill in Torrance. Vocalist Karen Celeste Cruz is at The Gardenia in West Hollywood. Saxophonist Kyle Schroeder is at Spaghettini in Seal Beach. Saxophonist Art Sherrod, Jr. is at Humphrey’s Backstage in San Diego. Pianist Tommy Gannon is at Il Sogno Italiano 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. Pianist Michael LeVan is at Il Gatto in La Habra with vocalist Andrea Miller. Bassist Ryan Cross is at Delilah in West Hollywood. Guitarist Ken Song is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. Vocalist Beth Rohde leads a jam session at Barsha in Hermosa 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. Vocalist Judy Wexler has the afternoon brunch at the Urban Press Winery in Burbank. Drummer Tom Dante has a brunch show at Mozambique in Laguna Beach. The Jazz Cartel has the early jazz brunch at the Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach. The South Bay New Orleans Jazz Club hosts an afternoon jam session at Alvas Showroom in San Pedro.

Monday 10/14 – Graham Dechter/Alex Frank Quartet w/Melissa Morgan at The Baked Potato

Guitarist Graham Dechter and bassist Alex Frank are at The Baked Potato in Studio City with vocalist Melissa Morgan, joined by Josh Nelson on keys and Ryan Shaw on drums. Saxophonist Eric Marienthal is at Spaghettini in Seal Beach with keyboardist Brian Culbertson. 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. Very Good Mondays is at Gold-Diggers in Hollywood. 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. Trio Renacimiento is at Las Perlas in downtown L.A. Pianist Adam Wolff is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. The SMC Jazz Ensemble is at the Santa Monica College Performing Arts Center.

Tuesday 10/15 – Charged Particles w/Randy Brecker at Vibrato

Trumpeter Randy Brecker is at Vibrato in Bel Air with Charged Particles celebrating the music of Michael Brecker with Murray Low on keys, Aaron Germain on bass, and Jon Krosnick on drums.  Trumpeter Jay Jennings is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Saxophonist Logan Richardson hosts the Tuesday Happenings jam session at Sam First near LAX. Double G’s NineNet is at Seven Grand in downtown L.A. Guitarist Angelo Metz is at TRiP in Santa Monica. Vocalist Deborah Heinzman is at the Senses Bistro in San Diego. Saxophonist Justin Chart is at the R Bar 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. Vocalist Rose Mallett is at the Purple Room in Palm Springs. Vocalist Slim Man is at Vicky’s Of Santa Fe in Indian Wells. Pianist Derrik Lewis plays a happy hour show at The Tropicale in Palm Springs. 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 10/16 – Michael Orenstein at Sam First

Pianist Michael Orenstein is at Sam First near LAX with saxophonists Devin Daniels and Barclay Moffitt, Jonathan Richards on bass, and Reggie Quinerly on drums. Keyboardist Joey Navarro is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Pianist Sarah McKenzie is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Brazilian vocalist Vanessa Falabella is at The Jazz Lounge in San Diego. Vocalist Mariza is at the Lobero Theatre in Santa Barbara. Drummer Aaron Serfaty is at 1881 in Pasadena. Drummer Tom Dante is at Skyloft in Laguna Beach. Pianist Michael LeVan is at Il Gatto in La Habra. 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. Le Bons Garcons are at Garcons De Cafe in downtown L.A. Saxophonist Justin Chart is at the Grand Central Market in downtown L.A. Pianist Carlos Velasco is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Trumpeter Grant Hungerford leads a jazz jam at Collage in San Pedro.