About & Out – What’s Hot In SoCal Jazz – The Week Of November 4, 2024

SoCal jazz highlights this week include Bob James, Jon Cowherd w/John Patitucci & Brian Blade, Michael Mayo, The Los Angeles Jazz Quartet, Nduduzo Makhathini, Camila Cortina Bello, Betty Bryant, Larry Goldings, Ryan Keberle, Scott Kinsey, Luis Conte, Jens Lindemann, and Saturday’s JEXA Awards with Patti Austin & Gordon Goodwin.

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 11/4 – Graham Dechter/Alex Frank Quartet w/Larry Goldings at The Baked Potato

Guitarist Graham Dechter and bassist Alex Frank lead a quartet at The Baked Potato in Studio City with guest organist Larry Goldings. Pianist Matt Politano is at Bub & Grandma’s in Eagle Rock. Pianist Joe Alterman is at Libretto in Paso Robles. 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 Michael Peed is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. The Harry Selvin Orchestra is at the Palm Garden Hotel in Newbury Park. The SBCC Monday Madness Jazz Orchestra is at SOhO in Santa Barbara.

Tuesday 11/5 – Jens Lindemann w/Wayne Bergeron at Vibrato

Trumpeter Jens Lindemann is at Vibrato in Bel Air with a band including guest trumpeter Wayne Bergeron. Trumpeter Aaron Janik is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Vocalist Michelle Coltrane is at La Puglia in Santa Monica. Drummer Jonathan Pinson hosts the Tuesday Happenings Jam Session at Sam First near LAX. Trombonist Matt Hall is at the Senses Bistro in San Diego. The Irvine Barclay Jazz Band is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Pianist Adam Wolff is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Vocalist Rose Mallett is at the Purple Room in Palm Springs. 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. Vocalist Slim Man is at Vicky’s Of Santa Fe in Indian Wells. Pianist Matt Politano leads a breakfast jazz trio at Jones Coffee Roasters in Pasadena.

Wednesday 11/6 – Scott Kinsey at The Baked Potato

Keyboardist Scott Kinsey is at The Baked Potato in Studio City with Pedro Martins on guitar, Francisco Fattoruso on bass, and Gary Novak on drums. Dummer Marvin “Smitty” Smith is at 1881 in Pasadena. Vocalist Nicolas Bearde is at Sam First near LAX. Bassist Jake Leckie is at The Stowaway in downtown L.A. Pianist Nduduzo Makhathini is at UCSD’s The Loft in San Diego. Jim Caruso’s Cast Party with pianist Billy Stritch is at Catalina in Hollywood. Trombonist Ryan Keberle & Catharsis are at the Saddleback College in Mission Viejo. Trumpeter Benny Benack III is at the McCallum Theatre in Palm Springs. Guitarist Shea Welsh is at TRiP in Santa Monica. Pianist/vocalist Christopher Linman is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. 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. 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. Trombonist John Egizi hosts the 805 Jazz Jam at A Twist On Main in Ventura. Vocalist Lisa Andrea Torres is at Garcons De Cafe in downtown L.A. French vocal group Paris Chansons is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Keyboardist Brad Bietry hosts a happy hour open mic and jam session at The George in Pasadena.

Thursday 11/7 – Ryan Keberle & Catharsis at Sam First

Trombonist Ryan Keberle & Catharsis are at Sam First near LAX with Camila Meza on vocals and guitar, Mike Rodriguez on trumpet, Ike Sturm on bass, and Jimmy Macbride on drums. Work In Progress with guest vocalist Sara Niemetz is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Trumpeter Gilbert Castellanos is at Lou Lou’s in San Diego. Trumpeter Tony Guerrero is at Campus Jax in Newport Beach. Pino Noir with vocalist Natalie Hanna Mendoza is at the Cascade Lounge in Palm Springs. Trumpeter/vocalist Matt Von Roderick is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Vocalist Lia Booth is at Camila’s Jazz Club in Montclair. The Akusta Kats with vocalist Janet Orsi are at Jojo’s Hideaway in Tustin. Pianist Jeff Colella is at Libretto in Paso Robles.  Keyboardist Steve Blum is at Solarc Brewing in Eagle Rock.  Pianist Mikan Zlatkovich is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego.  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. Four and More are at Casey’s Tavern in Canoga Park. 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.  Pianist Michael LeVan is at Il Gatto in La Habra.  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. Vocalist Joe Croyle is at The Merc in Temecula. The LA Jazz Society presents the Will Robinson Quintet at Kulak’s Woodshed in North Hollywood. Vocalist Amanda Portela does a late afternoon show at California English in San Diego.

Friday 11/8 – Bob James at Catalina Jazz Club

Keyboardist Bob James is at Catalina in Hollywood leading a trio for the first of two nights (Fri-Sat). Percussionist Luis Conte is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. South African pianist Nduduzo Makhathini is at Sam First near LAX. Cuban pianist Camila Cortina Bello is at Camila’s Jazz Club in Montclair for the first of two nights (Fri-Sat). Vocalist/pianist Kandace Springs is at the Carpenter Center in Long Beach. Pianist Theo Saunders is at The World Stage in South L.A. Vocalist Amy Keys is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Drummer/vocalist Dave Tull is at the Santa Monica College Performing Arts Center. Trumpeter John Reynolds is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Vocalist Grace Fae & The Grandbirds are at the Urban Press Winery in Burbank. Vocalist Erin Stevenson is at Spaghettini in Seal Beach. Mar Picao is at Dizzy’s in San Diego. Vocalist Veronique Forget is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Guitarist Doug MacDonald is at Vicky’s Of Santa Fe in Indian Wells with vocalist Chris Bennett.  Saxophonist Chuck Manning 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. Violinist Susie Hansen’s Latin Jazz Band is at Il Gatto in La Habra.  Hammerstein Swing is at the Cicada Club in downtown L.A.  Vocalist Chloe Perrier is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. The Garners are at Books & Records in San Diego.

Saturday 11/9 – 2024 JEXA Awards at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel

The 2024 JEXA Awards feature vocalist Patti Austin and Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel in downtown L.A. Vocalist Michael Mayo celebrates an album release at the Kirk Douglas Theatre in Culver City. Pianist Larry Goldings is at Sam First near LAX. Saxophonist Isaiah Collier is at the Soka University Concert Hall in Aliso Viejo. Keyboardist Bob James is at Catalina in Hollywood. Keyboardist Don Randi & Quest are at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Cuban pianist Camila Cortina Bello is at Camila’s Jazz Club in Montclair. Guitarist/vocalist Teka will be at Vibrato in Bel Air. Saxophonist Paul Combs plays the music of Gerry Mulligan at The Jazz Lounge in San Diego.  Vocalist Howie Levine’s “JazzNatra” is at Hawg Heaven BBQ in Pasadena.  Vocalist Dan Olivo & His Little Big Band are at the Pasadena Ballroom Dance Association.  Drummer Eric Ching is at The Barkley in South Pasadena with vocalist Morgan Delaney.  Drummer/vocalist Dave Tull is at Eddie V’s in El Segundo.  Keyboardist Brian Simpson is at Spaghettini in Seal Beach. Vocalist Mercedes Moore is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Vocalist Jacqui Hylton is at Wolfsglen in Westwood. Bassist Karim Yengsep is at Basil Brazil Cuisine in San Juan Capistrano. The Jazztown Band is at Casey’s Tavern in Canoga Park. 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. The Catalina Combo is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. Vocalist Mando Cordova is at The Drake in Laguna Beach.

Sunday 11/10 – Jon Cowherd/John Patitucci/Brian Blade at Zipper Hall

Pianist Jon Cowherd is at the Colburn School Zipper Hall in downtown L.A. with John Patitucci on bass and Brian Blade on drums. The Los Angeles Jazz Quartet is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Pianist/vocalist Betty Bryant celebrates her 95th birthday with a brunch at Catalina in Hollywood.  Flutist Lori Bell’s Trio De Janeiro is at Tio Leo’s Lounge in San Diego.  Drummer Kevin Kanner leads a jam session at The Mint in West L.A.  Vocalist Josie James is at Vibrato in Bel Air.  Trumpeter/vocalist Benny Benack III is at the Carpenter Center in Long Beach for an afternoon show.  Bassist Trevor Ware’s Positive People does a late afternoon show for the Stained Glass Sessions at the Fist Baptist Church of Pasadena.  Soul Sauce is at Roscoe’s Jazz Lounge in Long Beach.  Drummer/vocalist Dave Tull is at Eddie V’s in El Segundo.  Drummer/vocalist Bryan Cabrera is at The Drake in Laguna Beach with pianist Ron Kobayashi. Saxophonist Will Donato is at Humphrey’s Backstage in San Diego.  PINKmessiah is at Bar Bandini in Echo Park.  Pianist Michael Peed 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. Bassist Ryan Cross is at Delilah in West Hollywood. Guitarist Ken Song is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena.  Pianist Richard Glaser is at The Barkley in South Pasadena.  Pianist Michael LeVan is at Il Gatto in La Habra.  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. Drummer Tom Dante has a brunch show at Mozambique in Laguna Beach. Keyboardist Jay Smith has the early jazz brunch at the Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach. Vocalist Erin Stevenson does a brunch at Spaghettini in Seal Beach. The South Bay New Orleans Jazz Club plays an afternoon show at Alvas Showroom in San Pedro. Saxophonist John Schackenberg plays a brunch at SOhO in Santa Barbara.

Monday 11/11 – Cameron Graves at The Baked Potato

Keyboardist Cameron Graves is at The Baked Potato in Studio City with Andy Prado Jr. on drums, Derrick Elliott on bass, Colin Cook on guitar, and Miranda Nimmer on vocals.  Guitarist Adam Ratner is at The High Low in Atwater Village.  Vocalist Sharon Marie Cline is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Percussionist Poncho Sanchez is at Spaghettini in Seal Beach.  Drummer/vocalist Dave Tull is at Eddie V’s in El Segundo.  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.   Pianist Adam Wolff is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego.

Tuesday 11/12 – The Jazz Bakers at The Baked Potato

The Jazz Bakers are at The Baked Potato in Studio City with Charles Ruggeiro on drums, Max Gerl on bass, Dan West on keys, Matt Lilley on sax, and Lenny Castro on percussion. Saxophonist Terrace Martin begins a month-long Tuesday residency at Verse LA in Toluca Lake. Pianist Gerald Clayton hosts the Tuesday Happenings Jam Session at Sam First near LAX. The Sultans Of Swing are at La Puglia in Santa Monica. Vocalist Meloney Collins is at Mozambique in Laguna Beach. Vocalist Rebecca Jade is at The Drake in Laguna Beach.  Spilly Cave and Dolphin Hyperspace are at Zebulon in Silverlake.  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. Vocalist Slim Man is at Vicky’s Of Santa Fe in Indian Wells. Pianist Matt Politano leads a breakfast jazz trio at Jones Coffee Roasters in Pasadena.

Wednesday 11/13 – Randy Ingram at Sam First

Pianist Randy Ingram is at Sam First near LAX with Billy Mohler on bass and Joe La Barbera on drums. Keyboardist Otmaro Ruiz is at 1881 in Pasadena. Saxophonist Katja Rieckermann is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Vocalist Ryan De Hues is at Vibrato in Bel Air. 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. The Modern Time Trio is at Club 616 in Santa Ana. Jumpin’ Joz is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. Keyboardist Brad Bietry hosts a happy hour open mic and jam session at The George in Pasadena.