SPECIAL NOTICE – DUE TO WILDFIRES ACROSS SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, PLEASE BE SURE THE VENUE IS OPEN AND SHOW IS HAPPENING BEFORE HEADING OUT FOR MUSIC. BE CERTAIN THE ROUTES YOU ARE TAKING ARE SAFE FOR TRAVEL AND BE SURE TO MONITOR LOCAL NEWS SOURCES FOR UPDATES.
SoCal jazz highlights this week include Ivan Lins, Richard Bona, Gilad Hekselman, Tierney Sutton, Terence Blanchard, Meshell Ndegeocello, Jeff Hamilton, Charles Ruggerio, Steph Richards, Betty Bryant, Joshua White, Luis Conte, Freda Payne, SicNarf, and the Jazz Bakers.
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 1/13 – Steph Richards at The High Low
Trumpeter Steph Richards’ Power Vibe is at The High Low in Atwater Village on a bill also including a quartet led by drummer Andrew Munsey. Other Delights is at Bub & Grandma’s in Eagle Rock. Saxophonists Michael Lington and Boney James are at Spaghettini in Seal Beach. Guitarist/vocalist Artur Menezes is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Pianist Michael Peed 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 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.
Tuesday 1/14 – The Jazz Bakers at The Baked Potato
The Jazz Bakers are at The Baked Potato in Studio City with Matt Lilley on sax, Max Gerl on bass, Charles Ruggerio on drums, Roger Johnson on percussion, and Dan West on keys. Pianist Gerald Clayton leads the Tuesday Happenings Jam Session at Sam First near LAX. Bassist/vocalist Meshell Ndegeocello begins a two-night (Tue-Wed) run at Lodge Room in Highland Park. Pianist Julius Rodriguez is at Gold-Diggers in Hollywood. Saxophonist Charlie Arbelaez is at the Senses Bistro in San Diego. Vocalist Jon Lovitz is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Vocalist Keri Kelsey hosts an open mic at The Gardenia in West Hollywood. The Irvine Barclay Jazz Band is at The Drake in Laguna Beach with vocalist Crystal Clulee. Keyboardist Sam Barsh is at Shoo Shoo Baby in downtown L.A. Vocalist Rose Mallett is at the Purple Room in Palm Springs. 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. Pianist Matt Politano leads a breakfast jazz trio at Jones Coffee Roasters in Pasadena.
Wednesday 1/15 – Charles Ruggerio at The Baked Potato
Drummer Charles Ruggerio is at The Baked Potato in Studio City with Brian Bromberg on bass, Joshua White on keys, and Jacob Scesney on sax. Drummer Jimmy Branly is at 1881 in Pasadena. Bassist/vocalist Meshell Ndegeocello is at Lodge Room in Highland Park. Pianist Miki Yamanaka and keyboardist Larry Goldings are at Sam First near LAX. Vocalist Freda Payne is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Pianist/vocalist Christopher Linman is at The Drake 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 Soul Organ Trio is at Club 616 in Santa Ana. Keyboardist Brad Bietry hosts a happy hour open mic and jam session at The George in Pasadena. Pianist Kevin Tokarz plays a happy hour show at the Purple Room in Palm Springs. Trumpeter Grant Hungerford leads a jazz jam at Collage in San Pedro. Pianist Carlos Velasco is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Vocalist Lisa Andrea Torres is at Garcons De Cafe in downtown L.A.
Thursday 1/16 – Gilad Hekselman at Sam First
Guitarist Gilad Hekselman is at Sam First near LAX for the first of three nights (Thu-Sat) with bassist Ben Williams and drummer Christian Euman. Saxophonist Katja Rieckermann is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Percussionist Pete Escovedo is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Pianist Joshua White begins a three-night (Thu-Sat) tribute to John Coltrane’s “A Love Supreme” at The Jazz Lounge in San Diego. Trumpeter Tony Guerrero is at Campus Jax in Newport Beach. Drummer Alex Kautz is at the Athenaeum Library in La Jolla. Nutty is at the Write-Off Room in Studio City. Pianist Lenore Raphael is at The Merc in Temecula. The Arsenio Rodriguez Project is at Catalina in Hollywood. JazzZone hosts a jam session for Eaton Fire Relief at Perry’s Joint in Pasadena. Drummer/vocalist Dave Tull is at Eddie V’s in El Segundo. Drummer Jacob Wendt is at Semi Tropic Wines in Costa Mesa. Pianist Christopher Linman is at the Langham Hotel Tap Room in Pasadena. 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. 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. Pianist Michael LeVan is at Il Gatto in La Habra. The West Coast Jazz Duo is at Stella’s in Dana Point. Vocalist Roman Palacios is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Vocalist Cobby Brzeski does a happy hour show at California English in San Diego. Pianist Kevin Tokarz is at Eddie V’s in Palm Desert.
Friday 1/17 – Ivan Lins at Renee & Henry Segerstrom Hall
Brazilian composer/pianist/vocalist Ivan Lins celebrates his 80th birthday backed by the Pacific Jazz Orchestra at Segerstrom Hall in Costa Mesa with guest vocalist Jane Monheit and guitarist Lee Ritenour. Vocalist Tierney Sutton is at Catalina in Hollywood for the first of two nights (Fri-Sat). Percussionist Luis Conte is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Saxophonist Rickey Washington is at The World Stage in South L.A. Drummer Jeff Hamilton is at Bacchus’ Kitchen in South Pasadena for the first of two nights (Fri-Sat). Guitarist Will Brahm is at The Grape in Ventura. Guitarist Gilad Hekselman is at Sam First near LAX. Vocalist Brenna Whitaker is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Pianist Joshua White plays music from John Coltrane’s “A Love Supreme” at The Jazz Lounge in San Diego. Keyboardist Lao Tizer is at Camila’s Jazz Club in Montclair with saxophonist Eric Marienthal. Vocalist Lia Booth is at Jojo’s Hideaway in Tustin. Guitarist Scott Heustis is at Collage in San Pedro. Trumpeter John Reynolds is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. The Garners are at Golden Island in San Diego. Saxophonist Paul Combs is at Books & Records in San Diego. Pianist Adam Wolff is at the Black Rail Kitchen & Bar in Carlsbad. Guitarist Alex Ciavarelli is at Lou Lou’s in San Diego. Pino Noir plays the music of Django Reinhardt at the Brooks Theater in Oceanside. Saxophonist Justin Chart is at Sogno Toscano in West L.A. Guitarist Doug MacDonald is at Vicky’s Of Santa Fe in Indian Wells with pianist Lenore Raphael. Pianist Ron Kobayashi is at the Bayside Restaurant in Newport Beach. Guitarist Angelo Metz is at Native Fields in Walnut. The Route 66 Trio is at Bourbon Steak in Glendale. The Sunny Blue Trio is at Pips On La Brea in West L.A. LeJazzanne is at the Z Club in Joshua Tree. Sylvia & The Rhythm Boys are at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. Pianist David Arnay is at the Parkway Grill in Pasadena.
Saturday 1/18 – Richard Bona at the Moss Theater
Bassist Richard Bona is at the Moss Theater in Santa Monica. The West Coast Jazz Hour Big Band plays music from “Porgy & Bess and “My Fair Lady” at the Barclay Theatre in Irvine. Drummer Rayford Griffin is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Vocalist Tierney Sutton is at Catalina in Hollywood. Guitarist Gilad Hekselman is at Sam First near LAX. Drummer Jeff Hamilton is at Bacchus’ Kitchen in South Pasadena. Pianist Joshua White plays music from John Coltrane’s “A Love Supreme” at The Jazz Lounge in San Diego. Pianist Bobby West is at The Grape in Ventura. Vocalist Amy Keys is at Vibrato in Bel Air. The Aristocats are at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. Drummer Kevin Winard is at Eddie V’s in El Segundo. Guitarist Will Brahm is at Libretto in Paso Robles. Trumpeter Emmanuel Borboa plays the music of Lee Morgan at Dizzy’s in San Diego. Pianist Irving Flores is at the Senses Bistro in San Diego. Vocalist Jennifer Keith is at the Cicada Club in downtown L.A. Vocalist Adryon De Leon is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Drummer/vocalist Tony Jones is at the Urban Press Winery in Burbank. 2.0 is at Camila’s Jazz Club in Montclair. Bassist Karim Yengsep is at Basil Brazil in San Juan Capistrano. Pianist Adam Wolff is at the Westgate Hotel in San Diego. Saxophonist David Leech is at Pips On La Brea in West L.A. Vocalist Cobby Brzeski is at the Hotel Republic in San Diego. Pianist John Opferkuch is at the Black Rail Kitchen & Bar in Carlsbad. Pianist Mikan Zlatkovich is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego with vocalist Dave Scott.
Sunday 1/19 – Terence Blanchard’s Fire Shut Up In My Bones at The Conrad
Trumpeter/composer Terence Blanchard presents his “Fire Shut Up In My Bones” opera with the E-Collective and Turtle Island Quartet at The Conrad in La Jolla. Pianist/vocalist Betty Bryant is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Pianist/composer Ivan Lins is at the McCallum Theatre in Palm Springs with the Pacific Jazz Orchestra. The SicNarf Big Band is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Pianist Miro Sprague is at Bub & Grandma’s in Eagle Rock. Pianist Peter Smith’s Sunday afternoon Stained Glass Sessions at the First Baptist Church of Pasadena continues with guests Benny Benack on trumpet and Graham Dechter on guitar. Yocoya opens for drummer Kevin Kanner’s jam session at The Mint in West L.A. Vocalist Elena Gilliam and guitarist George Gilliam are at Campus Jax in Newport Beach. Hebrew Hancock is at Collage in San Pedro. Drummer/vocalist Bryan Cabrera is at The Drake in Laguna Beach with pianist Ron Kobayashi. Humphrey’s By The Bay in San Diego offers an MLK Day smooth jazz fest. Pianist Tommy Gannon is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. PINKmessiah will be at Bar Bandini in Echo Park. 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. Pianist Richard Glaser is at The Barkley in South Pasadena. Pianist Michael LeVan is at Il Gatto in La Habra with vocalist Andrea Miller. 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 Tom Collins is at the Ojai Pub in Ojai. The Hard Bop Ensemble is at The Copper Room in Yucca Valley. Guitarist Doug MacDonald leads a jazz jam at Z Club in Joshua Tree. Bassist Jaco Kimura has the Sunday afternoon brunch at the Urban Press Winery in Burbank. Drummer John Kithcart has the early jazz brunch at the Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach. Vocalist Lia Booth has the Sunday brunch at Camila’s Jazz Club in Montclair.
Monday 1/20 – Andy Prado at The Baked Potato
Drummer Andy Prado is at The Baked Potato in Studio City with Aaron Janik on trumpet, Phillip Whack on sax, Cole Riddle on keys, Anthony Crawford on bass, Alex Sill on guitar, and Ollie Lopez on percussion. Percussionist Poncho Sanchez is at Spaghettini in Seal Beach. The West Coast Jazz Hour Trio is at Bub & Grandma’s in Eagle Rock. Pianist Todd Hunter & The Brazilians are at The High Low in Atwater Village. Vocalist Sharon Marie Cline 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. 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. Pianist Michael Peed is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego.
Tuesday 1/21 – Aaron Janik at The Baked Potato
Trumpeter Aaron Janik is at The Baked Potato in Studio City with Gene Coye on drums, Paul Cornish on piano, Joe Cleveland on bass, Chase Jackson on vibes, Andre Frappier on guitar, and Micki Miller on vocals. 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. Corcovado is at TRiP in Santa Monica. Trumpeter/vocalist Matt Von Roderick is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Keyboardist Sam Barsh is at Shoo Shoo Baby in downtown L.A. The Brig Band is at The Brig in Venice. Guitarist Matthew Yeakley hosts a jazz jam at General Lee’s in Chinatown Los Angeles. Vocalist Slim Man is at Vicky’s Of Santa Fe in Indian Wells. Vocalist Rose Mallet is at the Purple Room in Palm Springs. Pianist Adam Wolff is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. 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. Vocalist Dave Scott is at the Senses Bistro in San Diego. Pianist Adam Wolff is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. French vocal group Paris Chansons is at Vibrato in Bel Air.
Wednesday 1/22 – Bob Sheppard at Sam First
Saxophonist Bob Sheppard is at Sam First near LAX with John Beasley on piano, Tim Lefebvre on bass, and Gary Novak on drums. MaMoGi is at Alvas Showroom in San Pedro with bassist Mohini Dey. Guitarist Oz Noy is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Drummer Jimmy Branly is at 1881 in Pasadena. Flutist Lori Bell is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Vocalist Lia Booth is at Garcons De Cafe in downtown L.A. 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 Soul Organ Trio is at Club 616 in Santa Ana. Keyboardist Brad Bietry hosts a happy hour open mic and jam session at The George in Pasadena. Pianist Kevin Tokarz plays a happy hour show at the Purple Room in Palm Springs. The Flight 584 Big Band is at the Mayflower Club in North Hollywood. Vocalist Tamara Lalayan is at Catalina in Hollywood.
About & Out - Tom Meek's Weekly Best Bets For Live Jazz In Los Angeles And Across Southern California 