About & Out – What’s Hot In SoCal Jazz – Week Of February 17, 2025

SoCal jazz highlights this week include Chucho Valdes with Arturo Sandoval, Cecile McLorin Salvant, Charles Lloyd, Diane Reeves, David Garfield & Cheche Alara, Andrew Renfroe, Pete Escovedo, Daniel Rotem, Jay Jennings, Theo Croker, Joshua White, Kirsten Edkins, and Dr. Bruce Eskovitz.

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 2/17 – Jacques Lesure Jam Session at The Lighthouse

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. The Long Beach Big Band plays a fire benefit at Alvas Showroom in San Pedro. 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. Keyboardist Lee Pardini is at The High Low in Atwater Village. Pianist Lori Bell is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Other Delights is at Bub & Grandma’s in Eagle Rock. The Baked Potato in Studio City hosts a five-act Showcase Night.

Tuesday 2/18 – Gerald Clayton Tuesday Happenings Jam Session at Sam First

Pianist Gerald Clayton hosts the Tuesday Happenings Jam Session at Sam First near LAX. Drummer Marcelo Bucater is at 1881 in Pasadena. Pianist/vocalist Yve Evans is at Eddie V’s in Palm Desert. 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 Michael Peed is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Vocalist Dennis Gittens is at the Senses Bistro 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.

Wednesday 2/19 – Yayennigs Band at The Baked Potato

Trumpeter Jay Jennings is at The Baked Potato in Studio City with Jermaine Paul on bass, Sam Barsh on keys, and Myles Martin on drums.  Bassist Hannah Marks is at Sam First near LAX.  Drummer Aaron Serfaty is at 1881 in Pasadena.  Vocalist Christena Rich is at Vibrato in Bel Air with guitarist Laurence Juber. Pianist/vocalist Yve Evans is at Eddie V’s in Palm Desert. Pianist Eve Elliot 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. Drummer Tom Dante is at the Gaslamp in Long Beach. 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. TUBOP is at Chapter One in Santa Ana. Guitarist David Eastlee is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. Pianist Carlos Velasco is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Collage in San Pedro hosts an open jazz jam.

Thursday 2/20 – Chucho Valdes w/Arturo Sandoval Irakere 50^th Anniversary at The Soraya

Cuban pianist Chucho Valdes celebrates the 50^th anniversary of Irakere at The Soraya in Northridge with original trumpeter Arturo Sandoval and Cimafunk.  The World Citizen Band is at Sam First near LAX.  Saxophonist Daniel Rotem is at The High Low in Atwater Village.  Saxophonist Kirsten Edkins is at Casa Romantica in San Clemente.  Trumpeter Tony Guerrero is at Jojo’s Hideaway in Tustin. Bassist Jake Leckie is at The Merc in Temecula. S’Narf is at The Grape in Ventura. Social Call is at Campus Jax in Newport Beach. Vocalist Jennifer Keith is at the Cascade Lounge in Palm Springs. Guitarist Nili Brosh is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. 2.0 is at Camila’s Jazz Club in Montclair. Pianist/vocalist Valentina Shelton 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. MaQui is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Pianist Sue Palmer does a late afternoon show at California English in San Diego.

Friday 2/21 – Andrew Renfroe at Sam First

Guitarist Andrew Renfroe is at Sam First near LAX with Ben Williams on bass and Mark Ferber on drums. Guitarists Shane Theriot and Andrew Synowiec are at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Percussionist Pete Escovedo is at Catalina in Hollywood for the first of two nights (Fri-Sat). Pianist Joshua White is at The World Stage in South L.A. Bassist Anna Butterss is at Motivo LA in Atwater Village. Saxophonist Devin Daniels is at the Townhouse in Venice. Cuban pianist Chucho Valdes celebrates the 50^th anniversary of Irakere at the Annenberg Theatre in Palm Springs. Guitarist Thom Rotella and bassist Ken Wild are at the Canyon Bistro in Topanga. Singer Meghan Murphy is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Drummer/vocalist Dave Tull is at Eddie V’s in El Segundo. Trumpeter Greg Solman is at Azo Vino in Covina. Saxophonist Chuck Johnson is at the Canyon Crest Winery in Riverside. Vocalist Grace Fae & The Grandbirds are at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. The Jazz Cartel is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Vocalist Jenessa Noland is at Books & Records in San Diego. Drummer Joel Taylor is at 1881 in Pasadena. Bassist Karim Yengsep is at the OC Fish Grille in Irvine. Guitarist Doug MacDonald is at Vicky’s Of Santa Fe in Indian Wells with vocalist Irene Cathaway. 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. Drummer Peter Buck is at the Queensview Steakhouse at Parker’s Lighthouse in Long Beach. The Sunny Blue Trio is at Pips On La Brea in West L.A.  LeJazzanne is at the Z Club in Joshua Tree.  Pianist Adam Wolff is at Black Rail Kitchen & Bar in Carlsbad.

Saturday 2/22 – David Garfield & Cheche Alara at Alvas Showroom

Pianists David Garfield and Cheche Alara play a dual Steinway piano show at Alvas Showroom in San Pedro with Carlitos Del Puerto on bass and Lilliana de los Reyes on vocals. Vocalist Diane Reeves is at the Annenberg Theatre in Palm Springs. Saxophonist Daniel Rotem is at Sam First near LAX. Harpist Edmar Castañeda is at the Moss Theater in Santa Monica. The World Stage Big Band celebrates Black History Month with a concert at The World Stage in South L.A. featuring saxophonist Ernie Watts. Trumpeter Theo Croker is at The Sun Rose in West Hollywood.  Violinist Lucia Micarelli is at The Broad Stage in Santa Monica. The Brasil Jazz Festa is at Dizzy’s in San Diego. Guitarist Jacques Lesure is at The Grape in Ventura. Percussionist Pete Escovedo is at Catalina in Hollywood. Pianist/vocalist Bill Cantos is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Drummer/vocalist Dave Tull is at Eddie V’s in El Segundo. Blues guitarist Kirk Fletcher is at Harvelle’s in Santa Monica. Guitarist/vocalist Philip Sayce is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Saxophonist Rodney Taylor is at Camila’s Jazz Club in Montclair. Pianist Mikan Zlatkovich is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Drummer Matthew Smith is at Lou Lou’s in San Diego. Guitarist/vocalist Ponpon Chen is at the Pasadena Ballroom Dance Association. Guitarist Chris Standring is at Spaghettini in Seal Beach. Pianist/vocalist Yve Evans is at Eddie V’s in Palm Desert. Vocalist Jenessa Noland is at Black Rail Kitchen & Bar in Carlsbad. Bassist Karim Yengsep is at Basil Brazil in San Juan Capistrano. Drummer Peter Buck is at the Queensview Steakhouse at Parker’s Lighthouse in Long Beach. 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 Douglas Roegiers is at Cicada in downtown L.A. The Catalina Combo is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena.  Vocalist Cathy Segal-Garcia does a breakfast show at Jinky’s in Santa Monica.

Sunday 2/23 – Cecile McLorin Salvant + Charles Lloyd at the Annenberg Theatre

Vocalist Cecile McLorin Salvant does an afternoon show at Annenberg Theatre in Palm Springs, followed by an evening performance by saxophonist Charles Lloyd. Saxophonist Dr. Bruce Eskovitz celebrates his 70^th birthday at The Mint in West L.A., followed by drummer Kevin Kanner’s regular Sunday jazz jam session. Vocalist Claude Hall sings the music of Nina Simone at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Pianist Peter Smith’s Stained Glass Sessions features drummer Clayton Cameron and vocalist Tawanda Suessbrich-Joaquim at the the First Baptist Church of Pasadena. The Melanin Horns are at the Aziz Gallerie in South L.A.  The Grossmont College Faculty Jazz Quartet is at Tio Leo’s Lounge in San Diego.  The She Angels Foundation does a fire relief benefit at Catalina in Hollywood. The Dip is at The Observatory in Santa Ana. Trumpeter/vocalist Ilya Serov and pianist/vocalist Matt Cusson are at Spaghettini in Seal Beach. Drummer/vocalist Bryan Cabrera is at The Drake in Laguna Beach with pianist Ron Kobayashi. Guitarist Nils is at Humphrey’s Backstage in San Diego. Saxophonists Michael Paulo and Dave Koz host a fire relief benefit at the South Coast Winery in Temecula. Pianist/vocalist Freddie Ravel is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Pianist Lana Drincic is at The Harmony Room in Eagle Rock. Pianist Jay Israelton is at Bub & Grandmas in Eagle Rock. Saxophonist Pete De Luke & The Mellotones are at Dizzy’s in San Diego. Vocalist Jack Wood is at Vittorio’s in Huntington Beach. 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. Pianist Todd Hunter & The Brazilians have the afternoon brunch at the Urban Press Winery in Burbank. Vocalist Lia Booth has the early jazz brunch at the Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach. Jazz City has the brunch at Camila’s Jazz Club in Montclair. Vocalist Sandy Cummings does a jazz brunch at SOhO in Santa Barbara.

Monday 2/24 – Blanco Diablo at The Baked Potato

Blanco Diablo is at The Baked Potato in Studio City with Andy Sanesi on drums, Katisse Buckingham on sax/flute, Jamie Kime on guitar, Matt Rhode on keys, and Dave Goodwin on bass. Saxophonist Vinny Golia is at The High Low in Atwater Village. The Tom Kubis Big Band is at the Gaslamp in Long Beach. Saxophonist Richard Elliott is at Spaghettini in Seal Beach for the first of two nights (Mon-Tue). 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. Pianist Adam Wolff is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Pianist Benny Bock is at Bub & Grandmas in Eagle Rock. The SBCC Big Band is at SOhO in Santa Barbara.

Tuesday 2/25 – Don Randi 88th Birthday at The Baked Potato

Keyboardist Don Randi celebrates his 88^th birthday at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Voices Of Hope does a fire relief benefit at Catalina in Hollywood. Saxophonist Logan Richardson hosts the Tuesday Happenings jam session at Sam First near LAX. Guitarist Dave Harrington is at Zebulon in Silverlake. Guitarist Riner Scivally is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. Guitarist Angelo Metz is at TRiP in Santa Monica. Trumpeter/vocalist Matt Von Roderick is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Saxophonist Richard Elliott is at Spaghettini in Seal Beach. 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 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 2/26 – Tina Raymond at Sam First

Drummer Tina Raymond is at Sam First near LAX with Anthony Wilson and Andrew Renfroe on guitars and Eric Revis on bass. Vocalist Janis Mann is at The Baked Potato in Studio City with a backing group led by pianist Laurence Hobgood. Drummer Jimmy Branly is at 1881 in Pasadena. Saxophonist Rickey Woodard and trumpeter Nolan Shaheed are at Mozambique in Laguna Beach. Saxophonist Tom Scott is at The Grape in Ventura. JazzZone does a Latin jazz show at Gorganson’s Vegan in Pomona. 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. Guitarist David Eastlee is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. Drummer Tom Dante is at the Gaslamp in Long Beach. 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. TUBOP is at Chapter One in Santa Ana. Guitarist Kay-Ta Matsuno hosts a jam session at View Music Bar in Torrance. Pianist Carlos Velasco is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Les Bons Garcons is at Garcons De Cafe in downtown L.A.