About & Out – What’s Hot In SoCal Jazz – Week Of March 24, 2025

March winds down with a SoCal jazz week including Herbie Hancock, Tamir Hendelman, Dave Slonaker, Oscar Hernandez, David Garfield, Ghost-Note, Ernie Watts, Daniel Meron, Alden Hellmuth, Marina Pacowski, and Brandee Younger.

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 3/24 – 1881 Fire Relief Benefit

1881 in Pasadena hosts a fire relief benefit for staff and musicians affected by the Eaton Fire with a lineup including Jimmy Branly, Joel Taylor, Quinn Johnson, Chuck Manning, Mike Gurrola, and more. Keyboardist Max Kaplan is at The High Low in Atwater Village with Katisse Buckingham on sax/flute and Alex Williams on drums. Drummer Tina Raymond is at the Hotel Covell in Hollywood with Eric Revis on bass and Vinny Golia on sax. Percussionist Poncho Sanchez is at Spaghettini in Seal Beach. The Tom Kubis Big Band is at Gaslamp in Long Beach. Whaleshark and Jason Achilles split a bill 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. Pianist Adam Wolff is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego.

Tuesday 3/25 – Dave Slonaker Big Band at Vibrato

The Dave Slonaker Big Band is at Vibrato in Bel Air including Peter Erskine on drums, Bob Sheppard and Tom Luer on saxes, Wayne Bergeron and Clay Jenkins on trumpets, and Edwin Livingston on bass. Ghost-Note is at Venice West in Venice. Saxophonist Katja Rieckermann is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. The Tuesday Happenings Jam Session is at Sam First near LAX. Pianist Daniel Meron is at the St. Barnabas Harmony Room in Eagle Rock. Trumpeter Bobby Bradford is at the Saddleback Studio Theatre in Mission Viejo. The Sultans Of Swing are at La Puglia in Santa Monica. 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. Saxophonist Justin Chart is at Sogno Toscano in Santa Monica. 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. The Pepperdine Jazz & Wind Ensembles are at the Smothers Theatre in Malibu.

Wednesday 3/26 – Alden Hellmuth at Sam First

Saxophonist Alden Hellmuth is at Sam First near LAX with Yakiv Tsvietinskyi on trumpet, Jon Hatimiya on trombone, Paul Cornish on piano, Jermaine Paul on bass, and Benjamin Ring on drums. Vocalist Marina Pacowski is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Harpist Brandee Younger is at The Sun Rose in West Hollywood.  Drummer Jmmy Branly is at 1881 in Pasadena. The Afro-Peruvian Jazz Combo is at Mozambique in Laguna Beach. Pianist Daniel Meron is at SOhO in Santa Barbara. Guitarist Scotty Bramer is at the Aum Beer House in Garden Grove. Native Vibe is at The Grape in Ventura. JazzZone presents an evening of Latin jazz at Gorganson’s Vegan in Pomona. OHM is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Pianist/vocalist Christopher Linman is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Pianist 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. Pianist Kevin Tokarz plays a happy hour show at the Purple Room in Palm Springs. TUBOP is at Chapter One in Santa Ana. Pianist Carlos Velasco is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego.

Thursday 3/27 – Oscar Hernandez at Catalina Jazz Club

Pianist Oscar Hernandez celebrates a birthday at Catalina in Hollywood with Dayren Santamaria on violin, Anibal Seminario on sax/flute, Rene Camacho on bass, Andy Sanesi on drums, and Christian Moraga on percussion. Pianist Omar Sosa is at the Scripps Research Auditorium in San Diego. Bassist Derek Frank is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Guitarist Will Brahm is at The Wayfarer in Costa Mesa. Vocalist Rose Colella is at the Biltmore Hotel in downtown L.A. Vocalist Richard Cortez is at Sam First near LAX. Vocalist Billy Valentine is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Pianist Rob Mullins is at Campus Jax in Newport Beach. Pianist Daniel Meron is at The Grape in Ventura. Drummer/vocalist Dave Tull is at Eddie V’s in El Segundo. Vocalist Elena Gilliam is at Jojo’s Hideaway in Tustin. The Conejo Jazz Connection is at Club Louie’s in Westlake Village. Bassist Antar Martin is at Lou Lou’s in San Diego. Vocalist Allan Harris is at The Merc in Temecula. 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. 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. Pianist Kevin Tokarz is at Eddie V’s in Palm Desert. The Moontones are at the Cascade Lounge in Palm Springs.  Vocalist Chris Barber is at the Marina Wine & Craft Beer Bar in Long Beach.  Vocalist Cobby Brzeski has the late afternoon show at California English in San Diego.

Friday 3/28 – David Garfield at The Baked Potato

Keyboardist David Garfield is at The Baked Potato in Studio City with Toshi Yanagi on guitar, Jimmy Earl on bass, and Oscar Seaton on drums. Pianist Tamir Hendelman is at Sam First near LAX for the first of two nights (Fri-Sat). The SicNarf big band is at The Grape in Ventura. Vocalist Brenna Whitaker is at Vibrato in Bel Air.   Pianist Quinn Johnson is at 1881 in Pasadena.  Trumpeter John Reynolds is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. The Euphoria Brass Band is at Golden Island in San Diego. Vocalist Jimetta Rose is at The World Stage in downtown L.A. Vocalist Grace Fae & The Grandbirds are at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. Afrotruko is at Dizzy’s in San Diego. Saxophonist Dave Victorino is at Azo Vino in Covina. Saxophonist Justin Chart is at Sogno Toscano in Santa Monica. Good Shot Judy is at Cicada in downtown L.A. Drummer Kevin Winard is at Eddie V’s in El Segundo.  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 Melba Miller. 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. The Benedettis are at The Jazz Lounge in San Diego. The Chunky Hustle Brass Band is at Panama 66 in San Diego.

Saturday 3/29 – Tamir Hendelman at Sam First

Pianist Tamir Hendelman is at Sam First near LAX with Alex Frank on bass and Kevin Kanner on drums. Saxophonist Ernie Watts is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Pianist Rashon Murph is at Bacchus’ Kitchen in South Pasadena. One Shot Deal Plays the music of Frank Zappa at The Grape in Ventura. Trumpeter Tony Guerrero is at Vibrato in Bel Air with vocalist Lia Booth. Chester Whitmore is at Cicada in downtown L.A. Orquesta Akokán is at The United Theater in downtown L.A. Percussionist Poncho Sanchez celebrates an album release at Belly Up in Solana Beach. Vocalist/songwriter Steve Sieck is at The Gardenia in West Hollywood. The Aristocats are at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. The Jazz Cartel is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Keyboardist Nathan Mitchell is at Spaghettini in Seal Beach. Vocalist Grace Fae & The Grandbirds are at the Pasadena Ballroom Dance Association. Pianist Irving Flores is at The Jazz Lounge in San Diego. Pianist Joe Rotondi is at Eddie V’s in El Segundo. Pianist/vocalist Yve Evans is at Eddie V’s in Palm Desert. Pianist Sue Palmer is at Books & Records in San Diego. Pianist Mikan Zlatkovich is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Keyboardist Robert Turner is at Pips On La Brea in West L.A. 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. Pianist Eric Scott Reed leads a workshop at The World Stage in South L.A. Vocalist/trombonist Dave Scott is at the La Jolla Community Center. Vocalist Michelle Nicole is at The Jazz Lounge in San Diego with guitarist Larry Koonse for an afternoon show. Vocalist Cathy Segal-Garcia does a breakfast show at Jinky’s in Santa Monica.

Sunday 3/30 – Herbie Hancock at Walt Disney Hall

Pianist Herbie Hancock is at Walt Disney Hall in downtown L.A. with Terence Blanchard on trumpet, James Genus on bass, Lionel Loueke on guitar/vocals, and Jayylen Petinaud on drums. Trumpeter Jens Lindemann is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Catatonic is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Drummer Paul Kreibich opens for drummer Kevin Kanner’s jazz jam at The Mint in West L.A.  Saxophonist Alden Hellmuth is at Tio Leo’s Lounge in San Diego.  Lady Parts is at Campus Jax in Newport Beach. The Black Market Trust is at Spaghettini in Seal Beach. Drummer/vocalist Bryan Cabrera at The Drake in Laguna Beach with pianist Ron Kobayashi. Saxophonist Will Donato is at Humphrey’s Backstage in San Diego. Brazilian guitarist/vocalist Teka is at the Beatrice Wood Center For The Arts in Ojai for an afternoon show. The 13th Annual Temecula Jazz Festival featuring vocalist Rose Mallet and guitarist Doug MacDonald has a Sunday afternoon slot at the Old Town Temecula Community Theater. Pianist Tommy Gannon is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. 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 with vocalist Kaylee Daughtery. 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 ESP Jazz Collective is at the Black Rail Kitchen & Bar in Carlsbad. 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. Vocalist Lia Booth has the early jazz brunch at the Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach. MC3 has the afternoon brunch at the Urban Press Winery in Burbank. Vocalist Michelle Nicolle and guitarist Larry Koonse play an early afternoon show at Bar Fedora in downtown L.A.

Monday 3/31 – Afro Bowie at the Teragram Ballroom

Afro Bowie is at the Teragram Ballroom in downtown L.A. featuring Guitarist Vernon Reid, saxophonist Azar Lawrence, drummer Omar Hakim, vocalists Dwight Trible and Bernard Fowler, and many others. Bassist Hadrien Feraud is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Saxophonist Eric Mariethal is at Spaghettini in Seal Beach with guest guitarist Peter White. Saxophonist Nicole McCabe is at the Hotel Covell in Hollywood. Saxophonist Patrick Shiroishi is at the High Low in Atwater Village. Pianist Andrew Dorsett is at Bub & Grandma’s in Eagle Rock. 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 Adam Wolff is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. The Santa Monica College Jazz Ensemble is at the SMC Performing Arts Center.

Tuesday 4/1 – Mehldau, McBride & Gilmore at the Orpheum Theatre

Pianist Brad Mehldau, bassist Christian McBride, and drummer Marcus Gilmore are at the Orpheum Theatre in downtown L.A. Saxophonist Doug Webb begins a two night (Tue-Wed) run at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Vocalist Jon Lovitz is at Vibrato in Bel Air. The Fresh Mint Pharaohs are at La Puglia in Santa Monica. Harpist Brandee Younger is at Spanos Theatre in San Luis Obispo. Drummer Marcelo Bucater is at 1881 in Pasadena. 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. 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 4/2 – Doug Webb at The Baked Potato

Saxophonist Doug Webb is at The Baked Potato in Studio City for the second of two nights (Tue-Wed) with Danny Carey on drums, Jimmy Earl on bass, Mitchel Forman on keys, and Jamie Kime on guitar. Vocalist Corrine Bailey Rae is at the Orpheum Theatre in downtown L.A. Trumpeter Yakiv Tsvietinskyi is at Sam First near LAX. Bassist Ken Okada and Yoyoka are at Alvas Showroom in San Pedro. Vocalist Antonia Bennett is at Catalina in Hollywood. Drummer Jimmy Branly is at 1881 in Pasadena. 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. Guitarist Angelo Metz is at Native Fields in Walnut. The Soul Organ Trio is at Club 616 in Santa Ana. 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. Pianist Adam Wolff is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego.