About & Out – What’s Hot In SoCal Jazz – Week Of March 31, 2025

April opens with a SoCal jazz week including Terence Blanchard, Brad Mehldau w/Christian McBride, Emmet Cohen, Steve Smith, Carmen Lundy, Doug Webb, Jacob Mann, Chris Botti, Cheryl Bentyne, Corrine Bailey Rae, The Pan Afrikan Peoples Arkestra, and Sasha Berliner.

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 3/31 – 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 Corrine Bailey Rae is at the House Of Blues in Anaheim. 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. Saxophonist Rob Sheppard is at The Stowaway in downtown L.A. for an album release show. Saxophonist Robert Kyle and guitarist Riner Scivally are at Roe Seafood in Long 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. 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.

Thursday 4/3 – Steve Smith & Vital Information at The Baked Potato

Drummer Steve Smith’s Vital Information begins a three-night (Thu-Sat) run at The Baked Potato in Studio City with Janek Gwizdala on bass and Manuel Valera on keys. Tone Forest is at Sam First near LAX. Vocalist Corrine Bailey Rae is at Epstein Family Amphitheater at UCSD San Diego. Trumpeter Gilbert Castellanos is at Lou Lou’s in San Diego. Vocalist Sharon Marie Cline is at Catalina in Hollywood. The Alpha Rhythm Kings are at the Cascade Lounge in Palm Springs. Saxophonist Charles Owens is at The Merc in Temecula. Trumpeter John Reynolds is at Jojo’s Hideaway in Tustin. Drummer/vocalist Bryan Cabrera is at The Drake in Laguna Beach with pianist Ron Kobayashi. Saxophonist Justin Chart is at Sogno Toscano in Santa Monica. Four and More are at Casey’s Tavern in Canoga Park with guest trumpeter Brian Swartz.  Pianist Kait Dunton 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. 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.

Friday 4/4 – Pan Afrikan Peoples Arkestra at The World Stage

The Pan Afrikan Peoples Arkestra is at The World Stage in South L.A. Vibraphonist Sasha Berliner celebrates an album release at Sam First near LAX. Vocalist Cheryl Bentyne is at the Purple Room in Palm Springs for the first of two nights (Fri-Sat). Trumpeter Chris Botti begins a two-night (Fri-Sat) run at the McCallum Theatre in Palm Springs. Bassist Bunny Brunel is at The Grape in Ventura. Drummer Steve Smith’s Vital Information is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Pianist Emmet Cohen is at The Broad Stage in Santa Monica. Saxophonist Joshua Christian Childress is at Alvas Showroom in San Pedro. Keyboardist Ed Roth is at the Urban Press Winery in Burbank.  Pianist Joe Rotondi is at Eddie V’s in El Segundo.  Blues guitarist Kirk Fletcher is at Harvelle’s in Santa Monica. Saxophonist Victor Gonzalez is at Collage in San Pedro.  The Jazz Cartel is at Hawg Heaven BBQ in Pasadena.  Vocalist Grace Fae & The Grandbirds are at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. Vocalist Tamara Lalayan is at Catalina in Hollywood. Vocalist Cobby Brzeski is at Books & Records in San Diego. Gabrielito y La Verdad is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Guitarist David Eastlee 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 Gregg Marx. 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 Esquires Small Band is at Cicada in downtown L.A. Vocalist Mercedes Moore is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego.

Saturday 4/5 – Emmet Cohen at Segerstrom Samueli Theater

Pianist Emmet Cohen is at the Segerstrom Samueli Theater with Anat Cohen on clarinet and Terrell Stafford on trumpet. Vocalist Carmen Lundy is at the Moss Theater in Santa Monica. Pianist Jacob Mann celebrates an album release at Sam First near LAX. Drummer Steve Smith’s Vital Information is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Trumpeter Chris Botti is at the McCallum Theatre in Palm Springs. Vocalist Cheryl Bentyne is at the Purple Room in Palm Springs. Vocalist Julie Kelly is at 1881 in Pasadena. Vocalist Howie Levine sings the music of Frank Sinatra and the Great American Songbook at Hawg Heaven BBQ & Gastropub in Pasadena. Vocal group M-Pact is at The Jazz Lounge in San Diego. Saxophonist Derek Douget is at the Lobero Theatre in Santa Barbara. Guitarist John Jorgenson is at Mozambique in Laguna Beach.  Pianist Sunnie Paxson is at Eddie V’s in El Segundo. The 2025 Grooves Jazz Festival is at the Westin Resort & Spa in Rancho Mirage. Saxophonist Jackiem Joyner is at Spaghettini in Seal Beach. Saxophonist Victor Gonzalez is at Azo Vino in Covina. The Kiefer Trio, Salami Rose Joe Louis, and saxophonist David Binney’s Action Trio are at the LA Union Station in downtown L.A. The Moontones with vocalist Kierra Brie are at the Pasadena Ballroom Dance Association in Pasadena. 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. Drummer Izzak Weatherwax is at the Culver Hotel in Culver City. Pianist Eric Scott Reed leads a workshop at The World Stage in South L.A. Vocalist Ed Romero is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. Vocalist Douglas Roegiers is at Cicada in downtown L.A. Vocalist Tony Galla is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Alligator Beach is at Harvelle’s in Santa Monica. The Dave Stephens Band is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Pianist/vocalist Freddie Ravel is at The Grape in Ventura. Vocalist Cathy Segal-Garcia does a breakfast show at Jinky’s in Santa Monica.

Sunday 4/6 – Terence Blanchard at The Soraya

Trumpeter Terence Blanchard & The E-Collective play music from Blanchard’s two operas, “Champion” and “Fire Shut Up In My Bones” at The Soraya in Northridge with the Turtle Island Quartet and vocalists Justin Austin and Adrienne Danrich. The Scene Volume 7 at the Hotel Cafe in Hollywood features bands led by Dan Rosenboom, Daniel Rotem, Brent Canter, Sam Barsh, and Zach Tenorio. Harpist Minta Spencer is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. The Jazz Bakers open for drummer Kevin Kanner’s jazz jam at The Mint in West L.A. Trio Borealis is at Lou Lou’s in San Diego with vocalist Rebecca Jade. Vocalist Matt Mauser is at Campus Jax in Newport Beach. Vocalist Lia Booth is at The Drake in Laguna Beach.  Vocalist Donna Deussen and guitarist Jim Fox are at the Thai Fusion Bistro in West Hills.  Pianist John Opferkuch is at Tio Leo’s Lounge in San Diego.  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. Drummer John Kithcart has the early jazz brunch at the Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach.

Monday 4/7 – Peter Bernstein at Lou Lou’s

Guitarist Peter Bernstein is at Lou Lou’s in San Diego with Gilbert Castellanos on trumpet, Brian Levy on sax, Sam Hirsh on piano, Luke Little on bass, Tyler Kreutel on drums, and Joannah Sy on vocals. Guitarist Graham Dechter leads a quartet at The Baked Potato in Studio City. The Sway Collective is at Spaghettini in Seal 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. 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 Tommy Gannon is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. The SBCC Monday Madness Jazz Orchestra is at SOhO in Santa Barbara.

Tuesday 4/8 – Graham Dechter Quartet w/Melissa Morgan at Bayside

Guitarist Graham Dechter is at the Bayside Restaurant in Newport Beach with vocalist Melissa Morgan, bassist Alex Frank, and drummer Ryan Shaw. Drummer Joel Taylor is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Pianist Gerald Clayton hosts the Tuesday Happenings Jam Session at Sam First near LAX. Billy Vera leads a big band at Vibrato in Bel Air. Trumpeter Jun Iida is at The Stowaway in downtown L.A. 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 4/9 – Bill Frisell at Scripps Research Auditorium

Guitarist Bill Frisell is at the Scripps Research Auditorium in San Diego with Thomas Morgan on bass and Rudy Royston on drums. Guitarist Pritesh Walia is at Sam First near LAX.  Trumpeter Dan Rosenboom is at Vine in Long Beach.  Work In Progress is at The Baked Potato in Studio City with guest vocalist Sara Niemetz. Pianist Nic Jackson is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Vocalist Donna McKechnie is at Catalina in Hollywood. 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. Pianist Kevin Tokarz plays a happy hour show at the Purple Room in Palm Springs. TUBOP is at Chapter One in Santa Ana. Pianist Adam Wolff is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Pianist/vocalist Christopher Linman is at The Drake in Laguna Beach.