About & Out – What’s Hot In SoCal Jazz – Week Of April 14, 2025

SoCal jazz highlights include Cybill Shepherd, Josh Nelson, Cory Henry, Scott Kinsey, Jacob Mann, Issac Wilson, Adrian Younge, Ravi Coltrane, Mike Garson, Clayton Cameron, Bob Reynolds, Andrew Synowiec, and The Jive Aces.

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 4/14 – Jacob Mann at Bub & Grandma’s

Pianist Jacob Mann is at Bub & Grandma’s in Eagle Rock with Karl McComas-Reichl on bass and Christian Euman on drums. Guitarist Alexander Noice is at The High Low in Atwater Village with trumpeter Dan Rosenboom and drummer Max Jaffe. Saxophonist Michael Lington and vocalist Kenny Lattimore are at Spaghettini in Seal Beach. Phatback, Earl & Me are 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. 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. Vibraphonist Ian Harland leads a jam session at the Charade Speakeasy in San Diego. The SBCC Big Band is at SOhO in Santa Barbara.

Tuesday 4/15 – Scott Kinsey at The Baked Potato

Keyboardist Scott Kinsey is at The Baked Potato in Studio City with Bob Reynolds on sax, Francisco Fattoruso on bass, and Robert “Sput” Searight on drums. Drummer Kevin Kanner hosts the Tuesday Happenings Jam Session at Sam First near LAX. Vocalist Dave Damiani & The No Vacancy Orchestra are at Vibrato in Bel Air. Vocalist Lia Booth is at La Puglia in Santa Monica. Vocalist Andrea Miller is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Guitarist Angelo Metz is at TRiP in Santa Monica. Pianist/vocalist Yve Evans is at Eddie V’s in Palm Desert. 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. Bassist Glen Fisher leads a jazz jam session at Humphrey’s Backstage in San Diego. Hagen Jazz is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. Pianist Matt Politano leads a breakfast jazz trio at Jones Coffee Roasters in Pasadena.

Wednesday 4/16 – Issac Wilson at Sam First

Pianist Issac Wilson is at Sam First near LAX with Marlon Martinez on bass and Christian Euman on drums. Drummer Charles Ruggerio is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Session Syndicate is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Blanket Of Clouds is at The Grape in Ventura. Drummer Jimmy Branly is at 1881 in Pasadena. Guitarist Angelo Metz is at Tower 12 in Hermosa Beach. Pianist/vocalist Yve Evans is at Eddie V’s in Palm Desert. Vocalist Maria Schafer is at Garcons De Cafe in downtown L.A. Saxophonist Kahlil Childs is at The Conrad in La Jolla. 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. The Flight 584 Big Band is at the Mayflower Club in North Hollywood. TUBOP is at Chapter One in Santa Ana. Pianist Carlos Velasco is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Trumpeter Grant Hungerford leads a jazz jam at Collage in San Pedro.

Thursday 4/17 – Adrian Younge at The Soraya

Keyboardist Adrian Younge is at The Soraya in Northridge, backed by a full orchestra. Saxophonist Bob Reynolds is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Vocalist April Varner is at Sam First near LAX. Organist Ronnie Foster is at The Grape in Ventura. Guitarist Brad Rabuchin is at the LACM Garage in Pasadena. Trumpeter Gilbert Castellanos is at Lou Lou’s in San Diego. Vocalist Niki Harris is at Catalina in Hollywood.  Drummer Jimmy Branly is at Limon y Sal in Ventura.  Guitarist/vocalist Ponpon Chen is at the Biltmore Hotel in downtown L.A. The Orange County School Of The Arts jazz faculty presents a show at Campus Jax in Newport Beach. Bassist Jennifer Leitham is at The Merc in Temecula. Drummer Leo Vigil is at Jojo’s Hideaway in Tustin. The Jive Aces are at the Cascade Lounge in Palm Springs. Four And More are at Casey’s Tavern in Canoga Park with guest saxophonist Rickey Woodard. 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. 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 Garners are at Books & Records in San Diego. French vocal group Paris Chansons is at Vibrato in Bel Air.

Friday 4/18 – Cybill Shepherd at Catalina

Vocalist Cybill Shepherd is at Catalina in Hollywood for the first of two nights (Fri-Sat), backed by Sunnie Paxson on piano, Freddie Ramos on guitar, Mark Towns on bass, Dave Tull on drums/vocals, and Frank Fontaine on sax. Saxophonist Ravi Coltrane is at REDCAT in downtown L.A. Guitarist Andrew Synowiec is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Pianist Josh Nelson is at Sam First near LAX. Pianist Vardan Ovsepian is at Motivo LA in Atwater Village. Pianist Don Preston leads a tribute concert to David Ornette Cherry at The World Stage in South L.A. Pianist Mike Garson and vocalist Veronica Swift are at The Sun Rose in West Hollywood. Trombonist Joshua Brown is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Bassist Mackenzie Leighton plays the music of Charles Mingus at Dizzy’s in San Diego. Vocalist Lia Booth is at The Jazz Lounge in San Diego. Vocalist Mercedes Moore is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Drummer Ed Smith is at The Grape in Ventura. The Jive Aces are at Vibrato in Bel Air. Pianist Joe Rotondi is at Eddie V’s in El Segundo. 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 Chris Bennett. 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.  Vocalist/guitarist Ponpon Chen is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena.

Saturday 4/19 – Josh Nelson at Sam First

Pianist Josh Nelson is at Sam First near LAX for the second of two nights (Fri-Sat) with Luca Alemanno on bass and Dan Schnelle on drums. Pianist Mike Garson is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Drummer Clayton Cameron is at The Grape in Ventura. Vocalist Cybill Shepherd is at Catalina in Hollywood. Pianist Tamir Hendelman is at Bacchus’ Kitchen in South Pasadena. Saxophonist Nubya Garcia is at the Echoplex in Echo Park. Incendio is at Alvas Showroom in San Pedro. Vocalist Janinah Burnett is at Boston Court in Pasadena. Vocalist Luke Carlsen & The Fresh Rhythm Band are at Vibrato in Bel Air. Vocalist Cathy Segal-Garcia is at 1881 in Pasadena. Royal Flux is at 1642 in downtown L.A. Vocalist Teryn Re’ and trumpeter Bobby Bradford are featured at the afternoon Caltech Jazz Fest on the Hameetman Center Patio at Caltech Pasadena. The Jive Aces are at Cicada in downtown L.A. Vocalist Grace Fae & The Grandbirds are at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. Vocalist Mercedes Moore is at the Hotel Republic in San Diego. Pianist Sue Palmer is at Books & Records 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. 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. The Dave Stephens Band is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Vocalist Cathy Segal-Garcia does a breakfast show at Jinky’s in Santa Monica.

Sunday 4/20 – Cory Henry at The Miracle Theater

Keyboardist Cory Henry is at The Miracle Theater in Inglewood. The SicNarf big band led by trumpeter Everett Kelly is at The Baked Potato in Studio City.   Bassist Adi Meyerson’s Dark Matter is at Scribble in Highland Park.  Pianist Steve Blum is at Bub & Grandma’s in Eagle Rock. Pianist/vocalist Ellis Hall is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Vocalist Crystal Clulee is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. 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 Linda A. Smith hosts the afternoon brunch at the Urban Press Winery in Burbank. Vocalist Lia Booth has the early jazz brunch at the Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach. Vocalist Cobby Brzeski does a brunch at Books & Records in San Diego. Vocalist Aaron Jacobs does a brunch at Main Kitchen Bar & Grill in Canoga Park.

Monday 4/21 – Will Brahm at Club Tee Gee

Guitarist Will Brahm celebrates an album release at Club Tee Gee in Atwater Village, backed by Francisco Ojeada on bass and Chris Wabich on drums – bassist Jake Leckie opens. Percussionist Poncho Sanchez is at Spaghettini in Seal Beach. Pianist Todd Hunter & The Brazilians are at The High Low in Atwater Village with vocalist Liz Cole. Pianist Matt Politano is at Bub & Grandma’s in Eagle Rock. Pianist Antonio Artese is at SOhO in Santa Barbara. Drummer Nic Koven leads a tribute to the music of Joni Mitchell 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 Michael Peed is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Vibraphonist Ian Harland leads a jazz jam session at the Charade Speakeasy in San Diego.

Tuesday 4/22 – Aaron Janik at The Baked Potato

Trumpeter Aaron Janik is at The Baked Potato in Studio City with Cole Riddle on keys, Colin Cook and Colin Moser on guitars, Chase Jackson on vibes, Max Gerl on bass, and Lang Zhao on drums. The Alan Chan Jazz Orchestra is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Guitarist Scotty Bramer and bassist Marlon Martinez split a bill at the Harmony Room in Eagle Rock. Saxophonist Nubya Garcia is at UCSD’s The Loft in San Diego. Pianist Gerald Clayton leads the Tuesday Happenings Jam Session at Sam First near LAX. Vocalist Adryon De Leon is at the Bayside Restaurant in Newport Beach. Trumpeter/vocalist Matt Von Roderick is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Pianist Tommy Gannon is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego with vocalist Andrea Miller. The NYSA Jazz Quintet is at SOhO in Santa Barbara. 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 4/23 – Jonathan Karrant at Vibrato

Vocalist Jonathan Karrant is at Vibrato in Bel Air, backed by a trio led by pianist Joe Alterman. Keyboardist Herman Jackson is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Vocalist Emily Braden is at Sam First near LAX. Vocalist Mario Wells is at Catalina in Hollywood. Pianist/vocalist Christopher Linman is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Pianist Eve Elliot is at Garcons De Cafe in downtown L.A. Guitarist David Eastlee is at Edwin Mills 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. 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.