About & Out – What’s Hot In SoCal Jazz – Week Of May 12, 2025

It’s a busy SoCal jazz week with shows from Bill Frisell, Diana Krall, Terreon Gully, Kneebody, Victor Wooten, Brandon Fields, Eric Reed, Jamie Kime, Max Haymer, John Storie, Gina Saputo, Andy Garcia, and Poncho Sanchez.

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 5/12 – Poncho Sanchez at Spaghettini

Percussionist Poncho Sanchez is at Spaghettini in Seal Beach. Bassist Logan Kane and saxophonist Henry Solomon split a bill at The High Low in Atwater Village. Saxophonist Tristan Cappell and violaist Miguel Atwood-Ferguson are at the Hotel Covell in Hollywood. The Baked Potato offers a five-band showcase night including bassist Frescia Belmar. 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. Vibraphonist Ian Harland leads a jam session at the Charade Speakeasy in San Diego. Pianist Aaron Otheim is at Bub & Grandma’s in Eagle Rock.

Tuesday 5/13 – Bill Frisell at Zebulon

Guitarist Bill Frisell’s Good Dog is at Zebulon in Silverlake for the first of two nights (Tue-Wed) with Greg Leisz on pedal steel guitar, Tony Scherr on bass, and Kenny Wolleson on drums. The Jazz Bakers are at The Baked Potato in Studio City. The Robin Simone Hollywood Orchestra is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Pianist/vocalist Diana Krall is at Humphrey’s By The Bay in San Diego. Pianist Gerald Clayton leads the Tuesday Happenings Jam Session at Sam First near LAX. The Irvine Barclay Jazz Band is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. 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 Derrik Lewis plays a happy hour show at The Tropicale in Palm Springs. Vocalist Giorgia Renosto is at La Puglia in Santa Monica. Guitarist Carlos Velasco is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Pianist Matt Politano leads a breakfast jazz trio at Jones Coffee Roasters in Pasadena. The Bakersfield Jazz Orchestra is at the Sundale Country Club in Bakersfield.

Wednesday 5/14 – Diana Krall at The Soraya

Pianist/vocalist Diana Krall is at The Soraya in Northridge. Pianist Max Hayner is at Catalina in Hollywood with Aidan Carroll on bass and Rick Montalbano on drums. Guitarist John Storie is at Sam First near LAX. Guitarist Bill Frisell is at Zebulon in Silverlake. Guitarist Will Brahm is at 1881 in Pasadena. Brazilian bassist Pops Magellan celebrates an album release at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Bassist/vocalist Casey Abrams is at Vibrato in Bel Air.  Vocalist Lia Booth is at Jojo’s Hideaway in Tustin. Pianist Aimee Nolte and vocalist Leonard Patton play the music of Burt Bacharach at The Jazz Lounge in San Diego. Pianist/vocalist Yve Evans is at Eddie V’s in Palm Desert. Saxophonist Justin Chart is at the Florence Osteria in West 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. Guitarist Angelo Metz is at Native Fields in Walnut. The Soul Organ Trio is at Club 616 in Santa Ana.  TUBOP is at Chapter One in Santa Ana.  Guitarist Carlos Velasco is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Jumpin’ Joz is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. Pianist Kevin Tokarz plays a happy hour show at the Purple Room in Palm Springs.

Thursday 5/15 – Jamie Kime at The Baked Potato

Guitarist Jamie Kime is at The Baked Potato in Studio City with Matt Rohde on keys, Pete Griffin on bass, Danny Carey on drums, and Andy Sanesi on percussion. Guitarist Bill Frisell is at the Lobero Theatre in Santa Barbara. Pianist Max Haymer is at the Cascade Lounge in Palm Springs. Vocalist Gina Saputo is at The Grape in Ventura. Composer Mark Masters is at The Merc in Temecula with a nonet featuring trumpeter Tim Hagans.  Saxophonist Glenn Cashman is at The Muck in Fullerton.  Vocalist Janis Mann is at 1881 in Pasadena.  Drummer Gengis Don is at Sam First near LAX.   Vocalist Lia Booth is at Roost 374 in San Clemente. Trumpeter Derek Cannon is at The Jazz Lounge in San Diego. The Pickle Mafia is at Lost Chord Guitars in Solvang. Pianist/vocalist Marina Pacowski is at the El Encanto Hotel in Santa Barbara. Pianist/vocalist Kait Dunton is at Healing Force Of The Universe in Pasadena. Pianist/vocalist Christopher Linman is at the Langham Hotel Tap Room in Pasadena. Four And More are at Casey’s Tavern in Canoga Park. The Aristocats are at Sogno Toscano in Santa Monica. 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. Drummer Kevin Crabb hosts a musician/singer showcase and jam session at the Thai Fusion Bistro in West Hills. Vocalist Mercedes Moore is at Lou Lou’s in San Diego. Vocalist Roman Palacios is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego.

Friday 5/16 – Brandon Fields at The Baked Potato

Saxophonist Brandon Fields is at The Baked Potato in Studio City with Mitchel Forman on keys, Lenny Castro on percussion, Jimmy Earl on bass, and Steve Hass on drums. Drummer Terreon Gully is at Sam First near LAX. Pianist Eric Scott Reed is at LACMA in West L.A. Saxophonist Ralph Moore is at The World Stage in South L.A. Bassist Victor Wooten & The Wooten Brothers are at the Majestic Ventura Theater in Ventura. Saxophonist Nicole McCabe is at Motivo LA in Atwater Village. Guitarist Thom Rotella is at the Canyon Bistro in Topanga. Saxophonist Alex Johnson is at the Sierra Madre Playhouse in Sierra Madre. The Pickle Mafia is at The Grape in Ventura. Percussionist Andy Garcia & The Cineson All-Stars are at Catalina in Hollywood for the first of two nights (Fri-Sat). Drummer Jason Harnell plays a solo show at Kulak’s Woodshed in North Hollywood.  Vocalist Gina Saputo is at Dizzy’s in San Diego.  Trumpeter Dan Rosenboom is at Buvons in Long Beach.  Blood, Sweat & Tears is at the Murrieta Amphitheater in Murrieta. Vocalist Amanda Castro is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Trumpeter Greg Solman is at Azo Vino in Covina. Vocalist Natalie Jacob is at Papille Gustative in Santa Monica. Trumpeter Derek Cannon is at The Jazz Lounge in San Diego. The Wise Guys Big Band Machine is at Cicada in downtown L.A. Pianist Joe Rotondi is at Eddie V’s in El Segundo. Pianist David Arnay is at the Parkway Grill in Pasadena. The Rebirth Brass Band is at The Mint in West L.A. Vocalist Whitney Shay is at Lou Lou’s in San Diego. Vocalist Mercedes Moore is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Vocalist Amanda Portela is at Panama 66 in San Diego. Guitarist Denys Christian is at The Merc in Temecula.  Guitarist Brad Rabuchin 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 Joe Croyle. 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. Pianist Mikan Zlatkovich is at the Westgate Hotel in San Diego.  Guitarist David Eastlee is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena.  The Woody James Legacy Band does an afternoon show at the Mayflower Club in North Hollywood. The Saddleback Big Band is at the McKinney Theatre in Mission Viejo.

Saturday 5/17 – Terreon Gully at Sam First

Drummer Terreon Gully is at Sam First near LAX for the second of two nights with Mike Cottone on trumpet, Daniel Rotem on sax (Jacob Scesney on Friday), Ruslan Sirota on piano, and Brandon Rose on bass. Keyboardist Don Randi & Quest are at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Bassist Victor Wooten & The Wooten Brothers are at The Troubadour in West Hollywood. Saxophonist David Binney is at the Moroccan Lounge in downtown L.A. Saxophonist Chris Powe celebrates an album release at The World Stage in South L.A. Vocalist Gina Saputo is at Jojo’s Hideaway in Tustin. Trumpeter Ron Francis Blake is at The Grape in Ventura. Trumpeter Wynton Marsalis plays a live accompaniment to the silent film “Louis” at the Arlington Theatre in Santa Barbara. Percussionist Andy Garcia & The Cineson All-Stars are at Catalina in Hollywood. Bassist Avery Scott is at The Barbara Morrison Performing Arts Center in South L.A. Pianist Frank McComb is at The Sun Rose in West Hollywood.  Vocalist Matt Mauser is at Campus Jax in Newport Beach.  The Jazz Cartel is at The Drake in Laguna Beach.  Pianist Ron Kobayashi is at Les Amis in Fullerton.  Saxophonist Justin Chart is at Sogno Toscano in Santa Monica. Saxophonist Elan Trotman is at Spaghettini in Seal Beach. Pianist Mikan Zlatkovich is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego with vocalist Dave Scott. Vocalist Cobby Brzeski is at the Hotel Republic in San Diego. Pianist Sue Palmer is at Books & Records in San Diego. The Soto Six are at Panama 66 in San Diego. Pianist Joe Rotondi is at Eddie V’s in El Segundo. Pianist John Opferkuch is at the Black Rail Kitchen & Bar in Carlsbad. 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. The Jazztown Band is at Casey’s Tavern in Canoga Park. 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. JazzZone does an early performance at the Upland Farmers Market in Upland.  The Hollywood Canteen Swing Band with vocalist Marcia Ford is at Cicada in downtown L.A. Sylvia & The Rhythm Boys are at Edwin Mills in Pasadena.  Vocalist Adam “Aejaye” Jackson is at Vibrato in Bel Air.  Vocalist Larry Davis is at The Gardenia in West Hollywood.  Pianist Allen Takatsuka is at Luxe in Dana Point.

Sunday 5/18 – Kneebody at UCSD The Loft

Kneebody is at the USCD The Loft in San Diego with Ben Wendel on sax, Adam Benjamin on keys, Shane Endsley on trumpet, and Nate Wood on drums. Trumpeter Wynton Marsalis accompanies the silent film “Louis” at the Balboa Theater in San Diego. Bassist Victor Wooten & The Wooten Brothers are at Belly Up in Solana Beach. Vocalist Gina Saputo celebrates an album release at Vibrato in Bel Air. Vocalist/violinist Emmaline is at Catalina in Hollywood. The World Stage in South L.A. hosts the annual afternoon Vibe Summit presented by the LA Jazz Society. Pianist Peter Smith’s latest afternoon Stained Glass Sessions at the First Baptist Church of Pasadena includes vocalist Liz Cole. Drummer/vocalist Dave Tull is at Eddie V’s in El Segundo. Drummer Kevin Kanner’s jazz jam is at The Mint in West L.A. Saxophonist Kahlil Childs is at Panama 66 in San Diego. Trumpeter/vocalist Matt Von Roderick is at The Peppermint Club in West Hollywood.  Vocalist Sandra Piller does an album release show at Hope Lutheran Church in Hollywood. Pianist Salenta Baisden is at Bub & Grandma’s in Eagle Rock. Vocalist Crystal Clulee is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Saxophonist John Rekevics is at Tio Lio’s Lounge in San Diego. Saxophonist Elan Trotman is at Humphrey’s Backstage in San Diego. Blues harmonica player Chef Dave Rozier is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Saxophonist Justin Chart is at the Florence Osteria in West Hollywood. The ESP Jazz Collective is at the Black Rail Kitchen & Bar in Carlsbad. 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/vocalist Wayne Wilentz and drummer/vocalist Dave Tull host the afternoon brunch at the Urban Press Winery in Burbank. Guitarist Matthew Grief has the early jazz brunch at the Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach.

Monday 5/19 – Doug Webb at The Baked Potato

Saxophonist Doug Webb is at The Baked Potato in Studio City with Andy Farber on sax, Mitchel Forman on keys, Eric Revis on bass, and Charles Ruggerio on drums.  Guitarist Larry Koonse is at the LACM Garage in Pasadena.  Saxophonist Bob Sheppard is at The High Low in Atwater Village. Saxophonist Henry Solomon and keyboardist Chris Fishman are at the Hotel Covell in Hollywood. Gypsy guitarist Joscho Stephan is at SOhO in Santa Barbara. The Tom Kubis Big Band is at the Gaslamp in Long Beach. Drummer/vocalist Bryan Cabrera and pianist Ron Kobayashi are 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. 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. Vibraphonist Ian Harland leads a jazz jam session at the Charade Speakeasy in San Diego. Other Delights is at Bub & Grandma’s in Eagle Rock.

Tuesday 5/20 – Tigran Hamasyan at UCLA Schoenberg Hall

Pianist Tigran Hamasyan plays a show at UCLA’s Schoenberg Hall.  Kneebody is at the Moroccan Lounge in downtown L.A.  Vocalist Gloria Hendry fronts a big band at Vibrato in Bel Air. Groove Legacy is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Saxophonist Eric Marienthal is at Spaghettini in Seal Beach with vocalist Morgan James. Trumpeter Wynton Marsalis accompanies the silent film “Louis” at the Barclay Theatre in Irvine. Vocalist Freda Payne hosts a tribute to the late Quincy Jones at Catalina in Hollywood. Vibraphonist Nick Mancini is at Tavern On Brand in Glendale. Corcovado is at TRiP in Santa Monica. Trumpeter/vocalist Matt Von Roderick is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Pianist Gerald Clayton leads the Tuesday Happenings Jam Session at Sam First near LAX. Saxophonist Justin Chart is at Sogno Toscano 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. The Brig Band is at The Brig in Venice. Guitarist Matthew Yeakley hosts a jazz jam at General Lee’s in Chinatown. Pianist Adam Wolff is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Bassist Glen Fisher leads a jazz jam at Humphrey’s Backstage in San Diego. Pianist Matt Politano leads a breakfast jazz trio at Jones Coffee Roasters in Pasadena.

Wednesday 5/21 – The Bad Plus at Zebulon

The Bad Plus are at Zebulon in Silverlake. Gordon Goodwin’s Little Phat Band is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Drummer Charles Ruggerio is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Vocalist Ella Sophie is at Sam First near LAX. Trumpeter Wynton Marsalis accompanies the silent film “Louis” at the Orpheum Theatre in downtown L.A. Drummer Jimmy Branly is at 1881 in Pasadena with guest vibraphonist Nick Mancini.  Vocalist Nellie McKay is at Catalina in Hollywood.  Vocalist Miki Howard is at the Miracle Theater in Inglewood.  Guitarist Scotty Bramer is at the Aum Beer House in Garden Grove. Guitarist Shea Welsh is at TRiP in Santa Monica. 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. Saxophonist Justin Chart is at the Florence Osteria in West Hollywood. Pianist/vocalist Christopher Linman is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. The Flight 584 Big Band is at the Mayflower Club in North Hollywood. Trumpeter Grant Hungerford leads a jazz jam at Collage in San Pedro.