About & Out – What’s Hot In SoCal Jazz – Week Of May 19, 2025

SoCal jazz this week features John Daversa, Stanley Jordan, Roy McCurdy, The Bad Plus, Tigran Hamasyan, Gordon Goodwin, Kneebody, Joe La Barbera, Doug Webb, Larry Koonse, Cathlene Pineda, Munyungo Jackson, Keschia Potter, and Ann Hampton Callaway.

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 5/19 – 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. Saxophonist Robert Kyle and guitarist Riner Scivally are at Roe Seafood in Long Beach. Vocalist Lia Booth is at Garcons De Cafe in downtown L.A. 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. Vocalist Mark Kopitzke is at Roost 374 in San Clemente. Trumpeter Grant Hungerford leads a jazz jam at Collage in San Pedro.

Thursday 5/22 – John Daversa Big Band at The Baked Potato

Trumpeter John Daversa’s big band begins a four night (Thu-Sun) run at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Pianist Cathlene Pineda is at Sam First near LAX. Jason Goldman & The 17 Big Band is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Vibraphonist Nick Mancini is at The Muck in Fullerton. Trumpeter Gilbert Castellanos is at Lou Lou’s in San Diego. Gypsy guitarist Josco Stephan is at Alvas Showroom in San Pedro. Bassist Trevor Ware’s Positive People are at The Grape in Ventura with vocalist Sydney Jacobs. Vocalist Marsha Bartinetti is at Catalina in Hollywood. Vocalist Jamie Shew celebrates an album release at Campus Jax in Newport Beach. Bassist Bruce Lett is at The Merc in Temecula. Drummer/vocalist Dave Tull is at Eddie V’s in El Segundo. Vocalist Rose Colella is at the Biltmore Hotel Gallery Bar in downtown L.A. Vocalist Isabella Greggio celebrates an album release at The Jazz Lounge in San Diego. Pianist/vocalist Bill Cantos 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 Roman Palacios is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Pianist Sue Palmer plays a late afternoon show at California English in San Diego.

Friday 5/23 – Stanley Jordan at Catalina Jazz Club

Guitarist Stanley Jordan is at Catalina in Hollywood for the first of two nights (Fri-Sat). Percussionist Munyungo Jackson is at LACMA in West L.A. Drummer Roy McCurdy is at Sam First near LAX. Saxophonist Keschia Potter is at The World Stage in South L.A. Vocalist Ann Hampton Callaway is at the Purple Room in Palm Springs for the first of two nights (Fri-Sat). Trumpeter John Daversa’s big band is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Vibraphonist Nick Mancini is at The Grape in Ventura. Vocalist Brenna Whitaker is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Pianist Larry Cohn’s Bistro All-Stars are at the Canyon Bistro in Topanga with guitarist Thom Rotella. Vocalist Sherry Williams is at the La Jolla Community Center in La Jolla. Bassist/vocalist Casey Abrams is at Lou Lou’s in San Diego. Guitarist Daryl Darden is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. Trombonist Joshua Brown is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Saxophonist Steve Cole is at Spaghettini in Seal Beach. The Garners are at Books & Records in San Diego. Trumpeter Clarence McDuffie III is at Dizzy’s in San Diego. Drummer Nathan Hubbard is at The Jazz Lounge in San Diego, followed by a late set from bassist Doug Walker. 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 Eve Holmes. 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.  Vocalist Douglas Roegiers is at Hawg Heaven BBQ in Pasadena. The Woody James Legacy Band does an afternoon show at the Mayflower Club in North Hollywood.

Saturday 5/24 – Roy McCurdy at Sam First

Drummer Roy McCurdy is at Sam First near LAX for the second of two nights (Fri-Sat) with Rickey Woodard on sax, Bill Cunliffe on piano, and Mike Gurrola on bass. Drummer Joe La Barbera plays the music of Sonny Rollins at Bacchus’ Kitchen in South Pasadena. Guitarist Diego Figueiredo and clarinetist Ken Peplowski are at the Moss Theater in Santa Monica. Vocalist Tawanda Suessbrich-Joaquim is at Vibrato in Bel Air for an early show, followed by vocalist Seth MacFarlane’s Chamber Orchestra. Trumpeter John Daversa’s big band is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Guitarist Stanley Jordan is at Catalina in Hollywood. Vocalist Ann Hampton Callaway is at the Purple Room in Palm Springs. Pianist Mikan Zlatkovich is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego with flutist Holly Hofmann. Brazilian vocalist Caro Pierotto & Brazil Beyond are at The Sun Rose in West Hollywood. Trumpeter Gilbert Castellanos is at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar in San Diego. Trumpeter Darrel Leonard’s Line Up is at The Grape in Ventura. Trumpeter Rick Braun, guitarist Peter White, and saxophonist Richard Elliot are at the Thornton Winery in Temecula. Guitarist Nils is at Spaghettini in Seal Beach. Vocalist Howie Levine’s “JazzNatra” is at Hawg Heaven BBQ in Pasadena. Vocalist Mercedes Moore is at the Hotel Republic in San Diego. Vocalist Kaylee Daugherty is at Books & Records in San Diego. Drummer Nathan Hubbard is at The Jazz Lounge in San Diego. Pianist Joe Rotondi is at Eddie V’s in El Segundo. Vocalist Janessa Noland is at the Black Rail Kitchen & Bar in Carlsbad. Keyboardist Robert Turner is at Pips On La Brea in West L.A. 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. Hammerstein Swing is at Cicada in downtown L.A. Drummer/vocalist Bryan Cabrera is at The Drake in Laguna Beach.  Vocalist Chloe Perrier is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena.  Keyboardist Jay Smith plays a brunch at the Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach. Pianist Allen Takatsuka hosts a jazz jam at Union Market in Mission Viejo.

Sunday 5/25 – Bill Holman Big Band at Catalina Jazz Club

The Bill Holman Big Band gives a final performance in tribute to its late leader who passed in 2024 at Catalina in Hollywood. Keyboardist Cory Henry is at the Miracle Theater in Inglewood. Trumpeter John Daversa’s big band is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Bassist Karl McComas-Reichl is at Bub & Grandma’s in Eagle Rock. Bassist Frescia Belmar and pianist Jonah Levine split a bill at The United Theater in downtown L.A. Trumpeter/vocalist Ilya Serov and pianist Oli Silk are at Spaghettini in Seal Beach. Pianist Ben Dabiri opens for drummer Kevin Kanner’s jazz jam at The Mint in West L.A.  Guitarist Brad Rabuchin is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena.  Drummer/vocalist Bryan Cabrera is at The Drake in Laguna Beach with pianist Ron Kobayashi. Pianist Edward Gabrielyan is at Tio Leo’s Lounge in San Diego. Saxophonist Justin Chart is at the Florence Osteria in West Hollywood. Pianist Adam Wolff 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. Keyboardist/vocalist Freddie Ravel is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Vocalist Lia Booth has the early jazz brunch at the Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach. Guitarist/vocalist Teka does a brunch at the El Encanto Hotel in Santa Barbara. The Jazz Cartel does a brunch at Hawg Heaven BBQ in Pasadena. Vocalist Sandy Cummings hosts a jazz brunch at SOhO in Santa Barbara.

Monday 5/26 – Matt Politano at Bub & Grandma’s

Pianist Matt Politano leads a trio at Bub & Grandma’s in Eagle Rock. Guitarist Ronan Delisle and saxophonist Levi Gillis split a bill at The High Low in Atwater Village. 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. Very Good Mondays is at Gold-Diggers in Hollywood. Vibraphonist Ian Harland leads a jam session at the Charade Speakeasy in San Diego. Pianist Adam Wolff is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Vocalist Lia Booth has an early jazz brunch at the Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach. A San Diego Young Lions Quintet celebrates the birthday of Miles Davis at Dizzy’s in San Diego. The M.O.B. Jazz Quintet is at SOhO in Santa Barbara.

Tuesday 5/27 – Gerald Clayton Tuesday Happenings Jam Session at Sam First

Pianist Gerald Clayton leads the Tuesday Happenings Jam Session at Sam First near LAX. Vocalist Andrea Miller is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. 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. 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.

Wednesday 5/28 – Women In Jazz at The Ebell

The Leimert Park Jazz Festival presents an evening of Women In Jazz at The Ebell in downtown Los Angeles including violinist Dr. Lesa Terry, bassist Nedra Wheeler, vocalist Tierney Sutton, violinist Regina Carter, and bassist Katie Thiroux. The Dave Slonaker Big Band is at Sam First near LAX. Trumpeter Bijon Watson is at Mozambique in Laguna Beach. Drummer Jimmy Branly is at 1881 in Pasadena. Jim Caruso’s Cast Party is at Catalina in Hollywood with Billy Stritch on piano. Flutist Lori Bell is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Bassist Michael Feinberg is at The Grape in Ventura. Vocalist Maria Schafer is at Garcons De Cafe in downtown L.A. 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. Pianist Kevin Tokarz plays a happy hour show at the Purple Room in Palm Springs. French vocal group Paris Chansons are at Vibrato in Bel Air.