About & Out – What’s Hot In SoCal Jazz – Week Of May 26, 2025

May closes with a SoCal jazz week featuring Monty Alexander, Tierney Sutton & Anat Cohen, Karizma, Dave Slonaker, Chad Wackerman, Nicole McCabe, Josh Nelson, Jimmy Branly, Bijon Watson, Luis Conte, Wednesday’s Women In Jazz at The Ebell, and Sunday’s Tokyo/Manila Jazz Summit.

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 5/26 – 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. Drummer Jimmy Branly is at 1881 in Pasadena. Trumpeter Bijon Watson is at Mozambique in Laguna Beach. 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. Pianist Eric Wortham is at The Sun Rose in West Hollywood. Bassist Michael Feinberg is at The Grape in Ventura for the first of two nights (Wed-Thu). 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.

Thursday 5/29 – Pacific Jazz Orchestra w/Tierney Sutton & Anat Cohen at The Wallis

The Pacific Jazz Orchestra plays a concert at The Wallis in Beverly Hills with vocalist Tierney Sutton and clarinetist Anat Cohen. Keyboardist David Garfield’s Karizma celebrates its 50th year with a show at The Baked Potato in Studio City featuring numerous all-stars including Chad Wackerman, Danny Carey, Jimmy Earl, Brandon Fields, and many others. Guitarist Will Brahm is at Sam First near LAX. Bassist/vocalist Katie Thiroux is at The Muck in Fullerton. Bassist Michael Feinberg is at The Grape in Ventura. Vocalist Jamie Shew is at Jojo’s Hideaway in Tustin. Guitarist Scotty Bramer is at the Biltmore Hotel Gallery Bar in downtown L.A. Trombonist Matt Hall is at The Jazz Lounge in San Diego for the first of two nights (Thu-Fri). The Duck Soup Trio offers a Latin Jazz take on the music of Vince Guaraldi at the Cascade Lounge in Palm Springs. Vocalist Alex Robinson is at Campus Jax in Newport Beach. Pianist Sue Palmer & Her Motel Swing Orchestra are at Lou Lou’s in San Diego. Drummer Jake Tompkins is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Vocalists Jack Wood and Nichaud Fitzgibbon are at The Merc in Temecula. 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 Roman Palacios is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. The Garners play a late afternoon show at California English in San Diego.

Friday 5/30 – Nicole McCabe at Sam First

Saxophonist Nicole McCabe plays the music of Lennie Tristano at Sam First near LAX over the first of two nights (Fri-Sat) with Mark Turner on sax (Dainel Rotem Saturday), Gerald Clayton on piano, Logan Kane on bass and Clarence Penn on drums (Gary Novak Saturday). Cuban percussionist Luis Conte is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Vocalist Natalie Jacob is at LACMA in West L.A.  Drummer Chris Wabich is at 1881 in Pasadena. Armenian pianist Artur Zakiyan is at Catalina in Hollywood for the first of two nights (Fri-Sat). Keyboardist Lao Tizer is at The Grape in Ventura. Vocalist Luke Carlsen & The Fresh Rhythm are at Vibrato in Bel Air. Drummer Elijah Marrewa is at Dizzy’s in San Diego. Trombonist Matt Hall is at The Jazz Lounge in San Diego , followed by a late set from bassist Doug Walker. Guitarist Aaron Lind is at Panama 66 in San Diego. Saxophonist Dave Victorino is at Azo Vino in Covina. Vocalist Grace Fae & The Grandbirds are at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. Vocalist Mercedes Moore is at Golden Island in San Diego. Vocalist Veronique Forget is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Pianist Joe Rotondi 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 Darci Daniels. 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. The Esquires Small Band is at Cicada in downtown L.A. The Woody James Legacy Band does an afternoon show at the Mayflower Club in North Hollywood.

Saturday 5/31 – Monty Alexander at the Nate Holden Performing Arts Center

Pianist Monty Alexander is at the Nate Holden Performing Arts Center in South L.A. in a benefit for the Jazz Bakery with bassist Luke Sellick and drummer Jason Brown. Drummer Chad Wackerman is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Pianist Josh Nelson is at Boston Court in Pasadena. Saxophonist Nicole McCabe plays the music of Lennie Tristano at Sam First near LAX. Armenian pianist Artur Zakiyan is at Catalina in Hollywood. Vocalist Natalie Hanna Mendoza is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Gumbo Cabaret is at The Gardenia in West Hollywood. Pianist Mikan Zlatkovich is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Pianist/vocalist Yve Evans is at Eddie V’s in Palm Desert. Bassist Alphonso Johnson leads the Blue Fox String Quartet at Alvas Showroom in San Pedro. The Pepper Moons are at the Pasadena Ballroom Dance Association in Pasadena. Trumpeter John Reynolds is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Pianist Irving Flores is at The Jazz Lounge in San Diego. 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. Ginger & The Hoosier Daddys are at Cicada in downtown L.A. Sylvia & The Rhythm Boys are at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. The Garners are at Books & Records in San Diego. Guitarist Louis Valenzuela is at the Black Rail Kitchen & Bar in Carlsbad. JazzZone does a morning show at the Upland Farmers Market in Upland.

Sunday 6/1 – Tokyo-Manila Jazz Summit at Catalina Jazz Club

The Tokyo-Manila Jazz Summit is at Catalina in Hollywood with a large cast of players including Tamir Hendelman, Mon David, Yu Ooka, Sam Hirsh and numerous others.  Saxophonist Dr. Bruce Eskovitz opens for drummer Kevin Kanner’s jazz jam session at The Mint in West L.A. Drummer Jacob Wendt is at Sanctuary Studios in Santa Ana. Singers LA are at Vibrato in Bel Air. Vocalist Lia Booth is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Native Vibe is at Humphrey’s Backstage in San Diego.  Vocalist Mercedes Moore is at Tio Leo’s Lounge in San Diego.  Blues guitarist/vocalist Dennis Jones is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Guitarist Ken Song is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. Saxophonist Justin Chart is at the Florence Osteria in West Hollywood. The ESP Jazz Collective is at the Black Rail Kitchen & Bar in Carlsbad.  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 Todd Hunter hosts an open mic brunch at the Urban Press Winery in Burbank. Vocalist/pianist Marina Pacowski has the early jazz brunch at the Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach.

Monday 6/2 – Graham Dechter Quartet at The Baked Potato

Guitarist Graham Dechter leads a quartet at The Baked Potato in Studio City with Alex Frank on bass, Ryan Shaw on drums, and Jordan Siegel on keys. Phi-Psonics is at Zebulon in Silverlake. Saxophonist Vinny Golia is at The High Low in Atwater Village.  Drummer/vocalist Dave Tull is at Eddie V’s in El Segundo.  Vocalist Crystal Clulee is 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. The Harry Selvin Orchestra is at the Palm Garden Hotel in Newbury Park.

Tuesday 6/3 – Benny Rietveld Orchestra at The Baked Potato

Bassist Benny Rietveld is at The Baked Potato in Studio City with Scott Bell on trumpet, Ido Meshulam on trombone, Josh Childress on sax/EWI, Alex Budman on sax, Kenny Echizen on guitar, Joey Navarro on keys, Ray Brinker on drums, and Chamo Suarez on percussion. The Herbie Hancock Institute Ensemble leads the Tuesday Happenings Jam Session at Sam First near LAX. Guitarist Doug MacDonald is at La Puglia in Santa Monica with vocalist Mindy Austin. Trumpeter/vocalist Matt Von Roderick is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Saxophonist Justin Chart is at Sogno Toscano in Santa Monica. Vocalist Keri Kelsey hosts an open mic at The Gardenia in West Hollywood.   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. Alligator Beach is at Harvelle’s in Santa Monica. Pianist Matt Politano leads a breakfast jazz trio at Jones Coffee Roasters in Pasadena.

Wednesday 6/4 – Scott Kinsey at The Baked Potato

Keyboardist Scott Kinsey is at The Baked Potato in Studio City with Pedro Martins on guitar, Hadrien Feraud on bass, and Robert “Sput” Searight on drums. Saxophonist Tristan Cappel is at Sam First near LAX. Vocalist Liz Gillies is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Drummer Jimmy Branly is at 1881 in Pasadena. 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. The Flight 584 Big Band is at the Mayflower Club in North Hollywood. Saxophonist Bryan McCann is at Cafe Fiore in Ventura.