About & Out – What’s Hot In SoCal Jazz – Week Of June 23, 2025

June ends with a SoCal jazz week including Kamasi Washington, Charles McPherson & Javon Jackson, Roger Kellaway, Carmen Bradford, Andrew Renfroe, Marlon Martinez, Azar Lawrence, Theo Saunders, MonoNeon, Cory Henry, Claude Hall, Sir Kahil El’Zabar & David Murray, Nicole McCabe, and Blanco Diablo.

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 6/23 – Nicole McCabe at The High Low

Saxophonist Nicole McCabe is at The High Low in Atwater Village with pianist Paul Cornish. Percussionist Poncho Sanchez is at Spaghettini in Seal Beach. Saxophonist Tom Kubis leads a big band at the Gaslamp in Long Beach. Pianist Matt Politano is at Bub & Grandma’s in Eagle Rock. Vocalist Meloney Collins is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Pianist Tommy Gannon is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. 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. The Baked Potato in Studio City hosts a four-act Showcase Night.

Tuesday 6/24 – Blanco Diablo at The Baked Potato

Blanco Diablo is at The Baked Potato in Studio City with Andy Sanesi on drums, Frank Fontaine on sax, Matt Rohde on keys, Dave Goodwin on bass, Jamie Kime on guitar, and Joey De Leon on percussion. Composer Charles Fox is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Drummer Parker Trent is at the St. Barnabas Harmony Room in Eagle Rock. Catfish is at La Puglia in Santa Monica. Keyboardist Sam Barsh is at Shoo Shoo Baby in downtown L.A. Pianist/vocalist Yve Evans is at Eddie V’s in Palm Desert. 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. Pianist Edward Gabrielyan is at The Manhattan in La Jolla. 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 6/25 – El’Zabar Murray Duo at Zebulon

Percussionist Sir Kahil El’Zabar and saxophonist David Murray are at Zebulon in Silverlake. Drummer Charles Ruggerio is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Bassist Logan Kane is at Sam First near LAX. Sasha’s Bloc Band is at Catalina in Hollywood with vocalists Maiya Sykes and Aejaye Jackson. Drummer Jimmy Branly is at 1881 in Pasadena. Drummer/vocalist Dave Tull is at Eddie V’s in El Segundo. Pianist/vocalist Yve Evans is at Eddie V’s in Palm Desert. Pianist/vocalist Christopher Linman is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. 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. Les Bons Garcons is at Garcons De Cafe in downtown L.A. Hagen Jazz is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. Guitarist Carlos Velasco is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. French vocal group Paris Chansons are at Vibrato in Bel Air.

Thursday 6/26 – Kamasi Washington at LACMA

Saxophonist Kamasi Washington helps dedicate the LACMA David Geffen Galleries in West L.A. for the first of three nights (Thu-Sat).  Bassist MonoNeon is at the Echoplex in Echo Park. Drummer Christian Moraga is at Sam First near LAX. Nutty is at The Baked Potato in Studio City.  Guitarist Scotty Bramer is at the Biltmore Hotel Gallery Bar in downtown L.A.  Flutist Lori Bell is at The Merc in Temecula. Keyboardist Lao Tizer is at the Epic Events Center in Rancho Cucamonga. Vocalist Chadwick Johnson is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Pianist Mina Choi is at Jojo’s Hideaway in Tustin. Vocalist Claude Hall offers a tribute to Nina Simone at the Cascade Lounge in Palm Springs. Vocalist Lia Booth is at Roost 374 in San Clemente. Lua & The Brunettes offer an evening of Brazilian jazz at Harvelle’s in Santa Monica. Bassist Alexander Grant is at The Grape in Ventura.  Vocalist Claudia Gomez & The Hot Club of Bird Park are at Lou Lou’s in San Diego.  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. Pianist Kevin Tokarz is at Eddie V’s in Palm Desert. Trombonist John Egizi leads the 805 Jazz Jam at Leashless Brewing in Ventura.

Friday 6/27 – Andrew Renfroe at The World Stage

Guitarist Andrew Renfroe is at The World Stage in South L.A. with bassist Ben Williams. Saxophonist Azar Lawrence is at Grand Performances at California Plaza in downtown L.A. Vocalist Brenna Whitaker is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Trumpeter Ron King & The Bistro All-Stars are at the Canyon Bistro in Topanga. Drummer/vocalist Dave Tull is at Eddie V’s in El Segundo. Flutist Lori Bell is at the La Jolla Community Center. Steel pan player Jonathan Scales is at Sam First near LAX. Saxophonist Dave Victorino is at Azo Vino in Covina. The Urban Renewal Project is at Canada Park in Thousand Oaks. Drummer Jake Tompkins is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. The Garners are at Books & Records in San Diego. Guitarist Victor Baker is at The Jazz Lounge in San Diego.  The Sandpiper Ensemble is at Panama 66 in San Diego. Phatback, Earl & Me are at The Grape in Ventura. The SoCal Jazz Collective is at the OC Fish Grille in Irvine. Guitarist Doug MacDonald is at Vicky’s Of Santa Fe in Indian Wells with vocalist Francesca Amari. 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. Vocalist Jeff Robinson is at Pips On La Brea in West L.A. Pianist Mikan Zlatkovich is at the Westgate Hotel in San Diego. Sylvia & The Rhythm Boys are at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. The Woody James Legacy Band does an afternoon show at the Mayflower Club in North Hollywood. Guitarist Albert Lee is at The Baked Potato in Studio City.

Saturday 6/28 – Marlon Martinez at Sam First

Bassist Marlon Martinez fronts his Marlonious Jazz Orchestra at Sam First near LAX.  Saxophonists Charles McPherson and Javon Jackson are at Lou Lou’s in San Diego. Pianist Theo Saunders leads a quartet at The Grape in Ventura including bassist Henry Franklin. Drummer/vocalist Dave Tull is at Eddie V’s in El Segundo. Vocalist Jonathan Karrant and pianist Joshua White are at The Jazz Lounge in San Diego for an afternoon show, followed by an evening show from pianist Irving Flores. Guitarist Scott Heustis is at Collage in San Pedro. Saxophonists Gerald Albright and Jessy J are at the Thornton Winery in Temecula with keyboardist Brian Simpson. Guitarist/vocalist Phillip Sayce is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Drummer/vocalist Bryan Cabrera is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Vocalist Erin Stevenson is at Spaghettini in Seal Beach. Vocalist Cobby Brzeski is at Books & Records in San Diego. Vocalist Mercedes Moore is at the Hotel Republic in San Diego. Vocalist Janessa Noland is at the Black Rail Kitchen & Bar in Carlsbad. The Soto Six are at Panama 66 in San Diego. Pianist Mikan Zlatkovich is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego with vocalist Kaylee Daugherty. 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. Vocalist Tony Galla is at Vibrato in Bel Air. French vocalist Chloe Perrier is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. Tino Productions is at Cicada in downtown L.A.

Sunday 6/29 – Roger Kellaway at Rancho de las Palmas Park

Pianist Roger Kellaway, trumpeter/vocalist Ilya Serov, and guitarist Shea Welsh perform for a New West Symphony fundraiser at Rancho de las Palmas Park in Moorpark. Vocalist Carmen Bradford is at Catalina in Hollywood. Keyboardist Cory Henry is at The Miracle Theatre in Inglewood. Vocalist Claude Hall offers a tribute to Nina Simone at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Vocalist Jamie Shew is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Trumpeter Joshua Brown opens for drummer Kevin Kanner’s jazz jam at The Mint in West L.A.  Guitarist Molly Miller is at Healing Force Of The Universe in Pasadena.  Pianist Zach Tenorio is at Bub & Grandma’s in Eagle Rock. Bassist Larry Muradian is at Playhouse Village Park in Pasadena. Vocalist Lia Booth is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Guitarist Zo Shah is at Lou Lou’s in San Diego. Bassist Darryl Williams is at Humphrey’s Backstage in San Diego. Vocalist Eric Benet and flutist Althea Rene are at the Thornton Winery in Temecula. Vocalist Zuri Alexander offers a tribute to Ella Fitzgerald at SOhO in Santa Barbara. Vocalist Shaymus Hanlin does a late afternoon show at the Norris Pavilion in Rolling Hills Estates. The Other Guys are at Roost 374 in San Clemente. Pianist Tommy Gannon is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. 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. 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. The Santa Ana Swingers play a happy hour show at Club 616 in Santa Ana. Guitarist Jackson Petty has the afternoon brunch at the Urban Press Winery in Burbank. Keyboardist Jay Smith has the early jazz brunch at the Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach.

Monday 6/30 – Zona 818 at The Baked Potato

Drummer Andy Prado’s Zona 818 celebrates an album release at The Baked Potato in Studio City. The West Coast Jazz Hour Trio will be at Bub & Grandma’s in Eagle Rock. Guitarist Alexander Noice will be at The High Low in Atwater Village. Vocalist Andrea Miller is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Pianist Adam Wolff is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. 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 with pianist Ruslan Sirota. 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. Saxophonist J. White is at Spaghettini in Seal Beach.

Tuesday 7/1 – The Session Syndicate at Vibrato

The Session Syndicate is at Vibrato in Bel Air with Shane Theriot on guitar, Steve Ferrone on drums, Freddie Washington on bass, Jeff Babko on keys, Mark Pender on trumpet, and Scott Mayo on sax. Keyboardist Joey Navarro is at The Baked Potato in Studio City.  Saxophonist Devin Daniels hosts the Tuesday Happenings Jam Session at Sam First near LAX.  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. The Brig Band is at The Brig in Venice. Guitarist Matthew Yeakley hosts a jazz jam at General Lee’s in Chinatown. Pianist Edward Gabrielyan is at The Manhattan in La Jolla. 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 7/2 – Scott Kinsey at The Baked Potato

Keyboardist Scott Kinsey is at The Baked Potato in Studio City with Bob Reynolds on sax, Hadrien Feraud on bass, and Gary Novak on drums. Bassist Mauricio Morales is at Sam First near LAX. Armenian pianist Artur Zakiyan is at Catalina in Hollywood. Pianist/vocalist Aimee Nolte is at The Jazz Lounge in San Diego. Phatback, Earl & Me is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Saxophonist Justin Chart is at the Florence Osteria in West Hollywood.  Jumpin’ Joz 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. The Flight 584 Big Band is at the Mayflower Club in North Hollywood. Saxophonist Bryan McCann is at Cafe Fiore in Ventura.