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

SoCal jazz highlights this week include Noah Haidu, Mitchel Forman, Otmaro Ruiz & Catina DeLuna, Roy McCurdy, Danny Janklow, Naturally 7, Emma Smith, Bob Reynolds, Javier Santiago, Seth MacFarlane, Louie Palmer, Jason Harnell, Barclay Moffitt, David Garfield, and Rhonda Benin.

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, especially on holidays. The LAjazz.com Quick Calendar lists shows and times three days in advance on the LAjazz.com home page.

Monday 7/14 – Jason Harnell at The Baked Potato

Drummer Jason Harnell is at The Baked Potato in Studio City with Kei Akagi on keys and Darek Oles on bass. Percussionist Poncho Sanchez plays a tribute to Cal Tjader at Spaghettini in Seal Beach. Pianist Todd Hunter & The Brazilians are at The High Low in Atwater Village. Pianist Eve Elliot is at Bub & Grandma’s in Eagle Rock. Keyboardist David Gorospe is at SOhO in Santa Barbara. 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. 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.

Tuesday 7/15 – Louie Palmer at The Baked Potato

Drummer Louie Palmer is at The Baked Potato in Studio City with Mitchel Forman on keys, Alex Sill on guitar, Janek Gwizdala on bass, and Luis Conte on percussion. Drummer Kyle Poole hosts the Tuesday Happenings Jam Session at Sam First near LAX. Trumpeter Dave Scott is at Tavern On Brand in Glendale with drummer Joe La Barbera. Vocalist Courtney Lemmon is at La Puglia in Santa Monica with pianist George Kahn. Corcovado is at TRiP in Santa Monica. Pianist Eric Dries is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Pianist/vocalist Yve Evans is at Eddie V’s in Palm Desert. 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. The Brig Band is at The Brig in Venice. Guitarist Matthew Yeakley hosts a jazz jam at General Lee’s in Chinatown. Guitarist Louis Valenuela is at Madison On Park in San Diego. 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. Bassist Glen Fisher leads a jazz jam at Humphrey’s Backstage in San Diego.

Wednesday 7/16 – Barclay Moffitt at Sam First

Saxophonist Barclay Moffitt is at Sam First near LAX with Andrew Renfroe on guitar, Michael Orenstein on piano, Dario Bizio on bass, and Anthony Fung on drums. Drummer Charles Ruggerio is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Guitarist Michael O’Neill is at 1881 in Pasadena. Vocalist Marina Pacowski and guitarist Larry Koonse are at the Philosophical Research Society in Los Feliz. Vocalist Ryan DeHues is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Guitarist Riner Scivally and saxophonist Chuck Manning are at Visionarium in Pasadena. Vocalist Lia Booth is at Garcons De Cafe in downtown L.A. Pianist Marc LeBrun is at Eddie V’s in El Segundo. Vocalist Mark Kopitzke & The Secret Agents are at Roost 374 in San Clemente. The Big Band Swing Thing is at the Saddleback McKinney Theatre in Mission Viejo. Pianist/vocalist Yve Evans is at Eddie V’s in Palm Desert. 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. Trumpeter Grant Hungerford leads a jazz jam at Collage in San Pedro. Vocalist Coco Lamarr is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. Guitarist Carlos Velasco is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego.

Thursday 7/17 – Emma Smith at Catalina Jazz Club

English vocalist Emma Smith celebrates an album release at Catalina in Hollywood with Tamir Hendelman on piano, Alex Frank on bass, and Ryan Shaw on drums. Saxophonist Bob Reynolds is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Pianist Javier Santiago is at Sam First near LAX. Vocalist Seth MacFarlane and his Chamber Orchestra are at Vibrato in Bel Air – Brazilian vocalist/guitarist Teka opens.  Electric Alliance is at Alvas Showroom in San Pedro.  Trumpeter Julien Knowles is at the Townhouse in Venice. Vocalist Angie Wells is at The Merc in Temecula. Pianist Carey Frank is at the Biltmore Hotel Gallery Bar in downtown L.A.  Guitarist Alex Sill is at Bar Bacari in Sherman Oaks. Drummer Gabe Haraldson-Decker is at Bar Bacari in Culver City. Vocalist Spencer Day is at the Festival of Arts in Laguna Beach. Vocalist Dan Olivo is at Campus Jax in Newport Beach. Pianist Eric Dries and vocalist Lia Booth are at Jojo’s Hideaway in Tustin. Pianist Chris Dawson plays the music of Benny Goodman at the Cascade Lounge in Palm Springs. The Hot Club Of Los Angeles is at The Grape in Ventura. Pianist Todd Hunter is at 1881 in Pasadena.  Drummer Brock Avery is at Art Share L.A. in downtown Los Angeles.  Pianist/vocalist Valentina Shelton is at the Langham Hotel Tap Room in Pasadena. Pianist Joe Rotondi is at Eddie V’s in El Segundo. Gumbo Cabaret is at The Gardenia in West Hollywood for the first of two nights (Thu-Fri). Saxophonist Ron Dziubla is at the Urban Press Winery in Burbank. 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. Drummer James Yoshizawa is at Bar Bacari in Silverlake. 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 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. The Garners do a late afternoon show at California English in San Diego. Saxophonist Dominic Negrin plays the music of John Coltrane at Dizzy’s in San Diego. Vocalist Leigh Vance is at the El Encanto Hotel in Santa Barbara.  Vocalist Teryn Re’ is at Bottega Angelina in Laguna Niguel.

Friday 7/18 – Mitchel Forman at The Baked Potato

Keyboardist Mitchel Forman is at The Baked Potato in Studio City with Brandon Fields on sax, Chad Wackerman on drums, Lenny Castro on percussion, and Jimmy Earl on bass. Pianist Otmaro Ruiz and vocalist Catina DeLuna celebrate an album release at Sam First near LAX. Saxophonist Danny Janklow is at LACMA in West L.A. Vocal group Naturally 7 are at the Redlands Bowl in Redlands. Pianist Noah Haidu is at Catalina in Hollywood. Pianist David Garfield is at Vibrato in Bel Air with vocalist Lilliana de los Reyes. Vocalist Rhonda Benin is at The World Stage in South L.A. Pianist Christina Galisatus is at Motivo LA in Atwater Village.   Trumpeter Tony Guerrero is at Bistango in Irvine.  Saxophonists Mindi Abair and Kirk Whalum are at the Hyatt Regency in Newport Beach. Vocalist Janis Mann is at the Canyon Bistro in Topanga. Drummer/vocalist Dave Tull is at Eddie V’s in El Segundo. Trumpeter Greg Solman is at Azo Vino in Covina. Saxophonist Stratos is at the Townhouse in Venice. Gumbo Cabaret is at The Gardenia in West Hollywood. Vocalist Cobby Brzeski is at Golden Island in San Diego. Guitarist Daryl Darden is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. Pianist Kat Shoemaker is at Books & Records in San Diego. Pianist/vocalist David Gorospe is at The Grape in Ventura. The SoCal Jazz Collective is at the OC Fish Grille in Irvine. Pianist Ron Kobayashi is at the Bayside Restaurant in Newport Beach. Guitarist Angelo Metz is at Native Fields in Walnut. Trumpeter Chris Lawrence III is at Bar Bacari in Sherman Oaks. 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. The Pepper Moons are at Cicada in downtown L.A. Vocalist Douglas Roegiers is at Hawg Heaven BBQ in Pasadena. Vocalist Mercedes Moore is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego.  Guitarist Mark Carter is at The Red Lounge Cafe in Glendora.  Vocalist Jacqui Hylton is at Wolfsglen in Westwood.

Saturday 7/19 – Noah Haidu at Catalina Jazz Club

Pianist Noah Haidu is at Catalina in Hollywood for the second of two nights (Fri-Sat) with Buster Williams on bass and Lenny White on drums. Drummer Roy McCurdy is at Sam First near LAX. Keyboardist Don Randi & Quest are at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Pianist David Foster and trumpeter Chris Botti are at the Greek Theatre in Los Feliz with vocalist Katharine McPhee. Vocalist Amanda Castro is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Pianist Ruslan Sirota is at Bar Bacari in Silverlake.  Vocalist Patrick Barnitt is at 1881 in Pasadena. Drummer/vocalist Dave Tull is at Eddie V’s in El Segundo. Trumpeter John Michael Bradford is at Bar Bacari in Culver City. Vocalist Mon David is at The Gardenia in West Hollywood. Saxophonist Dennis Mitcheltree is at the Industry Cafe & Jazz in Culver City.  Trumpeter Dan Rosenboom is at Buvons in Long Beach.  Vocalist Zuri Alexander offers a tribute to Ella Fitzgerald at the St. Barnabas Harmony Room in Eagle Rock. Saxophonist/vocalist Grace Kelly has the afternoon show at the Festival Of Arts in Laguna Beach. Saxophonist Vincent Ingala, vocalist Nathan Mitchell, and guitarist JJ Sansaverino are at the Thornton Winery in Temecula. Vocalist/guitarist Ponpon Chen is at the Pasadena Ballroom Dance Association. Bassist Leslie Baker is at Vivian’s Millenium Cafe in Studio City. Harpist Minta Spencer is at Bar Bacari in Sherman Oaks. Vocalist Janet Klein & Her Parlor Boys are at Boulevard Music in Culver City. Pianist Sue Palmer is at Books & Records in San Diego. Pianist John Opferkuch is at the Black Rail Kitchen & Bar in Carlsbad. Vocalist Erica Davies is at Paradis in San Diego. Pianist Mikan Zlatkovich is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego with vocalist Amanda Portela. 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 Douglas Roegiers is at Cicada in downtown L.A. Sylvia & The Rhythm Boys are at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. The Dave Stephens Band is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Bootleg Protocol and My New Suede Shoes split a bill at Collage in San Pedro.  Vocalist Janet Orsi & The Akusta Kats are at the Alza Kitchen in Rancho Santa Margarita.  Vocalist Cathy Segal-Garcia does a morning brunch gig at Jinky’s in Santa Monica.  Vocalist Jacqui Hylton does an afternoon brunch at The Stonehaus in Westlake Village.

Sunday 7/20 – Joshua White & Nicole McCabe at Tomat

Pianist Joshua White and saxophonist Nicole McCabe are at Tomat near LAX. Keyboardist Larry Goldings is at Bub & Grandma’s in Eagle Rock. Catatonic is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Pianist Miro Sprague is at the Playhouse Village Park in Pasadena. Hiroshima is at the South Coast Winery in Temecula. Trumpeter Nate Birkey is at SOhO in Santa Barbara. Drummer Kevin Kanner’s Jazz Jam is at The Mint in West L.A. Guitarist Dave Harrington is at Zebulon in Silverlake. Pianist Brenda Greggio is at Tio Leo’s Lounge in San Diego. Pianist Ron Kobayashi is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Vocalist Maria Howell offers a late afternoon tribute to Billie Holiday at the Norris Pavilion in Rolling Hills Estates.  Pianist Allen Takatsuka is at the Zinc Cafe in Laguna Beach.  Drummer Perry Ostrin is at the Tuning Fork in Studio City with vocalist Liela Avila. Guitarist JJ Sansaverino is at Humphrey’s Backstage in San Diego. Guitarist Ken Song is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. Pianist Mike Wofford is at The Manhattan in La Jolla. 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. 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. Keyboardist/vocalist Wayne Wilentz and drummer/vocalist Dave Tull have the afternoon brunch at the Urban Press Winery in Burbank. Slide FX has the early jazz brunch at the Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach. Vocalist/guitarist Teka plays a brunch at the El Encanto Hotel in Santa Barbara.

Monday 7/21 – Hadrien Feraud at The Baked Potato

Bassist Hadrien Feraud is at The Baked Potato in Studio City with Aaron Janik on trumpet, Sam Barsh on keys, Taron Lockett on drums, and Horace Bray on guitar.  Pianist Matt Politano is at Bub & Grandma’s in Eagle Rock. Vocalist Lindsey Webster is at Spaghettini in Seal Beach. Keyboardist Bryard Huggins 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. 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.

Tuesday 7/22 – Kenny Washington at Bistango

Vocalist Kenny Washington is at Bistango in Irvine with Rickey Woodard on sax, Josh Nelson on piano, Alex Frank on bass, and Clayton Cameron on drums. Drummer Joel Taylor is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Conductor Dalia Stasevska leads the LA Phil at the Hollywood Bowl in a program including Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue” with Japanese pianist Hayato Sumino. Trombonist Ryan Porter hosts the Tuesday Happenings Jam Session at Sam First near LAX. Pianist Julius Rodriguez is at Gold-Diggers in Hollywood. Vocalist Jeff Harnar sings the music of Sammy Cahn at Vibrato in Bel Air. Trumpeter Elliott Caine is at Visionarium in Pasadena. Vocalist Sharon Marie Cline is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. The Sultans Of Swing are at La Puglia in Santa Monica. 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. Guitarist Louis Valenuela is at Madison On Park in San Diego. Pianist Edward Gabrielyan is at The Manhattan in La Jolla.   Pianist Tommy Gannon is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Pianist Matt Politano leads a breakfast jazz trio at Jones Coffee Roasters in Pasadena.

Wednesday 7/23 – Chris Wabich at Sam First

Drummer Chris Wabich celebrates an album release at Sam First near LAX with Josh Nelson on piano and Dan Lutz on bass. Guitarist/vocalist Rafael Moreira is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Drummer Jake Bell is at the Tuning Fork in Studio City. Pianist Michael LeVan is at Il Gatto in La Habra. Pianist Mikan Zlatkovich is at The Manhattan in La Jolla. 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. Hagen Jazz is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. French vocal group Paris Chansons are at Vibrato in Bel Air. Vocalist Alicia Beach is at Visionarium in Pasadena. Guitarist Carlos Velasco is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego.   Bassist Yousef Javier hosts a Latin Jazz jam at Sound Dhaba in downtown L.A.  Vaquero Y Mar in Ventura hosts a Gypsy Jazz jam session.