About & Out – What’s Hot In SoCal Jazz – Week Of August 18, 2025

August continues with a SoCal jazz week including Herbie Hancock, Eric Scott Reed, Chad Wackerman, John Pizzarelli, Robert Glasper, Emily King, Seth MacFarlane, Cory Henry, Gilbert Castellanos, The Buena Vista Orchestra, Terrace Martin, Mina Choi, Ernie Watts,  Tito Puente, Jr. ,  and Andy Prado.

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 8/18 – Andy Prado at The Baked Potato

Drummer Andy Prado is at The Baked Potato in Studio City with Alex Sill on guitar, Max Gerl on bass, and Cole Riddle on keys. Saxophonist Eric Marienthal is at Spaghettini in Seal Beach. Pianist Matt Politano is at Bub & Grandma’s in Eagle Rock. Saxophonist Max Kaplan is at The High Low in Atwater Village. Saxophonist Jordon DeTiege is at The World Stage in South L.A. 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. The Hot Club Of Los Angeles is at the Cinema Bar in Culver City. Vibraphonist Ian Harland leads a jam session at the Charade Speakeasy in San Diego. The Boss Cats are at SOhO in Santa Barbara.

Tuesday 8/19 – John Pizzarelli at Bistango

Guitarist/vocalist John Pizzarelli is at Bistango in Irvine for the first of two nights (Tue-Wed) with drummer Kevin Kanner. Saxophonist/keyboardist Terrace Martin is at Blue Note LA in Hollywood for the first of two nights (Tue-Wed). Bassist Pete Griffin’s Lab Rats are at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Saxophonist Devin Daniels hosts the Tuesday Happenings Jam Session at Sam First near LAX. Guitarist David Snow is at Verse LA in Toluca Lake. The Buddy Rich Big Band Machine is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Bassist Marshall Hawkins is at Ferro in Idyllwild. Trumpeter/vocalist Matt Von Roderick is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Guitarist Greg Poree is at Visionarium in Pasadena. Guitarist Angelo Metz is at TRiP in Santa Monica. Accordionist Cory Pesaturo is at the Sundale Country Club In Bakersfield. The Black Market Trust is at the Festival of Arts 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. Guitarist Louis Valenzuela is at Madison On Park in San Diego. Pianist Edward Gabrielyan is at The Manhattan in La Jolla. Bassist Teddy Bang is at the Culver Hotel in Culver City. Pianist Michael Peed is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Saxophonist Justin Chart is at Sogno Toscano in Santa Monica. Pianist Matt Politano leads a breakfast jazz trio at Jones Coffee Roasters in Pasadena.

Wednesday 8/20 – Herbie Hancock at the Hollywood Bowl

Pianist Herbie Hancock is at the Hollywood Bowl with Terence Blanchard on trumpet, James Genus on bass, Lionel Loueke on guitar/vocals, and Jaylen Petinaud on drums.   Saxophonist Tom Luer is at Sam First near LAX.  Vocalist Sharon Marie Cline is at Catalina in Hollywood with a backing band led by pianist Todd Hunter.   Drummer Charles Ruggerio is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Guitarist Jeff Parker is at Lodge Room in Highland Park. Saxophonist/keyboardist Terrace Martin is at Blue Note LA in Hollywood. Guitarist/vocalist John Pizzarelli is at Bistango in Irvine.  Bassist Frescia Belmar is at Lou Lou’s in San Diego. Pianist Joe Rotondi is at Eddie V’s in El Segundo. Pianist Eric Dries is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Vocalist Kaylee Daugherty sings the music of Norah Jones at The Jazz Lounge in San Diego. 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. The Flight 584 Big Band is at the Mayflower Club in North Hollywood. Guitarist Carlos Velasco is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Saxophonist Justin Chart is at Renaissance LAX Hotel in West L.A. Bassist Yousef Javier leads a Latin Jazz jam at Sound Dhaba in downtown L.A. Trumpeter Grant Hungerford leads a jazz jam at Collage in San Pedro.

Thursday 8/21 – Robert Glasper at Blue Note LA

Pianist Robert Glasper is at Blue Note LA in Hollywood for the first of two nights (Thu-Fri).  Pianist Mina Choi leads her orchestra at Campus Jax in Newport Beach.   Bassist Noah Garabedian is at Sam First near LAX.   Guitarist Will Brahm is at the Cascade Lounge in Palm Springs. Vocalist Mark Winkler is at The Merc in Temecula. Saxophonist Patrick Lamb is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Vocalist Douye is at Catalina in Hollywood. Trumpeter Gilbert Castellanos is at Lou Lou’s in San Diego. The Urban Renewal Project is at The Muck in Fullerton. Teka & New Bossa are at The Grape in Ventura. Trombonist Naomi Moon Siegel is at the Hammer Museum in Westwood. Trumpeter Brian Watson is at Roost 374 in San Clemente.  Guitarist Nadav Peled is at Bar Bacari in Sherman Oaks.  Saxophonist Justin Chart is at Sogno Toscano in Santa Monica. Drummer Jacob Wendt is at Fingerprints Music in Long Beach. Vocalist Donna Deussen and guitarist Jim Fox are at the Thai Fusion Bistro in West Hills. Guitarist Fred Benedetti is at The Jazz Lounge in San Diego. Vocalist Liz Ajuzie & The Moodswings are at Tio Leo’s Lounge in San Diego. Pianist/vocalist John Proulx is at the Langham Hotel Tap Room in Pasadena. Vocalist Teryn’ Re is at Bottega Angelina in Laguna Niguel. Guitarist Mitchell Long is at Davina Cucina in Montrose. Four And More are at Casey’s Tavern in Canoga Park. 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. Vocalist Roman Palacios is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Pianist Kevin Tokarz is at Eddie V’s in Palm Desert.

Friday 8/22 – Chad Wackerman at The Baked Potato

Drummer Chad Wackerman is at The Baked Potato in Studio City with Alex Machacek on guitar, Steve Hunt on keys, and Bob Wackerman on bass. Pianist Eric Scott Reed is at Sam First near LAX. Pianist Robert Glasper is at Blue Note LA in Hollywood. Trumpeter Gilbert Castellanos is at LACMA in West L.A. The Buena Vista Orchestra is at Segerstrom Hall in Costa Mesa. Percussionist Tito Puente, Jr. is at Catalina in Hollywood for the first of two nights (Fri-Sat). Guitarist Tommy Emanuel and Tuck & Patti are at the Hyatt Regency in Newport Beach. Drummer/vocalist Dave Tull is at Eddie V’s in El Segundo. Pianist/vocalist Brenda Greggio plays the music of Diana Krall at Dizzy’s in San Diego. Vocalist Rose Mallett is at the La Jolla Community Center in La Jolla. Flutist Lori Bell is at The Jazz Lounge in San Diego. Trombonist Naomi Moon Siegel is at The Grape in Ventura.  Vocalist Patrick Barnitt is at The Dresden in Los Feliz.  Trombonist David Farley and Side Quest split a bill at Collage in San Pedro. Drummer Joel Taylor is at 1881 in Pasadena. Guitarist Horace Bray is at Bar Bacari in Silverlake. 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. Guitarist Dusty Brough is at Bar Bacari in Culver City. 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. Bassist Teddy Bang is at the Culver Hotel in Culver City. Hammerstein Swing is at Cicada in downtown L.A. Guitarist Daryl Darden is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. Vocalist Mercedes Moore is at Books & Records in San Diego. Saxophonist Mark Lessman is at Ki’s Restaurant in Cardiff. The Woody James Legacy Band plays an afternoon show at the Mayflower Club in North Hollywood.

Saturday 8/23 – Eric Scott Reed at Sam First

Pianist Eric Scott Reed celebrates an album release at Sam First near LAX for the second of two nights (Fri-Sat) with Mike Gurrola on bass and Marco Carelli on drums. Saxophonist Ernie Watts is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Vocalist Emily King is at Blue Note LA in Hollywood for the first of two nights (Sat-Sun). Bassist Katie Thiroux is at Bacchus’ Kitchen in South Pasadena. Guitarist Max Walker is at Alvas Showroom in San Pedro. The Lula Washington Dance Theatre offers a tribute to Pharoah Sanders at The Ford Amphitheatre in Hollywood. Pink Martini is at the Greek Theatre in Los Feliz with vocalist China Forbes. Saxophonist Daniel Rotem is at The Jazz Lounge in San Diego. Percussionist Tito Puente, Jr. is at Catalina in Hollywood.  Trumpeter Elliott Caine is at The Barkley Restaurant in South Pasadena.  Mandolinist Eva Scow is at Bar Bacari in Silverlake. Saxophonist Mindi Abair & BPM are at the Thornton Winery in Temecula. Vocalist Amanda Castro is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Pino Noir is at Bar Bacari in Culver City.  Trumpeter Gilbert Castellanos is at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar Hotel in San Diego.  Drummer/vocalist Dave Tull is at Eddie V’s in El Segundo. Vocalist Howie Levine is at Hawg Heaven BBQ in Pasadena with pianist Mike Saul’s quartet and guest vocalist Paula Sargent.  Pianist Mikan Zlatkovich is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego.  Bassist Rob Thorsen is at Panama 66 in San Diego. Pianist/vocalist Yve Evans is at Eddie V’s in Palm Desert. The JazzZone Ensemble is at Shoreline Village Park in Long Beach for a late afternoon set. Pianist Victor Cegarra and vocalist Candi Sosa are at Collage in San Pedro. The Aristocats are at Edwin Mills in Pasadena.  RC & Noir are at Visionarium in South  Pasadena. Vocalist Cobby Brzeski is at Books & Records in San Diego. Little Brazil are at Vivian’s Millenium Cafe in Studio City. 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. Alex Mendham & His Orchestra are at Cicada in downtown L.A. Harpist Minta Spencer is at Bar Bacari in Sherman Oaks. Alligator Beach is at Harvelle’s in Santa Monica. Vocalist Mando Cordova is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Vocalist Janessa Noland is at Black Rail Kitchen & Bar in Carlsbad. Vocalist Cathy Segal-Garcia does a morning brunch gig at Jinky’s in Santa Monica.

Sunday 8/24 – Emily King at Blue Note LA

Vocalist Emily King is at Blue Note LA in Hollywood for the second of two nights (Sat-Sun). Vocalist Seth MacFarlane & His Chamber Orchestra are at Vibrato in Bel Air. Keyboardist Cory Henry is at The Miracle Theatre in Inglewood. Banjo player Bela Fleck & The Flecktones are at The Magnolia in El Cajon. Pianist Sam Hirsh and bassist Luca Alemanno are at Tomat near LAX. Drummer Michael Barsimanto is at Tuning Fork in Studio City. Pianist Larry Nash is at the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Mall for an afternoon show. Drummer Gengis Don is at the Aziz Gallerie in South L.A. Sitarist Paul Livingstone celebrates an album release at Healing Force Of The Universe in Pasadena. Vocalist Christian Lees opens for drummer Kevin Kanner’s jam session at The Mint in West L.A. Trumpeter Gilbert Castellanos leads the Jacobs Jazz Orchestra at Dizzy’s in San Diego. Janet Klein & Her Parlor Boys are at Catalina in Hollywood with guest vocalist Suzy Williams. Bassist Rob Thorsen is at Tio Leo’s Lounge in San Diego. Drummer/vocalist Bryan Cabrera is at The Drake in Laguna Beach with pianist Ron Kobayashi. Vocalist Mercedes Moore is at Humphrey’s By The Bay in San Diego. Guitarist Carlos Velasco is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Saxophonist JB Saxx is at Lou Lou’s in San Diego. Pianist Mike Wofford is at The Manhattan in La Jolla. Guitarist Ken Song is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. Pianist Adam Wolff 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. Drummer Jorg Dubin is at the Zinc Cafe in Laguna Beach. 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 Alan Good Parker is at Bub & Grandma’s in Eagle Rock. Blues guitarist/vocalist Dennis Jones is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Guitarist Matthew Grief has the early jazz brunch at the Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach. Vocalist Sandy Cummings does a brunch at SOhO in Santa Barbara.

Monday 8/25 – Bela Fleck & The Flecktones at The Ford Amphitheater

Banjo player Bela Fleck & The Flecktones are at The Ford Amphitheater in Hollywood with Victor Wooten on bass, Roy Wooten on percussion and Howard Levy on harmonica. Saxophonist Doug Webb is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Saxophonist Alden Hellmuth is at The High Low in Atwater Village. Percussionist Poncho Sanchez is at Spaghettini in Seal Beach.  The Tom Kubis Big Band is at Gaslamp in Long Beach.  Saxophonist Logan Hone is at Bub & Grandma’s in Eagle Rock. Vocalist Slim Man is at the Festival Of Arts 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. 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. Bassist Teddy Bang is at Mercedes Bar & Grille in Marina Del Rey. Vocalist/flutist Isabella Cascio Greggio is at The Jazz Lounge in San Diego.

Tuesday 8/26 – Doug Webb at The Baked Potato

Saxophonist Doug Webb is at The Baked Potato in Studio City with Mitchel Forman on keys, Jimmy Earl on bass, Jame Kime on guitar, and Danny Carey on drums. Pianist Gerald Clayton leads the Tuesday Happenings Jam Session at Sam First near LAX. Vocalist Sharon Marie Cline is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Trumpeter Tony Guerrero is at the Festival Of Arts in Laguna Beach. Vocalist/guitarist Raul Midón is at Vibrato in Bel Air. The Sultans Of Swing are at La Puglia in Santa Monica. The Saddleback College Jazz Faculty are at the McKinney Theatre in Mission Viejo. Drummer Josh Colazzo’s Jazzboree is at the Atomic Ballroom in Irvine. The Ferro Jazz Trio is at Ferro in Idyllwild. 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 Valenzuela 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. Hagen Jazz is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. Pianist Matt Politano leads a breakfast jazz trio at Jones Coffee Roasters in Pasadena.

Wednesday 8/27 – Alden Hellmuth/Lex Korten Quartet at Sam First

Saxophonist Alden Hellmuth and pianist Lex Korten lead a quartet at Sam First near LAX with Jermaine Paul on bass and Benjamin Ring on drums. Guitarist Riner Scivally is at Visionarium in South Pasadena. Vocalist Lia Booth is at Roost 374 in San Clemente. Blues guitarist/vocalist Josh Smith is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. The Big Band Express is at Tio Leo’s Lounge in San Diego. 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. Guitarist Carlos Velasco is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Vocalist Joanna Gerolaga is at Garcons De Cafe in downtown L.A.  Vocalist Douglas Roegiers is at Hawg Heaven BBQ in Pasadena.  Vocalist Christena Rich celebrates an album release at Catalina in Hollywood with guitarist Laurence Juber.  French vocal group Paris Chansons is at Vibrato in Bel Air.