About & Out – What’s Hot In SoCal Jazz – Week Of August 25, 2025

August closes with a SoCal jazz week including Ravi Coltrane, John Daversa, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Anthony Wilson, Rachel Z & Omar Hakim, Angélique Kidjo & Yo-Yo Ma, Bela Fleck, Doug Webb, Mark Winkler, Nicole Mitchell, Vardan Ovsepian, Alden Hellmuth, Trevor Ware, and Lia Booth.

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 8/25 – 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, Jamie 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 with vocalist Andrea Miller. 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.

Thursday 8/28 – Ravi Coltrane at Blue Note LA

Saxophonist Ravi Coltrane begins a four-night (Thu-Sun) run at Blue Note LA in Hollywood with David Virelles on piano, Dezron Douglas on bass, and Johnathan Blake on drums. Vocalist Angélique Kidjo and cellist Yo-Yo Ma are at the Hollywood Bowl.  Trumpeter John Daversa’s Big Band begins a four-night (Thu-Sun) run at The Baked Potato in Studio City.  Vocalist Mark Winkler celebrates an album release at Catalina in Hollywood. Flutist Nicole Mitchell is at Sound Dhaba in downtown L.A. Pianist Miro Sprague is at Sam First near LAX. Guitarist Alex Sill is at Bar Bacari in Sherman Oaks. Vocalist Lia Booth is at the Cascade Lounge in Palm Springs. Pianist Joe Rotondi is at Eddie V’s in El Segundo. The Orange County School For The Arts Jazz Faculty does a show at Campus Jax in Newport Beach. Vocalist Rose Colella is at the Biltmore Hotel Gallery Bar in downtown L.A. Trumpeter/vocalist Matt Von Roderick is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Vocalist Jonathan Karrant is at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar in San Diego. Pianist/vocalist Peter Smith 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. Pianist Richard Turner is at Vicky’s Of Santa Fe in Indian Wells. 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. Pianist Jonathan Cohen is at The Jazz Lounge in San Diego. The 805 Jazz Jam hosted by trombonist John Egizi is at Leashless Brewing in Ventura. Savi & The Hot Toddies are at The Muck in Fullerton. Vocalist Mercedes Moore is at Tio Leo’s Lounge in San Diego. Vocalist Joe Croyle is at The Merc in Temecula. Pianist Sue Palmer plays a late afternoon show at California English in San Diego.

Friday 8/29 – Anthony Wilson at Sam First

Guitarist Anthony Wilson celebrates an album release at Sam First near LAX for the first of two nights (Fri-Sat) with Danny Janklow and Daniel Rotem on saxes, CJ Camerieri on trumpet/french horn, Nate Gilbreath on trombone, Gary Fukushima on piano, Eliana Athayde on bass, and Mark Ferber on drums. Keyboardist Rachel Z and drummer Omar Hakim are at Catalina in Hollywood for the first of two nights (Fri-Sat). Trumpeter John Daversa’s Big Band is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Bassist Trevor Ware & Positive People with vocalist Sidney Jacobs are at LACMA in West L.A. Vocalist Brenna Whitaker is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Drummer Euro Zambrano is at The World Stage in South L.A. Drummer/vocalist Dave Tull is at Eddie V’s in El Segundo. Pianist Emir Isilay is at Kulak’s Woodshed in North Hollywood. Keyboardist Scott Wilkie is at the Festival of Arts in Laguna Beach. The Phoenyx Big Band is at The Grape in Ventura. Guitarist Aaron Lind is at Panama 66 in San Diego. Saxophonist Dave Victorino is at Azo Vino in Covina. 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. Guitarist Doug MacDonald is at Vicky’s Of Santa Fe in Indian Wells. 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. Vocalist/guitarist Ponpon Chen is at Cicada in downtown L.A. Vocalist Chloe Perrier is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. Drummer Jake Tompkins is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Pianist Adam Wolff is at Golden Island in San Diego. Vocalist Mercedes Moore is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Guitarist Peter Pupping is at Ki’s Restaurant in Cardiff. The Woody James Legacy Band plays an afternoon show at the Mayflower Club in North Hollywood.

Saturday 8/30 – Leimert Park Jazz Festival at Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza

Vocalist Dee Dee Bridgewater headlines the Leimert Park Jazz Fest at Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza in South L.A. Keyboardist Rachel Z and drummer Omar Hakim are at Catalina in Hollywood. Guitarist Anthony Wilson celebrates an album release at Sam First near LAX. Trumpeter John Daversa’s Big Band is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Pianist Vardan Ovsepian’s Chamber Ensemble is at Motivo LA in Atwater Village. Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band is at Spaghettini in Seal Beach. Trumpeter Gilbert Castellanos plays the music of Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers at Lou Lou’s in San Diego. Guitarist Fabiano do Nascimento is at 2220 Arts + Archives in downtown L.A. Organist Carey Frank is at Bar Bacari in Silverlake. Vocalist Natalie Hanna Mendoza is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Drummer/vocalist Dave Tull is at Eddie V’s in El Segundo. Keyboardist/vocalist Freddie Ravel is at The Grape in Ventura. Vocalist Elena Gilliam is at Bistango in Irvine.  Vocalist Angela O’Neill & The Outrageous 8 are at the Mayflower Club in North Hollywood.  Trumpeter John Reynolds is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Pianist Irving Flores is at The Jazz Lounge in San Diego. Vocalist Mercedes Moore is at the Hotel Republic in San Diego. The Garners are at Books & Records in San Diego. Guitarist Paul Smith is at Bar Bacari in Sherman Oaks. Pianist Mikan Zlatkovich is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Vocalist Rose Mallett is at Vicky’s Of Santa Fe in Indian Wells. 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. The Satin Dollz are at Cicada in downtown L.A. Sylvia & The Rhythm Boys are at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. Vocalist Cathy Segal-Garcia does a morning brunch gig at Jinky’s in Santa Monica. Guitarist Zo Shah does a Saturday brunch at California English in San Diego.

Sunday 8/31 – John Daversa Big Band at The Baked Potato

Trumpeter John Daversa’s Big Band is at The Baked Potato in Studio City for the final of four nights (Thu-Sun). Drummer Kevin van den Elzen opens for drummer Kevin Kanner’s jazz jam session at The Mint in West L.A. Saxophonist Devin Daniels and pianist Isaiah Harwood are at Tomat near LAX. Flutist Lori Bell is at Tio Leo’s Lounge in San Diego. Saxophonist Dave Koz headlines a “Smooth Summer Jazz” concert at the Hollywood Bowl. Drummer/vocalist Dave Tull is at Eddie V’s in El Segundo. Vocalist Lia Booth is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Saxophonist Willie “Fly” Johnson is at Catalina in Hollywood. Vocalist Darcus Speed Gates is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Guitarist Darnell Taylor is at Spaghettini in Seal Beach. Drummer/vocalist Bryan Cabrera is at The Drake in Laguna Beach with pianist Ron Kobayashi. Guitarist Carlos Velasco is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Pianist Mike Wofford is at The Manhattan in La Jolla. Guitarist Ken Song is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. 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. Other Delights is at Bub & Grandma’s in Eagle Rock. Knowledge Free is at the Whittier Narrows Nature Center in South El Monte. Vocalist Lia Booth has the early jazz brunch at the Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach. Guitarist Fabiano do Nascimento plays an afternoon show at Healing Force Of The Universe in Pasadena.

Monday 9/1 – Jordan Siegel at The Baked Potato

Keyboardist Jordan Siegel is at The Baked Potato in Studio City with Anthony Wilson on guitar, Jonathan Richards on bass, and Anthony Fung on drums.  Saxophonist Tristan Cappel is is at The High Low in Atwater Village.   Guitarist Jeff Parker is at the Hotel Covell in Hollywood.  Guitarist Dave Harrington is at Club Tee Gee in Atwater Village.  Hiatus Kaiyote is at Humphrey’s Concerts By The Bay in San Diego. Vocalist Crystal Clulee 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. 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.

Tuesday 9/2 – Esperanza Spalding at Blue Note LA

Bassist/vocalist Esperanza Spalding begins a six-night (Tue-Sun) run at Blue Note LA in Hollywood. The Four Freshmen are at Vibrato in Bel Air. Pianist Gerald Clayton leads the Tuesday Happenings Jam Session at Sam First near LAX. Colombian vocalist Nidia Góngora is at Alvas Showroom in San Pedro. Corcovado is at TRiP in Santa Monica. The Ferro Jazz Trio is at Ferro in Idyllwild. The Kohanya Trio is at La Puglia in Santa Monica. Pianist/vocalist Christopher Linman is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Pianist Sue Palmer is at Tio Leo’s Lounge in San Diego. 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. Vocalist Slim Man is at Vicky’s Of Santa Fe in Indian Wells. Saxophonist Justin Chart is at Sogno Toscano in Santa Monica. Pianist Matt Politano leads a breakfast jazz trio at Jones Coffee Roasters in Pasadena. The Baked Potato in Studio City hosts a four-act Showcase Night.

Wednesday 9/3 – Hiatus Kaiyote & Snarky Puppy At The Hollywood Bowl

Hiatus Kaiyote and Snarky Puppy split a bill at the Hollywood Bowl. Drummer Roni Kaspi is at Sam First near LAX. Keyboardist Scott Kinsey is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Pianist Alex Minasian is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Bassist/vocalist Esperanza Spalding is at Blue Note LA in Hollywood. Trumpeter Dan Rosenboom is at Vine in Long Beach. Trumpeter Byron Stripling and organist Bobby Floyd are at Bistango in Irvine. Guitarist Shea Welsh is at TRiP in Santa Monica. The Aristocats are at Verse LA in Toluca Lake.  Vocalist Lisa Andrea Torres is at Garcons De Cafe in downtown L.A.  Saxophonist Nicole McCabe leads a jazz jam at Sound Dhaba in downtown L.A. 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. 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.  Guitarist Tony Ybarra is at SOhO in Santa Barbara.  Saxophonist Bryan McCann is at Cafe Fiore in Ventura.