About & Out – What’s Hot In SoCal Jazz – Week Of September 1, 2025

September opens with a SoCal jazz week including Esperanza Spalding, Joe La Barbera, Hiatus Kaiyote & Snarky Puppy, Kei Akagi, Alan Broadbent, The Pan Afrikan Peoples Arkestra, Dan Rosenboom, Postmodern Jukebox, Benny Rietveld, Kevin van den Elzen, Roni Kaspi, and Scott Kinsey.

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 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.  Pianist/vocalist Yve Evans is at Eddie V’s in Palm Desert.  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 Rose Mallett is at the Purple Room in Palm Springs. 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. Hagen Jazz is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. 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. Drummer Jimmy Branly is at 18981 in Pasadena. 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.  Pianist/vocalist Yve Evans is at Eddie V’s in Palm Desert.  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.

Thursday 9/4 – Kei Akagi at Sam First

Pianist Kei Akagi is at Sam First near LAX with Darek Oles on bass and Jason Harnell on drums. Bassist Benny Rietveld is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Drummer Kevin van den Elzen’s VDE Big Band is at Campus Jax in Newport Beach. Saxophonist Anibal Seminario is at Catalina in Hollywood with vocalist Cecilia Noel. Trumpeter Dan Rosenboom celebrates an album release at The Grape in Ventura. Feels So Good plays the music of Chuck Mangione at Alvas Showroom in San Pedro. Bassist/vocalist Esperanza Spalding is at Blue Note LA in Hollywood. Bassist Kevin “Brandino” Brandon celebrates a birthday at the Biltmore Hotel Gallery Bar in downtown L.A. Trumpeter Gilbert Castellanos is at Lou Lou’s in San Diego. Vocalist Teryn Re’ is at Roost 374 in San Clemente. Saxophonist Benn Clatworthy is at The Merc in Temecula. The Aristocats are at Jojo’s Hideaway in Tustin with vocalist Debi Raven.  Vocalist Donna Deussen and guitarist Jim Fox are at the Thai Fusion Bistro in West Hills.  Pianist Eric Dries is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Guitarist Alex Ciavarelli is at the Cascade Lounge in Palm Springs. Vocalist/keyboardist Tim Hockenberry is at Vibrato in Bel Air.  Pianist/vocalist Christopher Linman is at the Langham Hotel Tap Room in Pasadena.  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. 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 Danielle Alexander is at Eddie V’s in Palm Desert.

Friday 9/5 – Joe La Barbera at Sam First

Drummer Joe La Barbera is at Sam First near LAX for the first of two nights (Fri-Sat) with Bill Cunliffe on piano, Clay Jenkins on trumpet, Daniel Rotem on sax, and Edwin Livingston on bass. The Pan Afrikan Peoples Arkestra is at 2220 Arts + Archives in downtown L.A. Drummer Kyle Poole is at LACMA in West L.A. Saxophonist Alden Hellmuth opens for trumpeter Dan Rosenboom at Scribble in Highland Park. Bassist/vocalist Esperanza Spalding is at Blue Note LA in Hollywood. Guitarist Allen Hinds is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Vocalist Lynne Fiddmont is at The World Stage in South L.A. Trumpeter Elliott Caine is at Visionarium in South Pasadena. Guitarist Robert Papacica is at The Grape in Ventura.  Drummer/vocalist Dave Tull is at Eddie V’s in El Segundo.  Vocalist Leslie Paula leads her Latin Soul Band at Vibrato in Bel Air. Guitarist Thom Rotella is at the Canyon Bistro in Topanga. Vocalist Teryn Re’ is at The Jazz Lounge in San Diego. Guitarist Louie Valenzuela is at Lou Lou’s in San Diego. Saxophonist Dennis Mitcheltree is at Industry Cafe & Jazz in Culver City. Guitarist David Eastlee is at The Barkley Restaurant in South Pasadena. Pianist Sue Palmer is at Books & Records in San Diego. Vocalist Kaylee Daugherty is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. 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 with vocalist Sherry Williams. Pianist Mikan Zlatkovich is at the Westgate Hotel in San Diego. Bassist Teddy Bang is at the Culver Hotel in Culver City. The Catalina Combo is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. Alligator Beach is at Harvelle’s in Santa Monica. Vocalist Mercedes Moore is at Golden Island in San Diego. The Woody James Legacy Band plays an afternoon show at the Mayflower Club in North Hollywood.

Saturday 9/6 – Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox at Segerstrom Hall

Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox is at Segerstrom Hall in Costa Mesa. Keyboardist Rique Pantoja is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Drummer Joe La Barbera is at Sam First near LAX. Bassist/vocalist Esperanza Spalding is at Blue Note LA in Hollywood. Guitarist Jonathan Stout is at Boulevard Music in Culver City. Vocalist Jeffrey Gimble is at 1881 in Pasadena. Saxophonist Vinny Golia is at Collage in San Pedro. The George Brown Ansambel is at The Grape in Ventura.  Drummer/vocalist Dave Tull is at Eddie V’s in El Segundo.  Guitarist/vocalist Phillip Sayce is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Drummer Zak Najor is at Lou Lou’s in San Diego. Keyboardist Bryard Huggins is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Royal Flux is at 1642 in downtown L.A. Pianist Mikan Zlatkovich is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Vocalist Rose Mallett is at Vicky’s Of Santa Fe in Indian Wells. 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 an afternoon workshop at The World Stage in South L.A. Vocalist Douglas Roegiers is at Cicada in downtown L.A. Vocalist Ed Romero is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. Vocalist Cathy Segal-Garcia does a morning brunch gig at Brightside California Kitchen in Santa Monica. Vocalist Kaylee Daugherty does a brunch at California English in San Diego.

Sunday 9/7 – Alan Broadbent & Harvie S at the Moss Theater

Pianist Alan Broadbent and bassist Harvie S are at the Moss Theater in Santa Monica. The Chad Willis Jazz Orchestra with vocalist Maria Schafer opens for drummer Kevin Kanner’s jazz jam session at The Mint in West L.A.   Bassist Marlon Martinez & vibraphonist Jake Chapman are at Tomat near LAX. Guitarist Jim Fox is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Bassist/vocalist Esperanza Spalding is at Blue Note LA in Hollywood. Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox is at the Civic Arts Plaza in Thousand Oaks. Guitarist Peter Sprague is at Tio Leo’s Lounge in San Diego. Vocalist Lia Booth is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Pianist Mikan Zlatkovich is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Keyboardist/vocalist Freddie Ravel is at Vibrato in Bel Air. The ESP Jazz Collective is at the Black Rail Kitchen & Bar in Carlsbad. 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. Keyboardist Jay Smith has the early jazz brunch at the Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach.

Monday 9/8 – Jamie Kime at The Baked Potato

Guitarist Jamie Kime is at The Baked Potato in Studio City with Matt Rohde on keys, Chris Roy on bass, Andy Sanesi on percussion, and Danny Carey on drums. Saxophonist Isaiah Collier is at Blue Note LA in Hollywood. Saxophonist Vinny Golia is at The High Low in Atwater Village. Saxophonist Randy Ellis is at Spaghettini in Seal 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. 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 keyboardist 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. Bassist Teddy Bang is at Mercedes Bar & Grille in Marina Del Rey.

Tuesday 9/9 – Wynton Marsalis & The LA Phil at the Hollywood Bowl

Trumpeter Wynton Marsalis fronts the LA Phil in a world premiere of a newly-commissioned work entitled “Concerto For Orchestra”. Saxophonist Braxton Cook is at Blue Note LA in Hollywood for the first of two nights (Tue-Wed). Drummer Jeff Hamilton is at Bacchus’ Kitchen in South Pasadena for the first of two nights (Tue-Wed). The Jazz Bakers are at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Vibraphonist Sasha Berliner leads the Tuesday Happenings Jam Session at Sam First near LAX. Guitarist Greg Poree is at Visionarium in South Pasadena. Vocalist Courtney Lemmon is at La Puglia in Santa Monica.  Pianist/vocalist Yve Evans is at Eddie V’s in Palm Desert.  The Irvine Barclay Jazz Band is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Big Time Operator is at Tio Leo’s Lounge in San Diego. Vocalist Leigh Vance is at SOhO in Santa Barbara. 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. Vocalist Rose Mallett is at the Purple Room in Palm Springs. 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. Pianist Matt Politano leads a breakfast jazz trio at Jones Coffee Roasters in Pasadena. Guitarist Albert Lee is at Vibrato in Bel Air.

Wednesday 9/10 – Al Di Meola at the Saban Theatre

Guitarist Al Di Meola is at the Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills with Philippe Saisse on keys, Gumbi Ortiz on percussion, Elias Tona on bass, and Tom Brechtlein on drums. Saxophonist Braxton Cook is at Blue Note LA in Hollywood. Trumpeter Nolan Shaheed and saxophonist Rickey Woodard are at Catalina in Hollywood. Trombonist Jon Hatamiya is at Sam First near LAX.  Flutist/saxophonist Katisse Buckingham is at 1881 in Pasadena.  Drummer Jeff Hamilton is at Bacchus’ Kitchen in South Pasadena. Vocalist Tawanda Suessbrich-Joaquim is at Campus Jax in Newport Beach. Bassist Marcus Miller helps host a night dedicated to Black Movie Soundtracks at the Hollywood Bowl. Vocalist Dave Damiani & The No Vacancy Orchestra are at Vibrato in Bel Air with guest vocalist Sal Valentinetti. Vocalist Meloney Collins is at The Drake in Laguna Beach.  Pianist/vocalist Yve Evans is at Eddie V’s in Palm Desert.  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.  Guitarist Doug MacDonald is at the Z Club in Joshua Tree.  The Soul Organ Trio is at Club 616 in Santa Ana. Guitarist Carlos Velasco is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Blues harmonica player Chef Dave Rozier is at The Baked Potato in Studio City.