About & Out – What’s Hot In SoCal Jazz – Week Of September 8, 2025

SoCal jazz highlights this week include Kenny Garrett, Patti Austin & Paquito D’Rivera, John Clayton, Bilal, Roy McCurdy, Jeff Hamilton, Al Di Meola, Steve Tyrell, Michael Ragonese, Jamie Kime, Isaiah Collier, Braxton Cook, Abbi Berry and Emiliano Lasansky.

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 9/8 – 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 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. 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. 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.

Thursday 9/11 – Kenny Garrett at Blue Note LA

Saxophonist Kenny Garrett opens a four-night (Thu-Sun) run at Blue Note LA in Hollywood. Bassist Emiliano Lasansky’s Seedlings are at Sam First near LAX. The Jazz Bakery celebrates the late songwriter Alan Bergman at The Broad Stage in Santa Monica. Salsa Meets Jazz celebrates John Coltrane at Catalina in Hollywood. Guitarist Lyle Workman is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Pianist Eric Wortham is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Drummer/vocalist Dave Tull is at Eddie V’s in El Segundo. Bassist Mackenzie Leighton plays the music of Charles Mingus at The Jazz Lounge in San Diego. Trumpeter Danny Jonokuchi & The Revisionists are at the Cascade Lounge in Palm Springs. Drummer Matthew Gordy is at The Merc in Temecula. Pianist Otmaro Ruiz is at the Biltmore Hotel Gallery Bar in downtown L.A. Shaky Eddie is at The Stowaway in downtown L.A. Vocalist Crystal Lewis is at Campus Jax in Newport Beach. The Free Agents are at Jojo’s Hideaway in Tustin. Pianist/vocalist John Proulx 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 Kevin Tokarz is at Eddie V’s in Palm Desert. Harpist Ginger Rose is at Bar Bacari in Sherman Oaks. Trumpeter Simon Drew is at Roost 374 in San Clemente. Pianist Sue Palmer does a late afternoon show at California English in San Diego.

Friday 9/12 – Patti Austin & Paquito D’Rivera & Barclay Jazz & Beyond Orchestra at Barclay Theatre

Vocalist Patti Austin and saxophonist Paquito D’Rivera present an evening of George & Ira Gershwin music fronting the Barclay Jazz & Beyond Orchestra led by pianist Shelley Berg at the Barclay Theatre in Irvine. Drummer Roy McCurdy receives a Jazz Treasure Award at LACMA in West L.A. Pianist Michael Ragonese celebrates an album release at Sam First near LAX. Vocalist Steve Tyrell is at Catalina in Hollywood. Saxophonist Kenny Garrett is at Blue Note LA in Hollywood. Vocalist Bilal is at the Carpenter Center in Long Beach. Drummer Jonathan Pinson’s Boom Clap is at The Sun Rose in West Hollywood. Keyboardist Lao Tizer is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Drummer/vocalist Dave Tull is at Eddie V’s in El Segundo. Vocalist Rene Fisher celebrates a birthday at The World Stage in South L.A. Vocalists Maria de la Vega and Dan Olivo are at the St. Barnabas Harmony Room in Eagle Rock. The Alpha Rhythm Kings are at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Vocalist Erin Stevenson and flutist Althea Rene are at Spaghettini in Seal Beach. Pianist Irving Flores is at Golden Island in San Diego. Vocalist Kaylee Daugherty is at Books & Records in San Diego. Saxophonist Justin Chart is at Sogno Toscano in Santa Monica. The SoCal Jazz Collective is at the OC Fish Grille in Irvine. Pianist Ron Kobayashi is at the Bayside Restaurant in Newport Beach. Guitarist Horace Bray is at Bar Bacari in Silverlake. 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 Gregg Marx. Pianist Mikan Zlatkovich is at the Westgate Hotel in San Diego. Bassist Teddy Bang is at the Culver Hotel in Culver City. Guitarist Daryl Darden is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. The Esquires Big Band is at Cicada in downtown L.A. The Woody James Legacy Band plays an afternoon show at the Mayflower Club in North Hollywood.

Saturday 9/13 – Bilal at the Carpenter Center

Vocalist Bilal is at the Carpenter Center in Long Beach for the second of two nights (Fri-Sat). Keyboardist Mike Garson is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Vocalist Steve Tyrell is at Catalina in Hollywood. Sam First hosts a benefit at The Village Studios in West L.A. honoring Jazz Bakery Founder Ruth Price and pianist Billy Childs. Saxophonist Kenny Garrett is at Blue Note LA in Hollywood. Pianist Michael Ragonese does an album release show at Healing Force Of The Universe in Pasadena. Vocalist Abbi Berry is at the Scherr Forum Theatre in Thousand Oaks. Pianist Tom Ranier and saxophonist Kirsten Edkins headline an all-afternoon jazz event at Jack’s Garage Coffee Co. in Temecula. The Serenity Band is at Alvas Showroom in San Pedro. Guitarist Alex Sill and drummer Dainel Venz are at Bar Bacari in Sherman Oaks. Keyboardist Lao Tizer is at The Grape in Ventura. Vocalists Angela O’Neill and Mary Bogue front the Outrageous 8 at Vitello’s Velvet Martini Lounge in Studio City. Saxophonist Jessy J is at Spaghettini in Seal Beach. Pianist/vocalist Yve Evans is at Eddie V’s in Palm Desert. Saxophonist Justin Chart is at Shady Bradys in Arcadia. Drummer/vocalist Dave Tull is at Eddie V’s in El Segundo. 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. Sylvia & The Rhythm Boys are at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. Vocalist Mara Kaye is at Bar Bacari in Culver City. The Alpha Rhythm Kings are at the Pasadena Ballroom Dance Association. Vocalist Karolyn Dudro is at Visionarium in South Pasadena. San Lyon is at Boulevard Music in Culver City. The Dave Stephens Band is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Black Diamonds are at Azo Vino in Covina. Pianist Allen Takatsuka and vocalist Janet Orsi are at Alza Italian Kitchen in Rancho Santa Margarita. Vocalist Cathy Segal-Garcia does a morning brunch gig at Brightside California Kitchen in Santa Monica. Pianist Mikan Zlatkovich does a brunch at California English in San Diego.

Sunday 9/14 – John Clayton with ETHEL at Segerstrom Samueli Theater

Bassist John Clayton pairs with string quartet ETHEL in the music of Thelonious Monk at the Segerstrom Samueli Theater in Costa Mesa in a pair of afternoon and evening shows. The Los Angeles Jazz Quartet is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Pianist Miro Sprague and bassist Luca Alemanno are at Tomat near LAX. Saxophonist Kenny Garrett is at Blue Note LA in Hollywood. Pianist Sam Hirsh and drummer Max Jaffee are at Bub & Grandma’s in Eagle Rock. Saxophonist Charlie Arbelaez plays the music of Cannonball Adderly at Tio Leo’s Lounge in San Diego. The South Bay New Orleans Jazz Club, this month featuring Jumpin’ Joz, plays its monthly afternoon show at Alvas Showroom in San Pedro. Drummer/vocalist Bryan Cabrera and pianist Ron Kobayashi are at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Saxophonist Tom Braxton and bassist Michael Fields, Jr. are at Spaghettini in Seal Beach. 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. 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. Vocalist Lia Booth has the early jazz brunch at the Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach. The Idiomatiques play a Sunday brunch at SOhO in Santa Barbara. Bassist Kevin “Brandino” Brandon celebrates a birthday with an afternoon show at BJ’s Brewhouse in Burbank.

Monday 9/15 – Dan Rosenboom at The High Low

Trumpeter Dan Rosenboom is at The High Low in Atwater Village with a band including Gavin Templeton on sax, Tim Lefebvre on bass, and Gary Novak on drums. Tritone Asylum is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Pianist Matt Politano is at Bub & Grandma’s in Eagle Rock. Saxophonist Justin Chart is at Pace in Hollywood. Pianist Lori Bell 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 with drummer Roni Kaspi. 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 M.O.B. Jazz Quintet is at SOhO in Santa Barbara.

Tuesday 9/16 – Dominique Fils-Aimé at Blue Note LA

Canadian vocalist Dominique Fils-Aimé is at Blue Note LA in Hollywood. Pianist/vocalist Jeff Goldblum & The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra are at the YouTube Theater in Inglewood. Drummer Charles Ruggerio is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Vocalist Lia Booth is at La Puglia in Santa Monica. Vocalist Mindy Austin and guitarist Doug MacDonald are at Visionarium in South Pasadena. Vibraphonist Chuck Redd and guitarist Brian Nova are at Bistango in Irvine. The Tuesday Happenings Jam Session is at Sam First near LAX. 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. Jumpin’ Joz is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. Pianist Matt Politano leads a breakfast jazz trio at Jones Coffee Roasters in Pasadena. French vocal group Paris Chansons is at Vibrato in Bel Air.

Wednesday 9/17 – John Beasley Plays Tony Williams at Sam First

Pianist John Beasley leads a quintet in tribute to the late drummer Tony Williams for the first of two nights at Sam First near LAX with Keyon Harrold on trumpet, Ralph Moore on sax, Tim Lefebvre on bass, and Gary Novak on drums. Pianist Paul Cornish is at The Sun Rose in West Hollywood. The Transatlantic Trio is at Alvas Showroom in San Pedro. Vocalist Sacha Boutros is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Vocalist Deborah Silver is at Catalina in Hollywood. Vocalist Maria Schafer is at Garcons De Cafe in downtown L.A. Saxophonist Justin Chart is at Sogno Toscano in Santa Monica. 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. 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. Pianist Lori Bell is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. The Baked Potato in Studio City hosts a benefit for the James Tyler Foundation.