About & Out – What’s Hot In SoCal Jazz – Week Of September 15, 2025

SoCal jazz highlights this week include John Pizzarelli, Gregory Porter, Jazzmeia Horn, John Beasley, Claire Martin, Paul Cornish, Dominique Fils-Aimé, Jeff Goldblum, Dan Rosenboom, Bob Reynolds, Tamir Hendelman, Catina DeLuna & Otmaro Ruiz, Sacha Boutros, Theo Saunders, Max Haymer, and Chris Botti.

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 9/15 – 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. Oblique Strategies are at the Hotel Covell 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. 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. 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 Guitar 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.  Drummer Jimmy Branly is at 1881 in Pasadena.  Vocalist Maria Schafer is at Garcons De Cafe in downtown L.A.  Pianist Joe Rotondi is at Eddie V’s in El Segundo. 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. Sound Dhaba in downtown L.A. hosts a Latin Jazz Jam.

Thursday 9/18 – Bob Reynolds at The Baked Potato

Saxophonist Bob Reynolds is at The Baked Potato in Studio City with Ruslan Sirota on keys, Janek Gwizdala on bass, and Gene Coye on drums. Pianist John Beasley leads a quintet in tribute to the late drummer Tony Williams. Jason Goldman leads a 17-piece big band at Vibrato in Bel Air. Trumpeter Tony Guerrero celebrates a birthday at Campus Jax in Newport Beach. Trumpeter Gilbert Castellanos is at Lou Lou’s in San Diego. Vocalist Sacha Boutros is at the Cascade Lounge in Palm Springs. The Psi-Psonics are at the Townhouse in Venice with guest guitarist Jeff Parker. Guitarist Nadav Peled is at Bar Bacari in Sherman Oaks. Trumpeter/vocalist Matt Von Roderick is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Vocalist Lia Booth is a Roost 374 in San Clemente. The Transatlantic Guitar Trio is at The Jazz Lounge in San Diego. Vibraphonist Chuck Redd is at The Merc in Temecula. Vocalist Donna Deussen and guitarist Jim Fox are at the Thai Fusion Bistro in West Hills. Saxophonist Jake Brown is at Jojo’s Hideaway in Tustin. Vocalist Liz Ajuzie & The Moodswings are at Tio Leo’s Lounge in San Diego. Pianist/vocalist Peter Smith 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. The Too Soon Quartet is at the Biltmore Hotel Gallery Bar in downtown L.A. Hagen Jazz is at Visionairium in South Pasadena. Vocalist Cobby Brzeski is at California English in San Diego.

Friday 9/19 – John Pizzarelli at Catalina Jazz Club

Guitarist/vocalist John Pizzarelli is at Catalina in Hollywood for the first of three nights (Fri-Sun) with Isaiah J. Thompson on piano and Michael Karn on bass. Pianist Theo Saunders leads a celebration of the birthday of John Coltrane at The World Stage in South L.A. Pianist Max Haymer is at LACMA in West L.A. Trumpeter Chris Botti is at the Hyatt Regency in Newport Beach. Saxophonist Sarah Hanahan is at Sam First near LAX. Guitarist Andrew Synowiec is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Bassist Billy Mohler is at Motivo LA in Atwater Village. Vocalist Liliana de los Reyes is at Vibrato in Bel Air. The RAD Jazz Orchestra is at the Saddleback McKinney Theatre in Mission Viejo. Trumpeter Greg Solman is at Azo Vino in Covina. Guitarist Zo Shah is at Books & Records in San Diego. Trumpeter Clarence McDuffie III is at Dizzy’s in San Diego. Vocalist Richard Shelton is at the Purple Room in Palm Springs. Vocalist/guitarist Ponpon Chen is at The Grape in Ventura. Vocalist Grace Fae & The Grandbirds are at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. Vocalist Kaylee Daugherty is at Golden Island in San Diego. Vocalist Cynthia Gonzalez is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Pianist Kamau Kenyatta and vocalist Daneen Wilburn are at The Jazz Lounge in San Diego. The Benedetti Trio is at Ki’s Restaurant in Cardiff. Drummer/vocalist Dave Tull is at Eddie V’s in El Segundo. 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 Francesca Amari. 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. Pianist Mitchel Campbell is at Visionarium in South Pasadena. The Woody James Legacy Band plays an afternoon show at the Mayflower Club in North Hollywood.

Saturday 9/20 – Central Avenue Jazz Festival in South Los Angeles

The Central Avenue Jazz Festival in South L.A. features Gregory Porter, Jazzmeia Horn, Poncho Sanchez, Joel Ross and more. Pianist Tamir Hendelman is at Sam First near LAX. Vocalist Catina DeLuna and pianist Otmaro Ruiz bring their Lado B Project to the Silverlake Conservatory Of Music in Silverlake. Guitarist/vocalist John Pizzarelli is at Catalina in Hollywood. Keyboardist Don Randi & Quest are at The Baked Potato in Studio City for the first of two nights (Sat-Sun) with Icelandic guest vocalist Geir Olafs. Vocalist Dwight Trible celebrates an album release at The World Stage in downtown L.A. Pianist Dayramir Gonzalez is at The Grape in Ventura. Vocalist Luke Carlsen & The Fresh Rhythm are at Vibrato in Bel Air. Bassist Oskar Cartaya & The Enclave are at the Old Town Community Theater in Temecula. Vocalist Sacha Boutros is at The Conrad in La Jolla. Drummer Anthony Fung is at Bar Bacari in Silverlake. Guitarist Lari Basilio is at Alvas Showroom in San Pedro for the first of two nights (Fri-Sat). Mandolinist Eva Scow is at Bar Bacari in Culver City. Pianist Don Preston celebrates a birthday at Healing Force Of The Universe in Pasadena. Trumpeter Greg Adams & East Bay Soul are at Spaghettini in Seal Beach. Guitarists Fred Benedetti and Peter Pupping are at The Jazz Lounge in San Diego. Vocalist Regina Belle and saxophonist Eric Darius are at the Thornton Winery in Temecula. Vocalist Grace Fae & The Grandbirds are at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. Drummer/vocalist Byran Cabrera is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Pianist John Opferkuch is at the Black Rail Kitchen & Bar in Carlsbad.  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. Guitarist Doug MacDonald is at Palmina By Puglia in Palm Springs. Pianist Eric Scott Reed leads an afternoon workshop at The World Stage in South L.A. Harpist Minta Spencer is at Bar Bacari in Sherman Oaks. Classic Noir is at Cicada in downtown L.A. Vocalist Tom Culver is at The Gardenia in West Hollywood. Vocalist Cathy Segal-Garcia does a morning brunch gig at Brightside California Kitchen in Santa Monica. Vocalist Cobby Brzeski does a brunch at California English in San Diego.

Sunday 9/21 – Claire Martin & Jeremy Siskind at Campus Jax

British vocalist Claire Martin is at Campus Jax in Newport Beach with pianist Jeremy Siskind.  Saxophonist Dr. Bruce Eskovitz celebrates a birthday opening for drummer Kevin Kanner’s jazz jam session at The Mint in West L.A.  Pianist ELEW plays the music of Sting at the Kirk Douglas Theatre in Culver City.  Guitarist Will Brahm and pianist Max Haymer are at Tomat near LAX.  Drummer Kevin van den Elzen is at the Sierra Madre Playhouse in Sierra Madre.  Guitarist/vocalist John Pizzarelli is at Catalina in Hollywood.  Keyboardist Don Randi & Quest are at The Baked Potato in Studio City with Icelandic guest vocalist Geir Olafs.  Violinist Jenny Scheinman is at Healing Force Of The Universe in Pasadena. Trombonist Matt Hall and saxophonist Doug Webb are at Lou Lou’s in San Diego. Vibraphonist Chuck Redd is at Tio Leo’s Lounge in San Diego. The Transatlantic Guitar Trio is at SOhO in Santa Barbara. Trumpeter Greg Adams & East Bay Soul are at Club Louie’s in Westlake Village.  Pianist Zach Tenorio is at Bub & Grandma’s in Eagle Rock. Drummer Perry Ostrin is at the Tuning Fork in Studio City. Black Market Trust is 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 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. Pianist Lori Bell is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Guitarist Matthew Grief has the early jazz brunch at the Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach.

Monday 9/22 – Dayramir Gonzalez at Alvas Showroom

Pianist Dayramir Gonzalez is at Alvas Showroom in San Pedro with Juan Chiavassa on drums, Ignacio Mateu Graside on bass, and Takafumi Nikaido on percussion. Drummer Bernie Dresel’s BBB big band is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Trumpeter Chief Xian aTunde Adjuah (Christian Scott) is at Blue Note LA in Hollywood for the first of three nights (Mon-Wed).  The Tom Kubis Big band is at the Gaslamp in Long Beach with vocalist Dave Tull.  Violaist Lauren Baba is at The High Low in Atwater Village. Percussionist Poncho Sanchez is at Spaghettini in Seal Beach. Vocalist Crystal Clulee is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. 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.  Pianist Adam Wolff is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego.  Other Delights is at Bub & Grandma’s in Eagle Rock.

Tuesday 9/23 – Chief Xian aTunde Adjuah at Blue Note LA

Trumpeter Chief Xian aTunde Adjuah (Christian Scott) is at Blue Note LA in Hollywood. Pianist Brian Clemens leads an 8-horn band backing vocalist Tawanda Suessbrich-Joaquim at Vibrato in Bel Air. Trumpeter Keyon Harrold and drummer Nate Smith are at the UCSB Epstein Family Amphitheater in San Diego. Vocalist Janis Mann is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Vocalist Michelle Coltrane is at La Puglia in Santa Monica. Drummer Gorden Campbell is at The Mint in West L.A. Vocalist Andrea Miller is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Saxophonist Devin Daniels leads the Tuesday Happenings Jam Session at Sam First near LAX. 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 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 9/24 – Dechter/Frank Quintet at Sam First

Guitarist Graham Dechter and bassist Alex Frank lead a quintet celebrating an album release at Sam First near LAX with Jacob Mann on piano, Daniel Rotem on sax, and Ryan Shaw on drums. The West Coast Jazz Hour Big Band with vocalist Melissa Morgan is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Trumpeter Arturo Sandoval plays a live-to-film showing of the recent HBO film adaption of his life at The Soraya at CSUN Northridge. Trumpeter Chief Xian aTunde Adjuah (Christian Scott) is at Blue Note LA in Hollywood. Vocalists Antonia Bennett and Eric Benet are at Catalina in Hollywood. Vocal group säje, Lizz Wright and George Benson are among the featured artists for a tribute to Minnie Riperton at the Hollywood Bowl. Drummer Jimmy Branly is at 1881 in Pasadena. Saxophonist Steve Lehman and Slauson Malone split a bill at 2220 Arts + Archives in downtown L.A. Guitarist Mike Keneally’s Beer For Dolphins is at The Baked Potato in Studio City for the first of two nights (Wed-Thu). Moon Hooch is at Belly Up in Solana Beach. The Big Band Express is at Tio Leo’s Lounge in San Diego. Vocalist Lia Booth is at Garcons De Cafe in downtown L.A. Saxophonist Ted Taforo is at Healing Force Of The Universe in Pasadena. Guitarist Riner Scivally is at Visionarium in South Pasadena. Trumpeter/vocalist Johnny Britt is at Venice West in Venice. 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.