About & Out – What’s Hot In SoCal Jazz – Week Of September 22, 2025

September winds down with a SoCal jazz week including Chief Xian aTunde Adjuah, Goldings/Bernstein/Stewart, Joshua Redman, The Heavyweights, Laufey, Soul Rebels, Stella Cole, HUB-TONES, Teodross Avery, Arturo Sandoval, säje, Greg Reitan, and Sunday’s Watts Towers Jazz Festival.

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 9/22 – 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. Hagen Jazz is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. 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. Vocalist Laufey is at the Pechanga Arena in San Diego. Saxophonist Steve Lehman and Slauson Malone split a bill at 2220 Arts + Archives in downtown L.A. Guitarist Riner Scivally and saxophonist Chuck Manning are at Visionarium in South Pasadena. 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. 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.

Thursday 9/25 – The Heavyweights at The Sun Rose

The Heavyweights are at The Sun Rose in West Hollywood featuring Cory Henry on keys, Eric Krasno on guitar, and Robert “Sput” Searight on drums. Saxophonist Tristan Cappell is at Sam First near LAX. Vocalist Lauren Wild is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Vocalist Zara Markosyan is at Catalina in Hollywood. Guitarist Mike Keneally’s Beer For Dolphins is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Brasstracks is at Blue Note LA in Hollywood. Bassist Trevor Ware & Positive People are at The Merc in Temecula. Vocalist Rose Colella is at the Biltmore Hotel Gallery Bar in downtown L.A. Jammetry is at Visionarium in South Pasadena. Drummer/vocalist Dave Tull is at Eddie V’s in El Segundo. Bassist Rob Thorsen is at Lou Lou’s in San Diego with vocalist Steph Johnson. Moon Hooch is at Venice West in Venice. Trumpeter John Reynolds is at Jojo’s Hideaway in Tustin. Saxophonist/vocalist Stephanie Chou is at The Muck in Fullerton. The Soto Six play the music of McCoy Tyner at The Jazz Lounge in San Diego. Vocalist Mercedes Moore is at Tio Leo’s Lounge in San Diego. The Two Trees Jazz Project is at The Grape in Ventura. 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.

Friday 9/26 – Goldings, Bernstein & Stewart at Sam First

Organist Larry Goldings, guitarist Peter Bernstein, and drummer Bill Stewart are at Sam First near LAX for the first of two nights (Fri-Sat). The Soul Rebels are at Blue Note LA in Hollywood for the first of three nights (Fri-Sun). HUB-TONES playing the music of Freddie Hubbard are at the Santa Monica College Performing Arts Center. Trumpeter Gilbert Castellanos is at the La Jolla Community Center. Saxophonist Jerry Pinter is at the La Sierra Troesh Conference Center in Riverside. Vocalist Laufey is at the Crypto.com Arena in downtown L.A. for the first of two nights (Fri-Sat). Vocalist Brenna Whitaker is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Trumpeter/vocalist Johnny Britt is at The World Stage in South L.A. Vocalist Janis Mann is at the Canyon Bistro in Topanga. Keyboardist/vocalist Alexis Lombre is at LACMA in West L.A. Pianist Gregg Karukas is at The Grape in Ventura. Guitarist Peter Sprague is at Ki’s Restaurant in Cardiff. Saxophonist Justin Chart is at Sogno Toscano in Santa Monica.  Vocalists Matt Forbes and Jesse Goddard are at the Dresden in Los Feliz.  Saxophonist Dave Victorino is at Azo Vino in Covina. Vocalist Rosie Flores celebrates a birthday at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Vocalist Tyrone Perkins celebrates Lou Rawls at Catalina in Hollywood. Saxophonist Paul Combs plays the music of Antonio Carlos Jobim at The Jazz Lounge in San Diego.  Saxophonist David Leech is at the Artistry Wine Lounge in San Pedro.  The Garners are at Books & Records in San Diego. Vocalist Mercedes Moore is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Drummer Matt Smith is at Panama 66 in San Diego. Pianist Joe Rotondi 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 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 pianist Richard Turner, Jr. Pianist Mikan Zlatkovich is at the Westgate Hotel in San Diego. Bassist Teddy Bang is at the Culver Hotel in Culver City. The Pepper Moons are at Cicada in downtown L.A. Guitarist Daryl Darden is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. The Woody James Legacy Band plays an afternoon show at the Mayflower Club in North Hollywood.

Saturday 9/27 – Joshua Redman at the Irvine Barclay Theatre

Saxophonist Joshua Redman is at the Barclay Theatre in Irvine with Paul Cornish on piano, Philip Norris on bass, and Nazir Ebo on drums. Vocalist Stella Cole is at The Broad Stage in Santa Monica. Saxophonist Teodross Avery plays the music of John Coltrane at The Grape in Ventura. Pianist Greg Reitan is at the Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena. Guitarist Thom Rotella is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Organist Larry Goldings, guitarist Peter Bernstein, and drummer Bill Stewart are at Sam First near LAX. Vocalist Laufey is at the Crypto.com Arena in downtown L.A. Vocalist Amanda Castro is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Vocalist Freda Payne is at Catalina in Hollywood. The Soul Rebels are at Blue Note LA in Hollywood. Guitarist Alex Sill and drummer Daniel Venz are at Bar Bacari in Sherman Oaks. Mandolinist Eva Scow is at Bar Bacari in Culver City. Vocalist Grace Fae & The Grandbirds are at the Pasadena Ballroom Dance Association. Vocalist Miho Kido is at The Gardenia in West Hollywood. The Jazz Butchers are at the Tuning Fork in Studio City. Pianist Irving Flores is at The Jazz Lounge in San Diego. Vocalist Cobby Brzeski is at Books & Records in San Diego. Vocalist Mercedes Moore is at the Hotel Republic in San Diego. Vocalist Janessa Noland is at the Black Rail Kitchen & Bar in Carlsbad. Pianist Marc LeBrun 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. Vocalist Jennifer Keith is 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 Brightside California Kitchen in Santa Monica. The Garners do a brunch at California English in San Diego.

Sunday 9/28 – Simon Rodia Watts Towers Jazz Festival

The all-day Simon Rodia Watts Towers Jazz Festival features Patrice Rushen, Munyungo Jackson, Don Littleton, and Jasmine Tommaso in South L.A. Vocalist Teryn Re’ celebrates an album release at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Keyboardist Cory Henry is at the Miracle Theatre in Inglewood. The Soul Rebels are at Blue Note LA in Hollywood. Vocalist Jonathan Karrant opens for drummer Kevin Kanner’s jazz jam session at The Mint in West L.A. Jose Rizo’s Picoso is at the Kirk Douglas Theatre in Culver City. The Transatlantic Guitar Trio is at Boulevard Music in Culver City.   Trumpeter Dan Rosenboom is at Bar Bandini in Silverlake.  Drummer Michael Barsimanto is at the Tuning Fork in Studio City.  Vocalist Elena Gilliam is at Campus Jax.  Drummer Gengis Don plays a late afternoon show at the Aziz Gallerie in South L.A. Drummer/vocalist Dave Tull is at Eddie V’s in El Segundo. Keyboardist Nathan Mitchell is at Spaghettini in Seal Beach. Pianist Ed Kornhauser is at Tio Leo’s Lounge in San Diego. Organist Peter Smith’s late afternoon Stained Glass Sessions at the First Baptist Church of Pasadena features saxophonist/vocalist Paulie Cerra. Pianist Adam Wolff 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. French vocal group Paris Chansons is at Catalina in Hollywood. Saxophonist Nick Gomez has the early jazz brunch at the Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach. Vocalist Sandy Cummings does a jazz brunch at SOhO in Santa Barbara.

Monday 9/29 – Doug Webb at The Baked Potato

Saxophonist Doug Webb is at The Baked Potato in Studio City for the first of two nights (Mon-Tue) with Danny Carey on drums, Jimmy Earl on bass, Mitchel Forman on keys, and Jamie Kime on guitar. Martini In The Morning celebrates a birthday at Catalina in Hollywood with vocalists including Tierney Sutton and James Torme. Drummer Nate Smith is at Lodge Room in Highland Park. Pianist/vocalist Samora Pinderhughes is at Blue Note LA in Hollywood. Saxophonist Eric Marienthal is at Spaghettini in Seal Beach with vocalist Lindsey Webster.  Drummer Jay Bellerose is at the Hotel Covell in Hollywood.  Saxophonist Logan Hone is at Bub & Grandmas in Eagle Rock. Clarinetist Matt Stubbs is at The High Low in Atwater Village. 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. 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 SBCC Monday Madness Jazz Orchestra is at SOhO in Santa Barbara.

Tuesday 9/30 – Kamasi Washington at Blue Note LA

Saxophonist Kamasi Washington begins a two-week run at Blue Note LA in Hollywood. The Dave Slonaker Big Band is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Saxophonist Doug Webb is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Pianist Gerald Clayton hosts the Tuesday Happenings Jam Session at Sam First near LAX. Pianist/vocalist Yve Evans is at Eddie V’s in Palm Desert. The Kohanya Trio is at La Puglia in Santa Monica. 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 Tommy Gannon is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Vocalist Slim Man is at Vicky’s Of Santa Fe in Indian Wells. Pianist Matt Politano leads a breakfast jazz trio at Jones Coffee Roasters in Pasadena.

Wednesday 10/1 – Nnenna Freelon at Catalina Jazz Club

Vocalist Nnenna Freelon celebrates an album and book release at Catalina in Hollywood. Keyboardist Scott Kinsey at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Saxophonist Kamasi Washington is at Blue Note LA in Hollywood. Vocalist Samara Joy is at Humphrey’s Concerts By The Bay in San Diego. Pianist Sam Reid is at Sam First near LAX. Vocalist Terrell Edwards is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Drummer Raul Pineda is at 1881 in Pasadena. 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. Saxophonist Nicole McCabe leads a jazz jam at Sound Dhaba in downtown L.A.