About & Out – What’s Hot In SoCal Jazz – Week Of October 6, 2025

SoCal jazz highlights this week include Jane Monheit, Kamasi Washington, Peter Erskine, Tom Scott, Bill Charlap, Lucia, Dan Rosenboom, Marvin “Smitty” Smith, Branford Marsalis, Charles Ruggiero, Steph Richards & Milena Casado, and Weekend One of the Catalina Island JazzTrax 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 10/6 – Dechter/Frank Quartet at The Baked Potato

Guitarist Graham Dechter is at The Baked Potato in Studio City with Alex Frank on bass, Jordan Seigel on keys, and Ryan Shaw on drums. Vocalist Andrea Miller is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Vocalist Arin Ray is at Blue Note LA in Hollywood. Vocalists Genevieve Artadi and Kathryn Shuman are at The High Low in Atwater Village. Pianist Matt Politano is at Bub & Grandma’s in Eagle Rock. 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.

Tuesday 10/7 – Kamasi Washington at Blue Note LA

Saxophonist Kamasi Washington begins the second week of his two-week Tuesday-Sunday residency at the Blue Note LA in Hollywood. Saxophonist Branford Marsalis is at the McCallum Theatre in Palm Springs. Drummer Charles Ruggiero plays a live recording session at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Pianist Gerald Clayton 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 Sue Palmer is at Tio Leo’s Lounge 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 10/8 – Charles Ruggiero at The Baked Potato

Drummer Charles Ruggiero finishes a two-night (Tue-Wed) live recording session at The Baked Potato in Studio City with Bob Reynolds on sax and Mike Gurrola on bass. Pianist/vocalist Billy Stritch is at Catalina in Hollywood. Saxophonist Kamasi Washington is at the Blue Note LA in Hollywood. Drummer Jimmy Branly is at 1881 in Pasadena. Trumpeter Dan Rosenboom is at Vine in Long Beach. Guitarist Shea Welsh is at TRiP in Santa Monica. Vibraphonist Chris Stevens is at Spaghettini in Seal Beach. 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.  Guitarist Doug MacDonald is at the Z Club in Joshua Tree.  The Soul Organ Trio is at Club 616 in Santa Ana.  Jumpin’ Joz is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. RC & Noir are at Visionarium in South Pasadena. College groups from CalArts and the Herbie Hancock Institute are at Sam First near LAX.  French vocal group Paris Chansons is at Vibrato in Bel Air.  Les Bons Garcons are at Garcons De Cafe in downtown L.A.  Guitarist Carlos Velasco is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego.

Thursday 10/9 – Jane Monheit at the Cerritos Center For The Performing Arts

Vocalist Jane Monheit is at the Cerritos Center For The Performing Arts in Cerritos. Saxophonist Christopher McBride is at Sam First near LAX. Mexican vocalist Lucia is at the Cal Poly Spanos Theatre in San Luis Obispo. Pianist Matoko Honda and pianist Matt Small split a bill at the Sierra Madre Playhouse in Sierra Madre. Weekend One (Thu-Sun) of the Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival in Avalon kicks off with artists including Mindi Abair, Keiko Matsui, Brian Simpson, Steve Oliver, and BPM. Saxophonist Kamasi Washington is at Blue Note LA in Hollywood. Nutty is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Pianist Jeff Colella is at Visionarium in South Pasadena. Guitarist David Eastlee is at The Grape in Ventura. Guitarist Will Brahm is at Scribble in Highland Park. Pianist/vocalist Peter Smith is at the Langham Hotel Tap Room in Pasadena. Pianist Stuart Elster is at Eddie V’s in El Segundo. Bassist Antar Martin is at Lou Lou’s in San Diego. Pianist Carey Frank is at the Biltmore Hotel Gallery Bar in downtown L.A. Pianist/vocalist Christopher Linman is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Saxophonist Victor Gonzalez is at The Stowaway in downtown L.A. 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.

Friday 10/10 – Tom Scott & The L.A. Express at The Baked Potato

Saxophonist Tom Scott is at The Baked Potato in Studio City for the first of two nights (Fri-Sat) with Grant Geissman on guitar, Mitchel Forman on keys, Chris Colangelo on bass, and Gary Novak on drums. Pianist Bill Charlap is at Sam First near LAX. Mexican vocalist Lucia is at The Nimoy in Westwood. Vocalist Seth MacFarlane’s Chamber Orchestra is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Saxophonist Kamasi Washington is at Blue Note LA in Hollywood. The Free Friday jazz series at LACMA in West L.A. features The Gathering tribute to the late Jesse Sharps and the winners of the Angel City Jazz Festival Young Artist Competition. Vocalist Jane Monheit is at the Purple Room in San Diego for the first of two nights (Fri-Sat). Brazilian vocalist Sonia Santos is at The World Stage in South L.A. Drummer Joel Taylor is at 1881 in Pasadena. Guitarist Thom Rotella is at the Canyon Bistro in Topanga. Drummer/vocalist Dave Tull is at Eddie V’s in El Segundo. Trombonist Matt Hall is at Golden Island in San Diego. Trumpeter Shunzo Ohno is at Dizzy’s in San San Diego. Flutist Lori Bell is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego.  Vocalists Patrick Barnitt and Jesse Goddard are at The Dresden in Los Feliz.  San Lyon is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena.  Vocalist Adryon De Leon is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Vocalist Rebecca Jade is at Spaghettini in Seal Beach.  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. 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 saxophonist Doug Webb. Guitarist Dusty Brough is at Bar Bacari in Culver City. Bassist Teddy Bang is at the Culver Hotel in Culver City. Vocalist Chloe Perrier is at Cicada in downtown L.A. The Woody James Legacy Band plays an afternoon show at the Mayflower Club in North Hollywood.

Saturday 10/11 – Peter Erskine Trio at Sam First

Drummer Peter Erskine is at Sam First near LAX with Alan Pasqua on piano and Darek Oles on bass. Saxophonist Devin Daniels and trumpeter Dan Rosenboom’s Coordinates Orchestra split a bill at REDCAT in downtown L.A. Drummer Marvin “Smitty” Smith pays tribute to Billy Higgins at The World Stage in South L.A. Saxophonist Kamasi Washington is at Blue Note LA in Hollywood. Saxophonist Tom Scott is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Pianist Bill Charlap is at The Conrad in La Jolla. Vocalist Jane Monheit is at the Purple Room in San Diego. Spyro Gyra is at Stage Red in Fontana. Vocalist Luke Carlsen & The Fresh Rhythm are at Vibrato in Bel Air. Guitarist Alex Sill is at Bar Bacari in Sherman Oaks. Pino Noir is at Bar Bacari in Culver City. Vocalist Howie Levine’s “JazzNatra” is at Hawg Heaven BBQ in Pasadena. Pianist Marc LeBrun is at Eddie V’s in El Segundo. Blues guitarist Kirk Fletcher is at Harvelle’s in Santa Monica. Gumbo Cabaret is at The Gardenia in West Hollywood for the first of two nights (Sat-Sun). Saxophonist Marion Meadows is at Spaghettini in Seal Beach. The ESP Jazz Collective is at the Black Rail Kitchen & Bar in Carlsbad. Saxophonist Boney James is at the Thornton Winery in Temecula. Drummer Perry Ostrin celebrates a birthday at the Tuning Fork in Studio City. Vocalist Janet Orsi & The Akusta Kats are at Alza Italian Kitchen in Rancho Santa Margarita. Love Call is at Collage in San Pedro.  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. Sylvia & The Rhythm Boys are at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. The Pepper Moons are at the Pasadena Ballroom Dance Association. Alex Mendham & His Orchestra are at Cicada in downtown L.A. The Dave Stephens Band is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Vocalist Cathy Segal-Garcia does a morning brunch gig at Brightside California Kitchen in Santa Monica. The Itty Bitty Big Band plays an afternoon show at Collage in San Pedro. Vocalist Mark Winkler is with Angela O’Neill & The Outrageous 8 for a brunch at Vitello’s Velvet Martini Lounge in Studio City.  The Aristocats Play an afternoon show at the Mercedes Bar & Grill in Marina Del Rey.  Vocalist Jacqui Hylton does an afternoon show at The Stonehaus in Westlake Village.

Sunday 10/12 – Steph Richards & Milena Casado at The Nimoy

Trumpeters Steph Richards and Milena Casado split a bill at The Nimoy in Westwood. Drummer Jason Harnell is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Armenian vocalist Lusine Kocharian is at Catalina in Hollywood. Saxophonist Kamasi Washington finishes his two-week run at the Blue Note LA in Hollywood, tonight with guest vocalist Ami Taf Ra. The Jazz Bakers open for drummer Kevin Kanner’s jazz jam at The Mint in West L.A. Pianist Kait Dunton is at the Sierra Madre Playhouse in Sierra Madre. Trumpeter Greg Adams & East Bay Soul are at Vibrato in Bel Air.  Saxophonist Boney James is at The Wiltern in downtown L.A.  Guitarist Norman Brown and saxophonist Vincent Ingala are at the Hyatt Regency in Newport Beach.  Trumpeter Mike Bolger is at Bub & Grandma’s in Pasadena. Gumbo Cabaret is at The Gardenia in West Hollywood. Vocalist Crystal Clulee is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Guitarist Patrick Yandall is at Humphrey’s Backstage in San Diego. Vocalist Mando Cordova is at Campus Jax in Newport Beach. Guitarist Carlos Velasco is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Vocalist Whitney Shay is at Panama 66 in San Diego. Bassist Mackenzie Leighton is at Tio Leo’s Lounge in San Diego. 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. Saxophonist Nick Gomez has the early jazz brunch at the Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach. The South Bay New Orleans Jazz Club does an afternoon show at Alvas Showroom in San Pedro. The Rollins-Collins Quartet is at SOhO in Santa Barbara.

Monday 10/13 – Adegoke Steve Colson & Iqua Colson at The World Stage

The World Stage in South L.A. hosts pianist Adegoke Steve Colson and vocalist Iqua Colson with Trevor Ware on bass, Fritz Wise on drums, and Maia on flute/harp. Guitarist Dave Harrington is at Club Tee Gee in Atwater Village. Percussionist Poncho Sanchez is at Spaghettini in Seal Beach. Vocalist Lady Blackbird is at Blue Note LA in Hollywood. Pianist Eve Elliot is at Bub & Grandmas in Eagle Rock. You, Me & The Whales are at The High Low in Atwater Village. Pianist/vocalist Christopher Linman 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. 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. Phatback, Earl & Me are at The Baked Potato in Studio City. The SBCC Big Band is at SOhO in Santa Barbara.

Tuesday 10/14 – Keifer at Blue Note LA

Pianist Kiefer (Shackelford) is at Blue Note LA in Hollywood for the first of two nights (Tue-Wed). Jeff Goldblum is at the Grammy Museum in downtown L.A. Guitarist Greg Poree is at Visionarium in South Pasadena. Saxophonist Louis Van Taylor is at La Puglia in Santa Monica. Pianist Gerald Clayton hosts the Tuesday Happenings Jam Session at Sam First near LAX. The Irvine Barclay Jazz Band is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Big Time Operator 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. Pianist Matt Politano leads a breakfast jazz trio at Jones Coffee Roasters in Pasadena. Bassist Glen Fisher leads a jazz jam at Humphrey’s Backstage in San Diego. OHM is at The Baked Potato in Studio City.

Wednesday 10/15 – Kenny Werner & Peter Erksine at Vibrato

Pianist Kenny Werner and drummer Peter Erskine lead a trio at Vibrato in Bel Air with bassist Darek Oles. Pianist Brad Mehldau and bassist Christian McBride are at The Wallis in Beverly Hills. Saxophonist Justin Chart is at Catalina in Hollywood.  Pianist Miles Lennox is at Sam First near LAX.  Trumpeter Bobby Bradford is at 2220 Arts + Archives in downtown L.A. Pianist Kiefer (Shackelford) is at Blue Note LA in Hollywood. Percussionist Alex Cline, guitarist Joe Baiza, and sonic explorer Carole Kim are at the Gloria Kaufman Community Center Theatre in Culver City. Drummer Jimmy Branly is at 1881 in Pasadena. 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.   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/vocalist Rafael Moreira is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Vocalist Joanna Gerolaga is at Garcons De Cafe in downtown L.A. Guitarist Carlos Velasco is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Saxophonist Bryan McCann is at Cafe Fiore in Ventura. Trumpeter Grant Hungerford leads a jazz jam at Collage in San Pedro.