About & Out – What’s Hot In SoCal Jazz – Week Of November 17, 2025

November continues with a SoCal jazz week including Keyon Harrold, Marcus Gilmore, Peter Erskine, Michael Wolff & Mike Clark, Bob Mintzer, Brian Blade, GoGo Penguin, Eric Revis, Aubrey Situmorang, The Django All-Stars, Julius Rodriguez, Danny Janklow, Bob Reynolds, Tom Scott, and Mike Garson with Judith Hill.

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 11/17 – Julius Rodriguez at Blue Note LA

Pianist Julius Rodriguez is at Blue Note LA in Hollywood. Guitarist Dave Harrington has an album release show at Zebulon in Silverlake. Saxophonist Tim Shaghoian is at The High Low in Atwater Village. 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 drummer Justin Brown. 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.  Other Delights is at Bub & Grandma’s in Eagle Rock. Pianist Adam Wolff is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego.  Drummer Izzak Weatherwax hosts a jam at Three Clubs in Hollywood.

Tuesday 11/18 – Keyon Harrold at Blue Note LA

Trumpeter Keyon Harrold is at Blue Note LA in Hollywood for the first of two nights (Tue-Wed). The Herbie Hancock Institute Ensemble hosts the Tuesday Happenings jam session at Sam First near LAX. Trumpeter Elliott Caine is at Visionarium in South Pasadena. Drummer Dan Schnelle and guitarist Marcel Camargo are at Tavern On Brand in Glendale. Corcovado with vocalist Natalie Jacob plays a tribute to Sergio Mendes at TRiP in Santa Monica. Pianist/vocalist Christopher Linman at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Vocalist Barb Bailey is at Vibrato in Bel Air. 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. Bassist Glen Fisher leads a jazz jam at Humphrey’s Backstage in San Diego. Pianist Matt Politano leads a breakfast jazz trio at Jones Coffee Roasters in Pasadena.

Wednesday 11/19 – Michael Wolff/Mike Clark Quartet at Sam First

Pianist Michael Wolff and drummer Mike Clark lead a quartet at Sam First near LAX with Bob Mintzer on sax and Edwin Livingston on bass. Trumpeter Keyon Harrold is at Blue Note LA in Hollywood. Drummer Charles Ruggiero is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Saxophonist Danny Janklow is at 1881 in Pasadena. The Django Festival All-Stars are at the Scripps Research Auditorium in San Diego. Trumpeter Aaron Janik and vocalist Julie Zhu split a bill at The Famous in Glendale. Vocalist Debby Boone is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Jim Caruso’s Cast Party with pianist Billy Stritch is at the McCallum Theatre in Palm Springs. Guitarist Riner Scivally is at Visionarium in South Pasadena. Vocalist Lia Booth is at Garcons De Cafe in downtown L.A. Saxophonist Jeff Walton leads a quartet at The Earl Gallery in downtown L.A. with guest saxophonist Devin Daniels. Pianist Joe Rotondi is at Eddie V’s in El Segundo. Vibraphonist Chris Stevens is at Spaghettini in Seal Beach. Pianist Mikan Zlatkovich is at The Manhattan in La Jolla. The Barclay Theatre Jazz Band is at Bistango in Irvine. The Flight 584 Big Band is at the Mayflower Club in North Hollywood. Guitarist Doug MacDonald is at the Z Club in Joshua Tree. The Soul Organ Trio is at Club 616 in Santa Ana. Guitarist Doug MacDonald leads a jazz jam at Z Club in Joshua Tree.  Trumpeter Grant Hungerford leads a jazz jam at Collage in San Pedro. Jumpin’ Joz is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena.

Thursday 11/20 – Aubrey Situmorang at Sam First

Bassist Aubrey Situmorang is at Sam First near LAX with Andrew Refroe on guitar, Adam Hersh on piano, Tristan Cappel on sax, and Jordan Proffer on drums. Saxophonist Bob Reynolds is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Bassist Eric Revis is at Boston Court in Pasadena. Vocalist Seth MacFarlane and his Chamber Orchestra are at Vibrato in Bel Air. Trumpeter Gilbert Castellanos is at Lou Lou’s in San Diego. Pianist Kait Dunton is at The Grape in Ventura. The Django Festival All-Stars are at Theatre Raymond Kabbaz in West L.A. with vocalist Veronica Swift. Cimafunk is at Blue Note LA in Hollywood for the first of two nights (Thu-Fri). Pianist Carey Frank is at the Biltmore Hotel Gallery Bar in downtown L.A. Guitarist Nadav Peled is at Bar Bacari in Sherman Oaks. The AY Big Band celebrates an album release at Sound Dhaba in downtown L.A. Guitarist Greg Poree is at Visionarium in South Pasadena. Drummer/vocalist Dave Tull is at Eddie V’s in El Segundo. Guitarist Dave Murdy is at Campus Jax in Newport Beach. Guitarist Patrick Berrogain is at The Merc in Temecula. Vocalist Mark Kopitzke & The Nightcaps are at Roost 374 in San Clemente. Vocalist Donna Deussen and guitarist Jim Fox are at the Thai Fusion Bistro in West Hills. Vocalist Cynthia Gonzalez is at Humphrey’s Backstage in San Diego. Liz Ajuzie & The Moodswings are at Tio Leo’s Lounge in San Diego. 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. Saxophonist Billy T & The Fam are at The Dresden in Los Feliz. 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. Vocalist Roman Palacios is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Pianist Kevin Tokarz is at Eddie V’s in Palm Desert. Saxophonist Adrienne Nims is at Ki’s Restaurant in Cardiff.

Friday 11/21 – Erskine/Mintzer/Oles/Pasqua at the Santa Monica College Performing Arts Center

Drummer Peter Erskine is at the Santa Monica College Performing Arts Center with saxophonist Bob Mintzer, bassist Darek Oles, and pianist Alan Pasqua. Drummer Marcus Gilmore is at Sam First near LAX. Bassist Eric Revis is at The World Stage in South L.A. Saxophonist Tom Scott & The LA Express are at The Grape in Ventura. Pianist Mike Garson is at The Sun Rose in West Hollywood with vocalist Judith Hill for the first of two nights (Fri-Sat). Percussionist Luis Conte is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Bassist Jonathan Richards is at Motivo LA in Atwater Village.  Guitarist Bruce Forman is at Bacchus’ Kitchen in South Pasadena.  Vocalists Jeffrey Gimble and Liz Cole are at The Gardenia in West Hollywood. The Django Festival All-Stars are at the Lobero Theatre in Santa Barbara. Cimafunk is at Blue Note LA in Hollywood. Guitarist Jeff Askren and saxophonist Dave Benedict lead a quartet at the Canyon Crest Winery in Riverside. Trumpeter/vocalist John Michael Bradford is at Bar Bacari in Silverlake. Vocalist Marilyn Maye begins a three-night (Fri-Sun) run at the Purple Room in Palm Springs. Vocalist Jennessa does an evening of Latin jazz at Visionarium in South Pasadena. Drummer/vocalist Dave Tull is at Eddie V’s in El Segundo. Trumpeter John Reynolds is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Pianist Irving Flores is at Golden Island in San Diego. Vocalist Donna Deussen and guitarist Jim Fox are at Wine Me Up Social in Upland. Vocalist Mercedes Moore is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Drummer Joel Taylor is at 1881 in Pasadena. Guitarist Dusty Brough is at Bar Bacari in Culver City. Guitarist Doug MacDonald is at Vicky’s Of Santa Fe in Indian Wells with vocalist Bonnie Gilgallon. Trumpeter Chris Lawrence is at Bar Bacari in Sherman Oaks. Bassist Teddy Bang is at the Culver Hotel in Culver City. Sylvia & The Rhythm Boys are at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. The Benedetti Trio is at Ki’s Restaurant in Cardiff. Guitarist/vocalist Steph Johnson plays a late afternoon show at The Conrad in La Jolla. The Woody James Big Band plays an afternoon show at the Mayflower Club in North Hollywood. Armenian pianist Artur Zakiyan plays a solo show at Catalina in Hollywood for the first of two nights (Fri-Sat).

Saturday 11/22 – Marcus Gilmore at Sam First

Drummer Marcus Gilmore is at Sam First near LAX for the second of two nights (Fri-Sat) with Morgan Guerin on EWI, David Virelles on piano, Emmanuel Michael and Tim Watson on guitars, and Rashaan Carter on bass. GoGo Penguin is at the El Rey Theatre in West L.A. Bassist Marlon Martinez debuts the new Birds Of A Feather Jazz Lounge in downtown L.A. Keyboardist Don Randi & Quest are at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Guitarist Lyle Workman is at Alvas Showroom in San Pedro. Pianist Mike Garson is at The Sun Rose in West Hollywood with vocalist Judith Hill. Pianist/vocalist Keiko Matsui is at the Canyon Club in Agoura Hills. Drummer Rodolfo Zuniga & Surfaces are at Jojo’s Hideaway in Tustin. Vocalist Goapele at Blue Note LA in Hollywood for the first of two nights (Sat-Sun). Organist Ronnie Foster is at Lodge Room in Highland Park. Keyboardist Lao Tizer is at the Segerstrom Samueli Theater in Costa Mesa. Catatonic is at Visionarium in South Pasadena. Vocalist Luke Carlsen & The Fresh Rhythm are at Vibrato in Bel Air. Vocalist Marilyn Maye is at the Purple Room in Palm Springs. Harpist Minta Spencer is at Bar Bacari in Sherman Oaks. Guitarist Scott Heustis is at Collage in San Pedro. Pianist Sue Palmer is at Books & Records in San Diego. Guitarist Victor Baker is at Dizzy’s in San Diego. Drummer Nathan Hubbard celebrates an album release at The Jazz Lounge in San Diego. Pianist Marc LeBrun is at Eddie V’s in El Segundo. Vocalist Andrea Miller is at Simply Fish in Costa Mesa. Pianist Mikan Zlatkovich is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Vocalist Rose Mallett is at Vicky’s Of Santa Fe in Indian Wells. Pianist David Moscoe is at The Dresden in Los Feliz. 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 Chloe Perrier is 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. Armenian pianist Artur Zakiyan plays a solo show at Catalina in Hollywood. The Swingsations are at the Pasadena Ballroom Dance Association. The Dave Stephens Band is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Pianist Allen Takatsuka leads a jazz jam at the Union Market at Kaleidoscope in Mission Viejo.

Sunday 11/23 – Blade/Colley/Simon at the Aratani Theatre

Drummer Brian Blade, bassist Scott Colley, and pianist Edward Simon are at the Aratani Theatre in downtown L.A. GoGo Penguin is at Belly Up in Solana Beach. Guitarist Bruce Forman is at Tio Leo’s Lounge in San Diego. Guitarist Lyle Workman is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Vocalist Goapele at Blue Note LA in Hollywood. Vibraphonist Jake Chapman opens for drummer Kevin Kanner’s jazz jam session at The Mint in West L.A. Pianist/vocalist Keiko Matsui is at the Coach House in San Juan Capistrano. Pianist Debbie Torres is at Catalina in Hollywood. Vocalist Nita Whitaker pays tribute to the late Natalie Cole at Vibrato in Bel Air. Saxophonist Jack Lieberman and trumpeter Joshua Zeitlin split a bill at Collage in San Pedro. Trumpeter Kenneth Brown II is at the Aziz Gallerie in South L.A. Saxophonist Paul Taylor is at Spaghettini in Seal Beach. Native Vibe is at Humphrey’s Backstage in San Diego. Vocalist Marilyn Maye is at the Purple Room in Palm Springs. Drummer/vocalist Bryan Cabrera is at The Drake in Laguna Beach with pianist Ron Kobayashi. 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. 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.  The Santa Ana Swingers play a happy hour show at Club 616 in Santa Ana. This Ain’t Your Daddy’s Big Band is at the El Cariso Golf Club in Sylmar. Guitarist Carlos Velasco is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Vocalist Lia Booth has the early jazz brunch at the Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach.

Monday 11/24 – James Francies at Blue Note LA

Pianist James Francies is at Blue Note LA in Hollywood for the first of two nights (Mon-Tue) with vibraphonist Joel Ross and drummer Blaque Dynamite. Saxophonist Eric Marienthal is at Spaghettini in Seal Beach with bassist Marcus Miller. Trumpeter/vocalist Matt Von Roderick is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Saxophonist Logan Hone is at Bub & Grandma’s in Eagle Rock. Drummer Efajemue is at The High Low in Atwater Village. 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. 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.

Tuesday 11/25 – Aaron Janik at The Baked Potato

Trumpeter Aaron Janik is at The Baked Potato in Studio City with Chase Jackson on vibes, Julius Rodriguez on keys, Max Gerl on bass, and Paul Albrecht on drums. Pianist James Francies is at Blue Note LA in Hollywood with vibraphonist Joel Ross and drummer Blaque Dynamite. The Tuesday Happenings jam session is at Sam First near LAX. Saxophonist Chuck Johnson is at Visionarium in South Pasadena. Saxophonist Louis Van Taylor is at La Puglia in Santa Monica. Vocalist Andrea Miller is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Pianist/vocalist Yve Evans is at Eddie V’s in Palm Desert.  Pianist Lori Bell is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. 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.  Vocalist Slim Man is at Vicky’s Of Santa Fe in Indian Wells. Hagen Jazz is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. Pianist Matt Politano leads a breakfast jazz trio at Jones Coffee Roasters in Pasadena.

Wednesday 11/26 – Kerry Politzer at Sam First

Pianist Kerry Politzer celebrates an album release at Sam First near LAX with Alden Hellmuth on sax, Darek Oles on bass, and George Colligan on drums. The Session Syndicate is at Vibrato in Bel Air. The Chad Willis Jazz Orchestra plays a holiday show at The Baked Potato in Studio City with vocalists Maria Schafer and Rich Bullock. The Jazz Con Clave Collective is at Catalina in Hollywood. Vocalist Alicia Beach is at Visionarium in South Pasadena. The Big Band Express is at Tio Leo’s Lounge in San Diego. Pianist/vocalist Yve Evans is at Eddie V’s in Palm Desert. Pianist Sam Ross is at Garcons De Cafe in downtown L.A.  Jumpin’ Joz is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. 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. Guitarist Carlos Velasco is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego.  Guitarist Doug MacDonald leads a jazz jam at the Z Club in Joshua Tree.  Trombonist John Egizi leads the 805 Jazz Jam at Leashless Brewing in Ventura.