About & Out – What’s Hot In SoCal Jazz – Week Of November 24, 2025

November ends with a SoCal jazz week including James Francies, Josh Nelson, Jeff Lorber, Andra Day, Kerry Politzer, Electric Alliance, Ryan Porter, Brian Swartz, Tawanda, David Benoit, The Session Syndicate, and Brandon Sanders.

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 11/24 – 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 Herbie Hancock Institute Ensemble leads the Tuesday Happenings jam session 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. The Irvine Barclay Jazz Band is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. 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. Pianist Quinn Johnson is at 1881 in Pasadena. 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 Doug MacDonald leads a jazz jam at the Z Club in Joshua Tree. Guitarist Carlos Velasco is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Trombonist John Egizi leads the 805 Jazz Jam at Leashless Brewing in Ventura.

Thursday 11/27 – Crystal Clulee at The Drake

Vocalist Crystal Clulee is at The Drake in Laguna Beach with pianist Ron Kobayashi. Bassist/vocalist Mark Jones is at Eddie V’s in El Segundo. Vocalist Roman Palacios is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Pianist Kevin Tokarz is at Eddie V’s in Palm Desert. Drummer/vocalist Craig Dawson is at Eddie V’s in San Diego.

Friday 11/28 – Josh Nelson at Sam First

Pianist Josh Nelson is at Sam First near LAX for the first of two nights (Fri-Sat) with Anthony Wilson on guitar, Luca Alemanno on bass, Jay Bellerose on drums, and Gaby Moreno on vocals. Trumpeter Brian Swartz is at The Grape in Ventura. Drummer Brandon Sanders is at The World Stage in South L.A. Guitarist Allen Hinds is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Vocalist Andra Day is at Blue Note LA in Hollywood for the first of three nights (Fri-Sun). Pianist David Benoit plays “A Charlie Brown Christmas” at Catalina in Hollywood for the first of two nights (Fri-Sat).  Guitarist Peter Sprague is at Ki’s Restaurant in Cardiff.  Trumpeter/vocalist Rick Braun is at Spaghettini in Seal Beach with saxophonist Gerald Albright. Vocalist Richard Shelton does a holiday program at Vibrato in Bel Air. Drummer/vocalist Dave Tull is at Eddie V’s in El Segundo. The Jazz Cartel is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Guitarist Peter Sprague is at Ki’s Restaurant in Cardiff. Vocalist Grace Fae & The Grandbirds are at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. Boogaloo Assassins are at Lodge Room in Highland Park. Saxophonist Justin Chart is at Sogno Toscano in Santa Monica. Vocalist Cynthia Gonzalez is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Drummer Matt Smith is at Panama 66 in San Diego. Drummer/vocalist Dave Tull is at Eddie V’s in El Segundo. Guitarist David Eastlee 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 Joe Croyle. Trumpeter Chris Lawrence is at Bar Bacari in Sherman Oaks. Bassist Teddy Bang is at the Culver Hotel in Culver City.

Saturday 11/29 – Electric Alliance at Alvas Showroom

The Electric Alliance is at Alvas Showroom with Allen Hinds on guitar, Travis Carlton on bass, Mark Stephens on keys, Melvin Lee Davis on bass, Brandon Fields on sax, and Rich Evangelista on drums. Trombonist Ryan Porter is at the Birds Of A Feather Jazz Lounge in downtown L.A. Pianist Josh Nelson is at Sam First near LAX. Vocalist Tawanda Suessbrich-Joaquim is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Keyboardist Jeff Lorber is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Trumpeter Gilbert Castellanos plays the music of John Coltrane’s “Blue Train” with saxophonist Brian Levy at the Jacobs Center in San Diego. Pianist David Benoit plays “A Charlie Brown Christmas” at Catalina in Hollywood. Vocalist Andra Day is at Blue Note LA in Hollywood. Guitarist Alex Sill is at Bar Bacari in Sherman Oaks. Trumpeter/vocalist Rick Braun is at Spaghettini in Seal Beach with pianist/vocalist Keiko Matsui. Vocalist Jennifer Keith is at Cicada in downtown L.A. Saxophonist Arshak Mkhitaryan is at Visionarium in South Pasadena. Drummer/vocalist Dave Tull is at Eddie V’s in El Segundo. Pianist Sue Palmer plays a happy hour show at Humphrey’s Backstage in San Diego. Vocalist Crystal Clulee is at the Alza Italian Kitchen in Rancho Santa Margarita. Vocalist Howie Levine’s “JazzNatra” is at Hawg Heaven BBQ in Pasadena. Bassist Anthony Cappeto is at Bar Bacari in Culver City. 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. Guitarist Daryl Darden is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. Vocalist Cathy Segal-Garcia does a morning brunch gig at Brightside California Kitchen in Santa Monica. Vocalist Patrick Barnitt leads a brunch at Visionarium in South Pasadena. Pianist Michael Bluestein is at Via Rodeo in Beverly Hills for an afternoon holiday show.

Sunday 11/30 – Jeff Lorber at The Baked Potato

Keyboardist Jeff Lorber is at The Baked Potato in Studio City for the second of two nights (Sat-Sun) with Jimmy Haslip on bass, Gary Novak on drums, and Lenny Castro on percussion. Vocalist Andra Day is at Blue Note LA in Hollywood. The Jazz Butchers are at Tuning Fork in Studio City. Vocalist Elena Gilliam does a G Spot house concert in Highland Park. Guitarist Louis Valezuela is at Tio Leo’s Lounge in San Diego with drummer Roy McCurdy. Big Bad Voodoo Daddy plays a holiday show at the Barclay Theatre in Irvine. Vocalist Lia Booth is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Guitarist Adam Hawley is at Humphrey’s Backstage in San Diego. Vocalist Denise DeCaro does a holiday show at Club Louie’s in Westlake Village with pianist Randy Waldman. Vocalist Mercedes Moore is at Golden Island in San Diego. Violinist Tim Reynolds is at Bub & Grandma’s in Eagle Rock.  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. Guitarist Matthew Greif has the early jazz brunch at the Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach.

Monday 12/1 – Graham Dechter Quartet w/Bob Mintzer at The Baked Potato

Guitarist Graham Dechter leads a quartet at The Baked Potato in Studio City with guest saxophonist Bob Mintzer. Vocalist Lady Blackbird is at Blue Note LA in Hollywood.  Pianist David Benoit plays a holiday show at Belly Up in Solana 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. Guitarist Carlos Velasco is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Drummer Izzak Weatherwax hosts a jam at Three Clubs in Hollywood.

Tuesday 12/2 – Pete Griffin’s Lab Rats at The Baked Potato

Bassist Pete Griffin is at The Baked Potato in Studio City with Chad Wackerman on drums, Jamie Kime on guitar, and Isamu McGregor on keys. Vocalists Chris Mann and Brenna Whitaker are at Catalina in Hollywood. The Herbie Hancock Institute Ensemble leads the Tuesday Happenings Jam Session at Sam First near LAX. Violinist Nora Germain is at Bar Lubitsch in West Hollywood. Guitarist David Eastlee is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena.  Trumpeter Julien Knowles opens for keyboardist Isaiah Harwood at Sound Dhaba in downtown L.A.  Pianist Sue Palmer is at Tio Leo’s Lounge in San Diego. Pianist/vocalist Christopher Linman at The Drake in Laguna Beach. 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.  St. Paul & The Minneapolis Funk All-Stars are at Vibrato in Bel Air.

Wednesday 12/3 – Scott Kinsey at The Baked Potato

Keyboardist Scott Kinsey is at The Baked Potato in Studio City with Bob Reynolds on sax, Francisco Fattoruso on bass, and Justin Brown on drums. Vocalist Rufus Wainwright and arranger Chris Walden are at the Grammy Museum in downtown L.A.   Drummer Aaron Serfaty is at 1881 in Pasadena.  Guitarist Shea Welsh is at TRiP in Santa Monica. College jazz bands from CSUN and USC are at Sam First near LAX.  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. The Soul Organ Trio is at Club 616 in Santa Ana. Guitarist Doug MacDonald leads a jazz jam at the Z Club in Joshua Tree.  Jumpin’ Joz is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena.  Saxophonist Bryan McCann is at Cafe Fiore in Ventura.