About & Out – What’s Hot In SoCal Jazz – Week Of December 8, 2025

SoCal jazz highlights this week include Mike Stern, John Daversa, Christian Sands, Yotam Silberstein, Jeff Babko, Charles Lloyd, Theo Croker, Larry Fuller, Terrace Martin, Poncho Sanchez, Stick Men, Ann Hampton Callaway, The Free Nationals, Louie Cruz Beltran, and Gary Fukushima.

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 12/8 – Poncho Sanchez at Spaghettini

Percussionist Poncho Sanchez is at Spaghettini in Seal Beach. Drummer Jason Harnell plays a holiday solo show at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Bassist Michael Islas is at The High Low in Atwater Village. The Tom Kubis Big Band plays a holiday show at the Gaslamp in Long Beach. Pianist Eric Dries is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. 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 with trumpeter Jay Jennings. 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. Calycos is at Bub & Grandma’s in Eagle Rock. The M.O.B. Jazz Quintet is at SOhO in Santa Barbara.

Tuesday 12/9 – Theo Croker at Blue Note LA

Trumpeter Theo Croker is at Blue Note LA in Hollywood for the first of two nights (Tue-Wed). Pianist Larry Fuller is at Sam First near LAX. Multi-instrumentalist Terrace Martin is at Verse LA in Toluca Lake. Vocalist Aaron Jacobs & The Swing Tones offer a Rat Pack Holiday Tribute at Catalina in Hollywood. Vocalist Becky Moon is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Guitarist Riner Scivally is at Visionarium in South Pasadena with saxophonist Glenn Cashman. The Aristocats are at Owa in Venice. 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. Vocalist Slim Man is at Vicky’s Of Santa Fe in Indian Wells. 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.

Wednesday 12/10 – Jeff Babko’s Clam City at Sam First

Pianist Jeff Babko’s Clam City is at Sam First near LAX for the first of two nights (Wed-Thu) with Tim Lefebvre on bass and Mark Guliana on drums. Trumpeter Theo Croker is at Blue Note LA in Hollywood. Vocalist Ann Hampton Callaway fronts the Barclay Jazz & Beyond Orchestra in a holiday program at the Barclay Theatre in Irvine. The Cranktones are at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Postmodern Jukebox is at The Grove in Anaheim. Drummer Charles Ruggiero is at 1881 in Pasadena. Vocalist Judy Wexler is at Garcons De Cafe in downtown L.A.  Bassist Pat Senatore is at Socalo in Santa Monica.  Guitarist Shea Welsh is at TRiP in Santa Monica. Pianist/vocalist Yve Evans is at Eddie V’s in Palm Desert. 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. Vocalist Liz Gillies does a holiday show at Vibrato in Bel Air.

Thursday 12/11 – John Daversa Big Band at The Baked Potato

Trumpeter John Daversa’s Big Band begins a four-night (Thu-Sun) run of holiday shows at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Pianist Larry Fuller is at The Grape in Ventura. Pianist Jeff Babko’s Clam City is at Sam First near LAX. Stick Men with bassist Tony Levin is at Gold-Diggers in Hollywood. Pianist Christian Sands plays a holiday show at the Cal Poly Spanos Theatre in San Luis Obispo. Bassist Marco Mendoza and guitarist Ned Evett are at Alvas Showroom in San Pedro. Vocalist Andrea Miller is at Campus Jax in Newport Beach. Vocalist Teryn Re’ is at Roost 374 in San Clemente. Vocalist Karen Celeste Cruz is at The Gardenia in West Hollywood. Pianist George Kahn does a holiday show at Jojo’s Hideaway in Tustin. Vocalist Terrell Edwards does a holiday show at Vibrato in Bel Air. The Gaslamp Quarter Jazz Orchestra is at Lou Lou’s in San Diego. The Duck Soup Trio plays the music of “A Charlie Brown Christmas” at the Cascade Lounge in Palm Springs. Saxophonist Dan St. Marseille is at The Merc in Temecula. The Noir Trio is at the Biltmore Hotel Gallery Bar 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. 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. Vocalist Kaylee Daugherty does a happy hour show at California English in San Diego. The Zani Duo is at Bar Bacari in Sherman Oaks. Trombonist John Egizi hosts the 805 Jazz Jam at Leashless Brewing in Ventura.

Friday 12/12 – Mike Stern at Catalina Jazz Club

Guitarist Mike Stern begins a two-night (Fri-Sat) run at Catalina in Hollywood. Pianist Christian Sands begins a two-night (Fri-Sat) run of holiday shows at The Soraya in Northridge. Guitarist Yotam Silberstein is at Sam First near LAX for the first of two nights (Fri-Sat). Trumpeter John Daversa’s Big Band does a holiday show at The Baked Potato in Studio City. The Free Nationals are at Blue Note LA in Hollywood. Vocalist Janis Mann is at the Canyon Bistro in Topanga. The Two Trees Jazz Project is at The Grape in Ventura. Pianist George Kahn does a holiday show at Vibrato in Bel Air. Drummer Brian Collier is at Bar Bacari in Silverlake. Vocalists Matt Forbes and Jesse Goddard are at The Dresden in Los Feliz. The Jazz Cartel is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Vocalist Erin Stevenson does a holiday show at Spaghettini in Seal Beach. Vocalist Kaylee Daugherty is at Books & Records in San Diego. Drummer/vocalist Dave Tull is at Eddie V’s in El Segundo. Drummer Joel Taylor is at 1881 in Pasadena. The OC Jazz Collective is at the OC Fish Grill in Irvine. Guitarist Doug MacDonald is at Vicky’s Of Santa Fe in Indian Wells with vocalist Beverly Jensen. Trumpeter Chris Lawrence is at Bar Bacari in Sherman Oaks. Bassist Teddy Bang is at the Culver Hotel in Culver City. Vocalist Chloe Perrier is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. The Woody James Legacy Band does an afternoon show at the Mayflower Club in North Hollywood. The Saddleback Jazz Combos are at the McKinney Theatre in Mission Viejo.

Saturday 12/13 – Christian Sands at The Soraya

Pianist Christian Sands plays a holiday show at The Soraya in Northridge. Saxophonist Charles Lloyd is at the Soka Performing Arts Center in Aliso Viejo. Guitarist Mike Stern is at Catalina in Hollywood. Guitarist Yotam Silberstein is at Sam First near LAX. Trumpeter John Daversa’s Big Band does a holiday show at The Baked Potato in Studio City. The Free Nationals are at Blue Note LA in Hollywood. Guitarist Alex Sill is at Bar Bacari in Sherman Oaks. Percussionist /vocalist Louie Cruz Beltran does a holiday show at Vibrato in Bel Air. Trumpeter Greg Adams & East Bay Soul do a holiday show at Spaghettini in Seal Beach. Pianist George Kahn plays a holiday show at The Grape in Ventura. Bassist Anthony Cappeto is at Bar Bacari in Culver City. Pianist Todd Hunter is at 1881 in Pasadena. Vocalist Natalie Hanna Mendoza is at the Pasadena Ballroom Dance Association. Vocalist Alicia Beach is at Visionarium in South Pasadena. Vocalist Carolyn Martinez is at The Gardenia in West Hollywood. The ESP Jazz Collective is at the Black Rail Kitchen & Bar in Carlsbad. Vocalist Andrea Miller is at Simply Fish in Costa Mesa. Pianist Stuart Elster 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. 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. 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. Vocalist Craig Cochrane does a brunch at Visionarium in South Pasadena. Vocalist Mando Cordova is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Tino Productions is at Cicada in downtown L.A. Black Diamonds are at Azo Vino in Covina.

Sunday 12/14 – The Free Nationals at Blue Note LA

The Free Nationals are at Blue Note LA in Hollywood for the last of three nights (Fri-Sun). Trumpeter John Daversa’s Big Band does a holiday show at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Pianist Gary Fukushima is at Bub & Grandma’s in Eagle Rock. Guitarist Adam Hawley does a holiday show at Vibrato in Bel Air. Keyboardist/vocalist Wayne Linsey does a holiday show at Catalina in Hollywood. The Bean Tones open for drummer Kevin Kanner’s jazz jam at The Mint in West L.A. Tabla Rasa is at Dizzy’s in San Diego. Drummer/vocalist Bryan Cabrera and pianist Ron Kobayashi are at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Pianist Scott Wilkie does a holiday show at Spaghettini in Seal Beach. Bassist Darryl Williams is at Humphrey’s Backstage in San Diego. Vocalist Rose Colella is at Via Rodeo in Beverly Hills. The South Bay New Orleans Jazz Club does an afternoon show at Alvas Showroom in San Pedro. The Soto Six are at Panama 66 in San Diego. Drummer Nathan Gutierrez opens for saxophonist Spencer Bowie at Collage in San Pedro. Guitarist Carlos Velasco is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Vocalist Kat Edmondson is at the Pepperdine Smothers Theatre in Malibu. 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. 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. Saxophonist Nick Gomez has the early jazz brunch at the Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach. Vocalist Mandy Kemp is at Visionarium in South Pasadena for a brunch.

Monday 12/15 – Charles Lloyd at Blue Note LA

Saxophonist Charles Lloyd is at Blue Note LA in Hollywood with Gerald Clayton on piano, Larry Grenadier on bass, and Kweku Sumbry on drums. Coevality is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Saxophonist Bob Sheppard is at The High Low in Atwater Village. Vocalist/flutist Amber Navran is at the Hotel Covell in Hollywood. Saxophonist Eric Marienthal is at Spaghettini in Seal Beach with saxophonist Richard Elliott. Pianist/vocalist Christopher Linman is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Vocalist Rose Colella is at Via Rodeo in Beverly Hills. 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. Drummer Izzak Weatherwax hosts a jam at Three Clubs in Hollywood. The SMC Jazz Ensemble is at the Santa Monica College PAC in Santa Monica.

Tuesday 12/16 – Robert Glasper at Blue Note LA

Pianist Robert Glasper is at Blue Note LA in Hollywood for the first of two nights (Tue-Wed) with vocalist Ari Lennox. Multi-instrumentalist Terrace Martin is at Verse L.A. in Toluca Lake. Nutty is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Vocalist Melissa Errico is at Catalina in Hollywood with pianist Billy Stritch for a holiday show. Trumpeter Elliott Caine is at Visionarium in South Pasadena. Vocalist Lia Booth is at La Puglia in Santa Monica. Guitarist Angelo Metz is at TRiP in Santa Monica. Trumpeter/vocalist Matt Von Roderick is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Trombonist Ryan Porter leads the Tuesday Happenings Jam Session at Sam First near LAX. Guitarist David Eastlee is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. Vocalist Rose Colella is at Via Rodeo in Beverly Hills. 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. The Broadway Brass Band hosts a Hanukkah party at Venice West in Venice.

Wednesday 12/17 – Dmitris Jimmy Mahlis at Birds Of A Feather Jazz Lounge

Guitarist and oud player Dmitris Jimmy Mahlis is at the Birds Of A Feather Jazz Lounge in downtown L.A. with Jerry Watts on bass and Chris Wabich on drums. Night One of the Minaret Jazz Festival at Lodge Room in Highland Park features the Louis Cole Big Band and trombonist Kalia Vandiver. Bassist Emiliano Lasansky is at Sam First near LAX. Vocalist Lynne Fiddmont does a holiday show at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Pianist Robert Glasper is at Blue Note LA in Hollywood with vocalist Ari Lennox. Percussionist/vocalist Louie Cruz Beltran is at Catalina in Hollywood for a holiday show. Guitarist Greg Poree is at Visionarium in South Pasadena. Pianist Joe Rotondi is at Eddie V’s in El Segundo. Trumpeter John Reynolds plays an evening of holiday music at Lou Lou’s in San Diego. Vocalist Rose Colella is at Via Rodeo in Beverly Hills. 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. Les Bons Garcons is at Garcons De Cafe in downtown L.A. The Honey Bees are at Tio Leo’s Lounge in San Diego. Trumpeter Grant Hungerford leads a jam at Collage in San Pedro.