About & Out – What’s Hot In SoCal Jazz – Week Of December 15, 2025

December continues with a SoCal jazz week featuring Robert Glasper, Charles Lloyd, Alan Pasqua, Terrace Martin, The Louis Cole Big Band, Carol Robbins, Dmitris Jimmy Mahlis, Kalia Vandiver, Bob Sheppard, Amber Navran, Benny Rietveld, Wil Blades, and Emiliano Lasansky.

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 around holidays. The LAjazz.com Quick Calendar lists events and showtimes three days in advance on the LAjazz.com home page.

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. Saxophonist Bob Sheppard is at The High Low in Atwater Village. Vocalist/flutist Amber Navran is at the Hotel Covell in Hollywood. Coevality is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. 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.  Vocalist Michelle Coltrane is at The Famous in Glendale.  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. Jumpin’ Joz is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena.

Thursday 12/18 – Carol Robbins at Sam First

Harpist Carol Robbins is at Sam First near LAX with Billy Childs on piano, Bob Sheppard on sax, Dan Chmielinski on bass, and Christian Euman on drums. Bassist Benny Rietveld is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Pianist Robert Glasper continues a run at Blue Note LA in Hollywood for the first of four nights (Thu-Sun). The Korbin Jones Big Band and Katalyst split a bill at The Mint in West L.A. Guitarist Angelo Metz is at Alvas Showroom in San Pedro. The Jason Goldman 17-piece big band does a holiday show at Vibrato in Bel Air. The LA Phil led by Thomas Wilkins begins a four-day/night (Thu-Sun) run at Walt Disney Hall in downtown L.A. with a program that includes Duke Ellington’s “The Nutcracker Suite”. Trumpeter Gilbert Castellanos is at Lou Lou’s in San Diego. Vocalist Linda Eder does a holiday show at the Barclay Theatre in Irvine. Vocalist Donna Deussen and guitarist Riner Scivally are at the Thai Fusion Bistro in West Hills. Vocalists Georgia Anne Muldrow and Aja Monet are at Lodge Room in Highland Park. Saxophonist Chuck Johnson is at Visionarium in South Pasadena. Millstone Reverie is at the Hotel Covell in Hollywood. Vocalist Mark Kopitzke & The Nightcaps are at Roost 374 in San Clemente. The Duck Soup Trio is at Campus Jax in North Hollywood. The Sabor Jazz Collective does a Latin Jazz Christmas show at Catalina in Hollywood. Guitarist Nadav Peled is at Bar Bacari in Sherman Oaks. Pianist Gregg Karukas does a holiday show at The Grape in Ventura. Drummer James Yoshizawa is at Bar Bacari in Silverlake. Drummer/vocalist Dave Tull is at Eddie V’s in El Segundo. Pianist/vocalist Yve Evans is at The Merc in Temecula. Vocalist Liz Ajuzie & The Moodswings are at Tio Leo’s Lounge in San Diego. Drummer Jake Tompkins is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Pianist Matt Politano is at Via Rodeo in Beverly Hills. Saxophonist Tony Barba is at Healing Force Of The Universe in Pasadena. Pianist Michael Bluestein 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.

Friday 12/19 – Wil Blades at Healing Force Of The Universe

Organist Wil Blades is at Healing Force Of The Universe in Pasadena with Jeff Parker on guitar and Roy McCurdy on drums. Drummer Christian Euman does a holiday show at Motivo LA in Atwater Village. Jazz musical satirist Hans Gronier is at Sam First near LAX. Pianist Robert Glasper is at Blue Note LA in Hollywood. Vocalist Natalie Hanna Mendoza does a holiday show at Vibrato in Bel Air. The LA Phil led by Thomas Wilkins is at Walt Disney Hall in downtown L.A. with a morning program that includes Duke Ellington’s “The Nutcracker Suite”. Saxophonist Dave Koz begins a two night (Fri-Sat) run of holiday shows at the Cerritos Center For The Performing Arts. Guitarist Peter Sprague leads a holiday program at The Conrad in La Jolla for the first of two nights (Fri-Sat). Drummer/vocalist Dave Tull is at Eddie V’s in El Segundo. Saxophonist Justin Chart is at Sogno Toscano in Santa Monica.  Vocalist Cynthia Gonzalez is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego.  Guitarist Joe Bonomassa begins a five-night (Thu-Tue) run with his band Rock Candy Funk Party at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Pianist/saxophonist Curtis Crump, Jr. and vocalist Brian McKnight, Jr. do a holiday show at Bar Bacari in Silverlake. Guitarist Dusty Brough is at Bar Bacari in Culver City. The Garners are at Books & Records in San Diego. Guitarist Mark Carter is at Azo Vino in Covina. Drummer Joel Taylor is at 1881 in Pasadena.  Guitarist Doug MacDonald is at Vicky’s Of Santa Fe in Indian Wells with vocalist Francesca Amari. 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. Vocalist Douglas Roegiers is at Cicada in downtown L.A. The Woody James Legacy Band does an afternoon show at the Mayflower Club in North Hollywood.

Saturday 12/20 – Alan Pasqua at Sam First

Pianist Alan Pasqua is at Sam First near LAX with Darek Oles on bass and Steve Hass on drums. Pianist Robert Glasper is at Blue Note LA in Hollywood. The LA Phil led by Thomas Wilkins is at Walt Disney Hall in downtown L.A. with a program that includes Duke Ellington’s “The Nutcracker Suite”. Vocalist Donna Deussen is at 1881 in Pasadena. Harpist Minta Spencer is at Bar Bacari in Sherman Oaks. Saxophonist Dave Koz does a holiday show at the Cerritos Center For The Performing Arts. Guitarist Karl Evangleista is at Healing Force Of The Universe in Pasadena. Trumpeter Elliott Caine is at Visionarium in South Pasadena. Guitarist Peter Sprague leads a holiday program at The Conrad in La Jolla. The Phoenyx Big Band is at The Grape in Ventura. Guitarist Joe Bonomassa’s Rock Candy Funk Party at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Vocalist Vi Jordan does a holiday show at Vibrato in Bel Air. Vocalist Holly Pyle is at Bar Bacari in Culver City. Drummer/vocalist Dave Tull is at Eddie V’s in El Segundo. Pianist/vocalist Yve Evans is at Eddie V’s in Palm Desert. Phat Cat Swinger is at Cicada in downtown L.A. Ashley Anne & The Carnations are at the Pasadena Ballroom Dance Association. Angela O’Neill & The Outrageous 8 do a holiday show at the Mayflower Club in North Hollywood. Vocalist Janet Orsi & The Akustakats are at Alza Italian Kitchen in Rancho Santa Margarita. Saxophonist Jessy J does a holiday show at Spaghettini in Seal Beach. Vocalist Cobby Brzeski is at Books & Records in San Diego. The San Diego Latin Jazz Collective does a holiday show at Lou Lou’s in San Diego. Vocalist Shawn Thies is at SOhO in Sanrta Barbara. Pianist John Opferkuch is at the Black Rail Kitchen & Bar in Carlsbad. 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. 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. Pianist Hiro Morozumi does a brunch at Visionarium in South Pasadena. The Garners play a brunch at California English in San Diego.

Sunday 12/21 – The LA Phil Plays Ellington’s “The Nutcracker Suite” at Walt Disney Hall

The LA Phil led by Thomas Wilkins is at Walt Disney Hall in downtown L.A. for the last of a four-day/night series with an afternoon program that includes Duke Ellington’s “The Nutcracker Suite”. Pianists David Garfield and Peggy Dusquenel are at Alvas Showroom in San Pedro for a holiday show. Pianist Robert Glasper is at Blue Note LA in Hollywood. Keyboardist Cory Henry is at The Miracle Theatre in Inglewood. Vocalist Keri Kelsey is at The Gardenia in West Hollywood. Vocalist Rose Mallett is at Tio Leo’s Lounge in San Diego. Trumpeter Skip Spiro is at the Industry Cafe & Jazz in Culver City. Keyboardist/vocalist Freddie Ravel does a holiday show at Vibrato in Bel Air. Guitarist Joe Bonomassa’s Rock Candy Funk Party at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Drummer Perry Ostrin is at Tuning Fork in Studio City. The Secret Agents do a holiday show at Lou Lou’s in San Diego. Saxophonist Branden Brown is at Paradise Isle in Temple City. Pianist Michael Bluestein is at Via Rodeo in Beverly Hills. 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. Keyboardist Jay Smith has the early jazz brunch at the Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach. Vocalist Patrisha Thompson does a brunch at Cafe Laurent in West L.A.

Monday 12/22 – Mohini Dey at Blue Note LA

Indian bassist Mohini Dey is at Blue Note LA in Hollywood. The Mannerisms Quartet is at The High Low in Atwater Village.  Bassist John Clayton and pianist son Gerald Clayton are at Bacchus’ Kitchen in South Pasadena for the first of two nights (Mon-Tue) for a holiday show.  The Duck Soup Trio plays “A Charlie Brown Christmas” at Bub & Grandma’s in Eagle Rock. The Black Market Trust does a holiday show at Spaghettini in Seal Beach. Guitarist Joe Bonomassa’s Rock Candy Funk Party at The Baked Potato in Studio City. 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 drummer Brian Collier. 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. Vocalist Rose Colella is at Via Rodeo in Beverly Hills.

Tuesday 12/23 – Maurice Brown at Blue Note LA

Trumpeter Maurice “Mobetta” Brown is at Blue Note LA in Hollywood for the first of two nights (Tue-Wed).  Multi-instrumentalist Terrace Martin is at Verse L.A. in Toluca Lake.  Bassist John Clayton and pianist son Gerald Clayton are at Bacchus’ Kitchen in South Pasadena for a holiday show.  Tablula Rasa is at Sound Dhaba in downtown L.A.  Pianist Brenda Greggio offers a holiday tribute to Oscar Peterson at The Jazz Lounge in San Diego.  Pianist/vocalist Yve Evans is at Eddie V’s in Palm Desert.  Guitarist Joe Bonomassa’s Rock Candy Funk Party at The Baked Potato in Studio City.  Vocalist Adam Aejaye Jackson does a holiday show at Vibrato in Bel Air. Guitarist David Eastlee is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. 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 Adam Wolff is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Vocalist Rose Colella is at Via Rodeo in Beverly Hills. Pianist Matt Politano leads a breakfast jazz trio at Jones Coffee Roasters in Pasadena.

Wednesday 12/24 – Dave Tull at Eddie V’s El Segundo

Drummer/vocalist Dave Tull is at Eddie V’s in El Segundo. Trumpeter Maurice “Mobetta” Brown is at Blue Note LA in Hollywood. Vocalist Crystal Clulee is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Pianist/vocalist Ellis Hall does a holiday show at Vibrato in Bel Air. The ESP Jazz Collective is at the Black Rail Kitchen & Bar in Carlsbad. Vocalist Mercedes Moore is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. 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.   Jumpin’ Joz is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. Vocalist Rose Colella is at Via Rodeo in Beverly Hills.