About & Out – What’s Hot In SoCal Jazz – Week Of January 12, 2026

January continues with a SoCal jazz week including Stella Cole, Bob James, Roy McCurdy, Sinne Eeg, Beledo Mechanism, Aneesa Strings, Syndee Winters, Bob Reynolds, Luis Conte, Tony Austin, Nick Mancini, Jamie Kime, Mike Garson, and Sunday’s afternoon downtown performance from pianist Bill Evans’ grandson, Jaden Evans.

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 1/12 – Laura Karpman’s Music From “American Fiction” at Blue Note LA

Composer Laura Karpman leads a performance of music from “American Fiction” featuring flutist Elena Pinderhughes and trumpeter Keyon Harrold at Blue Note LA in Hollywood. Saxophonist Doug Webb is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Pianist Matt Politano is at Bub & Grandma’s in Eagle Rock. Bassist Joseph Davancens is at The High Low in Atwater Village. Saxophonist Michael Lington is at Spaghettini in Seal 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. 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.

Tuesday 1/13 – Aneesa Strings at Blue Note LA

Bassist/vocalist Aneesa Strings is at Blue Note LA in Hollywood. Vocalist Syndee Winters sings the music of Lena Horne at Vibrato in Bel Air. Guitarist Alex Skolnick is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Drummer Jonathan Pinson hosts the Tuesday Happenings Jam Session at Sam First near LAX. Guitarist Greg Poree is at Visionarium in South Pasadena. Big Time Operator is at Tio Leo’s Lounge in San Diego. Pianist/vocalist Yve Evans is at Eddie V’s in Palm Desert. The Irvine Barclay Jazz Band is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. 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. Jumpin’ Joz is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. Pianist Matt Politano leads a breakfast jazz trio at Jones Coffee Roasters in Pasadena.

Wednesday 1/14 – Sinne Eeg at Vibrato

Vocalist Sinne Eeg is at Vibrato in Bel Air with pianist Josh Nelson in an evening featuring songs from the “007” movie series. Guitarist Will Brahm is at Sam First near LAX. Beledo Mechanism is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Saxophonists Tristan Cappel and Nicole McCabe are at The Famous in Glendale. Keyboardist Quinn Johnson is at 1881 in Pasadena. Saxophonist Chuck Johnson is at Visionarium in South Pasadena. Pianist/vocalist Yve Evans is at Eddie V’s in Palm Desert. Vocalist Arin Ray is at Blue Note LA in Hollywood. Vocalist Natalie Hanna Mendoza is at Spaghettini in Seal Beach.  Guitarist David Eastlee 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. Drummer Tom Dante is at Knolls in Laguna Niguel. 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. Keyboardist Bryard Huggins is at The Drake in Laguna Beach.

Thursday 1/15 – Stella Cole at Segerstrom Samueli Theatre

Vocalist Stella Cole begins a three-night (Thu-Sat) run at the Segerstrom Samueli Theatre in Costa Mesa, backed by a trio and string quartet. Saxophonist Bob Reynolds is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Beledo Mechanism is at Alvas Showroom in San Pedro. Guitarists Vinicius Cantuária & Chico Pinheiro are at Sam First near LAX. Trumpeter Elliott Caine is at Visionarium in South Pasadena. Guitarist Alex Sill is at Bar Bacari in Sherman Oaks. Trumpeter Gilbert Castellanos is at Lou Lou’s in San Diego. Pianist Eric Dries is at The Drake in Laguna Beach with vocalist Meloney Collins. Bassist Justin Grinnell plays a tribute to Oscar Peterson at The Jazz Lounge in San Diego. Nutty is at the Cascade Lounge in Palm Springs. Vocalist Donna Deussen and guitarist Jim Fox are at the Thai Fusion Bistro in West Hills. Pianist Joe Rotondi is at Eddie V’s in El Segundo. Guitarist Christian Hernandez is at Campus Jax in Newport Beach. Vocalist Lia Booth is at Roost 374 in San Clemente. Drummer Al Williams is at The Merc in Temecula. 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. Drummer James Yoshizawa is at Bar Bacari in Silverlake. 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. The Honey Bees are at Tio Leo’s Lounge in San Diego. French vocal group Paris Chansons is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Vocalist Mercedes Moore does a happy hour show at California English in San Diego.

Friday 1/16 – Bob James at Catalina Jazz Club

Keyboardist Bob James is at Catalina in Hollywood for the first of two nights (Fri-Sat). Percussionist Luis Conte is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Drummer Tony Austin is at The World Stage in South L.A. Drummer Roy McCurdy is at Sam First near LAX for the first of two nights (Fri-Sat). Vocalist Stella Cole is at the Segerstrom Samueli Theatre in Costa Mesa. Pianist Vardan Ovsepian and vocalist Tatiana Parra are at Motivo LA in Atwater Village. Vibraphonist Nick Mancini is at The Grape in Ventura. Vocalist Amanda Castro begins a two-night (Fri-Sat) run at the Nakano Theater in Torrance. Vocalist Sacha Boutros is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Drummer/vocalist Dave Tull is at Eddie V’s in El Segundo. Vocalist Braxton Cook is at Lou Lou’s in San Diego. Saxophonist Justin Chart is at Sogno Toscano in Santa Monica. Drummer Joel Taylor is at 1881 in Pasadena. Guitarist Doug MacDonald is at Vicky’s Of Santa Fe in Indian Wells with saxophonist Doug Webb. Trumpeter Chris Lawrence is at Bar Bacari in Sherman Oaks. Bassist Teddy Bang is at the Culver Hotel in Culver City. Guitarist Dusty Brough is at Bar Bacari in Culver City. Guitarist Daryl Darden is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. The Art Deco Orchestra is at Cicada in downtown L.A. Pianist Michael Campbell is at Visionarium in South Pasadena. Drummer Perry Ostrin is at The Crush Pad in Pasadena. The Woody James Legacy Big Band plays an afternoon show at the Mayflower Club in North Hollywood.

Saturday 1/17 – Roy McCurdy at Sam First

Drummer Roy McCurdy is at Sam First near LAX with Bill Cunliffe on piano, Rickey Woodard on sax, and Mike Gurrola on bass. Vibraphonist Nick Mancini is at Alvas Showroom in San Pedro. Vocalist Stella Cole is at the Segerstrom Samueli Theatre in Costa Mesa. Pianist Mike Garson is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Keyboardist Bob James is at Catalina in Hollywood. Guitarist Thom Rotella is at The Grape in Ventura. Pianist/vocalist Jeff Goldblum is at The Troubadour in West Hollywood. Vocalist Amanda Castro begins a two-night (Fri-Sat) run at the Nakano Theater in Torrance. Trumpeter John Michael Bradford is at Bacchus’ Kitchen in South Pasadena. Drummer Blaque Dynamite is at The Mint in West L.A. Drummer/vocalist Dave Tull is at Eddie V’s in El Segundo. Vocalist Jennifer Keith is at Cicada in downtown L.A. The San Diego Latin Jazz Collective is at Lou Lou’s in San Diego. Vocalist Howie Levine does his “JazzNatra” show at Hawg Heaven BBQ in Pasadena. Guitarist Nick Mycio is at Bar Bacari in Sherman Oaks. Vocalist Amanda Portela is at Panama 66 in San Diego. Pianist John Opferkuch is at the Black Rail Kitchen & Bar in Carlsbad. 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. 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. Vocalist James Love and a trio led by pianist Todd Hunter play a brunch at Visionarium in South Pasadena. Pianist Mikan Zlatkovich does a brunch at California English in San Diego.

Sunday 1/18 – Evans On Evans at the L.A. Athletic Club

The Jazz Salon presents an afternoon of the music of Bill Evans at the downtown L.A. Athletic Club featuring bassist Chuck Israels, drummer Joe La Barbera, and pianists Tamir Hendelman and Bill’s grandson, Jaden Evans. Guitarist Jamie Kime is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Vocalist Amber Weekes is at Catalina in Hollywood. The Corbin Jones Orchestra opens for drummer Kevin Kanner’s jazz jam at The Mint in West L.A. Pianist/vocalist Jeff Goldblum is at The Troubadour in West Hollywood. Pianist Peter Smith leads an afternoon tribute to drummer Billy Higgins at his latest edition of the Stained Glass Sessions at the First Baptist Church Of Pasadena. Brazilian mandolinist Hamilton de Holanda is at the Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena. The Singers In Law are at Vibrato in Bel Air. Saxophonist Ben Flocks is at Bub & Grandma’s in Eagle Rock. Trumpeter Skip Spiro is at the Industry Cafe & Jazz in Culver City. Drummer/vocalist Dave Tull is at Eddie V’s in El Segundo. Vocalist Elena Gilliam and guitarist George Gilliam are at Campus Jax in Newport Beach. Drummer Blaque Dynamite is at Lou Lou’s in San Diego. Guitarist/vocalist Carl Verheyen is at Club Louie’s in Westlake Village. Humphrey’s By The Bay in San Diego presents an MLK Jazz Fest including pianist Kevin Flournoy. Drummer Barry Farrar leads a tribute to the late Art Blakey at Tio Leo’s Lounge in San Diego. Pianist/vocalist Holly Pyle is at Bar Bacari in Silverlake. 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. Guitarist Matthew Yeakley is at Cafe Tondo in Chinatown. 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. Vocalist Lia Booth does the early brunch at the Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach. Vocalist Logan Johnson does a brunch at the Birds Of A Feather Jazz Lounge in downtown L.A.

Monday 1/19 – Poncho Sanchez at Spaghettini

Percussionist Poncho Sanchez is at Spaghettini in Seal Beach.  Guitarist Brad Rabuchin is at Sun Space in Shadow Hills.  Vocalist Andrea Miller is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Vocalist Lorin Benedict 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. 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. Pianist Michael Wolff is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Other Delights is at Bub & Grandma’s in Eagle Rock. OHM is at The Baked Potato in Studio City.

Tuesday 1/20 – Chuck Israels Octet at Vibrato

Bassist Chuck Israels leads an octet in music from pianist Bill Evans. Saxophonist Melissa Aldana is at Sam First near LAX for the first of two nights (Tue-Wed). Guitarist Mike Keneally’s Beer For Dolphins is at The Baked Potato in Studio City for the first of two nights (Tue-Wed). Brazilian mandolinist Hamilton de Holanda is at the Athenaeum Library in La Jolla. Corcovado is at TRiP in Santa Monica. Trumpeter/vocalist Matt Von Roderick is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Guitarist Angelo Metz is at Visionarium in South Pasadena. Guitarist Shea Welsh is at La Puglia in Santa Monica. 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. Jumpin’ Joz is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. Guitarist Carlos Velasco is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Bassist Yousef Javier leads a Latin jazz jam session at Sound Dhaba in downtown L.A. Pianist Matt Politano leads a breakfast jazz trio at Jones Coffee Roasters in Pasadena.

Wednesday 1/21 – Melissa Aldana at Sam First

Saxophonist Melissa Aldana is at Sam First near LAX with Glenn Zaleski on piano, Pablo Menares on bass, and Kush Abadey on drums. Trumpeter Chief Xian aTunde Adjuah is at Lodge Room in Highland Park. Drummer Wesley Ritenour is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Vocalist Judy Wexler is at The Famous in Glendale. Guitarist Mike Keneally’s Beer For Dolphins is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. The Genesys Project is at Sound Dhaba in downtown L.A. with guest saxophonist Devin Daniels. Saxophonist Shai Golan is at Visionarium in South Pasadena. Drummer Gorden Campbell is at The Mint in West L.A. Vocalist Lia Booth is at Garcons De Cafe in downtown L.A. The Renaissance Room is at Gold-Diggers in Hollywood. Drummer Aaron Serfaty is at 1881 in Pasadena. 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 Flight 584 Big Band is at the Mayflower Club in North Hollywood. The Soul Organ Trio is at Club 616 in Santa Ana. Pianist Lori Bell is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Guitarist Doug MacDonald leads a jazz jam at the Z Club in Joshua Tree. Trumpeter Grant Hungerford leads a jazz jam at Collage in San Pedro.