About & Out – What’s Hot In SoCal Jazz – Week Of February 16, 2026

February continues with a SoCal jazz week including Seth MacFarlane, Tom Scott, Eliane Elias, Poncho Sanchez, Sasha Berliner, Danny Janklow, Charles Ruggiero, Delfeayo Marsalis, Nicole McCabe, Nicolas Bearde, Cory Henry, Chris Powe, Minta Spencer, and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band.

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 2/16 – Minta Spencer at The Baked Potato

Harpist Minta Spencer is at The Baked Potato in Studio City with Alex Sill on guitar, Tatiana Tate on trumpet, Tristan Cappel on sax/flute, Christian Hebel on violin, Jake Chapman on vibes, Cooper Appelt on bass, Taylor Kennedy on drums, and Eric Bobo on percussion. Guitarist Dave Harrington is at Zebulon in Silverlake. Pianist Matt Politano is at Bub & Grandma’s in Eagle Rock. Vocalist Salomea is at The High Low in Atwater Village with drummer Justin Brown. Guitarist Brad Rabuchin is at Sun Space in Shadow Hills. Vocalist Andrea Miller is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Guitarist Ottmar Liebert & Luna Negra are at SOhO in Santa Barbara. Drummer Ross McReynolds is at Club Tee Gee 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 Tommy Gannon is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Percussionist Sean Harvey is at the Hotel Covell in Hollywood.

Tuesday 2/17 – Seth MacFarlane at Walt Disney Hall

Vocalist Seth MacFarlane fronts an orchestra at Walt Disney Hall in downtown L.A. Trumpeter Jay Jennings is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Trombonist/big band leader Paul Nelson releases an album in an evening featuring vocalist Tawanda Suessbrich-Joaquim at Vibrato in Bel Air. Pianist Gerald Clayton hosts the Tuesday Happenings Jam Session at Sam First near LAX. Drummer Gorden Campbell is at The Mint in West L.A. The Euphoria Brass Band is at Lou Lou’s in San Diego. Trumpeter/vocalist John Michael Bradford is at Bacchus’ Kitchen in South Pasadena for a dinner show, followed by a late show at Gold-Diggers in Hollywood. Saxophonist John Lindsay is at Visionarium in South Pasadena. Guitarist Angelo Metz is at TRiP in Santa Monica. Keyboardist Kirk Andres Wilson is at Campus Jax in Newport Beach. Trumpeter/vocalist Matt Von Roderick is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. 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. Jumpin’ Joz is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. Guitarist Carlos Velasco is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Trumpeter Aaron Adame leads a Latin jazz jam session at Sound Dhaba in downtown L.A. Vocalist Marguaret Love & The Lovettes are at La Puglia in Santa Monica. Pianist Matt Politano leads a breakfast jazz trio at Jones Coffee Roasters in Pasadena.

Wednesday 2/18 – Charles Ruggiero at The Baked Potato

Drummer Charles Ruggiero is at The Baked Potato in Studio City with Bob Reynolds on sax, Andrew Renfroe on guitar, and Mike Gurrola on bass. Saxophonists Danny Janklow and Baptiste Herbin are at Verse LA in Toluca Lake. Saxophonist Jerome Sabbaugh is at Sam First near LAX. Vocalist Nicolas Bearde sings the music of Al Jarreau at Vibrato in Bel Air. Saxophonist Chris Powe is at the Birds Of A Feather Jazz Lounge in downtown L.A. Trombonist Delfeayo Marsalis & The Uptown Jazz Orchestra are at the UCSD Mandeville Auditorium in San Diego. Organist Brian Charette is at Gran Blanco in Venice. Jim Caruso’s Cast Party with pianist Billy Stritch is at Catalina in Hollywood. The Preservation Hall Jazz Band is at The Soraya in Northridge. Trumpeter Elliott Caine is at Visionarium in South Pasadena. Vocalist Aaron Jacobs & The Swing Tones are at the Velvet Martini Lounge at Vitello’s in Studio City. Vocalists Benny Benack III, Robbie Lee, and Shenel Johns are at the McCallum Theatre in Palm Springs. Guitarist Mitchell Long is at 1881 in Pasadena. Minaret Records presents an evening of solo pianists at Healing Force Of The Universe in Pasadena including Vardan Ovsepian and Christina Galisatus.  Pianist Eve Elliot is at Garcons De Cafe in downtown L.A. Harpist Maia is at Sound Dhaba in downtown L.A.  Saxophonist Alex Rashad is at Sun Space in Shadow Hills.  Bassist Emiliano Lasansky is at The Famous in Glendale. 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. Sylvia & The Rhythm Boys are at the Culver Hotel in Culver City. 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. Vocalist Douglas Roegiers is at Hawg Heaven BBQ in Pasadena. Keyboardist Bryard Huggings is at The Drake in Laguna Beach.

Thursday 2/19 – Sasha Berliner at Sam First

Vibraphonist Sasha Berliner is at Sam First near LAX for the first of two nights (Fri-Sat) with Luca Mendoza on piano, Max Gerl on bass, and Christian Euman on drums. Vocalists Cathy Segal-Garcia and Sidney Jacobs are at Birds Of A Feather Jazz Lounge in downtown L.A. The Chad Willis Jazz Orchestra with vocalist Mark Kopitzke is at Campus Jax in Newport Beach. Pianist Eric Dries is at Jojo’s Hideaway in Tustin with vocalist Lia Booth. Vocalist Nicolas Bearde is at The Merc in Temecula. Vocalist/keyboardist Tim Hockenberry is at Vibrato in Bel Air. The Pepper Moons are at the Biltmore Hotel Galley Bar in downtown L.A. Work In Progress is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Vocalists Blinky Williams, Lynda Laurence, Scherrie Payne, and Miguel Herrera are at Catalina in Hollywood. Guitarist Victor Baker is at Lou Lou’s in San Diego. Guitarist Masami Kuroki is at Ramen Izakaya in Van Nuys. Guitarist Nick Mycio is at Bar Bacari in Sherman Oaks. Bread & Butter are at Visionarium in South Pasadena. Vocalist Liz Ajuzie & The Moodswings are at Tio Leo’s Lounge in San Diego. Vocalist Lynda Kay is at the Cascade Lounge in Palm Springs. 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. Saxophonist Pascal Valcasara is at the Culver Hotel in Culver City. 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. Vocalist Madi Freeman is at Roost 374 in San Clemente. Pianist Kevin Tokarz is at Eddie V’s in Palm Desert.

Friday 2/20 – Tom Scott at The Baked Potato

Saxophonist Tom Scott is at The Baked Potato in Studio City for the first of two nights (Fri-Sat) with Aaron Janik on trumpet, Ruslan Sirota on keys, Chris Colangelo on bass, and Gary Novak on drums. Saxophonist Danny Janklow is at Birds Of A Feather Jazz Lounge in downtown L.A. Percussionist Poncho Sanchez is at Catalina in Hollywood for an album release show. Vibraphonist Sasha Berliner is at Sam First near LAX. The Rebirth Brass Band is at The Miracle Theatre in Inglewood. Pianist Miro Sprague is at Healing Force Of The Universe in Pasadena. Pianist/vocalist Ben Sidran is at the Annenberg Theater in Palm Springs for an afternoon show, followed by an evening show from bassist Stanley Clarke. The New Orleans Groove Masters are at The Broad Stage in Santa Monica. Vocalists Leonard Patton and Jane Monheit offer a tribute to Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald at The Jazz Lounge in San Diego. Pianist/vocalist Kelly Green is at The Grape in Ventura. Guitarist Dave Asken and saxophonist Jeff Benedict are at the Canyon Crest Winery in Riverside. Saxophonist Aaron Shaw celebrates an album release at 2220 Arts + Archives in downtown L.A. Vocalist Amanda Castro is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Vocalist Sacha Boutros is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Pino Noir is at Cicada in downtown L.A. Pianist Veritus Miller is at The World Stage in South L.A. Guitarist Peter Sprague is at Ki’s Restaurant in Cardiff. Trumpeter John Reynolds is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Vocalist Lindsey Webster is at Spaghettini in Seal Beach. Pianist Sue Palmer is at Golden Island in San Diego.  The Synergypsy Jazz Quartet is at Dizzy’s in San Diego. Trumpeter Greg Solman is at Azo Vino in Covina. Saxophonist Jerome Sabbaugh is at Semi Tropic Wines in Costa Mesa. Vocalist Adryon De Leon is at Bar Bacari in Silverlake. Calle 6 is at the Artistry Wine Lounge in Long Beach. Pianist Mitchell Campbell is at Visionarium in South Pasadena. Saxophonist Justin Chart is at Sogno Toscano in Santa Monica. The SoCal Jazz Collective is at the OC Fish Grill in Irvine. Drummer/vocalist Dave Tull is at Eddie V’s in El Segundo. Vocalist Sacha Boutros is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Drummer Joel Taylor is at 1881 in Pasadena. Guitarist Doug MacDonald is at Vicky’s Of Santa Fe in Indian Wells with trumpeter Wayne Cobham. Trumpeter Chris Lawrence III 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. 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 2/21 – Nicole McCabe at Sam First

Saxophonist Nicole McCabe celebrates an album release at Sam First near LAX with Julien Knowles on trumpet, Luca Mendoza on piano, Logan Kane on bass, and Myles Martin on drums.  Pianist Eliane Elias is at the Plaza Theatre in Palm Springs for an afternoon show, followed by an evening show from the Preservation Hall Jazz Band. Percussionist Poncho Sanchez is at Catalina in Hollywood for an album release show. Saxophonist Tom Scott is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Vocalist Judy Wexler is at 1881 in Pasadena. The Count Basie Orchestra with vocalist Nnenna Freelon is at the McCallum Theatre in Palm Springs. Guitarist/vocalist Carl Verheyen is at Alvas Showroom in San Pedro. Vocalists Leonard Patton and Jane Monheit offer a tribute to Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald at The Jazz Lounge in San Diego. Vocalist Amy Keys is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Saxophonist Sal Lozano is at the Saddleback McKinney Theatre in Mission Viejo. The Rebirth Brass Band is at Lou Lou’s in San Diego. The FTC Trio with trumpeter Jun Ilda is at The Crush Pad in Pasadena. Saxophonist Mindi Abair and guitarist Peter White are at the Westin Resort & Spa in Rancho Mirage. Vocalist Cybill Shepherd is at the Palm Springs Cultural Center in Palm Springs. Trumpeter Darrel Leonard’s Line-Up is at The Stonehaus in Westlake Village. Bassist David Hughes is at the Artistry Wine Lounge in Long Beach. Vocalist Janet Orsi & The Akustakats are at the Alza Italian Kitchen in Rancho Santa Margarita. The Jazz Cartel is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Guitarist Nils is at Spaghettini in Seal Beach. Vocalist Cobby Brzeski is at Books & Records in San Diego. Saxophonist Jerome Sabbaugh is at the Laguna Beach Cultural Arts Center. Trumpeter Wayne Cobham is at the Z Club in Joshua Tree. Keyboardist Herman Jackson is at The Grape in Ventura. The Tiago Bass Trio is at Bar Bacari in Culver City. Pianist Marc LeBrun 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. 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. Sylvia & The Rhythm Boys are at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. Vocalist Jennifer Keith is at Cicada in downtown L.A. The Swingsations are at the Pasadena Ballroom Dance Association. Pianist Kevin Tokarz is at Eddie V’s in Palm Desert. Pianist Eric Scott Reed leads an afternoon workshop at The World Stage in South L.A. Vocalist Cathy Segal-Garcia does a morning brunch gig at Brightside California Kitchen in Santa Monica. Pianist Stu Pearlman and bassist Leslie Baker lead an open mic brunch at Visionarium in South Pasadena. Vocalist Mark Christian Miller does a brunch at the Birds Of A Feather Jazz Lounge in downtown L.A.

Sunday 2/22 – Alan Chan Jazz Orchestra at The Baked Potato

The Alan Chan Jazz Orchestra is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Keyboardist Cory Henry is at The Miracle Theatre in Inglewood. Vocalist Lisa Fisher and Grand Baton are at the Plaza Theatre in Palm Springs for an afternoon show, followed by an evening show from bassist/vocalist Esperanza Spalding. The Preservation Hall Jazz Band is at the Barclay Theatre in Irvine. Pianist Danny Green is at Tio Leo’s Lounge in San Diego. Bassist Aubrey Situmorang hosts a jam session at The World Stage in South L.A. Bassist Marcus Buser is at Bub & Grandma’s in Eagle Rock. Trumpeter Darrel Leonard’s Line-Up is at The Stonehaus in Westlake Village. Saxophonist Patrick Lamb is at Humphrey’s Backstage in San Diego. Guitarist Jack West is at Catalina in Hollywood. Vocalist/pianist Freddie Ravel is at Vibrato in Bel Air. The Josh Nelson USC Jazz Combo opens for drummer Kevin Kanner’s jazz jam session at The Mint in West L.A. The Free Agents are at Big Jim’s Family Restaurant in Sun Valley. Guitarist Mychael Moaze and the Urban Gypsys are at Roost 374 in San Clemente. Vocalist Whitney Shay is at Panama 66 in San Diego. 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. Guitarist Mark Carter is at the Red Lounge Cafe in Glendora for an afternoon show. Vocalist Lia Booth has the early brunch at the Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach. Vocalist Sharon Marie Cline and pianist Todd Hunter do a brunch at Visionarium in South Pasadena. Vocalist Natalie Hanna Mendoza does a brunch at The Ordinaire in Long Beach.

Monday 2/23 – Somi at Blue Note LA

Vocalist Somi is at Blue Note LA in Hollywood. Bassist Hadrien Feraud is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. The Genesys Project is at The High Low in Atwater Village. Saxophonist Eric Marienthal is at Spaghettini in Seal Beach with guitarist Peter White. The Tom Kubis Big Band is at the Gaslamp in Long Beach. Saxophonist Logan Hone is at Bub & Grandma’s in Eagle Rock. Pianist Adam Wolff 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. The SBCC Big band is at SOhO in Santa Barbara. The Orange County School of Arts Jazz Quartet is at The Drake in Laguna Beach.

Tuesday 2/24 – Ben Sidran at Vibrato

Pianist/vocalist Ben Sidran is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Saxophonist Katja Rieckerman is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Trumpeter Julien Knowles hosts the Tuesday Happenings Jam Session at Sam First near LAX. The Compcord Ensemble is at The Jazz Lounge 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. 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 Teddy Bang is at the Culver Hotel in Culver City. Jumpin’ Joz is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. RC & Noir are at Visionarium in South Pasadena. Guitarist Carlos Velasco is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Pianist Matt Politano leads a breakfast jazz trio at Jones Coffee Roasters in Pasadena.

Wednesday 2/25 – Kelly Green at Sam First

Pianist/vocalist Kelly Green is at Sam First near LAX with Elijah J. Thomas on flute, Luca Soul Rosenfeld on bass, and Evan Hyde on drums. Saxophonist Patrick Lamb is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Guitarist Riner Scivally is at Visionarium in South Pasadena.  Quarteto Nuevo is at Mozambique in Laguna Beach.  Pianist Mikan Zlatkovich is at The Manhattan in La Jolla. Guitarist Angelo Metz is at Native Fields in Walnut.  Sylvia & The Rhythm Boys are at the Culver Hotel in Culver City.  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.  Pianist Sam Ross is at Garcons De Cafe in downtown L.A. French vocal group Paris Chansons celebrates an album release at Vibrato in Bel Air.