About & Out – What’s Hot In SoCal Jazz – Week Of March 9, 2026

March continues with a SoCal jazz week including The Bad Plus with Chris Potter, Marvin “Smitty” Smith, Bill Cunliffe, Charlie Hunter, Greg Howe, The West Coast Jazz Hour Big Band, Tammy McCann, Emma Smith, Bernie Dresel, Toninho Horta, Brian Swartz, Nolan Shaheed, Connie Han, and Paul Peress.

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 3/9 – Charlie Hunter at Blue Note LA

Guitarist Charlie Hunter is at Blue Note LA in Hollywood. Blanco Diablo is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Saxophonist Daniel Rotem is at the Hotel Covell in Hollywood. Pianist Matt Politano is at Bub & Grandma’s in Eagle Rock. Guitarist Riner Scivally is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. Saxophonist Michael Lington is at Spaghettini in Seal Beach with vocalist Hailey Reinhart. 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. Keyboardist Bryard Huggins is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. The SBCC Monday Madness Jazz Orchestra is at SOhO in Santa Barbara.

Tuesday 3/10 – The Bad Plus with Chris Potter & Craig Taborn at Blue Note LA

The Bad Plus with saxophonist Chris Potter and pianist Craig Taborn play the music of Keith Jarrett at Blue Note LA in Hollywood for the first of two nights (Tue-Wed). Drummer Bernie Dresel’s BBB big band is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. L.A. musicians gather at Catalina Jazz Club in Hollywood for a tribute to the late Dan Davilla, including Will Brahm, Cathy Segal-Garcia, Larry Koonse, and many more. Brazilian guitarist Toninho Horta is at Lodge Room in Highland Park. Pianist Gerald Clayton hosts the Tuesday Happenings Jam Session at Sam First near LAX. Guitarist Doug MacDonald and vocalist Mindy Austin are at Visionarium in South Pasadena. The Irvine Barclay jazz band is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Vibraphonist Chris Stevens is at Spaghettini in Seal Beach. Trumpeter Skylar Tang is at Dizzy’s in San Diego. Big Time Operator is at Tio Leo’s 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. Bassist Teddy Bang is at the Culver Hotel in Culver City. Jumpin’ Joz is at Edwin Mills in 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 3/11 – West Coast Jazz Hour Big Band at Vibrato

The West Coast Jazz Hour Big Band is at Vibrato in Bel Air featuring Josh Nelson on piano and Kevin van den Elzen on drums. Trumpeter Brian Swartz is at Sam First near LAX. The Bad Plus with saxophonist Chris Potter and pianist Craig Taborn play the music of Keith Jarrett at Blue Note LA in Hollywood.  Drummer Jimmy Branly is at 1881 in Pasadena. Pianist Yuko Mabuchi is at Catalina in Hollywood. Pink Martini is at the Barclay Theatre in Irvine. Guitarist David Eastlee is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. Saxophonist Chuck Johnson is at Visionarium in South Pasadena. Vocalist Meloney Collins is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Vocalist Natalie Hanna Mendoza 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. TUBOP is at Chapter One in Santa Ana. 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. Roccadile’s New Orleans Music Experience is at Sound Dhaba in downtown L.A.

Thursday 3/12 – Tammy McCann at Catalina Jazz Club

Vocalist Tammy McCann is at Catalina in Hollywood with Tamir Hendelman on piano, John Clayton on bass, and Cl;ayton Cameron on drums. Brazilian drummer Edu Ribeiro is at Sam First near LAX. Vocalist Georgia Anne Muldrow is at 2220 Arts + Archives in downtown L.A. The Bad Plus with saxophonist Chris Potter and pianist Craig Taborn play the music of Keith Jarrett at The Conrad in La Jolla. Vocalist Teryn Re is at Roost 374 in San Clemente. Trumpeter Gilbert Castellanos is at Lou Lou’s in San Diego. Vocalist Spencer Day is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Guitarist Nadav Peled is at Bar Bacari in Sherman Oaks. Guitarist Greg Poree is at Visionarium in South Pasadena. The Big Band Express is at Tio Leo’s Lounge in San Diego. The Fez Jazz Quartet is at 1881 in Pasadena.  Drummer/vocalist Dave Tull is at The Merc in Temecula.  Pianist Joe Rotondi is at Eddie V’s in El Segundo. Guitarist Mitchell Long is at Divina Cucina in Montrose. Four And More are at Casey’s Tavern in Canoga Park. Guitarist Dave Askren 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. Pianist/vocalist John Proulx is at the Langham Hotel Tap Room in Pasadena. Vocalist Cobby Brzeski is at Harbor & Sky in San Diego. Vocalist Kaylee Daugherty does a happy hour show at California English in San Diego.

Friday 3/13 – Marvin “Smitty” Smith at Birds Of A Feather Jazz Lounge

Drummer Marvin “Smitty” Smith is at the Birds Of A Feather Jazz Lounge in downtown L.A. with Alonzo Demetrius on trumpet, DeVaughn Durham and Alex Johnson on saxes, Lemar Guillary on trombone, Adam Ledbetter on piano, Rene Camacho on bass, and Christian Moraga on percussion. Pianist Bill Cunliffe is at Sam First near LAX. Guitarist Greg Howe is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Amendola vs. Blades is at Healing Force Of The Universe in Pasadena. Guitarist Lyle Workman is at Alvas Showroom in San Pedro. Catatonic is at Visionarium in South Pasadena. Guitarist Peter Sprague is at Ki’s Restaurant in Cardiff. Pink Martini is at the Fred Kavli Theatre in Thousand Oaks. Havana Nights offers a tribute to Benny More at Catalina in Hollywood. Saxophonist BK Jackson is at Spaghettini in Seal Beach. Saxophonist Sam Greenfield is at Lou Lou’s in San Diego. Drummer/vocalist Dave Tull is at Eddie V’s in El Segundo. The SoCal Jazz Collective is at the OC Fish Grill in Irvine. Drummer Joel Taylor is at 1881 in Pasadena. Guitarist Doug MacDonald is at Vicky’s Of Santa Fe in Indian Wells with vocalist Trish Hatley. 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. Vocalist Grace Fae & The Grandbirds are at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. Jerry Costanzo & His Gotham City Swingers are at Cicada in downtown L.A. Vocalist Mercedes Moore is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Vocalist Mando Cordova is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Saxophonist Doug Earley is at Azo Vino in Covina. The Woody James Legacy Big Band plays an afternoon show at the Mayflower Club in North Hollywood. Drummer Barry Farrar hosts an open mic jazz jam at Paradise Lounge & Grill in San Diego.

Saturday 3/14 – Greg Howe at The Baked Potato

Guitarist Greg Howe is at The Baked Potato in Studio City for the second of two nights (Fri-Sat) with Ruslan Sirota on keys, Janek Gwizdala on bass, and Louie Palmer on drums. Trumpeter Nolan Shaheed is at Boston Court in Pasadena. Pianist Connie Han plays a solo concert and the Barclay Theatre in Irvine. Pianist Irving Flores is at Sam First near LAX. Vocalist Mon David is at the Birds Of A Feather Jazz Lounge in downtown L.A. Incendio is at Alvas Showroom in San Pedro. The Two Trees Jazz Project plays an afternoon show at The Grape in Ventura, followed by an evening show from keyboardist Lao Tizer. Drummer Brian Collier is at Bar Bacari in Culver City. Trumpeter Skylar Tang is at The World Stage in South L.A. Saxophonist Marcus Anderson at Spaghettini in Seal Beach. Vocalist Monique Renee is at Catalina in Hollywood. Vocalist Hannah Rose Lewis is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Vocalist Crystal Clulee is at the Alza Italian Kitchen in Rancho Santa Margarita. The Soto Six are at Panama 66 in San Diego. Drummer Julien Cantelm is at Bar Barcari North Park in San Diego. The Alan Wasserman Jazz Ensemble is at Pinocchio’s Pizza in Pasadena.  Drummer/vocalist Dave Tull 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. Guitarist Daryl Darden is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. Vocalist Chloe Perrier is at Cicada in downtown L.A. Guitarist Benjamin Badalian is at The Crush Pad in Pasadena. The Dave Stephens Band is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Black Diamonds are at Azo Vino in Covina. Pianist Eric Scott Reed leads an afternoon workshop at The World Stage in South L.A. Guitarist Riner Scivally and bassist Jeff Takaguchi play a brunch at Visionarium in South Pasadena. Vocalist Cathy Segal-Garcia does a morning brunch gig at Brightside California Kitchen in Santa Monica. The Garners play a brunch at California English in San Diego. Pianist/vocalist John Proulx guests with Angela O’Neill & The Outrageous 8 for a brunch at Vitello’s Velvet Martini Lounge in Studio City.

Sunday 3/15 – Paul Peress at The Baked Potato

Drummer Paul Peress is at The Baked Potato in Studio City with Toshi Yanagi on guitar, Mitchel Forman on keys, Jacob Scesney on sax, and Reggie Hamilton on bass. Vocalist Emma Smith is at Vibrato in Bel Air.  Saxophonist Vinny Golia is at Scribble in Highland Park. Pink Martini is at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts. Saxophonist Patrick Shiroishi and guitarist Jeff Parker are at Bub & Grandam’s in Eagle Rock. Highland Park Jazz opens for drummer Kevin Kanner’s Jazz Jam at The Mint in West L.A. Vocalist Spencer Day is at Lou Lou’s in San Diego. Drummer/vocalist Bryan Cabrera and pianist Ron Kobayashi are at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Saxophonist Scott Martin is at the Woodlands Concert Hall in Cambria. Aile is at Alvas Showroom in San Pedro for a late afternoon show. Vocalist Debbie Gravitte fronts a big band at the La Mirada Theatre in La Mirada for an afternoon show. The Brass Attitude Big Band is at Big Jim’s Family Restaurant in Sun Valley. Saxophonist Tom Braxton celebrates an album release at Spaghettini in Seal Beach. Bassist Darryl Williams is at Humphrey’s Backstage in San Diego. Pianist John Opferkuch is at Tio Leo’s Lounge in San Diego. Vocalist Amanda Portela is at The Barn in Ramona. 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. 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 has the early brunch at the Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach. Bassist Leslie Baker and pianist Stu Pearlman host an open mic brunch at Visionarium in South Pasadena. Vocalist Dolores Scozzesi is at the Birds Of A Feather Jazz Lounge in downtown L.A. for a brunch.

Monday 3/16 – Jon Hatamiya at The High Low

Trombonist Jon Hatamiya is at The High Low in Atwater Village with Alex Hahn on sax, Paul Cornish on piano, Logan Kane on bass, and Zev Shearn-Nance on drums. Keyboardist Adam Hersh is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Vocalist Emma Smith and pianist Tamir Hendelman are at The Jazz Lounge in San Diego. Keyboardist Taylor Blake is at Bub & Grandma’s in Eagle Rock. The Sway Collective 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 3/17 – Geoffrey Keezer at Sam First

Pianist Geoffrey Keezer is at Sam First near LAX with Edwin Livingston on bass and Marvin “Smitty” Smith on drums. Drummer Michael Carvin celebrates an album release at Vibrato in Bel Air.  Vocalist Madeleine Peyroux is at Blue Note LA in Hollywood. Trumpeter Elliott Caine is at Visionarium in South Pasadena. Vocalist Emma Smith is at Campus Jax in Newport Beach. Vocalist Tawanda Suessbrich-Joaquim is at The Ebell Of Los Angeles in downtown L.A. Vocalist Dante Chambers sings the music of Nat King Cole at the Birds Of A Feather Jazz Lounge in downtown L.A. Guitarist Lyle Workman is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Drummer Gorden Campbell is at The Mint in West L.A. Trumpeter/vocalist Matt Von Roderick is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Pink Martini opens a five-night (Tue-Sat) run at the McCallum Theatre in Palm Springs. 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. Vocalist Roman Palacios is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Keyboardist Dré Elijah leads a Latin Jazz Jam at Sound Dhaba in downtown L.A. Pianist Matt Politano leads a breakfast jazz trio at Jones Coffee Roasters in Pasadena.

Wednesday 3/18 – Dave Slonaker Big Band at Catalina Jazz Club

Composer/arranger Dave Slonaker celebrates a new big band album release at Catalina in Hollywood. Vocalist Kandace Springs sings the music of Billie Holiday at the Carpenter Center in Long Beach for the first of two nights (Wed-Thu).  Vocalist Madeleine Peyroux is at Blue Note LA in Hollywood.  Drummer Charles Ruggiero is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Trumpeter Yakiv Tsvietinskyi is at Sam First near LAX. Vocalist Seth MacFarlane is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Percussionist Brad Dutz is at the Birds Of A Feather Jazz Lounge in downtown L.A. Norwegian pianist Tord Gustavsen is at the Athenaeum Library in La Jolla. Vocalist Matt Mauser and guitarist Dave Murdy are at Campus Jax in Newport Beach. Pink Martini is at the McCallum Theatre in Palm Springs. The Maia Connection is at Sound Dhaba in downtown L.A. Trumpeter Mike Bolger is at The Mint in West L.A. 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. TUBOP is at Chapter One in Santa Ana. Sylvia & The Rhythm Boys are at the Culver Hotel in Culver City. The Soul Organ Trio is at Club 616 in Santa Ana. Pianist Tommy Gannon is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Vocalist Lia Booth is at Garcons De Cafe in downtown L.A. 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. The Besos Jazz Trio plays a late afternoon show at The Conrad in La Jolla.