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

SoCal jazz highlights this week include Ron Carter, Geoffrey Keezer, Kandace Springs, Dave Slonaker, Madeleine Peyroux, Otmaro Ruiz, Michael Carvin, Immanuel Wilkins, Quinteto Astor Piazzolla, Trombone Shorty, Jamie Kime, Tawanda Suessbrich-Joaquim, and Jon Hatamiya.

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 3/16 – 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. Vocalist Tawanda Suessbrich-Joaquim is at The Ebell Of Los Angeles in downtown L.A. Vocalist Emma Smith is at Campus Jax in Newport Beach. Trumpeter Elliott Caine is at Visionarium in South Pasadena. 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. Saxophonist Doug Webb is at 1881 in Pasadena. Trumpeter Yakiv Tsvietinskyi is at Sam First near LAX. Quarteto Nuevo opens for 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.

Thursday 3/19 – Ron Carter at Catalina Jazz Club

Bassist Ron Carter brings his Foresight Quartet to Catalina in Hollywood with Donald Vega on piano, Jimmy Greene on sax, and Payton Crossley on drums. Saxophonist Bob Reynolds is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Saxophonist Immanuel Wilkins is at Blue Note LA in Hollywood. Vocalist Kandace Springs sings the music of Billie Holiday at the Carpenter Center in Long Beach. Pianist Matt Politano plays a solo show at Birds Of A Feather Jazz Lounge in downtown L.A. Pianist Mina Choi and vocalist Andrea Miller are at Jojo’s Hideaway in Tustin. Percussionist Jonathan Scales is at Sam First near LAX. Saxophonist Kahlil Childs is at Sound Dhaba in downtown L.A. Guitarist Dave Murdy is at Campus Jax in Newport Beach. Vocalist Mark Kopitzke & The Knightcaps are at Roost 374 in San Clemente. The SoCal 7 are at Lou Lou’s in San Diego. The Alpha Rhythm Kings are at the Cascade Lounge in Palm Springs. Pink Martini is at the McCallum Theatre in Palm Springs. The Conejo Jazz Collective is at Club Louie’s in Westlake Village. Guitarist Nick Mycio is at Bar Bacari in Sherman Oaks. Trumpeter Cade Gotthardt is at Bar Bacari North Park in San Diego. Jazz Noir is at the Biltmore Hotel Gallery Bar in downtown L.A. Vocalist Lia Booth is at the Langham Hotel Tap Room in Pasadena. Brazilian vocalist/guitarist Teka is at The Merc in Temecula. Guitarist Mitchell Long is at Divina 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.  Pianist Kevin Tokarz is at Eddie V’s in Palm Desert.  Paris Chansons are at Vibrato in Bel Air.  Blanket Of Clouds is at The Grape in Ventura.

Friday 3/20 – Otmaro Ruiz at Sam First

Pianist Otmaro Ruiz is at Sam First near LAX with Kosta Kutay on sax, Edwin Livingston on bass, and Jimmy Branly on drums. Saxophonist Immanuel Wilkins is at Blue Note LA in Hollywood. Bassist Ron Carter is at Catalina in Hollywood. Percussionist Luis Conte is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Guitarist Greg Poree is at Birds Of A Feather Jazz Lounge in downtown L.A. Vocalist Holly Palmer is at Motivo LA in Atwater Village. Pink Martini is at the McCallum Theatre in Palm Springs.  Guitarist Dave Askren and saxophonist Jeff Benedict lead a quartet at the Canyon Crest Winery in Riverside.  Feels So Good is at The Grape in Ventura. Vocalist Janice Anderson is at the Canyon Bistro in Topanga. Bassist Dimitry Gorodetsky is at Bar Bacari in Silverlake. Guitarist Louie Valenzuela is at Bar Bacari North Park in San Diego. Trumpeter Greg Solman is at Azo Vino in Covina. Keyboardist Carter Key leads a tribute to Weather Report at the Jazz Lounge in San Diego for the first of two nights (Fri-Sat). Pianist Joe Rotondi 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 Sherry Williams. 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 Chloe Perrier is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. The Art Deco Jazz Orchestra is at Cicada in downtown L.A. Vocalist Cynthia Gonzalez is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Drummer Perry Ostrin is at The Crush pad in Pasadena. Guitarist Peter Pupping is at Ki’s Restaurant in Cardiff. Gabrielto y La Verdad is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Vocalist Amanda Portela is at Panama 66 in San Diego. The Woody James Legacy Big Band plays an afternoon show at the Mayflower Club in North Hollywood.

Saturday 3/21 – Immanuel Wilkins at Blue Note LA

Saxophonist Immanuel Wilkins is at Blue Note LA in Hollywood with Micah Thomas on piano, Ryoma Takenaga on bass, and Savannah Harris on drums. Quinteto Astor Piazzolla is at The Soraya in Northridge. Saxophonist Ernie Watts is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Bassist Ron Carter is at Catalina in Hollywood. Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue are at the Bridges Auditorium in Claremont. Trumpeter Tony Guerrero is at at Vibrato in Bel Air with vocalist Andrea Miller. Pianist Larry Goldings and tap dancer Melinda Sullivan are at Sam First near LAX with guitarist Anthony Wilson. Yocoya is at Alvas Showroom in San Pedro.  Flutist Ellen Burr is at Birds Of A Feather Jazz Lounge in downtown L.A.  Trumpeter Greg Adams & East Bay Soul are at Spaghettini in Seal Beach. Pink Martini is at the McCallum Theatre in Palm Springs for afternoon and evening shows. Violinist/vocalist Leah Zeger is at the Studio Channel Islands Art Center in Camarillo. Drummer Kalum Harrison celebrates a birthday at The World Stage in South L.A. The Naima Quartet is at Bacchus’ Kitchen in South Pasadena. Keyboardist Dylan Meek is at Bar Bacari in Culver City. Saxophonist Clifford Morin is at Bar Bacari North Park in San Diego. Vocalist Craig Cochrane is at Visionarium in South Pasadena. Pianist David Benoit is at Campus Jax in Newport Beach. The Jazz Cartel is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. The Garners are at Books & Records in San Diego. Trumpeter Clarence McDuffie III is at Dizzy’s in San Diego. Keyboardist Carter Key leads a tribute to Weather Report at the Jazz Lounge in San Diego. The Palladium Mambo Orchestra is at Lou Lou’s in San Diego. Pianist John Opferkuch is at the Black Rail Kitchen & Bar in Carlsbad. Drummer/vocalist Dave Tull is at Eddie V’s in El Segundo. Pianist Mikan Zlatkovich is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego with flutist Lori Bell. 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. Asheley Anne & The Carnations are at the Pasadena Ballroom Dance Association. Pianist Kevin Tokarz is at Eddie V’s in Palm Desert. Guitarist Roy Swanson is at Ki’s Restaurant in Cardiff. Pianist Eric Scott Reed leads an afternoon workshop at The World Stage in South L.A. Bread & Butter play a brunch at Visionarium in South Pasadena. Vocalist Cathy Segal-Garcia does a morning brunch gig at Brightside California Kitchen in Santa Monica.

Sunday 3/22 – Jamie Kime at The Baked Potato

Guitarist Jamie Kime is at The Baked Potato in Studio City with Matt Rohde on keys, Chris Roy on bass, Danny Carey on drums, and Andy Sanesi on percussion. Bassist Ron Carter is at Catalina in Hollywood. Guitarist Will Brahm opens for drummer Kevin Kanner’s jazz jam at The Mint in West L.A. Bassist Aubrey Situmorang is at The World Stage in South L.A. for an afternoon show and jam session. Vocalists Charmie Morales and Tina Cruz are at at Birds Of A Feather Jazz Lounge in downtown L.A. Vocalist Teryn Re’ is at the Burbank Music Academy. The Barbara Morrison Performing Arts Center in South L.A. hosts a Barbara Morrison tribute concert and fundraising event. Saxophonist Nathanial Young is at Bub & Grandma’s in Eagle Rock. Satin Keys are at The Drake in Laguna Beach. 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 Louis Valenzuela is at Tio Leo’s Lounge in San Diego. Vocalist Don Lucas is at Big Jim’s Family Restaurant in Sun Valley. Pianist Adam Wolff 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. Keyboardist Jay Smith has the early brunch at the Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach. Vocalist Donna Deussen and guitarist Jim Fox play a brunch at Visionarium in South Pasadena. Vocalist Patrisha Thomson is at Cafe Laurent in Culver City for a brunch. Vocalist Natalie Hanna Mendoza has a brunch at The Ordinaire in Long Beach. Vocalist Lisa Donahey does a brunch at the Vitello’s Velvet Martini Lounge in Studio City.

Monday 3/23 – Bob Sheppard at The High Low

Saxophonist Bob Sheppard leads a trio at The High Low in Atwater Village. Trumpeter Aaron Janik is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Saxophonist Immanuel Wilkins is at the Athenaeum Library in La Jolla. The Tom Kubis Big Band is at the Gaslamp in Long Beach. Vocalist Lady Blackbird is at Blue Note LA in Hollywood. Vocalist Andrea Miller is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. 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. Other Delights is at Bub & Grandma’s in Eagle Rock.

Tuesday 3/24 – Michelle Coltrane at La Puglia

Vocalist Michelle Coltrane is at La Puglia in Santa Monica. Drummer Andy Prado is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Drummer Jochen Rueckert is at Sam First near LAX. Guitarist Riner Scivally is at Visionarium in South Pasadena. Corcovado is at TRiP in Santa Monica. Bassist Alex Schwarz will be at Sound Dhaba in downtown L.A. 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. 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. Pianist Michael Peed is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. The Pepperdine Jazz & Wind Ensembles are at the Smothers Theatre in Malibu. Pianist Matt Politano leads a breakfast jazz trio at Jones Coffee Roasters in Pasadena.

Wednesday 3/25 – Tristan Cappel at Sam First

Saxophonist Tristan Cappel is at Sam First near LAX with Adam Hersh on piano, Max Gerl on bass, and Myles Martin on drums. Digable Planets is at Blue Note LA in Hollywood for the first of two nights (Wed-Thu). Harpist Minta Spencer is at The Famous in Glendale. The Robin Simone Hollywood Orchestra is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Vocalist Maria Schafer is at Garcons De Cafe in Downtown L.A. Quarteto Nuevo is at Mozambique in Laguna Beach. Guitarist/vocalist Rafael Moreira is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Pianist Aimee Nolte and guitarist Mike Scott play the music of George Benson at The Jazz Lounge 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. 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. RC & Noir are at Visionarium in South Pasadena.