About & Out – What’s Hot In SoCal Jazz – Week Of May 11, 2026

SoCal jazz highlights this week include Lizz Wright, Tom Scott, David Weiss, Vijay Iyer & Wadada Leo Smith, Caroline Davis, Jeff Babko, Marco Carelli, Bob Reynolds, Jamie Kime, Adam Hersh, Dr. Bruce Eskovitz, Doug Webb, Charged Particles, and Angie Wells.

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 5/11 – Adam Hersh at The Baked Potato

Keyboardist Adam Hersh is at The Baked Potato in Studio City with Tristan Cappel on sax, Evan Abounassar on trumpet, Max Walker on guitar, Mauricio Morales on bass, and Myles Martin on drums. Saxophonist Jason Hayashi is at The High Low in Atwater Village. Pianist Matt Politano is at Bub & Grandma’s in Eagle Rock. 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 with bassist Hadrien Feraud. 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 5/12 – Caroline Davis at Sam First

Saxophonist Caroline Davis is at Sam First near LAX with Julian Shore on piano, Chris Tordini on bass, and Tim Angulo on drums. Keyboardist Jeff Babko’s Session Syndicate is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Trumpeter Elliott Caine is at Visionarium in South Pasadena. Blues guitarist Josh Smith is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Big Time Operator is at Tio Leo’s Lounge in San Diego. The Kohania Trio is at La Puglia in Santa Monica. 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 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. Guitarist Carlos Velasco is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Jumpin’ Joz is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. Vibraphonist Chris Stevens plays a happy hour show at Spaghettini in Seal Beach. Pianist Matt Politano leads a breakfast jazz trio at Jones Coffee Roasters in Pasadena.

Wednesday 5/13 – Lizz Wright at Blue Note LA

Vocalist Lizz Wright is at Blue Note LA in Hollywood. Bassist Max Gerl is at Sam First near LAX. Charged Particles are at the Birds Of A Feather Jazz Lounge in downtown L.A. with saxophonist Tod Dickow. Saxophonist Doug Webb is at Dreamland in Malibu. Vocalist Elijah Rock is at Catalina in Hollywood with pianist Todd Hunter and guest vocalist Sharon Marie Cline. Guitarist Lyle Workman is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Vocalist Carolyn Hennesy is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Drummer Tom Dante is at Knolls in Laguna Niguel with vocalist Matt Mauser. Pianist Adam Wolff is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. 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. Los Compadres are at TRiP in Santa Monica. Guitarist Doug MacDonald leads a jazz jam at the Z Club in Joshua Tree. Bassist Jenelle Roccaforte leads a jam at Sound Dhaba in downtown L.A.

Thursday 5/14 – Bob Reynolds at The Baked Potato

Saxophonist Bob Reynolds celebrates an album release at The Baked Potato in Studio City with Andrew Renfroe on guitar, Mike Gurrola on bass, and Charles Ruggiero on drums. Elliot Deutsch’s Pandemonium Big Band is at Catalina in Hollywood. Vocalist Lizz Wright is at the Lobero Theatre in Santa Barbara. Flutist Lori Bell is at Sam First near LAX. The David Angel Saxtet is at the Birds Of A Feather Jazz Lounge in downtown L.A. Drummer Jacob Wendt is at Collage in San Pedro. 6 Beats Apart is at The Grape in Ventura. Pianist Chris Dawson plays the music of Irving Berlin at the Cascade Lounge in Palm Springs. Vocalist Janis Mann is at The Merc in Temecula. Bossa In Bloom is at Lou Lou’s in San Diego. Trumpeter/vocalist Matt Von Roderick is at Roost 374 in San Clemente. Drummer Julien Cantelm is at Bar Bacari North Park in San Diego. Guitarist Nick Mycio is at Bar Bacari in Sherman Oaks. Violinist PoeticMoor is at Visionarium in South Pasadena. Bassist Brandon Rose is at Montauk in Redondo Beach. Vocalist Lia Booth is at the Langham Hotel Tap Room in Pasadena. 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. 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.

Friday 5/15 – Tom Scott & The LA Express at The Baked Potato

Saxophonist Tom Scott is at The Baked Potato in Studio City for the first of two nights with Ruslan Sirota on keys, Aaron Janik on trumpet, Chris Colangelo on bass, and Joe La Barbera on drums. Drummer Marco Carelli is at Sam First near LAX. Vibraphonist Sasha Berliner is at Motivo LA in Atwater Village. One Shot Deal plays the music of Frank Zappa at The Grape in Ventura. Vocalist L. Aviva Diamond celebrates a birthday at the Birds Of A Feather Jazz Lounge in downtown L.A. with pianist Josh Nelson. The 11-day 123 Farm Jazz Festival kicks off at 123 Farm in Cherry Valley. Percussionist Tito Puente, Jr. is at Catalina in Hollywood. Trumpeter Josef Leimberg is at The World Stage in South L.A. Guitarist Thom Rotella is at the Canyon Bistro in Topanga. Pianist Julius Rodriguez is at LACMA in West L.A. Vocalist Amanda Castro is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Vocalist Lia Booth is at Bar Bacari in Silverlake. Vocalist Marilyn Maye begins a three-night (Fri-Sun) run at the Purple Room in Palm Springs. Albion Kristoff celebrates an album release at Collage in San Pedro. Guitarist Nils, saxophonist Paula Atherton, and trumpeter/vocalist Johnny Britt are at the View Music Bar in Torrance. Saxophonist Tod Dickow & Charged Particles are at Alter Ego in Long Beach. Trumpeter Greg Solman is at Azo Vino in Covina. Bassist Julian Esparza is at Bar Bacari North Park in San Diego. Vocalist Nathalie Nesh is at Montauk in Redondo Beach. Drummer Perry Ostrin is at The Crush Pad in Pasadena. Bassist Harley Magsino is at The Jazz Lounge in San Diego. Drummer/vocalist Dave Tull is at Eddie V’s in El Segundo. Drummer Joel Taylor is at 1881 in Pasadena. The SoCal Jazz Collective is at the OC Fish Grill in Irvine. Guitarist Doug MacDonald is at Vicky’s Of Santa Fe in Indian Wells with vocalist Bonnie Gilgallon. Trumpeter Chris Lawrence III is at Bar Bacari in Sherman Oaks. Bassist Teddy Bang is at the Culver Hotel in Culver City. Vocalist Chloe Perrier is at Cicada in downtown L.A. Guitarist Dusty Brough is at Bar Bacari in Culver City. Guitarist Daryl Darden is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. Vocalist Cynthia Gonzalez is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Vocalist Douglas Roegiers is at Hawg Heaven BBQ in Pasadena. Pocket Candy is at Lou Lou’s in San Diego. The Woody James Legacy Big Band plays an afternoon show at the Mayflower Club in North Hollywood.

Saturday 5/16 – David Weiss at Sam First

Trumpeter David Weiss is at Sam First near LAX with Myron Walden and Ben Solomon on saxes, David Bryant on piano, Eric Wheeler on bass, and E.J. Strickland on drums. Pianist Vijay Iyer and trumpeter Wadada Leo Smith are at The Nimoy in Westwood. Saxophonist Tom Scott is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Vocalist Angie Wells is at the Birds Of A Feather Jazz Lounge in downtown L.A. Vocalist Moor Mother & Irreversible Entanglements are at Blue Note LA in Hollywood. Vocalist Richard Shelton celebrates an album release of the music of Frank Sinatra at Vibrato in Bel Air. Vocalist Liz Whitted Dawson is at The World Stage in South L.A. Guitarist Lyle Workman is at Alvas Showroom in San Pedro. Incendio is at Boulevard Music in Culver City. Percussionist Tito Puente, Jr. is at Catalina in Hollywood. The Pepper Moons are at the Pasadena Ballroom Dance Association in Pasadena. Saxophonist Elan Trotman is at Spaghettini in Seal Beach. Vocalist Marilyn Maye is at the Purple Room in Palm Springs. Guitarist Louie Valenzuela is at Bar Bacari North Park in San Diego. Pianist Carla Bartlett is at Visionarium in South Pasadena. Vocalist Janet Orsi & The Akusta Kats are at the Alza Italian Kitchen in Rancho Santa Margarita. The Jazz Cartel is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Bassist Julien Esparza is at The Jazz Lounge in San Diego. Pianist John Opferkuch is at the Black Rail Kitchen & Bar in Carlsbad. Vocalist Kaylee Daugherty is at Harbor & Sky in San Diego. Pianist Sue Palmer is at Books & Records in San Diego. Drummer/vocalist Tony Jones is at 1881 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 with saxophonist Tripp Sprague. 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 Douglas Roegiers is at Cicada in downtown L.A. 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. Vocalist Linda A. Smith hosts an open mic brunch at Visionarium in South Pasadena. Kayla & The Keepsakes do a brunch at the Vitello’s Velvet Martini Lounge in Studio City.

Sunday 5/17 – Dave Brubeck’s “Time Out” w/Darius Brubeck & Tom Scott at The Jazz Salon

Pianist Darius Brubeck and saxophonist Tom Scott lead a group in the music of Dave Brubeck’s “Time Out” in an afternoon show at the Jazz Salon in downtown L.A. featuring drummer Joe La Barbera. Guitarist Jamie Kime is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Saxophonist Dr. Bruce Eskovitz opens for drummer Kevin Kanner’s jazz jam session at The Mint in West L.A. The LA Jazz Society hosts the annual International Vibe Summit for an afternoon show at The World Stage in South L.A. The Midnight Ensemble is at Catalina in Hollywood. Guitarist Steve Oliver is at Spaghettini in Seal Beach. Bassist Ryan Cross is at the Sierra Madre Playhouse in Sierra Madre. Soul Sauce is at Roscoe’s Jazz Lounge in Long Beach. Saxophonist Elan Trotman is at Humphrey’s Backstage in San Diego. Vocalists Dennis Gittens and Walt Strauser are at Tio Leo’s Lounge in San Diego. Vocalist Marilyn Maye is at the Purple Room in Palm Springs. Pianists Miro Sprague and Matt Politano play a four-hand piano show at Healing Force Of The Universe in Pasadena. Brazilian vocalist/guitarist Teka plays an afternoon show at the Beatrice Wood Center for The Arts in Ojai. Trumpeter Walt Johnson leads a tribute to Frank Sinatra at the Canyon Club in Agoura Hills. Vocalist Lia Booth is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. The Free Agents are at Big Jim’s Family Restaurant in Sun Valley. Drummer Perry Ostrin is at Tuning Fork in Studio City. 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 Liz Cole does a jazz brunch at Visionarium in South Pasadena. The Jazz Cartel has the early brunch at the Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach.

Monday 5/18 – YaYennings Electric Band at The Baked Potato

Trumpeter Jay Jennings is at The Baked Potato in Studio City with Bob Reynolds on sax, Julian Pollack on keys, Corbin Jones on bass, and Myles Martin on drums. The Tom Kubis Big Band is at the Gaslamp in Long Beach. Vocalist Giovanna is at Blue Note LA in Hollywood. Drummer Daniel Rossi is at The High Low in Atwater Village. Vocalist Andrea Miller is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Saxophonist Eric Marienthal is at Spaghettini in Seal Beach. 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. Other Delights are at Bub & Grandma’s in Eagle Rock.

Tuesday 5/19 – Billy Vera Big Band at Vibrato

Composer Billy Vera leads a big band at Vibrato in Bel Air. Vocalist Adryon De Leon is at Bistango in Irvine. Pianist Gerald Clayton hosts the Tuesday Happenings jam session at Sam First near LAX. Bayou Degradable is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Drummer Gorden Campbell celebrates a birthday at The Mint in West L.A. Guitarist Alfredo Cáceres is at La Puglia in Santa Monica. Corcovado is at TRiP in Santa Monica. Hagen Jazz is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. 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. Pianist Michael Peed is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Los Compadres is at TRiP in Santa Monica. Dre’ Y Aron lead 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 5/20 – Charles Ruggiero at The Baked Potato

Drummer Charles Ruggerio is at The Baked Potato in Studio City with Bob Reynolds on sax, Mike Gurrola on bass, and Andrew Renfroe on guitar. Pianist Isaiah Harwood is at Sam First near LAX. Pianist Matt Politano is at the Birds Of A Feather Jazz Lounge in downtown L.A. Groove Nation 8 is at Dreamland in Malibu. Vocalist Stephanie Pope is at Catalina in Hollywood. Guitarist Angelo Metz is at Visionarium in South Pasadena. Los Compadres and guitarist Shea Welsh are at TRiP in Santa Monica. Guitarist Lyle Workman is at The Grape in Ventura. Pianist Eve Elliot is at Garcons De Cafe in downtown L.A. Saxophonist Justin Chart is at Aurora LA in West L.A. Pianist/vocalist Christopher Linman is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Pianist/vocalist Yve Evans is at Eddie V’s in Palm Desert. 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. 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. The Flight 584 Big Band is at The Mayflower Club in North Hollywood. Guitarist Doug MacDonald leads a jazz jam at the Z Club in Joshua Tree. Guitarist Carlos Velasco is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Trumpeter Grant Hungerford leads an open jazz jam at Collage in San Pedro.