About & Out – What’s Hot In SoCal Jazz – Week Of May 25, 2026

May ends with a SoCal jazz week including Chris Dave, Billy Childs, Miguel Zenon, The Pacific Jazz Orchestra, Theo Croker, Doug Webb, Deron Johnson, Tierney Sutton & Tamir Hendelman, Bernie Dresel, Gretchen Parlato, Gerald Clayton, Katisse Buckingham, Betty Bryant, Gene Coye, and Andrea Miller.

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 5/25 – Doug Webb at The Baked Potato

Saxophonist Doug Webb is at The Baked Potato in Studio City with Mitchel Forman on keys, Jimmy Earl on bass, Jamie Kime on guitar, and Danny Carey on drums. Guitarist Brad Rabuchin is at Sun Space in Shadow Hills. Saxophonist Jack Lieberman is at The High Low in Atwater Village. Pianist Salenta Baisden is at Bub & Grandma’s in Eagle Rock. Pianist Lori Bell 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. Vocalist Lia Booth has a Memorial Day early brunch at the Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach.

Tuesday 5/26 – Theo Croker at Blue Note LA

Trumpeter Theo Croker offers a tribute to Miles Davis at Blue Note LA in Hollywood. Keyboardist Deron Johnson leads a tribute to Miles Davis at 2220 Arts + Archives in downtown L.A. including trumpeter Tatiana Tate. Saxophonist Doug Webb is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Pianist Gerald Clayton hosts the Tuesday Happenings jam session at Sam First near LAX. Guitarist Greg Poree is at Visionarium in South Pasadena. British vocalist Nick Pritchard is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Bassist Alex Schwarz is at Sound Dhaba in downtown L.A. 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. 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. Pianist Michael Peed is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. The InnerVox Vocal Jazz Ensemble is at Campus Jax in Newport Beach. Pianist Matt Politano leads a breakfast jazz trio at Jones Coffee Roasters in Pasadena. Drummer Julian Ho and guitarist Pedro Cordeiro lead a jam at Sound Dhaba in downtown L.A. The Kohania Trio is at La Puglia in Santa Monica.

Wednesday 5/27 – Chris Dave at Blue Note LA

Drummer Chris Dave opens a five-night (Wed-Sun) run at Blue Note LA in Hollywood with Pino Palladino on bass and Isaiah Sharkey on guitar. Guitarist Andrew Synowiec is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Drummer Peter Erskine is at the Athenaeum Library in La Jolla. Orient Groove is at Catalina in Hollywood. Belgian harpist/vocalist Pia Salvia is at Sam First near LAX. The Sergio Mendes Band is at Belly Up in Solana Beach. Keyboardist Quinn Johnson is at 1881 in Pasadena. Bassist Jake Leckie and guitarist Nadav Peled are at Kulak’s Woodshed in North Hollywood. Vocalist John O’Hurley is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Vocalist Lisa Andrea Torres is at Garcons De Cafe in downtown L.A. Vocalist Ed Romero is at Visionarium in South Pasadena. Saxophonist Ed Wynne is at Dreamland in Malibu. Vocalist Andrea Miller is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Saxophonist Justin Chart is at The Grape in Ventura. Pianist Mikan Zlatkovich is at The Manhattan in La Jolla. 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. Vocalist Rebecca Jade does a late afternoon show at The Conrad in La Jolla. Drummer Izzak Weatherwax leads a jam at The Famous in Glendale.

Thursday 5/28 – Pacific Jazz Orchestra Miles & Coltrane At 100 at The Wallis

The Pacific Jazz Orchestra plays a tribute to Miles Davis and John Coltrane at The Wallis in Beverly Hills featuring Jacob Scesney on sax, Sean Jones on trumpet, and Emmet Cohen on piano. Drummer Bernie Dresel’s BBB big band is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Saxophonist Stratøs is at Sam First near LAX. Vocalist Seth MacFarlane and his Chamber Orchestra are at Vibrato in Bel Air. Drummer Chris Dave is at Blue Note LA in Hollywood. Vocalist Andrea Miller celebrates an album release at Campus Jax in Newport Beach. Vocalist Lily H. Clark is at Catalina in Hollywood. Pianist Sabine Pothier is at the Birds Of A Feather Jazz Lounge in downtown L.A. Bassist Mackenzie Leighton is at Lou Lou’s in San Diego. The Los Chicos Del Mambo Orchestra is at the Cascade Lounge in San Diego. Flutist Lori Bell is at The Merc in Temecula. Drummer Julien Cantelm is at Bar Bacari North Park in San Diego. Drummer James Yoshizawa is at Bar Bacari in Silverlake. Guitarist Nick Mycio is at Bar Bacari in Sherman Oaks. Vocalist Carolyn Martinez is at Visionarium in South Pasadena. Les Bons Garcons is at Roost 374 in San Clemente. Vocalist Mercedes Moore is at Tio Leo’s Lounge in San Diego. Pianist Peter Smith 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. Vocalist Carly O’Neill is at the Casino San Clemente in San Clemente. Pianist Sue Palmer does a happy hour show at California English in San Diego.

Friday 5/29 – Billy Childs at Catalina

Pianist Billy Childs leads a trio at Catalina in Hollywood for the first of two nights (Fri-Sat) featuring Dan Chmielinski on bass and Christian Euman on drums. Saxophonist Azar Lawrence is at The World Stage in South L.A. Vocalist Tierney Sutton and pianist Tamir Hendelman are at LACMA in West L.A. Saxophonist Miguel Zenon is at Sam First near LAX. Percussionist Luis Conte is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Drummer Chris Dave is at Blue Note LA in Hollywood. Pianist George Kahn is at the Birds Of A Feather Jazz Lounge in downtown L.A. Vocalist Brenna Whitaker is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Saxophonist Nicole McCabe is at Bar Bacari in Silverlake. Bassist Corbin Jones is at the Townhouse in Venice. The Jazz Lounge in San Diego hosts a 30-hour marathon fundraiser featuring Aimee Nolte, Peter Sprague, and Leonard Patton. Bassist Julian Esparza is at Bar Bacari North Park in San Diego. Trumpeter John Reynolds is at The Drake in Laguna Beach.  Matterform is at The Grape in Ventura.  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 Angie Whitney. 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 Mercedes Moore is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Ashley Anne & The Carnations are at Cicada in downtown L.A. Vocalist Grace Fae & The Grandbirds are at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. The Woody James Legacy Big Band plays an afternoon show at the Mayflower Club in North Hollywood.

Saturday 5/30 – Miguel Zenon at Sam First

Saxophonist Miguel Zenon leads a quartet at Sam First near LAX with Luis Perdomo on piano, Luca Alemanno on bass, and Henry Cole on drums. Drummer Gene Coye is at the Birds Of A Feather Jazz Lounge in downtown L.A. Pianist Billy Childs is at Catalina in Hollywood. The Los Angeles County High School for the Arts hosts a fundraiser concert at The Greek Theatre in Los Feliz featuring vocalist Gretchen Parlato and pianist Gerald Clayton. Keyboardist Don Randi & Quest are at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Drummer Chris Dave is at Blue Note LA in Hollywood. The 2026 Newport Beach Jazz Festival features Ledisi and Marcus Miller at the Hyatt Regency Back Bay Amphitheater in Newport Beach. Saxophonist Devin Daniels is at the Townhouse in Venice. The Phoenyx Big Band is at The Grape in Ventura.  Pianist/vocalist Yve Evans is at Eddie V’s in Palm Desert.  Saxophonist Clifford Morin is at Bar Bacari North Park in San Diego. Trombonist Adriana Wagner is at Bar Bacari in Sherman Oaks. The Garners are at Books & Records in San Diego. Guitarist Albert Hurtado is at the Black Rail Kitchen & Bar in Carlsbad. Pianist Mikan Zlatkovich is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego with vocalist Jenessa Noland. 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. 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 Kaylee Daugherty does a brunch at California English in San Diego.

Sunday 5/31 – Katisse Buckingham at Sierra Madre Playhouse

Flutist/saxophonist Katisse Buckingham fronts a quartet at the Sierra Madre Playhouse in Sierra Madre. Pianist/vocalist Betty Bryant celebrates an album release at Vibrato in Bel Air. Basic Cable is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Trumpeter Kris Tiner and pianist Cathlene Pineda are at the Birds Of A Feather Jazz Lounge in downtown L.A. Drummer Chris Dave is at Blue Note LA in Hollywood. Trumpeter Joshua Brown opens for drummer Kevin Kanner’s jazz jam session at The Mint in West L.A. Vocalists Niki Harris and Donna De Lory are at Catalina in Hollywood.  Guitarist Peter Sprague is at Tio Leo’s Lounge in San Diego.  Guitarist Brandon Bae is at Bub & Grandma’s in Eagle Rock.  The Phoenyx Big Band is at Big Jim’s Family Restaurant in Sun Valley. The Black Market Trust is at Spaghettini in Seal Beach.  Drummer Dean Mucetti & Rhythm Real are at Bar Bandini in Echo Park. Keyboardist Bryard Huggins is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. 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. The SoCal Jazz Collective has the early brunch at the Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach. Endless Affair does a brunch at Visionarium in South Pasadena.

Monday 6/1 – Jordan Seigel at The Baked Potato

Keyboardist Jordan Seigel is at The Baked Potato in Studio City with Larry Goldings on organ, Luca Alemanno on bass, and Joe La Barbera on drums. Vocalist Ms. Lisa Fischer is at Blue Note LA in Hollywood. Guitarist Dave Harrington is at Club Tee Gee in Atwater Village. Vocalist Andrea Miller is at The Drake in Laguna 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. The SMC Jazz Ensemble is at the Santa Monica College Performing Arts Center in Santa Monica.

Tuesday 6/2 – Wayne Bergeron at Vibrato

Trumpeter Wayne Bergeron leads a big band at Vibrato in Bel Air. Vocalist Ms. Lisa Fischer is at Blue Note LA in Hollywood. Pianist Gerald Clayton hosts the Tuesday Happenings jam session at Sam First near LAX. The Jazz Bakers are at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Pianist Sue Palmer & Her Motel Swing Orchestra are 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. 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 Matt Politano leads a breakfast jazz trio at Jones Coffee Roasters in Pasadena.

Wednesday 6/3 – Scott Kinsey at The Baked Potato

Keyboardist Scott Kinsey is at The Baked Potato in Studio City with Andrew Renfroe on guitar, Hadrien Feraud on bass, and Roni Kaspi on drums.  Drummer Christian Moraga is at Sam First near LAX.  Vocalist Dave Damiani & The No Vacancy Orchestra are at Vibrato in Bel Air with guest vocalist Sal Valentinetti. The Roccadile Trio is at Catalina in Hollywood.  Trombonist Khristian Foreman is at Visionarium in South Pasadena.  Pianist Mikan Zlatkovich is at The Manhattan in La Jolla. 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. Los Compadres are at TRiP in Santa Monica.  Guitarist Doug MacDonald leads a jazz jam at the Z Club in Joshua Tree.  Saxophonist Bryan McCann is at Cafe Fiore in Ventura.  Sound Dhaba hosts a Straight Up Jazz Jam in downtown L.A.