About & Out – What’s Hot In SoCal Jazz – Week Of June 29, 2026

June ends and July opens with a SoCal jazz week including Bob James, Danny Janklow, Daniel Rotem, Scott Kinsey, Seth MacFarlane, Doug Webb, Thom Rotella, Larry Koonse & Kathleen Grace, Trevor Ware w/Sidney Jacobs, Dmitris Mahlis, Billy Mohler, Kevin Kanner, Brandon Coleman, and Mark Shilansky.

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 6/29 – Dmitris Mahlis at The Baked Potato

Guitarist and oud player Dimitris Mahlis celebrates an album release at The Baked Potato in Studio City, backed by Jerry Watts on bass and Chris Wabich on drums. Bassist Billy Mohler is at The High Low in Atwater Village.  Keyboardist Adam Hersh is at Bub & Grandma’s in Eagle Rock.  Saxophonist Eric Marienthal is at Spaghettini in Seal Beach with guitarist Lee Ritenour.  Vocalist Andrea Miller is at The Drake in Laguna Beach.  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.

Tuesday 6/30 – Seth MacFarlane & His Chamber Orchestra at Vibrato

Vocalist Seth MacFarlane & His Chamber Orchestra are at Vibrato in Bel Air. Drummer Ben Scholz is at the Birds Of A Feather Jazz Lounge in downtown L.A. Missoula with drummer Brooks Wackerman is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Guitarist Greg Poree is at Visionarium in South Pasadena. Drummer Kevin Kanner hosts the Tuesday Happenings Jam Session is at Sam First near LAX. Guitarist Shea Welsh is at TRiP in Santa Monica. Satin Keys are at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Guitarist David Eastlee is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. 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 Adam Wolff is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Pianist Matt Politano leads a breakfast jazz trio at Jones Coffee Roasters in Pasadena.

Wednesday 7/1 – Scott Kinsey at The Baked Potato

Keyboardist Scott Kinsey is at The Baked Potato in Studio City with Nir Felder on guitar, Hadrien Feraud on bass, and Roni Kaspi on drums. Saxophonist Doug Webb is at Dreamland in Malibu. Keyboardist Quinn Johnson is at 1881 in Pasadena. Tabula Rasa is at Sam First near LAX. Guitarist David Eastlee is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. Guitarist Alfredo Cáceres is at Visionarium in South Pasadena. Keyboardist/vocalist Tim Hockenberry is at Vibrato in Bel Air. 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. Guitarist Doug MacDonald leads a jazz jam at the Z Club in Joshua Tree. Drummer Leo Vigil is at Knolls in Laguna Niguel. Saxophonist Bryan McCann is at Cafe Fiore in Ventura.

Thursday 7/2 – Danny Janklow at The Baked Potato

Saxophonist Danny Janklow plays music from Art Blakey at The Baked Potato in Studio City, joined by John Beasley on keys, Marvin “Smitty” Smith on drums, Eric Revis on bass, Alonzo Demetrius on trumpet, and Lemar Guillary on trombone. Pianist Mark Shilansky is at the Birds Of A Feather Jazz Lounge in downtown L.A. Bassist Logan Kane is at Sam First near LAX. Pianist Bill Cunliffe is at The Merc in Temecula. Trumpeter Tony Guerrero is at Campus Jax in Newport Beach. Trombonist Khristian Foreman is at Montauk in Redondo Beach. Trumpeter/vocalist Johnny Britt is at Catalina in Hollywood. Vocalist Ty Taylor is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Drummer/vocalist Dave Tull is at the Cascade Lounge in Palm Springs. Bassist Blake White is at The Crush Pad in Pasadena. Saxophonist Aaron Shaw is at the Townhouse in Venice. Pianist/vocalist Christopher Linman is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Les Bons Garcons is at Roost 374 in San Clemente. 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. 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.

Friday 7/3 – Bob James at Blue Note LA

Keyboardist Bob James begins a three-night (Fri-Sun) run at Blue Note LA in Hollywood. Guitarist Larry Koonse and vocalist Kathleen Grace are at Sam First near LAX. Keyboardist Brandon Coleman is at The Sun Rose in West Hollywood. Bassist Trevor Ware’s Positive People are at The SOL Lounge in Carson with vocalist Sidney Jacobs. Nutty is at The Baked Potato in Studio City.  Vocalist Luke Carlsen & The Fresh Rhythm Band are at Vibrato in Bel Air.  Guitarist/vocalist Nic Chamberlain is at the Birds Of A Feather Jazz Lounge in downtown L.A.  Pianist Miles Lennox is at Montauk in Redondo Beach. Drummer Brandon Sanders is at The World Stage in South L.A.  The Ray Charles Alumni Band is at LACMA in West L.A.   Guitarist Dave Askren and saxophonist Jeff Benedict are at the Canyon Crest Winery in Riverside.  Saxophonist Dennis Mitcheltree is at the Industry Cafe & Jazz in Culver City.  Saxophonist Kahlil Childs is at Dizzy’s in San Diego. Vocalist Mercedes Moore is at Tio Leo’s Lounge in San Diego. Drummer Joel Taylor is at 1881 in Pasadena. The SoCal Jazz Collective is at the OC Fish Grill in Irvine. 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. Saxophonist Clifford Morin is at Bar Bacari North Park in San Diego. Alligator Beach is at Harvelle’s in Santa Monica. The Woody James Legacy Big Band plays an afternoon show at the Mayflower Club in North Hollywood.

Saturday 7/4 – Daniel Rotem at Sam First

Saxophonist Daniel Rotem is at Sam First near LAX with Jeff Parker on guitar, Joshua White on piano, Darek Oles on bass, and Mark Ferber on drums. Guitarist Thom Rotella is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Keyboardist Bob James is at Blue Note LA in Hollywood. The Esquires are at Cicada in downtown L.A. Keyboardist Alyse Korn and guitarist/vocalist Teka play a noon show at the Ventura Harbor Promenade Stage in Ventura. Pianist Mikan Zlatkovich is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. 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. Vocalist Ed Romero is 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 brunch gig at Brightside California Kitchen in Santa Monica.

Sunday 7/5 – Doug Webb at The Baked Potato

Saxophonist Doug Webb is at The Baked Potato in Studio City with Mitchel Forman on keys, Jamie Kime on guitar, Jimmy Earl on bass, and Joel Taylor on drums. Keyboardist Bob James is at Blue Note LA in Hollywood. The Corbin Jones Big Band opens for drummer Kevin Kanner’s Jazz Jam session at The Mint in West L.A. Pianist Michael Wolff and drummer Michael Barsimanto are at Tuning Fork in Studio City. Trumpeter Curtis Taylor is at Tio Leo’s Lounge in San Diego. The Phoenyx Big Band is at Club Louie’s in Westlake Village. The Sway Collective is at Spaghettini in Seal Beach. Vocalist Cynthia Gonzalez is at Humphrey’s Backstage in San Diego. The Bagels are at Playhouse Village Park in Pasadena. Pianist Salvador Padilla is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. 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 ESP Jazz Collective hosts an open jam at the Black Rail Kitchen & Bar in Carlsbad. The Santa Ana Swingers play a happy hour show at Club 616 in Santa Ana. The ESP Jazz Collective hosts a jam at the Black Rail Kitchen & Bar in Carlsbad. Vocalist Lia Booth has the early brunch at the Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach.

Monday 7/6 – Jordan Seigel at The Baked Potato

Keyboardist Jordan Seigel is at The Baked Potato in Studio City with Devin Daniels on sax, Mike Gurrola on bass, and John Davis on drums. Pianist George Kahn is at Spaghettini in Seal Beach. Guitarist Jamey Arent is at the Maui Sugar Mill Saloon in Tarzana. 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 7/7 – Addison Rifkind at Birds Of A Feather Jazz Lounge

Guitarist Addison Rifkind is at the Birds Of A Feather Jazz Lounge in downtown L.A. Keyboardist Joey Navarro is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Bassist Ben Williams hosts the Tuesday Happenings Jam Session is at Sam First near LAX. Trumpeter/vocalist Matt Von Roderick is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Trumpeter Tony Guerrero is at the Festival of Arts in Laguna Beach. Vibraphonist Chris Stevens is at Spaghettini in Seal Beach. Pianist Sue Palmer & her Motel Swing Orchestra are at Tio Leo’s Lounge in San Diego. Saxophonist Justin Chart is at the Arth Bar & Kitchen in Culver City. 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. Pianist Matt Politano leads a breakfast jazz trio at Jones Coffee Roasters in Pasadena.

Wednesday 7/8 – Ethan Chilton at Sam First

Trumpeter Ethan Chilton is at Sam First near LAX with Isaiah Harwood on piano, Dario Bizio on bass, and Gavin Harris on drums. Trumpeter Curtis Taylor is at Dizzy’s in San Diego. Vocalist Patrick Barnitt fronts a big band at Vibrato in Bel Air. Drummer Tom Dante is at Knolls in Laguna Niguel. Guitarist/vocalist Rafael Moreira is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. 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. Trumpeter Daniel Harris III leads a jazz jam at Sound Dhaba in downtown L.A. Guitarist Doug MacDonald leads a jazz jam at the Z Club in Joshua Tree.