About & Out – What’s Hot In SoCal Jazz – Week Of August 17, 2026

August continues with a SoCal jazz week including Herbie Hancock, John Pizzarelli, Tom Scott, Donald Harrison, Shelley Berg, Billy Childs, Kenny Washington, Niki Haris, Jamie Kime, Miki Yamanaka, Sean Jones, Dayramir Gonzalez, and Machado Mijiga.

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 8/17 – Dave Hill at The Baked Potato

Guitarist Dave Hill is at The Baked Potato in Studio City with Gregg Karukas on keys, David Hughes on bass, Rand Singer on sax, and Dave Anderson on drums. Bassist Seth Ford-Young and guitarist Luca Pino are at Bub & Grandma’s in Eagle Rock. Drummer Tim Rachbach is at The High Low in Atwater Village. Vocalist Magnus Ferrell is at Blue Note LA in Hollywood for the first of two nights (Mon-Tue). Guitarist Brad Rabuchin is at Sun Space in Shadow Hills. Guitarist Riner Scivally is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. The New Lighthouse All-Stars host a jam session at the Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach. 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 keyboardist Sam Barsh. 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 Adam Wolff is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Flutist Lori Bell plays a noon show at the Athenaeum Library in La Jolla.

Tuesday 8/18 – Billy Childs at The World Stage

Pianist Billy Childs is at The World Stage in South L.A. with Dan Chmielinski on bass and Jordan Proffer on drums.  Guitarist/vocalist John Pizzarelli is at Bistango in Irvine for the first of two nights (Tue-Wed). Vocalist Cathy Segal-Garcia & The Moment are at the Birds Of A Feather Jazz Lounge in downtown L.A.  Trumpeter Elliot Deutsch’s Pandemonium Big Band is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Saxophonist Devin Daniels leads the Tuesday Happenings Jam Session at Sam First near LAX. Vocalist Magnus Ferrell is at Blue Note LA in Hollywood. Drummer Gorden Campbell is at The Mint in West L.A. Trumpeter/vocalist Matt Von Roderick is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Vocalist/pianist Yve Evans is at Eddie V’s in Palm Desert. Accordionist Cory Pesaturo is at Centro Cali Brewing in Bakersfield. Vibraphonist Chris Stevens does a happy hour show at Spaghettini in Seal Beach. Jumpin’ Joz 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 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 Michael Peed is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Sound Dhaba hosts a Latin Jazz jam night in downtown L.A. Pianist Matt Politano leads a breakfast jazz trio at Jones Coffee Roasters in Pasadena. The Baked Potato in Studio City features a four-act Showcase Night.

Wednesday 8/19 – Herbie Hancock Celebrates Miles Davis At 100 at The Hollywood Bowl

Pianist Herbie Hancock celebrates the music of Miles Davis with a band including trumpeter Terence Blanchard, bassists Ron Carter, Christian McBride, and Marcus Miller, saxophonist Kenny Garrett, and arranger Vince Mendoza. Saxophonist Donald Harrison is at Blue Note LA in Hollywood. Vocalist Kenny Washington is at Sam First near LAX. Drummer Charles Ruggiero is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Guitarist/vocalist John Pizzarelli is at Bistango in Irvine. The Buddy Rich Big Band Machine is at Vibrato in Bel Air.  That Chase Thing is at Dreamland in Malibu. The 7th Unit Jazz Project is at The Grape in Ventura. Saxophonist Alex Rashad is at Tuning Fork in Studio City. Vocalist/pianist Yve Evans is at Eddie V’s in Palm Desert. Guitarist Justin Smith is at 1881 in Pasadena. Pianist Taylor Lee is at Sound Dhaba in downtown L.A. Vocalist Gavin Braun offers a tribute to Frank Sinatra at Catalina in Hollywood. 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. Pianist/guitarist Carlos Velasco is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Collage in San Pedro hosts an open jazz jam.

Thursday 8/20 – Shelley Berg at Sam First

Pianist Shelley Berg is at Sam First near LAX with Carlitos Del Puerto on bass and Gary Novak on drums. Guitarist/vocalist John Pizzarelli is at Catalina in Hollywood. The Birds Of A Feather Jazz Lounge in downtown L.A. hosts a benefit for Venezuelan earthquake victims. Drummer Machado Mijiga is at the Hammer Museum in Westwood. Trumpeter Gilbert Castellanos is at Lou Lou’s in San Diego. Guitarist Will Brahm is at the Cascade Lounge in Palm Springs. Work In Progress is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. S’Narf is at The Grape in Ventura. Pianist Ben Dabiri is at Bar Bacari in Sherman Oaks. Saxophonist Ronnie Heard III is at the Townhouse in Venice. Saxophonist Jack Lieberman plays the music of John Coltrane at The Spotlight in Hollywood. Flugelhornist Tom Marino plays the music of Chuck Mangione at Campus Jax in Newport Beach. Pianist Eric Dries is at The Drake in Laguna Beach with vocalist Lia Booth. The Honey Bees are at Tio Leo’s Lounge in San Diego. Drummer/vocalist Al Williams is at The Merc in Temecula. Accordionist Cory Pesaturo is at The Grand On State Street in Santa Barbara. Guitarist Louis Valenzuela is at Bar Bacari North Park in San Diego. The Black Market Trust is at Roost 374 in San Clemente. RC & Noir are at Visionarium in South Pasadena. Vocalist Mando Cordova is at the Casino San Clemente in San Clemente. Drummer James Yoshizawa is at Bar Bacari in Silverlake. Pianist/vocalist John Proulx 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 Palm Springs. 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. Pianist Kevin Tokarz is at Eddie V’s in Palm Desert.

Friday 8/21 – Tom Scott at The Baked Potato

Saxophonist Tom Scott is at The Baked Potato in Studio City for the first of two nights (Fri-Sat) with Aaron Janik on trumpet, Ruslan Sirota on keys, Chris Colangelo on bass, and Gary Novak on drums. Pianist Miki Yamanaka celebrates an album release at Sam First near LAX for the first of two nights (Fri-Sat) with a band including Artemis saxophonist Nicole Glover. Trumpeter Sean Jones is at the Athenaeum Library in La Jolla with pianist Billy Childs and bassist Ben Williams. The three-day (Fri-Sun) KSDS-FM California Coast Jazz Festival opens at the Wyndham Bayside Hotel in San Diego. Guitarist/vocalist John Pizzarelli is at Catalina in Hollywood. Pianist Josh Nelson and guitarist Anthony Wilson are at Bacchus’ Kitchen in South Pasadena. Organist Bobby Pierce is at Montauk in Redondo Beach. Vocalist Janis Mann is at the Canyon Bistro in Topanga. 6 Beats Apart is at LACMA in West L.A. Drummer Joel Taylor is at 1881 in Pasadena with saxophonist David Binney. Guitarist Josh Moore plays the music of Chick Corea at Dizzy’s in San Diego. Pianist Gerry Bryant is at the Birds Of A Feather Jazz Lounge in downtown L.A. The Scalene Triangle is at The World Stage in South L.A.  Drummer/vocalist Dave Tull is at Eddie V’s in El Segundo.  Trumpeter Greg Solman is at Azo Vino in Covina. Saxophonist Justin Chart is at Sogno Toscano in Santa Monica. Gabrielito y La Verdad is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Vocalist Melanie Charles & The Jazz Baddies are at the Blue Note B-Side in Hollywood. Drummer Brian Collier is at Bar Bacari in Silverlake. Saxophonist Clifford Morin is at Bar Bacari North Park in San Diego. Vocalist Chrissy Renick is at Visionarium in South Pasadena. Vocalist Mercedes Moore is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Saxophonist Mark Lessman is at Ki’s Restaurant in Cardiff. Vocalist Janet Orsi & The Akustakats are at Jack’s Woodside Grille in Laguna Niguel. The Big Band Express is at Golden Island in San Diego. Vibraphonist Ian Harland is at the Black Rail Kitchen & Bar in Carlsbad. 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. Strada Swing is at Cicada in downtown L.A. The Catalina Combo is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. The Woody James Legacy Big Band plays an afternoon show at the Mayflower Club in North Hollywood.

Saturday 8/22 – John Pizzarelli at Catalina Jazz Club

Guitarist/vocalist John Pizzarelli is at Catalina in Hollywood for the last of three nights (Thu-Sat).  Saxophonist Tom Scott is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Pianist Dayramir Gonzalez is at 2220 Arts + Archives in downtown L.A. Trio Eclectic is at Alvas Showroom in San Pedro. Pianist Miki Yamanaka celebrates an album release at Sam First near LAX. Guitarist Alex Sill is at Bar Bacari in Sherman Oaks. 2 Truths & A Lie are at Montauk in Redondo Beach. Keyboardist Brian Simpson plays an afternoon show at the Festival Of Arts in Laguna Beach. Guitarist/vocalist Teka is at The Grand On State Street in Santa Barbara. Guitarist Dusty Brough is at Bar Bacari in Silverlake. Bassist Evona Wascinski is at Bar Bacari North Park in San Diego. The Jazz Cartel is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Saxophonist Justin Klunk is at Spaghettini in Seal Beach. The Soto Six play the music of Jeff Lorber at Dizzy’s in San Diego. Vocalist Sacha Boutros is at The Jazz Lounge in San Diego. The Eldermen are at Desert Rose in Los Feliz. Drummer/vocalist Dave Tull is at Eddie V’s in El Segundo. Vocalist Jenessa Noland is at the Black Rail Kitchen & Bar in Carlsbad. 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. Vocalist Jennifer Keith is at Cicada in downtown L.A. Sylvia & The Rhythm Boys are at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. The Garners are at Books & Records in San Diego. 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 8/23 – Niki Haris at The Jazz Salon

Vocalist Niki Haris does an afternoon show at the Jazz Salon in downtown L.A. featuring Mitchel Forman on keys and Rickey Woodard on sax. Guitarist Jamie Kime is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Guitarist Jeff Parker celebrates an album release at Lodge Room in Highland Park. Pianist Jamael Dean leads the monthly Sunday afternoon Leimert Park Jazz Series Jam Session at The World Stage in South L.A. Pianist Debbie Torres is at Catalina in Hollywood. Vocalist Anne Walsh is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Drummer Izzak Weatherwax opens for drummer Kevin Kanner’s jazz jam session at The Mint in West L.A. Vocalist Leonard Patton celebrates a birthday at The Jazz Lounge in San Diego. Vocalist Sacha Boutros is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Hiroshima is at the South Coast Winery in Temecula. Calycosa is at Bub & Grandma’s in Eagle Rock. Guitarist Louie Valenzuela is at Lou Lou’s in San Diego. 6 Cents and The Infernal Jazz Racket split a bill at Collage in San Pedro. The Richie In The Pocket Big Band is at Big Jim’s Family Restaurant in Sun Valley. Drummer/vocalist Bryan Cabrera is at The Drake in Laguna Beach with pianist Ron Kobayashi. Keyboardist Oli Silk is at Spaghettini in Seal Beach with vocalist Erin Stevenson. Pocket Change is at Humphrey’s Backstage in San Diego. Vocalist Whitney Shay is at Panama 66 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. 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. Drummer Jorg Dubin plays a jazz brunch at the Zinc Cafe in Laguna Beach. Guitarist Matt Greif has the early brunch at the Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach. Vietnamese vocalist Giọng Ca Tựa Lụa và Lửa does a brunch at the Birds Of A Feather Jazz Lounge in downtown L.A.

Monday 8/24 – Jeff Parker ETA IVtet at Lodge Room

Guitarist Jeff Parker celebrates an album release for the first of two nights (Mon-Tue) at Lodge Room in Highland Park with Josh Johnson on sax, Anna Butterss on bass, and Jay Bellerose on drums.  Drummer Andy Prado & Zona 818 are at The Baked Potato in Studio City.  Vocalist Sy Smith is at Blue Note LA in Hollywood. The Tom Kubis Big Band is at the Gaslamp in Long Beach. The Galecstacy Quartet is at The High Low in Atwater Village. Guitarist Lemek is at Spaghettini in Seal Beach. Satin Keys is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Pianist Tommy Gannon is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Guitarist Riner Scivally is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. The New Lighthouse All-Stars host a jam session at the Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach. 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. 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 8/25 – Jeff Goldblum & The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra at Blue Note LA

Pianist/vocalist Jeff Goldblum & The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra are at Blue Note LA in Hollywood for the first of two nights (Tue-Wed). Guitarist Joey Delgado is at The Baked Potato in Studio City.  Guitarist Jeff Parker celebrates an album release at Lodge Room in Highland Park.  Guitarist Greg Poree is at Visionarium in South Pasadena. Trombonist Joey Sellers leads the Saddleback College Jazz Faculty at the McKinney Theater in Mission Viejo. 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 Michael Peed is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Pianist Matt Politano leads a breakfast jazz trio at Jones Coffee Roasters in Pasadena.

Wednesday 8/26 – Steve Lehman & Garden of Klōns at Sam First

Saxophonist Steve Lehman & Garden of Klōns are at Sam First near LAX with Cory Smythe on piano, Chris Tordini on bass, and Jacob Porter on drums. Pianist/vocalist Jeff Goldblum & The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra are at Blue Note LA in Hollywood. Saxophonist Chuck Johnson is at Visionarium in South Pasadena. The Ladd McIntosh Big Band is at Dreamland in Malibu. The Idiomatiques are at The Grape in Ventura. Think:X is at The Baked Potato in Studio City.  Phatback, Earl & Me are at Vibrato in Bel Air. Pianist Sam Ross is at Garcons De Cafe in downtown L.A.  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.  Guitarist Doug MacDonald leads a jazz jam at the Z Club in Joshua Tree.