About & Out – What’s Hot In SoCal Jazz – Week Of September 7, 2026

SoCal jazz highlights this week include Nicole Zuraitis, Tierney Sutton, Chief Xian aTunde Adjuah, Terrell Stafford, Marvin “Smitty” Smith, Danny Janklow, Kamasi Washington, Jeff Hamilton, David Garfield, Zane Carney, Brian Swartz, and the Los Angeles Jazz Quartet.

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 9/7 – Graham Dechter at The Baked Potato

Guitarist Graham Dechter is at The Baked Potato in Studio City with Alex Frank on bass, Ryan Shaw on drums, and Jordan Seigel on keys. Guitarist Dave Harrington is at Club Tee Gee in Atwater Village. The Transatlantic Guitar Trio is at SOhO in Santa Barbara. Saxophonist Nicole McCabe is at Bub & Grandma’s in Eagle Rock. Drummer Matt Mayhall is at The High Low in Atwater Village. Guitarist Riner Scivally is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. Pianist Tommy Gannon is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. 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 9/8 – Nicole Zuraitis at Catalina Jazz Club

Vocalist Nicole Zuraitis celebrates an album release at Catalina in Hollywood. Guitarist Zane Carney is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Pianist Gerald Clayton hosts the Tuesday Happenings Jam Session at Sam First near LAX. The Irvine Barclay Jazz Band is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Big Time Operator is at Tio Leo’s Lounge in San Diego. Pianist Mikan Zlatkovich is at Il Sogno Italiano 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. Vocalist Slim Man is at Vicky’s Of Santa Fe in Indian Wells. Jumpin’ Joz is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. Pianist Matt Politano leads a breakfast jazz trio at Jones Coffee Roasters in Pasadena.

Wednesday 9/9 – Chief Xian aTunde Adjuah at Blue Note LA

Trumpeter Chief Xian aTunde Adjuah is at Blue Note LA in Hollywood for the first of two nights (Wed-Thu). Trumpeter Terrell Stafford and pianist Tamir Hendelman play a tribute to Miles Davis at The Grand On State Street in Santa Barbara. Vocalist Ari Alexander and guitarist Cecil Alexander are at Sam First near LAX. Guitarist Brad Rabuchin is at Dreamland in Malibu. Keyboardist Scott Kinsey is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Bassist Ben Williams is at the Townhouse in Venice. Keyboardist Quinn Johnson is at 1881 in Pasadena. A celebration of life for the recently passed vocalist Tom Culver will be held at at Catalina in Hollywood. Vocalist Kevin Cordasco & The Paul McDonald Big Band are at Vibrato in Bel Air.   Guitarist David Eastlee is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena.  Guitarist Aaron Lind and vocalist Whitney Shay are at The Jazz Lounge in San Diego for the first of two nights (Wed-Thu). Drummer Tom Dante is at Knolls in Laguna Niguel. 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. Vocalist Lisa Andrea Torres is at Garcons De Cafe in downtown L.A. Guitarist Alfredo Cáceres is at Visionarium in South Pasadena.

Thursday 9/10 – Marvin “Smitty” Smith at Catalina Jazz Club

Drummer Marvin “Smitty” Smith is at Catalina in Hollywood with Adam Ledbetter on keys and Weldon Scott on bass. Saxophonist Danny Janklow is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Trumpeter Brian Swartz is at Sam First near LAX. Trumpeter Chief Xian aTunde Adjuah is at Blue Note LA in Hollywood. Jason Goldman & The 17 Big Band are at Vibrato in Bel Air with vocalists Maria Schafer and Sydney DeFranco. Guitarist Duane Allen is at the Birds Of A Feather Jazz Lounge in downtown L.A. Trumpeter Terrell Stafford and pianist Tamir Hendelman play a tribute to Miles Davis at Campus Jax in Newport Beach. Trumpeter Tony Guerrero is at Casino San Clemente in San Clemente. Vocalist Matt Mauser fronts a big band at The Muck in Fullerton. Trumpeter Gilbert Castellanos is at Lou Lou’s in San Diego. Pianist Michael Ragonese is at the Cascade Lounge in Palm Springs. Guitarist Nadav Peled is at Bar Bacari in Sherman Oaks. Drummer Julien Cantelm is at Bar Bacari North Park in San Diego. Vocalist Candice Hoyes is at Montauk in Redondo Beach. Drummer/vocalist Dave Tull is at Eddie V’s in El Segundo. Trumpeter/vocalist Matt Von Roderick is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Trumpeter Simon Drew is at Roost 374 in San Clemente. Guitarist Aaron Lind and vocalist Whitney Shay are at The Jazz Lounge in San Diego. Pianist/vocalist Yve Evans is at The Merc in Temecula. Drummer James Yoshizawa is at Bar Bacari in Silverlake. 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. Keyboardist Richard Turner is at Vicky’s Of Santa Fe in Indian Wells. 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. Pianist/vocalist Christopher Linman is at the Langham Hotel Tap Room in Pasadena. The Gypsy Cats are at The Grand On State Street in Santa Barbara. Keyboardist Kavika G is at The Grape in Ventura. Vocalist Mercedes Moore does a happy hour show at California English in San Diego.

Friday 9/11 – David Garfield at The Baked Potato

Keyboardist David Garfield is at The Baked Potato in Studio City with Toshi Yanagi on guitar, John Pena on bass, and Donald Barrett on drums. Keyboardist Adam Hersh is at Sam First near LAX. Drummer Jeff Hamilton is at Bacchus’ Kitchen in South Pasadena. Pianist/vocalist Betty Bryant will receive the L.A. Jazz Treasure Award at LACMA in West L.A. Saxophonist Kamasi Washington is at the Music Box in San Diego. Lettuce is at Belly Up in Solana Beach. Drummer Walfredo Reyes Jr. and vocalist Lilliana de los Reyes are at Vibrato in Bel Air. Trumpeter Terrell Stafford and pianist Tamir Hendelman play a tribute to Miles Davis at The Jazz Lounge in San Diego. Vocalist Alyssa Allgood is at the Birds Of A Feather Jazz Lounge in downtown L.A. Guitarist Mike Keneally’s Beer For Dolphins is at Alvas Showroom in San Pedro. Bassist Paul Bryan is at Healing Force Of The Universe in Pasadena. The Transatlantic Guitar Trio is at Boulevard Music in Culver City. Violinist Damien Escobar is at the Hyatt Regency in Newport Beach. Saxophonist Eric Darius is at Spaghettini in Seal Beach for the first of two nights (Fri-Sat). The 7th Unit Jazz Project is at The Grape in Ventura. Guitarist Victor Baker is at Bar Bacari North Park in San Diego. Pianist/vocalist Astrid K is at Montauk in Redondo Beach. Vocalist Grace Fae & The Grandbirds are at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. Vocalists Matt Forbes and Jesse Goddard are at The Dresden in Los Feliz. Pianist Sue Palmer is at Books & Records in San Diego. Vocalist Shawn Thies is at The Grand On State Street in Santa Barbara. Drummer/vocalist Dave Tull is at Eddie V’s in El Segundo. 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 Fresca Amari. 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 Cicada in downtown L.A. Vocalist Mercedes Moore is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Guitarist Peter Pupping is at Ki’s Restaurant in Cardiff. The Black Diamonds are at Azo Vino in Covina. The Woody James Legacy Big Band plays an afternoon show at the Mayflower Club in North Hollywood.

Saturday 9/12 – Tierney Sutton at Catalina Jazz Club

Vocalist Tierney Sutton is at Catalina in Hollywood for the first of two nights (Sat-Sun) with Trey Henry on bass and Mitchel Forman on piano. Guitarist Thom Rotella is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Pianist Vardan Ovsepian is at Sam First near LAX. Drummer Jeff Hamilton is at Bacchus’ Kitchen in South Pasadena. Jazz At The Ballroom presents the JB4 Blues & Taboos featuring vocalist Tawanda Suessbrich-Joaquim and The Lineage Trio at the Ruskin Group Theatre in Santa Monica. Saxophonist Harvey Wainapel is at the Birds Of A Feather Jazz Lounge in downtown L.A. Pianist Joshua White is at Dizzy’s in San Diego. Saxophonist Kamasi Washington is at the Libbey Bowl in Ojai. Lettuce is at The Bellwether in downtown L.A. Trumpeter Tony Guerrero is at Vibrato in Bel Air with vocalist Lia Booth. Guitarist Mike Keneally’s Beer For Dolphins is at Alvas Showroom in San Pedro. Guitarist Peter Sprague is at the Westgate Hotel in San Diego. Vocalist Lisa Andrea Torres offers a tribute to Nancy Wilson at Desert Rose in Los Feliz. Harpist Minta Spencer is at Bar Bacari in Sherman Oaks. Guitarist Brandon Bae is at Bar Bacari in Culver City. Bassist Julian Esparza is at Bar Bacari North Park in San Diego. Vocalist Magnus Ferrell is at Blue Note LA in Hollywood for the first of two nights (Sat-Sun). Saxophonist Eric Darius is at Spaghettini in Seal Beach. Vocalist Dan Olivo is at Cicada in downtown L.A. Vocalist Candi Sosa is at Collage in San Pedro. Vocalist/percussionist Rene Fisher celebrates a birthday at The World Stage in South L.A. The Jacquou Jazz Orchestra is at Humphrey’s Backstage in San Diego. Vocalist Alyssa Allgood is at The Jazz Lounge in San Diego. Saxophonist Colin Richardson is at The Grand On State Street in Santa Barbara. Drummer/vocalist Dave Tull is at Eddie V’s in El Segundo. 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. Vocalist Rose Mallett is at Vicky’s Of Santa Fe in Indian Wells. The Jazztown Band is at Casey’s Tavern in Canoga Park. Drummer Izzak Weatherwax is at the Culver Hotel in Culver City. Guitarist Daryl Darden is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. Pianist/vocalist Christoper Linman is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Pianist Eric Scott Reed leads an afternoon workshop at The World Stage in South L.A. Saxophonist Harvey Wainapel is at the Birds Of A Feather Jazz Lounge in downtown L.A. for a brunch featuring Brazilian music. Vocalist Cathy Segal-Garcia does a brunch gig at Brightside California Kitchen in Santa Monica. Vocalist Sharon Marie Cline guests with Angela O’Neill & The Outrageous 8 at Vitello’s Velvet Martini Lounge in Studio City.

Sunday 9/13 – Terrell Stafford & Tom Scott at The Jazz Salon

Trumpeter Terrell Stafford and saxophonist Tom Scott play music from Miles Davis’ “Kind Of Blue” in an afternoon show at The Jazz Salon in downtown L.A. with Tamir Hendelman on piano, Mike Gurrola on bass, and Marco Carelli on drums. The Los Angeles Jazz Quartet is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Vocalist Tierney Sutton is at Catalina in Hollywood. The Jazz Bakers open for drummer Kevin Kanner’s jazz jam at The Mint in West L.A. Drummer Jeff Hamilton is at Tio Leo’s Lounge in San Diego. Bassist David Tranchina is at Solarc Brewing in Eagle Rock. Organist Peter Smith is at 1881 in Pasadena. Pianist Steve Blum is at Bub & Grandma’s in Eagle Rock. Drummer/vocalist Bryan Cabrera is at The Drake in Laguna Beach with pianist Ron Kobayashi. The Soto Six are at Panama 66 in San Diego. Vocalist Magnus Ferrell is at Blue Note LA in Hollywood. Vocalist Alyssa Allgood does a late afternoon show at the Norris Pavilion in Rolling Hills Estates. Trumpeter Lin Rountree is at Spaghettini in Seal Beach. Cecil & Ari Alexander are at Dizzy’s in San Diego. Pianist/vocalist John Proulx is at The Jazz Salon in downtown L.A. Guitarist/pianist Carlos Velasco 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. 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. Vocalist Kendra Black has the early brunch at the Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach. Vocalist Sandy Cummings does a brunch at SOhO in Santa Barbara.

Monday 9/14 – Chucho Valdes at Blue Note LA

Pianist Chucho Valdes is at Blue Note LA in Hollywood for the first of two nights (Mon-Tue). Saxophonist Doug Webb is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Saxophonist Alden Hellmuth and bassist Emiliano Lasansky split a bill at The High Low in Atwater Village. Pianist Matt Politano is at Bub & Grandma’s in Eagle Rock. Satin Keys are at The Drake in Laguna Beach. 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. 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. Mar Picao plays a noon show at the Athenaeum Libary in La Jolla.

Tuesday 9/15 – Doug Webb at The Baked Potato

Saxophonist Doug Webb is at The Baked Potato in Studio City for the second of two nights (Mon-Tue) with Danny Carey on drums, Jamie Kime on guitar, Jimmy Earl on bass, and Mitchel Forman on keys. Pianist Chucho Valdes is at Blue Note LA in Hollywood. Vocalist Maiya Sykes and Dave Damiani are at Vibrato in Bel Air with the No Vacancy Orchestra. Vibraphonist Chuck Redd is at Bistango in Irvine. The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) hosts its 2026 Jazz Masters Awards concert at Walt Disney Hall in downtown L.A. honoring Carmen Lundy, Airto Moreira, Patrice Rushen, and Rhonda Hamilton. Pianist Gerald Clayton hosts the Tuesday Happenings Jam Session at Sam First near LAX. Corcovado is at TriP in Santa Monica. Las Guaracheras are at Alvas Showroom in San Pedro. Blues guitarist Kirk Fletcher is at Gold-Diggers in Hollywood. Pianist Irving Flores is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Jumpin’ Joz 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. Vocalist Rose Mallet is at the Purple Room in Palm Springs. 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. Saxophonist Justin Chart is at Auld Fella in Culver City. Pianist Matt Politano leads a breakfast jazz trio at Jones Coffee Roasters in Pasadena.

Wednesday 9/16 – Geoff Stradling’s StradBand at Vibrato

Pianist Geoff Stradling’s StradBand is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Drummer Charles Ruggiero is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Pianist Shelley Berg & The Barclay Jazz & Beyond Orchestra are at the Barclay Theatre in Irvine. Vocalist Veotis is at Sam First near LAX. Jazz En Tres Golpes is at Catalina in Hollywood. Blues guitarist Kirk Fletcher is at Venice West in Venice. Guitarist/pianist Carlos Velasco is at Il Sogno Italiano 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. 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. Collage in San Pedro hosts an open jazz jam.