About & Out – What’s Hot In SoCal Jazz – Week Of September 14, 2026

September continues with a SoCal jazz week including Arturo O’Farrill, Chucho Valdes, Robert Glasper, Al Di Meola, Sutton Foster, Seamus Blake, Brandon Coleman, Fred Hersch, Doug Webb, Brian Clemens w/Tawanda, Chuck Redd, Maiya Sykes, Dayren Santamaria, and Saturday’s Central Avenue Jazz Festival.

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 9/14 – 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. The Purple Haze Rather Big Band is at Dreamland in Malibu.  Keyboardist Quinn Johnson is at 1881 in Pasadena.  Vocalist Veotis is at Sam First near LAX. Jazz En Tres Golpes is at Catalina in Hollywood. Vocalist Lia Booth is at Garcons De Cafe in downtown L.A. 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. Los Compadres is at TriP in Santa Monica.

Thursday 9/17 – Brandon Coleman at Sam First

Keyboardist Brandon Coleman is at Sam First near LAX with Eric Sittner on bass, Horace Bray on guitar, and Efa Etoroma on drums. Pianist Brian Clemens leads a big band at Campus Jax in Newport Beach with vocalist Tawanda Suessbrich-Joaquim. Violinist Dayren Santamaria is at Boston Court in Pasadena. Pianist Robert Glasper is at Blue Note LA in Hollywood. Vocalist Aaron Akins does music from Nat King Cole plus originals at Harvelle’s in Santa Monica. Vocalist Judy Wexler is at the Cascade Lounge in Palm Springs. Guitarist Alex Skolnick is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Pianist Arturo O’Farrill is at the Spanos Theatre in San Luis Obispo. Saxophonist Devin Daniels is at Sound Dhaba in downtown L.A. Organist Carey Frank is at Lou Lou’s in San Diego. Vibraphonist Chuck Redd is at The Merc in Temecula. Trumpeter/vocalist Matt Von Roderick is at Roost 374 in San Clemente. Vocalist/guitarist Teka is at The Grand On State Street in Santa Barbara. Pianist Ben Dabiri is at Bar Bacari in Sherman Oaks. Guitarist Louie Valenzuela is at Bar Bacari North Park in San Diego. Keyboardist Zach Tenorio is at Solarc Brewing in Eagle Rock. Vocalist B. Slade is at Catalina in Hollywood. Saxophonist Paul Taylor is at Spaghettini in Seal Beach. Keyboardist Bryard Huggins is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Saxophonist Adrienne Nims is at Ki’s Restaurant in Cardiff. The Honey Bees are at Tio Leo’s Lounge in San Diego. 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 Peter Smith is at the Langham Hotel Tap Room in Pasadena. Vocalist Nico Lovell is at The Jazz Lounge in San Diego. French vocal group Paris Chansons is at Vibrato in Bel Air.

Friday 9/18 – Seamus Blake at Sam First

Saxophonist Seamus Blake plays the music of Eddie Harris at Sam First near LAX with Scott Kinsey on keys, Travis Carlton on bass, and Anthony Fung on drums. Guitarist Brent Canter is at Montauk in Redondo Beach. Guitarist Jeff Parker is at Healing Force Of The Universe in Pasadena. Guitarist Al Di Meola is at The Lido Theater in Newport Beach. Organist Ronnie Foster is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Bassist Nedra Wheeler is at The World Stage in South L.A. Pianist Robert Glasper is at Blue Note LA in Hollywood. Jason Goldman’s 17 Big Band is at LACMA in West L.A. Pianist George Kahn is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Guitarist Thom Rotella is at the Canyon Bistro in Topanga. Drummer/vocalist Dave Tull is at Eddie V’s in El Segundo. Pianist Joshua White and saxophonist Harvey Wainapel split a bill at The Jazz Lounge in San Diego. Vocalist/pianist Sumitra Nanjundan is at Clearmountain’s Berkeley Street Studios in Santa Monica. Saxophonist Clifford Morin is at Bar Bacari North Park in San Diego. The Jazz Cartel is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Harpist Tasha Smith Godinez is at Dizzy’s in San Diego. Vocalist Whitney Shay leads a tribute to Etta James at Lou Lou’s in San Diego. Trumpeter Greg Solman is at Azo Vino in Covina. Drummer Joel Taylor is at 1881 in Pasadena. Vocalist Chloe Perrier is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. The SoCal Jazz Collective is at the OC Fish Grill in Irvine. Pianist Mikan Zlatkovich is at the Westgate Hotel in San Diego. Guitarist Doug MacDonald is at Vicky’s Of Santa Fe in Indian Wells with vocalist Gregg Marx. 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 Janet Orsi & The Akustakats are at Alza Italian Kitchen in Rancho Santa Margarita. Vocalist Cynthia Gonzalez is at at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. The Chunky Hustle Brass band is at Seven Grand in San Diego. Phatback, Earl & Me is at The Grape in Ventura. The Woody James Legacy Big Band plays an afternoon show at the Mayflower Club in North Hollywood.

Saturday 9/19 – Arturo O’ Farrill & The Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra at Segerstrom Hall

Pianist Arturo O’Farrill & The Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra are at Segerstrom Hall in Costa Mesa. The Central Avenue Jazz Festival in South L.A. features sets from Sheila E, Jason Marsalis, Alfredo Rodriguez & Pedrito Martinez, Tatiana Tate and others.  Vocalist Sutton Foster is at The Soraya in Northridge with the Pacific Jazz Orchestra.  Guitarist Al Di Meola is at the Alex Theatre in Glendale. Trumpeter Josh Brown plays there music of The Jazz Messengers at the Birds Of A Feather Jazz Lounge in downtown L.A. Pianist Robert Glasper is at Blue Note LA in Hollywood. Vocalist Janis Mann is at Faust Harrison Pianos in Sherman Oaks. Vocalist/trumpeter Chris Norton is at Montauk in Redondo Beach. Violinist Benny Brydern is at Boulevard Music in Culver City. Keyboardist Kiefer Shackelford is at Lodge Room in Highland Park. Saxophonist Tom Scott is with Steely Jam at Alvas Showroom in San Pedro. Vocalist Patrick Barnitt is at 1881 in Pasadena. Trumpeter Greg Adams & East Bay Soul are at Spaghettini in Seal Beach. Vocalist Liz Cole is at The Grand On State Street in Santa Barbara. The Phoenyx Big Band is at The Grape in Ventura. Drummer/vocalist Dave Tull is at Eddie V’s in El Segundo. Trumpeter Clarence McDuffie III is at Dizzy’s in San Diego. Guitarist/vocalist Philip Sayce is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Vocalist Lily H. Clark is at Catalina in Hollywood. Keyboardist Dylan Meek is at Bar Bacari in Culver City. Bassist Evona Wascinski is at Bar Bacari North Park in San Diego. Calle 6 is at The Artistry Wine Lounge in Long Beach. JustUs4 is at Visionarium in South Pasadena. Ashley Anne & The Carnations are at Cicada in downtown L.A. Aileen Quinn & The Leapin’ Lizards are at the Pasadena Ballroom Dance Association. 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. Sylvia & The Rhythm Boys are at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. The Dave Stephens Band is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Vocalist Kaylee Daugherty is at Harbor & Sky in San Diego. Pianist Eric Scott Reed leads an afternoon workshop at The World Stage in South L.A. Saxophonist Jerry Mandel does an afternoon show at Bistango in Irvine, Vocalist Cathy Segal-Garcia does a brunch gig at Brightside California Kitchen in Santa Monica.

Sunday 9/20 – Robert Glasper at Blue Note LA

Pianist Robert Glasper is at Blue Note LA in Hollywood for the final evening of a four-night run (Thu-Sun). Pianist Fred Hersch is at The Conrad in La Jolla. Guitarists Jim Fox and Andrew Synowiec are at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Drummer Trevor Anderies is at Solarc Brewing in Eagle Rock. Vibraphonist Chuck Redd is at Tio Leo’s Lounge in San Diego. Trumpeter Tony Guerrero celebrates a birthday at Campus Jax in Newport Beach. Vocalist Alvin Reyes celebrates a birthday at the Birds Of A Feather Jazz Lounge in downtown L.A. Guitarist Alex Ciavarelli is at Lou Lou’s in San Diego. Satin Keys is at Catalina in Hollywood. Vocalist Adam Aejaye Jackson is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Pianist Mateo Arce opens for drummer Kevin Kanner’s jazz jam at The Mint in West L.A. Trumpeter Dylan Quint is at Bub & Grandma’s in Eagle Rock. Pianist Brad Bietry hosts a jam session at Al Italiano Restaurant in West Hills. 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. Drummer John Kithcart has the early brunch at the Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach.

Monday 9/21 – Al Di Meola at Belly Up

Guitarist Al Di Meola is at Belly Up in Solana Beach. Vocalist Jimetta Rose is at Sound Dhaba in downtown L.A. Satin Keys is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Guitarist/vocalist Artur Menezes is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Drummer Ethan Snyder 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 9/22 – Ravi Coltrane at Blue Note LA

Saxophonist Ravi Coltrane is at Blue Note LA in Hollywood for the first of three nights (Tue-Thu). Vocalist Emma Smith is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Guitarist Mike Keneally’s Beer For Dolphins is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Drummer Gorden Campbell is at The Mint in West L.A. Saxophonist Devin Daniels hosts the Tuesday Happenings Jam Session at Sam First near LAX. Trumpeter/vocalist Matt Von Roderick 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. 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. Hagen Jazz is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. Pianist Matt Politano leads a breakfast jazz trio at Jones Coffee Roasters in Pasadena.

Wednesday 9/23 – Wynton Marsalis & The JLCO at the Hollywood Bowl

Trumpeter Wynton Marsalis leads the Jazz At Lincoln Center Orchestra at the Hollywood Bowl in an evening that also features saxophonist Lakecia Benjamin. Saxophonist Ravi Coltrane is at Blue Note LA in Hollywoood. Pianist Bokani Dyer is at Sam First near LAX. Pianist Deron Johnson leads a tribute to John Coltrane at 2220 Arts + Archives in downtown L.A. Drummer Jimmy Branly is at 1881 in Pasadena. Saxophonist Tripp Sprague leads a tribute to John Coltrane at The Jazz Lounge in San Diego. Guitarist Greg Poree is at Visionarium in South Pasadena. Guitarist Mike Keneally’s Beer For Dolphins is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Vocalist Maria Schafer is at Garcons De Cafe in downtown L.A. Saxophonist Carlo Alfonso is at Sound Dhaba in downtown L.A. Zebulon in Silverlake hosts a tribute to John Coltrane. Vocalist Natalia Fourcade & The Soul Trio are at Catalina in Hollywood. Matterform is at The Grape in Ventura. Guitarist David Eastlee is at Edwin Mills in 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. Guitarist Doug MacDonald leads a jazz jam at the Z Club in Joshua Tree. Drummer Leo Vigil is at Knolls in Laguna Niguel.