About & Out – What’s Hot In SoCal Jazz – Week Of September 21, 2026

September winds down with a SoCal jazz week including Ravi Coltrane, Wynton Marsalis, Joshua Redman, The Bad Plus, Emma Smith, Lakecia Benjamin, Tamir Hendelman, John Escreet, Munyungo Jackson, David Garfield, Linda May Han Oh, Deron Johnson, Daniel Rotem, and Judy Wexler.

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 9/21 – Al Di Meola at Belly Up

Guitarist Al Di Meola is at Belly Up in Solana Beach. Saxophonist Josh Johnson is at 2220 Arts + Archives in downtown L.A. 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 – Emma Smith at Vibrato

Vocalist Emma Smith is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Saxophonist Ravi Coltrane is at Blue Note LA in Hollywood for the first of three nights (Tue-Thu). Guitarist Mike Keneally’s Beer For Dolphins is at The Baked Potato in Studio City for the first of two nights (Tue-Wed). 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. Guitarist Gonzalo Bergara is at Kulak’s Woodshed in North Hollywood. Trumpeter/vocalist Matt Von Roderick is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Metta Sun is at The World Stage in South 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. 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 Hollywood. 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. The Barclay Theatre Jazz Band is at Bistango in Irvine. 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.

Thursday 9/24 – Ravi Coltrane at Blue Note LA

Saxophonist Ravi Coltrane is at Blue Note LA in Hollywood for the last of three nights (Tue-Thu) with David Virelles on piano, Dezron Douglas on bass, and Johnathan Blake on drums. Stick Men featuring Tony Levin are at The Baked Potato in Studio City for the first of two nights (Thu-Fri). Trumpeter Alexandra Ridout is at Sam First near LAX. Vocalist Rita Lim is at the Birds Of A Feather Jazz Lounge in downtown L.A. Phi-Sonics are at the Townhouse in Venice. Vocalist Laura Andrade is at The Georgian Room in Santa Monica. Guitarist Vieux Farka Touré is at the Epstein Family Amphitheater in San Diego. Trumpeter Gilbert Castellanos is at Lou Lou’s in San Diego. Drummer Jonathan Pinson plays a tribute to John Coltrane at Sound Dhaba in downtown L.A. Saxophonists Jack Lieberman and Devin Daniels are at The Spotlight in Hollywood. Drummer Joel Taylor is at The Grape in Ventura. Vocalist Alex Robinson is at Roost 374 in San Clemente. Pianist Caelan Cardello is at The Grand On State Street in Santa Barbara. Pianist Michael Levan is at The Merc in Temecula with vocalist Elena Gilliam. Drummer Julien Cantelm is at Bar Bacari North Park in San Diego. Pianist Joe Rotondi is at Eddie V’s in El Segundo. Drummer Shane Sato is at Campus Jax in Newport Beach. Vocalists Rebecca Jade and Marcel Anderson are at Spaghettini in Seal Beach. Pianist/vocalist Christopher Linman is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. The Uptown Rhythm Makers are at Panama 66 in San Diego. Bread & Butter are at the Cascade Lounge in Palm Springs. 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 Bill Cantos is at the Langham Hotel Tap Room in Pasadena. Vocalist Mercedes Moore is at Tio Leo’s Lounge in San Diego. Vocalist Kaylee Daugherty does a happy hour show at California English in San Diego.

Friday 9/25 – Joshua Redman at The Wallis

Saxophonist Joshua Redman is at The Wallis in Beverly Hills with Paul Cornish on piano, Phillip Norris on bass, Nazir Ebo on drums, and Skylar Tang on trumpet. Pianist John Escreet is at Sam First near LAX. Percussionist Munyungo Jackson is at The World Stage in South L.A. Bassist Linda May Han Oh is at The Conrad in La Jolla. Saxophonist Daniel Rotem is at Motivo LA in Atwater Village. Vocalist Judy Wexler is at LACMA in West L.A. Stick Men featuring Tony Levin are at The Baked Potato in Studio City. The Heavyweights are at The Sun Rose in West Hollywood. Trumpeter Gilbert Castellanos plays a tribute to Miles Davis at the La Jolla Community Center. Saxophonist Nicole McCabe is at Bar Bacari in Silverlake. Drummer Jaz Sawyer leads a tribute to John Coltrane at Montauk in Redondo Beach. Tribe is at Harun Coffee in South L.A. Guitarist Vieux Farka Touré is at SOhO in Santa Barbara. Vocalist Julie Zhu is at the Birds Of A Feather Jazz Lounge in downtown L.A. Vocalist Steve Sieck is at Visionarium in South Pasadena. Vocalist Alex Isley is at Blue Note LA in Hollywood for the first of three nights (Fri-Sun). Pianist Peter Smith is at The Georgian Room in Santa Monica for an early show, followed by a late set from vocalist Maiya Sykes. Vocalist Leigh Vance is at The Grand On State Street in Santa Barbara. The Shawn Jones Big Band is at The Grape in Ventura. Pianist Ali Tolga Demirtas and violinist Luanne Homzy are at Collage in San Pedro. Pianist Joe Rotondi is at Eddie V’s in El Segundo. The Jazz Butchers are at Tuning Fork in Studio City. Saxophonist Dave Victorino is at Azo Vino in Covina. Trumpeter Clarence McDuffie III is at Bar Bacari North Park in San Diego. Drummer Joel Taylor is at 1881 in Pasadena. Vocalists Matt Forbes and Jesse Goddard are at The Dresden in Los Feliz. The SoCal Jazz Collective is at the OC Fish Grill in Irvine. Pianist Brad Bietry is at the Al Italiano Restaurant in West Hills. Pianist Mikan Zlatkovich is at the Westgate Hotel in San Diego. Pianist Peter Smith is at The Georgian Room in Santa Monica. Guitarist Doug MacDonald is at Vicky’s Of Santa Fe in Indian Wells with saxophonist Doug Webb. Trumpeter Chris Lawrence III is at Bar Bacari in Sherman Oaks. Bassist Teddy Bang is at the Culver Hotel in Culver City. Percussionist Charlie Chavez is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Velvet Noir is at Cicada in downtown L.A. Guitarist Daryl Darden is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. The Garners are at Books & Records in San Diego. The Woody James Legacy Big Band plays an afternoon show at the Mayflower Club in North Hollywood.

Saturday 9/26 – Tamir Hendelman at Sam First

Pianist Tamir Hendelman plays the music of Bill Evans at Sam First near LAX with Kevin Axt on bass and Joe La Barbera on drums. The Bad Plus are at the Barclay Theatre in Irvine. Keyboardist Don Randi & Quest are at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Saxophonist Chris Powe is at the Birds Of A Feather Jazz Lounge in downtown L.A. Bassist Jeff Littleton is at Montauk in Redondo Beach. Guitarist Vieux Farka Touré is at Lodge Room in Highland Park. Vocalist Freda Payne is at Catalina in Hollywood. Brazilian vocalist/guitarist Teka is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Vocalist Alex Isley is at Blue Note LA in Hollywood. Saxophonist Water Beasley is at the Steelworker’s Auditorium in Fontana. Vocalist/flutist Cobby Brzeski is at Golden Island in San Diego. Keyboardist Benjie Porecki is at The Grape in Ventura. Trombonist Adriana Wagner is at Bar Bacari in Sherman Oaks. Bassist Julian Esparza is at Bar Bacari North Park in San Diego. Bassist Logan Kane plays a solo show at Healing Force Of The Universe in Pasadena. Pianist Joe Rotondi is at Eddie V’s in El Segundo. Pianist Irving Flores is at The Jazz Lounge in San Diego. Vocalist Maria de la Vega & The Wayward Five are at Alvas Showroom in San Pedro for an afternoon show. Vocalist Jennifer Keith is at Cicada in downtown L.A. The Swingsations are at the Pasadena Ballroom Dance Association. Pianist Mikan Zlatkovich is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Pianist Scott Tibbs is at The Georgian Room in Santa Monica. 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. Pianist Eric Scott Reed leads an afternoon workshop at The World Stage in South L.A. Pianist Sue Palmer plays a brunch at California English in San Diego.

Sunday 9/27 – David Garfield at Catalina Jazz Club

Keyboardist David Garfield celebrates a birthday at Catalina in Hollywood with Rick Braun on trumpet, Eric Marienthal on sax, Toshi Yanagi on guitar, Jimmy Earl on bass, and Donald Barrett on drums, along with numerous special guests. The Red Cantaloupe Experience plays a tribute to John Coltrane at Roscoe’s Jazz Lounge in a performance led by Robert J. Carmack. Pianist Jamel Dean plays an afternoon show and jam session at The World Stage in South L.A. Vocalist Aaron Jacobs & The Swing Tones are at Vitello’s Velvet Martin Lounge in Studio City. Drummer Dean Mucetti & Rhythm Real are at Bar Bandini in Echo Park. Vocalist Alex Isley is at Blue Note LA in Hollywood. Pianist Javier Santiago opens for drummer Kevin Kanner’s jazz jam at The Mint in West L.A. The Watts Towers Jazz Festival is at the Watts Towers Arts Center in South L.A. Vocalist Sherry Williams is at Tio Leo’s Lounge in San Diego. Pianist Peter Smith’s Stained Glass Sessions are at the First Baptist Church in Pasadena. Guitarist/vocalist Rafael Moreira is at The Baked Potato in Studio City.  Saxophonist Dr. Bruce Eskowitz is at the Woodlands Concert Hall in Cambria with vibraphonist Charlie Shoemake. This Ain’t Your Daddy’s 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. Vocalist Cynthia Gonzalez is at Humphrey’s Backstage in San Diego. Keyboardist Andrew Dorsett 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 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. Slide FX has the early brunch at the Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach. Keyboardist Cory Henry does a gospel brunch at Blue Note LA in Hollywood. Vocalist Patti Zlaket does a brunch at the Birds Of A Feather Jazz Lounge in downtown L.A.

Monday 9/28 – Ed Wynne at The Baked Potato

Saxophonist Ed Wynne is at The Baked Potato in Studio City with Aaron Haggerty on drums, Del Atkins on bass, Herman Jackson on keys, Matt Hornbeck on guitar, Jon Papenbrook and Anthony Bonsera on trumpet, Louis Van Taylor on sax, and Justin Kirk on trombone. Martini In The Morning is at Catalina in Hollywood. Guitarist Molly Miller is at Bub & Grandma’s in Eagle Rock. The Tom Kubis Big Band is at the Gaslamp in Long Beach. Trumpeter Stewart Cole is at Club Tee Gee in Atwater Village. Drummer Tobias Cole Israel is at The High Low in Atwater Village. 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. The SBCC Monday Madness jazz Orchestra is at SoHO in Santa Barbara.  The Orange County School Of Arts Jazz Quartet is at The Drake in Laguna Beach.

Tuesday 9/29 – Wayne Bergeron Big Band at Vibrato

Trumpeter Wayne Bergeron leads a big band at Vibrato in Bel Air.  The Big Band Express is at Tio Leo’s Lounge in San Diego.  Think:X is at The Baked Potato in Studio City.  Guitarist David Eastlee is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. 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. 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 9/30 – John Clayton & The CSUN Jazz Bands at The Soraya

Bassist John Clayton directs the CSUN A & B Jazz Bands at The Soraya in Northridge with guest drummer Jeff Hamilton. Vocalist Tierney Sutton is at the Carpenter Center in Long Beach with pianist Tamir Hendelman for the first of two nights (Wed-Thu).  Special EFX is at Lou Lou’s in San Diego.  Guitarist Victor Baker is at Sam First near LAX.  Saxophonist Chuck Johnson is at Visionarium in South Pasadena. Saxophonist Ed Wynne is at Dreamland in Malibu. Saxophonist Carlo Alfonso is at Sound Dhaba in downtown L.A. The Jazz Sundials are at The Grape in Ventura. Pianist Michael Wolff is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. 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. Jumpin’ Joz is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. Los Compadres is at TriP in Santa Monica. Harmonica player Dave Rozier leads an evening of blues at The Baked Potato in Studio City.