KJazz 88.1 | Community Events Calendar

Time:

7:00pm - 9:00pm

Event Info:

La Sierra University’s long-running professional artist series, Pierce Street Jazz, will give a performance featuring noted performance and recording artist Ron Stout on trumpet. He will be joined by band members Henry ‘the Skipper’ Franklin, bass, and an NAACP Image Award winner; acclaimed musician and composer Theo Saunders on piano; and former “Tonight Show with Jay Leno” band member, Marvin ‘Smitty’ Smith on drums. The concert will be held at the Zapara School of Business, Troesh Conference Center.

Time:

7:30pm - 11:00pm

Event Info:

"For anyone steeped in jazz, it just can't get much better" ~ Mark Sheldon, Downbeat writer

Since touring with Ray Brown in early 2000s, American pianist Larry Fuller has built a reputation as one of the hardest-swinging pianists on the scene.

Fuller learned his craft the 'old school' way - on the bandstand in some of the most legendary jazz ensembles: The Ray Brown Trio, Jeff Hamilton Trio, John Pizzarelli Quartet, and as pianist/musical director for vocal giant Ernestine Anderson.

The NYC-based Larry Fuller Trio is known for its super-swinging, emotive style, and program versatility. In his programming, Fuller includes the Great American Songbook, jazz, blues, pop standards, and originals, always bringing his own take on the music. At Sam First, expect to hear anything from Oscar Peterson to Stevie Wonder, Wes Montgomery to Ray Brown, George Gershwin to Joni Mitchell - and much more.

Larry Fuller, piano Lorin Cohen, bass Carmen Intorre, Jr., drums

Time:

8:00pm - 10:00pm

Event Info:

Swing into the holidays at Irvine Barclay Theatre when The Barclay Jazz & Beyond Orchestra rings in the season with a swinging night of holiday cheer. The music will range from new arrangements of jazz Christmas classics to contemporary holiday hits.

ABOUT THE PERFORMERS

Singer, composer, and pianist Ann Hampton Callaway’s mastery of jazz, pop, and cabaret has thrilled audiences across the globe, whether she appears on concert stages, theaters, or on film and TV. Broadway World voted her Entertainer of the Year and Best Jazz Vocalist two years in a row, and she received a Tony Award nomination as Best Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical for her knockout performance in Swing!

Saxophonist Kirk Whalum is a passionate and soulful Grammy-award winning soloist. An ordained minister with deep gospel roots, Whalum gets to the heart of any and all music he plays, as he has proven on concerts and recordings with legendary artists such as Luther Vandross and Whitney Houston.

Shelly Berg —an in-demand music director, bandleader, arranger, composer and pianist—is the artistic director for The Jazz Cruises, artistic advisor for the Jazz Roots series at the Adrienne Arsht Center in Miami and Dean of the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami.

Time:

8:00pm - 10:00pm

Event Info:

Get ready to ring in the holiday season with the Kings Return’s signature blend of smooth harmonies and soulful vocals—all performed a cappella! Join us for an unforgettable evening of festive favorites and modern classics, wrapped in the group’s renowned vocal artistry.

From the electrifying opener, “Carol of the Bells,” to the toe-tapping twist on “Jingle Bell Rock,” you’ll be treated to a dynamic set of holiday hits. Experience the stirring gospel energy of “O Come All Ye Faithful,” and the heartfelt warmth of “Silent Night.” You’ll also hear imaginative renditions of the “Nutcracker Suite” and the beloved “Mary Did You Know” and “Go Tell It on the Mountain.”

But the fun doesn’t stop there! Let the soaring vocals of “Walking in the Air” transport you to a winter wonderland, and sing along with holiday classics like “This Christmas” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.” Throughout the show, Kings Return will share personal stories and usher in the holiday spirit with heartfelt reflections.

Time:

5:00pm - 6:30pm

Event Info:

The greatest JAZZ west of the 405 freeway can be found (for the last 20 years!) At the Second Sunday Jazz Concerts at Mt Olive Church - 1343 Ocean Park Blvd. at 14th Street. This is JAZZ for the whole community! Join us for some Christmas Jazz with the Christmas Rhythmists - a hot jazz sextet, on Sunday, December 14th at 5pm-6:30pm Start your holiday with a Santa Monica Jazz Tradition. (and some Christmas cookies). The band includes: Chris Dawson - Piano Janice Anderson - Vocals Sam Rocha - Bass Josh Collazo - Drums Cory Gemme - Trumpet Ryan Dragon - Trombone See you there 🎄

Time:

6:00pm - 8:30pm

Event Info:

Live Jazz Night featuring vocalist Valerie Monroe

Time:

8:00pm - 10:00pm

Event Info:

KJazz 88.1 FM and Alvas Showroom are proud to present: KJazz Latin Night!

Dr. Metz leads a fantastic group of musicians on a journey through the vast landscape of Brazilian rhythms. A fresh and energetic interpretation of compositions by the great Brazilian stars such as Jobim, Joao Donato, Hermeto Pascoal, Manfredo Fest, Tania Maria, and more. Keyboardist Matt Rohde is one of the top session players in LA, and currently musical director for the tv show The Voice. In addition Matt has performed with Alanis Morissette, Isaac Hayes, Jane’s Addiction, Jennifer Lopez, Prince, and many others. Francisco Fattoruso is a virtuoso bassist, currently touring with Brazilian superstar Ivan Lins. Drummer Lucio Vieira is at the top of his game, currently teaching at Hollywood’s Musician Institute, Lucio has performed with artists such as Leny Andrade, Gilberto Gil, Maria Bethânia, Elba Ramalho, Dominguinhos, Wagner Tyso, Roberto Menescal, João Donato, Sérgio Mendes, Larry Coryell, Allen Hinds, Frank Gambale, and many more.

Genres: Latin Brazilian Jazz

Performer Names/Instruments: Angelo Metz – Guitar and Vocal. Matt Rohde – Keys. Francisco Fattoruso – Bass. Lucio Vieira – Drums.

Time:

7:30pm - 9:00pm

Event Info:

Willie “Fly” Johnson Soul Saxophonist Extraordinaire Live in Newport Beach, CA Saturday, December 27th Doors at 6:00 PM | Show at 7:30 PM A night of timeless soul and classic R&B New Year’s Pre-Party celebration! Celebrate the holiday season with grooves, passion, and unforgettable music Don’t miss this one-night-only show! Tickets: CampusJax.com