COMPLIMENTARY ENTRY | NO RESERVATION REQUIRED | SEATING ON A FIRST-ARRIVAL BASIS | NO DINNER SERVICE | 21+ Whether in studio, on screen, or stage, Whitney Shay’s electric energy, soulful style, and powerhouse pipes keep listeners connected and coming back for more. In her hometown of San Diego Whitney Shay has been honored to win 5 San Diego Music Awards (including “Artist of The Year”), and a San Diego CityBeat Magazine "Best Of" Award. Abroad Shay has toured extensively throughout Europe and South America, and was nominated for a national Blues Music Award in 2019. In 2020 Shay’s album Stand Up! debuted at #1 on the Billboard Blues charts. Shay has received high praise from music critics calling the singer “a future blues icon” (Blues Matters!), “one of the next best things in soul music” (Blues and Rhythm Magazine), and “the epitome of a rising star” (Elmore Magazine). Shay’s tracks have been placed in TV/film, including shows on NBC, Fox, HBO, Bravo, BET, Hulu, and Tyler Perry’s A Madea Family Funeral. Juice Box is a San Diego based project fronted by drummer/composer Matthew Smith. Smith had this to say about the group, "I bought a suitcase rhodes from craigslist and took one whole month and wrote one song per day, with no real project in mind. I then took what songs I felt had the most impact and formed the group." At it's core Juice Box is an instrumental group, yet on the B side of it's debut and self titled release it features a San Francisco based vocalist "Lewis Gallardo" singing his song, Heartbreak Reprise. With a wide variety of influences that span from Hendrix to Hancock this group is truly one that is pushing the funk, soul and jazz boundaries. Live shows highlight a steady pocket while exploring the depths of the group's collective improvisation. 

This evening, Lou Lou’s will be closed for a private affair—an intimate celebration tucked beneath the chandeliers and velvet glow. We know evenings out are special, and we never take it lightly when we must turn you away. Please accept our heartfelt apologies for the inconvenience. Nights like these are rare, but sometimes the room asks for a little secrecy. For your next night out, we invite you to check our calendar for upcoming dates featuring live music, good company, and the kind of evenings you won’t soon forget. With love and gratitude, Lou Lou’s at The Lafayette Hotel 

This evening, Lou Lou’s will be closed for a private affair—an intimate celebration tucked beneath the chandeliers and velvet glow. We know evenings out are special, and we never take it lightly when we must turn you away. Please accept our heartfelt apologies for the inconvenience. Nights like these are rare, but sometimes the room asks for a little secrecy. For your next night out, we invite you to check our calendar for upcoming dates featuring live music, good company, and the kind of evenings you won’t soon forget. With love and gratitude, Lou Lou’s at The Lafayette Hotel 

*Doors open at 6pm | 21+ | Dinner starts promptly at 7pm.* Born in Guadalajara, Mexico, and raised in Fresno, California, Gilbert’s musical career was preordained; the only son to his eponym father, a touring Cumbia band leader, singer and arranger, Gilbert was strongly influenced by his predecessor’s deep appreciation for classical composers and big band jazz ensembles, broadening young Gilbert's horizons from an early age. Gilbert Sr. strongly encouraged Gilbert toward the Jazz genre when at first he showed an interest in trumpet at age 6. By age 11, Gilbert’s intensive training and education provided the context to begin playing professionally, and at age 15 he preformed with mentor and icon Dizzy Gillespie at the Monterrey Jazz Festival. A fierce advocate of formal jazz education, Gilbert held the position of Adjunct Professor of Jazz Studies at the University of Southern California's Thornton School of Music from 2001 to 2013. Thereafter, he served as the Artistic Director of the International Academy of Jazz San Diego from 2014-2016, during which time he began conducting high school workshops and developing a more proactive role in mentorship. During his time visiting Title I schools, he recognized a need for increased accessibility to formal education, noting that many truly gifted students were deprived the opportunities to further their education due to monetary constraints. Thusly, in 2016 Castellanos founded the Young Lions Jazz Conservatory based in San Diego, California. Using his influence in a burgeoning Jazz community, one he is credited in large with establishing, Gilbert began successfully soliciting donations for and supporting thousands of dollars of scholarship to finance Conservatory Education Equity for economically disadvantaged students of promise. To date, the Young Lions Jazz Conservatory has graduated hundreds of bright musicians of diverse backgrounds with Gilbert serving as personal mentor and advocate for each, often writing college recommendation letters and offering every one of his students "real world" experience each Wednesday evening at ensemble performances 

TWO SHOWINGS | 7PM & 10PM | NO DINNER SERVICE | 21+ Multi-instrumentalist Casey is a natural born entertainer and is able to bring a crowd of 250 to their feet with just his voice and his upright bass. With legions of superfans the world over, “the nicest man in jazz-rock” cut his teeth as a finalist on American Idol aged just 19, before touring the world as the frontman of Postmodern Jukebox and as a lead vocalist on several viral songs with Scary Pockets. With over a million followers across his social media channels and a buoyant career that took off when Randy Jackson called him “the best musician we’ve ever had on [American] Idol”, Casey’San Diego show promises to be truly unforgettable. 

COMPLIMENTARY ENTRY | NO RESERVATION REQUIRED | SEATING ON A FIRST-ARRIVAL BASIS | NO DINNER SERVICE | 21+ "I am originally from Wales, but somehow I always knew I would end up in California. I started playing the saxophone when I was 11 years of age because I thought it might get me girls and I ended up really loving it. I got involved with Jazz early on and found that this was a solid foundation for understanding many more genres of music. I went to Paul McCartney's Liverpool Institute for the Performing Arts to get my music degree and after college I toured Europe, the US and Japan and played nearly every major festival in the UK as well as opening for people such as GOLDIE, THE EGG, BREAKBEAT ERA and GIL SCOTT HERON during the early 2000s. I was also part of the bands for PART TIME HEROES and THE NEXTMEN (with whom I wrote and sang the tune ROCKETS which has now had over 5.5 million streams on Spotify at time of writing) I was one of the first people in Europe to play saxophone with House music DJs and found that I was mostly interested in music that made people dance. This is the music I wanted to create. With the realization that the saxophone is not really a songwriting tool, I taught myself guitar and piano and I used my understanding of music theory to help me form bands and a unique solo show where I can pretty much incorporate all of my skills at once. I now consider myself a singer/songwriter first and foremost but I am consistently involved with a wide range of projects as well as my own band - THE JONNY TARR QUINTET. Since moving to the United States, I have been lucky enough to open for such legendary acts as THE VICTOR WOOTEN TRIO, OZOMATLI and THE FAMILY STONE, plus share the stage with Billy Gibbons of ZZ TOP, multi grammy award winning BEBE WINANS and I have written and recorded with MARIO CALDATTO JNR. the legendary producer of The Beastie Boys. I even got to be part of the opening act, THE PINK FLOYD EXPERIENCE for FOREIGNER’s Cold As Ice tour in 2019. I also recently won my second SAN DIEGO MUSIC AWARD for BEST POP ARTIST 2023 and headlined the NAMM show’s D’Angelico Stage with my Quintet. I just released my second studio album for San Diego’s PACIFIC RECORDS titled THE RULES and was just named as an OFFICIAL TAYLOR GUTARS ARTIST." 

*GENERAL ADMISSION | 21+ | ALL SEATING IS FIRST COME FIRST SERVED | NO DINNER SERVICE* Soul Sunday is a curated live music experience that blends soulful sounds with community connection. Rooted in San Diego, the event showcases top-tier musicians and emerging talent, delivering an immersive atmosphere where music lovers can vibe and connect. With a rotating lineup of live bands and special performances, Soul Sunday creates a space for authenticity, artistry, and unforgettable moments. Whether at a private gathering or a large-scale event, Soul Sunday is more than just a show—it’s a movement celebrating the power of live music. 

Doors: 6:30PM Showtime: 7:30PM 21+ | NO DINNER SERVICE Experience the hilarity at Laugh At Lou Lou’s, an evening of stand-up comedy hosted by the razor-sharp Mal Hall. Join us on the last Wednesday of every month as Mal Hall introduces a stellar lineup of seasoned headliners who have graced stages nationwide and appeared on Netflix and Comedy Central. Each comedian will offer their distinct brand of humor, promising a night filled with laughter and entertainment. Don’t miss out—reserve your tickets now for an unforgettable night of comedy. 

COMPLIMENTARY ENTRY | NO RESERVATION REQUIRED | SEATING ON A FIRST-ARRIVAL BASIS | NO DINNER SERVICE | 21+ Sue Palmer & her Motel Swing Orchestra have been moving audiences for over 25 years, both swing dancers and discerning listeners. The intuitive play within this band of San Diego Allstars, recalls the days of Johnny Otis, Roy Milton and his Solid Senders (with Camille Howard on the piano), The Buddy and Ella Johnson Band, Count Basie, and more, who bridged the gap between 30s-40s big bands, and the jump blues of the 40s. The Motel Swing Orchestra is renowned for their energetic shows and their propensity to make one a slave to the dance floor. Playing blistering boogies, big band tunes, and blues, the band swings gracefully and fearlessly. Whether it is the soulful blues sax of Jonny Viau and his stellar trombone horn partner, April West, or the high energy guitar of Steve Wilcox playing off Sue's rollocking piano, with spectacular lead singer Liz Ajuzie, and Sue's longtime rhythm section of Sharon Shufelt and Pete Harrison, the night promises to be memorable. Known as Queen of Boogie Woogie, Sue is an award winning piano player and band leader. She has been inducted into the San Diego Music Hall of Fame, and won many San Diego Music Awards, both with her band as well as solo. The band received an International Blues Award in Memphis for Best Self Produced CD. She was the beehive wearing piano player for the late diva, Candye Kane, and toured the world with her in the 90s and 2000s. 

COMPLIMENTARY ENTRY | NO RESERVATION REQUIRED | SEATING ON A FIRST-ARRIVAL BASIS | NO DINNER SERVICE | 21+ POCKETCANDY is a funk, RnB, NuJazz group founded and led by a duo: Guitarist Ian Patrick Cler and saxophonist Ross Rizzo. While releasing many singles of their unique arrangements, their musical presence in San Diego has been well recognized. Upon request of many, POCKETCANDY will be recording a live EP at Lou Lou’s Club. The night will feature Ian Patrick Cler (guitar), Ross Rizzo (saxophone), Durell Anthony (vocals), Justin Joyce (drums), Harley Magsino (bass), and Lucas Dominguez (piano/organ). It will be a night of “sugar-coated funk." 

This evening, Lou Lou’s will be closed for a private affair—an intimate celebration tucked beneath the chandeliers and velvet glow. We know evenings out are special, and we never take it lightly when we must turn you away. Please accept our heartfelt apologies for the inconvenience. Nights like these are rare, but sometimes the room asks for a little secrecy. For your next night out, we invite you to check our calendar for upcoming dates featuring live music, good company, and the kind of evenings you won’t soon forget. With love and gratitude, Lou Lou’s at The Lafayette Hotel 

ELECTRICLOUIELAND PRESENTS: SUNDAY SERMONS COMPLIMENTARY ENTRY | NO RESERVATION REQUIRED | SEATING ON A FIRST-ARRIVAL BASIS | NO DINNER SERVICE | 21+ LouLou's Club on a Sunday night, The First Sunday Jazz Sermons take flight, Echoes of Minton's in every chord, Where legends jammed and spirits soared. 

*GENERAL ADMISSION | 21+ | ALL SEATING IS FIRST COME FIRST SERVED | NO DINNER SERVICE* *ft. special guests* ~ Celebrating the birthday of Hunter Bragg Peach Cooler is a 4 piece indie pop band hailing from San Diego, ready to get you and your mom dancing. An energetic mix of sun-drenched indie rock and surfy pop music, the band is known for catchy hooks and putting on a show that'll make you move. ​ Crowd banter, jam-packed soul-filled vocals, stanky bass that'll turn your limbs to noodles, a smiley ass drummer smashing the drums with ease, and guitar with enough fuzz to make you feel warm, Peach Cooler has the recipe for that Southern California secret sauce. Best part? They're not choosey with who they share it with. ​ Pocket Change is a San Diego based jazz fusion trio that pulls heavy influence from world beat, dance and neo-soul music. Made up of keyboardist John Hooper, bassist Hunter Hartmann and drummer Hunter Bragg, the group has had a whirlwind of a first year as a band. They’ve performed at several festivals including Same Same But Different, have obtained residencies at some of San Diego’s best clubs and restaurants (Sago in Encinitas, Tony’s Martini Bar, Beaumont’s Eatery, Wilma’s and Kettner Exchange by SDCM Restaurant Group to name a few), and have established a partnership with the education program within Studio West. The group has released two EPs and is currently working on a studio album. Along with their busy gig schedule, they also have a hefty creative output on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube with their series “Garage Grooves” which features artists from across San Diego showcasing original music and unique covers. Find them on social media @PocketChangeMusic 

*Doors open at 6pm | 21+ | Dinner starts promptly at 7pm.* Born in Guadalajara, Mexico, and raised in Fresno, California, Gilbert’s musical career was preordained; the only son to his eponym father, a touring Cumbia band leader, singer and arranger, Gilbert was strongly influenced by his predecessor’s deep appreciation for classical composers and big band jazz ensembles, broadening young Gilbert's horizons from an early age. Gilbert Sr. strongly encouraged Gilbert toward the Jazz genre when at first he showed an interest in trumpet at age 6. By age 11, Gilbert’s intensive training and education provided the context to begin playing professionally, and at age 15 he preformed with mentor and icon Dizzy Gillespie at the Monterrey Jazz Festival. A fierce advocate of formal jazz education, Gilbert held the position of Adjunct Professor of Jazz Studies at the University of Southern California's Thornton School of Music from 2001 to 2013. Thereafter, he served as the Artistic Director of the International Academy of Jazz San Diego from 2014-2016, during which time he began conducting high school workshops and developing a more proactive role in mentorship. During his time visiting Title I schools, he recognized a need for increased accessibility to formal education, noting that many truly gifted students were deprived the opportunities to further their education due to monetary constraints. Thusly, in 2016 Castellanos founded the Young Lions Jazz Conservatory based in San Diego, California. Using his influence in a burgeoning Jazz community, one he is credited in large with establishing, Gilbert began successfully soliciting donations for and supporting thousands of dollars of scholarship to finance Conservatory Education Equity for economically disadvantaged students of promise. To date, the Young Lions Jazz Conservatory has graduated hundreds of bright musicians of diverse backgrounds with Gilbert serving as personal mentor and advocate for each, often writing college recommendation letters and offering every one of his students "real world" experience each Wednesday evening at ensemble performances 

COMPLIMENTARY ENTRY | NO RESERVATION REQUIRED | SEATING ON A FIRST-ARRIVAL BASIS | NO DINNER SERVICE | 21+ Jehlad is a soul artist/entertainer who has played all around San Diego and beyond. An America’s Got Talent Golden Buzzer Winner and Semi-Finalist, Jehlad emulates the greatest entertainers of all time like James Brown and Prince, yet gives homage to crooners like Marvin Gaye and Al Green. He was nominated for a San Diego Music Award in the category of Best R&B/Soul album in 2022, for his progressive R&B album “A Wonderful Life” that was released in 2021. Throughout his life, he has moved around on the east coast, and then finally to San Diego, where he resides currently. His love of music started when he was two years old when he got a bongo set, and then continued when he started singing at three. Music runs in his veins and it is extremely important in Jehlad’s life. From growing up where he learned from his adult church choir members, to performing musicals in high school and college, he excels in showmanship, performance, a wide vocal range, and excellent stage presence. Jehlad has sang the national anthem at over seven MLB stadiums, including the Padres, Dodgers, and the Yankees. His favorite moment was singing for the San Diego Seals and San Diego Wave FC at Snapdragon stadium in 2023. When he’s not playing live and singing at stadiums, he loves to collaborate with other songwriters, attending recording sessions with other musicians, and helps other singers with artist production. Aside from getting his BA in psychology and a MBA, he graduated from the Los Angeles Artist Music Program and is currently awaiting his graduation at James Fauntleroy’s 1500 Sound Academy. His music is full of amazing songs that have messages of encouragement, perseverance, resilience in the face of challenges, and being oneself. Soul music is his bread and butter yet among his favorite tribute, from Marvin Gaye to James Brown, his favorite was Sam Cooke’s 1961 album, My Kind Of Blues, which is an album of big band jazz and blues standards. He played this show at The Jazz Lounge in La Mesa, owned by his friend and mentor, San Diego’s own jazz singer Leonard Patton. Do not miss his one of kind, show stopping performances, and stay tuned for upcoming singles and EP, on all streaming platforms. 

*GENERAL ADMISSION | 21+ | NO DINNER SERVICE* Ricky G is a guitar artist and producer whose zeal for classic American Soul Music of the 60’s, 70’s and early 80’s blends with his Afro Caribbean roots to define his approach to songwriting, craftsmanship and sonic exploration in the 21st Century. Website: https://www.rickyg.live Instagram: @rickyg_______ A Dominican New York transplant, Ricky G came up playing guitar with San Diego based funk groups (Surefire Soul Ensemble, B*Side Players) before ultimately landing with legendary saxophonist and hometown hero Karl Denson of The Rolling Stones (Tiny Universe/Greyboy Allstars).  Ricky is currently working on his debut album featuring some of the most revered funk and soul musicians in the world. Ricky’s had the opportunity to perform with a number of  legendary funk and rock artists through his career, including, Robert Randolph, Ivan Neville, George Porter Jr. (The Meters/Dr. John) Chuck Leavell (Rolling Stones/Allman Brothers/George Harrison/Eric Clapton/John Mayer), Bernard Fowler (Rolling Stones/Herbie Hancock), Daniel Ponder, Kenneth Crouch (Terrace Martin, DJ Quik, Brandy, Mark Anthony) and Lige Curry (Parliament Funkadelic) to name a few.  He’s also worked closely with Grammy Award Winning Producer Kamau Kenyatta (Gregory Porter-Liquid Spirit/Take Me to the Alley). Steve Makeni is one of the most melodically gifted bass players around.  His roots in Gospel music and funk inform his approach to R&B and Reggae and his creativity, showmanship and passion have mesmerized audiences across the globe. Kevin Lum is a gifted songwriter and pianist in San Diego. He’s built a formidable reputation in the Ska and Reggae worlds, touring as a member of Seminal Uk Ska group The English Beat, for 10 years. Recently music has taken him down a funkier path, bringing a heavy New Orleans funk perspective and becoming Ricky G’s main collaborator and co-writer on the forthcoming record. Tony Econom is one of San Diego’s most versatile drummers and bandleaders. His time in New York, Austin and New Orleans has informed his musical approach, bringing magic from each of those places into his playing. Equally at home in jazz, fusion, funk, rock and Afro Cuban music, Tony is an asset  to any project he’s a part of. Dusty Brough is a Los Angeles-based guitarist and composer known for his innovative fusion of flamenco, jazz, Brazilian, Balkan, and folk music. Playing primarily on nylon-string guitar, his style blends intricate rhythms, rich harmonies, and improvisation, creating a sound that is both fluid and genre-defying. Abby Normal gets the party JUMPIN every time she hits the decks! Kin of the MUSTACHE BASH, Abby and Ricky G collided at San Diego’s Biggest Funk Party of the Year and have been bumping ever since! A San Diego based vinyl DJ, she brings an old school approach to this modern age, blending the sounds of Funk, Soul, Hip-Hop, Doo-Wop and World Music into her sets. As an avid record collector for over 18 years, she is bound to drop some of your favorite tracks and is known to introduce some hidden gems along the way. Dance today, feel better tomorrow! 

COMPLIMENTARY ENTRY | NO RESERVATION REQUIRED | SEATING ON A FIRST-ARRIVAL BASIS | NO DINNER SERVICE | 21+ The Alex Ciavarelli Trio, also known as The Rhythm Sexion, is an All-Star jazz trio based in San Diego, California, comprised of 3 of the hardest working session musicians in town. Their repertoire ranges from the birth of jazz to the current cutting edge and everything in between. Their dedication to the art-form is unmatched and their individual virtuosity comes together seamlessly to create an incredible listening experience for fans of all types of music. No shtick. No funny hats. Great American Jazz! 

COMPLIMENTARY ENTRY | NO RESERVATION REQUIRED | SEATING ON A FIRST-ARRIVAL BASIS | NO DINNER SERVICE | 21+ themattsmithneujazztrio is one of the most notable jazz trios to hit the San Diego jazz scene. Formed in January 2013, this trio has jumped musical leaps and bounds to find music they are all proud of. The songs on their 2016 release “RETROgrade,” feature compositions of each member that capture and captivate jazz and non jazz audiences. These rhythmically free and melodically driven compositions highlight the very essence of a young trio with overwhelming maturity. themattsmithneujazztrio can be found on facebook.com/themattsmithneujazztrio Some people are born to sing. Leonard Patton was just born singing. From his elementary school days when he requested hall passes in order to test the acoustics of the schools hallways, to his college days of choir and ensembles, Patton has yet to stop singing. While attending Mesa Community College, Patton discovered his musical niche for jazz. He also studied at the prestigious Berklee School of Music in Boston, where he further developed his musical abilities and fed his passion for jazz. ​His rich, smoky voice, unique style, and sensational scat soon gained him entrance into San Diego's jazz scene. Patton's been performing and recording with such notable artists as Bill Cunliffe, Derek Nievergelt, Duncan Moore, Mitch Manker, Mike Bedard, Ken Dow, Jetro Da Silva, and countless others. 

COMPLIMENTARY ENTRY | NO RESERVATION REQUIRED | SEATING ON A FIRST-ARRIVAL BASIS | NO DINNER SERVICE | 21+ CELEBRATING THE BIRTHDAY OF - MONETTE MARINO KEITA 8PM: MICHAEL JACKSONS "THRILLER" 10PM: HIGH ENERGY AFRO-LATIN FUNK DANCE PARTY ITS A PURPLE PARTY! WEAR YOUR PURPLE! Monette Marino is a world percussionist. She spent the majority of the last 20 years studying under Master Drum-mer Mamady Keita from Guinea. In 1999 she received her Teaching Certificate from Mr.Keita and opened a branch of Tam Tam Mandingue USA in San Diego, California. From 2004–2012 she managed Mamady’s world tours, assisted him in teaching master classes, and performed with his ensemble, Sewa Kan. She received her diplo-ma from Mamady Keita & Tam Tam Mandingue in 2011. She has since branched out as a solo artist releasing her debut album “Coup d’Eclat” and also opened her own school of percussion called MO’RHYTHM. In addition, Monette Marino has created an iPhone App “Mo’Rhythm Africa – Play Along Djembe/Dunun App” now available on iTunes for iPhone/iPad/Apple TV. Prior to her involvement in West African percussion Monette studied folkloric and popular rhythms from Cuba, Brazil, and Korea. 

COMPLIMENTARY ENTRY | NO RESERVATION REQUIRED | SEATING ON A FIRST-ARRIVAL BASIS | NO DINNER SERVICE | 21+ Cody Carter, a rising talent in San Diego’s country music scene, is poised to steal your heart with his soulful tunes. A 2024 San Diego Music Awards nominee for Best Country Song, Cody’s passion for music transcends mere notes and chords. A Journey of Love and Legacy: Cody’s journey began long before the spotlight found him. His father’s poignant words after witnessing a live performance still echo in his soul: “Kid, don’t ever abandon this music dream. You’ve got something extraordinary to share.” Those words, etched in memory, fueled Cody’s unwavering commitment to his craft. The birth of his son and daughter further ignited his musical fire, a legacy passed down from father to son. From Iowa Highways to California Dreams: Picture young Cody, riding shotgun in his dad’s red pickup truck, Alan Jackson’s cassette tape spinning on repeat. Those Iowa highways carried more than just miles—they carried the seeds of Cody’s musical destiny. His eclectic taste—from Jackson Browne to Willie Nelson—shaped his soul, infusing country and rock 'n roll into his veins. San Diego’s Musical Oasis: Now a proud Southern California resident, Cody graces San Diego’s most sought-after live music venues. His country band, Ramblin’ Fever, boasts an all-star lineup: Nick Steckel (steel guitar), Cheyne Dolly (drums), Aaron Hook (bass), and Steven Crowle (electric guitar). They’ve carved out a residency at bars where country fans two-step their cares away. Setlist Magic: A Blend of Nostalgia and Freshness: When Cody takes the stage, expect a musical journey. His setlist weaves originals, timeless classics, and fresh hits from today’s chart-toppers. Whether it’s a heartfelt ballad or a boot-stomping anthem, Cody’s voice resonates with authenticity. 

Karlos Paez was born July 22, 1972 and raised in Tijuana, Mexico by his mother Refugio Mujica from Tecate, MX and Father Ezequiel Paez from El Recodo, Sinaloa. His father Ezequiel Paez is a world-renowned trombone player and musical arranger who spent 17 years in Los Moonlights from Tijuana and 10 years in La Banda El Recodo. Paez, Sr. composed and arranged music for Banda El Recodo, Los Recoditos, La Arrolladora Banda Limon de Rene Camacho, Diana Reyes, Rey Sanchez, Nico Flores, Ezequiel Peña, Banda Astilleros, Banda el Recreo, Banda Carnaval, Pedro Infante, El Coyote, Patricia Navidad, Banda La Costeña, & Marisela.
 While he was still in grammar school, Karlos heard the music of Bob Marley & Carlos Santana; he started playing guitar, trombone, trumpet, and began to write songs. He met the musicians that would become the first incarnation of The B*Side Players in an African Drumming class at Southwestern Community College in San Diego in 1994. “We were all playing with bands in the local funk, punk rock, and acid jazz scene in the early 90s,” Paez recalls. “When we started playing together, our sound was different because we brought an Afro-Latin edge to the music.”

Karlos Paez has recorded and collaborated with Akwid, Poncho Sanchez, Fred Wesley, Big B, War, Ozomatli, Quetzal, Brian Jordan, Harold Todd, Mike Clark & The Headhunters, P.O.D., DJ Unite, Elijah Emmanuel & The Revelations, Hyena & Gilbert Castellanos. After 31 years, Karlos Paez is still touring and recording with the B*Side Players but has made time to produce and create many other musical projects. As the lead singer and songwriter of Maiz, Chula Vista Soldier Club, Black Market Disciples, Sonido De La Frontera and Solrak and the New Aztec Empire, Karlos Paez has also recorded his own solo record Music, Culture, Love. With the help of San Diego’s most talented musicians and producer/musician Bryan Stratman, the record delivers organic, soulful, cosmic grooves with conscious lyrics inspired by the MUSIC, CULTURE, and LOVE of Karlos Paez.