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 

COMPLIMENTARY ENTRY | NO RESERVATION REQUIRED | SEATING ON A FIRST-ARRIVAL BASIS | NO DINNER SERVICE | 21+ Grammy-winning pianist, composer, and arranger Bill Cunliffe returns to San Diego for an intimate performance at Lou Lou’s on August 17th. Known for his lush harmonies, swinging touch, and deep knowledge of the jazz tradition, Cunliffe has carved a remarkable career—from winning the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Piano Competition to performing with legends like Buddy Rich and Freddie Hubbard. For this special evening, Cunliffe is joined by an all-star ensemble: drummer Matthew Smith, bassist Mackenzie Leighton, trumpeter Joe Terry, and saxophonist Ian Tordella. Together, they’ll explore material from Cunliffe’s celebrated album Blues and the Abstract Truth, Take 2—a modern homage to the iconic 1961 Oliver Nelson recording. Expect soulful originals, sharp arrangements, and adventurous interplay that balances reverence with innovation. Catch this rare collaboration live at Lou Lou’s—where bold playing, rich musical storytelling, and a dash of West Coast cool promise an unforgettable night. 

COMPLIMENTARY ENTRY | NO RESERVATION REQUIRED | SEATING ON A FIRST-ARRIVAL BASIS | NO DINNER SERVICE | 21+ FRESHA 
Frescia Belmar – bass & vocals 
Nicole McCabe – saxophone 
Joe Tavarez – drums 
 IG: @fresciabelmar Frescia Belmar (aka FRESHA) is a genre-blurring bassist, singer-songwriter, and producer whose electrifying solo project has captivated audiences at iconic venues like The Baked Potato and The United Theater in Los Angeles. A rising star with international roots — born in Chile, trained in Brazil — she’s worked with legends like Herbie Hancock, Janelle Monáe, Karol G, RAYE, Mike Stern, Randy Jackson, and more. Recently cast as guitarist Jennifer Batten in the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic “Michael”, set for release by Lionsgate and Universal Pictures, Fresha’s musicality and stage presence mark her as one of today’s most dynamic young artists breaking through. 

*Doors open at 6pm | 21+ | Dinner starts promptly at 7pm | No dinner service in bar area* 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+ The B Sections are a local San Diego funk outfit that boasts a catalog of original funk music, as well as a wide variety of songs from the book of classic funk and soul music. For this special engagement, the band will be highlighting two of their greatest influences and idols: Earth Wind and Fire, and Stevie Wonder. Come and enjoy these funky fresh takes on some of the greatest music ever conceived in a night that is guaranteed to be a dance floor friendly funk party from start to finish 

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 

COMPLIMENTARY ENTRY | NO RESERVATION REQUIRED | SEATING ON A FIRST-ARRIVAL BASIS | NO DINNER SERVICE | 21+ Jason Brown sings, plays the sax, guitar, keyboard. JB relishes performing in every way. The saxophone is obviously his first love and he squeezes every last drop of emotion from every song as he plays. Singer/Songwriter/Saxophonist aka Mr. Sing & Play "JB has many influences such as Gospel, R&B, Jazz, and Blues. His music has a message and story that starts with his father passing away at 13 years old. Feeling the sadness of losing his father, he put his energy towards music. His mother bought him a saxophone and the rest is history. JB began performing at church events and his audience was so overwhelmed with his music that they told his mother to put JB in the studio. At 16 JB recorded his first project called "Jason's Beginning". JB has Performed with Kirk Whalum, Earl Thomas, Tonex, and has opened for John Legend, Macy Gray, Gerald Albright, Everette Harp, Pamela Williams, and Paul Taylor just to name a few. " I understand how it feels to be a kid with a dream of wanting to do something great, my dream is to inspire other kids, musicians to go after their dreams. When I perform, I am in my comfort zone and I always connect with my audience." -Jason Brown 

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+ Justin Joyce is a versatile drummer/vibraphonist, composer, and educator based in San Diego, California. He earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Jazz Studies from San Diego State University, where he honed his skills in drum set and vibraphone performance. Initially involved in drumlines and concert bands during his youth, Justin transitioned to jazz and jazz-adjacent drumming styles in college, immersing himself in the genre's complexities and developing a deep passion for composition and arranging. Over the past decade, Justin has performed and recorded with various artists, including Hether, Teagan Taylor, Doug Walker, and After Ours. In 2022, he released his debut album as a bandleader, Story Tales, featuring all original compositions. His work earned him a nomination for "Best Jazz Artist" at the 2023 San Diego Music Awards and he has become a very familiar and friendly face in San Diego’s various music scenes. Justin is pleased to announce and celebrate the release of his second album as a leader, Almost Familiar, here at Lou Lou’s! Joining him will be the same musicians you hear on the record; Batya MacAdam-Somer (Violin), Bradley Nash & Travis Klein (Flutes), Paul Castelluzzo (Guitar), Ed Kornhauser (Piano/Organ), Sean Hicke (Bass), and Steve Haney (Percussion). Come join the party, hear Almost Familiar LIVE, and immerse yourself in melodies and grooves that will make you feel déjà vu. 

TWO SHOWINGS | 7PM & 10PM | NO DINNER SERVICE | 21+ ~SONGS OF WILLIE NELSON~ Two Step into the world of country music legend Willie Nelson with ZB Savoy's "Songs of Willie Nelson" show. Celebrating the remarkable career and enduring legacy of the "Red Headed Stranger," this performance is a journey through the heart and soul of American music. ZB Savoy is a veteran singer, songwriter and performer out of California and has been a forever fan of Willie’s life and music. His show celebrates both the wide breadth of music Nelson has recorded and the classic country genre that he and his pals forged in the early 70s. ZB delves into the rich history and profound impact of this timeless music blending entertainment, education, and good ole fashion honky tonkin’. ZB’s all-star band features Bobby Furgo on piano and fiddle (Leonard Cohen, Dolly Parton), Danny Campbell on drums (Bob Weir, Phyllis Diller), bassist Patrick McClory (The Red Headed Strangers, Bastard Sons of Johnny Cash) and Ben Zinn (Earl Thomas, Stacey Antonel) on pedal steel and electric guitar. The ensemble promises an unforgettable performance. Join us for a night of music, memories, and reverence for the one and only Willie Nelson. 

TWO SHOWINGS | 7PM & 10PM | NO DINNER SERVICE | 21+ A Night to Remember: A Tribute to Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers! August 30th | Lou Lou’s | San Diego Join us for an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime tribute to the legendary Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers—featuring an absolutely electrifying All-Star lineup: 🎷 Ralph Moore – Tenor Saxophone 🎺 Gilbert Castellanos – Trumpet 🎹 Joshua White – Piano 🎻 Mike Gurrola – Bass 🥁 And the iconic Marvin “Smithy” Smith on Drums This powerhouse ensemble will breathe new life into Blakey’s timeless classics, with explosive live renditions of legendary tunes like Moanin’, Blues March, and Caravan. Whether you’re a longtime jazz lover or new to the genre, this is a rare chance to witness true masters honor one of jazz’s greatest legacies—right here in San Diego. Don’t miss this special performance at Lulu’s on August 30th. We promise—it’s going to be a night you’ll never forget. Considered one of the nation’s top-call jazz trumpeters, Gilbert Castellanos is a renowned musician, composer, educator and arranger. Skilled with impressive dexterity and control, his clarity of expression and improvisational fluency moves audiences with a seemingly profound effortlessness and complexly emotive affect. 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. After completing his formal music education at two of the nation’s most renowned music conservatories, Berklee College of Music in Boston and Cal Arts in Los Angeles, Castellanos quickly gained international acclaim as a member of the celebrated band Black/Note, with whom he recorded three albums: L.A. Underground (Red Records), Jungle Music (Columbia Records) and Nothin' But the Swing (Impulse Records). His solo recording career since Black/Note has seen Castellanos thrive as a player, bandleader, composer and arranger on three acclaimed albums: 1999’s self-titled debut release The Gilbert Castellanos Hammond B3 Quartet, followed by 2006’s Underground (Seedling Records) and 2013’s The Federal Jazz Project (Dobie Music). Castellanos is currently in post-production for his next album, Espérame en el Cielo, an homage to both his Mexican heritage and his championing over adversity. In 2009, Castellanos was highlighted on internationally acclaimed DownBeat Magazine’s “25 For The Future” list, firmly establishing him as one of the nation's most inventive Jazz trumpeters. With a proven reputation for improvisation, Gilbert has toured extensively as a former member of the Tom Scott Quintet, the Anthony Wilson Nonet, Charles McPherson Quintet and Willie Jones III Quintet; he remains a recording member of the Clayton Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, Jeff Goldblum & The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra, and of course as a headliner under his own name. As a proponent for West Coast Jazz, Gilbert works tirelessly to build San Diego as an internationally recognized hub for Jazz. Partnering with several San Diego institutions, Castellanos has been a dynamic force in establishing a committed fan-base served by a growing number of dedicated venues, all of which defer to his artistic curation. Through it all, recording, studio work, touring, curating, performing, Gilbert has maintained his dedication to “keeping Jazz alive” and continues his work promoting and growing the potentials of his creativity, the genre and his peers as a respected Godfather of sorts across the West Coast. 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 through a partnership with San Diego Museum of Art and affiliate venue Panama 66. Partnerships: Jazz @ The Jacobs, Artistic Curator The San Diego Symphony, Artistic Jazz Curator The San Diego Ballet, Resident Composer Awards and Acclaim for Gilbert Castellanos: "[Castellanos] plays with élan, evincing a more individual, ever-large sound offering hard swinging, often ear-grabbing solos...[proving] that music with deep roots in jazz's glorious '50s and '60s can sound completely contemporary today." - Zan Stewart, Los Angeles Times “[Castellanos] always finds new life and new energy to breathe into the notes I write and the grooves we play with him." - John Clayton, Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Ensemble DownBeat Magazine’s 25 For The Future San Diego Music Awards (SDMA) Jazz Album of the Year for Underground SDMA Jazz Album of the Year for The Federal Jazz Project SDMA Artist of the Year for 2013 SDMA Jazz Artist of the Year for 2017, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2002, 2001 San Diego City Beat Magazine Best Jazz Band/Musician 2017 and 2016 San Diego Youth Symphony & Conservatory Top Music Educator San Diego Theater Critics Circle’s Craig Noel Award for Outstanding Musical Performance in A Play for The Federal Jazz Project Performing and Recording Credits (Abbreviated): Dizzy Gillespie Quincy Jones Wynton Marsalis Horace Silver Christian McBride Lewis Nash Oscar Hernandez Les McCann Diana Krall Willie Nelson Michael Buble Natalie Cole American Idol Jeff Goldblum 

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 

COMPLIMENTARY ENTRY | NO RESERVATION REQUIRED | SEATING ON A FIRST-ARRIVAL BASIS | NO DINNER SERVICE | 21+ Imagine a regular San Diego music community super session where the musicians (both in the house band and sitting in) include members of Sure Fire Soul Ensemble, The Greyboy Allstars, The Original Wailers, B-Side Players, Jungle Fire, Tiny Universe, Mitchum Yacoub's band, Spacehall Sound Machine, The Neighborhood Kids, Gypsy Sally, Hether, Band of Gringos, The Jazz 88 Allstars, Big Daddy Kane's band, and more. Rising from the ashes of the legendary Adams Gone Funky, Lou Lou's is proud to present: The Funky Resurrection - first Wednesday of every month. 

TWO SHOWINGS | 7PM & 10PM | NO DINNER SERVICE | 21+ ElectricLouieLand presents 'SD meets LA': A night featuring top Los Angeles musicians. The band includes legendary drummer Roy McCurdy and organist Carey Frank in the classic organ trio format. \ Louis Valenzuela, a San Diego native, has become a standout in the SD music scene with his distinctive guitar tone and versatile style. His warm, fluid legato and deep musical vocabulary shine in performances, from hosting jam sessions to weekly gigs. Inspired by Jimi Hendrix, Louie named his project ElectricLouieLand as a nod to Hendrix’s Electric Ladyland, reflecting his digital-forward approach to music and live streaming. Through electriclouieland.com, he promotes local artists with high-quality video and sound, offering weekly live streams, guitar lessons, and updates on his upcoming NoMinor1 guitar ebook. A composer and recording engineer, Louie’s contributions have strengthened the San Diego music community. Roy McCurdy, born November 28, 1936, in Rochester, New York, is a jazz drumming icon, best known for his work with Cannonball Adderley’s Quintet (1965–1975). Playing professionally by sixteen, he studied at the Eastman School of Music and performed with the Mangione Brothers, Sonny Rollins, and others. His 150–200 recordings include work with Count Basie, Ella Fitzgerald, and Herbie Hancock. McCurdy’s hard-bop style—driving and melodic—remains vibrant. A USC Thornton School of Music professor and 2020 Rochester Music Hall of Fame inductee, he performs with enduring energy. Carey Frank, originally from South Florida and now in Los Angeles, holds a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Piano Performance from the University of Central Florida and a Masters in Jazz Studies from USC. He has played with Kate Hudson, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Michael Bublé, Joan Jett, and others. A performer, composer, and educator, Frank teaches at El Camino College and Los Angeles College of Music. Roy McCurdy is a renowned American jazz drummer whose powerful, expressive playing has shaped the sound of modern jazz for over six decades. Born on November 28, 1936, in Rochester, New York, McCurdy rose to prominence in the 1960s as the longtime drummer for saxophone great Cannonball Adderley, contributing to some of Adderley's most iconic recordings, including Mercy, Mercy, Mercy and Country Preacher. Before and after his tenure with Adderley, McCurdy performed with a dazzling array of jazz luminaries, including Sonny Rollins, Art Farmer, Benny Golson, Herbie Hancock, Nancy Wilson, and Ella Fitzgerald. His style blends hard bop drive with subtle swing and impeccable timing, making him one of the most respected sidemen in jazz history. In addition to his storied performance career, McCurdy has been a dedicated educator, teaching at the USC Thornton School of Music and influencing generations of young drummers. With his deep groove, unwavering professionalism, and legendary musical intuition, Roy McCurdy remains a living link to jazz’s golden era and a vital force in contemporary music. Carey Frank is a dynamic and versatile jazz organist, pianist, and keyboardist whose soulful touch and inventive improvisation have earned him a prominent place in today’s modern jazz and contemporary music scenes. A Los Angeles-based musician, Carey is known for his work on the Hammond B3 organ, where he blends deep groove, harmonic sophistication, and a joyful spirit that nods to tradition while forging new creative paths. A graduate of the University of Southern California’s Thornton School of Music and the University of Miami’s Frost School of Music, Carey has performed and recorded with an eclectic range of artists, including Tedeschi Trucks Band, Bruce Springsteen, Michael Bublé, Melody Gardot, and jazz legends like Bob Mintzer, Gregory Porter, and Roy McCurdy. In addition to his in-demand performance career, Carey is a sought-after session musician and arranger, with credits spanning jazz, soul, funk, pop, and film/TV. His solo album, Something to Remember Him By, showcases his lyrical touch and heartfelt approach to jazz standards and original compositions. 

*COMPLIMENTARY ENTRY | NO RESERVATION REQUIRED | SEATING ON A FIRST-ARRIVAL BASIS | NO DINNER SERVICE | 21+* Zak Najor is a drummer with Grammy participation and is a founding member of The Greyboy Allstars as well as a tenured drummer for Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe. He is join by San Diego’s finest jazz musicians including Steve Haney (Jungle Fire), Alex Ciavarelli (guitar), Ian Harland (vibes), Antar Martin (bass), Nakul Tiruviluamala (keys) & Derek Cannon (trumpet). 

*GENERAL ADMISSION | 21+ | ALL SEATING IS FIRST COME FIRST SERVED | NO DINNER SERVICE | DOORS at 7PM* Billie Marten loves to leave her mark on a good book—underlining important passages, scribbling ideas in the margins, folding the corners of pages into dog ears to mark her place. The 10 songs of Dog Eared serve that purpose, telling the story of who she was as she wrote and recorded it, cleaving her adolescence from her adulthood in order to move forward. She is the songwriter who finds wisdom in horses and encourages self-reflection while realizing she has barely begun her own. She is the singer who makes the chorus of “Goodnight Moon” as beautiful as a lunar corona and smartly lets dissonance slip between her voice and the band around her as she watches something she loves disappear during “Crown.” Marten is a consummate singer-songwriter who has dared to push beyond the limitations of that form and make a stunning record that marks a new page, suggesting what comes next through the strength and beauty of what’s right here. 

COMPLIMENTARY ENTRY | NO RESERVATION REQUIRED | SEATING ON A FIRST-ARRIVAL BASIS | NO DINNER SERVICE | 21+ Ruby G brings a magnetic blend of soul, jazz, and pop to every stage she steps on. Known for her powerhouse vocals and captivating presence, she’s often compared to Amy Winehouse, Adele, and Norah Jones—while drawing deep inspiration from the timeless soul of Stevie Wonder. A San Diego-based singer, songwriter, and vocal coach, Ruby first caught national attention on The Voice (Season 17) and has continued to evolve her sound with original music, including her recent release You and Me. She looks forward to debuting brand-new songs live with her full band at Lou Lou’s! With each performance, Ruby G creates a feel-good atmosphere filled with deep grooves, vibrant vocals, and plenty of reasons to dance. 

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 

COMPLIMENTARY ENTRY | NO RESERVATION REQUIRED | SEATING ON A FIRST-ARRIVAL BASIS | NO DINNER SERVICE | 21+ “Deke Dickerson’s newest band venture is Deke Dickerson and the Whippersnappers. Dickerson is a veteran of the Southern California roots music scene and has toured for years with various bands, including the Dave and Deke Combo and Deke Dickerson and the Ecco-Fonics. His former band members have gone on to play with Social Distortion, X, Tiger Army and Los Straitjackets. Dickerson formed the Whippersnappers with an energetic backing band of younger musicians from Los Angeles: Bert Avalos on guitar, Zander Griffith on bass, and Dylan Patterson on drums. With Dickerson’s experience entertaining audiences worldwide and the Whippersnappers shot in the arm of rockabilly excitement, the band has been thrilling fans all over the USA (playing such festivals as Viva Las Vegas, touring the East and West Coasts) and Europe (playing such festivals as the Rockabilly Rave in England and the Rockin’ Race Jamboree in Spain). The band released their debut album, “Honky Tonkin’ Rhythm,” in 2023 on Major Label Records and have been touring behind the album since then.”