Shows - Lou Lou's

DAVID CASTAÑEDA & KINI KINI

Wed, Jun 17

*GENERAL ADMISSION | 21+ | NO DINNER SERVICE | DOORS @ 7PM | $12 advance tickets, $15 at the door*

KINI KINI, led by singer-percussionist David Castaneda, is a salsa ensemble out of Southern California that’s all about bringing pure, live rhythms—salsa, chachachá, and Latin jazz—to the dance floor. David stays true to the genre’s roots while adding his own contemporary flair, writing original tunes and breathing fresh energy into classic grooves. The band thrives on interaction—many shows start with a dance-lesson warm-up, inviting everyone from salsa novices to seasoned dancers to join the party early.

GILBERT CASTELLANOS & THE NEW LATIN JAZZ SEXTET - SUPPERCLUB

Thu, Jun 18

*Doors open at 6pm | 21+ | Seatings available between 6pm & 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 For more information on our supperclubs, please visit https://www.loulousclub.com/dinnerandashow

DANNY JANKLOW's ELEVATION BAND

Fri, Jun 19

COMPLIMENTARY ENTRY | NO RESERVATION REQUIRED | SEATING ON A FIRST-ARRIVAL BASIS | NO DINNER SERVICE | 21+ Danny Janklow is a Los Angeles–born, Philadelphia-bred saxophonist, flutist, composer, and bandleader whose music blends deep jazz tradition with melodic warmth, rhythmic vitality, and a spirit of openness. His sound is grounded in soulful swing and lyricism, shaped by a love for classic hard bop and elegant small-group interplay, while remaining responsive to the textures and emotional storytelling of contemporary music. Praised by the Los Angeles Times as “in the front of the pack” of artists moving the music forward, Janklow has performed internationally, earned 3 Grammy Nominations as part of John Beasley’s MONK’estra, and collaborated with artists including John Legend, Terrace Martin, and Kamasi Washington. He is also featured on film scores by Kris Bowers and Bear McCreary. In 2025, he celebrated the release of his fourth album, Balance // Eternal Realm, with East Coast and European tours supported by the South Arts Jazz Road Touring Grant. The project highlights his gift for shaping memorable melodies, creating dynamic grooves, and building performances that unfold with both intimacy and excitement. Whether leading a small ensemble or stepping forward as a soloist, Janklow brings a conversational, welcoming presence to the bandstand. His playing balances soulful expressiveness with modern sensibility—honoring the elegance of artists like Ahmad Jamal and Cannonball Adderley, while embracing the atmospheric openness and emotional honesty of today’s music. At its core, his work reflects a deep belief in music as a source of joy, connection, and shared experience.

SAN DIEGO LATIN JAZZ COLLECTIVE PRESENTS: THE PALLADIUM MAMBO ORCHESTRA

Sat, Jun 20

*GENERAL ADMISSION | 21+ | 2 SHOWS - 7PM & 10PM | NO DINNER SERVICE*

Throughout the course of their musical career, the San Diego Latin Jazz Collective has won over the hearts of music lovers from all walks of life. Performing at a variety of venues, making dozens of appearances and continuing to record new singles, the San Diego Latin Jazz Collective has been earning the admiration and affection of fans and serve as both an inspiration and a role model in musical diversity.

Hailed as a complex musical melting pot, Latin Jazz has its roots in the vibrant jazz scene of Harlem, as well as the Cuban and Puerto Rican musical influences of Spanish Harlem and the Bronx. The San Diego Latin Jazz Collective not only embodies these ideals in name, but also is a cultural cauldron at its very core, the foundation of the group's existence. Founded in 2009 by band leader Michael Benge (Miguelito), this versatile group features some of Southern California’s top musicians from the San Diego/Tijuana metroplex, bringing together an extraordinary compilation of rhythms, styles, and genres that represent each members cultures and musical heroes. A true collective of life long musical experiences The band’s captivating, high-energy performance will take the audience through a cultural journey in a border town. With musical influences from Latin jazz to salsa and even pop, reggae, and funk, blending musicianship, creativity, and tradition, this band knows how to entertain. Keeping one foot in the past and one foot in the present, the San Diego Latin Jazz Collective is always looking for the next musical experience they will bring to their audiences and dares them not to dance.

CLOSED FOR A PRIVATE EVENT

Sun, Jun 21

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

Lou Lou's's Upcoming Shows