Lou Lou's's Upcoming Shows

*GENERAL ADMISSION | 21+ | ALL SEATING IS FIRST COME FIRST SERVED | NO DINNER SERVICE | DOORS @ 7PM* 

*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 

COMPLIMENTARY ENTRY | NO RESERVATION REQUIRED | SEATING ON A FIRST-ARRIVAL BASIS | NO DINNER SERVICE | 21+ Inspired by the global funk sounds to come out of Africa and the Middle East in the 1970’s, The Bombillas offer their unique take while forging a sound that is distinctly their own, coming together to form a melting pot of instrumental grooves and pshycedelic sonic colors. Cozmos explores the musical territory between Sun Ra and Afro-Carribean musical traditions. By flipping traditional spiritual jazz repertoire Cozmos pushes musical boundaries while maintaining a sense of familiarity. 

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 

COMPLIMENTARY ENTRY | NO RESERVATION REQUIRED | SEATING ON A FIRST-ARRIVAL BASIS | NO DINNER SERVICE | 21+ A multifaceted force in modern jazz, Charlie Arbelaez was born in Brooklyn, New York, and raised in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He began playing alto saxophone at the age of ten and by thirteen was already performing every Sunday at church—an experience that sparked his lifelong passion for music and performance. During his formative years in South Florida, Charlie shared the stage with jazz luminaries such as Arturo Sandoval, Ira Sullivan, and Nestor Torres. Upon graduating from South Plantation High School, he was honored with the top scholarship award from the Gold Coast Jazz Society. After briefly attending Florida International University on a full scholarship for Jazz Studies, Charlie auditioned for the United States Marine Corps Band in 2010. As a Marine musician stationed at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego (2011–2014), Sergeant Arbelaez performed across the nation for hundreds of thousands, representing the Marine Corps at high-profile events while conducting masterclasses and clinics at schools and universities nationwide. In 2015, Charlie released his self-titled debut album, featuring Gilbert Castellanos, Matt Hall, Jason Shattil, Danny Weller, and Willie Jones III. He then relocated to New York to complete his Bachelor’s Degree in Jazz Studies (Magna Cum Laude) at SUNY Purchase College in under two years. During this time, he studied with masters such as Ralph Lalama, Gary Smulyan, David Hazeltine, Jon Faddis, Todd Coolman, Kenny Washington, Charles Blenzig, and Pete Malinverni. In 2017, Charlie performed with the Jazz @ The Jacobs Jazz Orchestra for its debut concert in San Diego, and the following year, he returned to the city to establish a vibrant musical presence. He founded and hosted the Jazz Botanika Jam Session—a cornerstone of the North Park jazz scene—and in 2020, was nominated for “Best Jazz Artist” by the San Diego Music Awards. That same year, he served as Director of Music for Queen Bee’s Arts and Cultural Center, where he curated performances and community programming for over a year. As both performer and collaborator in San Diego, Charlie has appeared alongside Mundell Lowe, Marshall Hawkins, Gilbert Castellanos, Christopher Hollyday, Mike Wofford, Holly Hofmann, and Irving Flores, among others. A dedicated educator, he has served as Professor of Saxophone at Palomar College and instructor at The Young Lions Jazz Conservatory, mentoring the next generation of improvisers. He also maintains a thriving private studio and continues to teach internationally. His commitment to education led him to earn a Master’s Degree in Jazz Studies from San Diego State University. Now based in San Diego, Charlie maintains a balanced career as an in-demand international performer, recording artist, and educator, continuing to bring his signature energy, artistry, and passion to audiences around the world.