CLOSED FOR A PRIVATE EVENT

CLOSED FOR A PRIVATE EVENT

Thu, Jul 17

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 

KING TAYLOR PROJECT

KING TAYLOR PROJECT

Fri, Jul 18

COMPLIMENTARY ENTRY | NO RESERVATION REQUIRED | SEATING ON A FIRST-ARRIVAL BASIS | NO DINNER SERVICE | 21+ Founded by vocalist Sandi King and singer-songwriter/guitarist Joshua Taylor, soul band King Taylor Project consists of some of San Diego's most highly regarded players and contributors to the original music scene. Their energetic single "Devil in the White City" received twin SDMA nominations for Best R&B, Funk or Soul Song and Song of the Year. King and Taylor frequently work together outside of KTP, arranging and performing backing vocals for original projects, and singing as featured performers. King Taylor Project features some of San Diego’s finest musicians playing a funky, soulful, rocking blend of its members’ original compositions and their interpretations of beloved classic and modern tunes. King Taylor Project is @kingataylorproject Sandi King - vocals Joshua Taylor - electric guitar/vocals Harley Magsino - bass Kevin Lum - keys Abe Majors - drums special appearance by Jonny Tarr - sax/vocals 

TONY ECONOM's "BULBANCHA" ft. LAUREN LEIGH & WHITNEY SHAY

TONY ECONOM's "BULBANCHA" ft. LAUREN LEIGH & WHITNEY SHAY

Sat, Jul 19

COMPLIMENTARY ENTRY | NO RESERVATION REQUIRED | SEATING ON A FIRST-ARRIVAL BASIS | NO DINNER SERVICE | 21+ Tony Econom is a world-class drummer, producer, and audio engineer whose exceptional versatility and deep understanding of music and sound have earned him a standout place in the music industry. Known for seamlessly blending Jazz, AfroCuban, Funk, R&B, and Neo-Soul influences, Tony’s drumming is marked by its creativity, energy, and ability to elevate any project. In addition to leading his own bands, most notably Bulbancha YaYa, a New Orleans-inspired group, Tony has most recently been holding down the drum chair in Drake Bell’s U.S. touring band, while playing and recording domestically and internationally with multiple artists from the “big music cities” in the US: LA, Nashville, Austin, New Orleans, & NYC. With sparkly dresses, fiery tresses, and a talent rivaled only by her unstoppable hustle, Whitney Shay is one #busylittlesinger. The five-time San Diego Music Award winner, and Blues Music Award nominee is scorching stages at home and internationally throughout Europe and South America. Shay’s latest release on Ruf Records Stand Up! debuted at #1 on the Billboard Blues Album Charts, reached #1 on the Roots Music Report Blues Album Charts, and won the 2021 San Diego Music Award for Best Blues Album. 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 also been placed in TV/film, including shows on NBC, Fox, HBO, Bravo, BET, Hulu, and Tyler Perry’s A Madea Family Funeral. 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. Lauren Leigh is a highly sought-after vocalist, songwriter, session musician, bandleader and a Souther California songwriting community leader. She fronts Lauren Leigh & the Low Keys, Wild Heart, and Stucky Leigh. She can be found singing lead and backing vocals for several projects, including Pink Froyd (an international, touring tribute group), The Analog Project, High Tide Society, Lucky Devils, Mud Slide Slim, & Back To The Garden, to name a few. 

STACY ANTONEL & THE SEA HORSES

STACY ANTONEL & THE SEA HORSES

Sun, Jul 20

COMPLIMENTARY ENTRY | NO RESERVATION REQUIRED | SEATING ON A FIRST-ARRIVAL BASIS | NO DINNER SERVICE | 21+ Imagine Tammy Wynette crossed with the Ventures and you’ll have an idea of the sonic world of Americana artist Stacy Antonel’s forthcoming EP. Always a genre-defying artist, Antonel blends her passion for classic country, jazz and surf rock with this collection of songs, and the result is a fresh hybrid of musical styles that feels both vintage and hyper-modern. Recorded at Nashville’s Fitting Room Studio, the band includes heavy hitters Ethan Ballinger (Miranda Lambert), Joe Reed (Merle Haggard), Paul Sgroi (Josh Hedley) and San Diego jazz phenom Tony Econom. Antonel’s personal story is also a reflection of this combination of influences. Born and raised three blocks from the beach in San Diego, she fell in love with classic country music through a twist of fate: the dollar record bin at a thrift store. Soon after, she started a successful country cover band called Ginger Cowgirl, and in 2017 relocated to Nashville to pursue a career as a songwriter and recording artist. Her debut album Always the Outsider was critically praised, netting coverage in publications from Main Street Nashville to the Bluegrass Situation, and was hailed as a 2022 Essential Album by influential country music blog Saving Country Music. 

GILBERT CASTELLANOS & THE NEW LATIN JAZZ SEXTET - SUPPERCLUB

GILBERT CASTELLANOS & THE NEW LATIN JAZZ SEXTET - SUPPERCLUB

Thu, Jul 24

*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 

GREYBOY & THE MIDNIGHT SOUND AFFAIR

GREYBOY & THE MIDNIGHT SOUND AFFAIR

Fri, Jul 25

COMPLIMENTARY ENTRY | NO RESERVATION REQUIRED | SEATING ON A FIRST-ARRIVAL BASIS | NO DINNER SERVICE | 21+ Renowned for over three decades as a pioneering purveyor of West Coast acid jazz and sample-based hip-hop, producer/DJ/multi-instrumentalist Greyboy (Andreas Stevens) blasted back into focus with 7th full-length solo LP, Word On The Street. A throwback tribute to the FM yacht-rock and AM gold sounds of his youth, this latest exercise in authenticity represents both a musical departure and artistic rebirth. An innovative experimentalist whose landmark series of shape-shifting albums over the past few decades unveiled de-facto blueprints for a generation of beatsmiths who sought to expand the boundaries of traditional boom-bap. Stevens also served as mastermind/co-founder of The Greyboy Allstars; the rare-groove institution a mainstay on the jazz-funk scene for a quarter century, and now his journey continues with the new outfit ‘Greyboy & the Midnight Sound Affair’. 

ABE & FRIENDS

ABE & FRIENDS

Sat, Jul 26

COMPLIMENTARY ENTRY | NO RESERVATION REQUIRED | SEATING ON A FIRST-ARRIVAL BASIS | NO DINNER SERVICE | 21+ Abram R Majors better know as "Abe STANK Majors" is a rare talent and force of nature when it comes to the drums. From humble beginnings at the age of 1 when he picked up his first set of drum sticks to current, his love for playing the drums has been a central part of his identity. His style transcends time and genre, and his commitment to perfecting his craft is unmatched. He has had the pleasure of playing for many national and local greats including Gospel Recording Artist Jason Nelson, Bryon Cage, Karen Clark Sheard, Derenda Clark Cole, Donald Lawerence, JonathnMcReynolds and PJ Morton. Local talents including, Alexis and Fulfillment, Whitney Shay, Blues Band Fuzzy Rankins, Finnegen Blue, Jenny & the Traps, Lucky Devils, David Dredden & Undefeated, and Eddie Baltrip& Voices of Fullfillment. He additionally has Played award venues such as the Stellar awards, Bishop Paul Morton's awards show & the International Blues Competition. In his latest endeavours, he was a main contributor and promoter of San Diego's Soul Sunday and his own start up entertainment event "Abe & Friends". His humble spirit and willingness to play for the small and the greats proves he does it All for the Love of the Drums. Abe Majors - Drums Shawn Moore - Vocals Aaron Majors - Vocals Rebecca McKinley-trombone Jordan Adams- trumpet Avery Suazo- trumpet Malcolm Jones- Sax Cole Roussos- guitar Noah Williams - Bass Terrell Hundley - Keys Raul Farias- Percussion 

DENNIS GITTENS & ED KORNHAUSER

DENNIS GITTENS & ED KORNHAUSER

Sun, Jul 27

COMPLIMENTARY ENTRY | NO RESERVATION REQUIRED | SEATING ON A FIRST-ARRIVAL BASIS | NO DINNER SERVICE | 21+ If you were there for their last performance, you already know—this is going to be a night to remember. They’ll be mixing it up with some of Ed Kornhauser’s originals as well as classic tunes crooned by Dennis Gittens. They'll be joined by an all-star rhythm section featuring some of San Diego’s finest: Louis Valenzuela on guitar, Rob Thorsen on bass, and Kevin Higuchi on drums. Expect an evening full of energy and unforgettable music. San Diego-based pianist Ed Kornhauser holds a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies from San Diego State University. He was awarded “Best Jazz Album” in 2021 by the San Diego Music Awards for his debut album The Short Years, which features all original compositions, and went on to win “Best Jazz Artist” in 2022, 2023, and 2025. Working as a freelance musician in the greater San Diego area, Ed performs with themattsmithneujazztrio, accompanies vocalists Whitney Shay and Leonard Patton, plays solo piano at Mister A’s, and frequently backs a wide variety of local musicians across diverse musical styles. Dennis Gittens is a jazz singer hailing from the East Coast who now resides in San Diego. His love for music began at a young age, thanks to his grandmother's diverse music collection. Growing up, he was heavily influenced by artists such as Johnny Hartman, Sarah Vaughan, and Frank Sinatra. Gittens has developed a smooth and soulful vocal style that is deeply rooted in the jazz tradition. He has performed at numerous venues in San Diego, sharing the stage with notable musicians and captivating audiences with his timeless sound and dynamic stage presence. 

MAL HALL // LAUGH AT LOU LOUS

MAL HALL // LAUGH AT LOU LOUS

Wed, Jul 30

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. 

VICTOR BAKER QUINTET

VICTOR BAKER QUINTET

Thu, Jul 31

COMPLIMENTARY ENTRY | NO RESERVATION REQUIRED | SEATING ON A FIRST-ARRIVAL BASIS | NO DINNER SERVICE | 21+ In addition to being a world-renowned guitar maker, Victor Baker is an avid modern jazz guitarist, prolific composer and active performer. He has called San Diego home since 2018 after many years in New York City, where he worked as both a leader and sideman in many of the city's esteemed jazz clubs. He has performed in many local jazz-centric and original music venues such as Dizzy's, The Handlery Hotel, The Athenaeum Music and Arts Library, Panama 66, The Jazz Lounge, The Black Cat, The Acid Vault and numerous more. His music has also been featured on KSDS 88.3FM Jazz After Hours. VB Is very excited to be bringing his group back to Lou Lou's to perform a mixture of his originals and arrangements. 

THE LAO TIZER BAND

THE LAO TIZER BAND

Fri, Aug 01

*GENERAL ADMISSION | 21+ | ALL SEATING IS FIRST COME FIRST SERVED | NO DINNER SERVICE | MUSIC @ 8PM & 10PM* “Jazz Group of the Year” nominee, The Lao Tizer Band, make their return to Lou Lou’s Club @ The Lafayette Hotel on Friday, August 1st for another rollicking night of music and dancing in support of their brand-new Billboard-chartting album & video release AMPLIFY. The new release is a major evolution for the group and includes 5 new original vocals and 4 new original instrumentals, with an all-star cast. The project was recorded and filmed all LIVE at legendary EastWest Studios in Hollywood with simultaneous 7-camera video shoot and a legendary cast of musicians. Joining keyboardist, bandleader and former “Best New Jazz Artist” nominee, Lao Tizer for the show are American Idol star, Elliott Yamin - vocals, drum phenom, Tony Austin (Kamasi Washington), GRAMMY-winning percussion legend, Munyungo Jackson (Miles Davis, Stevie Wonder), sax & flute wunderkind, Danny Janklow (MONKestra, Shelea), and Rolling Stone “2022 Bassist of the Year” nominee, Anthony Crawford (Jeff Lorber, Erykah Badu). Please join us as the group takes you on a high-energy musical ride through a variety of flavors and styles with an all-star cast of musicians THE LAO TIZER BAND Lao Tizer - keys Elliott Yamin - vocals Danny Janklow - sax Anthony Crawford - bass Munyungo Jackson - percussion Tony Austin - drums 

PHAT CAT SWINGER

PHAT CAT SWINGER

Sat, Aug 02

TWO SHOWINGS | 7PM & 10PM | NO DINNER SERVICE | 21+ Phat Cat Swinger is the ultimate pop/hard-swing band led by leader, Marco Palos and his partner-in-crime, Blake Lewis (AMERICAN IDOL runner-up). Their unique blend of rock, swing, and jazz infused with modern sensibilities sets them apart. With a powerhouse 11-piece group, their performances are nothing short of legendary. The raw energy they bring to the stage electrifies the audience, getting the crowd dancing like there's no tomorrow. It’s Sinatra/Buble meets Bruno Mars meets Big Bad Voodoo Daddy/Brian Setzer. Join the worldwide Phat Cat Swinger Phamily and experience the rush of energy and excitement from this incredibly hot and talented band !! 

ELECTRICLOUIELAND PRESENTS: SUNDAY SERMON

ELECTRICLOUIELAND PRESENTS: SUNDAY SERMON

Sun, Aug 03

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. 

GILBERT CASTELLANOS & THE NEW LATIN JAZZ SEXTET - SUPPERCLUB

GILBERT CASTELLANOS & THE NEW LATIN JAZZ SEXTET - SUPPERCLUB

Thu, Aug 07

*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 

AMANDA PORTELA Y LOS BRUJOS ATÓMICOS

AMANDA PORTELA Y LOS BRUJOS ATÓMICOS

Fri, Aug 08

COMPLIMENTARY ENTRY | NO RESERVATION REQUIRED | SEATING ON A FIRST-ARRIVAL BASIS | NO DINNER SERVICE | 21+ DJ SETS BY @LAVIDAAIDA | LIVE ART BY BEAN_TATTOO Amanda Portela is a world-class vocalist, musician, and performer who has captivated San Diego audiences for over a decade. Known for her dynamic stage presence and sultry, expressive voice, she effortlessly weaves through an eclectic mix of genres, including Jazz, Latin Jazz, Cumbia, Americana, Rock, R&B, and Pop. Backing her is a powerhouse ensemble of San Diego’s finest musicians: Konrad Malinowski (guitar): A distinguished guitarist whose career spans the globe, blending technical mastery with emotional depth. A passionate collaborate, he is deeply involved in the San Diego music community, performing across genres - from jazz ensembles in intimate settings to country bands at large festivals. Harley Magsino (bass): Harley Magsino received his Master of Music degree from San Diego State University, and has played in several bands in the San Diego area. His principal instruments are guitar and bass, but Harley is also proficient in playing and teaching the ukulele, cello, and piano. Brian Repec (keys): A versatile freelance musician based in the greater San Diego area, known for his dynamic work across a wide range of genres. As an in-demand accompanist, he regularly performs with vocalists such as Mariela Contreras, Amanda Portela, Marelle, and Kaylee Daugherty. He is also a founding member of the experimental jazz trio OBTuse Goose, blending jazz, hip-hop, breakbeats, and synthwave; their debut album, The Goose Is Loose!, is available on all major streaming platforms. Diego Velasquez (percussion): Professional multi-instrumentalist and percussionist from San Diego, California. He began his music studies at 15, specializing in Afro-Cuban drumming, and has trained with renowned artists including Jose Luis Quintana (Changuito) and Tomas Cruz. Diego has performed with Emmy and Grammy award-winning musicians such as Allan Phillips and Angel Lopez, as well as acclaimed San Diego groups like The B-Side Players and The Surefire Soul Ensemble. Fernando Gomez (drums): A highly skilled session drummer based in San Diego. With years of experience and a deep passion for music, Fernando is fluent in all styles of drumming, from rock, pop, and jazz to funk, Latin, and everything in between. Whether you're looking for the perfect groove for a recording session or a live performance, Fernando brings versatility, precision, and creativity to every project. 

SOCAL 7

SOCAL 7

Sat, Aug 09

TWO SHOWINGS | 7PM & 10PM | NO DINNER SERVICE | 21+ SoCal7 is a powerhouse ensemble made up of seven premier musicians, each a standout artist and bandleader in their own right, primarily based in Southern California. Formed in 2014, the group came together to perform original compositions and custom arrangements crafted specifically for this unique collective. After a single year of performances, the band went on hiatus—until now. A decade later, these longtime friends and peers have reunited, reigniting their creative spark to craft brand-new music together. Each member of SoCal7 is a first-call musician, recognized for their virtuosity, versatility, and deep dedication to their craft. This reunion is more than a return—it’s a continuation of a shared journey rooted in camaraderie, mutual respect, and a passion for artistic exploration. Drawing on years of experience, each performance is a celebration of musical depth and expression, shared with the vibrant communities of Southern California and far beyond. Join us as we turn the page on a new chapter, bringing fresh energy to the music and the friendships that have always defined SoCal7. 

CASBAH PRESENTS: NICK WATERHOUSE & LOS SO-LOWS

CASBAH PRESENTS: NICK WATERHOUSE & LOS SO-LOWS

Sun, Aug 10

*GENERAL ADMISSION | 21+ | ALL SEATING IS FIRST COME FIRST SERVED | NO DINNER SERVICE* Nick Waterhouse is a modern American singer-songwriter, record producer, guitarist and band leader. He released his debut album, Time’s All Gone, in 2012. Since then, he has released five more, the latest being The Fooler (2023). In his music you will hear echoes of things you might think you know, or believe you remember, filtered through the lens of idiosyncratic artistic perspective. You will hear rhythm and blues, garage rock, record shop soul and wee-small-hours balladry – but reconfigured, made new. In Waterhouse’s music, the time is both now and then. The past is the present is the future. The sound is classic yet unclassifiable. Played once, his album sounds immediately like a collection of great songs. Play it again – and you will – his work feels like a novel or a film slowly unveiling its secrets, kaleidoscopic in narrative complexity.