Shows - Lou Lou's

DAVID CASTAÑEDA & KINI KINI

Wed, Aug 19

*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, Aug 20

*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

THE MUSTACHE BASH FAMILY BAND

Fri, Aug 21

*GENERAL ADMISSION | 21+ | ALL SEATING IS FIRST COME FIRST SERVED | NO DINNER SERVICE*

Stepping into the Bash is like stepping back in time! We don’t just celebrate ‘70s at the Bash—we live it—and that means dressing the part. Let’s bring this energy to Lou Lou’s for the best summer Disco Party of the year!

The Mustache Band Family Band was formed from the primordial funk gumbo from which the first Disco ball was forged. Bell bottom bass bumpin with heavenly horns on high, the groovalicious guitar glides through the gravity of the velvety vocal harmonies humming hypnotic disco hymns.

The MBFB is composed of some of the most talented musicians in San Diego, that are also a certified good hang.

The flagship band and namesake for the 18-year running funk music festival, The Mustache Bash, The MBFB features founding members Nick Hein (bass) and Peter Eichar (drums); Ricky G (guitar) Kori Gillis (vocals) Melody Ebner (vocals) Diamante Cintron (vocals) Malcolm Jones (sax) Jordan Adams (trumpet) Rich Saldibar (sax) Kevin Lum (keys) Brian Teel (keys,guitar) and Mitchum Yacoub (percussion)

CLOSED FOR A PRIVATE EVENT

Sat, Aug 22

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: CHANGÜÍ LOÜÍE

Sun, Aug 23

COMPLIMENTARY ENTRY | NO RESERVATION REQUIRED | SEATING ON A FIRST-ARRIVAL BASIS | NO DINNER SERVICE | 21+ Before there was Salsa, there was Changüí — authentic Cuban rhythms fused with Flamenco and Jazz colors San Diego staple brings unique Cuban experience. Joined by vocalist Bruno Serrano, jazz saxophonist Charlie Arbelaez and Afrocuban mainstays Omar Lopez, Fernando Gomez and Charlie Chavez

JUSTIN JOYCE - "ALMOST FAMILIAR" & MORE

Thu, Aug 27

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. 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. He released his second album as a leader, Almost Familiar, in late-2025 on Earslime Records and is bringing the band back to 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), Steve Haney (Percussion), and some SPECIAL GUESTS. Come join the party, hear Almost Familiar and More LIVE, and immerse yourself in melodies and grooves that will make you feel déjà vu.

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) & special guests. Come join the party, hear Almost Familiar LIVE, and immerse yourself in melodies and grooves that will make you feel déjà vu.

Lou Lou's's Upcoming Shows