CASBAH PRESENTS:  DAMIEN JURADO

CASBAH PRESENTS: DAMIEN JURADO

Mon, Oct 07

*GENERAL ADMISSION | ALL SEATING IS FIRST COME FIRST SERVED | NO DINNER SERVICE* “Play on, there’s no such thing as better days,” Damien Jurado sings on “Roger,” the sweeping wash of a song that opens Reggae Film Star, his 18th full length album and second release from Jurado’s own Maraqopa Records label. But as he enters his 25th year as a recording artist, it’s clear these are, at the least, very good days for Jurado on the creative front. In these 12 songs, which evoke half-recalled dreams and overheard conversations, the cosmic rushes headlong into the autobiographical and specific moments on the clock fade from past to future to scenes set only in the eternal now. Playing out like a backlot documentary filmed on the location of an unnamed TV or film set—maybe a sitcom taping, or perhaps it’s a low budget science fiction B-movie, or could it be a talk show?—the album is populated by performers awaiting call times, camera operators praying for their shot, and studio audiences rapt with anticipation. The stars here eschew glitz and glamor. Instead, they wander grocery stores and parking lots in the verdant Pacific Northwest and the desert Southwest, looking for payphones and a sense of purpose. Produced by Jurado with multi-instrumentalist Josh Gordon and recording engineer Alex Bush at Sonikwire studio in Irvine,CA, Jurado’s home away from home and musical headquarters, the record’s compositions are among the most musically rich in his vast discography, encompassing romantic AM gold, ‘60s psychedelia, driving rock & roll, Latin shuffles, and left of the dial ambiance. Strings swell, melodic bass bubbles, and piano sparkles, undergirding Jurado’s unmistakable voice, at once intimately present and ghostly, grounded in the here and now but capable, at any moment, of drifting off into the divinatory. Following threads established by 2021’s The Monster Who Hated Pennsylvania, the album sees Jurado embracing his auteur era, penning vignettes that arrive with little fanfare and depart quicker than you might suspect, only to linger long after they wrap. Seeking a skeleton key to decipher the action is beside the point—Jurado’s songs are worlds meant to be lived in, not picked apart—but on the beatific single “What Happened To The Class Of ‘65?” the singer imagines himself as both the viewer and the viewed, the eye behind the camera and its subject. This emotional and spiritual transference animates Reggae Film Star. Like a masterful director, Jurado offers motivation to the listener, staring unblinkingly from the mise-en-scène in your mind. “Look into the camera,” he commands on “The Day Of The Robot,” “One more time with anger/And sadness/I believe you.” A quarter-century in, Jurado remains gripped by his visions and driven by an unmatched creative drive. Reggae Film Star is one of Damien Jurado’s finest works to date, a stunning new feature from one of indie rock’s most cinematic figures. Here on this sound stage, you are the camera, you are the scene, you are the setting, and you are the viewer. Please try not to blink. -Jason P. Woodbury 

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CARINA ROUND

CARINA ROUND

Wed, Oct 09

Carina Round, hailing from Wolverhampton, England, is a testament to the power of artistic authenticity and a commitment to pushing the boundaries of creativity. Over her career she has released four full-length solo albums as well as a variety of singles and EPs. She is a founding member of the mesmerizing indie/folk outfit Early Winters, joined Puscifer in 2009, becoming an integral part of the electro-rock outfit and going on to release three albums with the Maynard James Keenan-founded band, and, simultaneously, has been touring with Tears for Fears. The acclaimed Los Angeles-by-way-of-England musician who has spent the last several years performing with Puscifer and Tears for Fears, celebrates the 20th anniversary of her sophomore album, The Disconnection. VIP includes: An intimate Q&A with Carina Round prior to general public doors. Have something you’ve been wanting to ask her? Well, now you can. Also included is exclusive VIP Merch, to be handed out at the event and early access to merch table. 

GILBERT CASTELLANOS & THE NEW LATIN JAZZ SEXTET - SUPPERCLUB

GILBERT CASTELLANOS & THE NEW LATIN JAZZ SEXTET - SUPPERCLUB

Thu, Oct 10

*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 

The MIGHTY 388s

The MIGHTY 388s

Fri, Oct 11

COMPLIMENTARY ENTRY | NO RESERVATION REQUIRED | SEATING ON A FIRST-ARRIVAL BASIS | NO DINNER SERVICE | 21+ The Mighty 388s have been playing around San Diego with various lineups for well over 15 years now. They have been the house band for the original funky music jam sessions at Panama 66, Rosie O'Grady, and The Acid Vault. The current lineup consists of Tim Felten (keys), Jake Najor (drums), and Travis Klein (guitar) of Sure Fire Soul Ensemble, Chris Stillwell (bass) of The Greyboy Allstars, Brad Nash (sax/flute) of Mitchum Yacoub's Band, and Andy Geib (trumpet/trombone) of Slightly Stoopid. An awesome night of instrumental Funk and Soul-Jazz at Lou Lou's; see you on the dancefloor. 

ZZYMZZY QUARTET

ZZYMZZY QUARTET

Sat, Oct 12

COMPLIMENTARY ENTRY | NO RESERVATION REQUIRED | SEATING ON A FIRST-ARRIVAL BASIS | NO DINNER SERVICE | 21+ Come out and celebrate: it's the 20th anniversary of the Zzymzzy Quartet! Since 2004, they've been swinging through the dance floors, cabarets, concert halls, and cocktail lounges of San Diego, dragging along with them an ever-expanding wake of jazz lovers and lindy-hoppers. The guys from the Zzymzzy Quartet have always had simple ambitions: they just want to play it like it was when it was unamplified, melodic, swinging, dreamy, full of sly surprise. From the Prohibition through the Second Big War, the glory days Duke Ellington and Django Reinhardt are being reanimated by four musicians who know it don’t mean a thing without that swing: guitar, vocals – Beston Barnett clarinet – Matt Gill upright bass – Paul Hormick guitar, lead vocals – Pete Miesner The Zzymzzy Quartet takes its name from a hypothetical “last word” in the dictionary: thus, their tagline, “The Last Word in Manouche Swing.” The “Manouche” sound is heard in much of the guitar work, heavily influenced by the stylings of French Manouche jazz legend Django Reinhardt, but the group also pays tribute to the Swing Era with classic standards from Hoagy Carmichael and Irving Berlin. In 2017, ART HURTS Records released their second album, Petite Fleur. On top of inspired playing and elegant arrangements, the recording features cameos from a variety of beloved San Diego musicians, many of whom will take the stage on this epic, celebratory night. The Zzymzzy Quartet played some of their earliest gigs at the old Mississippi Room as part of a long-running burlesque review. Now they'll be returning to the revamped Lou Lou's Jungle Room to once again shake the floorboards for their 20th anniversary! 

CODY CARTER & RAMBLIN FEVER

CODY CARTER & RAMBLIN FEVER

Sun, Oct 13

COMPLIMENTARY ENTRY | NO RESERVATION REQUIRED | SEATING ON A FIRST-ARRIVAL BASIS | NO DINNER SERVICE | 21+ Cody Carter, a rising talent in San Diego’s country music scene, is poised to steal your heart with his soulful tunes. A 2024 San Diego Music Awards nominee for Best Country Song, Cody’s passion for music transcends mere notes and chords. A Journey of Love and Legacy: Cody’s journey began long before the spotlight found him. His father’s poignant words after witnessing a live performance still echo in his soul: “Kid, don’t ever abandon this music dream. You’ve got something extraordinary to share.” Those words, etched in memory, fueled Cody’s unwavering commitment to his craft. The birth of his son and daughter further ignited his musical fire, a legacy passed down from father to son. From Iowa Highways to California Dreams: Picture young Cody, riding shotgun in his dad’s red pickup truck, Alan Jackson’s cassette tape spinning on repeat. Those Iowa highways carried more than just miles—they carried the seeds of Cody’s musical destiny. His eclectic taste—from Jackson Browne to Willie Nelson—shaped his soul, infusing country and rock 'n roll into his veins. San Diego’s Musical Oasis: Now a proud Southern California resident, Cody graces San Diego’s most sought-after live music venues. His country band, Ramblin’ Fever, boasts an all-star lineup: Nick Steckel (steel guitar), Cheyne Dolly (drums), Aaron Hook (bass), and Steven Crowle (electric guitar). They’ve carved out a residency at bars where country fans two-step their cares away. Setlist Magic: A Blend of Nostalgia and Freshness: When Cody takes the stage, expect a musical journey. His setlist weaves originals, timeless classics, and fresh hits from today’s chart-toppers. Whether it’s a heartfelt ballad or a boot-stomping anthem, Cody’s voice resonates with authenticity. 

DANNY JANKLOW's ELEVATION BAND

DANNY JANKLOW's ELEVATION BAND

Thu, Oct 17

*COMPLIMENTARY ENTRY | NO RESERVATION REQUIRED | SEATING ON A FIRST-ARRIVAL BASIS | NO DINNER SERVICE* Danny Janklow continues to be an exciting musical voice, and one of the most in-demand saxophonists of his generation. He not only has a deep connection to the music and its legacy, he has something profound to contribute to its future. Danny performs with uncompromising courage, experimental innovation, and provocative imagination while lending the language of Jazz to the grooves of R&B, Funk, and Indie Soul. Danny’s music is searingly personal, and grounded in calls for equal rights, justice, and love. Recognized at age 20, he was the youngest 1st place winner of the North American Saxophone Alliance Competition. Janklow began regularly subbing at the Village Vanguard for his mentor Dick Oatts in Vanguard Jazz Orchestra. In 2012, Janklow was awarded 1st place at the Detroit Jazz Festival Saxophone Competition and headlined the festival. As an accomplished composer, he was selected to participate in the Betty Carter Jazz Ahead program in 2013. Later that year, Danny was selected as a semi-finalist in the 2013 International Thelonious Monk Saxophone Competition. In early 2021, Danny celebrated a Grammy win for his integral performance on “Monk’estra plays John Beasley.” He has shared the stage with Stevie Wonder, Aloe Blacc, Burt Bacharach, & Herbie Hancock. Janklow has contributed iconic solos to Hip Hop recordings such as JID’s “Hereditary” and Earthgang’s “Cocktails” (Dreamville). Danny’s current projects include producing new music + multi-media, hosting The Creative Hero podcast, performing festivals & tours, and staying committed to his mission of propelling youth education. His available musical catalogue includes his albums “Elevation", "Worlds Collide", "Love Day Live", and the single "Rising Tide". Danny has been honored to perform as a bandleader and collaborator at prestigious venues such as Hollywood Bowl, Northsea Jazz Festival, Village Vanguard, The Apollo Theater, Ronnie Scotts London, Blue Note Tokyo, Blue Note NYC, Dizzy’s Club Coca Cola, & Disney Concert Hall. He regularly collaborates with top industry producers Terrace Martin and Larry Goldings. Danny has toured with sensational artists such as Gregory Porter, Eric Reed, Wallace Roney, Sheléa, and Harvey Mason Sr. Tony Austin - drums Katherine Ella Wood - vocals Dennis Hamm - keys Luca Alemanno - bass Danny Janklow - saxophones & flutes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eIRJNQSi8xI 

themattsmithneujazztrio ft. MARK KOPITZKE

themattsmithneujazztrio ft. MARK KOPITZKE

Fri, Oct 18

COMPLIMENTARY ENTRY | NO RESERVATION REQUIRED | SEATING ON A FIRST-ARRIVAL BASIS | NO DINNER SERVICE | 21+ themattsmithneujazztrio is one of the most notable jazz trios to hit the San Diego jazz scene. Formed in January 2013, this trio has jumped musical leaps and bounds to find music they are all proud of. The songs on their 2016 release “RETROgrade,” feature compositions of each member that capture and captivate jazz and non jazz audiences. These rhythmically free and melodically driven compositions highlight the very essence of a young trio with overwhelming maturity. themattsmithneujazztrio can be found on facebook.com/themattsmithneujazztrio A surprising vocal chameleon with the comfortable swagger of Frank Sinatra, Mark Kopitzke gives Michael Bublé a run for his money. Having toured the world with the 1940’s big band, the Glenn Miller Orchestra, residencies at Disney Resorts and symphony stages, Mark lives and breathes the Great American Songbook. Close your eyes and you’ll swear you’re hearing a darker Chet Baker, colored with the baritone resonance of Bing Crosby. 

PACO VERSAILLES

PACO VERSAILLES

Sat, Oct 19

Paco Versailles is a duo consisting of Ryan Merchant, and Vahagni Aryan who is a world-class Spanish-trained flamenco guitarist. Paco Versailles was born in 2019 in Venice, CA after Ryan and Vahagni threw a series of parties where they fused modern dance, nu-disco and pop with the sounds of Spanish flamenco music. Since then they've built a dedicated fan base and have turned those parties into long list of sold-out shows throughout the US and Latin America. Their sound is a mix of flamenco guitar rhythms with disco-leaning electronic production and captivating vocals, a style they call Dancemenco. The name 'Paco Versailles' was conceived while imagining a collaboration between their biggest influences, the legendary Spanish guitarist Paco De Lucia and French electronic artists Daft Punk and Air, both products of the Parisian suburb of Versailles. Paco Versailles is releasing their 3rd studio album, Olé Maca, on September 13, 2024. 

SHUNZO OHNO

SHUNZO OHNO

Sun, Oct 20

COMPLIMENTARY ENTRY | NO RESERVATION REQUIRED | SEATING ON A FIRST-ARRIVAL BASIS | NO DINNER SERVICE | 21+ Shunzo Ohno, a true trailblazer in the jazz world, began his remarkable international career when he left Japan to tour with Art Blakey and The Jazz Messengers. This significant step set the stage for numerous collaborations with legendary artists such as Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Gil Evans, and Larry Coryell. Among his many accolades, Shunzo became the first jazz composer to win first place in the International Songwriting Competition Award for his composition "Musashi." After a four-year hiatus, Shunzo is returning to San Diego, marking 50 years since he joined Art Blakey and a decade since receiving his prestigious award. His journey, marked by resilience and dedication, has resonated with fans worldwide and a heart-warming documentary short, "Never Defeated." This film highlights his profound love for music and its transformative power in the face of adversity. Watch the documentary https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=356vjoaGbrg Since 2011, Shunzo has been a steadfast supporter of Northern Japan's recovery efforts, visiting annually (except for 2020) to inspire young students affected by trauma through music. His albums "All In One," "DREAMER," and "ReNew" are tributes to the region's resilience and his commitment to healing through art. He returns again this year for his Fall/Winter Japan tour. With his extensive musical achievements, Ohno serves as a cultural ambassador, inspiring audiences worldwide with his innovative spirit. His upcoming performances in San Diego will showcase new works, inviting audiences on a journey that celebrates the joy of music. Shunzo Ohno’s performance promises to be a euphoric experience, exploring the diverse landscape of jazz music where funky grooves, contemporary innovation, and traditional roots converge to create an unforgettable musical experience for listeners of all backgrounds and tastes. Ohno's belief that "We are all Dreamers, and together, we triumph" underscores his philosophy on the unifying power of music. His return to San Diego not only commemorates his remarkable achievements but also provides an opportunity for audiences to experience the transformative impact of his music firsthand. Performing will be Shunzo Ohno on trumpet, Alan Eicher on piano, David Borgo on sax, Zo Shah on guitar, Justin Grinnell on bass & Julien Cantelm on drums. 

MAL HALL // LAUGH AT LOU LOUS

MAL HALL // LAUGH AT LOU LOUS

Wed, Oct 23

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. 

GILBERT CASTELLANOS & THE NEW LATIN JAZZ SEXTET - SUPPERCLUB

GILBERT CASTELLANOS & THE NEW LATIN JAZZ SEXTET - SUPPERCLUB

Thu, Oct 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 

HOT 8 BRASS BAND

HOT 8 BRASS BAND

Sat, Oct 26

The Hot 8 Brass Band is a Grammy-nominated New Orleans-based brass band that combines hip-hop, jazz, and funk with traditional New Orleans brass sounds. The band was formed in 1995 by Bennie Pete, Jerome Jones, and Harry Cook, who merged two earlier bands, the Looney Tunes Brass Band and the High Steppers Brass Band, from Fortier High School. The band members grew up together and have strong family-like bonds. 

FRESH VEGGIES MICRO BRASS

FRESH VEGGIES MICRO BRASS

Thu, Oct 31

COMPLIMENTARY ENTRY | NO RESERVATION REQUIRED | SEATING ON A FIRST-ARRIVAL BASIS | 21+ Specializing in wind instrument performance through live effects pedals, Fresh Veggies (Micro Brass) has appeared alongside notable bands/artists as Too Many Zooz, Earthless, Voodoo Glow Skulls, Fishbone and Adrian Terrazas-Gonzalez along with performing at popular festivals Lightning in a Bottle, Same Same But Different, North Park Music Festival and Bad Vibes Good Friends Festival. Fresh Veggies also features members of local San Diego powerhouse bands, The Sure Fire Soul Ensemble, Chunky Hustle Brass Band, Finnegan Blue, Juicebox and the Matt Smith Neu Jazz Trio. The Fresh Veggies sound draws inspiration from wind-powered groups like Too Many Zooz, Moon Hooch and Youngblood Brass Band but in a metal and pop-punk context reminiscent of legendary artists like My Chemical Romance and Black Sabbath. The result is a "fresh" and bombastic performance unhindered by the limitations of traditional guitar-based bands with jazz-like dynamic range and an orchestral level of nuanced execution drawing on influences by all types of brass bands from New Orleans-style second line to Balkan brass bands to Mexican Banda. Fresh Veggies Micro Brass is proud to champion the next evolution of amplified music with the ultimate goal of generating more public awareness of sustainable, clean-eating habits; urban farming; and food desert issues across the nation. 

KIMMI BITTER & THE WESTSIDE TWANG

KIMMI BITTER & THE WESTSIDE TWANG

Fri, Nov 01

COMPLIMENTARY ENTRY | NO RESERVATION REQUIRED | SEATING ON A FIRST-ARRIVAL BASIS | NO DINNER SERVICE | 21+ "The future of classic country is Kimmi Bitter" as Saving Country Music boldly states. Driven by a hyper-obsession with the 1960s, Kimmi Bitter & the Westside Twang create a soundscape that blends old-school country with surf rock, psychedelic twangs, and a touch of mod flair. Creating a buzz from her grassroots efforts and vigorous touring, her debut album “Old School” hit the ground running in 2024 landing at #24 on the Americana Album Radio Chart with “My Grass is Blue” debuting on the Americana Single Radio Chart. This ain't your typical Nashville sound. "Old School" is a love letter to the Countrypolitan golden age, with a healthy dose of reverb-drenched twang and rock-n-roll swagger thrown in for good measure. Harmony-stricken ballads “My Grass is Blue” and “I Dream of You” have grown comparisons of a time when Patsy Cline with The Jordanaires overtook radio airwaves. Saving Country Music called "My Grass is Blue" "solid country gold," nominating it for Single of the Year alongside the likes of Charley Crockett and Sierra Ferrell. Though driving her career independently, Bitter is no stranger to building up her accolades. She found recognition in her hometown winning Best Country/Americana Artist and “My Grass is Blue” was nominated for Song of the Year by the San Diego Music Awards 2023. Her breakout album also skyrocketed to #1 on the Alt. Country Specialty Charts. 

JEHLAD & SOUL ENTERPRISE SOCIETY

JEHLAD & SOUL ENTERPRISE SOCIETY

Fri, Nov 08

Jehlad is a soul artist/entertainer who has played all around San Diego and beyond. An America’s Got Talent Golden Buzzer Winner and Semi-Finalist, Jehlad emulates the greatest entertainers of all time like James Brown and Prince, yet gives homage to crooners like Marvin Gaye and Al Green. He was nominated for a San Diego Music Award in the category of Best R&B/Soul album in 2022, for his progressive R&B album “A Wonderful Life” that was released in 2021. Throughout his life, he has moved around on the east coast, and then finally to San Diego, where he resides currently. His love of music started when he was two years old when he got a bongo set, and then continued when he started singing at three. Music runs in his veins and it is extremely important in Jehlad’s life. From growing up where he learned from his adult church choir members, to performing musicals in high school and college, he excels in showmanship, performance, a wide vocal range, and excellent stage presence. Jehlad has sang the national anthem at over seven MLB stadiums, including the Padres, Dodgers, and the Yankees. His favorite moment was singing for the San Diego Seals and San Diego Wave FC at Snapdragon stadium in 2023. When he’s not playing live and singing at stadiums, he loves to collaborate with other songwriters, attending recording sessions with other musicians, and helps other singers with artist production. Aside from getting his BA in psychology and a MBA, he graduated from the Los Angeles Artist Music Program and is currently awaiting his graduation at James Fauntleroy’s 1500 Sound Academy. His music is full of amazing songs that have messages of encouragement, perseverance, resilience in the face of challenges, and being oneself. Soul music is his bread and butter yet among his favorite tribute, from Marvin Gaye to James Brown, his favorite was Sam Cooke’s 1961 album, My Kind Of Blues, which is an album of big band jazz and blues standards. He played this show at The Jazz Lounge in La Mesa, owned by his friend and mentor, San Diego’s own jazz singer Leonard Patton. Do not miss his one of kind, show stopping performances, and stay tuned for upcoming singles and EP, on all streaming platforms. 

DAVE DAMIANI & THE NO VACANCY ORCHESTRA

DAVE DAMIANI & THE NO VACANCY ORCHESTRA

Thu, Nov 14

COMPLIMENTARY ENTRY | NO RESERVATION REQUIRED | SEATING ON A FIRST-ARRIVAL BASIS | NO DINNER SERVICE | 21+ Dave Damiani is an American singer, songwriter, producer based out of Los Angeles, CA. Having started as a bartender at the famed CHARLIE O'S JAZZ CLUB in Valley Village, CA, Dave Damiani had the opportunity to work, learn and become friends with some of the best musicians on the planet. Legends like Earl Palmer, Marty Harris, Ross Tompkins, Sam Most, Teddy Edwards, John Heard, Roy McCurdy, Frank Capp, Ernie McDaniel, Dini Clarke, Danny Grissett, George Gaffney, Mark Murphy, and Richie Cole (just to name a few) took time to mentor Dave Damiani, share stories and chord changes. Shortly after receiving his master's degree in Commercial Music from the California State University in Los Angeles, Dave began his pursuit to put together the perfect band with youth and style. His debut album "Watch What Happens" has been receiving worldwide airplay. Brad "Martini" Chambers was the first to discover Dave Damiani's originality. Brad has been playing him constantly on www.martiniinthemorning.com since 2013. Additionally, receiving airplay on over 300 radio stations and on Satellite Radio XM 71 (Siriusly Sinatra). In January Dave Damiani hosted his own hour on Sirius XM Siriuisly Sinatra #70, while hosting his good friend and New Jersey brother Joe Piscopo swung the studio say hi! Dave Damiani & The No Vacancy Orchestra has recorded and produced live shows with Frank Sinatra Enterprises, The Grove, Citi, Capital One, American Airlines, Jack Daniels, George Benson, Molly Ringwald, Bobby Rydell, Landau Murphy Jr., Hailey Reinhart, Sal "The Voice" Valentinetti, Renee Olstead, Steve Tyrel, Larry King. "Your record "Watch What Happens" is great! You should really be proud. I mean great and I don't just say these things."-Johnny Mandel Oscar and Grammy Award Winning Composer and Arranger Dave Damiani has performed for: Leonardo DiCaprio, Ryan Seacrest, Gene Simmons, David Spade, David Hasslehoff, Jack Klugman, CBS Television, ABC Television, FOX Television, Polo, The Marriott Corporation, EHarmony, Monster Energy Drink, Apple Computer, Microsoft, CITI (CitiBank), The Four Seasons, Ritz Carlton, Ryan Kavinaugh & Relativity Media, Wolfgang Puck, Cuba Gooding Jr, Oliver Stone, Ridley Scott, The Beverly Hills Hotel, Cafe' Carlyle - New York City, The Jazz Kitchen - Indianapolis, The Radio Hall Of Fame, Charles Durning, Ray Liotta, Budweiser, University of Texas - San Antonio and many more... 

ROBERT DOVE QUINTET

ROBERT DOVE QUINTET

Fri, Nov 15

COMPLIMENTARY ENTRY | NO RESERVATION REQUIRED | SEATING ON A FIRST-ARRIVAL BASIS | NO DINNER SERVICE | 21+ “As a soloist, he’s in a word, formidable.” Robert Bush proclaims, a freelance jazz writer of the San Diego Reader, NBC San Diego, and All About Jazz. Born in Columbus Ohio, Robert Dove earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Jazz Studies from UNC-Greensboro’s Miles Davis Jazz Studies Program. Upon finishing his degree, Robert moved to San Diego in 2013, where he began his professional career. Dove has had the opportunity to perform at a multitude of venues and events spanning the United States, Canada, Central America, and Europe. He has performed and recorded alongside John Ellis, Marcus Roberts, Lee Konitz, Wessel “Warmdaddy” Anderson, Jason Marsalis, Donny McCaslin, Peter Bernstein, Jim Rupp, Bobby Floyd, Byron Stripling, Gene Walker, and other prominent musicians. He is well versed in all aspects of jazz, and uses this facility to arrange, compose, perform, and educate with multiple groups throughout Southern California. Robert currently leads his own group, the Robert Dove Quartet, featuring his debut album “Paradigm Shift” featuring Gilbert Castellanos and Marshall Hawkins, which highlights the influences of jazz royalty, but with a more modern approach. In addition to this, Robert has performed nationally as a sideman with The Western Standard Time Ska Orchestra, Ray Massa’s EuroRhythms, the George Delancey Sextet, and many more." 

KELLY FINNEGAN & THE ATONEMENTS

KELLY FINNEGAN & THE ATONEMENTS

Sat, Nov 16

Distance as a measure of time and place informs Kelly Finnigan’s, A Lover Was Born with a grit and grace that turns passion into virtue. The latest solo release from The Monophonics frontman roots itself in the best traditions of midwest soul labels like King, Curtom, Dakar, and the Bodie Recording Company. A Lover Was Born is a testimony that these deep cut grooves are not resigned to nostalgia, instead, they are at the burning heart of longing and hope. The journey Finnigan takes listeners on over Lover’s eleven tracks echo the state of motion and growth since his solo debut, The Tales People Tell (2019). These two records bookend a prolific period of output, including a pair of Monophonics albums, a Christmas album, a mixtape, and a full slate of producing and engineering other artists (The Ironsides, Alanna Royale, the Sextones). “There’s nothing like making records,” says Finnigan. “It feels like that’s my purpose — the reason I was put on this earth.” Written in California, Ohio, and Staten Island, Kelly Finnigan collaborated with old friends in and outside the studio. “I enjoy working alone but it’s not how you want to make a record…almost everybody I brought in for this album I’ve worked with, toured with or spent a great deal of time with.” Max and Joe Ramey (The Ironsides), Jimmy James (Parlor Greens), Sergio Rios (Orgone), Joey Crispiano (Dap Kings) and Jay Mumford (aka J-Zone) all contribute to the overall sound of A Lover Was Born. Dramatic influences like Isaac Hayes (check out the piano on “Be Your Own Shelter”) and Jerry Ragovoy are chopped and folded into Northern Soul uptempo numbers to create stompers like “Get a Hold of Yourself” or “Chosen Few”. Finnigan’s take on Deep Soul is captured brilliantly on “Walk Away from Me” and “Love (Your Pain Goes Deep)”, while Boom Bap pervades on hard hitters “His Love Ain’t Real” & “Cold World”. Slower songs such as “Let Me Count the Reasons”, the emotional “All That’s Left”, and the soul-stirring album closer “Count Me Out” show the honest and tender side that has become Finnigan’s calling card. All the while, the voice is raw and earthy — in the best tradition of R&B shouters like Otis Redding, Lee Moses, and David Ruffin. The songs on A Lover Was Born reconfigure the spliced and sampled DNA of hip hop (extracted by crate diggers like Dilla and RZA) to create something new, underscoring both the spectrum and depth of soul while making a case to the timelessness of Finnigan’s sound. 

JOHN REYNOLDS QUINTET

JOHN REYNOLDS QUINTET

Sun, Nov 17

John Reynolds is an in-demand trumpeter, educator, and clinician. He holds a D.M.A. in Jazz Studies from the University of Southern California Thornton School of Music, as well as degrees from San Diego State University (SDSU) and Point Loma Nazarene University. John has performed with Jazz legends including John Clayton, Jeff Hamilton, Gerald Clayton, Rickey Woodard, Graham Dechter, Bob Mintzer, Peter Erskine, Bobby Shew, George Cables, Frank Mantooth, Gilbert Castellanos, Marshall Hawkins, and many others. The pSoCal Jazz Society recognized Dr. Reynolds as the “Jazz Educator of the Year,” and SDSU awarded him “Outstanding Alumnus of the Year." Dr. Reynolds is a consultant for Jazz at Lincoln Center, where he serves as a guest artist, clinician, and adjudicator for regional Essentially Ellington festivals across the country. 

SALAMI ROSE JOE LOUIS

SALAMI ROSE JOE LOUIS

Tue, Nov 19

Salami Rose Joe Louis is an genre traveler multi-instrumentalist female producer and a signee to Flying Lotus's Brainfeeder label. She produces and records pretty much exclusively on her beloved Roland MV8800, nicknamed "Funfunfun". Her debut record with Brainfeeder, 'Zdenka 2080', is a critically acclaimed, conceptual sci-fi epic that earned a nomination for Giles Peterson's Worldwide Awards Best Album of 2020. Since then, she has toured supporting genre-bending luminaries Flying Lotus, Cinematic Orchestra, Toro y Moi, TuneYards, Clairo, and MNDSGN. Her most recent solo album, Akousmatikous (2023, Brainfeeder), is a follow up scifi odyssey to her “Zdenka 2080”, that blends emotional intensity with sonic experimentation. Her storytelling attempts to confront and explore a range of subjects such as climate change, the power of imagery, propaganda, depression, societal greed, isolation, and attempting to break free from societal conditioning. Recent collaborations include a feature on Toro y Moi's 'Mahal', a remix for Hiatus Kaiyote's Ninja Tune/Brainfeeder release, and the 2024 collab album extravaganza "Sarah" with Philadelphia legend, Flanafi. Now, Salami Rose Joe Louis presents her latest project: a live EP with her dynamic quartet, capturing the energetic intensity and improvisational magic of their performances together. With her innovative production style and captivating live shows, Salami Rose Joe Louis continues to push the boundaries of electronic music and beyond. 

SMOKE & MIRROR SOUND SYSTEM

SMOKE & MIRROR SOUND SYSTEM

Fri, Nov 22

COMPLIMENTARY ENTRY | NO RESERVATION REQUIRED | SEATING ON A FIRST-ARRIVAL BASIS | NO DINNER SERVICE | 21+ Smoke and Mirrors Sound System came about as a response to the Covid Lockdown. John Roy (Unsteady/ English Beat) was stuck in his closed music rental shop with no prospect of a show. He took scraps of ideas he’d sequenced and with the idle hours, he began forming songs. John reached out to dozens of musicians he’d met touring over the decades and came up with multiple albums’ worth of material, including his favorite covers from his youth. Songs are reimagined as reggae/ska/rocksteady/dub to give them a toe-tapping, head-bobbing groove. Immediately after live music was allowed to reemerge, John gathered together his favorite players in San Diego, Tijuana and Los Angeles turning the imaginary into live 11 piece band! Check out a set, packed with classics and originals to fill the dance floor. 

ANTHONY CULLINS

ANTHONY CULLINS

Sat, Nov 23

COMPLIMENTARY ENTRY | NO RESERVATION REQUIRED | SEATING ON A FIRST-ARRIVAL BASIS | NO DINNER SERVICE | 21+ Anthony Cullins is a young musician/songwriter whose guitar playing ability is years beyond his age. Anthony's musical influences include R&B, funk, soul, rock, jazz, and blues prominently displayed in his eclectic improvisational style he calls "psychedelic soul music", ranging from Eddie Hazel and Jeff Beck to George Benson and Eric Johnson with dozens of influences in between. Anthony recently put out a live record, working on two studio albums, and won "Best Blues Artist" in the 2023 and 2024 San Diego Music Awards. 

SAN DIEGO LATIN JAZZ COLLECTIVE

SAN DIEGO LATIN JAZZ COLLECTIVE

Fri, Nov 29

*SHOW ONLY | 21+ | 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. 

GREYBOY - WORD ON THE STREET ALBUM RELEASE SHOW

GREYBOY - WORD ON THE STREET ALBUM RELEASE SHOW

Sat, Nov 30

COMPLIMENTARY ENTRY | NO RESERVATION REQUIRED | SEATING ON A FIRST-ARRIVAL BASIS | NO DINNER SERVICE | 21+ Pioneering DJ/producer from the embryonic 90’s stateside funk & soul jazz scene. Greyboy blasts back into focus in 2024 with his seventh full-length solo LP Word on the Street. An exercise in authenticity, and inspired by the AM gold and R&B sounds of his youth embraces both a musical evolution and artistic rebirth. It also represents his true dedication to the music as he played most of the instruments on this album, and has formed a new band to bring his songs to life on stage. Greyboy consistently garners respect amongst a plethora of peers and co-conspirators; maintaining a thorough reputation for artistic ingenuity uninhibited by genre or generation across a thirty-plus-year career. 

A JOHN WATERS CHRISTMAS 2024

A JOHN WATERS CHRISTMAS 2024

Sun, Dec 08

Help! It’s Christmas! To hell with Santa, Rudolph, Mrs. Claus and, yes, Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, too! We’re not sitting on that man’s lap this year! Nosirree, not getting down on our knees for anybody either. All you need to get through this holiday season isn John Waters; St. Nick the Dick, Father Fistmas, Kris Kringleberries! Ho ho ho was never like this! Once again Waters is touring the country on his slippery sled of sewage with his comedy bag of tricks, handing out filthy sticks and stones to bad little nonbinary boys and girls and everybody in between and beyond. Ninety minutes of Christmas jeer and holiday beatings! Go ahead, teabag that tree with your own balls and then knock it over on yourself on purpose! Scream, drag queens and kings, scream! Yes! We’re all getting cha-cha heels this year! Postage-due Christmas cards, too. We want gift-wrapped get-out-of-jail holiday coupons! Mistle-toejam! As Dawn Davenport would say, "We asked and we’d better get!” Happy hole-iday! Merry Diss-mas! We’re the gift that keeps on desperate living. It’s a John Waters Join us for an exclusive evening with the legendary John Waters! This special event offers a unique opportunity for VIP fans to enjoy premium seating and engage with the iconic filmmaker and author in a post-show Group Therapy Q&A session & photo opportunity. VIP is limited to only 50 tickets, this intimate experience promises an unforgettable night filled with insights, laughter, and memorable interactions. Don't miss your chance to be part of this extraordinary event! 

A JOHN WATERS CHRISTMAS 2024

A JOHN WATERS CHRISTMAS 2024

Mon, Dec 09

Help! It’s Christmas! To hell with Santa, Rudolph, Mrs. Claus and, yes, Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, too! We’re not sitting on that man’s lap this year! Nosirree, not getting down on our knees for anybody either. All you need to get through this holiday season isn John Waters; St. Nick the Dick, Father Fistmas, Kris Kringleberries! Ho ho ho was never like this! Once again Waters is touring the country on his slippery sled of sewage with his comedy bag of tricks, handing out filthy sticks and stones to bad little nonbinary boys and girls and everybody in between and beyond. Ninety minutes of Christmas jeer and holiday beatings! Go ahead, teabag that tree with your own balls and then knock it over on yourself on purpose! Scream, drag queens and kings, scream! Yes! We’re all getting cha-cha heels this year! Postage-due Christmas cards, too. We want gift-wrapped get-out-of-jail holiday coupons! Mistle-toejam! As Dawn Davenport would say, "We asked and we’d better get!” Happy hole-iday! Merry Diss-mas! We’re the gift that keeps on desperate living. It’s a John Waters Join us for an exclusive evening with the legendary John Waters! This special event offers a unique opportunity for VIP fans to enjoy premium seating and engage with the iconic filmmaker and author in a post-show Group Therapy Q&A session & photo opportunity. VIP is limited to only 50 tickets, this intimate experience promises an unforgettable night filled with insights, laughter, and memorable interactions. Don't miss your chance to be part of this extraordinary event! 

KING TAYLOR PROJECT

KING TAYLOR PROJECT

Fri, Dec 20

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. They have contributed to multiple award-winning projects, including Jeff Berkley & The Banned, Jonny Tarr, and Lauren Leigh. 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. 

THE LAO TIZER BAND

THE LAO TIZER BAND

Sat, Jan 04

*GENERAL ADMISSION | 21+ | ALL SEATING IS FIRST COME FIRST SERVED | NO DINNER SERVICE* “Jazz Group of the Year” nominee, The Lao Tizer Band, make their debut appearance at Lou Lou’s Club @ The Lafayette Hotel on Saturday, July 20 in support of their forthcoming August 2024 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 Gene Coye - drums 

ALEX CIAVARELLI TRIO

ALEX CIAVARELLI TRIO

Fri, Jan 17

COMPLIMENTARY ENTRY | NO RESERVATION REQUIRED | SEATING ON A FIRST-ARRIVAL BASIS | NO DINNER SERVICE | 21+ The Alex Ciavarelli Trio, also known as The Rhythm Sexion, is an All-Star jazz trio based in San Diego, California, comprised of 3 of the hardest working session musicians in town. Their repertoire ranges from the birth of jazz to the current cutting edge and everything in between. Their dedication to the art-form is unmatched and their individual virtuosity comes together seamlessly to create an incredible listening experience for fans of all types of music. No shtick. No funny hats. Great American Jazz! 

LADY LAMB WITH SIMA CUNNINGHAM

LADY LAMB WITH SIMA CUNNINGHAM

Sun, Jan 19

Lady Lamb celebrates 10 years of Ripely Pine with an intimate performance of songs from the record and the recently-released commemorative boxset "In The Mammoth Nothing of The Night" 

TY SEGALL

TY SEGALL

Thu, Feb 20

Ty Segall follows 2022’s acoustic introspection opus “Hello, Hi” with a deeper, wilder journey to the center of the self. With Three Bells, he’s created a set of his most ambitious, elastic songs, using his musical vocabulary with ever-increasing sophistication. It’s an obsessive quest for an expression that answers back to the riptide always pulling him subconsciously into the depths. Questions we all ask in our own private mirrors are faced down here—and regardless of what the mysterious “Three Bells” mean in the context of the album’s libretto, you can be assured that Ty’s ringing them for himself, and for the rest of us in turn. It’s a growing up and out of your head parable, but the farther out you get, the farther in you go. The two-head-ed suggestion of 2012’s Twins has grown ever more complex, as the outside/inside world of perception dissolves into a greater world of the senses—all six or seven of them! Since Ty deals in sounds, Three Bells rings with them most of all: sounds signaling the next phase, ringing to keep you stuck, or to set you free, with guitars like voices, questioning and answering the others in their turn. Since 2008, the singer/guitarist/puzzled panther we call Ty Segall has played out his hunger to be free over a dozen solo LPs and a series of other-named projects. In his music, freedom has taken the form of a rippling eclecticism in songs and production sounds, all of them conversing from album to album in a mad diversity of voices. Across the discograverse, 2014’s Manipulator and 2018’s Freedom’s Goblin precede Three Bells in double-album epicity, each unfurling its own multivarious tapestry in an atmosphere of gleeful octophenia, as Ty throws everything against the wall, delighting in how much he can stick there. With all fifteen songs brimming with perspectives, shape-shifting incessantly, not even waiting for a new song to work into the next idea, Three Bells steps into the shoes of both his previous doubles at the same time, designing finally to do the extended format justice. The acoustic songs of “Hello, Hi” had been a blast of fresh air; wanting another hit of that sweet air, Ty recognized that his body was craving to play the drums. This was a key that let him into the album—the songwriting happening on both guitar and drums. As the songs emerged, Ty pushed them out farther and farther compositionally, challenging the way they’d be played, then playing much of Three Bells in conversation with himself—a decision that further elevates the album’s conception. But you don’t get outside/inside all on your own—for Three Bells, Ty and Denée Segall collaborated on five of the songs. In Ty’s world, Denée forms the second self outside his self. And these selves radiate out into the world through other selves. Co-producer Cooper Crain, whose contributions to Harmonizer and “Hello, Hi” were deep, engineered and mixed most of the album, again bringing his individual vision into the process. Finally, some of the songs as written needed the kind of playing that Ty couldn’t get alone. On some numbers, Emmett Kelly’s bass parts not only addressed that need, but inspired the way the songs eventually went down. So it was when the Freedom Band was called in to play; their contributions transformed the material. Three Bells kind of goes beyond songs. The fifteen of them work together as a mosaic, creating the larger work at the same time as they stand on their own. Composing the album as a piece, Ty formed certain chord shapes over and over again, making thematic material that each song moves through in its own way, building a claustrophobic/paranoia vibe, cycling bold thrusts forward into ego deaths, the one-step-forward, two-steps-back patterns framing an overriding ask: what we can do to get past the back-and-forth conversation, to arrive at a place of acceptance. Three Bells takes Ty Segall’s trips so much deeper and farther than they’ve gone before—a masterpiece of personal expression, expressed through words, music and production, parabolically addressing malaise with compassion in a flowing, unstoppable hour-plus of intoxicating sound