Today's Jazz Events

Keith Jarrett and Gilberto Gil headline this week in L.A., which also features area performances from women in jazz including Dee Dee Bridgewater, Rachelle Ferrell, Denise Donatelli, Kevyn Lettau and Sara Leib. Read more in this week's About & Out by Tom Meek.

Singer, composer and guitarist Gilberto Gil will be bringing his unique blend of jazz, rock, reggae and traditional rhythms of Bahia to Royce Hall at UCLA on Saturday, March 20 at 8pm, accompanied by cellist Jacques Morelenbaum. Gil's importance to the culture of his country goes back to the 60's, when he and Caetano Veloso created "Tropicalismo," a wave of musical innovation that incorporated unusual rhythms, unorthodox song structures and politically engaged lyrics into popular music. The movement galvanized popular opposition to the repressive military regime and resulted in Veloso and Gil being exiled until 1972. Call 310-825-2101 for ticket. Presented by Brazilian Nites.

Pianist and composer Billy Childs will make a rare appearance at Vitello's Jazz & Super Club on Thursday, March 25, doing shows at 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. This will be a chance for the Grammy®-winner to "just play."

Read the Full Story

Premier post-bop trumpeter Wallace Roney will be appearing at Spazio Jazz Supper Club, Friday and Saturday, March 26 and 27th. A musical prodigy, Roney studied with Clark Terry and Dizzy Gillespie and was mentored by Miles Davis, whose influence can be strongly felt in Roney's playing.  An occasional visitor to southern California as a sideman, this will be an unusual opportunity to see and hear him as a leader. His quintet features his brother, Antoine Roney, on sax, Aruan Ortiz on keyboard, Rashaan Carter on bass, and Kush Abadey  on drums. Spazio is located at 14755 Ventura Blvd. in Sherman Oaks. Shows at 8 and 10 pm. For reservations, call (818) 728-8400.