Discover Hollywood Magazine

Katalyst & Friends Holiday Throwdown!
2025-12-28 21:30 - 23:30 (Asia/Kolkata) | Blue Note Jazz Club
Every decade or so, a new band comes to the forefront and changes the course of music, this decade is no exception and sees the rise of one of the most talented, diverse collectives of musicians, writers, composers and producers otherwise known as Katalyst. The brainchild of world-renowned drummer/composer/producer Greg Paul, this nine-piece ensemble hailing from Inglewood, CA showcases an eclectic mix of experimental contemporary jazz.
The collective comprises of pianist Brandon Cordoba, saxophonist David Otis, Grammy-award-winning trombonist Jonah Levine, keyboard/pianist Brian Hargrove, percussionist Ahmad Dubose, uptight bassist Corbin Jones, bass guitarist Marlon Spears, and Katalyst founder and drummer Greg Paul.
In 2020 during the height of the pandemic, Katalyst released their critically acclaimed debut album entitled “Nine Lives” a free-spirited instrumental jazz album that truly encapsulates the pulse of Los Angeles. Conceived during impromptu Sunday Jam Sessions at their home base in Inglewood, the title is personal as it documents the lives and fusion of these nine renaissance men, equally yoked through 10 tracks that transport you on musical journey unlike any other.

Kenneth Whalum
2025-12-29 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-12-29 21:30 - 23:30 | Blue Note Jazz Club
Kenneth Whalum is an American musician whose career successfully bridges the worlds of instrumental jazz and contemporary alternative soul, first establishing himself as an in-demand saxophonist and horn arranger before rising to prominence as a singer, songwriter, and producer. Hailing from Memphis, Whalum’s foundational work includes touring and recording with R&B and soul legends like Al Green and Isaac Hayes, and his distinctive horn work and arrangements are featured on landmark albums such as Jay-Z’s American Gangster and Maxwell’s BLACKsummers’night, as well as projects by Beyoncé, D’Angelo, Frank Ocean, and Mac Miller. Since the late 2010s, he has stepped into the spotlight as a solo vocalist, specializing in what he describes as “alternative soul,” characterized by vulnerable storytelling, soft ballads, and pensive compositions that fuse soul, R&B, and jazz. His solo albums like Broken Land and Broken Land 2 cemented his artistic shift, demonstrating his gift for crafting emotionally deep music that doesn’t follow trends, but rather sets them, making him a versatile and highly respected figure in the modern music landscape.

Stereophonic
2025-12-29 19:30 - 22:30, 2025-12-30 13:00 - 16:00, 2025-12-30 19:30 - 21:30, 2025-12-31 13:00 - 16:00, 2026-01-02 14:00 - 17:00, 2026-01-02 20:00 - 23:00 | Hollywood Pantages Theatre, 6233 Hollywood Blvd. Wayne McWorter (213)365-3500, Hollywood, CA, 90028.0

Keyon Harrold
2025-12-30 17:00 - 21:00, 2025-12-31 17:00 - 21:00 | Blue Note Jazz Club
Keyon Harrold is a Grammy Award-winning trumpeter, composer, and producer celebrated for his masterful ability to blend jazz with elements of hip-hop, neo-soul, rock, and blues, creating a sound uniquely reflective of the modern American experience. Hailing from Ferguson, Missouri, his music often carries themes of social justice and personal resilience, which are vividly explored in his critically acclaimed albums like The Mugician (a portmanteau of ‘musician’ and ‘magician’) and his recent release, Foreverland. Harrold’s distinctively warm and commanding trumpet sound has made him one of the most in-demand session musicians in the industry; he is known for providing the “trumpet voice” for Miles Davis in the biopic Miles Ahead and has collaborated with a vast array of legends including Beyoncé, Jay-Z, D’Angelo, Common, and his frequent bandmate and New School classmate, Robert Glasper. His career showcases a rare versatility, moving seamlessly from the improvisational rigor of jazz clubs to the pop sensibility of mainstream music.

Brett and Mo sneak a quick one in before New Years!
2025-12-30 20:00 - 23:30 | Largo at the Coronet, 366 N. La Cienega Blvd. http://www.largo-la.com/event/1283859-doug-loves-movies-12-guests-los-angeles/, Los Angeles, California, 90048.0
The event Brett and Mo sneak a quick one in before New Years! is a special live comedy show at the iconic Largo at the Coronet in Los Angeles, CA, scheduled for Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at 8:00 PM, just two nights before the New Year. The performance features actor and two-time Emmy-winning comedian Brett Goldstein (best known as Roy Kent on Ted Lasso and co-creator of Shrinking) alongside writer and comedian Mo Welch (known for her unique humor and work on Corporate and Conan). These impromptu “sneak-in” shows at Largo are cherished by fans because they offer a rare chance to see these major comedy stars work out new material and engage in spontaneous, high-energy banter in an intimate, low-stakes setting, promising a night of genuine, brilliant, and hilarious pre-New Year’s Eve fun.

Jazz Legends: PETE ESCOVEDO & FAMILY | New Year’s Eve Celebration!
2025-12-31 19:00 - 22:00, 2025-12-31 22:30 - 23:30 | Catalina Jazz Club, 6725 W. Sunset Blvd., Hollywood, California, 90028.0
The Jazz Legends: PETE ESCOVEDO & FAMILY | New Year’s Eve Celebration! is an annual, multi-performance event at the Catalina Jazz Club in Hollywood, California, that culminates in a spectacular New Year’s Eve show , December 31, 2025. Headlining the celebration is Pete Escovedo, a legendary master percussionist and bandleader who, for over fifty years, has been a major force in Latin music, celebrated for breaking down the barriers between Smooth Jazz, Salsa, Latin Jazz, and contemporary music. The show is a vibrant, rhythmic affair that features his powerful orchestra and is made special by the inclusion of his talented musical family, including his sons Juan Escovedo and Peter Michael Escovedo III, ensuring a dynamic and deeply groovy performance that seamlessly blends Afro-Cuban rhythms and jazz fusion to ring in the new year.

New Year's Eve At The Improv
2025-12-31 19:00 - 23:30 | Hollywood Improv, 8162 Melrose Ave, Hollywood, California, 90046.0
New Year’s Eve At The Improv is a high-energy, star-studded celebration taking place on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, at the world-famous Hollywood Improv on Melrose Avenue. This premier comedy event offers fans two distinct ways to ring in 2026: an early 7:00 PM dinner show for those looking to kick off their night with laughs and a late 10:00 PM countdown show that features a celebratory champagne toast at midnight. Known for its “surprise” format, the lineup typically draws from a pool of top-tier talent and frequent Improv headliners—often featuring names like Jeff Garlin, Ian Edwards, or Jennifer Murphy—ensuring a night of elite stand-up in one of the most historic rooms in comedy. Whether you choose the intimate Main Room or the Lab, the evening is designed to be a festive, communal experience, blending a curated menu of classic American fare with the sharp-witted, unpredictable humor that has made the Improv a Hollywood landmark for over six decades.

New Year's Eve with El DeBarge
2025-12-31 20:00 - 22:00, 2025-12-31 23:00 - 23:30 | Blue Note Jazz Club
El DeBarge is an American singer, songwriter, and musician best known for his incredibly distinctive and expressive high tenor and soaring falsetto that has defined R&B, soul, and pop for decades, earning him a place on Rolling Stone’s list of the “200 Greatest Singers of All Time.” His career initially took off in the early 1980s as the focal point and primary lead vocalist of the family group DeBarge, delivering timeless Motown classics like the crossover smash “Rhythm of the Night,” “All This Love,” and “Time Will Reveal.” After leaving the group in 1986, he launched a successful solo career with the hit “Who’s Johnny,” and established himself as a respected collaborator, lending his unmistakable voice to tracks by Quincy Jones, Tone Loc, and Fourplay. Despite personal struggles that led to an extended hiatus, El DeBarge made a triumphant return with his 2010 album Second Chance, which earned him three Grammy nominations, reaffirming the enduring power of his artistry and making him one of the few artists to have Grammy recognition both with his group and as a solo performer.

Jon Brion
2026-01-01 18:00 - 23:00 | Largo at the Coronet, 366 N. La Cienega Blvd. http://www.largo-la.com/event/1283859-doug-loves-movies-12-guests-los-angeles/, Los Angeles, California, 90048.0
Jon Brion is a masterfully versatile American singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer who has become a defining architect of modern alternative pop and cinematic soundscapes. Renowned for his idiosyncratic, orchestrally informed production, he has shaped seminal albums for artists like Fiona Apple, Aimee Mann, and Rufus Wainwright, while famously bridging the gap between hip-hop and baroque pop as the co-producer of Kanye West’s Late Registration and completing the posthumous Mac Miller album, Circles. As a film composer, Brion’s evocative and experimental scores for directors like Paul Thomas Anderson (Magnolia, Punch-Drunk Love) and Michel Gondry (Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind) have earned him critical acclaim and multiple Grammy nominations for their emotional depth. He is perhaps most beloved in Los Angeles for his legendary residency at Largo at the Coronet, where he performs completely improvised solo sets, looping various instruments in real time and reimagining audience requests with virtuosic flair. Fans can experience this one-of-a-kind musical alchemy live during his upcoming performance at Largo on Friday, January 2, 2026, a show that continues his decades-long tradition of pushing the boundaries of the live concert experience.

JANE MONHEIT (Award-winning Jazz Singer & Recording Artist)
2026-01-02 19:00 - 22:00, 2026-01-03 19:00 - 22:00 | Catalina Jazz Club, 6725 W. Sunset Blvd., Hollywood, California, 90028.0
Jane Monheit is a highly acclaimed, Grammy-nominated American jazz and adult contemporary vocalist celebrated for her “flawless” technique, warm tone, and sophisticated interpretations of the Great American Songbook. She rocketed to prominence virtually overnight after placing as the runner-up in the prestigious 1998 Thelonious Monk Institute Vocal Competition at the age of 20, leading to her debut album Never Never Land (2000), which became an instant hit. Monheit’s signature style expertly blends straight-ahead jazz and swing with touches of bossa nova and Latin jazz, showcasing her remarkable ability to deliver both traditional ballads and lively up-tempo numbers with deep emotional honesty and a sophisticated, glamorous stage presence. Throughout her career, she has performed in legendary venues worldwide, collaborated with jazz luminaries like Terence Blanchard and Kenny Barron, and cemented her reputation as one of the most important and beloved vocalists carrying on the tradition of artists like Ella Fitzgerald.

Jon Brion
2026-01-02 20:00 - 23:00 | Largo at the Coronet, 366 N. La Cienega Blvd. http://www.largo-la.com/event/1283859-doug-loves-movies-12-guests-los-angeles/, Los Angeles, California, 90048.0
Jon Brion is an American multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter, composer, and record producer known for his prodigious musical talent, improvisational performances, and influential work in film scoring. He is a highly versatile and highly regarded figure in modern music, specializing in a sophisticated, genre-fluid style that blends pop, jazz, rock, and orchestral music with experimental and often nostalgic textures. Brion gained widespread recognition as a composer for his critically acclaimed, quirky, and emotionally resonant film scores for directors like Paul Thomas Anderson (Magnolia, Punch-Drunk Love) and Michel Gondry (Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind). On stage, he is famous for his completely improvised, one-man live shows, where he takes requests and loops multiple instruments in real time to create full, spontaneous musical pieces.

Colin Hay
2026-01-03 18:00 - 23:00 | Largo at the Coronet, 366 N. La Cienega Blvd. http://www.largo-la.com/event/1283859-doug-loves-movies-12-guests-los-angeles/, Los Angeles, California, 90048.0
Colin Hay is a Scottish-Australian singer-songwriter and storyteller whose legendary career began as the frontman and primary songwriter for the 1980s sensation Men at Work, the band behind global hits like “Down Under,” “Who Can It Be Now?,” and “Overkill.” Since the group’s disbandment, Hay has built a prolific solo career based in Los Angeles, releasing over fifteen studio albums—including his most recent 2025 project, Man @ Work Volume 2—and becoming a beloved cultural fixture through his frequent musical appearances on the television show Scrubs and his contribution to the Garden State soundtrack. Known for his dry wit, rich baritone, and virtuosic acoustic performances, he is a long-standing member of Ringo Starr’s All-Starr Band and a mainstay of the L.A. music scene, where he is set to perform his signature one-man show at Largo at the Coronet on Saturday, January 3, 2026. This intimate performance, a local tradition for Hay, will showcase his unique blend of heartfelt folk-pop melodies and humorous anecdotes, offering fans a career-spanning set that proves his enduring relevance as a master craftsman of the song.

Dirty Projectors Trio: David Longstreth with Chris Bear & Karl McComas-Reichl
2026-01-03 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-01-03 21:30 - 23:00 | California
David Longstreth is the founder and songwriter behind Dirty Projectors, a mainstay in the pop and indie rock worlds since the band’s inception in 2002. Two of the group’s albums, Bitte Orca (2009) and Swing Lo Magellan (2012), are widely regarded as classics of the 2000s and 2010s.
Longstreth is also a prolific co-writer and producer: he’s collaborated with Solange, producing and co-writing five tracks on her masterpiece A Seat A The Table. He co-wrote “FourFive Seconds,” a #1 international hit for Rihanna. He wrote the short album Mount Wittenberg Orca for Björk and Dirty Projectors, and has written songs with David Byrne.
Longstreth’s first orchestral film score was released in April, 2025, the A24 film The Legend Of Ochi, starring Helena Zengel, Finn Wolfhard, Emily Watson & Willem Dafoe, for director Isaiah Saxon. His two-piano score for the film Love Me, starring Kristen Stewart and Steven Yeun, premiered at Sundance in 2024. Longstreth’s scored music has been commissioned by Bang On A Can, s t a r g a z e, the Barbican London, the Helsinki Festival, Elbphilharmonie Hamburg and the National Concert Hall, Dublin.
His chamber work, Song Of The Earth, performed by Dirty Projectors and s t a r g a z e, was released in 2025 by Nonesuch / New Amsterdam Records / Transgressive Records. The Los Angeles Philharmonic performed its US premiere in a sold out show at Walt Disney Concert Hall in 2024. Longstreth is currently at work on new material with drummer
Chris Bear (Grizzly Bear) and bassist Karl McComas-Reichl.

Mike Sherm
2026-01-03 19:00 - 22:00 | Hollywood Palladium, 6215 Sunset Blvd, Hollywood, California
Mike Sherm is a prominent American rapper from the Bay Area of California who has established himself as a leading voice in the latest generation of underground West Coast hip-hop artists. Known for his raw, unbridled energy, clever rhymes, and unique flow, his music is characterized by powerful, bass-heavy beats and lyrics that often focus on street life and boastful accounts, deeply reflecting the vibrant culture of his roots in Antioch and Oakland. Sherm successfully utilized social media platforms like YouTube and SoundCloud to build a massive following, translating his online savvy into real-world success with breakout singles like the aggressive “Asshole” (2017), “Hot Na,”* and “Side Nigga Anthem.” He has remained a prolific artist, releasing a steady stream of singles and EPs, and collaborating with major figures in the scene, including Blueface and $tupid Young, solidifying his unique brand of contemporary hip-hop that is often described as both thought-provoking and intensely catchy.

Close Enemies, Dead Groove, Kamenar, The Deffades, and Metal Party
2026-01-03 19:00 - 22:30 | Whisky A-Go-Go, 8901 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, California
Close Enemies, Dead Groove, Kamenar, The Deffades, and Metal Party are the featured acts in a high-octane rock and metal showcase taking place at the world-famous Whisky A Go Go in West Hollywood on Saturday, January 3, 2026. This 7:00 PM event is headlined by Close Enemies, a powerhouse rock collective featuring Tom Hamilton (the Grammy-winning bassist of Aerosmith), drummer Tony Brock (The Babys), and vocal talent Chasen Hampton. The night also highlights Dead Groove, a hard-hitting Los Angeles trio known for their gritty, classic-rock-inspired sound; Kamenar, the high-energy melodic rock band fronted by brothers Sean and John Kamenar; and The Deffades, alongside the genre-blending Metal Party. Known for its historic status on the Sunset Strip, the Whisky A Go Go provides the perfect, raw backdrop for this “all-star” lineup that bridges the gap between rock legends and the next generation of hard rock talent.

Mike Sherm
2026-01-03 19:00 - 23:00 | Hollywood Palladium, 6215 Sunset Blvd, Hollywood, California
Mike Sherm is a prominent American rapper from the Bay Area of California, known as a key figure in the latest generation of underground West Coast Hip-Hop artists, whose music is characterized by its unbridled energy, clever rhymes, and a raw, unique flow deeply influenced by the vibrant street life and diverse culture of Oakland and Antioch, California. Born in 1996, he first gained attention by releasing a steady stream of original music on platforms like SoundCloud and YouTube, quickly translating his social-media savvy into a devoted following through songs like the widely played hits “Asshole” (2017), “Baby,” and “Ballin,” and he continues to be a prolific artist and collaborator within the genre, with albums like Throwbacks and numerous singles and EPs to his name.

KNAC40 Anniversary Party
2026-01-03 19:00 - 23:00 | Whisky A-Go-Go, 8901 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, California
The KNAC40 Anniversary Party is a historic celebration of “Pure Rock” KNAC, the legendary Los Angeles radio station that dominated the airwaves from 1986 to 1995. This landmark event is scheduled for Thursday, January 8, 2026, at 8:00 PM (Doors at 7:00 PM) at the world-famous Whisky A Go Go on the Sunset Strip. Produced by the Rock Against MS Foundation, the night serves as a “resurrection” rather than a reunion, honoring the station that launched the careers of metal titans like Metallica, Mötley Crüe, and Guns N’ Roses.
The evening will feature an extraordinary lineup of rock royalty, including:

Intimate Q&A Sessions: Hosted by original KNAC DJs and Program Directors, featuring icons such as Armored Saint (John, Joey, Gonzo, Phil, and Jeff), Wendy Dio, Taime Downe (Faster Pussycat), Jaime St. James (Black ‘N Blue), Robert Sarzo (Hurricane), and Tony Montana (Great White).

The Dirty Secret Jam: An all-star musical collaboration featuring Mike Muir (Suicidal Tendencies), Doug Aldrich (The Dead Daisies/Dio), Christian Olde Wolbers (Fear Factory), Billy Biohazard, Michael Olivieri (Leatherwolf), and Ira Black (Vio-lence).

Special Guests: Appearances by Riki Rachtman (Headbangers Ball) and members of Odin, Rhino Bucket, and Cry Wolf.

RHYTHM TRIBE A Neo Soul Latin Fusion Band Brisa Guzman-Sanchez, Mason Guzman-Sanchez, Thomas Guzman-Sanchez, Karthik Suresh, Esau Garcia
2026-01-04 18:00 - 23:30 | Catalina Jazz Club, 6725 W. Sunset Blvd., Hollywood, California, 90028.0
RHYTHM TRIBE is a distinctive and multi-generational American band known for pioneering their original sound, which they have defined as Neo Soul – Latin Fusion, or sometimes refer to as “Acid Latin.” The core of the group is the multi-generational family of Thomas Guzman-Sanchez (founder, vocals, guitar, bass), his son Mason Guzman-Sanchez (vocals, guitar), and his daughter Brisa Guzman-Sanchez (lead vocals), whose R&B stylized delivery blends Spanish and English lyrics with emotional depth, along with the rhythmic mastery of close friends Esau Garcia (hybrid drums/percussion) and Karthik Suresh (upright and electric bass). This quintet builds on a musical legacy spanning over a century in the Guzman-Sanchez family, creating a raw, innovative sound that fuses the aggressive rhythms of Afro-Cuban beats and Puerto Rican Bomba and Aguinaldo with the sophisticated harmonies of Neo Soul, Pop, and Rock, a fusion that has earned them international acclaim and Latin Grammy consideration for songs like “You’ll Be There / Estaras Alli.”

RHYTHM TRIBE A Neo Soul Latin Fusion Band Brisa Guzman-Sanchez, Mason Guzman-Sanchez, Thomas Guzman-Sanchez, Karthik Suresh, Esau Garcia
2026-01-04 19:00 - 23:00 | Catalina Jazz Club, 6725 W. Sunset Blvd., Hollywood, California, 90028.0
Rhythm Tribe is an electrifying multi-generational family ensemble that has pioneered a soulful and sophisticated sound they call “Acid Latin,” a vibrant blend of Neo Soul and Latin Fusion that is rooted in a musical legacy spanning over a century. Led by founder and third-generation musician Thomas Guzman-Sanchez, the band features the breathtaking, R&B-stylized vocals of his daughter Brisa Guzman-Sanchez and the virtuosic guitar work of his son Mason Guzman-Sanchez, creating a rare and intimate familial synergy that feels both timeless and cutting-edge. Their powerful musical quintet is rounded out by the innovative “hybrid” rhythmic mastery of Esau Garcia and the deep, fluid grooves of Karthik Suresh on both upright and electric bass. Recently gaining international acclaim with their single “You’ll Be There / Estaras Alli”—which entered contention for the 2025 Latin Grammy Awards—Rhythm Tribe is known for an organic, live-recorded essence that eschews overproduction in favor of raw, heart-throbbing emotion and infectious Afro-Cuban rhythms. Fans can experience their high-energy, genre-blurring performance live at the Catalina Jazz Club in Los Angeles on Sunday, January 4, 2026, for a night that promises to be a celebratory showcase of one of the most exciting legacies in modern Latin music.
