JAZZ

Donte’s--a major North Hollywood jazz shrine for more than 20 years--may be closing shortly after owner Carey Leverette sells the club and restaurant to a Japanese corporation headed by Ken Akemoto, a Tokyo businessman. Leverette said escrow is due to close March 5. No financial details of the transfer were disclosed. Under the new ownership Donte’s will continue to operate as a jazz club, probably with bassist Pat Senatore, formerly owner of Pasquale’s in Malibu, choosing the talent and running the room. Before the as-yet-unscheduled reopening, Leverette said, there will be a period of at least several weeks for extensive refurbishing.