Live Shows Jazzing Up the Evenings : Anniversary: Since adding live performances a year ago, El Matador has watched its nights turn lively. It will commemorate the big change tonight.

Evenings past 9 used to be quiet around El Matador, according to George Gallardo, who, along with his father, Marcil, owns and operates the Mexican restaurant in the Huntington Harbour Mall.

These days, the room comes alive Tuesdays through Saturdays with the sounds of jazz, most of it with a decidedly contemporary feel. It was a year ago this weekend that the restaurant first added music to its menu. Since then, such names as David Benoit, Eric Marienthal, Wilton Felder, Stix Hooper, Alphonse Mouzon and Poncho Sanchez have taken the tiny bandstand, most as guests with bassist Luther Hughes’ ever-changing trio.

Gallardo said he was skeptical those first few nights that the music would draw, but he was soon proved wrong.

“Usually at 9, everything would die down. But it’s just turned things around,” Gallardo said. “I make a little money, and I enjoy the music. It’s really been good. We owe it all to Luther.”

The association between Gallardo and his music director--musician and KLON-FM deejay Hughes--is harmonious, to say the least.

“Both George and his father have been very supportive,” Hughes said, “and have pretty much allowed me to do what I want to do.”

The bassist’s musical contacts--he hosts KLON’s only contemporary program, “Jazz Today,” and plays the Los Angeles fusion scene--have meant a host of name studio and recording talent from the world of electric-instrumental jazz.

“I just decided to do something different,” Hughes said. “So many places were doing straight-ahead music with local bands; only the Coach House (in San Juan Capistrano) was bringing in any current stuff. And after years of playing mainstream, I wanted to play some contemporary music, so this was ideal.

“Fusion is the most popular (style of jazz) these days in sales and airplay. It just seemed logical that it would do very well.”

Gallardo feels that Orange County listeners are especially fond of contemporary jazz.

“It moves you, kicks you up to highs and lows,” he said. “It’s simpler than straight-ahead, but a little more upbeat.”

But the venue doesn’t concentrate solely on fusion. Vocalists such as Stephanie Haynes and Julie Kelly, as well as more traditionally minded instrumentalists such as Thelonious Monk Piano Competition winner Bill Cunliffe, work Thursdays. An innovative mix of big bands is booked Wednesdays.

“I can’t think of anywhere in L.A. that has contemporary concert jazz band playing like this,” Hughes said.

To commemorate the first anniversary this weekend, Hughes brings in his band, Cahoots--keyboardist Tom Zink, guitarist Mike Higgins, trombonist Andy Martin, and drummer Dave Hooper--and Marienthal as guest saxophonist. In future weeks, El Matador will host keyboardist Mike Garson (of Free Flight) and saxophonists Hollis Gentry, Michael Paulo and Kirk Whalum.

Luther Hughes and Cahoots with Eric Marienthal play tonight at 9 at El Matador, 16903 Algonquin St., Huntington Beach. Admission: free. Information: (714) 846-5337.