Talking Horn: In the hands of Kenton...

Talking Horn: In the hands of Kenton band veteran Steve Huffsteter, above, the jazz trumpet is as much storyteller as instrument. “A musical idea is just like a sentence,” he says. “It has to make sense.” Huffsteter plays at Monty’s in Woodland Hills, where he joins Danny Pucillo’s trio for classic standards Thursday through Saturday (F3B).

Old Is New: The holiday band concert in the park was a staple of American life in the days before television (F3A). But this old-fashioned brand of entertainment lives on--and flourishes. Some 3,000 people are expected Sunday at 5:30 p.m. in Warner Park for the final season performance of the Pierce College community orchestra.

No Big Deal: Some wondered how longtime customers would react when the Jerry’s deli chain completed its takeover of Solley’s two popular outlets in the Valley. Well, the big cuisine consolidation happened this week and . . . nobody noticed. Store managers say there was not a single protest as they began swapping fare.

Diamond Cents: The West Coast Baseball School in Agoura Hills has a reputation for turning players with marginal ability into sluggers (C6). With locations in Santa Clarita, Granada Hills and elsewhere, the academy is now earning a reputation for business savvy to match its horsehide sense.