Following the Beat--From Hollywood to Santa Barbara

Ken Burns can’t claim responsibility for the cornucopia of jazz that’s available around Southern California--as well as in San Francisco and San Diego--this weekend. But it’s a fair bet that many venues are going to be greeting larger, better-informed audiences as a result of the documentary “Jazz.” Here’s a look at some of the many choices:

Club Gigs

Tonight through Sunday:

Catalina Bar & Grill: The Hollywood jazz bistro, one of Los Angeles’ principal destinations for national acts, is featuring Ray Brown’s trio. The veteran bassist’s groups have served as jazz incubators for such impressive young pianists as Geoff Keezer and Benny Green. Currently, talented newcomer Larry Fuller is holding down the piano chair. 1640 N. Cahuenga Blvd., Hollywood. (323) 466-2210.

The Jazz Bakery. Another jazz veteran--singer Annie Ross--is holding forth at Culver City’s theater-style jazz room. Ross can be expected to do some of the material from her years with the now-legendary vocal group Lambert, Hendricks & Ross as well as material from her latest album, a child-oriented jazz CD titled “Cool for Kids.” 3233 Helms Ave., Culver City. (310) 271-9039.

Tonight through Saturday:

The Cinegrill. The legendary cabaret and jazz room in the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel has resurfaced as a major entertainment destination. Shirley Horn works the room regularly, and April’s schedule will be completely dedicated to performers from the MaxJazz Records roster. This week: singer Laurel Masse, best known from her work with the Manhattan Transfer. 7000 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood. (323) 466-7000.

The Jazz Spot. Just celebrating its first anniversary, the Los Feliz venue is offering a fairly typical selection of first-rate local jazz artists this weekend. Tonight: the Gremoli Group. Friday, James Smith and Chuck Johnson. Saturday, Jim Self and Pete Christlieb. 2138 Hillhurst Ave., Los Feliz. (323) 666-8666.

Friday and Saturday:

Club Thelonious. It’s actually the Bel Age Hotel venue formerly known as Club Brasserie. The Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz Performance has taken over the room for weekend young artist showcases. The official opening is Friday, when the students in the Monk Institute’s jazz program at USC will perform with Herbie Hancock--the institute’s creative director--and Wayne Shorter. 1020 N. San Vicente Blvd., West Hollywood. (310) 358-7776.

Concerts

Tonight:

Nicholas Payton. The gifted young New Orleans trumpeter presents his Louis Armstrong Centennial Celebration, a collection of Armstrong-associated material arranged by Payton for an 11-piece ensemble. His goal, says Payton, was to provide a contemporary rather than a repertory view of Armstrong’s music. Also on the bill: veteran drummer Roy Haynes and his group. Royce Hall on the UCLA campus. (310) 234-8355.

The Poncho Sanchez Group and the Gato Barbieri Group. Two ensembles, both with colorful leaders, offer their unique takes on Latin jazz. Quiet Cannon, 901 N. Via San Clemente, Montebello. (310) 724-4500.

The Billy Taylor Trio. The veteran jazz pianist, historian and television commentator makes one of his intermittent Southland appearances. The Lobero Theatre, 33 E. Canon Perdido, Santa Barbara. (805) 963-0761.

Friday and Saturday:

Regina Carter. A talented, charismatic player who is almost single-handedly reviving interest in the violin as a jazz instrument, Carter will offer characteristically lively sets in a cozy cabaret setting. Founders Hall in the Orange County Performing Arts Center, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. (714) 556-2746.

Friday through Sunday:

The First Newport Beach Jazz Party. This three-day event kicks off Friday at the Marriott Hotel and continues through Sunday. Among the scheduled artists: Gerald Wiggins, Joey DeFrancesco and others. Newport Beach Marriott Hotel, 900 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach. (949) 759-5003.

Sunday and Monday:

The Blue Lady Jazz Festival. A two-day program ranging from blues to fusion features singers Barbara Morrison, Marlena Shaw, Ernestine Anderson, Rebecca Parris, as well as the Jazz Crusaders, Al McKibbon and the Al Williams Jazz Society. The event is an official program in the Los Angeles Grammy Festival. Hollywood Park Casino, 1050 S. Prairie Ave., Inglewood. (323) 937-9066.