"Aguabella is the John Coltrane of the Conga Drums.” -- Dizzy Gillespie

Francisco Aguabella

Steamers presents the finest in Latin jazz with master conguero Francisco Aguabella and his Latin band on Sunday, October 11th. Born in Matanzas, Cuba, Francisco Aguabella is master of the Yoruba-derived bata drums and rumba form as well as contemporary traditions including Cuban son, salsa, and Latin jazz.

Lou Rovner Small Big Band ©Glenn A. Mitchell

The longtime famed Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach continues to present great jazz two days a week, Thursdays and Sundays, booked by Gloria Cadena.  Gloria is one of the most dedicated jazz enthusiasts I have ever met.  She stays in forward motion in her late husband Ozzie’s tradition of helping jazz and jazz musicians.  Kudos, Gloria!! 

Lou Rovner is an accomplished composer and arranger.  He does not perform an instrument in his Small Big Band.  He leads, conducts and does the emcee duties.  This band has their own unique identifiable sound and it was their third time performing at the Lighthouse, Sunday, September 13th.   The ensemble is made up of ten excellent players:  Kim Richmond–alto; Billy Kerr–tenor; Jim Youngstrom–baritone sax;  Rob Schaer and Ron Strout–trumpet;  Charlie Morillas–trombone; Louis Durra–piano; Doug MacDonald–guitar, Kirk Smith–bass; and Albie Berk–drums.  

Mike LeVan, James Pearle, Don Hawkins, Dan Chiles, Bernie Getrete and Joe Lawton©Glenn A. Mitchell

Something different! Pianist Mike LeVan has appeared many times at Steamers with his trio.  He also holds forth at the Cat and Custard Cup Restaurant in La Habra, meeting many people, including several doctors who are more aficionados than professionals, but who play jazz quite well and are both active and some retired.  The idea came up recently to do an afternoon show at Steamers and play for jazz patrons, friends and family members on a Saturday afternoon, August 22nd.   

This was a two-hour show.  Featured were pianist Mike LeVan; tenor saxophonist Joe Lawton, MD (retired); guitarist James Pearle, MD/pulmonologist; bassost Dan Chiles, MD/pediatrician (director of “Doctors Band”); and drummer Bernie Getrete, Professor of Computer Science. These guys presented what they all enjoy, playing jazz interpretations of the Great American Songbook. A lot of people, especially friends and family, showed up to see these enjoyable musicians.  By the second set Steamers had nearly a fully packed house! Their pick of selections worked very well:  “How Deep Is The Ocean,” “Can’t Help Lovin’ That Man,” “Georgia On My Mind,” “The Very Thought of You,” and “It Could Happen To You,” just to name a few.

John Beasley (photo by A Karno)

Louisiana native, John Beasley brings his cirlce of great jazz musicans to the Catalina Bar and Grill on Thursday, October 1st through Saturday, October 3rd. The John Beasley Circle includes Beasley on pian, fellow New Orleans jazz-man Nicholas Payton on trumpet, Victor Bailey on bass and Terri Lyne Carrington on drums. Nicholas Payton has honed his craft working with such jazz legends as Doc Cheatham (on their Grammy Award-winning 1997 eponymous duo), Hank Jones, Elvin Jones, and Ray Brown.