Yearly Archives: 2025

July Newsletter

Name: Jason Luckett Pasadena Residency: Second Saturdays Jazz Night+
Start: 2025-07-12T19:30:00
Location: Archetype Yoga

Posted on July 3, 2025 by

Jason Posted in Blog, Gratitude, Mailing List, Second Saturdays Jazz Night — No Comments ↓

Hey friends!

Before I get to the gigs, I want to celebrate my musical home and put out that I’m looking for a new music studio. I’ve been lucky to have a spot in a 100+ year-old building in the heart of Hollywood for the past decade, but the building’s been sold and I’m looking to find a new place this month. It was a unique situation, and I’d like to find something similar!

Here’s a look at some of the joys we’ve had there. Ten Years at McCadden. (And read more here.)

photo with my “Worn Olive Drab” Epiphone Casino, by Kimberly Adamis Fongheiser

Our next Second Saturdays in Pasadena is on July 12. I’m excited to be joined by First Fridays/Second Saturdays alum, Alison Lewis, and Kēhau Kahananui with Jason Arimoto on ukulele, for an eclectic evening of song — and in the case of Kēhau’s set of Hawaiian music — dance! I will be accompanying all and doing my own set to close the night. Yes, there will be hula! And you may know that Hawaii is a very special place for me, so I can’t wait! Read about these brilliant artists here.

Then on July 22, I’m going to sing a couple of songs with the house band where FF/SS alum, Jami Lula is the music director, at the North Hollywood Church of Religious Science. I’ll be singing, “Silos (& Joy)” and “All Souls Are Free.” The theme is, “Big Spirit = Big Healing!” I’m up for that! 🙂

By the way, the photo with my “Worn Olive Drab” Epiphone Casino, by Kimberly Adamis Fongheiser, is from the Beatle Jam tribute to June birthday boy, Paul McCartney. I was playing George Harrison’s classic solo to “Till There Was You.” Then I sang “Michelle!” with the amazing house band’s harmonies (including FFJN alum, Lisa Crawley).

The week after the Beatle Jam, I did the Nilsson tribute at Molly Malone’s. This photo by Stevo Rood links to a video of my performance of “Open Your Window,” a lesser-known classic in the Nilsson catalog, once covered by Ella Fitzgerald and also The 5th Dimension! Thanks to my brilliant friend and occasional songwriting partner, Todd Lawrence, for putting this together. (Read about the rest in the YouTube description.)

Lastly, I just wanted to acknowledge that Tuesday would’ve been the 74th birthday of my friend, Anne Feeney, who I met at the Kerrville Folk Festival around 2007 or 8. She enlisted me to tour with her during the start of the Obama Administration to promote universal health care, the Sing Out For Single Payer Road Show. It was one of the most exciting tours of my life, being inspired by her endless energy and commitment to engaging, entertaining, and advocating. She passed in early 2021 from COVID-19. How I wish she were here now to speak, sing, and agitate! I recorded a version of her classic, “Have You Been To Jail For Justice” for her while she was in the hospital, if you’d like to hear it. But seek out her records and support the foundations set up in her name.

Wishing love, peace, and fortitude to you all! Have a safe holiday weekend! And I hope to see you the following weekend or be in touch soon!

PS Thanks to veteran IRS publicist Cary Baker for the top photo of me at the Nilsson show. He’s alway in the right place to get good shots!

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Posted in Blog, Gratitude, Mailing List, Second Saturdays Jazz Night

Studio Sold, Seeking New, The Love Story

Posted on July 3, 2025 by

Jason Posted in Blog, Gratitude — No Comments ↓

I am incredibly lucky!

And, the building where I’ve had my music studio for what’d be 10 years in October has been sold to owners that want to do something different with it.

The skinny is that I need a new musical home somewhere before July 31.

I don’t need much space — my current workroom is 11×11-ish, with high ceilings that accommodate two rows of guitars on the wall, plus I have an 8×8-ish closet next door with cases and extra gear. I’ve been paying $550/mo for this. So, I’m looking for a situation that’ll be affordable. I’m not 100% opposed to a shared room, but I definitely would prefer to have a place that I can go 5 to 7 days a week as I have here.

Here’s the love story:

I started out in Laurel Canyon, renting a room adjacent to a garage — which I found on the Canyon Country Store board, I think — in a building owned by a photographer. The photographer had moved to LA from Israel in the 60s, was part of the Hollywood Foreign Press, and it turned out he knew well a dear departed Swedish friend of mine who’d written about me… Small world.

Initially, I was renting unknown to him from people who were renting from him. I was in love with that little place, so when he kicked out those tenants, he and his business partner tried to rent the huge house with me attached! Who does that? So generous and sweet! Well, when that situation didn’t work out, they rented me a space in their building across the street from Hollywood High School.

It was so much better!!

This place was on the top floor of an historic studio where Jimi Hendrix, The Doors, and Frank Zappa had recorded in the 60s. And my now friend and his wife had bought it in the late 80s(?) and turned it into his photography studio, archive, and real estate office. The vibe is so historic here! He’d actually taken pictures of Laurel Canyon luminaries back in the day. It was all just a perfect circle.

I started using the place for my recording and bringing in other singers to do their records. But mostly it’s been my sanctuary. I learned how to sing loudly again after quieting my voice in shared spaces. I felt so free.

When I left Laurel Canyon, I moved to the edge of Beachwood, and this place became walking distance — which was extremely convenient when I was without my car for 4+ months during the catalytic converter theft epidemic! It’s a healthy walk, and I think some of you saw my posts about the local color as I walked down the Hollywood Walk of Fame. I still find it wonderful!

Here we got through the pandemic. Then the owner died. His wife and I both shared our cancer stories, learning about it within months of each other. She was the sweetest. She reminded me so much of my mom; we’d talk about theater and politics. And, of course, I was often enlisted for tech help! She passed about 18 months ago.

The children have finally sold the building, and it’s bittersweet.

This place is a veritable museum of collectibles. And just like I didn’t take many pictures while we were having sessions, I never took photos of the building or the legend that was posted, telling its history from 1922 when it was built.

I’ve made so much music here. I’ve found myself here. I’ve helped others do the same. My favorite comment came from a young artist who told her mother — who’s also recorded here — “We feel safe at Jason’s studio.” It wells me up even now to write that.

That’s what we’ve had here. We’ve had a safe space to be artists. That’s the greatest gift for any sensitive soul who wants to make art. I’m looking for another musical home for that.

I absolutely love my actual home, though it’s too small to bring the studio there. I’m willing to consider moving if finding a place to make music that fits in my total budget means that I’ll have to bring it in-house. Ideally, I want to find a separate place within my current neighborhood, meaning a two-mile walk. An ADU, a garage, whatever will work. This place did not look like a music studio when I took it over, despite the fact that it had been a control room prior to the 80s! I’m open to almost anything. The priority is to have a place to practice, record, and be creative.

I’m so grateful to all the artists who’ve been up my elevator-less three flights to create with me! And I’m grateful to the family that’s rented this space to me. It has been a joy! It hurts to see it come to an end, but as George Harrison said, “Sunrise doesn’t last all morning. A cloudburst doesn’t last all day.”

Much love to you all. Please send ideas my way, and prayers up, if you’re so inclined.

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Posted in Blog, Gratitude

7/12/25 Pasadena, Second Saturdays Jazz Night with JL & Friends

Posted on June 27, 2025 by

Jason Posted in Shows — No Comments ↓

We’re back at Archetype on July 12 with Kēhau Kahananui and Alison Lewis. I’ll be accompanying both before doing my own set. It’ll be quite an eclectic evening with Kēhau bringing traditional Hawaiian songs and Alison bringing her beautiful arrangements of classics and a few originals (maybe even some of my songs)! Some of you might know my connection to Hawaii — and my love of a well-written song! — so you can imagine that I’m really excited for this evening! (And thanks to Cary Baker for the pic of me above from the Nilsson show last week).

Here are some snippets from their bios:

Kēhau Kahananui is an accomplished Hawaiian singer, drummer, chanter, and hula dancer.
Having grown up listening and practicing to a wealth of Hawaiian music through her father, she
was influenced by Hawaiian vocal icon Auntie Genoa Keawe and local legend Auntie Moana
Chang. She has taught at hula workshops and performed in California, Hawai`i, México, and
England. Having learned her first hulas as a child from her aunties, she has continued her studies
throughout the years. Singing and dancing hula standards remains a joyful expression of her
cultural heritage.

Additionally, Kēhau, is an experienced and vivacious singer, well-versed in blues, soul, and
rock. She is skilled both as a lead and background singer. She landed her first background gigs as a
teenager and has been gigging ever since. Audiences enthusiastically receive her and are bound to
get out of their seats and dance.

Alison Lewis was described by Cabaret Scenes as, “a singer with a hauntingly beautiful voice who transformed the ordinary into the extraordinary with brilliant arrangements and vocal experimentation.” No stranger to stages large and small, Alison has performed as a soloist at venues ranging from Disney Concert Hall to Lincoln Center. She has performed/toured with world music a cappella groups, major cover bands, R&B acts, as well as gospel and classical ensembles at high profile events throughout California. She has also shared the stage with such notables as Michael Franti, Peter Yarrow, and Patti Austin. She has additionally performed the national anthem for the LA Lakers, the Clippers, the 49ers and the Golden State Warriors.

Her debut solo album, Seven, received much national and international acclaim, as well reached the top 40 of both the CMJ and RMR charts. Here are just some of the things reviewers across the globe had to say:

” Seven is a tour-de-force, varied in styles of jazz, what is best about today’s jazz vocal offerings, but taken to task by a highly qualified and potent vocalist. One I hope to hear for years to come. Well done, and HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.”

“A really wonderful first outing from a talent that will have your attention from start to finish”

“… a true vocal talent that you will only encounter once or twice in your lifetime”

“Seven is in a world of its own”

”…seeing songs like Irving Berlin’s “Cheek to Cheek” and Bob Dylan’s “Like a Rolling Stone” in a new light, a way that makes the songs seem even more brilliant than their original version.”

Second Saturdays Jazz Night w/ Jason Luckett & Friends
Saturday, July 12, 2025
7:30 Doors,
8pm Showtime, runs until 10:30

Performing:
Kēhau Kahananui
Alison Lewis
Jason Luckett

Hosted by Jason Luckett

Suggested donation: $25 at the door or online
Venmo: @jasonluckett (venmo.com/jasonluckett)
PayPal.me/jasonluckett
Eventbrite: https://bit.ly/3FMPOZo

Archetype Yoga
638 E. Colorado Blvd. Ste. 301
Pasadena, CA 91101
626-345-5676
Please RSVP to coordinate accessibility options. Elevator is in the back so we’ll need to meet you there.

In Playhouse Village in the heart of Pasadena, just around the corner from the Playhouse, plenty of parking on Colorado or in the city lot behind Urth Cafe.

Enter through the front, we’re on the third floor. Let us know if you need an elevator and will let you in the back through the alley. 626-345-5676

IG: @secondsaturdaysjazznight @jasonluckett @archetypeyoga

Thanks to Cary Baker for the photo of me!

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Posted in Shows

Featured in Juneteenth FolkWorks Article

Posted on June 2, 2025 by

Jason Posted in Blog, News — No Comments ↓

Azere Wilson reached out to me about an article on Juneteenth she was writing. When I got home this evening, it was great to see that the magazine highlighted me a bit. (The formatting is a little strange on my Mac, so it might be for you, too. Keep scrolling past the empty space and you’ll find me….)

They chose the song, “All Souls Are Free,” that I wrote with Milo Binder/Todd Lawrence. It’s really been a magical song, written out of deep struggle, as good folk songs can be. I’ve loved hearing audiences sing it back to me.

Join us on June 7 as we celebrate an early Juneteenth at the Mary McLeod Bethune (Exposition Park) Branch Library. I just found out that in addition to the writers listed on my show page that Lorinda Hawkins will also be participating! She’s amazing! We did a BackStory on The Color Purple last year and she blew me away!

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Posted in Blog, News

6/22/25 Molly Malone’s: 10th Annual Nilsson Show!

Posted on May 23, 2025 by

Jason Posted in Shows Past — No Comments ↓

We’ll be celebrating another Harry Nilsson birthday at Molly Malone’s! This time I’m covering “Open Your Window” from the Harry album, a song that was also covered by Ella Fitzgerald as well as the 5th Dimension! That’s what I love about Harry, his songs are so musical that everyone wants to do them! This is the 10th annual show put together by my friend Todd Lawrence! In the past I’ve sung “Wailing of the Willow,” “Together,” “One,” “Remember (Christmas),” “Nevertheless”, “Perfect Day,” and the big one, “Without You.” Maybe I should do a cover album!?

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Posted in Shows Past

6/8/25 Hotel Cafe (Main Stage): Beatles Jam – A Celebration of Paul McCartney

Posted on May 23, 2025 by

Jason Posted in Shows Past — No Comments ↓

I’ll be singing “Michelle” and playing lead guitar on “Till There Was You” as part of the June Beatle Jam celebration of Paul McCartney at Hotel Cafe. There’ll be a collection of 40 musicians doing songs from the early Beatles through Paul’s solo career to celebrate his birthday. Show starts at 7.

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Posted in Shows Past

6/7/25 Freedom Day at Mary McLeod Bethune Exposition Park Branch Library

Posted on May 23, 2025 by

Jason Posted in Shows Past — No Comments ↓

A pre-Juneteenth celebration! I open and close the hourlong program of songs, poetry and storytelling.

Posted in Shows Past

Couple Questions…

Posted on April 27, 2025 by

Jason Posted in Blog, Second Saturdays Jazz Night — No Comments ↓

Thanks for opening this and being part of this community! I have a couple questions, so please read on.

Booking More Gigs

So, my first question: Do you know of some good venues near you, or would you be interested in hosting a house concert? I’m looking to perform out of town—or in town—Thursday–Sundays. More on that in a sec.

Upcoming Songwriters Workshop

I’m planning a 3-day songwriters workshop in a beautiful home in Santa Monica with gorgeous, peaceful places to write.

My questions for you:

What do you look for in a creative workshop/retreat?
If you’ve done songwriting retreats before, what worked (or didn’t work) for you?
Would you be interested in taking a course with me?
Knowing me as many of you have over the years, what would you most like to learn with me?

Sound Play & Story

The *Sound Play and Story* class at GenSpace.

This leads me to why I’m focusing on Thursday–Sunday for shows …

I recently mentioned that I’d be teaching at Annenberg GenSpace. In the course I’ve put together, we use sound and object based techniques to access our creativity, our stories and create new songs! I’ve loved it so much that I’m staying on Mondays and Wednesdays for the time being. It’s also inspired me to lead more workshops—not just for older adults, but for the curious of all ages. (Let me know if you’re interested, and I’ll tell you more about it!)

I love Wallis Annenberg’s vision of “creating a destination dedicated to enriching and expanding the lives of older adults by forging new relationships and creative expression through storytelling, technology, art, and horticultural therapy in beautiful green spaces.”

Building community through creative exchange has always been the highest desire of my work. So I’m aiming to do more workshops and other activities to bring people together through our creativity. I’d love your help with that! For a more specific details about the course, click [here].

Second Saturdays: Volunteers & Support Needed!

The Roswell Sisters at last month’s Second Saturdays.

And, with regard to Second Saturdays Jazz Night w/Jason Luckett & Friends, I’m looking for volunteers to help keep it running smoothly. Specifically,

Publicity help
Set-up and sound assistance on the nights of the show
A videographer (would be amazing)
Help for Sara and Jen for greeting and concessions
A fiscal sponsor to help sustain the series (so we can better support the musicians)

I’m so grateful for those who drop in their $25 or any donation each month! And, as we’ve moved to Saturdays, having a little extra funding/sponsorship would help us to keep bringing in the players accustomed to bigger payouts for weekend gigs.

Danette Christine, with Adam Levy and Jono at last month’s Second Saturdays.

We’ve built such a beautiful community. The musicians all love to play for us. I just want to keep it going strong—while also making sure I don’t topple from wearing too many hats (on top of my typical fedora!). So please let me know if you’re able to help with any of the above.

Thanks again for your support and commitment to staying connected. I appreciate you so much! I hope to see you soon!

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Tagged with: Community, First Friday's Jazz Night, Second Saturdays Jazz Night
Posted in Blog, Second Saturdays Jazz Night

5/11/25 Santa Monica, Library Girl Presents: Portrait of the Artist’s Mother

Posted on April 27, 2025 by

Jason Posted in Shows Past — No Comments ↓

I’m happy to be back in Santa Monica for Mother’s Day for the last Library Girl in the original Ruskin Theater at the historic Santa Monica Airport. I’ll play a couple original mom oriented songs! 🙂 Buy Tickets

Library Girl Presents: Portrait of the Artist’s Mother – on Mother’s Day Night, MAY 11th, 7 PM. Show #180! Featuring readings by: Rick Bursky, Jane Cantillon, Melanie Chartoff, Melissa Greenwood, Stevie Kalinich, Shivani Mehta, Cynthia Adam Prochaska, and Kelly Shire. Featuring music by Jason Luckett. For tickets, [click here] or go to ruskingrouptheatre.com – Click SHOWS in top right. Look for Library Girl icon. This is the LAST LIBRARY GIRL in ORIGINAL RUSKIN THEATRE BEFORE MOVING TO NEW (INTERIM) RUSKIN SPACE.

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Posted in Shows Past

5/10/25 Pasadena, Second Saturdays Jazz Night with JL & Friends

Posted on April 27, 2025 by

Jason Posted in Shows Past — No Comments ↓

Second Saturdays Jazz Night May 2025 Banner

May 10th, we’ll be back with Casey Lipka, and The Eldermen!

Casey is a consistently fascinating artist who works with sublime presence whether as a bassist or vocalist in a number of different formats. We had her with us at Lyd & Mo’s in 2024 singing with Tres Acústicos, then she accompanied me on bass for a tune. I think she’s wonderful and am excited to hear what she has in store for us this month in her duo show with a violinist!

The Elderman are a group that I believe originated from Raspin Stuwart’s nights at Lyd & Mo’s back in 2022. Raspin is the one who booked me there (at the suggestion of the dear Anne Dixon) which started this whole journey of curating and playing monthly for me! I’m excited to hear what he does in a purely democratic group setting with equally excellent songwriters Kim Margolis and Robin Hild.

The format in the new venue, is the same as it’s been for the past two years, I’ll usually bring up my guests for their sets, then close the night with a set of my own. But it’s unpredictable. We switch things up and often collaborate. We want you to stay for the full 2 1/2 hour evening.

One thing to look out for is that we’re on the third floor there, so if you need the elevator, please let me know. It’s in the back and one of the staff will have to let you in. I’m sure this will all get down to a science as we develop, but bear with us as we get everything going. Street parking is available, or there are lots behind Urth Cafe and next to Basecamp Fitness (across the street from the Pasadena Playhouse).

Second Saturdays Jazz Night w/ Jason Luckett & Friends
Saturday, May 10, 2025
7:30 Doors,
8pm Showtime, runs until 10:30

Performing:
Casey Lipka
The Eldermen
Jason Luckett

Hosted by Jason Luckett

Suggested donation: $25 at the door or online
Venmo: @jasonluckett (venmo.com/jasonluckett)
PayPal.me/jasonluckett
Eventbrite: https://bit.ly/3FMPOZo

Archetype Yoga
638 E. Colorado Blvd. Ste. 301
Pasadena, CA 91101
626-345-5676

In Playhouse Village in the heart of Pasadena, just around the corner from the Playhouse, plenty of parking on Colorado or in the city lot behind Urth Cafe.

Enter through the front, we’re on the third floor. Let us know if you need an elevator and will let you in the back through the alley. 626-345-5676

IG: @secondsaturdaysjazznight @jasonluckett @archetypeyoga

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Posted in Shows Past

Yearly Archives: 2025

July Newsletter

Studio Sold, Seeking New, The Love Story

I am incredibly lucky!

The skinny is that I need a new musical home somewhere before July 31.

Here’s the love story:

7/12/25 Pasadena, Second Saturdays Jazz Night with JL & Friends

Featured in Juneteenth FolkWorks Article

6/22/25 Molly Malone’s: 10th Annual Nilsson Show!

6/8/25 Hotel Cafe (Main Stage): Beatles Jam – A Celebration of Paul McCartney

6/7/25 Freedom Day at Mary McLeod Bethune Exposition Park Branch Library

Couple Questions…

Booking More Gigs

Upcoming Songwriters Workshop

Sound Play & Story

Second Saturdays: Volunteers & Support Needed!

5/11/25 Santa Monica, Library Girl Presents: Portrait of the Artist’s Mother

5/10/25 Pasadena, Second Saturdays Jazz Night with JL & Friends

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Yearly Archives: 2025

I am incredibly lucky!

The skinny is that I need a new musical home somewhere before July 31.

Here’s the love story:

DETAILS:

DETAILS:

DETAILS:

DETAILS:

Booking More Gigs

Upcoming Songwriters Workshop

Sound Play & Story

Second Saturdays: Volunteers & Support Needed!

DETAILS:

DETAILS:

Join The Mailing List

Archives