A pre-Juneteenth celebration! I open and close the hourlong program of songs, poetry and storytelling.
Couple Questions…
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
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!
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.
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!
J
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Tagged with: Community, First Friday's Jazz Night, Second Saturdays Jazz Night
Posted in Blog, 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
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.
DETAILS:
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Posted in Shows Past
5/10/25 Pasadena, Second Saturdays Jazz Night with JL & Friends
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
DETAILS:
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Posted in Shows Past
April Newsletter
Upcoming Show:
4/12/25 Pasadena, Second Saturdays Jazz Night w/ Jason Luckett & Friends, Featuring Gary Stockdale and Emily Zuzik… Read More » RSVP on Facebook
Hey friends!
Thanks for opening this and being part of this community! I have a couple questions and updates to share, so please read on.
April Shows & Booking More Gigs
April is pretty mellow in terms of shows — the only thing on the book is our Second Saturdays Jazz Night at Archetype Yoga on April 12. But I’d like to be playing more, especially after last month’s mini-tour.
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 in April and May. 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
This leads me to why I’m focusing on Thursday–Sunday for shows …
Last month I mentioned 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 and stories. I’ve loved it so much that I’m staying on Mondays and Wednesdays this month. 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!
I may have already hit the TL;DR (too long, didn’t read) threshold for some, but before you jump off—please remember to check out the great artists we have coming up for Second Saturdays on April 12: Gary Stockdale and Emily Zuzik. More info is at [this link].
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.
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.
Speaking of community…
In class today, we had almost a dozen non-musicians singing in improvised four-part harmony. One of them said, “It’s so hard to stay on my part.” This led to a discussion about the essence of standing in your integrity, while listening to others, in service of creating a beautiful, larger whole. It just seemed like a perfect metaphor for so many things in life. I love the lessons music teaches us!
Thanks again for your support and commitment to staying connected. I appreciate you so much! I hope to see you on the 12th or soon!
J
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Tagged with: First Friday's Jazz Night, Second Saturdays Jazz Night
Posted in Blog, News, Second Saturdays Jazz Night
Posted in Blog, News, Second Saturdays Jazz Night
4/12/25 Pasadena, Second Saturdays Jazz Night with JL & Friends
Gary Stockdale and Emily Zuzik will join us on April 12 for our third show of the year in our new location! RSVP on Facebook. Advance tickets on Eventbrite or Venmo. $25 suggested donation.
Gary and I met, I think, doing a show called Sit’n’Spin at the Hudson Theater years ago. I loved that series, kind of a live This American Life or The Moth that featured mostly comedy writers, reading pieces, eliciting laughs and tears. Gary often did the music and for my first visit, I actually read one of my essays.
Gary has a new one man show, Showstopper, that’s playing at The Whitefire Theater throughout April, so we’re really lucky to have him join us again. His writing reminds me of a mix of Henry Mancini and Randy Newman, with a touch of Tom Lehrer.
Despite having many people in common, I just met Emily Zuzik in Cambria at the Sam Cooke tribute and happily got to play along with her. She’s got a new EP, age + alchemy, coming out May 2. It’s a brilliantly tough roots rock record, from what I’ve enjoyed so far. But on the 12th, she’ll be exploring some standards and jazz oriented originals. I’ll be playing with her, too.
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, March 8, 2025
7:30 Doors,
8pm Showtime, runs until 10:30
Performing:
Gary Stockdale
Emily Zuzik
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
(100% goes to the musicians).
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: @firstfridaysjazznight @jasonluckett @archetypeyoga
DETAILS:
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Posted in Shows Past
2/22/25 Seasons of Love: Live Music, Dance and Storytelling to Benefit those in our community affected by the Eaton fire
I’ll be joining this amazing group of artists in this great community theater center for a song or two to benefit those affected by the Eaton Fire. BUY TICKETS
DETAILS:
Posted in Shows Past
March Mailer
2/28/25 CCEJ’S 2025 ROOTS OF JUSTICE CONVENING The Roots of Justice Convening will be a full day … Read More »
3/1/22 MORRO BAY, THE SAVORY PALETTE Doing a set of my own and a set with … Read More »
3/2/25 CAMBRIA, SAM COOKE TRIBUTE Come celebrate the music of soul music legend Sam Cooke …Read More »
3/8/25 PASADENA, SECOND SATURDAYS JAZZ NIGHT WITH JL & FRIENDS We’re back for our second show of the year in …Read More »
Hey friends!
First off, thank you so much for being part of this list and community. This is going to be a relatively quick one. I’m so excited about all that’s coming up, and I’m trying to balance sleep and prep for the gigs which are all unique to themselves.
Friday, I’ll be in Long Beach, CA for the CCEJ‘s annual Roots of Justice Convening breakfast.
Saturday, I’ll be in Morro Bay doing a set of my own — and accompanying Zoe Fitzgerald Carter for her set — at the Savory Palette.
Sunday, I’ll be in Cambria for a tribute to Sam Cooke at the Cambria Performing Arts Center.
New photo of me by Mo Cee, trying to emulate Sam!
And Monday I start a 4 week, 8 workshop course back in LA at GenSpace for seniors, teaching creative approaches to singing and writing. I’ve done one off workshops like this before, but never an extended course like this. I’m really excited. They’ve got a very dynamic community there!
The following Saturday, March 8 is our second, Second Saturdays Jazz Night at Archetype Yoga in Pasadena. This is such a beautiful community and I’m so happy I get to keep bringing friends in to see my friends there. For our March 8 show we have Danette Christine, and a close harmony vocal group, The Roswell Sisters.
I go into detail about all of these events on jasonluckett.com/category/shows. Please go there for all the info, or click the links above.
We had a great show to start the year at Archetype. And the benefit for those affected by the Eaton Fire was sold out at Lineage Performing Arts Center. I’m really excited by the dancers and singers there, most of whom will be in their upcoming production of RENT. If you’d like to contribute to the fire fund, go to lineagepac.org and note in the comments/special requests that you want it to go to the fire fund. It was heartbreaking to hear the stories of friends there, but it felt good to know many are getting lots of help and moving forward with such a positive spirit.
Lastly, I’ve been steeped in some of the great stuff that comes in the 28 days devoted to Black History each year. Hiking with my audio books, I listened to James Baldwin’s “The Fire Next Time,” followed by “Between The World and Me,” by Ta-Nehisi Coates. And I’m about half way through Percival Everett’s, “James.” And I just watched the brilliant PBS documentary on Hazel Scott. All of this has lit a fire in me! Delve in for a visit or revisit. I think you’ll be similarly inspired.
Oh, and I went to see Shonda Buchanan talk about her new collection of poems on Nina Simone, along with readings and performances by Lynne Thompson, and Nailah Porter and Deron Johnson. The book’s out in May. I ran into Sonja Marie and found out she’s doing her first show in years tomorrow night at the Del Monte Speakeasy in Venice. All info can be found with a Google search.
Love you all. Be good to yourselves. Spread the word about these gigs and let’s build these communities. It’s easy to forget how essential our IRL communities are and how healing they can be.
J
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Posted in Blog, Mailing List
SSJN 2/8/25: Cathy Segal-Garcia & Gary Fukushima
Cathy and I met probably a decade ago when her group Fish To Birds, an a cappella improvised singing group, was forming, I even sat in with them a few times! She’s been a long time influential presence on the jazz vocal scene in Los Angeles and a tireless champion of jazz of all kinds, and now hosts live broadcasts from Kulak’s Woodshed. Cathy & jazz pianist Gary Fukushima have had a wonderful musical relationship for many years. They are the founders of “The Moment”, a quirky modern-jazz & improvisational quintet with synth, guitar, tenor, and percussion.
I’m excited to have Cathy and Gary back with us on the 8th!
JASON LUCKETT
| Date | City | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Jason Luckett Pasadena Residency: Second Saturdays Jazz Night+ | ||
| Thursday, 03/05/26 | Ojai, CA | Ojai Underground |
|
Time: 7:00pm.
Admission: $20–$25 live • $10 broadcast.
Age restrictions: All Ages.
Address: 616 Pearl St.
Venue phone: 805-340-7893.
Award-winning Bay Area journalist turned singer-songwriter Zoe FitzGerald Carter returns with her rich, honey-toned voice and vivid, literary songwriting. Touring her acclaimed album Before the Machine—inspired by memories of a pre-smartphone world—Zoe blends Americana, jazz, blues, and folk into songs that feel both intimate and timeless. The title track won first place in the Corpus Christi Songwriters Contest, with critics praising her voice for its “authority, experience, and character.” She’s joined by acclaimed musician and writer Jason Luckett, whose soulful sound draws from classic singer-songwriters, jazz, soul, and samba. With seven albums released and performances around the world—including SXSW and Glastonbury—Jason brings depth, warmth, and thoughtful storytelling to every stage. Zoe and Jason first met during an Aretha Franklin/Smokey Robinson tribute and have since shared stages across California and beyond, including an official FAR-West showcase. At Ojai Underground, each will perform a set of original songs, with Jason joining Zoe on harmonies and lead guitar. Expect a cozy, intimate evening of deeply human music—designed to slow time, open hearts, and offer a little refuge from the noise of the world. Expect a cozy, intimate evening of deeply human music—designed to slow time, open hearts, and offer a little refuge from the noise of the world.Expect a cozy, intimate evening of deeply human music—designed to slow time, open hearts, and offer a little refuge from the noise of the world. Related post. Buy Tickets |
||
| Saturday, 03/14/26 | Pasadena, CA | Archetype Yoga |
|
Time: 7:30pm.
Admission: $25 suggested donation.
Age restrictions: All Ages.
Address: 638 E. Colorado Blvd. Ste. 301.
Venue phone: 626-345-5676.
Full sets by: |
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Tagged with: Jazz, Jazz Vocals, Live, Second Saturdays Jazz Night, Shows
Posted in Blog, Second Saturdays Jazz Night
Posted in Blog, Second Saturdays Jazz Night
SSJN 2/8/25: Cheryl Barnes & Phil Cabasso, with Leo Nobre
CHERYL D. BARNES, SINGER
Known principally as a Jazz singer, Cheryl’s versatility encompasses many musical genres. Singing in four languages, Cheryl has performed around the world (including sharing the stage with J.J. Johnson, Wynton Marsalis, Quincy Jones, and a guest member spot with the world renowned Clara Ward Singers), and has recorded with a score of respected and beloved artists. Her 16 years of Operatic training have brought her to the stage as a featured soloist with the Denver Symphony Orchestra, the Florida Orchestra and the Lawrence University Orchestra in Appleton, Wisconsin. She has toured extensively throughout South America and the Caribbean, nurturing her love for Samba, Bossa Nova, Salsa and the riches of Latin and Afro-Cuban music. Her tours in Europe and Asia enthralled audiences.
A sought-after vocal clinician conducting numerous workshops and clinics across the U.S., she is also a founding member of the Jazz Vocal Coalition and retains an esteemed musical presence in Los Angeles, having been heard on stages ranging from the Los Angeles County Museum of Art’s prestigious Friday Jazz Series to the Hollywood Bowl to the Hollywood and Las Vegas branches of the House of Blues.
What sets Cheryl apart from others is her incredible voice, which imbues each word she sings with a beauty and clarity all its own, taking the listener along on an extraordinary journey. She opens her soul through her music and aims to make a direct connection with every listener.
She has created and performed a one woman show on the life of the great singer/dancer/actress Ethel Waters and has produced and participated in numerous recording projects. Her most recent is entitled LISTEN TO THIS. It features a remarkable cast of players including John Beasley, Rahn Coleman(Producer), Brandon Fields, John Hammond, Rickey Minor and, most notably, her husband and esteemed keyboardist/arranger, Phillip Cabasso, M.D.
Cheryl D. Barnes brings a singular warmth and empathy to every line she sings, engaging listeners from a purr to a power belt. Beloved around the world as a captivating live performer, she is one artist not to be missed.
Visit Cheryl’s website for more in-depth reviews and information. www.cheryldbarnes.com
PHILLIP CABASSO….Jazz Piano, Arranger, Composer
Beginning at age 5, Phillip Cabasso began a life long musical journey. Piano lessons, music in school, studying arranging and composition and performing on piano and trombone…all culminating in a 30 year collaboration with his wife, jazz singer Cheryl Barnes. Their group, usually a trio with piano, bass and drums, performs regularly and wows audiences with their precision playing and artful renditions of jazz standards, R and B, Brazilian, as well as original compositions. This career taking place throughout university and medical school studies, and as a respected full time internal medicine physician. He considers himself extremely fortunate to play with some of the greatest musicians in the world, not to mention, to be the musical director for the fabulous Ms Barnes!
JASON LUCKETT
| Date | City | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Jason Luckett Pasadena Residency: Second Saturdays Jazz Night+ | ||
| Thursday, 03/05/26 | Ojai, CA | Ojai Underground |
|
Time: 7:00pm.
Admission: $20–$25 live • $10 broadcast.
Age restrictions: All Ages.
Address: 616 Pearl St.
Venue phone: 805-340-7893.
Award-winning Bay Area journalist turned singer-songwriter Zoe FitzGerald Carter returns with her rich, honey-toned voice and vivid, literary songwriting. Touring her acclaimed album Before the Machine—inspired by memories of a pre-smartphone world—Zoe blends Americana, jazz, blues, and folk into songs that feel both intimate and timeless. The title track won first place in the Corpus Christi Songwriters Contest, with critics praising her voice for its “authority, experience, and character.” She’s joined by acclaimed musician and writer Jason Luckett, whose soulful sound draws from classic singer-songwriters, jazz, soul, and samba. With seven albums released and performances around the world—including SXSW and Glastonbury—Jason brings depth, warmth, and thoughtful storytelling to every stage. Zoe and Jason first met during an Aretha Franklin/Smokey Robinson tribute and have since shared stages across California and beyond, including an official FAR-West showcase. At Ojai Underground, each will perform a set of original songs, with Jason joining Zoe on harmonies and lead guitar. Expect a cozy, intimate evening of deeply human music—designed to slow time, open hearts, and offer a little refuge from the noise of the world. Expect a cozy, intimate evening of deeply human music—designed to slow time, open hearts, and offer a little refuge from the noise of the world.Expect a cozy, intimate evening of deeply human music—designed to slow time, open hearts, and offer a little refuge from the noise of the world. Related post. Buy Tickets |
||
| Saturday, 03/14/26 | Pasadena, CA | Archetype Yoga |
|
Time: 7:30pm.
Admission: $25 suggested donation.
Age restrictions: All Ages.
Address: 638 E. Colorado Blvd. Ste. 301.
Venue phone: 626-345-5676.
Full sets by: |
||
Tagged with: First Friday's Jazz Night, Jazz, Second Saturdays Jazz Night
Posted in First Fridays Jazz Night, Second Saturdays Jazz Night
Posted in First Fridays Jazz Night, Second Saturdays Jazz Night
