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Hotel Casa del Mar, Lobby Nights, nightly, 6pm
If you haven’t graced Santa Monica’s beautifully remodeled Hotel Casa del Mar, here’s a perfect reason make your way westward. Each night of the week, the ‘20s-designed looker offers themed cocktail nights, which include both food and drink specials. Set to the gorgeous backdrop of the incomparable Santa Monica sunsets, these evenings range from Spanish Guitar with Fine Cheese, Charcuterie and Wines to Jazz Piano enhanced by Mellow Martinis and Soothing Starters. Specials last from 6pm or 6:30pm to at least 10pm. There’s never any cover, no reservations are necessary and no lines or bouncers to hassle with. Hotel Casa del Mar, 1910 Ocean Way, 310.581.5533, www.hotelcasadelmar.com
Maurice Brown, July 6-9, 8/9:30pm
One of the first things that stands out about jazz trumpeter Maurice Brown is how in spite of being just twenty-five, he has such a deep appreciation for those who laid the groundwork before him. Brown began immersing himself in the artistry of horn virtuosos such as Clifford Brown, Louis Armstrong and Miles Davis at the young age of sixteen. After graduating high school, he began backing trumpet great Clark Terry on numerous European dates, playing with seminal talents like Oscar Peterson, Vanessa Rubin and Houston Person. A few short years later, he won first place in the National Miles Davis Trumpet Competition, held in St. Louis, MO. Brown continues to garner the praise of most all those who experience his aural offerings. Come witness this impressive balance of contemporary jazz with some old school flavor thrown in for good measure. Jazz Bakery, 3233 Helms Ave., CC, 310.271.9039, www.jazzbakery.org