CONCERTS IN THE COURTYARD
Concerts in the Courtyard RETURNS!
EVERY 1ST AND 3RD FRIDAY OF THE MONTH. 12 - 1 PM.
April 3 - October 16, 2026.
Concerts features local artists from all genres including jazz, opera, classical, world music and more. Concerts will take place in the courtyard, weather permitting. Otherwise the concert will take place in the Kiwanis Great Room.
Doors open at 11:45am. Earlier entry and seating is not available. Concerts begin at 12:00pm.
Seating is open and available on a first come first served basis. Reservations are not required.
Please no outside food. Refreshments will be available for purchase.
Please note, entrance to Concerts in the Courtyard is FREE to attend,
but donations are welcome and greatly appreciated.
Questions?
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Email us at info@ljcommunitycenter.org
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Call us at (858) 459-0831
Viaggio in Italia
Chiara Capobianco
Friday, April 3
12-1 PM.
A musical journey through Italian opera themes, Neapolitan songs and movie themes.
About
Italian-born harpist Chiara Capobianco began performing with orchestras across Europe at age 15. Trained in classical piano, flute, and ballet before discovering the harp, she has since built an international career performing throughout Europe, Asia, South America, and the Middle East. A former resident harpist aboard Cunard’s luxury cruise ships, she has performed for distinguished guests including HRH The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall.
Chiara’s repertoire spans more than 1,000 pieces, from classical and opera to film music, jazz, folk traditions, and contemporary favorites from around the world. Now based in San Diego, she performs regularly at venues including The Westgate Hotel, La Jolla Athenaeum, and community arts events throughout Southern California.
Blues with Robin & “Big Al”
Robin Henkel & Al Schneider
Friday, April 17
12-1 PM.
Old style country blues.
About
Award-winning blues guitarist Robin Henkel delivers powerful performances rooted in the traditions of Robert Johnson, Fred McDowell, Josh White, and Elmore James. A five-time recipient of Best Blues at the San Diego Music Awards, Henkel is known for his expressive guitar work, vintage instruments, and engaging stories about the history of the blues. He has opened for legendary artists including B.B. King, Bonnie Raitt, Willie Nelson, Dr. John, and Dizzy Gillespie, and has performed with the San Diego Symphony and numerous blues greats.
Joining him is acclaimed drummer “Big Al” Schneider, a respected figure on the blues scene who toured internationally with the Everly Brothers and was part of the formative Walker Brothers. Schneider has performed with artists including Kim Wilson, Coco Montoya, Nathan James, and Anson Funderburgh, bringing a deep, soulful rhythm that anchors every performance.
Jobim & The Gilbertos: A Tribute to Bossa Nova Masters
Vanessa Falabella Duo
Friday, May 1
12-1 PM.
Enjoy a curated tribute to the legends who defined the genre: Tom Jobim, João Gilberto, and Astrud Gilberto.
About
Vanessa Falabella is an award-winning Brazilian vocalist and songwriter, recognized with the Brazilian International Press Award for Best Brazilian Singer in the U.S. Known for her warm voice and sophisticated style, she blends Brazilian rhythms with jazz, pop, and classic American standards. Falabella performs internationally and continues to create music that bridges cultures through the elegance and spirit of Brazilian music. Her recent work explores fresh interpretations of beloved songs through the lens of bossa nova and contemporary Brazilian groove.
Music of Jazz Greats: Wes Montgomery and Herbie Hancock
Rob Thorsen and Josh Moore
Friday, May 15
12-1 PM.
Bassist Rob Thorsen and guitarist Josh Moore present an afternoon concert featuring the music of jazz greats Wes Montgomery and Herbie Hancock. This promises to be a fun and engaging performance with two of San Diego’s top jazz musicians.
About
Bassist Rob Thorsen has been an active and influential member of the San Diego jazz community for more than 30 years. A versatile performer, educator, and composer, he performs regularly as a bandleader and with leading artists including the Gilbert Castellanos Quintet, the Mike Wofford/Holly Hofmann Quartet, and saxophone legend Charles McPherson. Thorsen has released six recordings as a leader and is also active in music education through programs such as the Young Lions Jazz Conservatory and youth outreach presentations on jazz.
He will be joined by pianist Josh Moore, who recently relocated from Flagstaff, Arizona to join the music faculty at the University of San Diego. Moore is an accomplished jazz pianist and educator whose dynamic playing brings depth and energy to the ensemble.
Vivaldi to Guaraldi
Adrienne Nims & Dan Bailey
Friday, June 5
12-1 PM.
Multi-genre flutist and saxophonist Adrienne Nims and Dan Bailey open the summer season with a delightful array of music from composers Vivaldi to Guaraldi. Enjoy favorites including selections from Antonio Vivaldi's Four Seasons, Claude Bolling's Suite for flute and jazz piano,Vince Guaraldi's Linus and Lucy,The Beatles in My Life,Duke Ellingston's In a Sentimental Mood, Herbie Hancock's Watermelon Man, and Chick Corea's Spain.
About
Flutist and saxophonist Adrienne Nims is known for her passionate performances blending jazz, classical, and world music influences. A classically trained musician who began performing professionally as a teenager, she has appeared at renowned venues including the Getty Museum, California Center for the Arts, and the San Diego Zoo, and has opened for artists such as Spyro Gyra, Joe Cocker, Boz Scaggs, and Fourplay. In addition to performing and recording, Nims is an active educator who shares her love of music through teaching and community programs.
She will be joined by pianist Dan Bailey, who spent 15 years conducting orchestras and performing keyboards for numerous Broadway productions and tours including Shrek the Musical, West Side Story, Legally Blonde, and Elton John’s Aida. A graduate of the Cleveland Institute of Music, Bailey has performed at Carnegie Hall and with a wide range of national artists while also composing and recording modern jazz with his BPC Trio.
High Noon Harmonies
Lori Bell & Joey Carano
Friday, June 19
12-1 PM.
Veteran jazz musicians’ flutist Lori Bell and guitarist Joey Carano weave improvisation and subtle interplay in an intimate and spontaneous exploration of jazz standards and original material.
About
Acclaimed flutist and composer Lori Bell is a three-time Global Music Award recipient recognized for her expressive artistry in jazz and contemporary music. Based in San Diego, she has earned international acclaim through recordings and performances at renowned venues including The Kennedy Center, Birdland, Blue Note NYC, and SFJAZZ. Her albums have received widespread critical praise, including Brooklyn Dreaming, named among the Best Jazz Albums of 2016, and her 2024 release Recorda Me: Remembering Joe Henderson. In addition to performing worldwide, Bell is a dedicated educator and serves on the faculty at San Diego State University.
She will be joined by jazz guitarist Joey Carano, a standout voice in the San Diego jazz scene known for his sophisticated harmonic style, inventive chord voicings, and memorable improvisations.
TBD
Whitney Shay
Friday, July 3
12-1 PM.
TBD
About
Whitney Shay is an award-winning vocalist known for her powerhouse voice, soulful style, and dynamic stage presence. A five-time San Diego Music Award winner, she has toured extensively throughout Europe and South America and was nominated for a national Blues Music Award in 2019. Her album Stand Up! debuted at #1 on the Billboard Blues Chart and the Roots Music Report, earning widespread praise from critics. Shay’s music has also appeared in numerous television and film productions, showcasing her electrifying blend of blues, soul, and rhythm & blues.
Vintage Country and Jazz
Stacy Antonel
Friday, July 17
12-1 PM.
Vintage country and jazz.
About
San Diego-born, Nashville-based artist Stacy Antonel creates a distinctive blend of country, jazz, and Americana that feels both vintage and modern. Her expressive “country jazz” vocals evoke classic singers of the 1920s and ’30s while drawing inspiration from country greats like Patsy Cline. Rooted in traditional country with touches of jazz, soul, and bluegrass, Antonel’s songwriting often explores unique and unconventional themes. Her recent project, The Sea Horses: Volume One, reimagines mid-century country and jazz standards with a surf rock twist.
The Roaring 20’s
Nightshade Navarro and The Cloudmakers
Friday, August 7
12-1 PM.
The Cloudmakers is a spirited jazz band dedicated to the historical traditions of New Orleans’ musical heritage. Led by Nightshade Navarro, the band weaves together a tapestry of sounds reminiscent of the speakeasies of Harlem and the roaring parties of Nola. With a repertoire deeply rooted in the classic tunes of swing and early jazz, The Cloudmakers captures the soulful improvisation and infectious rhythms that define jazz in its earliest identity.
About
Nightshade Navarro serves as a distinguished band leader renowned for orchestrating some of the most vibrant jazz ensembles in San Diego. As an artist, Nightshade infuses every note with a deep reverence for history and culture, spanning from the roots of Traditional Black American music to the contemporary sounds of modern jazz. With a commitment to excellence, Nightshade and his bands pay homage to the pioneers of jazz while also forging pathways for future musical styles.
Piano Bass Jazz Duets by the Grinnells
Justin & Melonie Grinnell
Friday, August 21
12-1 PM.
Melonie & Justin Grinnell are a dynamic piano-bass duo and married couple. They've been playing music together since they met, over 20 years ago. They're often performing music in the jazz tradition, but even when they aren't, listeners can expect to hear music infused with their interactive, improvisatory, and energetic approach.
About
Pianist and vocalist Melonie Grinnell is an accomplished performer and educator with over two decades of experience in jazz studies. She holds degrees from the University of Miami and San Diego State University and serves as Assistant Professor of Music at Grossmont College, where she directs piano studies and vocal jazz ensembles. An active member of the San Diego jazz community, she performs regularly and has appeared as a keyboardist with the San Diego Symphony.
She is joined by her husband, bassist Justin Grinnell, a respected jazz performer and educator who teaches at the University of San Diego and Grossmont College. A graduate of San Diego State University with advanced studies at the University of Southern California, he performs throughout the region while also mentoring the next generation of jazz musicians.
Strings Across Styles
Fred Benedetti
Friday, September 4
12-1 PM.
Experience the many voices of the guitar in this lively and eclectic program by Fred Benedetti. From classical elegance and fiery flamenco to Beatles classics and original compositions, this performance offers something for everyone in a truly engaging musical experience.
About
Classical guitarist Fred Benedetti is internationally recognized for his expressive playing and versatility across classical and contemporary styles. A student of the legendary Andrés Segovia, he has performed worldwide and collaborated with renowned artists including Luciano Pavarotti, Dave Brubeck, Willie Nelson, and Ravi Shankar. Benedetti has recorded extensively as a soloist and with ensembles, earning accolades such as a San Diego Music Award for Best Pop-Jazz album. An esteemed educator, he is an emeritus professor at Grossmont College and continues to contribute to the region’s vibrant musical community.
An Afternoon of Jazz
Mikan Zlatkovich and Ben Wanicur
Friday, September 18
12-1 PM.
Enjoy a soulful afternoon of classic jazz as pianist Mikan Zlatkovich and bassist Ben Wanicur perform a rich selection of American standards, film favorites, and works by legendary composers. A seasoned performer who has shared the stage with icons such as Chet Baker and Charles McPherson, Zlatkovich brings expressive playing and a global perspective to this engaging program.
About
Mikan Zlatkovich is a virtuoso jazz pianist with a distinguished international career, having performed and recorded throughout the United States and Europe. He has shared the stage with jazz greats including Chet Baker, Charles McPherson, Clifford Jordan, and Louis Hayes. Known for his expressive style and versatility, Zlatkovich performs a wide-ranging repertoire from the Great American Songbook to jazz, blues, and Brazilian classics. In addition to performing, he is an accomplished composer and studio musician working across multiple genres.
Solo Piano Explorations
Danny Green
Friday, October 2
12-1 PM.
A rising force on the jazz scene and an award-winning Origin Records recording artist, pianist and composer Danny Green has distinguished himself with his beautifully articulated touch and melodically charged sensibility. His music – a vivid blend of jazz, classical, and Brazilian elements – delights critics and audiences across the country and around the world. Green’s talents have taken him from the Blue Note in New York City to the Blue Whale in Los Angeles, and his work has been featured in DownBeat Magazine, Jazziz, the San Diego Union Tribune, The Boston Globe, NPR, and JazzEd. In this concert, Green will play selections from his new solo piano album ranging from jazz standards and original compositions, to music by The Beatles and Stevie Wonder.
About
Pianist and composer Danny Green is an award-winning jazz artist known for his distinctive blend of jazz, classical, and Brazilian influences. An Origin Records recording artist, he has received multiple San Diego Music Awards for Best Jazz Album and Artist, with his work earning national and international acclaim from outlets including DownBeat, Jazziz, NPR, and The Boston Globe. Green performs with his long-standing trio featuring bassist Justin Grinnell and drummer Julien Cantelm, whose close musical connection brings depth and energy to both original compositions and jazz standards. Together, they create engaging performances that are both introspective and vibrant.
The Beatles
Fred Benedetti
Friday, October 16
12-1 PM.
Join us for a nostalgic afternoon as Fred Benedetti pays tribute to The Beatles with elegant and engaging guitar interpretations. From iconic hits to hidden gems, this performance captures the spirit, charm, and enduring appeal of one of the most influential bands of all time.
About
Classical guitarist Fred Benedetti is internationally recognized for his expressive playing and versatility across classical and contemporary styles. A student of the legendary Andrés Segovia, he has performed worldwide and collaborated with renowned artists including Luciano Pavarotti, Dave Brubeck, Willie Nelson, and Ravi Shankar. Benedetti has recorded extensively as a soloist and with ensembles, earning accolades such as a San Diego Music Award for Best Pop-Jazz album. An esteemed educator, he is an emeritus professor at Grossmont College and continues to contribute to the region’s vibrant musical community.
