Feb 3, 2026 12:10 AM
In Memoriam: Ken Peplowski, 1959–2026
Ken Peplowski, a clarinetist and tenor saxophonist who straddled the worlds of traditional and modern jazz, died Feb. 2…
The Blue Note Jazz Festival kicks off the upcoming Hollywood Bowl season on June 14.
(Photo: Courtesy the Blue Note Jazz Festival)The Blue Note Jazz Club is expanding to Los Angeles, bringing the reputation of its renowned New York flagship to the heart of L.A.’s dynamic music scene. Designed specifically for Los Angeles, the new venue will offer an intimate atmosphere paired with programming similar to its New York counterpart’s: world-class jazz performances from celebrated icons, rising stars and genre-defying collaborations that reflect the evolution of jazz. The new club is set to open its doors in March.
Located on Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood, the new venue boasts two performance spaces: a main showroom with a 200-person capacity as well as secondary “B Side” room with a 100-person capacity. There will be a full-service kitchen and beverage menu, open for brunches and dinner throughout the week.
“We are excited to bring the Blue Note experience to Los Angeles, offering the same intimate atmosphere and world-class performances that have defined our New York club,” says Tsion Bensusan, COO of Blue Note Entertainment Group.
In addition to the new venue, Blue Note and the LA Phil confirm a partnership for the newly named Blue Note Jazz Festival — formerly the storied Hollywood Bowl Jazz Festival — beginning the upcoming Hollywood Bowl season. Presented by the LA Phil, the 2025 edition of the festival kicks off on June 14 at the iconic Hollywood Bowl. This partnership reflects a shared commitment by both organizations to supporting and showcasing jazz artists. The full lineup will be announced on Feb. 18 alongside the complete Hollywood Bowl 2025 season announcement. Tickets will go on sale in May at THIS LINK.
“We are thrilled to join forces with Blue Note to launch the Blue Note Jazz Festival at the Hollywood Bowl,” said LA Phil President and CEO Kim Noltemy. “This partnership represents a shared dedication to celebrating jazz and its extraordinary artists while continuing the legacy of world-class music at the Bowl. Together, we look forward to creating an unforgettable experience for jazz lovers in Los Angeles.”
“This collaboration represents a powerful union of two iconic institutions dedicated to celebrating jazz and its profound impact on music and culture,” said Steven Bensusan, president of Blue Note Entertainment Group.
Blue Note Los Angeles also continues the venue’s partnership with Robert Glasper to host and curate performances that showcase his mastery at the intersection of jazz, R&B and hip-hop. In 2018, Glasper and Blue Note launched the annual residency ROBTOBER, which has become a global destination and notable launchpad for some of Glasper’s most exceptional recent work. The initial partnership has since grown to include cross-continental events that have included the Blue Note Jazz Festival Napa, Blue Note at Sea and The Black Radio Experience.
“I’m honored to partner up with Blue Note once again for what will be a significant cultural intersection for the Los Angeles community,” said Glasper. “Los Angeles has always been a second home to me, and I can’t wait to bring L.A. culture to the Blue Note.” DB
Peplowski first came to prominence in legacy swing bands, including the final iteration of the Benny Goodman Orchestra, before beginning a solo career in the late 1980s.
Feb 3, 2026 12:10 AM
Ken Peplowski, a clarinetist and tenor saxophonist who straddled the worlds of traditional and modern jazz, died Feb. 2…
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