Los Angeles-based swing jazz quartet San Lyon performs at Boulevard Music this week, so they told the News about what they have in store for Culver City…
When did you start playing and performing?
We began playing together in 2019. We were already good friends and discovered that we all had a mutual love of jazz music, so we started our journey playing across Los Angeles as a trio. We came up with our band name based on where each of us is from: Paige Herschell from SanAntonio Texas, Dani Vargas from Santiago Chile, and Jenna Colombet from Lyon France. In 2022 we met Katie Cavera from Evansville, Indiana. She helped fill out our sound as a quartet and we debuted at The Cicada Club in downtown Los Angeles.
Describe your sound/style?
Our sound blends vintage swing with French chanson and American standards — a warm, charming mix rooted in 1930s jazz.
What are your career highlights so far?
Highlights include performing at jazz festivals like Jazz Bash by the Bay in Monterey, Fresno Dixieland Festival, and the Django Birthday Celebration at Freight & Salvage in San Francisco.
What recorded music is available — particularly the most recent?
Yes! You can find us on YouTube, Bandcamp and streaming platforms.
Here’s a taste: “Please don’t talk about me when I’m gone“, “Je me suis fait tout petit” , “I’m gonna sit right down and write myself a letter“.
Have you performed at Boulevard Music before?
We haven’t played at Boulevard yet. It’s our first time and we’re very excited!
What can the audience expect from the set this time?
Our favorites and some original music!
What else do you have coming up?
We are traveling up to Sacramento this Labor Day weekend to perform at the Hot Jazz Jubilee. In October we will be at the Redwood Coast Music Festival in Eureka and then at the Sun Valley Jazz Festival in Idaho. In November we’ll be at the Carrillo Ballroom in Santa Barbara and The Grape in Ventura.
San Lyon performs at 8 p.m. on Saturday, September 13 at Boulevard Music. Go to boulevardmusic.com for more information.
Elsewhere this week
The Culver Hotel will be hosting the likes of Sylvia & the Rhythm Boys, and Scotty Bramer. Go to culverhotel.com for more info.
There’s a full program of music at the Cinema Bar this week, as usual. The Hot Club of Los Angeles plays every Monday, and Wednesdays are singer/songwriter and open mic night. Other artists performing this week include Joy Riders, Bruce Ray White, Jet Pack, Coyote Moon, and Chris Hawley. Go to thecinemabar.com for more info.