Bandleader and musician Jonathan Stout currently performs with his Trio and Hilary Alexander on Saturday at Boulevard Music, so he chatted with the News about what Culver City can expect…
When and how did you start playing, writing and performing?
We formed the Jonathan Stout Trio in 2023 as a smaller and more “guitar-centric” version of our popular 7pc Swing Dance band, “Jonathan Stout and his Campus Five, featuring Hilary Alexander”, which formed back in 2002, and has headlined Swing Dance events around the world. Hilary was added to the trio as a special guest for our run of shows at NYC’s famous Birdland Jazz Club last summer.
Describe your sound…
We play 1930’s-1940’s Swing, and the trio features my world-renown expertise in both the electric swing guitar style of Charlie Christian, and the acoustic swing guitar style of Allan Reuss, both of whom came to fame as members of Benny Goodman’s band. Hilary’s style is reminiscent of Anita O’Day, Peggy Lee, and Ella Mae Morse.
What are your career highlights so far?
Our Campus Five, and our big band, the Jonathan Stout Orchestra (both featuring Hilary), have headlined swing dance events around the world, as well as performances at Lincoln Center, and the Music Center (Los Angeles), and several years of summer concert series in Culver City, including last year.
Do you have any recorded music available?
Our Campus Five has recorded six albums, which are available at any online music store or streaming service. The trio added drums to become the “Jonathan StoutQuartet” for an EP entitled the “Fathead Sessions” available at Bandcamp.com.
Have you performed at Boulevard before? Any memories?
The trio has performed twice before at Boulevard Music, but this will be our first time adding Hilary as a special guest. Boulevard Music stands out as a favorite place to perform, because it’s an outstanding listening room with a fantastic, intimate vibe.
What can we expect from the set this time?
We’re excited to feature Hilary, as well as playing classics and deep cuts from the Swing-era, and even a few original tunes.
What else do you have coming up?
On Labor Day weekend, our big band will be headlining “Camp Hollywood” at the LAX Marriott, which is one of the world’s largest swing dance events, which Hilary has run since 1998. This fall, the Campus Five is heading to Chicago, Eureka (Redwood Coast Music Festival), and Taipei in January, and it’s performing every Sunday this Summer at Knott’s Berry Farm.
The Jonathan Stout Trio featuring Hilary Alexander perform at 8 p.m. on Saturday, August 15 at Boulevard Music. More info on the show at boulevardmusic.com.
Elsewhere this week
Culver City’s music venues have a full calendar of entertainment this week. For the Cinema Bar, that includes the Hot Club of Los Angeles (every Monday), Open Mic Night every Wednesday, The Everglades, Bruce Ray White, Sons of Engineers, Talkin’ Treason, and more. For more information, go to thecinemabar.com.