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This jazz jam session/open mic featuring great jazz vocalist Jimmy Spencer and the Karen Hernandez trio is taking place once again, and it's attracting some of the best jazz vocalists in town!

Vocalists: Please bring your sheet music in your key. The Karen Hernandez Trio will accompany you.

Jimmy Spencer (MC, vocalist)
Jimmy Spencer started his career by forming his own band and entering into a long-term contract with the owner of the Cotton Club in Oklahoma City. Harold Austin, leader of a traveling band, persuaded Spencer to give up his band, leave Oklahoma City and travel with his group as the featured vocalist. After a year with Harold Austin and his group, Spencer moved to California, joined a group called the Multi­Sounds and worked the Playboy circuit for one year as a member of this group before deciding to become a single. He was influenced by Nat King Cole and developed a smooth, relaxed style. Even Tony Bennett was amazed at Spencer's style and performance while catching his act at Monteleone's West. Spencer has toured all over the U.S. and Canada, performing with some of the top jazz greats such as Phineas Newborn Jr., Senator Eugene J. Wright, Harry "Sweats" Edison, Dolo Coker Trio, Joe Parnello, pianist and conductor for Frank Sinatra.
 
Karen Hernandez (piano)
Utah's own diva of jazz, Karen Hernandez came to California in the '60s, prompted and encouraged by Gene Harris after he heard her play. She first took up playing in South Central Los Angeles. Hernandez is a well-known name in jazz circles and much in demand with singers in the area. A celebrated and accomplished pianist, she plays it all--straightforward, Latin and gospel jazz. Hernandez appeared for many years at the Money Tree in Toluca Lake, and Monteleone's in Encino with bassist, Eugene Wright and Leroy Vinegar, and was an accompanist for Marilyn King, Burrel Davis, Jimmy Spencer, Barbara McNair, Herb Jeffries, Johnny Brown and Bill Henderson. She is the featured pianist for the annual "Women In Jazz" concert in Hollywood. She now performs with her own trio in many Los Angeles and San Fernando Valley clubs. Hernandez's credits include original songs and performances in the movies "Pretty Woman" and "The Fabulous Baker Boys" as well as many albums and CDs.
 
Lou Shoch (bass)
Lou is an accomplished musician on the electric and upright bass, and has toured extensively with Lou Rawls, The Fifth Dimension and Barry Manilow. He played with the theatre production of Ethel Merman's Broadway. Lou's credits include tours, recording, television and/or concert work with such artists as Vikki Carr, Big Joe Turner, Sally Kellerman, Phylis Neuman, Julie Budd, Jane Olivor, Charles Brown, Dorothy Moore, Dionne Warwick, Percy Mayfield, Annette Funicello and Frankie Avalon, Pee Wee Crayton, Bobby Vinton, The Lettermen and many others.
 
Jack LeCompte (drums)
Accomplished drummer Jack LeCompte attended the Philadelphia School of the Arts. He attributes his love and knowledge of the drums to his teacher, Carl Matolla, a renowned Philly musician. Jack came to the Los Angeles area in 1980. In addition to performing, he is a member of an after-school program mentoring students, and performs for the Music Center on tour, bringing jazz to the Los Angeles School District.