The following is a submission from SMC.
The Santa Monica College Music Department is pleased to present the Fall 2026 Friday Night Jazz Series, opening Oct. 16 with the Marvin “Smitty” Smith Octet, followed on Nov. 13 with a special Friday Night Jazz Series Benefit Concert “Some of My Best Musicians are Friends.” The concerts in the popular series are held at 7 p.m. in the Music Hall at the SMC Performing Arts Center, 1310 11th Street (at Santa Monica Boulevard), Santa Monica.
The SMC Fall 2026 Friday Night Jazz Series lineup is:
• Friday, Oct. 16, 7 p.m.: Marvin “Smitty” Smith Octet. A vibrant evening with the Marvin “Smitty” Smith Octet features the renowned drummer who has performed around the world for the past 50 years with musical artists including Steve Coleman, the late great Sonny Rollins, Dave Holland, Sting, and many others. Smitty was also the drummer for the Tonight Show with Jay Leno for 15 years. Tickets are $10 general admission (plus a modest service charge) at smc.edu/tickets; free for all students with any student I.D.
• Friday, Nov. 13, 7 p.m.: Special Event: Friday Night Jazz Series Benefit Concert: Some of My Best Musicians are Friends. A special benefit concert to support the Friday Night Jazz Series showcases an all-star line-up that includes Eric Scott Reed, Ralph Moore, Ira Nepus, Edwin Livingston, Marvin ‘Smitty’ Smith, Gilbert Castellanos, Clay Jenkins, and special surprise guests. The evening will present small ensemble and big band material from some of the best musicians in the world, and evolve into a celebratory jam session. This concert is a celebration honoring the over-40-year history of the Friday Night Jazz series, which has featured musicians John, Jeff, and Gerald Clayton; Kim Richmond, Dave Scott; Rich Perry; Francisco Aguabella; Bob Mintzer, Peter Erskine; Eric Person; Theo Saunders; Kevin Brandon; Paul Jackson; Justo Almario; George Bohanon; Oscar Brashear; Jon Mayer; and many others. Tickets are $30 general admission and $10 for all students with any student I.D., plus a modest service charge, at smc.edu/tickets.
Tickets may also be purchased — starting 45 minutes before the performance begins — at The Broad Stage Box Office at the SMC Performing Arts Center. Free parking on premises. Seating is strictly on a first-arrival basis. More information is available by calling 310-434-4323. Concert is subject to change or cancellation without notice. The latest details are posted at smc.edu/events.
