Music Pick for Tonight: Ben Wendel Group at Cafe Metropol

I had planned on suggesting the Plimsouls (now approaching their 30th anniversary) at Safari Sam’s. How could one resist hearing that 80s pop classic “A Million Miles Away” performed by Peter Case and crew? Unfortunately, the club reports that the show has been postponed. But instead of suggesting another rock and roll show as a replacement, I thought that perhaps a jazz performance would be a worthwhile alternative, especially one presented as part of the Rocco series. Since 1998, Rocco Somazzi has made it a mission to introduce otherwise unnoticed musicians to the L.A. scene.

Now presenting groups at the art district’s Café Metropol, Rocco brings us the Ben Wendel Group (featuring Wendel on saxophone, Darek Oles on bass, Mark Ferber on drums, and Anothony Wilson on guitar) this Friday evening at 8 pm. Wendel, born in Canada and raised in Los Angeles, has enjoyed success as a composer, bandleader, and performer since graduating from the Eastman School of Music. And he’s worked with a range of other musicians, from Cuban drumming legend Ignacio Berroa to hip-hop heavyweight Snoop Dog.

Cafe Metropol
923 E. 3rd Street, Los Angeles, CA90013
(213) 613 1537
www.cafemetropol.com
All shows are 8pm to 10pm.
In addition to the cover, there is a $10 minimum purchase per person