By Lookout Staff

September 9, 2016 -- Funk, cajun and straight-ahead jazz will be featured this fall at Santa Monica College's 2016 Fall Jazz Series, organizers announced Friday.

The three concerts will take place at 7 p.m. in The Edye at the Santa Monica College Performing Arts Center on Santa Monica Boulevard at 11th Street. Tickets cost $10.

The series kicks off Friday, September 23, when Kenny Sara & The Sounds of New Orleans bring to the stage a brand of eclectic new Orleans jazz LA Times music critic Don Heckman called a “foot tapping musical gumbo."

The four-piece band, which has been a weekly staple at Ralph Brennans Jazz Kitchen in Downtown Disney for more than a decade, plays everything from New Orleans and straight-ahead Jazz, to New Orleans Rhythm & Blues, Zydeco Cajun, 60’s, 70’s and 80’s Funk.

The OC weekly called Sara "the real New Orleans deal,” saying his sound "will sweep you up and carry you right into the bayou.”

The series continues Friday, October 21, when Trumpet virtuoso Gilbert Castellanos brings his San Diego-based quartet to town fresh from a stint at this year's Tijuana Blues and Jazz Festival.

Castellanos – who has played with such major stars as Dizzy Gillespie, Nancy Wilson, Dr. John, Charlie Hayden and Daniel Lanois -- "is one of today’s most passionate and exciting performers," event organizers said.

The series concludes Friday, December 2, when veteran bassist and composer Kevin Brandon (Brandino) and Friends perform a set featuring jazz, funk, and some of Brandino’s "challenging original tunes," organizers said.

The Los Angeles-based musician has earned seven Grammy Awards and worked with major stars including the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, Robbie Krieger of The Doors, Justin Timberlake, Beyoncé, Mary J. Blige, Stevie Wonder and Outkast. He has toured with Aretha Franklinfor for more than two decades.

"You better believe they’ll come out 'Swinging!'” event organizers said.

For tickets and information, please see www.smc.edu/eventsinfo or call (310) 434-3005 or (310) 434-4323.