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![A live musical performance in a dimly lit venue, featuring a band of four musicians playing instruments including drums, violin, double bass, and keyboard, with an audience seated and watching.]()
Music
Motivo LA presents creative music that transcends the boundaries of genre. Utilizing the warm and intimate space, artists and audience come together, building a community that is founded on artistic substance, sincere connection, and meaningful creation.
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![A dark ballroom filled with people dancing under round disco balls hanging from the ceiling, with draped curtains and soft lighting.]()
Dance
At Motivo LA, dancers of all levels come together to explore the art of true social dancing—where improvisation, connection, and musicality take center stage, nurturing a culture rooted in presence, authenticity, and shared movement.
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Intro Classes
At Motivo LA, our Intro Series are designed for absolute beginners to explore the foundations of social dancing in a welcoming, supportive environment. Through rhythm, connection, musicality, and movement, students build confidence step by step while discovering the joy of dance, community, and shared experience.
All Events
Creative Music at Motivo: Emma Dayhuff
We’re thrilled to welcome acclaimed bassist and composer Emma Dayhuff to Motivo on Friday, August 14 for a very special concert.
the Ensemble
Emma Dayhuff — Bass
LoloKamill — Voice
Devin Daniels — Alto Saxophone
Andrew Renfroe — Guitar
Luca Mendoza — Piano
Myles Martin — drums
Tickets:
Doors: 7:45pm
Show: 8:30 - 10:00pm
One set. Open seating.
General admission: $30.00 pre-sale | $35.00 at the door
Student Price: $15.00
Limited parking on site on first come, first serve basis. Additional parking spaces available on Casitas Ave and Minneapolis St. Lots of street parking, safe and walkable neighborhood!
About Emma Dayhuff
Emma Dayhuff is a dynamic bassist and composer renowned for her soulful playing and innovative approach. With a performance career spanning over two decades, she has shared the stage with jazz luminaries such as Herbie Hancock, David Murray, Cecile McLorin Salvant, and Patricia Barber.
Rooted in Chicago’s rich avant-garde tradition, Emma’s musical style is deeply influenced by mentors Vincent Davis, Kahil El’Zabar, and Robert Irving III. Her playing seamlessly blends elements of jazz, experimental improvisation, and contemporary music, creating a unique and captivating sonic experience.
Emma is an educator committed to nurturing the next generation of musicians. Her teaching philosophy, cultivated under the guidance of bass masters Ron Carter, Gerald Cannon, and Peter Dominguez, emphasizes technical proficiency, cultural understanding, musicality, and creativity. A Doctor of Musical Arts, she is an Assistant Professor of Jazz Studies at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, and is on faculty at the Milt Hinton Institute for Studio Bass and the Richard Davis Young Bassists Foundation.
Her journey, from the rugged landscapes of Montana to the vibrant heart of the global music scene, is a testament to her unwavering passion and artistic vision.
Creative Music at Motivo: Catina DeLuna & Otmaro Ruiz
We’re thrilled to welcome duo Catina DeLuna & Otmaro Ruiz to Motivo on Friday, October 16 for a very special concert.
the Ensemble
TBA
Tickets:
Doors: 7:45pm
Show: 8:30 - 10:00pm
One set. Open seating.
General admission: $30.00 pre-sale | $35.00 at the door
Student Price: $15.00
Limited parking on site on first come, first serve basis. Additional parking spaces available on Casitas Ave and Minneapolis St. Lots of street parking, safe and walkable neighborhood!
About Catina DeLuna & Otmaro Ruiz
Catina DeLuna and Otmaro Ruiz are two world-renowned forces in the contemporary jazz and world music scenes. Born in Brazil and raised in a musical household of overnight saraus, DeLuna is an accomplished vocalist and pianist holding a Master of Musical Arts. She spent her early career co-founding two award-winning musical groups in Brazil before moving to the United States. Venezuelan-born Ruiz is a virtuosic pianist, composer, and educator with an Honorary Doctorate, who relocated to Los Angeles in 1989. He quickly became a premier keyboardist, performing globally with legends like John McLaughlin and serving as musical director for Dianne Reeves on her 2001 GRAMMY-winning album.
Both artists are celebrated for pushing boundaries, combining deep cultural roots with extensive academic backgrounds. DeLuna masterfully fuses jazz with traditional Brazilian music, delivering evocative performances shaped by her warm timbre, emotive phrasing, and native connection to the language. Ruiz possesses a rare ability to command both the acoustic piano and electronic synthesizers, navigating seamlessly between straight-ahead jazz, salsa, and electric fusion. He has released several solo albums, scored film soundtracks, and taught at top institutions like the University of Southern California, while both continue to lead masterclasses worldwide.
Their artistic synergy reached a peak with the co-led album Catina DeLuna & Lado B: Brazilian Project featuring Otmaro Ruiz. Arranged and produced by Ruiz, the project offered a sophisticated reimagining of Brazilian music that earned a 2016 GRAMMY nomination. Ruiz followed this success with a double Latin GRAMMY nomination in 2019 for his electric fusion album Elemental. Based in Los Angeles, this powerful musical partnership continues to deliver world-class performances, bridging traditional South American rhythms and contemporary jazz on global stages.
Creative Music at Motivo: Sam Hirsh
We’re thrilled to welcome Sam Hirsh to Motivo on Friday, November 20th for a very special concert.
the Ensemble
TBA
Tickets:
Doors: 7:45pm
Show: 8:30 - 10:00pm
One set. Open seating.
General admission: $30.00 pre-sale | $35.00 at the door
Student Price: $15.00
Limited parking on site on first come, first serve basis. Additional parking spaces available on Casitas Ave and Minneapolis St. Lots of street parking, safe and walkable neighborhood!
About Sam Hirsh
Pianist, composer and educator Sam Hirsh has been an active member of the Los Angeles jazz community for over a decade and is gaining recognition for his soulful, energetic sound.
Sadamu Samuel Hirsh was born in Kyoto, Japan. He and his family moved to Portland, Oregon, USA, when he was four years old. Sam started playing piano shortly after, and eventually acquired classical training. He began playing jazz his freshman year of high school and one year later was working professionally, leading his own piano trio and working with various local artists.
In 2009, Hirsh moved to Los Angeles to attend the University of Southern California Thornton School of Music where he was mentored by Alan Pasqua, Russ Ferrante and Otmaro Ruiz. He can be seen playing as the leader of the Sam Hirsh Trio/ Quartet and as a sideman with John Clayton, Willie Jones III, Charles McPherson, Terrace Martin, Gilbert Castellanos, Ralph Moore, Chuck Redd and John Holiday, among others. Sam has performed at many notable venues including Lincoln Center, Walt Disney Concert Hall, SF Jazz Joe Henderson Lab and Mezzrow Jazz Club.
Hirsh’s debut album Quite Frankly (2020), featuring saxophone icon Ralph Moore and bassist John Webber made JazzWeek Radio Chart’s top 20. His second album Quarantine Dreams (2022), features the immense talent of various Los Angeles based artists. Hirsh aims to carry on the tradition of this art form and simultaneously create his own voice in the music.
Sam is also a dedicated educator. Along with a thriving private practice, since 2017, he has accompanied UCLA undergraduate Jazz Vocal classes with Ruth Price and Luciana Souza. Hirsh was named piano faculty at the first annual Quincy Jones Jazz Camp in the summer of 2019 and was invited to be on faculty of the COJAC Monterey Jazz Festival Summer Camp alongside Gerald Clayton and Katie Thiroux in 2020. In 2024, he accepted a faculty position at the Pasadena Conservatory of Music. He has given masterclasses at several institutions internationally.
Creative Music at Motivo: Vardan Ovsepian - Spiderweb Project
In the eastern philosophy “Maya", which translates as Illusion, is often compared to a spider’s web. This metaphor describes how we are born and entangled by our own illusions. The spider weaves its web from its own body, sits safely within it, and relies on it for survival, yet it can easily become trapped in the same tangled web if it loses its way…
Creative Music at Motivo: Anthony Wilson
Guitarist and composer Anthony Wilson is known for a body of work that moves fluidly across genres. The son of legendary jazz trumpeter and bandleader Gerald Wilson, his musical lineage has deeply influenced his creative trajectory, compositional choices, instrumental groupings, and the wide-ranging discography that blooms out of them.
Creative Music at Motivo: Sasha Berliner
A visionary vibraphonist, composer, and bandleader, Sasha brings a bold and expansive musical voice that moves fluidly between jazz, electronic textures, and contemporary composition. Her work is at once deeply rooted and forward-looking — playful, exploratory, and emotionally resonant.
Creative Music at Motivo: Daniel Rotem - Yūgen
Featuring new original compositions and arrangements, and with listening at the core of the creative process, Daniel and his group reflect on the many spectrums of existence, playing music in the "now", for the "now", while embracing the intersection of their different perspectives and experiences as human beings as the starting point.
Creative Music at Motivo: Holly Palmer Metamorphosis LIVE
A Los Angeles–based vocologist, singer and fearless musical explorer, Holly Palmer brings a deeply immersive performance that lives between jazz, art-pop, and experimental sound. This special evening marks a rare opportunity to experience Metamorphosis live—an album built on discovery, vulnerability, and the expressive power of the human voice beyond words.
Creative Music at Motivo: Rachel Eckroth Trio
Rachel Eckroth is a 3x Grammy-nominated pianist known for her work as a leader and collaborator across jazz, experimental music, and popular genres. She has toured and recorded with St. Vincent, Chris Botti, Rufus Wainwright, and members of David Bowie’s Blackstar band. Her writing for the trio features melodic themes, open harmonic spaces, and room for collective improvisation.
Trio SynThesis
Known for their genre-defying performances and bold interpretations, the trio blends classical training with fearless innovation.
Creative Music at Motivo: Vardan Ovsepian & Tatiana Parra
Fractal Limit unite again to explore further innovative territories in the art of duo. The character of the newly written and arranged works is underlined by a duality, balancing the contrapuntal complexity with lyricism.
Creative Music at Motivo: Xmas Euman
The incredible Christian Euman returns with “XMAS EUMAN” — his jazzful and deeply inspired take on holiday favorites. He’ll be joined by an all-star ensemble featuring Josh Johnson on saxophone, Josh Nelson on piano, Anna Butters on bass, and Michael Mayo - voice.
Creative Music at Motivo: Jonathan Richards
We are super excited to welcome Jonathan Richards, a phenomenal Los Angeles–based bassist whose musicality and versatility have made him a deeply respected voice in the scene. Jonathan will be joined by Brandon Bae - guitar, Daniel Rotem - saxophones, Miro Sprague - piano, Dan Schnelle - drums
Creative Music at Motivo: Daniel Rotem / Miro Sprague / Karl McComas-Reichl / Christian Euman
We’re delighted to welcome saxophonist Daniel Rotem, pianist Miro Sprague, bassist Karl McComas-Reichl, and drummer Christian Euman for the October Creative Music Series. This cooperative quartet blends original compositions with imaginative takes on classics, grounded in deep listening, trust, and artistic freedom.
Creative Music at Motivo: Billy Mohler
We’re excited to feature bassist Billy Mohler with a powerhouse quartet: Jeff Parker (guitar), Chris Speed (tenor saxophone), and Jay Bellerose (drums). Together they create an electrifying sound—fearless, inventive, and full of raw energy—for the September edition of the Creative Music Series.
VOCE (Vardan Ovsepian Chamber Ensemble)
After a few years of silence Vardan Ovsepian Chamber Ensemble (VOCE), will premier new works on August 30th at Motivo LA in Atwater Village.
Creative Music at Motivo: Melinda Sullivan & Larry Goldings
We are ecstatic to welcome this legendary duo: tap dancer Melinda Sullivan and pianist+composer Larry Goldings! Joining Melinda and Larry for this special performance will be the phenomenal singer-songwriter & Grammy winner Gaby Moreno and bassist extraordinaire Karl McComas-Reichl.
Creative Music at Motivo: Christina Galisatus
The Creative Music series at Motivo LA focuses on artists who value listening as a fundamental part of their creative process, presenting music that transcends the boundaries of genre.
The Jazz Bakery Presents: Paul Cornish
The monthly six-concert series, curated by Daniel Rotem, features Los Angeles based artists, all creative forces to be reckoned with in the vibrant local music scene, performing boundary-pushing music that transcends the idioms of genre.
The Jazz Bakery Presents: Nicole McCabe
Nicole McCabe is an alto saxophonist, composer and educator from Marin County, California who works and lives in Los Angeles. A rising star in the city’s interdisciplinary scenes, her new album A Song to Sing marks her full-length debut on local creative hotbed Colorfield Records.
The Jazz Bakery Presents: Butterss + Lumsdaine + Raymond
Join us on Friday February 21st for a mesmerizing fusion of jazz and flamenco in Atwater Village.
What Happened To Flamenco?
Join us on Sunday September 29 for a mesmerizing fusion of jazz and flamenco in Atwater Village.
Molly Miller Trio Album Release
The trio will be celebrating the release of their third studio album, The Ballad of Hotspur, at Motivo LA. The new record is an epic journey of instrumental Americana jazz songs tinged with folk and Surf Rock.
What Happened To Flamenco?
A project that focuses on original and improvised music while using Flamenco as its undertone.