Saturday, September 5, 2026, 2:15 AM - 5:15 AM · The Mint, Culver City, Los Angeles
Eight-piece band Smooth Operator LA plays sophisticated soul in the spirit of Sade, led by saxophone-trained vocalist Jessica Phillips and founded by percussionist David Young of Slave and Confunkshun.
A Fairfax staple where the stage is small, the talent is big, and you’re never more than a few feet from someone absolutely wailing into a mic. It’s part rock club, part industry watering hole, with red lights, strong drinks, and a crowd that ranges from “just here for the band” to “definitely scouting the band.” No frills, no velvet rope. Just live music the way it’s supposed to be: loud, sweaty, and dangerously close.