Something to Get Jazzed About: Gillespie Tribute

Jazz highlights, in chronological order:

* Pianist George Gaffney with trumpeter Buddy Childers and vocalist Jack Wood, Restaurant Kikuya, Huntington Beach (Thursday). Gaffney, who has accompanied a host of top-shelf vocalists (including Natalie Cole) is joined by longtime Frank Sinatra trumpeter Childers and vocalist Wood.

* “All Star Tribute: Dizzy, the Man and the Music,” Founders Hall, Orange County Performing Arts Center, Costa Mesa, (Friday and Saturday): Trumpeter Jon Faddis, bassist John Lee and drummer Ignacio Berroa, all longtime Gillespie associates, are joined by young piano sensation Cyrus Chestnut.

* Les Czimber Quartet, Spaghettini, Seal Beach (Jan. 8): The Bill Evans-influenced pianist plays from his album “Someday My Prince Will Come” with a group that includes fine trumpeter Ron Stout.

* Swing Fever, Robert B. Moore Theatre, Orange Coast College, Costa Mesa (Jan. 12). The six-piece swing band plays the music of Basie, Ellington and Louis Jordan.

* The Andrea Marcelli Quartet, Steamers Cafe, Fullerton (Jan. 10): The drummer’s combo includes saxophonist Doug Webb and pianist Cecilia Coleman.

* Saxophonist Charles McPherson, Steamers (Jan. 11): The booking of this proud purveyor of bebop tradition and longtime associate of Charles Mingus represents a big step up for this tiny coffeehouse-wine bar.

* Ramsey Lewis and Billy Taylor, Plummer Auditorium, Fullerton (Jan. 12): The two pianists team up in a program sponsored by the Philharmonic Society of Orange County.

* Rob Mullins and Wilton Felder, Kikuya (Jan. 17). Keyboardist Mullins and former Crusaders saxophonist Felder collaborate.

* Stephanie Haynes, Steamers (Jan. 24): The always-stylish singer will be joined by pianist Jon Mayer, bassist Andy Simpkins and drummer Paul Kreibich.

* Poncho Sanchez, Steamers (Feb. 2): The internationally recognized conguero leads his hot octet.

* Doc Severinsen & His Big Band, Irvine Barclay Theatre, Irvine (Feb. 8): The former “Tonight Show” bandleader, raconteur and fashion plate brings his dynamic large group.

* Joe Lovano, Founders Hall (Feb. 21-22): Lovano, one of the leading saxophone voices of his generation, fronts a top-flight quartet.