Local Teens Perform Gig at Mauro Cafe's New Dinnertime

She saw them performing at a private party, and couldn’t believe they were just teens—kids she had known when they were in the local elementary school.

And so, when Studio City resident Evelyne Joan found out that the restaurant she manages in West Hollywood, Mauro Cafe, was going to stay opened for dinner for the first time, she wanted some special entertainment. She hired them to perform Thursday at the Fred Segal at 8112 Melrose Ave.

“I was blown away by them, and I had to book them,” said Joan. She said they are as good as any adults she has booked, and she’s happy to give this team their first professional break on Thursday evening from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the café. 

Mauro Café just opened for dinner on Thursdays only, and Joan is adding some live talent to beef up the dining experience. Her son and daughter went to school with Dante Luna years ago at Valley View Elementary School located in the Cahuenga Pass.

“We are playing a little jazz, some of our own tunes, and we’re all from the Los Angeles County High School of the Arts,” said Luna.

The Dante Luna Quartet features the 17-year-old on vibes, as well as Julian Gomez on bass, Diego Gaeta on rhodes, Daniel Venz on drums, and special guest Ellis Rovin on flute, soprano saxophone and alto saxophone. It's a school night, but on Fridays LACHSA students don't have classes until 10 a.m.

“It’s a pretty talented group of young people, everyone will enjoy it,” Joan said. “Come on down.”

To make reservations to see Dante and his group, contact:

323) 653-2874 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Thursday or go to www.MaurosCafe.com