Secret shows and a cult fandom are behind this jazz phenomenon in L.A.

On an uncharacteristically rainy day in March, Orange County native Yousef Hilmy, founder and creative director of Minaret Records, stood outside the glass door of a nondescript venue in Mid-City. For Hilmy, it’s critical that Minaret shows, which happen all over the city in traditional clubs and more do-it-yourself spaces alike, are affordable and accessible to all ages when possible. Yousef Hilmy, the founder and creative director of Minaret Records, pictured during a quiet moment at one of the label’s fall shows. It’s the people who are pulling up to shows.” What Hilmy has been so successful in doing in Los Angeles and beyond — Minaret has thrown shows in New York; San Antonio; Portland, Ore.; Boston; Mexico City and more — is fostering a community. We felt that the labels that did exist weren’t doing enough to service young folks or independent music.” Hilmy’s interest in jazz is a progression of his long-standing passion for music.