Fri. June 5 -- The heft, the funk, the soul, the melody: King’s X, the non-billionaire trio most frequently praised by billionaire rockers, and rightly so, for they do indeed tear it up, especially live. Plus Trinidad’s Orange Sky, who thunder out a quite creditable fusion of monster rock and island toasting. At the Key Club, 9039 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood 90069; $25; 15+; www.keyclub.com; (310) 274-5800.
Fri. June 5 -- Feel artistic, tease your brain with the eddying sounds of vibesman Nick Mancini for free, and don’t feel guilty, since he’s getting paid anyway. Featuring clarinetist John Tegmeyer, flutist Katisse Buckingham, pianist Otmaro Ruiz, bassist Edwin Livingston and drummer Nate Wood. At LACMA, 5905 Wilshire Blvd., LA 90036; 6-8pm; FREE.
Sat. June 6 -- Mothers of Invention keyboardist Don Preston puts together some intriguing music out here, tonight Aha, a trio featuring himself, well-traveled percussionist Emil Richards and avant percussionist Brad Dutz. At South Pasadena Music Center and Conservatory, 1509 Mission St., South Pasadena 91030; 8pm; $10; free parking behind; (626) 403-2300; www.southpasadenamusic.com.
Sun. June 7 -- The Trio Whose Name Must Not Be Spelled (guitarist Jeremy Drake, cellist Jessica Catron and percussionist Corey Marc Fogel) sing sea chanteys gently into the 21st century. Opening is the atmospheric quartet L.A. Fog, featuring Kelly Coates (flute) Kathleen Kim (violin), Devin McNulty (bass clarinet) and Giles Miller (baritone sax). At Center for the Arts, 2225 Colorado Blvd., Eagle Rock 90041; 7pm; $10; (626) 795-4989.
Sun. June 7 -- L.A. black-metalers Sothis are hauling their makeup, bullet belts and shin spikes out on a North American tour that’ll take them from Winnipeg to Juarez behind their fine current album, “De Oppresso Liber,” Latin for “Get off my f*cking back.” With a bunch of other bands at House of Blues, 8430 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood 90069; 7pm; $20; (323) 848-5800; www.hob.com.
Tues. June 9 -- You will seldom hear a guitarist so simultaneously fluid and insane as former Scorpion Michael Schenker, whose Group this tour includes singer Gary Barden, guitarist-keysman Wayne Findlay, drummer Pete Holmes and bassist Rev Jones. At the Key Club, 9039 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood 90069; $25; 15+; www.keyclub.com; (310) 274-5800.
Wed. June 10 -- Looks like a swell and perhaps swelling quartet: romantic violinist Miguel Atwood-Ferguson, vibesman Nick Mancini, bassist Edwin Livingston and drummer Kharon Harrison. At Spazio, 14755 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks 91403; (818) 728-8400; www.spazio.la.
Wed. June 10 -- Wanna get hit with a helluva lotta metal? Local thrashers Warbringer head a nine-band bill. At the Whisky, 8901 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood 90069; www.whiskyagogo.com; (310) 652-4202.
Thurs. June 11 -- Hold on to your bladder, cuz Bay Area thrash originators Testament party in epic fashion. Read my interview with guitarist Alex Skolnick here. With raging melodi-thrash dervishes Unearth and diecut thrashers Lazarus A.D. At House of Blues, 8430 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood 90069; 7pm; $20; (323) 848-5800; www.hob.com.
Read Brick’s Picks in LA Weekly here and Don Heckman’s picks here.
It’s okay to start getting excited about this year’s Angel City Jazz Fest, September 9 at the John Anson Ford Theater. Check the great lineup and listen to clips of the artists here.