Fri. March. 20 -- Deep vibes: Nick Mancini left New York for L.A.; Anthony Smith left San Diego for New York; they unite with drummer Dan Schnelle and bassist Jordan Richards to discuss whether location makes a damn bit of difference if you play vibraphone. More vibraphonists sympathize: Lolly Allen, Jasper Harris, Billy Hulting, David Johnson, Mackenzie Karbon, Tim Yalda, and yes, that ringing in your ears is real. Elastic Hour at Curve Line Space Gallery, 1577 Colorado Blvd., Eagle Rock 90041; 8pm; $10; (323) 478-9874; www.elastichour.com. Also see Wednesday.
Fri. March 20 -- Dokken continue to fight the melodic-metal fight with original drummer Mick Brown and a singer named Don somethingorother. If they don't play "Breaking the Chains," I'll buy you a can of hairspray. With The Hard Way, Evolution Eden. At the Whisky, 8901 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood 90069; www.whiskyagogo.com; doors 7pm; $30; (310) 652-4202.
Sat. March 21 -- Freakily original heavy guitarist Mike Keneally (Zappa, Dethklok) strips down to a power trio with his Beer for Dolphins, featuring drummer Joe Travers and bassist Bryan Bellar. Keneally also plays with Jamie Kime's group yesterday 3/20. At the Baked Potato, 3787 Cahuenga Blvd. West, Studio City 91604; 9:30 & 11:30pm; $25; (818) 980-1615; www.thebakedpotato.com.
Sat. March 21 -- Having contributed to nice tunes such as "Godeater" and "Vagina," Welsh dark-ambient electronic groover Lustmord graces Jayne Mansfield's resting place with his satanic presence for a rare L.A. invocation. He's worked with Tool, Puscifer and the Melvins, so who knows who might show up. Bring earplugs. With Grouper, Alexander Lewis, Tropic of Cancer. At the Masonic Lodge of Hollywood Forever Cemetery, 6000 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood 90038; 8pm; $35 (sold out, but y'know).
Sat. March 21 -- For the most extreme grindcore, my Aunt Lucy prefers Virginia's Pig Destroyer. With Nails, Despise You, Antichrist Demoncore, Dead Beat. At the Roxy, 9009 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood; 8pm; $20; (310) 278-9457; www.theroxy.com.
Sun. March 22 -- Internationally known electronic manipulator Carl Stone teams up with distinguished local conceptual inpluggers Tom Recchion and Joseph Hammer for solo, duo and trio skronkifications. A very swell event. At the Blue Whale on the third level of Weller Court Plaza, south of East First Street between South Los Angeles Street and South San Pedro Street, Little Tokyo 90012; 9pm-midnight; $10; 21+; parking $5 underneath off Second Street at the sign of the P in a circle; (213) 620-0908; www.bluewhalemusic.com.
Sun. March 22 -- English songwriter Terry Reid has a hell of a fine-grained bluesy wail and a solid catalog of songs dating back to the '60s, such as "Speak Now" (snatched by Cheap Trick on their first album). Here's a good example. At McCabe’s, 3101 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica 90405; 8pm; $20; (310) 828-4497; www.mccabes.com.
Tues. March 24 -- Colorado's Allegaeon bring the jerkin', squealin' death metal with Product of Hate, Thrown Into Exile, Servile Conceptions. The Agonist are apparently off this bill, since they're touring Europe. At Complex, 806 E. Colorado St., Glendale 91205; 8pm; $12; 21+; full bar; www.complexla.com; (323) 642-7519.
Tues. March 24 -- Vibraphonist Nick Mancini tingles some of his excellent originals plus standards with bassist Ben Shepherd and drummer Kyle Crane. At WitZend, 1717 Lincoln Blvd., Venice 90291; 7pm; $10 (bring a guest for free, one item minimum); bar & food; all ages; (310) 305-4792; www.witzendlive.com.
Tues. March 24 -- Longtime avant buds Bobby Bradford & Vinny Golia mix & match, windman Golia joining cornetist Bradford's quartet, then grafting himself onto trumpeter Daniel Rosenboom's quintet to form his own sextet. Lotta history here, as well as a lotta nowness, highly recommended. At the Blue Whale on the third level of Weller Court Plaza, south of East First Street between South Los Angeles Street and South San Pedro Street, Little Tokyo 90012; 9pm-midnight; $15; 21+; parking $5 underneath off Second Street at the sign of the P in a circle; (213) 620-0908; www.bluewhalemusic.com.
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Read Don Heckman’s jazz picks here. Read John Payne's plutonic Bluefat.com here.