* represents dates in Angel City Jazz Festival.
* Fri. Oct. 9 -- Young saxist Josh Johnson's sextet (including pianist Joshua Nelson) presents his "Unrest," inspired by L.A.'s 1992 racial uprising and the photos of it taken by Gary Leonard. Opening is the 10-member ensemble of accomplished composer, saxist and guitarist Jon Armstrong (featuring longtime wind allies Gavin Templeton and Brian Walsh), drawing from his extensive knowledge of world music and taking off from the poetry of Erin Armstrong. At the Edye in the Broad Stage, 1310 11th St., Santa Monica 90401; 8pm; $25; www.angelcityjazz.com.
* Sat. Oct. 10 -- The Thelonious Monk Institute Jazz Performance Ensemble points the way to the future; pianist John Beasley's Monk'estra (featuring saxist Bob Sheppard) gets busy with the vast Thelonian legacy. A presentation of the Jazz Bakery at the Musicians Institute, 1655 N. McCadden Place, Hollywood 90028; 8pm; $25; www.angelcityjazz.com.
Sat. Oct. 10 -- Even if you never wanted to attend an event of "food, spirits, art and music" emceed by ex-Councilman Tom LaBonge, your desire to preserve and improve the Los Angeles River may spur you to part with $250 and party down at a big space in partyin' downtown with FoLAR's "Fandango" fundraiser. Buy tix here.
Sat. Oct. 10 -- Interesting crossmusical bill: third-generation thrash metallers Warbringer, semi-retro hard rockers Philm (featuring ex-Slayer drummer Dave Lombardo), sci-fi fusionists Ohm (featuring ex-Megadeth guitarist Chris Poland) and Taipan. At Club Hydra, 6200 E. Second St., Long Beach 90803; $20; 7pm .
Sat. Oct. 10 -- Garretson & Gorodetsky (7pm) serenade you with lilting postmodern jazzishness (Vince Meghrouni has been adding nice winds lately). Plus Gun Hill Royals (6pm) and Megan Neale (5pm). At the Frog Spot, 2825 Benedict St., L.A. 90039 (east of the 2/5 junction, near the river); 5-8pm.
Sat. Oct. 10 -- Steak, martini, Blue Note jazz. Check. Trumpeter Elliott Caine swings soulful. At Colombo's Restaurant, 1833 Colorado Blvd., Eagle Rock 90041; 9:30pm-midnight; no cover; (323) 254-9138.
* Sun. Oct. 11 -- As I scan the personnel of Alex Cline's Flower Garden Orchestra, all I can say is holy damn atman: Nels Cline, G.E. Stinson, Jeff Gauthier, Miguel Atwood-Ferguson, Maggie Parkins, Will Salmon, Wayne Peet, Yuka Honda, Scott Walton, Brad Dutz and the drummer/leader, with Areni Agbabian singing sutras and the poems of Vietnamese Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh (the 89-year-old birthday boy to whom the "Ocean of Vows" program is dedicated), all conducted by world-class classical pianist Vicki Ray. When Alex Cline leads, the music writhes and transcends. At Plaza del Sol Concert Hall in the Valley Performing Arts Center, 18111 Nordhoff St., Northridge 91330; 7:30pm; $15-$20; www.angelcityjazz.com.
Sun. Oct. 11 -- Naturally saxist Greg Osby, one of the last 30 years' key avant reconceptualists, would have a great quartet with pianist Joshua White, bassist Eric Revis and drummer Jonathan Pinson. 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.
Sun. Oct. 11 -- I See Hawks in L.A. bring on the thinking comedian's country music in an acoustic show featuring everybody's favorite fiddler, Brantley Kearns. At the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N. Lake Ave., Altadena 91001; 7pm; $15; reservations (626) 794-2424; cash or checks only; no booze; www.coffeegallery.com.
Mon. Oct. 12 -- His cello ain't the only improvisationally nontraditional thing about Jacob Szekely's trio with pianist Michael Ragonese and drummer Christopher Allis; he brings in elements whose provenance you won't be able to find with a microscope. 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.
Wed. Oct. 14 -- Ah, that good ol' melodic black metal, as thundered by Abigail Williams, which is not a witch wictim but five guys on a dark mission. With Today Is the Day, Anthea. At the Whisky, 8901 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood 90069; 7pm; $5; www.whiskyagogo.com; (310) 652-4202.
Thurs. Oct. 15 -- Rip up the asphalt with them badass instrumentals, Double Naught Spy Car (10pm)! With rootsy musician/producer Ben Vaughn (11pm), plus Los Angeles Duo (9pm). At Café NELA, 1906 Cypress Ave., Glassell Park 90065; 8pm; $10; beer only; 21+; www.cafenela.net.
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Read Don Heckman’s jazz picks here. Read John Payne's plutonic Bluefat.com here.