Fri. Dec. 30 -- The melody meets the steamy African groove at keyboardist Mark De Clive-Lowe's pad, where vocalist Nia Andrews, bassist Jorbin Jones, drummer Brandon Combs, windman Josh Josh Johnson, DJ Seano and (dig) a string quartet are also partying. 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; $20; 21+; parking $9 underneath off Second Street at the sign of the P in a circle; (213) 620-0908; www.bluewhalemusic.com.
Fri. Dec. 30 -- Trumpeter Elliott Caine knows that true swingers start celebrating the new year on Friday when the opportunity arises. At Colombo's Restaurant, 1833 Colorado Blvd., Eagle Rock 90041; 9:30pm-midnight; no cover; (323) 254-9138.
Sat. Dec. 31 -- Avant filmmaker Rika Ohara ("The Heart of No Place," "Sleepers") revs up the fundraising for her Ottoman harem tragedy "The Giaour" by selling her paintings and inviting you to shake it on down with LoveyDove, Pandamonium, DJ Killroy and DJ Desperate Pedestrian. At Neutra Institute Gallery & Museum, 2379 Glendale Blvd., L.A. 90039; 7pm onward; $20 ticket (advances from royoldenkamp@gmail.com) includes champagne toast and hors d'oeuvres.
Sat. Dec. 31 -- Sleaze your way into the new year with the ageless 1990 pop-metal of Faster Pussycat and some version of L.A. Guns, plus Brittany's Rage, Ryder, Negative Void, Sluts and Saints. At the Whisky, 8901 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood 90069; doors 7pm; sold out so you'll have to blow retired celebrities for scalper cash; (310) 652-4202; www.whiskyagogo.com.
Thurs. Jan. 5 -- Soulful veteran Blue Note pianist Harold Mabern (Lee Morgan, Freddie Hubbard, Roland Kirk) leads a trio with bassist Mike Gurrola and drummer Joe Farnsworth. 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 $9 underneath off Second Street at the sign of the P in a circle; (213) 620-0908; www.bluewhalemusic.com.
* * *
Read Don Heckman’s jazz picks here. Read John Payne's plutonic Bluefat.com here.