Fri. July 13 -- When poet Kamau Daáood celebrates his birthday, you know a lot of the city's best jazzfolk will be swinging hard & deep. At the World Stage, 4321 Degnan Blvd., Leimert Park 90008; 9pm (two sets); $20; www.theworldstage.org.
Fri. July 13 -- Big-toned neotrad tenor man Walter Smith III fronts a quintet with guitarist Greg Uhlmannn, pianist Miro Sprague, bassist Anna Butterss and drummer Christian Euman. 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. July 13 -- Multiphonic/electronic saxist Steph Richards and keyboardist Ben Boye explore the inner spaces of outer regions. A presentation of Angel City Arts' Sonic Labyrinth series at MorYork Gallery, 4959 York Blvd., Eagle Rock 90042; 7:30pm; $10; www.angelcityarts.com.
Fri. July 13 -- West Coast loudnheavy pioneers The Melvins are sold out unless they're not. With Modpods, Yen Yen. At the Troubadour, 9081 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood 90069; doors 8pm; $25; www.troubadour.com.
Fri.-Sat. July 13-14 -- Experienced singer Barbara Morrison digs way into that gristly heart region where the blues lives. At Catalina Bar & Grill, 6725 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood 90028; 8:30pm; $20; (323) 466-2210; www.catalinajazzclub.com.
Sat. July 14 -- Ex-Zappa ally Mike Keneally is one of the most skilled & original guitarists/keyboardists/composers/singers around, kept out of the mainstream by his offbeat Valley sense of humor. His Beer for Dolphins band features drummer Joe Travers, bassist Bryan Beller, guitarist Rick Musallam and guitarist Griff Peters. At the Baked Potato, 3787 Cahuenga Blvd. West, Studio City 91604; 9:30 & 11:30pm; $25; (818) 980-1615; www.thebakedpotato.com.
Sun. July 15 -- Opium Moon is the drifting, swaying Middle Eastern project of violinist Lili Haydn, newly husbanded Maetar bassist Itai Disraeli, hammered-dulcimer player Hamid Saeidi and percussionist MB Gordy. At Moss Theater in the Herb Alpert Educational Village of New Roads School, 3131 Olympic Blvd., Santa Monica 90404; 8:30pm; $25-$100; www.opiummoon.com.
Sun. July 15 -- Cuban jazz from the source: drummer Calixto Oviedo Mulens. At Catalina Bar & Grill, 6725 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood 90028; 7:30pm; $15; (323) 466-2210; www.catalinajazzclub.com.
Sun. July 15 -- The highly qualified participants in "Trane Stories: A Tribute to John Coltrane" include saxist Teodross Avery, pianist Theo Saunders, bassist Henry Franklin, drummer Marvin "Smitty" Smith and singer Dwight Trible. At the Mayme Clayton Museum, 4130 Overland Ave., Culver City 90230; interview by Jeffrey Winston 1pm, music 2pm (two sets); $20 tickets here; limited seating; (310) 202-1647.
Sun. July 15 -- Trumpeter Elliott Caine's cool-boppin' ensemble serves up nonstandard standards and originals. At the York Bar and Restaurant, 5018 York Blvd., Highland Park 90042; 7:30-10pm; no cover; (323) 255-9675.
Tues. July 17 -- Multiwind player Vinny Golia always has some fresh angles and a proficient group of dedicated avantarians. Pick up a copy of his rare "Live at the Century City Playhouse 1979" while you're there. 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.
Thurs. July 18 -- Westsiders get to dig the distinctive curls and waves of the Brad Dutz 4tet, featuring the composer-marimbist plus oboe man Paul Sherman, clarinetist Brian Walsh and cellist Chris Votek. At the Santa Monica Public Library, 601 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica 90401; 7:30pm; free; smpl.org; (310) 458-8600.