Fri. June 7 -- Pianist Joshua White's overflowing spiritual intensity is recommendable in any format; read my review of a February show here. At the World Stage, 4321 Degnan Blvd., Leimert Park 90008; 9pm (two sets); $20; www.theworldstage.org.
Fri. June 7 -- Fusion gets real gnarly with the Virgil Donati All Stars, featuring the four-brained drummer plus guitarist Andre Nieri bassist Junior Braguinha and keyboardist Chris Clark. At the Baked Potato, 3787 Cahuenga Blvd. West, Studio City 91604; 9:30 & 11:30pm; $28; (818) 980-1615; www.thebakedpotato.com.
Fri. June 7 -- A delightful trio of expansionist improvisers with a connective vibe: guitarist Carey Fosse, guitarist Jim McAuley and bassist Darryl Tewes. Perfect for this bookstore venue. At The Battery Books & Music, 26 S. Los Robles Ave., Pasadena 91101; 8pm; $5 suggested donation; (626) 376-9913.
Sat. June 8 -- Veteran saxist Justo Almario moves easily from Tranetime to Latin to soulblues with warmth and feel. At the World Stage, 4321 Degnan Blvd., Leimert Park 90008; 9pm (two sets); $20; www.theworldstage.org.
Sat. June 8 -- Violinist Jenny Scheinman's career has taken her around the world in the last decade or two; she brings her ethereally textured postjazz back to L.A. in a partnership with drummer Allison Miller in Parlour Game, featuring pianist Carmen Staff and bassist Tony Scherr. 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; $25; 21+; parking $9 underneath off Second Street at the sign of the P in a circle; (213) 620-0908; www.bluewhalemusic.com.
Sat.-Sun. June 8-9 -- Gotta give the management of Playboy Jazz Fest credit for mixing things up this year with a soul-slanted lineup. Saturday features Kool & the Gang, Bela Fleck, Terence Blanchard, Quina Lynell, Angelique Kidjo, Benny Golson's 90th Birthday Quartet, Celebrating Ndugu Chancler (all-star tribute) and more. Sunday it's Boz Scaggs (loved him with Steve Miller and never begrudged his '70s success), Maceo Parker (with Billy Harper, George Cables, Cecil McBee, Billy Hart and other famers), The Family Stone (original saxist Jerry Martini and allies) and a cast of jillions. At the Hollywood Bowl, 2301 Highland Ave., Hollywood 90068; 3pm, $25-$200 (Sat. almost sold out); (323) 850-2000; www.hollywoodbowl.com.
Sun. June 9 -- Your discriminating host Rich West presents visiting improvisational outstuff from Syko Friend and Oakland's Monopiece. At The Battery Books & Music, 26 S. Los Robles Ave., Pasadena 91101; 8pm; $8 suggested donation; (626) 376-9913.
Sun. June 9 -- Nonstandard instrumentalists and nontraditional thinkers enjoy trying out their junk at the monthly open "Soundshoppe" jams led by Joe Potts. A SASSAS presentation at Center for the Arts, 2225 Colorado Blvd., Eagle Rock 90041; 1pm; free; www.sassas.org.
Thurs. June 13 -- Seattle deathmetalmen Theories "make America grind again" with Neckbeard Deathcamp, Dryad. At Five Star Bar, 267 S. Main St., downtown 90012; 9pm; $10; https://fivestarbardtla.com; (323) 428-4492.