Fri. July 5 -- Chambers Brothers guitarist-singer Willie Chambers can't avoid unearthing the shiverable psychedelic pounder "Time Has Come Today" (bring your cowbell). While wailing "background" vocals, Claudia Lennear performed the '70s miracle of distracting audiences from Leon Russell, the Rolling Stones and George Harrison; she returns with The New Ash Grove Players for journeys into blues & folk roots. R&B singer and homeless advocate Mahalia "Yeya" Jean-Pierre opens. Magnetic bill. At Levitt Pavilion in MacArthur Park, 2230 W. Sixth St., Los Angeles, CA 90057; 7pm; FREE if you RSVP here.
Fri. July 5 -- Zach Andrews, Marc Merza & Roger Habon crank synths etc. for ambient textures and real melodies in their first public jam. At The Battery Books & Music, 26 S. Los Robles Ave., Pasadena 91101; 8pm; $5 suggested donation; (626) 376-9913.
Fri. July 5 -- Veteran pianist Bobby West puts the stream back in the main. At the World Stage, 4321 Degnan Blvd., Leimert Park 90008; 9pm (two sets); $20; www.theworldstage.org.
Sat. July 6 -- Multi-instrumentalist David Ornette Cherry (son of Don) expands the boundaries of world, jazz and noncategory music with the finest L.A. talent in Organic Notes. He doesn't get out that often, so dig in. At the World Stage, 4321 Degnan Blvd., Leimert Park 90008; 9pm (two sets); $20; www.theworldstage.org.
Sat. July 6 -- "Audacity of Sound" is a wide-ranging international program featuring Dexter Story (in a tribute to the founder of First AME Church); French Afro-poppers DjuehDjoah & Lieutenant Nicholson; Caribbean-Latin rootswomen Gaby Moreno & La Marisoul; and plenty more. At Grand Performances in California Plaza, 350 S. Grand Ave., downtown 90071; 3-10pm; FREE; details here.
Sun. July 7 -- This year's Reggae Night does it pure Jamaica-style with Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley, wayback rankers Third World and new-gen warrior lilt from Kabaka Pyramid. At the Hollywood Bowl, 2301 Highland Ave., Hollywood 90068; 7pm; $32-$125 (nearly sold out); (323) 850-2000; www.hollywoodbowl.com.
Sun. July 7 -- Brace yourself for a torrent of avant intelligence with bassist Jeff Schwartz & windman Charles Sharp's 26-member Decisive Instant, featuring the distinguished likes of Vinny Golia, Dan Clucas, William Roper and Robert Jacobson. And don't miss openers Xochi Cuicatl, the quiet & deep duo of Mesoamerican multi-instrumentalist Christopher Garcia and vocalist Alegria Garcia. Special evening. At Center for the Arts, 2225 Colorado Blvd., Eagle Rock 90041; 7pm; $10; (626) 795-4989.
Sun. July 7 -- Get sticky with my favorite Portland sludge droners, Usnea, plus noisy sloth from Chrch. Also Ancient Altar, Qaalm. At Five Star Bar, 267 S. Main St., downtown 90012; 8pm; $10; https://fivestarbardtla.com; (323) 428-4492.