Fri. Oct. 18 -- Musician and conceptual artist Daniel Corral, along with director-performer Alexander Gedeon and Now Hear Ensemble, pay tribute to "Having Fun With Elvis on Stage," a 1973 Elvis Presley album consisting entirely of stage patter and considered by some "the worst album in rock & roll history." There will be live music, theatrical performance, sound manipulation, and an introductory screening of Corral's Minimalist video "Count In," featuring the voice of Poly Styrene. Not the same ol' thing. At Automata, 504 Chung King Court, Chinatown 90012; 8:30 & 10:30pm; $20/$15 tix here.
Fri. Oct. 18 -- Two spontaneous avantational duos: sax-trumpet with Patrick Shiroishi & Chris Williams (noticed in these pages); trombone-percussion with Matt Barbier & Tim Feeney. At The Battery Books & Music, 26 S. Los Robles Ave., Pasadena 91101; 8pm; $7 suggested donation; (626) 376-9913.
Fri.-Sat. Oct. 18-19 -- Challenging yet accessible trumpeter Dan Rosenboom leads a crack band featuring alto saxist Gavin Templeton, bassist Billy Mohler, drummer Anthony Fung and, on Friday, phenomenal pianist Joshua White. At Sam First, 6171 W. Century Blvd., L.A. 90045 (near LAX in front of Marriott Courtyard); 8 & 9:30pm; $20 plus one-drink minimum per set; full bar; snacks; small parking lot in rear, reduced-rate validated parking at nearby Joe's Auto Park; (424) 800-2006; www.samfirstbar.com.
Sat. Oct. 19 -- Celebrating the release of major percussionist Munyungo Jackson's new "Morning Sun" are numerous luminaries of the South L.A. jazz community, including Jackson's septet featuring violinist Karen Briggs, keyboardist Nick Smith and guitarist Mitchell Long, plus special guests such as singer Dwight Trible, poet Kamau Daáood and saxist Justo Almario. Expect lighthearted, danceable Afro-Caribbean fare representative of the album's romantic, polished character. 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.
Sun. Oct. 20 -- Trumpeter Elliott Caine and band play classic jazz, some of which you know, some of which you don't, and some of which he wrote in the tradition. At the York Bar and Restaurant, 5018 York Blvd., Highland Park 90042; 7:30-10pm; no cover; (323) 255-9675.
Sun. Oct. 20 -- Joe Potts leads SASSAS's monthly open-plug electronic jam, "Soundshoppe." At Center for the Arts, 2225 Colorado Blvd., Eagle Rock 90041; doors 1pm; free; www.sassas.org.
Tues. Oct. 22 -- Rick Wakeman, keyboardist for Yes and in many impressively self-indulgent solo projects, plays and tells stories. An entertaining dude. At the Theatre at Ace Hotel, 929 S. Broadway, L.A. 90015; 8pm; $50-$75; www.axs.com.
Wed.-Thurs. Oct. 23-24 -- American fun thrash and original British death grind: Municipal Waste and Napalm Death (pictured) cover the bases with beer and gore. At Teragram Ballroom, 1234 W. Seventh St., downtown 90017; 6:30pm; Thurs. $28 (Wed. sold out); www.teragramballroom.com.
Wed.-Fri. Oct. 23-25 -- Intuitive drum master Peter Erskine celebrates his new album with mellow-toned tenor man George Garzone, longtime collaborative pianist Alan Pasqua and pocket-dwelling bassist Darek Oles. At Sam First, 6171 W. Century Blvd., L.A. 90045 (near LAX in front of Marriott Courtyard); 8 & 9:30pm; $30/$25 plus one-drink minimum per set; full bar; snacks; small parking lot in rear, reduced-rate validated parking at nearby Joe's Auto Park; (424) 800-2006; www.samfirstbar.com.
Thurs. Oct. 24 -- Known for his work with Brad Mehldau, double bassist Larry Grenadier pulls out his bow for solo workouts derived from his admired new ECM album, "The Gleaners." 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/$20; 21+; parking $9 underneath off Second Street at the sign of the P in a circle; (213) 620-0908; www.bluewhalemusic.com.
Thurs. Oct. 24 -- Wallow in the filthy metal spectacle of Gwar. At the Belasco Theater, 1050 S. Hill St., downtown 90015; 6:30pm; $28; www.goldenvoice.com.