Fri. July 27 -- Lyrical pianist Billy Mitchell (Kenny Burrell, Randy Crawford) flows with a summer-friendly ensemble including vocalist Billy Redd. At LACMA, 5905 Wilshire Blvd., LA 90036; 6-8pm; FREE; Friday summer jazz schedule here.
Fri. July 27 -- Karen Briggs grooves on lyrical modern jazz with an African edge, backed by seasoned partners Nick Smith (keys), Ric Fierrabracci (bass) and Marvin "Smitty" Smith (drums). At the World Stage, 4321 Degnan Blvd., Leimert Park 90008; 9pm (two sets); $25; www.theworldstage.org.
Sat. July 28 -- Former Horace Tapscott windman Jesse Sharps pays tribute to trumpeter Steven Smith with his cookin' newest version of The Gathering, featuring tenor man Randall Fisher, pianist Bobby West, sitarist Paul Livingstone, cellist Paul Jacobson and drummer Cornell Fauler. Can't miss. At the World Stage, 4321 Degnan Blvd., Leimert Park 90008; 9pm (two sets); $20; www.theworldstage.org.
Sat. July 28 -- Trumpeter John Daversa may get more notice for his contemporary big band, but this small ensemble, driven by drummer Gene Coye with saxist Katisse Buckingham, keyboardist Tommy King and bassist Jerry Watts Jr., smokes. 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.
Sun. July 29 -- The latest incarnation of '80s worldbeat originators The Bonedaddys still features founding percussionist and hand drummer Mike Tempo, and I recognize saxist Jay Work among the hard-drivin' conscripts. Great bill with urban jazzical folklorists Weba Garretson & Ralph Gorodetsky (pictured), flanked by able soldiers Vince Meghrouni (winds), Michael Alvidrez (bass) and Brian Christopherson (drums). At the Write-Off Room, 21791 Ventura Blvd., Woodland Hills 91364; 6pm; no cover; two-drink minimum; full bar; basic food menu; (818) 610-8308; www.thewriteoffroom.com.
Wed. Aug. 1 -- One hesitates to call a blues guitarist-singer tasteful when he rocks as hard as Joe Bonamassa, but live with it. At the Greek Theater, 2700 N. Vermont Ave., Los Feliz 90027; 8pm; $80-$200; www.greektheatrela.com.
Thurs. Aug. 2 -- Few approach piano abstraction with as much emotion and variety as Motoko Honda, so welcome her back from Oakland. Her Simple Excesses include windman Cory Wright, bassist Miles Wick and drummer Jordan Glenn. At the Hammer Museum, 10899 Wilshire Blvd., West L.A. 90024; 8pm; FREE (just park underneath for $6 and show up); (310) 443-7000; www.hammer.ucla.edu.
Thurs. Aug. 2 -- Balam Garcia is a damn good Spanish-classical-jazz-funk guitarist, here with bassist Zephyr Avalon and drummer Cameron Johnson. Presented by Brad Dutz. At Sunspace, 9683 Sunland Blvd., Shadow Hills 91040; 8-10pm; $10.