Fri. Aug. 10 -- David Ornette Cherry, son of world-music inventor Don Cherry, is a special, magical kind of improviser, and he doesn't play out too often, so dig it, and don't worry about the sidemen in his Organic Notes band, cuz this dude is connected. I guess he'd be about 60 now. Read my 2006 L.A. Weekly story about him here. At the World Stage, 4321 Degnan Blvd., Leimert Park 90008; 9pm (two sets); $20; www.theworldstage.org.
Fri. Aug. 10 -- Split-minded 8-string guitarbass freak Charlie Hunter is sold out unless you know the doorman, sorry. At McCabe’s, 3101 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica 90405; 8pm; $25; (310) 828-4497; www.mccabes.com.
Fri. Aug. 10 -- Since Sun Ra and Manson, I don't get tripped out much by music videos, but check out this one by Neil C. Barrett for apocalyptic rumble rockers Cave Bastard. At Five Star Bar, 267 S. Main St., downtown 90012; 9pm; $10; https://fivestarbardtla.com; (323) 428-4492.
Fri.-Sat. Aug. 10-11 -- The jazz, the rock, the blues, the jamz, the history, it's Brian Auger's Oblivion Express, now featuring Chick Corea guitarist Frank Gambale, plus bassist Les King, drummer Karma C. Auger and singer Lilliana Reyes. At the Baked Potato, 3787 Cahuenga Blvd. West, Studio City 91604; 9:30 & 11:30pm; $28; (818) 980-1615; www.thebakedpotato.com.
Sat. Aug. 11 -- Pianist Joshua White leads one of the most stirring and full-rooted ensembles around, Codes, which includes trumpeter Curtis Taylor, bassist Dean Hulett, drummer Christian Euman and vocal prophet Dwight Trible. Relaxed neighborhood gig. At the World Stage, 4321 Degnan Blvd., Leimert Park 90008; 9pm (two sets); $20; www.theworldstage.org.
Sat. Aug. 11 -- A seasoned tenor saxist who just nails it: Bob Sheppard, with supersensitive bassist Darek Oles, drummer Charles Ruggiero and a pianist to be exchanged for Manny Machado. 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.
Sat. Aug. 11 -- Prog-metal emotionalists Between the Buried and Me top a big, hard Summer Slaughter package with Born of Osiris, Veil of Maya, Erra, The Agony Scene, Allegaeon, Soreption, Entheos. At the Novo, 800 Olympic Blvd., downtown 90015; 2:30pm; $25-$35; all ages; www.thenovodtla.com; (213) 765-7000.
Sun. Aug. 12 -- Alice Cooper; Ace Frehley of Kiss. Your rock entertainment needs will be well served. At the Greek Theater, 2700 N. Vermont Ave., Los Feliz 90027; 7:30pm sharp; $20-$90; www.greektheatrela.com.
Sun. Aug. 12 -- The Pan Afrikan Peoples Arkestra plus The Voices of UGMAA (a bill straight outa 1975) offer hope that mass improv and a wild love groove will bring on the revolution at last, with Michael Session conducting and Horace Tapscott smiling down from above. At Zebulon, 2478 Fletcher Drive, Frogtown 90039; doors 8:30pm; $20; 21+; www.zebulon.la.
Sun. Aug. 12 -- Angry shortburst Fresno metal skankers Farooq (8:25pm) bust it up with Countime, Barrio Slam, Cycotic Youth, Mexico's Know the Ending, Hungry Ass Youth, The Cutthroats, Aberrance. At Café NELA, 1906 Cypress Ave., Glassell Park 90065; 6pm; $10; beer only; 21+; www.cafenela.net.
Thurs. Aug. 16 -- Tumble & pogo with Oakland blacksters Necrot, plus Deadbeat, Mysticism, Mortal Wound. At Resident, 428 S. Hewitt St., downtown 90013; 8pm; $10; www.residentdtla.com.
Thurs. Aug. 16 -- Swirling offbeat improv trio presented by Brad Dutz: drummer Chris Blondal with guitarist Brad Rabuchin and guitarist Howard Anderson. At Sunspace, 9683 Sunland Blvd., Shadow Hills 91040; 8-10pm; $10.