Fri. March 8 -- Much-acclaimed keyboardist-composer Billy Childs celebrates his birthday in a homey settng with saxist Josh Johnson, bassist Joshua Crumbly and drummer Anthony Fung. At the World Stage, 4321 Degnan Blvd., Leimert Park 90008; 9pm (two sets); $25; www.theworldstage.org.
Fri. March 8 -- The fusion trademark CAB includes latter-day guitarist julian Coryell and drummer decarlos dAvis in addition to original bassist bunny Brunel, plus keyboardist mitch forman and flutist kaylene peoples. At the Baked Potato, 3787 Cahuenga Blvd. West, Studio City 91604; 9:30 & 11:30pm; $28; (818) 980-1615; www.thebakedpotato.com.
Fri.-Sat. March 8-9 -- A distinctive saxist and a gnarly composer, Chris Potter leads a star trio featuring keyboardist James Francis and drummer Eric Harland. You might want to get advance tix for this one. 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. March 9 -- Benefit for Recycled Resources for the Homeless! Swell entertainment featuring wild instrumentalists Double Naught Spy Car (6pm) plus Walker Brigade, EZ Tiger, Dick & Jane Family Orchestra and more. At the Offbeat, 6316 York Ave., Eagle Rock 90042; 5-9:30pm; $10; full bar; offbeatbar.com; (323) 739-9696.
Wed. March 13 -- An avant trio for the ages: ECM artists Tim Berne, David Torn & Ches Smith play sax, guitar and drums on music from their new "Sun of Goldfinger." At Zebulon, 2478 Fletcher Drive, Frogtown 90039; doors 8pm; $20; 21+; www.zebulon.la.
Thurs. March 14 -- Tortoise guitarist Jeff Parker goes old-skool with organist Carey Frank, tenor man Walter Smith III and drummer George Fludas. 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.
Thurs. March 14 -- Celebrate the music of L.A. avant mainstay Bobby Bradford with Is, an all-star group featuring cornetist Dan Clucas, saxists Chuck Manning & Richard Wood, and bassist Hal Onserud. Hope Bobby stops by. At The Battery Books & Music, 26 S. Los Robles Ave., Pasadena 91101; 8pm; $10 suggested donation; (626) 376-9913.
Thurs. March 14 -- Expect the unexpected from the drums-percussion-guitar-bass ensemble of Jerry Kalaf, Scott Breadman, Barry Coates & Carl Sealove. At Sunspace, 9683 Sunland Blvd., Shadow Hills 91040; 8-10pm; $10.