Fri. March 2 -- Former Fifth Dimension singer Phyllis Battle taps her jazz roots. At the World Stage, 4321 Degnan Blvd., Leimert Park 90008; 9pm (two sets); $20; www.theworldstage.org.
Sat. March 3 -- Called Dollar Brand when he came to prominence in the '60s, groundbreaking pianist Abdullah Ibrahim is now paying tribute to recently deceased South African compatriot Hugh Masekela, as well as looking back at his own excellent catalog. A CAP presentation at UCLA's Royce Hall; 8pm; $30-$60; www.cap.ucla.edu.
Sat. March 3 -- Our journalistic colleague Lynell George brings out a book of her Los Angeles photos, and she has quite the eye! Helms Design Center, 8745 Washington Blvd., Culver City 90232, 2-4:30pm; free.
Sun. March 4 -- Skip the Oscars and get in on an evening of genuine L.A. improvisational excitement with the well marinated quartet of guitarist G.E. Stinson, bassist Steuart Liebig, bassist Darryl Tewes and magnadrummer Alex Cline; plus Liebig & Tewes do a duet, AND vocal extremist Bonnie Barnett conducts one of her famous group hums, with you participating. At Center for the Arts, 2225 Colorado Blvd., Eagle Rock 90041; 7pm; $10; (626) 795-4989.
Sun. March 4 -- Bay sci-fi deathsters Rings of Saturn stir the smelt with Allegaeon, Nekrogoblkon, Lorna Shore, Entheos, Gloom. At 1720, 1720 E. 16th St., downtown 90021; doors 6pm; $18; all ages; full bar; food; www.1720.la.
Mon. March 5 -- Bearded heavy minimalists Mirrors for Psychic Warfare trance yer nads. At Resident, 428 S. Hewitt St., downtown 90013; 8pm; $15; 21+; www.residentdtla.com.
Wed. March 7 -- Don't fall asleep whilst reading the well curated used-book collection and listening to the multicultural drone of In Transit, featuring violist Patrick Behnke, bassoonist Chris Foss and koto player Kozue Matsumoto. At The Battery Books & Music, 26 S. Los Robles Ave., Pasadena 91101; 8pm; $5 suggested donation; (626) 376-9913.
Thurs. March 8 -- Persistent '80s-initiated Floridians Iced Earth throw down the power metal with Sanctuary, Kill Ritual, Thrown Into Exile. At the Belasco Theater, 1050 S. Hill St., downtown 90015; doors 6:30pm; $26; www.goldenvoice.com.
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Read Don Heckman’s jazz picks here. Read John Payne's plutonic Bluefat.com here. Read Brick Wahl's noirish music commentaries here.