Fri. Nov. 9 -- Saxist Dale Fielder leads an inviting quintet of local luminaries at half past mainstream. At LACMA, 5905 Wilshire Blvd., LA 90036; 6-8pm; FREE; Friday jazz schedule here.
Fri. Nov. 9 -- Tons o' tradition mark the art of saxists Justo Almario & Teodross Avery, paying tribute to the music of the great L.A. tenor man Dexter Gordon (and a new Dex biography by his wife, Maxine Gordon) with a righteous ensemble featuring pianist Eric Reed, bassist Mike Gurrola and drummer Roy McCurdy. At the World Stage, 4321 Degnan Blvd., Leimert Park 90008; 8pm (two sets); $20; www.theworldstage.org.
Fri.-Sat. Nov. 9-10 -- Hand drummer Poncho Sanchez rules Los Angeles Latin jazz with a flexible wrist and the assurance that he'll keep it fresh. At Catalina Bar & Grill, 6725 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood 90028; 8:30 & 10:30pm; $30 (first show Sat. sold out); (323) 466-2210; www.catalinajazzclub.com.
Fri.-Sat. Nov. 9-10 -- Carmina Escobar puts a mask on her face and a buncha junk inside a piano, then produces alternative instrumental sounds and unearthly vocalizations in company with the ensemble Der Bauch. Photo by Emilio Perea Guillen. At REDCAT, 631 W. Second St., downtown 90012; 8:30pm; $20 (students $16); www.redcat.org.
Sat. Nov. 10 -- Looks like all but big-donor admissions are sold out for "Bohemian Bacchanal," the 50th-anniversary celebration of the little arts organization that influenced three generations of poets, actors, musicians, et al. Performers include John Densmore, Bobby Bradford, Mike Watt, Chris D & Julie Christensen, John Doe & Exene Cervenka, Kamau Daáood, Dwight Trible, Joe Baiza and more. At Beyond Baroque, 681 Venice BlvdVenice 90291; 5:30pm; check here.
Sun. Nov. 11 -- Big week for reunions. During a time when original rock music was virtually banned in L.A., Radio Free Hollywood was the name given a crucial 1976 DIY show at Troupers Hall in Hollywood, featuring the Motels, the Pop and the Dogs. Now, to commemorate the occasion, a bunch of L.A. musicians from the late '70s are gathering: Dean Chamberlain & Chuck Wada of the Motels (calling themselves Warfield Foxes), Chamberlain's Code Blue, the Dogs, members of the Pop, plus Andy & the Rattlesnakes, Gregg Sutton, the Textones, the Last, the Model, Backstage Pass, the Flames, Hollywood Stars, the Furys and more. Dunno if each will play half a song or what, but it starts early. Fun event, especially for those like me who attended the original show 42 years back. At Bootleg Theater, 2220 Beverly Blvd. near Alvarado, LA 90057; 6:30pm; $25 tix here.
Wed. Nov. 14 -- Just saw Bennie Maupin in a doc about his old Blue Note compatriot Lee Morgan -- thoughtful & articulate, much like his woodwind playing. Great to have him regularly on the local circuit. At Mr. Musichead Gallery, 7420 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood 90046; 7:30pm; $25; www.justjazz.tv.
Wed. Nov. 14 -- "Improv and Bach," they're calling this three-act bill with the oboe-guitar duo Petrichor, the trumpet-synth duo Burnt Dot (featuring Sarah Belle Reid, noted recently in these pages with G.E. & Vinny) and cellist Karen Hall. At The Battery Books & Music, 26 S. Los Robles Ave., Pasadena 91101; 8pm; $5 suggested donation; (626) 376-9913.
Wed. Nov. 14 -- Essential sound engineer, composer, keyboardist -- Wayne Peet has been a major contributor to the L.A. scene for 'bout as long as I can remember, here doing originals with a super group featuring windman Andrew Pask, bassist Roberto Miranda and drummer son Ellington Peet. At the Santa Monica Public Library, 601 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica 90401; 7:30pm; free; smpl.org; (310) 458-8600.
Thurs. Nov. 15 -- In the second of back-to-back piano nights, award-winning Gloria Cheng performs compositions by the late Green Umbrella mainstay Steven Stucky. At the Santa Monica Public Library, 601 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica 90401; 7:30pm; free; smpl.org; (310) 458-8600.
Thurs. Nov. 15 -- Snow Nerds are the improvisin' quartet of Jesse Quebberman-Turley, Anna Butterss, Jake Sucher & Ted Taforo; electric guitarist Carey Fosse opens solo with his distinctive angularity. At The Battery Books & Music, 26 S. Los Robles Ave., Pasadena 91101; 8pm; $5 suggested donation; (626) 376-9913.
Thurs. Nov. 15 -- Founding Megadeth guitarist Chris Poland fuses, rocks & funks with bassist Robert Pagliari and drummer Carlos Cruz in Ohm. At the Baked Potato, 3787 Cahuenga Blvd. West, Studio City 91604; 9:30 & 11:30pm; $28; (818) 980-1615; www.thebakedpotato.com.
Thurs. Nov. 15 -- Travel back to the inclusive '90s with Christian nu-metalmen P.O.D.; plus charismatic vocalist Elias Soriano and heavy-grooving Nonpoint; plus Islander. At the Whisky, 8901 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood 90069; doors 7pm; $34; (310) 652-4202; www.whiskyagogo.com.