Sat. Jan. 4 -- Trumpeter Elliott Caine's quintet pushes the jazz tradition into the new decade. At the York Bar and Restaurant, 5018 York Blvd., Highland Park 90042; 8-10pm; no cover; (323) 255-9675.
Sat. Jan. 4 -- Classic drummer Joe LaBarbera swings a heavy-hitting quartet with Vijay Iyer alto twister Steve Lehman, keyboardist Paul Cornish and ideal bassist Darek Oles. 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.
Sun. Jan. 5 -- Vibraphonist Nick Mancini invites 20 of his vibes-stroking pals to take turns showing off on the odd metallophone and answering questions, with bassist Ahmet Turkmenoglu and drummer Steve Hass providing the backstop. 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 ($5 vibraphonists); 21+; parking $9 underneath off Second Street at the sign of the P in a circle; (213) 620-0908; www.bluewhalemusic.com.
Sun. Jan. 5 -- Femme-fronted Dutchmyn Epica croon & croak the grandiose symphonic metal. With Nekrogoblikon, Valkyrium. At the Regent Theater, 448 S. Main St., downtown 90013; 8pm; $45; 18+; www.ticketfly.com.
Wed. Jan. 8 -- A bassist with feel and forward impetus, Edwin Livingston forms a star quintet with drummer Marvin "Smitty" Smith, vibraphonist Nick Mancini, windman Tom Luer and trombonist Ivan Malespin. At Mr. Musichead Gallery, 7420 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood 90046; 7:30pm; $15-$25; www.justjazz.tv.
Wed. Jan. 8 -- I See Hawks in L.A. calm your flapping wings with country harmonies, vivid epistles and peerless twangin. Zachariah and Great Willow support. At Mr. T's, Highland Park Bowl, 5621 Figueroa St., Highland Park 90042; 8:30pm; FREE; (323) 257-2695; www.highlandparkbowl.com.
Thurs. Jan. 9 -- The Smudges are violinist Jeff Gauthier and cellist Maggie Parkins, whirling up a vortex of composition, electronics, improvisation and concept that'll suck the wax right outa your earholes; these long-practiced outfolk have started something new and wonderful. At Sunspace, 9683 Sunland Blvd., Shadow Hills 91040; 8-10pm; $10.