Eclectic, experimental funk band Estradasphere came up in Santa Cruz, CA in the late 1990s. Since then this stylistically open group has been spreading the word throughout the country with lots of touring, creating a fan base in every port. Inventing wacky genres like “Bulgarian Surf,” “Spaghetti Eastern,” and “Romanian Gypsy-Metal” and drawing inspiration from classical music, funk, jazz, Latin, metal, New Age, and techno, Estradasphere’s is clearly not an easy sound to pinpoint. Citing influences from the Beach Boys to Secret Chiefs 3, the band has been compared to Mr. Bungle and John Zorn and has the sense of humor and certain je ne sais quois that fans of post-modern rock can’t seem to get enough of. Estradaspere plays at Soundlab tonight (Thursday, April 5), at 9pm with local support from the Ginger Lovers

Master Improvisers of Europe the ICP (Instant Composers Pool) Orchestra comes to Asbury Hall at the Church on Saturday (April 7), at 8pm. This Dutch instrumental collective is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year with a North American Tour. Currently comprised of ten members, the Orchestra plays piano, drums, clarinet, sax, tenor sax, double-bass, trumpet, cello, trombone, and violin, and boasts some of the most sought-after musicians in Europe. This is a rare opportunity to see an illustrious group of jazz greats come together on one stage.

Claiming inspiration from NYC’s East Village, Manhattan-based band Johnny Lives! thrives on the gritty, dirty-glam rock of the 1970s, giving it an update witha dose of 80s style rock anthems and 90s Brit-pop. Lead singer Jonny Dombrowski has been compared to the legendary Iggy Pop circa his Raw Power era, and there is an undeniable unbridled, aggressive charisma surrounding the entire band. Now on a tour spawned by the popularity of the soundtrack to National Lampoon’s Van Wilder: The Rise of Taj (whose featured tracks by Johnny Lives! and Everclear, among others, may be a highlight of the movie), this grungy yet glamorous quartet comes to the Buffalo Icon on Saturday (April 7) with Bangkok Five, Daredevil Jane, Red Water, and The Rabies. Doors open at 6pm. This is an all ages show.

Alt-country heroes, punk-country rebels, road-warriors, and tellers of tales, Lucero has a sound best described as tried and true Southern rock-n-roll. Songs about life and love, drinking and driving (though not necessarily at the same time), girls and guitars, and other classic red-blooded American themes have won them a diehard following of loyal fans throughout the USA. The release of the group’s latest album Rebels, Rogues & Sworn Brothers (Liberty & Lament) has certainly increased the band’s popularity with a healthy dose of what fans expect and a certain poignancy that has some calling Lucero “Memphis’ answer to Bruce Springsteen.” See them at Mohawk Place on Tuesday (April 10) with kindred spirits Catfish Haven and local support from The Failures Union. Show starts at 8pm.

The Full Blast Trio is comprised of Peter Brotzmann (reeds), Marino Pliakas (ebass), and Michael Wertmuller (drums). Brotzmann is a German-born musician who is credited as the living legend of European Free Jazz, having been a driving force behind the new jazz movement for over 40 years. The Full Blast Trio is a relatively new collaboration, with Brotzmann teaming up with Swiss musicians Pliakas and Wertmueller in 2004. The group has since toured the world in a variety of capacities, bringing its high-energy improv to the international stage. Peter Brotzmann’s Full Blast Trio comes to Hallwalls at the Church on Tuesday (April 10) at 8pm

Two ska veterans are teaming up to co-headline a solo tour. Dan Potthast, lead singer and guitarist from the St. Louis- based band MU330, and Rick Johnson of the ska-punk outfit Mustard Plug, come to Club Diablo on Wednesday (April 11) for an early show starting at 6pm. Potthast’s solo material, with its sparse acoustic guitar and vocals, has been featured on FX’s “Nip/Tuck” and is a striking departure from the psycho-ska that MU330 is known for. Similarly, the Rick Johnson Rock and Roll Machine is a far cry from Mustard Plug, playing quirky electro-pop that brings to mind some of Devo and Elvis Costello. Also on the bill is the Albany ska-punk band Public Access, and support comes from The Fad, The Scurvy Knaves, and John Stamos & the Full House.