Calendar’s Calendar

First chances, last chances and what not to miss today

Pharoah Sanders Quartet This saxophonist’s 1960s musical forays with John Coltrane are the stuff of jazz legend – furious, creative innovation that led audiences to new and unfamiliar musical frontiers. Now 67, Sanders’ most recent CD, “The Creator Has a Master Plan,” was released in 2003. Jazz Bakery, 3233 Helms Ave., Culver City. 8 and 9:30 p.m. $15 to $35. (310) 271-9039.

Kenny Garrett Quartet This saxophonist’s latest CD, “Beyond the Wall,” was Grammy-nominated in 2006. Catalina Bar & Grill, 6725 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood. 8 and 10 p.m. $20 to $30. (323) 466-2210.

Phil Ranelin Jazz Ensemble The trombone virtuoso will be working with saxman Randal Fisher, pianist Gary Matsumoto, bassist Edwin Livingston and drummer Don Littleton. Santa Monica College Concert Hall, 1900 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica. 7 p.m. $12. (310) 434-3000.

Beth Orton This English romantic started freaking on folk a decade before the latest trend, laying her lacy vocals over electronic beats and ghostly guitars. Her current release, “The Comfort of Strangers,” puts her more solidly in the Sandy Denny tradition she can’t help but deal with, but there’s still a sense of cool that’s totally contemporary. At their best, her live shows suspend time. El Rey Theatre, 5515 Wilshire Blvd., L.A. 8 p.m. $27.50. (323) 936-4790.

Fafalo An utterly charming tour de force deftly marries the freewheeling spirit and physicalized performance style of commedia dell’arte with inventive scripting, masks, costumes and large-scale puppets in Stephen Legawiec’s comic fable about a scamming street peddler mistakenly elevated to the throne of a mythical kingdom. Miles Memorial Playhouse, 1130 Lincoln Blvd., Santa Monica. 8 p.m.; ends April 13. $20. (310) 842-5737.