Jazz picks: Monk Institute competition, Gilad Hekselman

A selection of jazz and jazz-adjacent shows coming this weekend.

Gilad Hekselmen Trio at the Blue Whale

The Israel-born guitarist has established himself as a talent to watch in recent years, most recently with the lush and eclectic 2013 album “This Just In,” which at times recalls the intricate sound of Kurt Rosenwinkel. Here he returns to L.A. in an inspired trio with bassist Dave Robaire and drummer Jamire Williams.

The Blue Whale, 123 Astronaut E S Onizuka St., No. 301, L.A. Fri.-Sat., 9 p.m. $15. www.bluewhalemusic.com.

Thelonious Monk Institute competition and gala, Saturday and Sunday

Returning to Los Angeles for the first time since 2008, this annual competition of young jazz artists this year focuses on the trumpet with 13 contestants vying for not just a $25,000 scholarship, but a boost in notoriety as well. Previous winners such as Ambrose Akinmusire and Ben Williams have gone on to become inspired recording artists, and the field will be winnowed down to three finalists at UCLA’s Schoenberg Hall on Saturday in a free show that starts at noon.

Sunday’s gala includes performances by the finalists as well as a spectrum of artists from the pop and blues world as well, including John Mayer, Pharrell Williams, Stefon Harris and Joshua Redman, along with an appearance by former President Bill Clinton, who will be on hand to receive the Institute’s Founders Award. Think he’ll bring his saxophone?

Competition: Schoenberg Hall, UCLA, 445 Charles E Young Drive East, L.A. Sat., 12 p.m. Free;
Gala: The Dolby Theater, 6801 Hollywood Blvd., L.A. Sun., 7:30 p.m. $35-$200. www.monkinstitute.org.

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