Picks of the Week: Bobby Rodriguez and...

Picks of the Week: Bobby Rodriguez and the Hispanic Musicians Assn. Orchestra, noon today, California Plaza, 300-350 Grand Ave., (213) 687-2159. . . . Also tonight, the Toshiko Akiyoshi Jazz Orchestra, featuring saxophonist Lew Tabackin, pulls into UCLA’s Veterans Wadsworth Auditorium. . . . On Saturday, flutist James Newton leads a big-band tribute to the music of Duke Ellington at Cal State L.A.’s Luckman Theatre, 8 p.m., (213) 343-6600. . . . Also Saturday, there’ll be an opportunity to hear some fine contemporary jazz while supporting a worthwhile cause. Saxophonist Kirk Whalum hosts his ninth annual Girls and Boys Club Benefit Concert at the Pasadena Civic Center, featuring Whalum, saxophonist Gerald Albright and keyboardists Philippe Saisse, 8 p.m. Tickets $20, $26 and $40, (818) 449-7360.

Jazz singing takes the spotlight at Ca Del Sole Ristorante in North Hollywood in October and November, with the talented Stephanie Haynes back in action on Wednesdays, and sultry-voiced Cathy Segal Garcia appearing on Thursdays for the next four weeks. (818) 985-4669.