Events happening Friday
POP MUSIC
On Flying Lotus In his strange and wonderful new album, “Cosmogramma,” Lotus destroys genres with his jazz-infused avant-garde music. He’s commandeering the Echoplex on Friday and Saturday for two very different performances. On Friday, he’ll play a solo set with full visual accompaniment and excellent openers including fellow travelers Ras G and Samiyam. On Saturday, however, it gets even more intriguing, as Lotus debuts his new live band (or, as he’s dubbing it, an “infinity” sign), with his virtuoso saxophonist kin Ravi Coltrane, Gonjasufi and the Gaslamp Killer opening. Echoplex, 1154 Glendale Blvd., L.A. 9 p.m. Fri. and Sat. $20. https://www.attheecho.com.
Carole King and James Taylor More than 40 years after they played their first joint show at the Troubadour, Carole King and James Taylor have reunited with their original backing band. This time, they’re taking the show — and many of the original folk-driven songs they played in the late 1960s — on the road, with stops including the Hollywood Bowl. 2301 N. Highland Ave., L.A. 7:30 p.m. Fri. and Sat. Ticket prices vary. (323) 850-2000, https://www.hollywoodbowl.com.
Joshua Tree Music Festival When it comes to desert music festivals, Coachella isn’t the only game in town. The eighth annual Joshua Tree Music Festival offers three days of eclectic live music under the expansive Mojave sky. Scheduled performers include the cross-cultural electronica act Mexican Institute of Sound, the Afrobeat artist Wunmi and the Bulgarian-born singer-songwriter Geri X. Joshua Tree Lake Campground, 2601 Sunfair Road, Joshua Tree. 6 p.m.-midnight Fri. 11 a.m.-midnight Sat. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sun. $60-$80 per day, $135 for three-day pass. (877) 327-6265. https://www.joshuatreemusicfestival.com.
BOOKS
Daniel Clowes The cartoonist, creator of “Ghost World” and “Art School Confidential,” will present his new graphic novel, “Wilson,” with a slide show. Comedian Dana Gould will act as the Q&A guest moderator, and Clowes will sign copies of the new book. Skylight Books, 1818 N. Vermont Ave., L.A. 7:30 p.m. Fri. Free. (323) 660-1175. https://www.skylightbooks.com.