Wadada Leo Smith

The first of two evenings comprising a 70th birthday celebration for this great, if relatively unheralded, trumpeter-composer, tonight’s lineup includes Smith’s versatile Golden Quartet (which features Angelica Sanchez, John Lindberg, and Pheeroan AkLaff); Mbira, an improv-oriented trio featuring pipa player Min Xiao Fen; and his String Quartet plus singer Thomas Buckner. Tomorrow night, look for the Golden Quintet (with additional drummer Susie Ibarra), the dense and experimental Silver Orchestra, and Smith’s fiery, guitar-heavy Organic project.

Thu., Dec. 15, 8 p.m.; Fri., Dec. 16, 8 p.m., 2011