8:30 & 10:30 pm: Jazz

Comic, author and television trendsetter Steve Allen, a man who can talk and play piano at the same time, is also among the most prolific songwriters of the 20th century, a craft in which his cosmopolitan wit comes in handy. This weekend’s big-band dates, with orchestra directed by composer-saxophonist Tom Kubis, will no doubt include tunes Allen cranked out only last week.

* Steve Allen Big Band, Catalina Bar & Grill, 1640 Cahuenga Blvd., Hollywood. Also Friday-Saturday, 8:30 and 10:30 p.m., and Sunday, 7 and 9 p.m. $17.50 tonight; $22 Friday-Saturday. (213) 466-2210.

8 pm: Theater

Harry Groener, Paul Winfield and Jeff Corey headline L.A. Theatre Works’ live radio theater production of “Additional Dialogue: An Evening With Dalton Trumbo,” directed by Gordon Hunt. Created by Christopher Trumbo, the play explores Hollywood through the correspondence of the Oscar-winning--and blacklisted--author of “Roman Holiday” and “Spartacus.” The performances will be recorded live for future broadcast on KCRW-FM (89.9).

* “Additional Dialogue: An Evening With Dalton Trumbo,” Doubletree Guest Suites, 1707 4th St., Santa Monica. Today-Saturday, 8 p.m. $27-$33. (310) 827-0889.

8 pm: Pop Music

Whether producing experimental improvisations for its own small label or releasing more accessible envelope-pushing tunes on major-label Geffen, Sonic Youth remains the edgy, abrasive conscience of independent rock. During a stint at Veterans Wadsworth Theater this weekend, the New York quartet will showcase a variety of notable acts in the opening spots, including Helium tonight and Berlin-based Oval on Saturday.

* Sonic Youth at Veteans Wadsworth Theater, Veterans Administration Grounds, Brentwood. Today-Saturday. $20. (310) 825-2101.