Rock-a-billy comes to the 710 Beach Club on Jan. 12, with an excellent two-band bill featuring the Hard Fall Hearts and The Cat Chasers. Both bands share a modern take on a classic sound, as well as the trio format, with a standup bass and plenty of punk energy to propel their songs. However, the long-running favorite here is the Hard Fall Hearts, veterans of numerous U.S. and European tours since their 2008 founding. This band is at their best onstage, indeed, following two studio albums; their latest is a live recording, “At The Merrow,” making it clear that this trio is at their best onstage where their manic energy shines. Hard Fall Hearts: Friday, Jan. 12, at the 710 Beach Club, 710 Garnet Ave. 9 p.m. 21 and up. 710bc.com. It’s true that the Euphoria Brass Band brings a bit of the sound of New Orleans to San Diego, but mostly what they bring is fun. Appearing at Dizzy’s on Jan. 12, the seven-piece band mostly performs a mix of genre classics and new originals such as “Brass to Bhangra,” each designed to get audience members up on their feet and dancing. Featuring some of the area’s top players including trombonist April West, baritone/alto sax/clarinet player JP Balmat and drummer Ron Bocian.
Euphoria Brass Band: Friday, Jan. 12, at Dizzy’s at Arias Hall, 1717 Morena Blvd. 8 p.m. $15. dizzysjazz.com. Java Joe’s will host a showcase bill featuring eight of San Diego’s best performers, including Nina Francis, Lindsay White, Gaby Aparicio, Calman Hart, The Brothers Burn, Bobo Czarnowski, Marklyn Retzer and Ren Daversa. Owner Joe Flammini is known for helping many fledgling performers and this bill shows that he is still a major talent spotter, with most of these performers ready to move on to the national level.
Nina Francis: Saturday, Jan. 13 at Java Joe’s, 2611 Congress St. 8 p.m. All ages. javajoessd.com.
Metal heroes, Fates Warning, perform at Brick by Brick on Jan. 13. Formed in 1982, the band has never scored a chart hit, instead becoming cult heroes to a mass of fans that have kept the band going through a dozen albums. Currently touring behind the album, “Awaken the Guardian Live,” Fates Warning still includes original guitarist John Matheos alongside longtime vocalist Ray Alder, but make no mistake, this is no nostalgia act. Fates Warning: Saturday, Jan. 13, at Brick by Brick, 1130 Buenos Ave. 8 p.m. 21 and up. $30. The latest edition of music showcase, San Diego Live, takes place on Jan. 17 at Tio Leo’s. The night will feature an eclectic mix of talent, with full sets from featured band, Wish and The Well, plus short performances from Jeff Ousley and Steve Ball, Veronica May, Rebeca and David Randle, The Israel Maldonado Trio, and Jerod & Melissa Dulaney & Co. All the artists are solid performers, but the night’s highlight will be Americana tinged rockers, Wish and The Well, who come armed with an arsenal of hook filled material, such as “Where I Belong,” perfect for fans of melody, indie rock or country music.
San Diego Live: Wednesday, Jan. 17 at Tio Leo’s, 5302 Napa St. 7 p.m. 21 and up. Cover TBD. tioleos.com. Classic rock fans won’t want to miss Stone Horse, playing aboard the Bahia Belle on Jan. 19. The quartet has a solid list of crowd pleasing tunes from the 1960s and 1970s in their repertoire, including songs from the likes of Traffic and Rick Derringer. But they are no mere cover band, with a slew of originals that capture the essence of those vintage favorites. The band is led by top-notch guitarist Carlos Rodriguez, however it’s singer Danielle Spade and bassist Jeff Bloom that command attention in concert, with great stage presence that matches their talents.
Stone Horse: Friday, Jan. 19 at the Bahia Resort, 998 West Mission Bay Drive. 9:30 p.m. 21 and up. $10. bahiabelle.com.