SPOTLIGHT

Fans of both classic pop/rock and comedy won’t want to miss an appearance from the Middle-Aged Dad Jam Band (above) at the Epstein Family Amphitheater on May 17. Featuring actors/middle-aged dads, Ken Marino and David Wain, the jam band plays excellent versions of hit songs from the 1960s through the 1980s, including tunes by the likes of Paul Simon, Stevie Wonder, and Springsteen, with between-song banter adding a touch of humor to the proceedings. Marino and Wain were both part of the legendary sketch comedy troupe, The State, in the early 1990s, going on to work on an amazing array of hit TV and movie projects between them, ranging from “The Simpsons” and “Reno:911,” to Mel Brooks’ “History of the World Part II.” The Middle Aged Dad Jam Band allows Marino and Waid to stretch out for a bit of musical fun with a set full of sing-a-long favorites, yet another highlight in a set of impressive resumes.

Middle Aged Dad Jam Band: Saturday, May 17 at the Epstein Family Amphitheater, 9500 Gilman Drive. 8 p.m. $25-$43. amphitheater.ucsd.edu.

RECOMMENDED

Kids music comes to the Baker Baum Concert Hall on May 10 with an appearance from Lucky Diaz, for two matinee performances. Although he’s considered a children’s entertainer, over the past 15 years Diaz’s music has won him fans of all ages, with multiple Latin Grammys, and an Emmy to his credit, most recently, receiving a Best Children’s Music award at the 2025 Grammy’s for the album, “Brillo, Brillo.” Diaz’s infectious, rhythmic, bi-lingual songs blend everything from Latin influences to ska, for an upbeat sound that’s sure to delight youngsters. Audience participation is encouraged at this performance, making this a fun way for kids to start their weekend.

Lucky Diaz: Saturday, May 10 at The Baker Baum Concert Hall at The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center, 7600 Fay Ave. 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. $18-$23. theconrad.org.

ACOUSTIC EVENINGS

The 2025 Acoustic Evenings concert series at the Athenaeum kicks off on May 16 with a particularly strong bill featuring rapper Wax, singer-songwriter Cindy Lee Berryhill, and multi-instrumentalist Gayle Skidmore. All three artists are amazing talents. Skidmore’s adventurous melodies and song hooks are the antidote for even the most jaded pop fan, and Wax’s lyrical skills will keep listeners hanging on every word, however, Berryhill is the standout here. With a long career that saw her first recordings released in 1987, had her co-found the Anti-Folk movement on the East Coast, and released a string of acclaimed albums, most recently 2017s “The Adventurist,” Berryhill remains an engaging performer, with an arsenal of great acoustic songs.

Acoustic Evenings: Friday, May 16 at the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library, 1008 Wall St. 7:30 p.m. $5-$23. ljathenaeum.org.

EVOLUTION OF JAZZ

On May 16, bassist Rob Thorsen teams up with pianist Carter Key for an ambitious one-hour program at the La Jolla Community Center; The Evolution of Jazz – A Historical Look At The Past 100 Years. The free lunchtime performance will necessarily cover a lot of ground in 60 minutes, but both Thorsen and Key are up to the challenge. Beyond their acclaim as players in the jazz scene, both are also instructors with the Young Lions Jazz Conservatory, helping guide future generations of young musicians. Any concert by these two performers is well worth hearing, but the historic theme of this show will add to the fun for jazz aficionados.

Rob Thorsen & Carter Key: Friday, May 16 at the La Jolla Community Center, 6811 La Jolla Blvd. Noon. Free. ljcommunitycenter.org.

JOE WOOD

Legendary punk singer Joe Wood performs at The Holding Company on May 18. The former frontman for TSOL tops an excellent matinee bill set to include Swive, Fight Naked, and The Hector Penalosa Gang, the latter featuring members of acclaimed groups, The Zeros and The Dragons. Wood has recently performed with Change Today, having made his name as a member of TSOL from 1983-1993. The show will feature songs from throughout Wood’s career, making this a great musical overview for fans, but make sure to get to the gig early to catch the excellent show openers.

Joe Wood: Sunday, May 18 at The Holding Company, 5046 Newport Ave, 1:30 p.m. $10. theholdingcompanyob.com.

MUSIC SHOWCASE

Singer-songwriter Jeff Ousley hosts a live music showcase at Humphrey’s Backstage Live on May 21. Ousley has been a part of several popular local groups over the years, including such notables as Blue Wind, and The Party Crashers, but is currently in solo mode, following his muse as an Americana-based troubadour. For this event, up-and-coming talent will play short sets using a backline, with Ousley performing between groups. Ousley is a good host, keeping things fast and fun, with a good ear for rising talent. Anyone looking to find the next big thing in San Diego would do well to start here.

Jeff Ousley’s Live Music Showcase: Wednesday, May 21 at Humphrey’s Backstage Live, 2241 Shelter Island Drive. 6 p.m. humphreysbackstagelive.com.