The music community’s biggest event of the year, the San Diego Music Awards, will take place at the House of Blues on March 19. The 27th annual edition will feature performances from hard rockers P.O.D., indie combo Trouble In Wind, Americana duo Berkley Hart, blues singer Whitney Shay and hip hop trio Parker Meridian, with trophies going to nearly two dozen of San Diego’s best performers. The awards are open to the public and are a great opportunity for both fans and musicians to network with local producers, DJs, TV personalities and other performers. Proceeds from the night will go to The San Diego Music Foundation, which has been involved in keeping music programs in San Diego County Schools for 25 years. There will also be a number of related concerts in advance of the show. The San Diego Music Awards: Monday, March 19 at The House of Blues, 555 Fifth Ave. 7 p.m. 21 and up. sandiegomusicawards.com. The SDMA’s official pre-party will be held at the Karl Strauss Brewery Tasting Room on March 16, with performances from The Verigolds, The Matt Smith Neu Jazz Trio and The Routine. All three performers here are worthy of national attention, but The Verigolds in particular has been drawing notice in recent months for their dynamic shows and melodic tunes such as “Crossfire.” Nominated this year as best Best Indie / Alternative Band, the band has been recording with producer Ed Stasium, best known for his work with the Ramones and Talking Heads. Attendance to this event is free with RSVP at the SDMA website. SDMA Pre-Party: Friday, March 16 at Karl Strauss Brewery Tasting Room, 5985 Santa Fe St. 5 p.m. 21 and up. www.sandiegomusicawards.com Blues fans won’t want to miss the January Berry Band performing at Humphrey’s Backstage Live on March 13. Nominated for “Best Blues Album” for their album, “Chemistry 101,” at this year’s SDMA’s, the band is built around the duo of John January (guitar/vocals) and Linda Berry (vocals), the duo perform a terrific uptempo take on blues that’s perfect for dancing. Their set list includes numerous classic tunes by the likes of Robert Johnson and Sonny Boy Williamson, but also features adventurous updated takes on more modern fare. The January Berry Band: Tuesday, March 13 at Humphrey’s Backstage Live, 2241 Shelter Island Drive. 7 p.m. humphreysbackstagelive.com. One of the most eclectic bills in recent memory takes place at the Casbah on March 13. This SDMA showcase crosses genres, with performances from indie combo Bad Kids, Americana favorite Sara Petite, garage rockers The Hiroshima Mockingbirds and kicking off the night, the New Orleans-inspired Euphoria Brass Band. Make sure to get there early to catch the latter. Helmed by Mission Bay High School music director, Jean Paul Balmat, the Euphoria Brass Band is one of the city’s treasures, never failing to transform any event into a party. Bring your dancing shoes. SDMA Showcase: Tuesday, March 13 at The Casbah, 2501 Kettner Blvd. 9 p.m. 21 and up. casbahmusic.com. If you like blues, Tio Leo’s is the only place to be on March 14 when the venue hosts a showcase concert featuring six of the event’s blues nominees; Bill Magee, Whitney Shay, Robin Henkel, Black Market III, Mercedes Moore Band, and Stoney B. Blues. Each one of the artists is a headliner in their own right, but the nod here goes to Henkel and his take on acoustic blues. A manic, inspired performer, his reverence for the genre and deep catalog of tunes, as well as varied picking styles, have made him a legend amongst both his peers and fans. Blues Showcase: Wednesday, March 14 at Tio Leo’s, 5302 Napa St. 7 p.m. 21 and up. tioleos.com. Nominated for Best Rock album, Electric Mud will be opening for Band of Gringos at the Music Box on March 16. Their disc “Dangerous Promises,” combines elements of rock, blues, folk and psychedelia for music that has a Stonesy swagger and plenty of melody. It’s a combination that has quickly made them a big draw in town. Their shows are always rowdy fun, but this night, celebrating their nomination, should be over the top. Electric Mud: Friday, March 16 at The Music Box, 1337 India St. 9 p.m. 21 and up. tioleos.com.