Reggae aficionados will want to take in a set from Crucial Blend, aboard the Bahia Belle, on Nov. 20. Since the boat cruises are closed in December, this is one of the last opportunities this year to take in music aboard one of San Diego’s best entertainment options, and Crucial Blend’s up-tempo island songs are the perfect party soundtrack for the voyage around Mission Bay. It’s been said that reggae is the sound of San Diego’s beach communities, and Crucial Blend hits all the right marks with catchy tunes such as “Ring the Alarm” and “Headed West.” If you haven’t yet caught the band or taken the boat cruise, this is the perfect opportunity to do both. Crucial Blend: Friday, Nov. 20 at the Bahia Resort, 998 West Mission Bay Drive. 9:30 p.m. 21 and up. $10. Modern rock fans will enjoy a two-tribute band bill set for Nov. 20 at the 710 Beach Club, featuring Fooz Fighters and Rage Against, musical Doppelgangers for Foo Fighters and Rage Against the Machine. While both bands are good, the edge goes to Fooz Fighters, with an arsenal of Dave Grohl-penned classics, including “This Is a Call” and “Times Like These,” all adrenaline-charged rockers, perfect for stadiums or barroom sing-alongs.
Fooz Fighters: Friday, Nov. 20, at the 710 Beach Club, 710 Garnet Ave. 9 p.m. 21 and up. As we head into the holiday season, Dizzy’s will be the site of two special concerts that any lover of jazz should not miss. On Friday, Nov. 20, legendary 96-year-old percussionist Jack Costanzo and his Bi-National Mambo Orchestra will perform. Meanwhile, 93-year-old iconic guitarist Mundell Lowe will perform on Sunday, Nov. 22. These two happen to be San Diegans, but their impact has been felt worldwide. Costanzo has performed with everyone from Desi Arnaz to Gilbert Castellanos, taught percussion to scores of Hollywood stars such as Marlon Brando and even appeared with Elvis in the movie “Harum Scarum.” Meanwhile, Lowe has performed with a Who’s Who of jazz legends, from Ella Fitzgerald to Charlie Parker, and can be heard daily on TV via the soundtracks of such shows as “Hawaii 5-0,” “Starsky & Hutch” and “The Wild, Wild West.” If you are a fan of jazz, our music history, or just like stellar playing by two of the most important artists ever to call San Diego home, please make these two shows a priority.
Jack Costanzo: Friday, Nov. 20; Mundell Lowe: Nov. 22, at Dizzy’s, 4275 Mission Bay Drive. 8 p.m. $20. No doubt about it, Stevie Ray Vaughn is the guitarist that many modern-day blues players most admire, especially since his passing in 1990. Naturally, with such acclaim, tribute bands have been formed to play his classics, and one of the best, Alan Iglesias & Crossfire, performs at Tio Leo’s on Nov. 21. Iglesias has more than a passing resemblance to Vaughn, but he’s an even better match where it counts, in the guitar work. Iglesias is the next best thing to the real deal, with great renditions of classics from “Pride & Joy” to “Voodoo Child (Slight Return).”
Alan Iglesias & Crossfire: Saturday, Nov. 21. Tio Leo’s, 5302 Napa St. 9 p.m. 21 and up. Cover TBD. Fans of terrific guitar playing will want to check out Hank Easton, who performs at the Kona Kai Resort Nov. 21 and 28. It says enough about the man’s fretwork that he is the star player in Steely Dan tribute band The Steely Damned, though here he is in solo mode, using loops, backing tracks and pedals to enhance the sound. With a mix of great tunes from Hendrix to Hall & Oates, Easton offers up something for just about every musical taste, all in the Kona Kai’s beautiful waterfront location. Hank Easton: Saturday, Nov. 21 and 28, at the Kona Kai Resort, 1551 Shelter Island Drive. 7 p.m. Metal gets short shrift locally, but there is a diehard community that really supports the bands, all of which will be seen at the first Thrashgiving, being held at Brick by Brick on Nov. 25. It may not be the traditional sort of Thanksgiving gathering – no turkey or stuffing will be on hand – but hard rock fans will be treated to an impressive bill of Exmortus, Desecrate, Eukaryst, Voices of Ruin and Ratt Black. While Exmortus will play favorites from their catalog, the band is touring in advance of a new album, “Ride Forth,” due Jan. 8. This shows promises to be loud, manic and in your face. Thrashgiving: Wednesday, Nov. 25 at Brick by Brick, 1130 Buenos Ave. 8 p.m. 21 and up. $10.