SPOTLIGHT

Surf combo The Tourmaliners (above) host a dual album release show and fundraiser at Tio Leo’s on Dec. 3. The band is celebrating their new Pacific Records album, “Live & Alive,” while at the same time raising funds for the Pacheo Mission in Mazatlan, Mexico. For this show, The Tourmaliners will play the entire new album and will feature a guest spot from singer Laurie Beebe Lewis, while there will also be numerous items raffled off at the event, ranging from dinner packages to surfboards. Between the great music and the opportunity to help out others less fortunate than ourselves, this concert is the perfect way to start the Christmas holiday season. Admission includes a free copy of the album for the first 100 people through the door.

The Tourmaliners: Tuesday, Dec. 3 at Tio Leo’s, 6333 Mission Gorge Road. 7 p.m. $15. tioleos.com.

RECOMMENDED

Jazz fans won’t want to miss a free concert from The Alex Ciavarelli Trio on Nov. 22 at The Wu Tsai QRT.yrd, located in The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center. Guitarist Ciavarelli is perhaps best known as a member of Jason Hanna’s Bullfighters, with his current band members consisting of Jason Littlefield (upright bass) and Chris Cancellieri (drums), the latter also a member of garage rockers, The Loons. Ciavarelli performs classic jazz in the Blue Note style, with a focus on soloing and his lightning-fast guitar runs. If you like jazz this is a wonderful chance to discover top-notch players and a fun way to kick off the weekend.

The Alex Ciavarelli Trio: Friday, Nov. 22 at The Wu Tsai QRT.yrd at The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center, 7600 Fay Ave. 4:30 p.m. Free. theconrad.org.

Classic rock fans will love The Rolling Heartbreakers, appearing at Tio Leos’ on Nov. 29. Choosing the best material from the Rolling Stones and Tom Petty catalog as their music sets foundation, the Rolling Heartbreakers can include everything from “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” to “American Girl,” in a night’s performance. The band spices up their concerts with songs by other classic rockers, including songs by the likes of Talking Heads and Bruce Springsteen, but their focus remains on the Stones or Petty, making this show ideal for fans of either group of rock icons.

The Rolling Heartbreakers: Friday, Nov. 29 at Tio Leo’s, 6333 Mission Gorge Road. 7 p.m. $12. tioleos.com.

Keyboardist Taryn Donath performs at Humphrey’s Backstage Live on Dec. 2. Winner of the 2022 San Diego Music Award for Best Blues Artist, Donath is a gifted blues-influenced pianist, though her repertoire is much more expansive than that. Her music is meant to get folks up and dancing, her repertoire touching on 60s soul jazz, funk, jump/swing, and Latin rhythms. At this show, Donath will be performing as a duo alongside drummer Matthew Taylor. Just two instruments might seem to mean there will be sparse sound, but the two musicians here have an almost psychic connection that results in terrific performances that never fail to impress.

Taryn Donath: Monday, Dec. 2 at Humphrey’s Backstage Live, 2241 Shelter Island Drive. 6 p.m. $5. humphreysbackstagelive.com.

Anyone heading to Pechanga Arena on Dec. 4 will want to get there early to catch a set from acclaimed classical/flamenco guitarist Mark Langford, who will be playing in their Stella Artois Lounge. Langford made a name for himself hitting local stages with area rock bands, notably Bible Black, however, these days he’s more likely to be performing solo acoustic guitar works. Currently recording a new album of poetry set to his music with backing from members of Oingo Boingo, the Steve Miller Band, and the Elvin Bishop Group, Langford is an amazing guitarist whose work will appeal to anyone who enjoys listening to the guitar. He’s a great choice to provide this event’s pre-show entertainment.

Mark Langford: Wednesday, Dec. 4 at Pechanga Arena, 3350 Sports Arena Blvd. 6:30 p.m. pechangaarenasd.com.

Alt-rock trio, Dinosaur Jr. stop in at the Sound on Dec. 4. The group still features all three original members including, J Mascis (guitars), Murph (drums), and Lou Barlow (bass), with this tour set to celebrate the 30th anniversary of their album, “Where You Been.”

For longtime fans, this is a dream gig, the opportunity to hear the band’s biggest-selling album, live, in its entirety. Dinosaur Jr. helped set the template followed by many current rockers. This is a terrific opportunity to catch one of the most influential bands of the past three decades at one of San Diego’s top music venues.

Dinosaur Jr.: Wednesday, Dec. 4 at The Sound, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd. 8 p.m. $72. thesoundsd.com.