Campland on the Bay celebrates its 50th anniversary on Oct. 6 with a full day of activities. There will be fun for the whole family, kicking off at 10 a.m. with games such as “Human Foosball.” Music will be a major component of the event with three bands on the lawn stage playing multiple sets: Groove Kitty (10 a.m.), Radio Thieves (2 p.m.) and Arena (7 p.m.). Of particular note are the Beth Vinas-fronted Groove Kitty, who perform high- energy classics by the likes of Jefferson Starship, Bon Jovi and AC/DC, the perfect soundtrack to a day on the water.
50th anniversary celebration: Saturday, Oct. 6 at Campland on the Bay. 8 p.m. All ages. campland.com. Pacific BeachFest returns on Oct. 6 with three stages of live entertainment, plus a DJ lounge. Taking place from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. along the boardwalk in Pacific Beach, musical highlights will include singer-songwriter Casey Turner and reggae rockers Jet West, as well as two Mission Bay High School groups; The Preservationists and the Mambo Orchestra. With plenty of vendors, foods, art and more on offer, a stroll through this popular event is just about the perfect way to spend a Saturday in San Diego. Pacific BeachFest: Saturday, Oct. 6. All ages. pacificbeachfest.org.
The unlikely pairing of jazz and 1980s-era new wave will combine on Oct. 12 at Dizzy’s with an appearance by Retrosonik. The quartet performs a show dubbed, “Reimagining the Music of the ’80s,” featuring updated versions of songs from the likes of Duran Duran, Spandau Ballet and The Police. Featuring Anthony Smith (piano/vibes), Ken Turner (vocals), Doug Walker (bass) and Duncan Moore (drums), this is no mere gimmick, Retrosonik finds new beauty in the classic songs’ melodies, with adventurous arrangements that will delight fans of both genres. Retrosonik: Friday, Oct. 12, at Dizzy’s at Arias Hall, 1717 Morena Blvd. 8 p.m. dizzysjazz.com. The 710 Beach Club hosts blues and R&B powerhouse, Lady Dottie and the Diamonds on Oct. 12. Simply one of the best live acts in San Diego, for more than a decade, Lady Dottie has delivered the goods, turning any venue she and her band perform at into a vintage juke joint. The band’s lineup fluctuates, but they continue to mine a wealth of classic covers and also play excellent originals such as “I Ain’t Mad ‘Atcha” but whatever they play, they never give less than 200 percent. If you’ve never seen Lady Dottie this is a wonderful opportunity. Lady Dottie & The Diamonds: Friday, Oct. 12 at the 710 Beach Club, 710 Garnet Ave. 9 p.m. 21 and up. 710bc.com.
Halloween comes early to the sternwheeler The William D Evans, when the Six String Society takes off on Oct. 13, aboard a “Haunted Halloween Cruise.” Departing from the Bahia Resort, the event promises to be a unique Halloween experience, with the ships three levels hosting five of San Diego’s hottest acts. On hand will be legendary roots rockers The Farmers, cumbia/rockabilly favorites The Sleepwalkers, blues singer Casey Hensley, costumed garage band The Creepy Creeps and Celtic quintet Brogue Wave. With a great mix of sounds and scenery this will be the event to beat this season.
Haunted Halloween Cruise: Saturday, Oct. 13, at the Bahia Resort, 998 West Mission Bay Drive. 5 p.m. 21 and up. $10. thesixstringsociety.com. Seventies hitmakers America perform at Humphrey’s on Oct. 5. Best known for a string of George Martin-produced mid-’70s hits that includes “Lonely People,” “Sister Golden Hair,” and “Tin Man,” the duo has continued to produce excellent music, most recently with the 2007 album, “Here & Now.” Fans can expect a greatest hits set with a few choice covers mixed in. The chance to hear songs such as “Ventura Highway” and “Horse With No Name,” by the originators shouldn’t be passed up.
America: Friday, Oct. 5 at Humphrey’s Concerts, 2241 Shelter Island Drive. 7:30 p.m. humphreysconcerts.com.