Spotlight

Fans of New Orleans-inspired blues and jazz, won’t want to miss either performance from Davina & the Vagabonds (above) at the JAI on Jan. 14. Led by singer and pianist Davina Lozier, complete with a horn section, the group has an authentic sound, as heard on a string of terrific albums, most recently 2019’s “Sugar Drops.” There are other groups that perform similar music but Lozier is a rare find, with a larger-than-life personality that perfectly matches the music she’s playing and also makes it a lot of fun watching her play. She’s clearly having a good time on stage and that feeling is contagious. An excellent songwriter, she’s been vocally compared to the likes of Amy Winehouse and Etta James, but Lozier is in a class of her own.

Davina & the Vagabonds: Saturday, Jan. 14 at The JAI at The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center, 7600 Fay Ave. 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. $65-$80. theconrad.org.

Recommended

Dance floor fillers, Groove is in the Heart, perform at the 710 Beach Club on Jan. 7. A fun live musical jukebox, you can expect a crowd-pleasing set from the band, who specializes in the music of the 1990s. As such, you can expect an eclectic mix of songs, ranging from dance favorites such as Dee-Lite’s namesake tune, to rockers like Remy Zero’s “Save Me.” Groove is in the Heart turn in solid versions of these hits, with the key being their powerhouse vocalists Sandi Shaner and especially, Josie Day, who treats every performance like a showcase.

Groove Is In The Heart: Saturday, Jan. 7 at the 710 Beach Club, 710 Garnet Ave. 9 p.m. 710bc.com.

Tio Leo’s kicks off this year’s Sunday Jazz concert series on Jan. 8 with a performance from The Gilbert Castellanos Quartet. The acclaimed trumpeter is performing in support of his new album, “Espérame en el Cielo,” but whatever he chooses for his repertoire on the night will be sure to please even the most diehard jazz fans. Castellanos has long since moved into “legendary” status when it comes to local musicians, both for his own concerts as well as for his tireless support of young artists through his Young Lions Conservatory. Upcoming performers in the series include singer Sherry Williams (Jan. 15) and pianist Josh White (Jan. 22).

Gilbert Castellanos Quartet: Sunday, Jan. 8 at Tio Leo’s, 6333 Mission Gorge Road. 5 p.m. tioleos.com.

Jazz aficionados won’t want to miss a special one-off event at Humphrey’s Backstage Live on Jan. 15, which features an appearance of the San Diego Jazz All-Stars. The evening will include a host of headliners joining forces, including singer Rebecca Jade, guitarist Patrick Yandall, saxophonist Mark Lessman, keyboardists Max Zape, drummer Roger Friend and vocalist Gene-O Cole. It’s a truly amazing lineup, with Zape also a member of Hemisphere and Jade among the hottest singers on the planet right now. Meanwhile both Jade and Yandall have new albums just out, making this mixing of musical talents extra celebratory.

San Diego Jazz All-Stars: Sunday, Jan. 15 at Humphrey’s Backstage Live, 2241 Shelter Island Drive, Shelter Island. 6 p.m. $20. humphreysbackstagelive.com.

The La Jolla Renaissance Singers (LJRS) make an appearance at the Athenaeum on Jan. 16. Established in 1963, the 16-strong choral ensemble performs music penned during the Middle Ages through the Renaissance, adding a touch of realism by playing their concerts dressed in period costume. Part of the venue’s free Monday lunchtime “Mini-Concert” series, this show from the LJRS, currently led by artistic director Douglas Lynn, will be both a wonderful musical event and history lesson. Anyone interested in songcraft will love the opportunity to take in these performances of early works, which provided the seeds of our own modern music.

La Jolla Renaissance Singers: Monday, Jan. 16 at the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library, 1008 Wall St. Noon. Free. ljathenaeum.org.

Wisconsin-based blues and jazz guitarist Greg Koch stops in at Dizzy’s on Jan. 18. Backed by Hammond B3 player Toby Lee Marshall as well as, drummer (and son) Dylan Koch, Koch is touring behind his latest album, “From the Up’Nuh,” which ably displays why the likes of Buddy Guy and Joe Bonamassa hold him in such high regard. Koch’s songs are well worth a listen, but where he really excels is in the extended jams. There he can really let loose, his melodic playing set against the band’s groove. This is one time it’s a shame Dizzy’s doesn’t have a dance floor.

Greg Koch: Wednesday, Jan. 18 at Dizzy’s, 1132 Prospect St. 8 p.m. $20. dizzysjazz.com.