SPOTLIGHT
Singer-songwriter AJ Croce (above) returns to San Diego for a special homecoming performance at Humphrey’s Concerts by the Bay on Sept. 23. Part of the “Croce Plays Croce Tour,” for this run of multi-media shows the focus will be on the music of AJ’s father, iconic 1970s-era hitmaker, Jim Croce. The younger Croce does his dad proud, with superb renditions in the set list of such classics as “Operator,” “You Don’t Mess Around With Jim” and “Time In A Bottle.” With an audience sure to be filled with friends and family, this event promises to be a true celebration of six decades of Croce music.

Croce Plays Croce: Saturday, Sept. 23 at Humphrey’s Concerts by the Bay, 2241 Shelter Island Drive. 7:30 p.m. $56.50. www.humphreysconcerts.com

RECOMMENDED

On Sept. 16, one of the best tribute bands going, The Who Generation, will play the hits of Pete Townshend at Campland on the Bay. The quartet excels at performing material from The Who’s late 1960s through mid-1970s prime, including songs from the “Who’s Next” and “Quadrophenia” albums. However, what makes the Who Generation stand out is their attention to detail. Diehard fans of The Who will love the use of vintage gear to get the right sound, while the band also goes all out with costuming, including wigs and recreations of iconic clothing. The Who Generation is the next best thing to seeing The Who in their prime.

The Who Generation: Saturday, Sept. 16 at Campland on the Bay. 7 p.m. No cover. campland.com.

Jazz aficionados won’t want to miss singer Jonathan Karrant, who stops in at Tio Leo’s on Sept. 17. The Las Vegas-based crooner will be celebrating the release of his fifth album, “Eclectic,” backed by an all-star band that includes pianist Joshua White, bassist Rob Thorsen and drummer Tyler Kreutel. Long-time fans of Karrant’s smooth vocal stylings will enjoy the album’s diverse mix of tunes, which includes recast jazz versions of The Buffalo Springfield’s “For What It’s Worth” and Willie Wonka’s film favorite, “Pure Imagination.” As good as the new album is, its song choices are even better live, where these virtuoso musicians can showcase their improvisational skills to great effect.

Jonathan Karrant: Sunday, Sept. 17 at Tio Leo’s, 6333 Mission Gorge Road. 5 p.m. No cover. tioleos.com.

Trumpeter Gilbert Castellanos performs at the La Jolla Community Center on Sept. 22. Castellanos has worked around the world with numerous music legends, from Quincy Jones to Willie Nelson, but it’s locally where he’s had the biggest impact. Castellanos’ work as a tireless jazz artist, and promoter, and especially as a music educator with his Young Lions Music Conservatory, has had a major effect on the area’s music community, across genres. His latest album is the Blue Note-styled jazz classic, Espérame en el Cielo, but whatever Castellanos pulls from his extensive repertoire on the night will be well worth hearing.

Gilbert Castellanos: Friday, Sept. 22 at the La Jolla Community Center, 6811 La Jolla Blvd. 8 p.m. $35. ljcommunitycenter.org.

Bassists Justin Grinnell and Kathryn Schulmeister will join forces for a free performance at the Athenaeum on Sept. 25, as part of the venue’s weekly lunchtime mini-concerts. These free events, running through Nov. 27, are a great way to take in adventurous new sounds, focusing on classical music and jazz. This show will spotlight the interplay of two jazz basses, with a heavy dose of improvisation. Both players are major talents, with Grinnell perhaps best known for his work with award-winning combo, The Danny Green Trio.

Justin Grinnell & Kathryn Schulmeister: Monday, Sept. 25 at the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library, 1008 Wall St. Noon. Free. ljathenaeum.org

Ash Easton is having a good 2023. Earlier this year the singer-songwriter took home the San Diego Music Award for “Best New Artist,” while also promoting her recent album, “Rough and Tough,” and appearing on local TV. Meanwhile, later this fall she will be opening for legendary rock trio, ZZ Top. In the meantime, music fans can catch a rising star on Sept. 21 when Easton appears at Humphrey’s Backstage Live. Anyone who appreciates brash, bluesy, rock and roll will find much to enjoy in Easton’s music.

Ash Easton: Tuesday, Sept. 26 at Humphrey’s Backstage Live, 2241 Shelter Island Drive. 8:30 p.m. $5. humphreysbackstagelive.com.