SPOTLIGHT

Music legend and Encinitas resident Jack Tempchin (encima) performs at Humphrey’s Backstage Live on Nov. 30. An integral part of the local music community since the 1960s, Tempchin is perhaps best known as co-writer of such 1970s and 1980s hits as The Eagles “Peaceful Easy Feeling,” Johnny Rivers “(Slow Dancing) Swayin’ to the Music,” and Glen Frey’s “You Belong to the City.” After more than 50 years of making music, Tempchin is still going strong, most recently releasing the album, “One More Time With Feeling,” but live is where he truly excels. Tempchin’s concerts mix a lifetime’s worth of stories with heartfelt renditions of his songs, each performance showcasing why he is considered a national treasure.

Jack Tempchin: Thursday, Nov. 30 at Humphrey’s Backstage Live, 2241 Shelter Island Drive, Shelter Island. 6 p.m. $10-20. humphreysbackstagelive.com.

RECOMMENDED

Johnny Cash fans won’t want to miss Cash’d Out at Beaumont’s on Nov. 24. Cash’d Out has more than 150 Johnny Cash songs in their repertoire, but their secret weapon is frontman Doug Benson. Backed by a three-piece band, his recreation of Cash’s music, voice, and manner is uncanny and a key reason they are one of the most popular tribute groups out of San Diego. The night’s set list will include standards such as “Folsom Prison Blues” and “Jackson,” but whatever tunes Cash’d Out performs from Cash’s immense catalog of songs, will please even the most diehard country music listener.

Cash’d Out: Friday, Nov. 24 at Beaumont’s Eatery, 5662 La Jolla Blvd. 9 p.m. $30. beaumontseatery.com.

Adventurous music aficionados will want to head to the Athenaeum on Nov. 27 for a free lunchtime set from Duo AYA. Jointly based in San Antonio, Texas, and Tokyo, Japan, Duo AYA features Rachel Woolf, flute, and Makana Jimbu, marimba, with the pair working together to stretch the boundaries of traditional chamber music. It’s a wonderful combination, with the flute’s haunting melodies playing against the marimba’s percussive qualities. Anyone who enjoys new-age music, quiet storm soundtracks, or modern jazz will find much to appreciate from Duo AYA’s music.

Duo AYA: Monday, Nov. 27 at the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library, 1008 Wall St. Noon. Free. ljathenaeum.org.

On Nov. 30, Moonshine Beach hosts a show with three of San Diego’s hottest rising talents, Cassie B, Charlie Rae, and Ash Easton. All three are well worth hearing. Singer-songwriter Rae’s plaintive tunes have built her a solid following, while Easton’s bluesy rock won her a “Best New Artist” trophy at the 2023 San Diego Music Awards. Closing the night will be Cassie B, one of the hardest-working musicians in town. She’s a powerhouse vocalist, but her real strength is her songwriting, with songs such as her instantly memorable new single “Checkmate,” incorporating both dance elements and strong pop hooks.

Cassie B: Wednesday, Nov. 30 at Moonshine Beach 1165 Garnet Ave. 8 p.m. $12. moonshinebeachsd.com.

San Diego has a thriving music scene, and that’s thanks in part to Mission Bay High School’s amazing music program. Helmed by metrousic Director JP Balmat, MBHS has turned out generations of gifted musicians. On Tuesday and Wednesday, Dec. 5 y 6, the school will hold two concerts showcasing the current roster of young players. Opening night will feature jazz, spotlighting the school’s Swing Choir, Mambo Orchestra, and Preservationists, while the following evening’s Classical theme, will include the school’s Symphony and String Orchestras, Concert Choir, and Wind Symphony. Admission goes towards supporting the school’s music program.

Mission Bay High School Winter Concerts: Tuesday y Wednesday, Dec. 5-6, at Mission Bay High School, 2475 Grand Ave. 7-9 p.m. $5. missionbaymusic.com.

Electronica pioneers Depeche Mode stop in at Pechanga Arena for two shows, Dec. 6 and 8. Formed in England circa 1980, the group’s angst-driven, atmospheric sound is as influential as ever. Still led by singer Dave Gahan and multi-instrumentalist Martin Gore, Depeche Mode remains hugely popular on a global scale. The new album, “Memento Mori,” is currently on the charts, but longtime listeners can rest assured this tour is heavy on fan favorites, with songs such as recent single, “My Favourite Stranger,” joining a long list of their classics, including “Never Let Me Down Again,” and “Personal Jesus.”

Depeche Mode: Wednesday y Friday, Dec. 6 y 8 at Pechanga Arena, 3350 Sports Arena Blvd. 7:30 p.m. $54 – $244. pechangaarenasd.com.