SPOTLIGHT

One of the hottest musicians in town, guitarist Anthony Cullins (above) took home his second “Best Blues Artist” trophy in a row at this year’s San Diego Music Awards. On May 17, Cullins and his group will perform at Beaumont’s. Though best known as a blues musician, Cullins’ music is a bit more expansive than that, particularly in his vocals, which can give his songs such as “Whirlwind,” a soulful edge. Cullins has recently been collaborating with such blues legends as guitarist Johnny Vernazza and singer Earl Thomas, with constant touring making small venue shows such as this an increasing rarity.

The Anthony Cullins Band: Friday, May 17 at Beaumont’s Eatery, 5662 La Jolla Blvd. 9 p.m. $10. beaumontseatery.com.

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Legendary soul singer Brenton Wood’s farewell tour stops at Pechanga Arena on May 10. Best known for his three 1967 hits, “The Oogum Boogum Song,” “Gimme Little Sign,” and “Baby You Got It,” Wood, now aged 82, has maintained a large following on the oldies circuit through the decades. Still a great live performer, Wood is heading out on this final road trip joined by a great lineup featuring Barbara Mason, Aaron Frazer, MC Magic, Baby Bash, The Bar-Kays, The Lovelites, and Joey Quinones. There are very few soul music pioneers left, so fans of Wood, or the genre in general, shouldn’t miss this concert.

Brenton Wood: Saturday, May 10 at Pechanga Arena, 3350 Sports Arena Blvd. 7 p.m. $41.50-$135. pechangaarenasd.com.

Mission Bay High School’s annual Jazz on the Green concert takes place on May 15. This outdoor event will be helmed by music director JP Balmat, with the school’s Swing Choir, Mambo Orchestra, and Preservationists all taking the stage. It’s a nice mix of sounds, with the evening’s set list focused on a selection of jazz standards emphasizing rhythm and melody. These concerts are always a lot of fun and are a great showcase for the next generation of area musicians. All proceeds raised go towards the MBHS music program.

Mission Bay High School Jazz on the Green: Wednesday, May 15, at Mission Bay High School, 2475 Grand Ave. 6-8 p.m. $10. missionbaymusic.com.

Anyone who appreciates the music of Mexico will want to hear guitarist Sergio Estrada, who performs at the La Jolla Community Center on May 18, as part of the Concerts in the Courtyard series. A former member of the renowned group, Mariachi Internacional, Estrada, who is originally from Mexicali, has a deep knowledge of Mexican music and its background. For this free, lunchtime performance, Estrada will play in solo acoustic mode and include both traditional and modern-era songs, as well as the stories behind them. This concert will be both a musical history lesson as well as an opportunity to listen to iconic melodies that have stood the test of time.

Sergio Estrada: Friday, May 17 at the La Jolla Community Center, 6811 La Jolla Blvd. Noon. Free. ljcommunitycenter.org.

Fans of the Rolling Stones won’t want to miss an appearance from Brian Jones Rock ‘n’ Roll Revival at Humphrey’s Backstage Live on May 18. Named for original Stones guitarist Brian Jones, the seven-piece Rock ‘n’ Roll Revival specializes in rock and blues favorites, but naturally, their mainstay is classic Jagger and Richards tunes, such as “Gimme Shelter” and “Jumping Jack Flash.” What sets the band apart from other area cover bands is Jones’ boundless enthusiasm. The songs may be up to six decades old, but in Jones’ capable hands, they still sound great and they’re still filling dance floors.

Brian Jones Rock ‘n’ Roll Revival: Saturday, May 18 at Humphrey’s Backstage Live, 2241 Shelter Island Drive. 5 p.m. $5. humphreysbackstagelive.com.

Unlikely as it may seem, the historic La Valencia Hotel has become one of San Diego’s best spots to catch up-and-coming singer-songwriters. The hotel’s intimate lounge is the perfect place to take in a set from an acoustic performer, with both local and national talent in their booking mix. On May 18, The La Valencia will host a concert by Jordan Whitlock, who is promoting her latest single, “All I See Is You.” Whitlock’s original songs have an ethereal sound, not unlike Lana Del Rey or Portishead. Alongside an excellent batch of recast standards, such as Sinatra’s “Fly Me To The Moon,” in her repertoire, Whitlock’s music will make a great soundtrack to an evening out in La Jolla.

Jordan Whitlock: Saturday, May 18 at The La Valencia, 1132 Prospect St. 6 p.m. No cover. lavalencia.com.