SPOTLIGHT

Blues/rock guitarist Samatha Fish (above) stops in at The Sound on Dec. 20. It’s a great bill that includes two additional guitarists as openers, Cederic Burnside and Jon Spencer, the latter of who produced Fish’s latest album, “Death Wish Blues.” Fish is one of the hottest rising stars at the moment with an incendiary live show, built around her terrific lead guitar work. As good as that is, what sets Fish apart is her songwriting, which eschews cliches and instead packs in plenty of hooks. Songs on her albums, such as “Kill or Be Kind,” “Better Be Lonely” or “Bulletproof,” all deserve to be standards. Backed by a powerhouse band, Fish’s tunes are even better live, where her extended soloing can take flight. Blues fans will love every note of this show.

Samantha Fish: Friday, Dec. 20 at The Sound, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd. 8 p.m. $61-$85. thesoundsd.com.

RECOMMENDED

Christmas is right around the corner, but unfortunately, there are many children out there who might not receive any gifts this year without some assistance. On Dec. 20, Break Point will hold its annual Toys For Tots Holiday Drive, with attendees requested to bring a new, unwrapped toy as admission to the event. Toys will be distributed to needy kids around the county. Providing the night’s entertainment will be rock band The Hypno Toads and funk, rock, and pop combo, Hillandale Drive. The latter are currently promoting their recent album, Coming Through. The band’s original, horn-accented tunes such as “Riverside,” are good dance floor fillers and will provide a fun soundtrack to the night’s holiday-themed festivities.

Toys For Tots: Friday, Dec. 20 at Break Point, 945 Garnet Ave. 8:30 p.m. $5. breakpointpb.com.

Fans of iconic singer Linda Ronstadt won’t want to miss an appearance from Love is a Rose at Humphrey’s Backstage Live on Dec. 21. Led by singer Andi McKay, who does bear a passing resemblance to Ronstadt, and featuring acclaimed guitarists Jack Butler (of Private Domain) and Mark Siers (of The Sier Brothers), the band plays excellent versions of songs from her golden era of the late 1960s through mid-1970s, including hits such as “Different Drum,” “When Will I Be Loved” and “You’re No Good.” As a bonus, Love is a Rose also includes songs in their set from members of Ronstadt’s original backing band, The Eagles, making this a great show for anyone who enjoys classic rock.

Love Is A Rose: Saturday, Dec. 21 at Humphrey’s Backstage Live, 2241 Shelter Island Drive. 5 p.m. $5. humphreysbackstagelive.com.

Specializing in the hits of the 1990s, Groove Is In The Heart, will perform at the 710 Beach Club on Dec. 21. Led by vocalists Sandi Shaner and Josie Day, the six-piece band delivers a mix of grunge, alt-rock, and pop hits, ranging from Dee Lite’s namesake immortal dance classic to Evanescence’s stadium rocker, “Going Under.” These are all songs meant to get audiences up on their feet and joining in. The sheer variety of hits on offer makes Groove Is In The Hearts sets standouts for fans of the era’s music, with singer Day’s soaring vocals a particularly strong asset for the group.

Groove Is In The Heart: Saturday, Dec. 21 at the 710 Beach Club, 710 Garnet Ave. 9 p.m. 710bc.com.

Pianist Kevin McCully appears at the La Valencia on Dec. 26. Putting a twist on the classic solo piano bar-type entertainment, McCully uses backing tracks to get a full band sound with just his voice and keyboard. Offering something for just about every musical taste, his sets include such obvious lounge classics as “Fly Me To The Moon” by Sinatra, and evergreens such as Johnny Cash’s “Walk The Line,” but also more unexpected gems such as “Love Song” by The Cure and Guns and Roses “Sweet Child of Mine.” McCully is a human jukebox, with a repertoire custom-built for singing along.

Kevin McCully: Thursday, Dec. 26 at The La Valencia, 1132 Prospect St. 5:30 p.m. No cover. lavalencia.com.

Anyone interested in hearing something a little different, but still lots of fun, will want to hear Gin & Ukes, appearing at Tio Leo’s on Jan. 2. The four-piece band, including standup bass, features the music of classic country artists such as Johnny Cash, Hank Williams, and Willie Nelson, but also adds in jazz from icons such as Miles Davis and Lee Morgan, as well as reggae via songs by the likes of Jimmy Cliff and Bob Marley. Gin & Ukes has one of the most eclectic setlists you’re likely to hear, this show will be a great way for music aficionados to kick off the new year.

Gin & Ukes: Thursday, Jan. 2 at Tio Leo’s, 6333 Mission Gorge Road. 7 p.m. $10. tioleos.com