SPOTLIGHT

Singer-songwriter Corinne Bailey Rae (above) appears at the Epstein Family Amphitheater on April 3. A major talent, Rae’s growth since her first hit in 2005, “Like A Star,” is impressive. Starting her career with a laid-back, soul-inspired, acoustic sound, exemplified by songs such as “Put Your Records On,” recent productions have found her in a more experimental mode, with punk energy on songs such as “Erasure,” and even synthpop on her tune “Earthlings.” Rae’s latest album, “Black Rainbows,” is a departure from her early recordings, highlighted by fuzz rocking single, “New York Transit Queen,” but fans can rest assured that the songs included on this disc pack just as much emotional power and melody as her early works. The night’s set list will include gems from throughout Rae’s recording catalog.

Corinne Bailey Rae: Thursday, April 3 at the Epstein Family Amphitheater, 9500 Gilman Drive. 7 p.m. $25-$63. amphitheater.ucsd.edu.

RECOMMENDED

Six-piece combo, Finnegan Blue, performs a free concert at The Conrad’s Wu Tsai QRT.yrd on April 4. While the venue is renowned for its classical and jazz performances, this is a much more raucous happening. Though considered an Irish folk group, Finnegan Blue’s sound is expansive, with influences ranging from New Orleans jazz to bluegrass. The unifying element for the band in this eclectic mix of musical styles is high energy and a sense of fun, with lots of audience rapport. A great live act, Finnegan Blues’s inspired acoustic music, in a wonderful outdoor setting, is a fine way to kick off the weekend.

Finnegan Blue: Friday, April 4 at The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center, 7600 Fay Ave. 4:30 p.m. Free. theconrad.org.

JEFF BLOOM

Legendary Bird Rock-based multi-instrumentalist, Jeff Bloom, hosts a free afternoon album listening party at Winston’s on April 5. A beloved mainstay at area venues for more than four decades, Bloom has hit area stages with a long list of popular bands, including the likes of Army of Love and Stone Horse. His new release, “Best Of Bloom,” collects previously unissued songs from throughout his lengthy career, with the day set list planned to showcase all aspects of his life in music. Beginning at 4 p.m. this event will include a spin of the new album and a jam session with many of the musicians Bloom has worked with over the years.

Jeff Bloom: Saturday, April 5 at Winston’s, 1921 Bacon St., 4 p.m. Free. winstonsob.com.

PETER SPRAGUE TRIO

Three of San Diego’s finest musicians, guitarist Peter Sprague, pianist Danny Green, and bassist Mackenzie Leighton join forces for an afternoon set of jazz at the Athenaeum on April 7. These three players are truly virtuoso performers. Sprague is the 2015 San Diego Music Awards Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, and one of the area’s most influential musicians, with Green also scoring several SDMAs, including Best Jazz Artist in 2018. Meanwhile, Leighton is nominated for an SDMA this year for his album, “I Remember.” Part of the Athenaeum’s free lunchtime concert series, jazz aficionados will love every second of this performance.

Peter Sprague Trio: Monday, April 7 at the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library, 1008 Wall St. Noon. Free. ljathenaeum.org.

BILL FRISELL TRIO

Iconic jazz guitarist Bill Frisell stops in at the Scripps Research Auditorium on April 9. Although best known as a jazz guitarist, Frisell has also been a session player of choice for decades, recording with a long string of music legends, including Marianne Faithfull, Ringo Starr, Elvis Costello, and Herb Alpert. Prolific to a fault, Frisell’s discography ranges from collections of soundtrack covers to a recent collaboration, “Breaking the Shell,” combining electric guitar with pipe organ and drums. Whatever Frisell chooses from his impressive discography, this evening’s concert will be a masterclass for anyone who appreciates jazz guitar.

Bill Frisell Trio: Wednesday, April 9 at the Scripps Research Auditorium, 10620 John Jay Hopkins Drive. 7:30 p.m. $55. ljathenaeum.org.

STEREOPHONICS

One of Britain’s biggest bands of the past 30 years, Stereophonics, lands at Humphrey’s Concerts by the Bay on April 9. Kicking off the venue’s concert season in fine style, the band is performing in advance of their new album, “Make ’em Laugh, Make ’em Cry, Make ’em Wait,” due out later this month. While Stereophonics have a solid U.S. following, in the U.K., they fall into the superstar category, with eight No. 1 albums and a lengthy string of hits starting with “Local Boy In The Photograph” in 1997. The new single “There’s Always Gonna Be Something” shows that the band’s knack for writing anthemic, hooked-filled tunes remains undiminished.

Stereophonics: Wednesday, April 9 at Humphrey’s Backstage Live, 2241 Shelter Island Drive. 7:30 p.m. $55. humphreysbackstagelive.com.