SPOTLIGHT
There are numerous costumed cover bands out there, but few have a gimmick as good as Gilligan’s Island. Performing on Aug. 4 at Kate Sessions Park, as part of this summer’s Concerts on the Green series, the band takes the concept to the next level, performing a mix of 1970s yacht rock classics and later favorites, but doing so dressed as the shipwrecked castaways from classic TV sitcom, “Gilligan’s Island.” The musicians do an excellent job of recreating their character’s look and persona. As impressive as that is, Gilligan’s Island also has superb musicians and singers, making for a highly entertaining show that captures the same spirit of fun as the original TV show that they are spoofing.
Gilligan’s Island: Sunday, Aug. 4 at Kate Sessions Park, 5115 Soledad Road. 4 p.m. Free. pbtowncouncil.org/concerts-on-the-green.
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Dedicated to all things Tiki and vintage exotica, Tiki Oasis returns to San Diego for a weekend of fun in the sun, Aug. 2-4. Taking place at the Town & Country Resort, there will be art exhibits, burlesque shows, cocktail demonstrations, vintage theme park panels, and much more. However, the event’s main attraction is music, and organizers have once put together a terrific lineup, including former Beach Boy Al Jardine and Untamed Youth (Saturday), as well as R&B favorites The Crawdaddys (Sunday). While there is a charge for Tiki Oasis, there are several free events taking place during its run, ranging from sing-a-longs and photo ops to ukulele lessons.
Tiki Oasis: Friday through Sunday, Aug. 2-4 at Town & Country Resort, 500 Hotel Circle N. Doors 8:30 a.m. $45 and up. tikioasis.com.
Classical music fans will want to check out a special rehearsal concert by pianists Joyce Yang and Inon Barnatan at The Baker Baum Concert Hall on Aug. 3. On this occasion the duo will hone their craft on Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker Suite for Two Pianos. This is not a regular performance, but instead a chance for the general public to observe the process of preparing music for the stage, taking in both production elements as well as musical arrangements. This type of open rehearsal, which includes a Q&A with the performers, is a great way to introduce the younger set to classical music.
Joyce Yang and Inon Barnatan: Saturday, Aug. 3 at The Baker Baum Concert Hall at The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center, 7600 Fay Ave. 2:30 p.m. Free. theconrad.org.
This year’s Concerts by the Sea music series, at Scripps Park, wraps up on Aug. 4 with an appearance by 17-piece swing dance combo, Big Time Operator. One of the longest-running groups in San Diego, the band has had many line-up changes in its 30-plus years but still manages to be one of the tightest ensembles in the area, complete with a killer horn section. Their entire setlist is dance-oriented, meant to get attendees at their concerts up and dancing, with a great selection of both vintage favorites and newer tunes that might include anyone from Benny Goodman to the Cherry Poppin’ Daddies.
Big Time Operator: Sunday, Aug. 4 at Scripps Park, 1133 Coast Blvd. 3:30 p.m. Free. kiwanisclublajolla.org/event/concerts-by-the-sea
Few people get to become national success stories in one field, let alone two, but Tim Flannery is truly special. Performing on Aug. 5 at the Athenaeum as part of the weekly lunchtime concert series, Flannery first achieved legendary status in baseball, playing with the Padres from 1979–1989. Concurrently, Flannery began a music career, which has seen him release 15 Americana-tinged albums since 1995. As heard on his latest, “Waiting on A Miracle,” Flannery is an excellent songwriter and storyteller, in the tradition of Jack Tempchin, Jeff Berkley, or Steve Poltz, with a warm voice and a knack for a sing-a-long song chorus. Country or folk fans will love every second of Flannery’s performance, but anyone who enjoys the singer-songwriter genre in general will appreciate his music.
Tim Flannery: Monday, Aug. 5 at the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library, 1008 Wall St. Noon. Free. ljathenaeum.org.
On Aug. 10, Beaumont’s will host an all-day party in honor of its 19el anniversary. While performers had not been announced at press time, music fans can expect a mix of blues, surf, alternative, and classic rock performers. Beaumont’s has a decent dance floor, plus great food and drinks, making it the perfect neighborhood hang-out and a great place to catch live bands. Over the years, the intimate venue has brought numerous nationally acclaimed artists to the area, as well as given many locals a home base, and plenty of reason to celebrate one of San Diego’s live music gems.
19el Fiesta de aniversario: Saturday, Aug. 10 at Beaumont’s Eatery, 5662 La Jolla Blvd. 9 p.m. $10.beaumontseatery.com.
