SPOTLIGHT
While San Diego has had numerous respected reggae artists emerge from its club scene, none has reached the heights of Quino, who appears as part of Throwback Lovers Reggae Night at Humphrey’s Backstage Live on June 29. Best known for his work with the platinum-selling group, Big Mountain (above), who scored a No. 6 hit in 1994 with their cover of “Baby I Love Your Way,” Quino continues to be a worldwide outdoor festival favorite three decades on. Currently performing in support of Big Mountain’s new single “Vida,” this opportunity to hear Quino at an intimate nightspot such as Humphreys shouldn’t be passed up by reggae fans.
Throwback Lovers Reggae Night: Thursday, June 29 at Humphrey’s Backstage Live, 2241 Shelter Island Drive. 6 p.m. $20. humphreysconcerts.com.
RECOMMENDED
Dizzy’s continues its ambitious bookings on June 25 with a production of “Songs from the Sea.” Co-directed by Thomas Meyer (composition, piano) and Samantha Hafey (performance artist, vocalist, lyricist), the show is a montage of stories ese take in a musical mix of jazz, theatre, and hip-hop all held together by oceanic and eco-feminist themes. Featuring an all-star cast including SDMA winners, rapper Riston Diggs, and drummer Julien Cantelm, anyone who would like to expand their musical horizons will find much to enjoy from this new presentation.
Songs from the Sea: Sunday, June 25 at Dizzy’s at Arias Hall, 1717 Morena Blvd. 8 p.m. $20. dizzysjazz.com.
Rockabilly, swing, and honky-tonk blues combo, The Rockin’ Aces celebrate their 25th anniversary with a show at Tio Leo’s on June 29. The venue holds special significance to the band as Tio Leo’s was where they made their debut back in 1996. Featuring Paul Anthony (lead vocals, guitar), Tim Butler (bass), “Memphis” Ed Reeves (drums), and Ken Gill (guitar), The Rockin’ Aces are custom-built for dancing, with a set list full of classics such as “After Midnight” and “Iko Iko.” Most bands burn out after a few years. With 25 years behind them and a slew of gigs ahead of them, it’s clear the Rockin’ Aces are doing something right.
Rockin’ Aces: Thursday, June 29 at Tio Leo’s, 6333 Mission Gorge Road. 7 p.m. $10. tioleos.com.
Funk fans will want to hear Slapbak, performing at Beaumont’s on July 1. Led by singer/multi-instrumentalist Jara Harris, the band excels at grove-driven R&B, with a set list that includes the yoikes of James Brown, Prince, and Earth, Wind & Fire, as well as like-minded originals. When it comes to funk, Harris is the real deal, having worked with numerous music icons, including Verdine White and Fred Wesley. Slapbak’s latest single, “Can’t Trust Your Honesty,” featuring Donovan Frankenreiter, is well worth hearing, but live is where the band is truly at their best, highlighted by their funky extended jams.
Slapbak: Saturday, July 1 at Beaumont’s Eatery, 5662 La Jolla Blvd. 9 p.m. $10. beaumontseatery.com.
One of the most beloved musical traditions in San Diego, the Athenaeum Summer Festival, a series of four concerts that feature acclaimed pianist and area native, Gustavo Romero, takes place this year each Sunday from July 2 to July 23. Returning to the venue ese helped give him his start, the 24el edition of Summer Fest features Romero in solo format, performing Schubert’s Complete Piano Sonatas. For fans of classical music, and especially gifted piano playing, the combination of Romero’s talent and the Athenaeum’s amazing acoustics, make this event one of the year’s highlights.
Gustavo Romero: Sunday, July 2 at the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library, 1008 Wall St. 4 p.m. $50-$200. ljathenaeum.org.
Campland on the Bay’s summer entertainment schedule is in full swing, with free outdoor concerts Friday and Saturday evenings. For the coming holiday, they are expanding their offerings, with live music added from Sunday through Tuesday, July 1 to July 4. On July 2, the featured act will be yacht rock favorites, Band Overboard, a veritable human jukebox specializing in Top 40 AM radio hits of the mid-1970s, from the likes of the Doobie Brothers, Eagles, and Steely Dan. For anyone who enjoys the softer side of the classic rock era hits of the mid-1970s, this show will be sing-a-long fun.
Band Overboard: Sunday, July 2 at Campland by the Bay. 7 p.m. No cover. campland.com.
