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SPOTLIGHT
Founded in 1975, Rain – A Tribute to The Beatles (above), remains the benchmark for other like-minded tribute groups. More of a hit-filled theatrical production than a concert, a performance from Rain tells The Beatles story in song, going from their 1964 “Ed Sullivan Show” debut, through to their final Abbey Road sessions in 1969. Diehard fans will love that there are several costume changes in the show, with care given to using the right vintage instruments for the right classic song. As well there is a terrific use of screens, which gives the audience the feeling of being at iconic locations such as Shea Stadium and the Apple Records rooftop. For anyone who appreciates the music of The Beatles, Rain is about as close to the real thing as you can get.
Rain – A Tribute to The Beatles: Monday, Aug. 7 at Humphrey’s Concerts by the Bay, 2241 Shelter Island Drive. 8 p.m. $67.50. humphreysconcerts.com.
RECOMMENDED
The 2023 Concerts by the Sea series at Scripps Park wraps up on Aug. 6 with an appearance from the Full Strength Funk Band. One of the hottest dance groups in San Diego, the Full Strength Funk Band specializes in horn-driven favorites from the 1970s to today, including the likes of Stevie Wonder, Bruno Mars, Dua Lipa, and Earth, Wind & Fire. With a set list full of sing-a-long favorites meant to get an audience up on its feet dancing, this afternoon show will be the perfect way to wind down the weekend, before the Monday morning blues.
Full Strength Funk Band: Sunday, Aug. 6 at Scripps Park, 1133 Coast Blvd. 3:30 p.m. Free. kiwanisclublajolla.org/event/concerts-by-the-sea.
On Aug. 13, yacht rock combo, Band Overboard performs as part of the Concerts on the Green music series taking place at Kate Sessions Park. The group specializes in exact recreations of Top 40 AM radio hits from the 1970s, including hits from big names such as the Eagles, Kenny Loggins, and the Doobie Brothers, but more importantly for fans of the genre, also plenty of gems from the era’s one hit wonders. Essentially a live jukebox, for anyone who enjoys the softer rock side of the 1970s, this show will be a lot of fun.
Band Overboard: Sunday, Aug. 13 at Kate Sessions Park, 5115 Soledad Road. 4 p.m. Free. pbtowncouncil.org/concerts-on-the-green.
One of the foundations of San Diego’s music community, bassist Rob Thorsen, makes an appearance at Tio Leo’s on Aug. 13 as part of their Sunday Night Jazz concert series. Thorsen is one of the area’s busiest musicians, performing in numerous combos both as a band leader and as a sideman. Meanwhile, he is actively involved in helping the next generation of players, teaching at Gilbert Castellanos Young Lions Jazz Conservatory. For this concert, Thorsen will be joined by Chuck Manning (saxophone), Alexander Anderson (piano), and Richard Sellers (drums), with selections ranging from Duke Ellington to Herbie Hancock.
Rob Thorsen: Sunday, Aug. 13 at Tio Leo’s, 6333 Mission Gorge Road. 5 p.m. No cover. tioleos.com.
Singer and multi-instrumentalist Natalie Aley stops in at Estancia on Aug. 15. Adept at ukulele and guitar, Aley most often performs on keyboards, specializing in jazz and Latin tunes, including songs by Jobim and Sergio Mendes. A versatile singer, Aley’s repertoire also includes music from the great American songbook, as well as more contemporary hits from the likes of Pharell and Tom Petty. Aley’s extensive set list and engaging personality make her music the perfect soundtrack to a nice evening out.
Natalie Aley: Tuesday, Aug. 15 at Estancia, 9700 N Torrey Pines Road. 6 p.m. No cover. estancialajolla.com.
Seattle-based jazz singer Sara Gazarek performs at Dizzy’s on Aug. 16. Backed by a band featuring Julian Shore (piano), Matt Aronoff (bass), and Jared Schonig (drums), Gazarek is touring in support of her latest album, “Vanity.” She has a beautiful voice, with a warm clear tone. The title track perfectly encapsulates Gazarek’s appeal, going from a melodic ballad to rhythmic emotive vocalizing in its short span, all with absolute control. Within the umbrella of jazz, Gazarek casts a wide net. Fans of Blue Note-styled tunes, Mancini soundtracks, torch songs, and pop melodies will find much to enjoy in Gazarek’s music.
Sara Gazarek: Wednesday, Aug. 16 at Dizzy’s at Arias Hall, 1717 Morena Blvd. 8 p.m. $20. dizzysjazz.com.