SPOTLIGHT

Anyone who appreciates the music of the 1980s, from new wave to synthpop, will love every second of the mini-music festival, The Lost 80’s Live, taking place on Aug. 25 at Humphrey’s Concerts by the Bay. On hand will be an impressive list of Gold and Platinum selling artists, including Wang Chung, General Public, Naked Eyes, Missing Persons (featuring Berton Averre of The Knack), Stacey Q, Shannon, Animotion, Musical Youth, Bow Wow Wow, Gene Loves Jezebel, Kon Kan, Trans-X and Wally Palmer of The Romantics. With so many artists on the bill, the show is a veritable live jukebox, featuring short sets from the performers, focusing on the hits. The night will include such classic songs as “Tenderness,” “Walking in LA” and “What I Like About You,” so you can expect the concert to be one big audience sing-a-long and a lot of fun.

Lost 80’s Live: Friday, Aug. 25 at Humphrey’s Concerts by the Bay, 2241 Shelter Island Drive. 6 p.m. $119.50 humphreysconcerts.com.

RECOMMENDED

On Aug. 22, classical music aficionados are invited to open rehearsals for upcoming Summerfest performances at the Baker Baum Concert Hall. The free, all-ages, afternoon event will feature work on Tchaikovsky’s “Souvenir de Florence,” Op. 70, however in this case it almost doesn’t matter what tune is played, it’s the opportunity to see how world-class musicians put together their repertoire that makes this presentation special. This rehearsal is both a wonderful introduction to the classics for children and a way for music fans in general to see and hear some of the work that goes into producing a classical concert. The rehearsal will be followed by an audience Q&A.

Summerfest Open Rehearsal: Tuesday, Aug. 22 at The Baker Baum Concert Hall at The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center, 7600 Fay Ave. 3 p.m. Free. theconrad.org.

There is no doubt that Ella Fitzgerald was one of the greatest singers of the last 100 years. Though considered a jazz vocalist, in truth there was no genre Fitzgerald couldn’t sing. Her career lasted more than six decades, leaving a legacy of music that will never be equaled. On Aug. 25 some of the area’s top musicians will celebrate Fitzgerald’s memory with a concert at the La Jolla Community Center, featuring singer Rose Mallet, bassist Rob Thorsen, drummer Richard Sellers and pianist Melonie Grinnell. Fitzgerald scored dozens of hits, including such classics as “A-Tisket, A-Tasket” and “T’ain’t What You Do (It’s the Way That You Do It),” both likely candidates for the night’s set list, but whatever Mallet and the band play, the audience is in for a treat.

The Best of Ella Fitzgerald: Friday, Aug. 25 at the La Jolla Community Center, 6811 La Jolla Blvd. 8 p.m. $30. ljcommunitycenter.org.

It will be worth getting up early on Aug. 26 to catch a set from keyboardist David Yuter at the La Valencia. Kicking off at 11 a.m., he will perform a mix of jazz, pop hits, and songs from the Great American Songbook, the perfect soundtrack for a visit to one of San Diego’s most scenic hotels. Yuter is a major talent often heard on much bigger stages, including with electronica outfit, Electric Dream Machine, as well as with 1970s hitmakers, The Babys. Whether you’re stopping into La Valencia for brunch or just to take in the sights, Yuter’s music will make the occasion even more enjoyable.

David Yuter: Saturday, Aug. 26 at The La Valencia, 1132 Prospect St. 11 a.m. No cover. lavalencia.com.

San Diego-based smooth jazz saxophonist Erisa Nicole stops in at Humphrey’s Backstage Live on Aug. 27. Playing in support of her new single “Fresh,” Nicole’s music certainly includes jazz elements, but making her music very danceable, equally present in her sound is funk. Covers in her set include the likes of James Brown and The Gap Band, all crafted to get clubgoers up and moving. Nicole is the latest rising star to emerge from our city’s jazz community, indeed, her previous Humphrey’s show was sold out. Catch her in a small venue while you can.

Erisa Nicole: Sunday, Aug. 27 at Humphrey’s Backstage Live, 2241 Shelter Island Drive. 6 p.m. humphreysbackstagelive.com.

It’s joked that bassists don’t get much respect, but that surely won’t be the case on Aug. 27 at the San Diego Jazz Bass Summit, taking place at Tio Leo’s. Featuring Marshall Hawkins, Mark Dresser, Rob Thorsen, and Andres Martin, the night will include a mix of classic tunes and improvisation, highlighting the melodic qualities of the bass guitar. All the players are amongst the area’s finest, but the night’s star will be Hawkins, who has recorded with such greats as Roberta Flack, The Manhattan Transfer, and Richie Cole.

Jazz Bass Summit: Sunday, Aug. 27 at Tio Leo’s, 6333 Mission Gorge Road. 5 p.m. No cover. tioleos.com.