SPOTLIGHT
A fun costumed event, the Hallogras Cruise, returns to Mission Bay on Oct. 14. Mixing Halloween with Mardi Gras, music lovers can set sail on a 3 ½ hour trip aboard the sternwheeler, William D. Evans, with a diverse group of eight artists performing, including roots rockers The Farmers (above), cumbia/rockabilly favorites The Sleepwalkers, blues combo The Anthony Cullins Band, 1980s era cover band A Nightmare on 80’s Street, bluegrass/Irish folk music octet the Ass Pocket Whiskey Fellas, reggae local heroes Safety Orange, acoustic bluesman Robin Henkel and Americana singer/songwriter Nathan James. With something on offer musically for just about every taste and the scenic views around the bay, this unique Halloween gathering is hard to beat. Dressing up is not required, but it’s always more fun to join in.
The HalloGras Cruise: Saturday, Oct. 14 at the Bahia Resort Hotel, 998 W Mission Bay Drive. 7:30 p.m. $55-$120. www.eventbrite.com/e/the-return-of-the-hallogras-cruise-tickets-667204475547.
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Iconic rapper Ice Cube has a new album, “Man Down,” set for imminent release, but for his appearance at Pechanga Arena on Oct. 13, the focus will be squarely on the past. Billed as a Throwback Jam, at this event, Ice Cube will host a number of late 1970s and 1980s hitmakers, including ZAPP, Warren G, Rob Base, Lighter Shade of Brown, Grandmaster Melle Mel and Scorpio of the Furious Five, and the Sugar Hill Gang. All of the performers have plenty of music that will have concertgoers on their feet moving, but the biggest cheers will likely be for the Sugar Hill Gang, whose 1979 classic “Rappers Delight,” has become a dance band standard.
Ice Cube’s Throwback Jam: Friday, Oct. 13 at Pechanga Arena, 3350 Sports Arena Blvd. 7:30 p.m. $45-$175. pechangaarenasd.com.
The Athenaeum’s acclaimed Acoustic Evening concert series returns for its 15th season on Oct. 13. Hosted by Jefferson Jay, each show features three performers in an acoustic setting. This year’s opening concert will showcase singer/songwriters Bri Schillings and Sierra Marin, as well as violinist Jamie Shadowlight. All are really good performers, with Schillings recently releasing an excellent new single with her band, Sweet Imperfections, “Ignorance Is Violence.” Local music fans will also want to hear Shadowlight, one of the area’s most important musicians of the past few decades. She’s had a long list of collaborators, from world music combo Todo Mundo to jazz trumpeter Gilbert Castellanos, but it’s solo gigs like this where her violin talents truly shine.
Acoustic Evenings: Friday, Oct. 13 at the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library, 1008 Wall St. 7:30 p.m. $52-$72. ljathenaeum.org.
There are few bands as instantly recognizable as ZZ Top, who stop in at Humphrey’s Concerts by the Bay on Oct. 18. Formed in Houston, circa 1969, the legendary bearded rock trio hasn’t released an album of new music in more than a decade, but they are still a great concert act. Die-hard fans will love ZZ Tops’ current road show. Recent set lists have featured a greatest hits mix of classics, including “La Grange” and “Sharp Dressed Man,” adding in a few deep-dive tunes such as the 1971 album track, “Brown Sugar.”
ZZ Top: Wednesday, Oct. 18 at Humphrey’s Concerts by the Bay, 2241 Shelter Island Drive. 7:30 p.m. $135. humphreysconcerts.com.
Beatles fans won’t want to miss guitar virtuoso Fred Benedetti’s annual John Lennon birthday celebration taking place at Dizzy’s on Oct. 20. Joined by vocalists Regina Moomjean and Julia Picone, as well as multi-instrumentalist/bassist Jeff Pekarek and percussionist James Morton, Benedetti will perform songs from throughout Lennon’s career. What sets these shows apart from typical Beatles-themed tributes, is Benedetti’s wonderful arrangements. Using a variety of instruments, from ukulele to double neck guitar, he highlights melodic nuances in the songs, with spectacular guitar playing to match.
Fred Benedetti: Friday, Oct. 20 at Dizzy’s at Arias Hall, 1717 Morena Blvd. 7 p.m. $20. dizzysjazz.com.
Anyone who appreciates the music of 1950s and early 1960s crooners will want to hear singer Jefferson Schildgen who performs at the La Jolla Community Center on Oct. 20. Schildgen specializes in the music of the Rat Pack, with a repertoire of timeless songs by the likes of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Nat King Cole, and Sammy Davis Jr. He does a good job invoking the suave demeanor of the singers of that era, with an excellent voice, but it’s hard to go wrong with a set that includes such immortal tunes as “Mack the Knife” and “My Way.”
Jefferson Schildgen: Friday, Oct. 20 at the La Jolla Community Center, 6811 La Jolla Blvd. Noon. Free. ljcommunitycenter.org.
