SPOTLIGHT

Although billed as world music, New York-based combo, Banda Magda’s (above) songs are much more expansive than that. Appearing for two shows at the Jai on Oct. 27, Banda Magda’s music is multilingual with elements of samba and other Latin rhythms, as well as folk music and French pop among its kaleidoscope of sound. The five-piece group is a lot of fun live, but what sets them apart from other similar combos is band leader /accordion player, Magda Giannikou’s, way with a song hook. The melodies in tunes such as “Ase Me Na Bo,” and especially “Amour, t’es là?” will stick with you for days.

Banda Magda: Friday, Oct. 27 at The JAI at The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center, 7600 Fay Ave. 6 p.m. and 8:30 a.m. $53-$68. theconrad.org.

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On Oct. 27 award-winning flautist Holly Hofmann, accompanied by drummer Jeff Hamilton and pianist Mike Wofford (Sarah Vaughn, John Lennon, etc.), will perform a tribute to bassist Ray Brown at the La Jolla Community Center. The late musician contributed to hundreds of albums in his career, from a series of acclaimed works with classical legend Andre Previn, to ’90s hits with Linda Ronstadt, making the setlist possibilities for such a show virtually endless. No matter what the selections on the night are, the three musicians taking part are amongst the finest to ever hit a world stage. Jazz aficionados will love every second of this show.

Holly Hoffman: Friday, Oct. 27 at the La Jolla Community Center, 6811 La Jolla Blvd. 8 p.m. $35. ljcommunitycenter.org.

Few local artists have made the sort of impact on San Diego music that Jefferson Jay has done in recent years. In addition to his own groups, open mic hosting, and just general support of local artists, he has also founded two beloved local institutions, the San Diego Music Hall of Fame and the Acoustic Evenings series at the Athenaeum. On Oct. 27 Jay will be one of the artists featured in the latest edition of the latter. However, true to his spirit, he will be focusing the spotlight on the songs of another deserving artist, the late Don Truesdail, who was amongst the performers in the series debut back in 2008. The night will also feature performances from Hugh Gaskins and Gaby Aparicio.

Acoustic Evenings: Friday, Oct. 27 at the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library, 1008 Wall St. 7:30 p.m. $20 ljathenaeum.org.

It’s been 40 years since the new wave band, Oingo Boingo, hit the charts, but they remain a top draw, as well as one of the benchmarks for 1980s music. Though frontman Danny Elfman is no longer with the band, and the group’s name has been amended, the song remains the same, with the current lineup performing what is essentially a greatest hits set, including classics, from “Only A Lad” to “Weird Science.” Making this show a must for fans of ’80s music, opening the concert will be three additional hitmakers of the era; The Tubes (“Talk To You Later”), Dramarama (“Last Cigarette”), and The Untouchables (“Free Yourself”).

Oingo Boing Former Members: Saturday, Oct. 28 at Humphrey’s Concerts by the Bay, 2241 Shelter Island Drive. 7 p.m. $87.50. humphreysconcerts.com.

Anyone looking for proof that Mission Bay High School’s music program is turning out major talent need look no further than guitarist Eric Wesling’s appearance at Dizzy’s on Nov. 3. The former MBHS student will be headlining, accompanied by bassist Julian Esparza and violinist/vocalist Giovanni Ramirez, for a show that will mix jazz standards and classical pieces. While still very much a young performer, Wesling’s virtuoso skills put him on track for bigger stages. Definitely a rising local musician that jazz fans will want to keep an eye on.

Eric Wesling: Friday, Nov. 3 at Dizzy’s at Arias Hall, 1717 Morena Blvd. 8 p.m. $20. dizzysjazz.com.

It’ll be worth rising early on a Sunday to catch a set from singer/songwriter Kira Morrison at the La Valencia Hotel. Although Morrison sings with various combos around town, for this appearance, she will be in solo acoustic guitar mode. Performing On Nov. 5 during the La Valencia’s brunch service, Morrison offers the perfect soundtrack for a breezy morning on their patio, with a great mix of jazz standards such as “My Funny Valentine” and more modern fare, such as Maroon 5’s “Sunday Morning.”

Kira Morrison: Sunday, Nov. 5 at The La Valencia, 1132 Prospect St. 11 a.m. No cover. lavalencia.com.