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SPOTLIGHT
Acoustic Evenings music series returns to the Athenaeum for its 24el season on March 22. Hosted by Jefferson Jay, this year’s opening show will include performances from Jack Tempchin, Gregory Page (above), and BanjerDan. All three are wonderful talents, with Tempchin in particular, known for writing hit songs for the likes of the Eagles. However, Page is also an amazing songwriter. Over the past four decades, he has consistently penned heartfelt songs, such as, “Green Lights & Blue Skies” or “Sleeping Dogs,” with instantly memorable melodies and thoughtful lyrics. Page’s most recent album, “Modern Man,” features a slightly quirkier rock feel than his earlier releases, but whatever he plays on the night will be sure to captivate listeners.
Acoustic Evenings: Friday, March 22 at the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library, 1008 Wall St. 7:30 p.m. $5-$20 ljathenaeum.org.
RECOMMENDED
Earl Thomas’s emergence from retirement has been met with great joy by blues and gospel fans around the world. Appearing at Humphrey’s Backstage Live on March 17, Thomas remains one of San Diego’s most dynamic performers, returning to a string of sold-out shows both at home and in Europe. While his blues gigs have been wowing audiences, it’s his Gospel Brunch shows that have recently brought him the biggest acclaim. Joined by Sister Leola and for this performance, award-winning singer Rebecca Jade, Thomas provides a high-energy concert that is spiritual, uplifting, and full of infectious rhythms.
Earl Thomas & Sister Leola ft. Rebecca Jade: Sunday, March 17 at Humphrey’s Backstage Live, 2241 Shelter Island Drive. 1 p.m. $20-$25. humphreysbackstagelive.com.
Formed in 1982, The Mar Dels are one of the longest-running bands in San Diego. Appearing at Tio Leo’s on March 22, the secret to their success and longevity is simple. With both male and female vocals, they offer something for just about everybody. A living jukebox, whether you prefer Motown, surf, disco, rock ‘n’ roll, new wave, swing, powerpop, or would like to hear pretty much any major radio hit of the 1950s through the 1990s, it’s probably in The Mar Dels repertoire. Perfect for dancing with an emphasis on “fun,” it’s easy to see why the Mar Dels remain one of the area’s favorite bands after 42 years.
The Mar Dels: Friday, March 22 at Tio Leo’s, 6333 Mission Gorge Road. 7 p.m. $12. tioleos.com
On March 22, legendary bassist Dr. Marshall Hawkins teams up with pianist Joshua White for the latest edition of the La Jolla Community Center’s Fourth Friday Jazz Series. Hawkins has had an amazing career in music. His most recent release is a collection of demos, Lost Takes, recorded with singer Roberta Flack in 1969. She’s just one on a long list of music icons Hawkins has performed with, including Miles Davis, Donny Hathaway, and The Manhattan Transfer. Teamed with master improviser White, this performance will have jazz fans hanging on every note.
Dr. Marshall Hawkins & Joshua White: Friday, March 22 at the La Jolla Community Center, 6811 La Jolla Blvd. 8 p.m. $30. ljcommunitycenter.org.
Fans of modern rock won’t want to miss the Moonage Daydreamers, playing at Beaumont’s on March 23. Fronted by SDMA-winning singer/songwriter Ariel Levine, alongside guitarist John Yelenosky, the group performs rarely covered, but highly danceable, tunes by the likes of David Bowie, Roxy Music, Squeeze, and the Talking Heads. Levine is a terrific frontman, particularly strong on the Bowie material. Anyone who grew up listening to 91X-FM’s early days or remembers MTV’s beginnings will find much to enjoy in the Moonage Daydreamers repertoire.
Moonage Daydreamers: Saturday, March 23 at Beaumont’s Eatery, 5662 La Jolla Blvd. 9 p.m. $10. beaumontseatery.com.
One of the greatest rock performers of all time, Bruce Springsteen, returns to San Diego on March 25 for a show at Pechanga Arena. The show is part of the first leg of a world tour. In a career nearly six decades long, Springsteen has only performed locally five times, bringing the excitement for this concert to a fever pitch for his San Diego fans. A string of greatest hits, such as “Born To Run,” are sure to be featured this night. However, at press time, the tour’s setlist had yet to be revealed, though the fact that his most recent album, “Only the Strong Survive,” was comprised of R&B and soul covers may provide a clue.
Bruce Springsteen: Monday, March 25 at Pechanga Arena, 3350 Sports Arena Blvd. 7:30 p.m. $149 and up. pechangaarenasd.com.