SPOTLIGHT
The final edition of this year’s Acoustic Evenings concert series takes place on April 12 at the Athenaeum. On hand will be Tim Flannery (above), Jefferson Jay, Bobo Czarnowski, and Drew Cady. All are great artists, but the nod on this night goes to Flannery. A gifted singer-songwriter with 15 albums to date, including his most recent, “Waiting on a Miracle,” Flannery first became a local legend as a member of the Padres baseball team from 1979-1989. He’s as good behind a microphone as he was on the baseball diamond, with fans of the Grateful Dead or Jeff Berkley’s acoustic material sure to love every second of his performance.
Acoustic Evenings: Friday, April 12 at the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library, 1008 Wall St. 7:30 p.m. $5-$20 ljathenaeum.org.
RECOMMENDED
Fans of the Great American Songbook, i.e., classic jazz and pop standards of the 20el century, will find much to admire in the current series of concerts by the Joshua White Trio. Each month, White celebrates a select composer, with April 13 set to feature the works of Hoagy Carmicheal. Carmicheal has written some of the best-known songs of all time, including “Stardust,” “Georgia on My Mind,” “The Nearness of You,” and “Heart and Soul,” to name just a few. With White accompanied by bassist Rob Thorsen and drummer Tyler Kreutel, this concert is the perfect match of artist and theme.
The Joshua White Trio: Saturday, April 13 at Dizzy’s at Arias Hall, 1717 Morena Blvd. 8 p.m. $20. dizzysjazz.com.
Jazz Appreciation Month will be highlighted at The Jai on April 17 with a special Jazz Piano Mimi Festival on April 17. The concert will feature acclaimed pianists Mike Wofford, Kat Shoemaker, Bobby Cressey, and Melonie Grinnell, with accompaniment from bassist Justin Grinnell and drummer Julien Cantelm. All are wonderful performers, however, Mike Wofford is in a league of his own. A former accompanist with Sarah Vaughan and Ella Fitzgerald, he’s worked with everyone from Phil Spector and John Lennon to Shelly Manne and John Klemmer, with over a dozen releases under his name. For music fans, this will be a contender for local jazz show of the year.
San Diego Jazz Piano All Stars: Wednesday, April 17 at The JAI at The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center, 7600 Fay Ave. 7 p.m. $30. theconrad.org.
One of the hottest comedians currently on the planet, Gabriel Iglesias, stops in at Pechanga Arena on April 18. Born in San Diego, circa 1976, Iglesias brand of family-friendly, observational humor, has made him instantly recognizable as “Fluffy,” allowing him to sell out venues as big as Dodger Stadium, as well as become a sought-after TV star, including such sitcoms as “Mr. Iglesias,” where he plays a teacher, and “The Santa Clauses” where he can currently be found as Kris Kringle. Few comedians make it to these heights, but Iglesias is both an engaging and endearing performer. With new comedy routines on tap, Iglesias fans will be hanging onto his every word.
Gabriel Iglesias: Thursday, April 18 at Pechanga Arena, 3350 Sports Arena Blvd. 8 p.m. $29-$250. pechangaarenasd.com.
Anyone looking for new sounds in San Diego will want to check out SOMA on April 20. Starting at 6:30 p.m., five bands will hit the venue’s side stage, topped by a four-piece combo, JAMM. Originally formed in 2018 at Chico State, the reggae/rock band relocated to San Diego in 2022 and has already built a large following, with their latest single, “Frustration,” just out. Also performing on the night will be Doah’s Daydream supporting her new single with Reggae Hit Masters, “Flowers,” and The Diz, celebrating the release of their new song, “The Ventriloquist,” with opening sets from SunShower and Winnebago. Anyone concerned about the current state of music should give these vibrant, up-and-coming artists a listen. The kids are alright.
JAMM: Saturday, April 20 at Soma, 3350 Sports Arena Blvd. 6:30 p.m. $10. somasandiego.com.
The 33rd Annual San Diego Music Awards take place on April 30, but first up there is a week of gigs spotlighting nominees. Local music fans won’t want to miss the Blues Showcase on April 22 at Humphrey’s Backstage Live. On hand will be some of the hottest blues players touring the world today, including Johnny Vernazza, Anthony Cullins, Zavala Sol, Black Market III, Chickenbone Slim, and Whitney Shay. With short sets and the artists performing their best songs, the night will be sure to please even the most diehard blues aficionado.
San Diego Music Awards Blues Showcase: April 22 at Humphrey’s Backstage Live, 2241 Shelter Island Drive. 6 p.m. humphreysbackstagelive.com.
