SPOTLIGHT

Contemporary jazz guitarist Nils Jiptner (above) appears at Humphrey’s Backstage Live on June 9. Currently touring in support of his latest album, “Feelin’ Good,” Jiptner has established himself as one of the premier artists in his genre, with an impressive five No. 1’s and 20 additional Top 20 hits to his credit on the Billboard charts. It’s easy to see why. Jiptner’s guitar work is impressive, his lead lines bringing out every nuance of melody in his songs. Additionally, while his music is described as jazz, Jiptner also includes a heavy dose of funk and R&B in his sound, edging his music into dance territory. Anyone who enjoys instrumental jazz with a touch of soul and a lot of rhythm will enjoy Jiptner’s set.

Nils Jiptner: Sunday, June 9 at Humphrey’s Backstage Live, 2241 Shelter Island Drive. 6 p.m. $12-$40. humphreysbackstagelive.com.

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One of the most influential funk musicians of all time, George Clinton, brings his iconic group, Parliament Funkadelic to the Beach House on June 8. An inductee at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and the 2019 Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, Clinton has been on the cutting edge of music since his first recordings back in 1969, influencing generations of musicians. Though he hasn’t released any new music in over a decade, he continues to guest with numerous artists, recently showing up on recordings from the likes of Kendrick Lamarr and Drake. Now 82, Clinton’s currently touring a greatest-hits show that’s sure to get the audience up and dancing from the first note.

Parliament Funkadelic feat. George Clinton: Saturday, June 8 at The Beach House, Belmont Park, 3146 Mission Blvd. 6 p.m. $60. belmontpark.com.

Beatles fans won’t want to miss The Fred Benedetti Trio’s annual Paul McCartney Birthday Celebration at Dizzy’s on June 9. Bendetti will be joined on stage by his daughters, vocalists Regina Moomjean and Julia Picone, as well as multi-instrumentalist/bassist Jeff Pekarek, and percussionist James Morton, for a show featuring songs from McCartney’s solo, Wings, and Fab Four eras. What makes these performances stand out from other Beatles-themed musical events is Benedetti’s inspired arrangements. Even the most jaded Beatles fan will find a lot to appreciate in Benedetti’s and companies’ fresh takes on these classic tunes.

The Fred Benedetti Trio: Sunday, June 9 at Dizzy’s at Arias Hall, 1717 Morena Blvd. 7 p.m. $20. dizzysjazz.com.

Acclaimed trumpeter Gilbert Castellanos’ school, the Young Lions Jazz Conservatory, is rightly feted for its wonderful youth programs. However, often lost in the shuffle is the fact that they also work with adults. On June 10, the school will host a concert from their over 21 students, dubbed ‘The Not So Young Lions,’ showcasing their musical progress. Proving you are never too old to begin your music career, the night’s setlist will include a mix of jazz standards and deep cuts. This concert will be a great opportunity for jazz aficionados to check out new talent about to hit local clubs.

Not So Young Lions: Monday, June 10 at Tio Leo’s, 6333 Mission Gorge Road. 6 p.m. tioleos.com.

Guitarist Jimmy Patton and percussionist Enrique Platas join forces for a free lunchtime concert at the Athenaeum on June 10. Perhaps best known as members of the long-running Celtic fusion band, Skelpin, when they perform in duo format they specialize in Latin-flavored numbers. However, they add touches of jazz and world music, as well as the occasional recast classic rock cover, such as the Rolling Stones “Paint it Black,” into the mix. Though there are just two performers, between Patton’s virtuoso guitar work and Platas’ amazing cajon and percussion playing, the pair create a symphony of sound.

Jimmy Patton & Enrique Platas: Monday, June 10 at the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library, 1008 Wall St. Noon. Free. ljathenaeum.org.

Singer-songwriter Keni Yarbro performs at La Valencia Hotel on June 14. Practically an institution at area venues, Yarbro’s mix of easy-going island vibes, Hawaiian songs, and pop hits has made him a favorite among local acoustic music fans. Yarbro has a soulful voice perfect for his covers of the likes of Stevie Wonder’s “Ribbon in the Sky,” or Level 42’s “Something About You”, using a vocal harmonizer for chorus accents. This free early evening performance in the beautiful La Valencia hotel lounge will be a great way to kick off the weekend.

Keni Yarbro: Friday, June 14 at La Valencia, 1132 Prospect St. 6 p.m. No cover. lavalencia.com.