San Diego Music Thing takes place on Sept. 13 and 14. Split into two parts, the daytime part of the event is held at the Sheraton Hotel Mission Valley and is a must for musicians, featuring workshops on everything from publishing to touring. The nighttime part features 150 bands at showcase gigs around the city. You can attend a single concert or buy a wristband good for all the shows. Locally, The Griffin will represent, with Friday night set to include The Features, The Heavy Guilt, In the Valley Below, Leftover Cuties, and Tommy and The High Pilots, while Saturday will spotlight Orgone, In Motion Collective, Fallen Riviera and A House For Lions. Anyone looking for new sounds to investigate won’t be disappointed with this eclectic mix of area indie rockers.
San Diego Music Thing: Friday and Saturday, Sept. 13 and 14 at The Griffin, 1310 Morena Blvd. 9 p.m. 21 and up. $12. www.thegrif-finsd.com Soul and R&B singer Tony LaVoz performs at Café-Bar Europa on Sept. 14 at 9 p.m. LaVoz’s set list is full of classic tunes from “My Funny Valentine” to “Never Can Say Goodbye,” perfect for a romantic night out. He also stocks a few uptempo favorites, such as “Bad Case of Loving You” to get people up and dancing, but it’s the ballads where he really shines. LaVoz has a wonderful, smooth voice, but best of all is his impeccable choice of songs, with lots of great material you won’t hear in a typical cover band performance. Whether you go to listen or do a bit of dancing, Tony LaVoz and his ace musicians will bring a smile to your face. Tony LaVoz and the Cold Duck Trio: Saturday, Sept. 14, at Café-Bar Europa, 873 Turqouise St. 9 p.m. 21 and up. www.thetur-quoise.com/wordpress Big-band leader Louis Prima is perhaps best remembered for his gravelly voice, swingin’ tunes and comedy routines that kept Las Vegas nightclubs packed for decades. Area music lovers who might enjoy a nostalgic evening out will want to see the Screamin’ Primas, performing at Tango Del Rey on Sept. 15, 6:30 p.m. Perfect for the crowd that loves such shows as “Madmen,” swing dancers or anyone who wants to see what entertainment was like during the golden era of Vegas will love this show. Free dance lessons are available prior to the show, so everyone can join in on the fun.
The Screamin’ Primas: Sunday, Sept. 15, at Tango Del Rey, 3567 Del Rey St. $15. 6:30 p.m. All ages. www.tangodelrey.com At 30 years and counting, The Toasters are one the longest running ska bands going today. Appearing at Brick by Brick on Sept. 18 at 8 p.m., they haven’t released an album since 2007’s “One More Bullet,” but for their fans that’s of little concern. This is a band that’s built its rep on its live show and it maintains a high energy manic performing style little changed since it first hit East Coast clubs in 1981. In its three decades, the band has seen enough members go through its ranks to stock a baseball league, but frontman Rob “Bucket” Hingley still fronts the project, keeping the well-honed band continually on tour. Ska fans will consider attendance at this show mandatory. The Toasters: Wednesday, Sept. 18 at Brick by Brick, 1130 Buenos Ave. 8 p.m. 21 and up. $12. www.brickbybrick.com On Sept 21 & 22, Dizzy’s will be the site of special concerts in partnership with Playing for Change. Funds raised through these shows go to help provide ongoing music classes for children attending their music programs in Ghana, Mali, Rwanda, South Africa, Nepal and Thailand. Music fans can attend the events in person or watch the shows live online. On Sept. 20, the club will host “The Colors Of Latin Jazz,” with guitarist Jaime Valle, vocalist Coral MacFarland Thuet, pianist Allan Phillips and the rhythm section of Tony and Ramon Banda (drums). Then, on Sept. 21, there will be a performance from Banda Magda, a New York-based quintet that plays a fun mix of French pop, bossa nova and cocktail jazz. These two great concerts will appeal to jazz fans in particular, but will be enjoyed by anyone who likes their music with an extra dose of rhythm and melody. Playing For Change fundraiser: Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 21 and 22 at Dizzy’s, 4275 Mission Bay Drive. 8 p.m. $15. www.dizzysjazz.com