SPOTLIGHT 

Iconic British band, Soft Machine stops in at Dizzy’s on June 20. Formed in 1966, the instrumental, progressive jazz-rock group has had dozens of members during its existence, as well as several musical stylistic shifts. Soft Machine last played San Diego in 1968, though with a completely different lineup. Currently led by guitarist John Etheridge, who first played with the band in 1975, Soft Machine is touring in support of their latest album, Other Doors. While songs from the new release will likely be a main feature of the show, the band’s current set list digs deep from their six decades of album releases. 

Soft Machine: Thursday June 20 at Dizzy’s at Arias Hall, 1717 Morena Blvd. 8 p.m. $25. dizzysjazz.com 

RECOMMENDED 

There are plenty of Beatles tribute bands out there, but nothing quite compares to The Fab Four’s multi-media experience. Appearing at Humphrey’s Concerts by the Bay on June 28, the group splits The Beatles career into three segments, from 1964’s mania through to 1969’s Abbey Road Sessions, each with an era appropriate costume and musical gear. However, where they really excel is in the presentation, which is complete with skits, screen projections and even a host impersonating television legend, Ed Sullivan. The Fab Four vary their set lists from show to show, but fans can be sure such timeless gems as “Something” and “Hey Jude” will definitely make the cut. 

The Fab Four: Friday June 28 at Humphrey’s Concerts by the Bay, 2241 Shelter Island Dr., Shelter Island. 8 p.m. $51.50. humphreysconcerts.com 

On June 28, flautist Lori Bell will perform songs from her latest album, “Recorda Me – Remembering Joe Henderson,” at the La Jolla Community Center. Backed by Tamir Hendelman (piano), and Ron Satterfield (vocals/guitar) for this show, Bell’s tribute to the late jazz saxophonist is a wonderful exploration of some of his most expressive tunes, now in new flute led arrangements. A wonderful homage to an underrated artist, the album is a worthy addition to any jazz aficionados collection. However, live is where the real magic is, with Bell’s virtuoso performances always well worth hearing. 

Lori Bell: Friday June 28 at the La Jolla Community Center, 6811 La Jolla Blvd. 7 p.m. $35. www.ljcommunitycenter.org 

Few record labels have had the impact of Motown Records. Since its inception in 1959, Motown has generated countless soul, R&B and pop hits, and is still releasing new music today. On June 29 it’s legacy will be celebrated at Baker Baum Hall with the production of Motown: The Sound of Young America. Essentially a live jukebox with an 11-piece band, the night will focus on Motown’s mid to late 1960’s era, featuring sing-a-long classics by the likes of The Supremes, The Jackson 5 and Stevie Wonder. It’s a testament to the quality of Motown’s releases that the songs in the night’s playlist still resonate with music fans more than 50 years after they first hit the charts. 

The Magical Music of Motown: Saturday June 29 at The Baker Baum Concert Hall at The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center, 7600 Fay Ave. 7:30 p.m. $38 – $98. theconrad.org 

Two of San Diego’s top guitarists, Fred Benedetti and Peter Sprague, join forces with acclaimed bassist Mackenzie Leighton for an afternoon of jazz fusion at the Pacific Beach Library. If you’re a jazz fan it doesn’t get better than this. All three musicians are headliners in their own right, with Leighton recently releasing his solo debut album, “I Remember.” However, it’s the chance to hear Benedetti and Sprague trade guitar lines that makes this concert special. Their rare joint performances bring out the best in each player, their joy in making music together evident from the first note.   

Fred Benedetti, Peter Sprague, and Mackenzie Leighton: Saturday June 29 at the Pacific Beach Library, 4275 Cass Street. 4 p.m. Free. pblibraryfriends.org/concert.html

Louisiana-based accordionist Curley Taylor and his band, Zydeco Trouble, will make a special matinee appearance at Tio Leo’s on June 30. Performing from noon to 3 p.m., Taylor and his trio bring a modern edge to the zydeco genre. He does a good job of mixing traditional elements such as washboard and his signature accordion with R&B grooves and pop hooks. The result is a batch of tunes that have cross-genre appeal. Taylor’s songs such as his current single, “Foolish,” are both good dance music and instant earworms.  

Curley Taylor & Zydeco Trouble: Sunday, June 30 at Tio Leo’s, 6333 Mission Gorge Rd. Noon. $15. www.tioleos.com