SPOTLIGHT

One of the finest songwriters to ever call San Diego home, Gregory Page (above), performs at the Athenaeum on Jan. 27, as part of the free lunchtime concert series. Over the past four decades, Page has established himself as a major force in music, both here at home in San Diego, as well as in Europe and Australia. Page’s latest album, “Once Long Ago,” is a great showcase for his heartfelt songs, but he’s even better in concert, where his knack for storytelling, and compelling stage presence are all part of the big picture. This show is a warmup for a spring tour of Holland, followed this fall by a month of dates opening for Jason Mraz on a road trip through Europe and the UK. Gregory Page may not be a household name yet, but it’s a matter of time.

Gregory Page: Monday, Jan. 27 at the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library, 1008 Wall St. Noon. No cover. ljathenaeum.org.

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Nebraska-based indie rockers, Bright Eyes, stopped in at The Sound on Jan. 18. Currently touring in support of their 11th album, “Five Dice, All Threes,” and celebrating their 30th anniversary, the band’s signature blend of rock, folk, and country elements, remains as vital as ever. Led by prolific tunesmith Conor Oberst, and featuring Mike Mogis (pedal steel, electric guitar) and Nathaniel Walcott (piano), the recent jaunty single “Bells and Whistles,” shows the band still at the peak of their melodic powers, with tunes that are instant earworms and ready for sing-a-longs among their devoted fans.

Bright Eyes: Saturday, Jan. 18 at The Sound, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd. 7:30 p.m. $62. thesoundsd.com.

Acclaimed guitarist and singer-songwriter Todo Mundo, aka Santiago Orozco, performs at Estancia on Jan. 21. Originally from Argentina, Orozco’s blend of pop, reggae, rock, gypsy, Caribbean, and Latin music, has made Todo Mundo a festival favorite throughout the West Coast, with several wins over the years to his credit in the “World Music” category at the San Diego Music Awards. He plays often with a full group, but for this performance, Orozco will be in solo mode, all the better to hear his wonderful voice and guitar. Todo Mundo offers a great soundtrack to an evening out at Estancia.

Todo Mundo: Tuesday, Jan. 21 at Estancia, 9700 N Torrey Pines Road. 6 p.m. No cover. estancialajolla.com.

Singer Mercedes Moore will be appearing at Tio Leo’s on Jan. 23. Blessed with a powerhouse voice and great stage presence Moore has been a major player in San Diego’s music community for over a decade, specializing in vintage blues, soul, RnB, and swing, as well as winning “Best Jazz Artist” at the 2024 San Diego Music Awards. Backed by a terrific band that includes Steve Wilcox on guitar, Andy Crane on bass, and Danny Campbell on drums, Moore delivers a custom-made set to get people out on the dance floor.

Mercedes Moore: Thursday, Jan. 23 at Tio Leo’s, 6333 Mission Gorge Road. 7 p.m. $10. tioleos.com.

On Thursday, Jan. 23, start the weekend early at Beaumont’s with dance band, Saffron. The eight-piece group is a favorite at corporate events, weddings, and the like, which means, they routinely perform sets of nothing but high-energy, danceable, crowd-pleasers. Offering a veritable jukebox’s worth of hits, songs such as “Celebration,” “Life Is a Highway” and “Uptown Funk,” are guaranteed to get a crowd up and moving, making any Saffron show a good time. The band has both excellent musicianship and vocals, with the sense that they are all having fun adding to the onstage magic.

Saffron: Thursday, Jan. 23 at Beaumont’s Eatery, 5662 La Jolla Blvd. 8 p.m. $10. beaumontseatery.com.

Smooth jazz saxophonist, Patrick Lamb, will perform at Humphrey’s Backstage Live on Jan. 26. Known as the “saxophonist to the stars,” Lamb has built his rep through decades of touring and session work, ending up on stage and in recording studios with a who’s who of music hitmakers, including the likes of Smokey Robinson, Dianne Schuur, Bobby Caldwell, and Gino Vanelli. On his own, Lamb has released a string of albums mixing smooth jazz with R&B and touches of soul, all well worth hearing. Jazz fans will love Lamb’s performance, but anyone who enjoys great sax playing will find much to appreciate here.

Patrick Lamb: Sunday, Jan. 26 at Humphrey’s Backstage Live, 2241 Shelter Island Drive. 6 p.m. $16-$24. humphreysbackstagelive.com.