SPOTLIGHT
Beatles fans won’t want to miss Remembering George Harrison, a special night of music written by the late former Beatle, taking place at Dizzy’s on Feb. 1. Featuring acclaimed guitarist Fred Benedetti (above), alongside singers Regina Moomjean and Julia Picone, multi-instrumentalist/bassist Jeff Pekarek, and percussionist James Morton, the night’s setlist includes new arrangements of songs from throughout Harrison’s career. While the big hits, such as “Something,” “While My Guitar Gently Weeps,” and “Here Comes The Sun,” will all be present and accounted for, Benedetti also digs deep, with rarely covered tunes such as sitar laden “Within You Without You,” and Harrison’s final single, 2003’s “Any Road,” sure to be among the night’s highlights.
Remembering George Harrison: Saturday, Feb. 1 at Dizzy’s at Arias Hall, 1717 Morena Blvd. 7:30 p.m. $20. dizzysjazz.com.
RECOMMENDED
If you’re a blues fan and haven’t caught a set yet from Chickenbone Slim and the Biscuits, make it a priority. Appearing at Beaumont’s on Jan. 31, as heard on their latest album, “Damn Good and Ready,” they excel at roadhouse blues, with an arsenal of great original tunes that are meant to keep a dance floor hopping. As such they’re even better live, where the musicians, led by guitarist Larry Teves, can stretch out some of their material. Especially lead guitarist Laura Chavez. Winner of the prestigious 2023 Blues Music Award for Best Guitarist, Chavez is an amazing player, adding just the right spice to each song. Even the most jaded blues listener will find a lot to appreciate in Chickenbone Slim and the Biscuits’ music.
Chicken Bone Slim & The Biscuits: Friday, Jan. 31 at Beaumont’s Eatery, 5662 La Jolla Blvd. 9 p.m. $10. beaumontseatery.com.
Currently performing in support of their new album, “Gamblin’ On The Groove,” Manzanita Blues stop in at the Aquarius Bar & Grille on Feb. 1. While noon is traditionally a little early to get the party started, the sextet is up to the task, with a fun set of originals and interesting covers that might include Howlin’ Wolf or Buddy Guy. The band’s brand of blues veers at times into 1960s rock, with echoes of the likes of Big Brother and Neil Young in their original songs, such as “Whiskey Woman” and “Hit the Ground.” For blues aficionados, this show is well worth having to get up early on a Saturday morning.
Manzanita Blues: Saturday, Feb. 1 at the Aquarius Bar & Grille, 1548 Quivira Way. Noon. $5.
On Feb. 2, The Baker Baum Concert Hall hosts a performance from Minnesota-based pianist Evren Ozel. Part of a welcome wave of new young musicians, Ozel, is beginning to draw worldwide acclaim with an assured performance style that confirms he’s a true virtuoso, while also making what he’s playing seem effortless in his hands. For this mid-afternoon concert, Ozel will perform five selections from iconic composers Beethoven, Debussy, Bartok, Schumann, and Ravel, all certain to thrill anyone who appreciates classical music or film scores.
Evren Ozel: Sunday, Feb. 2 at The Baker Baum Concert Hall at The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center, 7600 Fay Ave. 3 p.m. $41-$70. theconrad.org.
Fleetwood Mac tribute group, Fleetwood Max, appears at Humphrey’s Backstage Live on Feb. 7. The five-piece band’s Stevie Nicks doppelganger, Barbara Valente, does a good job of recreating Nicks’ signature moves, while the group as a whole turns in an excellent versions of these classic songs. It’s hard to go wrong with a catalog this well-known. The night’s focus will be on songs from Fleetwood Mac’s most popular album, “Rumours,” which includes hits like “Go Your Own Way,” “The Chain,” and “Dreams,” making this a fun night out for even the most casual fan of the band.
Fleetwood Max: Friday, Feb. 7 at Humphrey’s Backstage Live, 2241 Shelter Island Drive. 8 p.m. $15. humphreysbackstagelive.com.
Acoustic guitarist Keni Yarbro performs at the La Valencia on Feb. 7. Yarbro has become an institution in San Diego, practically synonymous with music that has an island vibe. Blessed with a soulful voice, Yarbro plays terrific covers of tunes by the likes of Stevie Wonder, George Benson, and Level 42, while also adding his spin on evergreen singer-songwriter fare, such as “Cats In The Cradle.” His good-natured performances are always a good time, earning him a lot of fans in the area. Playing an early Friday evening set in La Valencia’s lounge, Yarbro offers a great soundtrack to kick off the weekend.
Keni Yarbro: Friday, Feb. 7 at The La Valencia, 1132 Prospect St. 6 p.m. No cover. lavalencia.com.
