LIVE FROM SAN DIEGO – Music on the coast this week

SPOTLIGHT

Calling all Swifties. On Feb. 16, Moonshine Beach will host a special all-ages performance from Dream Like Taylor, a tribute to Taylor Swift. Featuring singer Cassie B. (above), the multi-media show covers all of Swift’s musical eras, with costume and instrument changes to match. Cassie B. is an acclaimed singer in her own right, but Dream Like Taylor, it’s all about Swift’s classic material, and she does a great job of recreating both the music and the overall feel of her shows. Diehard fans will love every second of Cassie B.’s performance, which captures all the energy in Swift’s hit songs, from “Shake It Off” to “Wildest Dreams.”

Dream Like Taylor: Sunday, Feb. 16 at Moonshine Beach 1165 Garnet Ave. 5 p.m. $28.78. moonshinebeachsd.com.

RECOMMENDED

Guitarist Mark Langford has long been a linchpin of San Diego’s music community, starting in the 1980s as a metal guitarist in the band, Bible Black, and more recently drawing attention for his classical and flamenco playing. Notably, he’s also the man behind the San Diego Music Center, Rock and Roll San Diego, helping hundreds of musicians on their musical journeys. On Feb. 14 and 15 Langford celebrates his birthday in the venue’s Hendrix Hall, with a two-day party featuring over a dozen guests that have helped him in his long career as a musician. On hand will be the likes of Johnny Vernazza (Elvin Bishop Group), John Avila (Oingo Boingo), Revelation 69, The Provoked, and many more. This is a great opportunity to thank one of the area’s biggest music supporters and take in a lot of great music, all at the same time.

Mark Langford Birthday Celebration: Friday and Saturday, Feb. 14 and 15 at Rock and Roll San Diego, 3360 Sports Arena Blvd. 6 p.m. rockandrollsandiego.com.

SPRING HARP FEST

For lovers of harmonica playing, there is no greater event than the Spring Harp Fest, taking place on April 19 in La Mesa. In advance of that, a special fundraiser is being held for the volunteer-run event on Feb. 18 at Tio Leo’s to help raise money for the concert’s staging. Hosted by drummer Ric Lee, the concert will feature performances from a varied lineup of artists, including zydeco favorites, The Bayou Brothers and Sista Judy, blues combo Smokin’ Guns, SDMA nominated Zavala Sol, and funk/groove specialists, Jack Attack, all doing their best to keep the dance floor filled all night.

Spring Harp Fest Fundraiser: Tuesday, Feb. 18 at Tio Leo’s, 6333 Mission Gorge Road. 6 p.m. tioleos.com.

CAJUN & ZYDECO

While the Athenaeum has a reputation for hosting a wonderful program of classical and jazz music, its calendar also features a variety of other genres on occasion. Such is the case with an appearance at the venue on Feb. 24 by cajun/zydeco group, Billy Lee & The Gulf Coasters, as part of their lunchtime concert series held each Monday. Led by Lee, an accordionist and Louisiana native, the focus at this event will be on up-tempo, foot-stomping tunes, heavy on the rhythms of New Orleans. This free show will be a great way to shake off the Monday morning blues.

Billy Lee & The Gulf Coasters: Monday, Feb. 24 at the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library, 1008 Wall St. Noon. Free. ljathenaeum.org.

DREAMERS’ CIRCUS

Anyone who appreciates acoustic folk music will want to hear Dreamers’ Circus, who perform at Baker Baum Hall on Feb. 26. Featuring three young performers, Nikolaj Busk (piano and accordion), Ale Carr (Nordic cittern), and Rune Tonsgaard Sørensen (violin) the group reinterprets traditional folk music from Denmark, Sweden, Finland, and Norway, adding stories and context for the songs as they go. Fans of world music will enjoy Dreamers’ Circus, but listeners who favor acoustic-based performers such as Nickel Creek, will also find the trio’s tunes to their liking.

Dreamers’ Circus: Wednesday, Feb. 26 at The Baker Baum Concert Hall at The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center, 7600 Fay Ave. 7:30 p.m. $41-$70. theconrad.org.

PRESERVATIONISTS

Mission Bay High School’s music program hosts a fundraiser at the Soledad Club on Feb. 27. Featuring the school’s Preservationists, performing traditional New Orleans-styled jazz, and the Mambo Orchestra, specializing in Latin rhythms, money is being raised at the event to help students pay for travel expenses. A rare program that gives students both a musical education and touring experience, The Preservationists are set to return to Japan in March 2025, while the Mambo Orchestra is making a trip to San Francisco later this year. Musically, the night will showcase great jazz playing, but this concert is also a great way to help the next generation of musicians gain real-world experience in their craft.

Mission Bay music travel fundraiser: Thursday, Feb. 27 at The Soledad Club, 5050 Soledad Road, 7 p.m. $50. missionbaymusic.com.