SPOTLIGHT
Touring in support of her latest album, “Chapter III: We Return to Light,” sitarist Anoushka Shankar (above) performs at the Epstein Family Amphitheater on March 16. A former student at San Dieguito High School Academy, Shankar is following in the footsteps of her late father, Ravi Shankar, her virtuoso performances key to helping keep the Indian instrument in the spotlight. In addition to session work on hits such as Lenny Kravitz’s “Let Love Rule,” Shankar has been a mainstay in the top 10 of the Billboard World Music charts. Her latest album should also be a contender. Shankar’s new single, “We Burn So Brightly,” finds her updating traditional sounds and working with trance rhythms, venturing into both dance and psychedelia along the way. Anoushka Shankar: Sunday, March 16 at the Epstein Family Amphitheater, 9500 Gilman Drive. 7 p.m. $45-$80. amphitheater.ucsd.edu.
RECOMMENDED
It’s hard to beat La Valencia for a scenic brunch. On March 16, its prime location, with ocean view and excellent food, will be matched to a great soundtrack provided by husband-and-wife instrumental flamenco guitarists Javid & Naoko. Using looping to add percussion, the pair’s intertwined guitar parts give their original songs an expansive sound that’s both festive and melodic. Javid & Naoko have released five albums to date, all well worth hearing, but seeing them live in one of the city’s finest dining spots is the best way to go.
Javid & Naoko: Sunday, March 16 at The La Valencia, 1132 Prospect St. 11 a.m. No cover. lavalencia.com.
In classical music, there are likely few works as well-known as Vivaldi’s Opus 8, Nos. 1-4, aka The Four Seasons. On March 22, the 300th Anniversary of the piece will be celebrated at the Baker Baum Hall by French ensemble Les Arts Florissants, featuring acclaimed violinist Théotime Langlois de Swarte. Setting this evening’s concert apart from typical symphony performances of the Four Seasons, Les Arts Florissants plays Baroque music on period instruments, giving audience members a rare opportunity to hear the music as it would have been performed when first published back in 1725. Rounding out the program will be additional works by Vivaldi, as well as Monteverdi, Uccellini, and Geminiani.
Les Arts Florissants and Théotime Langlois de Swarte: Saturday, March 22 at The Baker Baum Concert Hall at The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center, 7600 Fay Ave. 7:30 p.m. $57-$104. theconrad.org.
ATHENAEUM
Two of San Diego’s most gifted musicians, pianists Mike Wofford and Joshua White, perform a free lunchtime concert at the Athenaeum on March 24. Both are amazing players. Wofford has worked as an accompanist with numerous legends, including Sarah Vaughn and Ella Fitzgerald, while also doing session work for the likes of John Lennon, Phil Spector, and The Jackson 5. He received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2012 San Diego Music Awards. Meanwhile, rising star White is one of the foundations of the city’s jazz scene, a brilliant player, and one of the best improvisors you will ever hear. This show will be an excellent way to get your week off to a good start.
Mike Wofford and Joshua White: Monday, March 24 at the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library, 1008 Wall St., noon. Free. www.ljathenaeum.org.
ASHLEY NORTON
Country music in San Diego has had a big resurgence over the past few years, and at least part of the credit goes to Ramona-based songbird Ashley Norton, who performs at Humphrey’s Backstage Live on March 27. Nominated this year for a San Diego Music Award in the category of Best New Artist, Norton is one of the busiest, as well as prolific, musicians in town. Currently touring behind her album, “Call of the Void,” which features production and guitar from Garth Brooks band member Johnny Garcia, fans of modern country music will find much to appreciate in Norton’s heartfelt songs.
Ashley Norton: Thursday, March 27 at Humphrey’s Backstage Live, 2241 Shelter Island Drive. 6 p.m. $5. humphreysbackstagelive.com.
JERRY SEINFELD
One of the biggest standup comedians of all time, Jerry Seinfeld, stops in at Pechanga Arena on March 27. Thanks to the popularity of his titular sitcom, still airing multiple times a day around the world after 27 years, Seinfeld remains among the most recognizable stars worldwide. These days, he performs sporadically, most recently focused on directing the film, “Frosted,” making a tour like this a must for his die-hard fans. Seinfeld may have gotten older, but his observational material is just as funny as ever, just as sharp as ever. Opening the night will be fellow comedian and sitcom star Jim Gaffigan.
Jerry Seinfeld: Thursday, March 27 at Pechanga Arena, 3350 Sports Arena Blvd. 7:30 p.m. $86 and up. pechangaarenasd.com.
