SPOTLIGHT

The San Diego Music Awards take place on April 29, but before that, there will be several showcase concerts, giving local music fans a chance to catch sets from multiple nominees in one go. On April 23, Humphreys Backstage Live will host a Blues Showcase, featuring The Tradition, ChickenBone Slim and the Biscuits, The Mercedes Moore Band, and Zavala Sol (above). Beyond the nomination, the common thread between these groups is that they know how to keep a dance floor packed, excelling at tunes that are meant to get a crowd up and moving. Anyone who enjoys the blues will want to hear this night of top-tier talent. All proceeds from this concert go to the Guitars for Schools program, helping keep music education available to kids.

SDMA Blues Showcase: Wednesday, April 23 at Humphreys Backstage Live, 2241 Shelter Island Drive. 6 p.m. $10. humphreysbackstagelive.com.

RECOMMENDED

Reggae favorites Safety Orange take the stage at The Holding Company on April 11. Fronted by guitarist Sol Turpin, the prolific trio is nominated this year for “Best World Music Artist,” having built a strong following through shows built around their philosophy of “Family, Friends, Music, and Surfing,” as well as regular West Coast touring. Their most recent single is a collaboration with Reggae Hit Masters, covering INXS’s 1982 single, “Don’t Change,” It captures the band’s playful energy well, but whatever they play at this show is sure to be infused with the spirit of fun.

Safety Orange: Friday, April 11 at The Holding Company, 5046 Newport Ave., 7:30 p.m. $10. theholdingcompanyob.com.

WINSTON’S

Musical mashups are quite popular these days, especially when it’s an unlikely pairing, such as the Steely Dead, who perform at Winston’s on April 18. The Denver-based band performs a blend of Grateful Dead and Steely Dan covers, such as “New Minglewood Blues,” “Do It Again,” or “Josie,” and takes them into jam band territory, often hovering near prog rock, but still keeping all the melodic elements in place. Topped by superb musicianship, it’s brilliant stuff, sure to appeal to fans of either band, but jazz and classic rock fans in general will also love this show.

Steely Dead: Friday, April 18 at Winston’s, 4325 Ocean Blvd., 8:30 p.m. $25. winstonsob.com.

DIZZY’S

On April 18, bassist Mackenzie Leighton will perform the music of iconic jazz musician Charles Mingus at Dizzy’s. Leighton is an impressive talent, with a fluid, melodic playing style that is an excellent fit for the night’s setlist, which will take in compositions from throughout Mingus’s four-decade-long career, including such classics as “Goodbye Porkpie Hat.” Leighton is a world class performer in his own right, nominated this year for a “Best Jazz Album” SDMA for his most recent album, “I Remember,” but this performance, where he will be backed by Tyler Kreutel (drums), Brian Levy (saxophone), Christopher Hollyday (alto saxophone) and Carter Key (trombone), is all about paying tribute to one of his musical heroes.

Mackenzie Leighton celebrates Charles Mingus: Friday, April 18, at Dizzy’s at Arias Hall, 1717 Morena Blvd. 8 p.m. $25. dizzysjazz.com,

LA JOLLA COMMUNITY CENTER

Virtuoso pianist Ed Kornhauser performs a free lunchtime concert at the La Jolla Community Center on April 18. Kornhauser is a two-time SDMA winner, nominated this year for “Best Jazz Artist,” but Kornhauser is great no matter what genre he’s playing, always adding to the magic on any recording or concert he’s participating in. Around town, he’s been heard backing everyone from blues singer Whitney Shay to the Voices of Our City Choir, but for this concert, he’ll be focusing on his music, with a few choice covers thrown in.

Ed Kornhauser: Friday, April 18, at the La Jolla Community Center, 6811 La Jolla Blvd. Noon. Free. ljcommunitycenter.org.

BEAUMONT’S

On April 24, Beaumont’s will feature Soundtrack Supper, the first of a series of evenings featuring a curated mix of music and dining. The evening will pay tribute to the music of legendary musician/producer Quincy Jones, asking the “what might your favorite musicians have been eating and drinking while crafting their iconic songs”. Live music will be provided by ThaPact, with each set accompanied by paired dishes and cocktails, and featuring songs by Jones, as well as hits culled from his numerous production works. With great food and a soundtrack to the evening set to include tunes by the likes of Chaka Khan, Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, and Michael Jackson, this promises to be a fun and unique experience.

Soundtrack Supper: Thursday, April 24 at Beaumont’s Eatery, 5662 La Jolla Blvd. 6:30 p.m. $90. beaumontseatery.com.