SPOTLIGHT

Former San Diegan AJ Croce (above) plays a homecoming show on Oct. 29 at Humphrey’s Concerts by the Bay. Billed as “Croce Plays Croce – The 50th Anniversary Tour,” the night is dedicated to the music of AJ’s father, legendary singer-songwriter Jim Croce. A multi-media event, the night will feature stories and film clips, as well as a handful of songs from AJ’s solo albums and a few well-chosen covers. However, the bulk of the night will be a run through the elder Croce’s classic catalog of hits, including “Operator,” “Workin’ At The Carwash Blues,” and “Bad, Bad Leroy Brown.” It’s a well-put-together show, with Croce’s superb recast versions of these tunes breathing new life into the material. Longtime fans of either Croce will enjoy every second of this show.

Croce Plays Croce: Tuesday, Oct. 29 at Humphrey’s Concerts by the Bay, 2241 Shelter Island Drive. 7:30 p.m. $82. humphreysconcerts.com.

RECOMMENDED

Trumpeter Gilbert Castellanos performs at the La Jolla Community Center on Oct. 25 as part of the Fourth Friday Jazz series. Castellanos plays with different-sized combos around town. Here he will be accompanied solely by pianist Irving Flores and percussionist Tommy Aros, the sparse musical background putting his melodic playing and arranging skills squarely in the spotlight. Castellanos’ set will touch on jazz standards, classic Blue Note-styled songs, and the great American Songbook, all ably showcasing the talent that has made him one of the premier musicians in town, across genres.

Gilbert Castellanos: Friday, Oct. 25 at the La Jolla Community Center, 6811 La Jolla Blvd. 8 p.m. $30. ljcommunitycenter.org.

Although pianist Dan Siegel is known for his instrumental contemporary jazz sound, as heard on his latest album, “Unity,” his music is much more expansive. Appearing at Humphrey’s Backstage Live, on Oct. 27, Siegel’s early releases were considered new age, while his most heard music is likely his soundtrack work, such as the theme to the TV program, “Hard Copy.” Meanwhile, “Unity,” also touches on R&B, especially on the opener, “Best Foot Forward,” which features a mid-60s Ramsey Lewis-like groove. Siegel and his band deliver a great show, cherry-picking tunes from his 23-album deep catalog, jazz fans and soundtrack aficionados alike won’t want to miss it.

Dan Siegel: Sunday, Oct. 27 at Humphrey’s Backstage Live, 2241 Shelter Island Drive. 6 p.m. $19 – $35. humphreysbackstagelive.com.

Anyone wanting to hear spooky sounds on Oct. 31, will want to head to Mission Bay High School for their annual Halloween Concert. The afternoon performance will include a selection of the school’s music ensembles, led by music director JP Balmat, playing a selection of soundtrack works and classical pieces. On hand will be the school’s Wind Symphony, String Orchestra, Concert Choir, and Symphony Orchestra, all showcasing the school’s amazing young musicians. San Diego has one of the most vibrant music scenes in California. Programs such as those at MBHS, helping young artists find their way, are a big part of the reason why.

Mission Bay High School Halloween Concert: Thursday, Oct. 31 at Mission Bay High School, 2475 Grand Ave. 2:30-3:30 p.m. $5. missionbaymusic.com.

Australian 1980s hitmakers Men at Work will stop in at The Sound on Nov. 3. Still led by singer and guitarist Colin Hay, the band only released three albums, between 1981 and 1985, but their string of hit singles during those years has stood the test of time. Hay includes material from his solo career during Men at Work shows, all well worth hearing, but the night’s biggest cheers will be for the closing set of classics from their first album, “Business as Usual.” Four decades after their release, songs such as “Down Under,” “Who Can It Be Now?” and “It’s A Mistake,” remain radio favorites which will have the evening’s audience singing along.

Men at Work: Sunday, Nov. 3 at The Sound, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd. 8 p.m. $72. thesoundsd.com.

On Nov. 7, Mariachi Aguila, a group composed of students from La Jolla Music Society’s after-school music program, the Community Music Center in Logan Heights, performs at the Wu Tsai QRT.yrd in The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center. The young musicians involved are helping keep cultural traditions alive, both with their music as well as through authentic costuming, giving rousing performances around California of classic Mexican tunes. This free event will also include music from Mariachi Juvenil de San Diego, who won first place at the California State Fair Youth Mariachi Competition in Sacramento earlier this year.

Mariachi Águila: Thursday, Nov. 7 at The Wu Tsai QRT.yrd at The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center, 7600 Fay Ave. 4:30 p.m. Free. theconrad.org.