SPOTLIGHT

One of the biggest talents in San Diego, Rebecca Jade (above), performs at the Athenaeum on Jan. 29 as part of the venue’s free lunchtime concert series held each Monday. Jade is a terrific vocalist, well on her way to establishing herself with jazz and R&B fans worldwide. She’s had an incredibly varied career, working on numerous projects with a national reach. A multiple San Diego Music Awards winner, she has performed with the likes of Dave Koz, Shiela E, and Elton John, also recording the official theme song for the San Diego Gulls, while releasing a series of acclaimed solo albums. If you have yet to catch a set from Jade, this free concert shouldn’t be passed up.

Rebecca Jade: Monday, Jan. 29 at the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library, 1008 Wall St. Noon. Free. ljathenaeum.org.

RECOMMENDED

It’s no secret that Gilbert Castellanos Young Lions Jazz Conservatory has been a major success, shining a spotlight on San Diego’s young jazz talent. Less known is that the music school also offers adult classes. On Jan. 21, students from those classes, aka The Not So Young Lions, will take part in a free, all ages, showcase concert at Tio Leo’s. The conservatory is one of the reasons San Diego’s music community is so vibrant, helping local artists achieve their potential. This show is a great opportunity to check out the latest crop of talented players just hitting local stages.

The Not So Young Lions: Sunday, Jan. 21 at Tio Leo’s, 6333 Mission Gorge Road. 5 p.m. No cover. tioleos.com.

Fans of five-time Grammy-winning jazz fusion group, Snarky Puppy, won’t want to miss an appearance from three of the band’s alumni at Dizzy’s on Jan. 24. Formed in Texas circa 2004, Snarky Puppy is considered a musical collective, with a rotating cast of performers which in its history has featured over 40 musicians as part of its lineup. This show will include three of the band’s mainstays, as heard on Snarky Puppy’s most recent album, “Empire Central”; Zach Brock (violins), Bob Lanzetti (guitars), and Keita Ogawa (percussion). All three are instrumental virtuosos, jazz aficionados will enjoy every second of this intimate concert.

Snarky Puppy Alums: Wednesday, Jan. 24 at Dizzy’s at Arias Hall, 1717 Morena Blvd. 8 p.m. $25. dizzysjazz.com.

Side Street is the name of the new combo, featuring Joshua Taylor, Sandi King, and Tony Econom, all also members of soul favorites, The King Taylor Project. Appearing at Humphrey’s Backstage Live on Jan. 24 as part of a monthly residency, Side Street offers the KTP musicians a chance to work with other artists, making each outing a unique experience. This month’s edition will include appearances from keyboardist Josh Weinstein, promoting his new album, “Mind The Gap,” country singer Stacy Antonel, and bassist Ken Dow, who has performed with the likes of Pete Townshend and in touring productions such as Jersey Boys.

Side Street: Wednesday, Jan. 24 at Humphrey’s Backstage Live, 2241 Shelter Island Drive. 6 p.m. $5. humphreysbackstagelive.com.
Country singer Cody Johnson performs at Pechanga Arena on Jan. 26. A true indie success story, Johnson self-released six albums, building up a fan base and scoring two top 10 albums in a row before landing a major label deal. Inspired by the likes of George Straight and Waylon Jennings, Johnson’s songs, such as sentimental rocker “Till You Can’t,” manage to be both anthemic and heartfelt, having a universal appeal. It’s a testament to Johnson’s popularity, that although his most recent single, “Long Live Cowgirls,” with Ian Munsick, didn’t chart, it still quickly went Gold.

Cody Johnson: Friday, Jan. 26 at Pechanga Arena, 3350 Sports Arena Blvd. 7:30 p.m. $45-$150. pechangaarenasd.com.

To say that Robin Henkel is a “blues guitarist,” would be quite an understatement. An expert in the various types of acoustic blues, Henkel is a fountain of information on both the artists and the techniques they used to make their music. Long considered a local treasure, Henkel has mentored generations of performers, easily winning over new fans with a manic performing style that’s endearing and a lot of fun. Appearing at the La Jolla Community Center on Jan. 26, Henkel will perform a set touching on early rock ‘n’ roll, rockabilly, and jump blues, for a night that’s equal part history lesson and dance party.

Robin Henkel: Friday, Jan. 26 at the La Jolla Community Center, 6811 La Jolla Blvd. 5:30 p.m. $20. ljcommunitycenter.org.