
SPOTLIGHT
Iconic surf combo The Surfaris stop in at Humphrey’s Backstage Live on Feb. 13. One of the foundations of modern rock ‘n’ roll, the band is still led by guitarist Bob Berryhill, and is responsible for what is likely the most covered rock song of all time, 1963’s instrumental favorite, “Wipe Out.” The band continues to record and release great new music, but diehard fans can rest assured that all of the Surfaris classic singles, including “Point Panic” and “Scatter Shield” will be present and accounted for on the evening’s setlist. Italian guitarist Surfer Joe opens.
The Surfaris: Tuesday, Feb. 13 at Humphrey’s Backstage Live, 2241 Shelter Island Drive. 6 p.m. $20-$50. humphreysbackstagelive.com.
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Legendary singer Earl Thomas joins rising star, guitarist Anthony Cullins for a show at Beaumont’s on Feb. 2. Playing a wonderful mix of dance floor-filling blues, R&B, funk, and early rock, the duo is on a roll, with a string of sold-out shows in both the U.S. and England. Thomas has hit the ground running since recently coming out of retirement, quickly reclaiming his place as one of the best singers today, while Cullins was the 2023 recipient of the San Diego Music Award for “Best Blues Artist.” Both performers are major talents, together they raise the bar even higher.
Earl Thomas with the Anthony Cullins Band: Friday, Feb. 2 at Beaumont’s Eatery, 5662 La Jolla Blvd. 9 p.m. $10. beaumontseatery.com.
Lounge and exotica fans won’t want to miss percussionist Nathan Hubbard’s 4tet at Dizzy’s on Feb. 3. Featuring Thomas Meyer (keyboards), Mackenzie Leighton (bass), and Julien Cantelm (drums), the group will perform vibraphonist Arthur Lyman’s classic 1958 album, Hawaiian Sunset, in its entirety, along with a few well-chosen standards. Meant to evoke the feeling of an evening in Hawaii circa the 1950s, Hubbard does an amazing job of recreating Lyman’s vision, using vintage and unusual instruments to get every note just right. Anyone who enjoys jazz or world music soundtracks will love every second of this concert.
An Evening of Exotica with the Nathan Hubbard 4tet: Saturday, Feb. 3 at Dizzy’s at Arias Hall, 1717 Morena Blvd. 8 p.m. $20. dizzysjazz.com.
Multi-lingual singer Coral MacFarland Thuet and guitarist Bob Boss perform as part of the Athenaeum’s free lunchtime concert series on Feb. 13. Best known for her works combining jazz and Latin music, Thuet’s repertoire includes material in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, having worked over the decades with several acclaimed musicians, including Mexican superstar Luis Miguel and jazz guitarists Peter Sprague, Jaime Valle, and Steve O’Connor. Accompanied by virtuoso guitarist Boss for this performance, in San Diego’s best listening room, whatever Thuet includes on her set list will be a treat for jazz aficionados.
Coral MacFarland Thuet and Bob Boss: Monday, Feb. 5 at the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library, 1008 Wall St. Noon. Free. ljathenaeum.org.
One of the longest-running groups in San Diego, The Siers Brothers, plays Tio Leo’s on Feb. 9. Formed in the early 1980s, this is a true party band. They offer something for just about everybody, with a set list that mixes classic rock, reggae, calypso, top 40, country, and blues, all meant to get a crowd up and dancing. Fronted by brothers Mark and Steve Siers, with 40 years of performances behind them, it’s easy to see why their band remains a top draw in San Diego. This combo is built on a mix of popular song choices, energetic performances, and great fun.
The Siers Brothers: Friday, Feb. 9 at Tio Leo’s, 6333 Mission Gorge Road. 7 p.m. $12. tioleos.com.
There is no question that since Blue Note Records was founded in 1939, it has risen to the top as the most important jazz label ever. A host of major names have released music on the imprint over the decades, from Horace Silver to Freddie Hubbard, but Blue Note isn’t resting on its laurels. On Feb. 10 a selection of the label’s newest talent will perform at Baker Baum Hall in a show celebrating Blue Note’s 85th anniversary. Billed as The Blue Note Quintet, with musical director and pianist Gerald Clayton, vibraphonist Joel Ross, saxophonist Immanuel Wilkins, drummer Kendrick Scott, and bassist Matt Brewer, the group will mix classics with their works, for a performance sure to thrill even the most jaded jazz listener.
The Blue Note 85th Anniversary Celebration Tour: Saturday, Feb. 10 at The Baker Baum Concert Hall at The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center, 7600 Fay Ave. 7:30 p.m. theconrad.org.
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