Tribute band fans will want to check out the aptly named Smells Like Nirvana, performing at the 710 Beach Club on Friday, July 3. Though it’s been 11 years since frontman Kurt Cobain’s passing, there can be no doubt that the trio remains hugely influential, both with their hits on the radio and bands trying to copy their overall sound. Expect songs like “In Bloom” and “All Apologies” to get the biggest responses among the grunge rock standards. If you missed the real thing, this is a great option.
Smells Like Nirvana: Friday, July 3, at the 710 Beach Club, 710 Garnet Ave. 9 p.m. 21 and up. $5. www.710bc.com. It’s an interesting premise: Take parodies of “beloved” fast-food advertising mascots and have them play tunes by Black Sabbath, hence Mac Sabbath. Appearing at Brick by Brick on Friday, July 3, as odd as it sounds, this works. The music is well played, with everything from “Iron Man” to “Paranoid” in the set, but it’s the visuals that put it over the top, with a Ronald McDonald look-a-like belting out the tunes with real fervor. If you’ve ever had a nightmare after eating fast food, this could be quite similar, though likely with a better soundtrack.
Mac Sabbath: Friday, July 3, at Brick by Brick, 1130 Buenos Ave. 8 p.m. 21 and up. $22.
www.brickbybrick.com. On Sunday, July 5, Dizzy’s will be the site of a special concert from bassist Marco Renteria and his Jazz Quartet. Based in Mexico City, the band specializes in Blue Note-styled jazz focused around Renteria’s nimble playing. Performing with this combo allows Renteria to showcase his musical prowess apart from his day job with major rock Mexican band Juagares.
Fans will find zero cross-over between the two projects, but if you’re a hardcore jazz aficionado, you’ll find much to your liking in his tunes.
Marco Renteria and his Jazz Quartet: Sunday, July 5, at Dizzy’s, 4275 Mission Bay Drive. 8 p.m. $15. www.dizzysjazz.com.
Blues fans won’t want to miss harmonica player Chet Cannon at Humphreys Backstage Live on Tuesday, July 7. A terrific frontman, Cannon has been a lynchpin of the local music community for years, leading blues jams and always among the first to sign up when a benefit or need arises. His Tuesday-night sets at Humphreys have become the perfect midweek pick-me-up for music lovers in the know. Backed by an ace band, Cannon plays a mix of standards and originals with real passion. If you need a dose of the blues this week, this is the best bet, with Cannon and friends never turning in less than a thoroughly entertaining set.
Chet Cannon: Tuesday, July 7, at Humphrey’s Backstage Live, 2241 Shelter Island Dr., Shelter Island. 9 p.m. humphreysbackstagelive.com. Though the swing revival of the 1990s has largely faded away, its success can be seen in its aftermath – anytime a blues, jump-jazz or rockabilly band performs, you can count on couples showing off their moves in front of the stage. Anyone looking for dance floor action this weekend might want to try catching a set from Blue Largo, performing at Tio Leo’s on Thursday, July 9. Centered around guitarist Eric Lieberman and vocalist Alicia Aragon, the band excels at a mix of classic jazz and blues, such as “Besame Mucho,” that’s perfect for a romantic night out.
Blue Largo: Thursday, July 9. Tio Leo’s, 5302 Napa St. 9 p.m. 21 and up. Cover TBD, tioleos.com. Although San Diego doesn’t often celebrate its metal music scene, in truth it’s one of our most popular exports. One of the biggest bands to emerge in recent years, Cattle Decapitation, releases a new album, “The Anthropocene Extinction,” on Saturday, July 11, with a CD release party at Brick by Brick at 8 p.m. The group’s last two album charted nationally, making them that rare modern band that actually sells music and is an international concert draw. Cattle Decapitation’s music is not for the faint of heart, but rock fans that like their music c loud and aggressive, this show will fit the bill nicely. Cattle Decapitation : Saturday, July 11, at Brick by Brick, 1130 Buenos Avenue. 8 p.m. 21 and up. $15. www.brickbybrick.com