Five local shows over the next two weeks

By Jen Van Tieghem

Jessica Hernandez and The Deltas, Kera and The Lesbians, Social Club at Soda Bar

Thursday, Dec. 11 | 8:30 p.m. | $10

The headlining act for this one seem to be on the cusp of huge things.

Their recent debut album, “Secret Evil,” garnered a plethora of rave reviews, thus it is time to see Jessica Hernandez and The Deltas in a small club — while you still can. Give their tune, “Caught Up,” a listen for a heavy helping of sultry vocals and retro rock style. Hernandez is equally spellbinding on softer songs like “Cry Cry Cry.” Her powerful range is sure to shine in the intimacy of Soda Bar.

Will Rice, 22 Kings, Triumph of the Wild, Radios Silent, Dave Gleason Trio at Seven Grand

Thursday, Dec. 11 | 8 p.m. | Free

This is the debut of a music showcase series call “Love Thy Neighbor Presents,” curated by local singer-songwriter Jessica Hull. She’s whipped up a solid lineup right out of the gate with bands from throughout Southern California and even Baja. One mid-lineup standout is Triumph of the Wild, who were honored at this year’s San Diego Music Awards for Best Local Recording. The sweet folk duo creates multifaceted numbers using their vocal harmonies, simple rhythms and everything from harmonica to tambourine. Check out their song, “Let It Go,” for a taste of all the elements.

Dead Feather Moon, The Whiskey Circle, Taken By Canadians at The Merrow

Saturday, Dec. 13 | 9 p.m. | $8

A weekend night with these three rock ‘n’ roll bands should be quite a party. Each band has a bit of alt-country thrown in to their style, and each know how to command a room’s attention. As Dead Feather Moon prepares to release their long-awaited second full-length album, I’m sure we’ll get some new tunes mixed with old favorites. Personally, I’ll be waiting for “Movers and Shakers,” if they’re taking requests. The Whiskey Circle, who knocked out a couple of EPs this year, also put on a great live show driven by front woman Leanna May Patterson using her pipes for tender tones and belting out big notes. Taken By Canadians will start things off with their smoldering bluesy rock numbers.

For the Sender Holiday Show at Belly Up (Solana Beach)

Sunday, Dec. 14 | 8 p.m. | $18+

’Tis the season for holiday shows and, though this one is a little out of my neck of the woods, it certainly looks worth the trek. For the Sender is a project by Alex Woodard that has resulted in books, albums and numerous concert events. The songs are based on letters Woodard received and the true stories of these pieces come to life in the music he has created with many talented collaborators. For this special seated show at Belly Up, he’ll be joined by Jordan Pundik (New Found Glory), Sara and Sean Watkins (Nickel Creek), Jack Tempchin, Nena Anderson and others. The event will also raise money for the Switchfoot Bro-Am Foundation; a feel-good evening all around!

College, Nicky Venus at The Casbah

Sunday, Dec. 14 | 9 p.m. | $12

Dance party! Local electro-pop artist Nicky Venus’ music instantly conjures up fuzzy memories of ’80s synthpop and British new wave music. The title track from Venus’ latest album “Little Runner” should win favor with fans of Pet Shop Boys, OMD, Erasure and anyone along those lines. The style is well matched with headliner College (aka French electronica artist David Grellier) who also makes music in the synth-heavy nostalgic vein. Don’t expect to sit down for this one.

—Got a band worth talking about? Email [email protected].