Five local shows over the next two weeks

By Jen Van Tieghem | SDUN Reporter

In addition to having a fantastically vibrant local music scene, San Diego also attracts bands from all over the country and beyond. These picks include some SD favorites to put on your radar and visiting bands you don’t want to miss. The beauty in it being that you can often kill two birds with one stone — our local artists welcome out-of-towners with open arms and we should too.

Action Andy and the Hitones, Rykarda Parasol, and The Palominos at Black Cat Bar

9 p.m., Saturday March 15

$5

This one has a whole lotta genres on one bill, but one singer stands out: Rykarda Parasol. The San Francisco native offers up

throaty vocals and an avante-garde style that has earned her international attention. It will be interesting to hear how her intricate melodies play out at this solo acoustic performance. The other acts — all local — fall on the folk/country side of things with male vocalists and more upbeat tunes. Of course, ain’t nothin’ wrong with an eclectic lineup and seeing it all for just a five spot.

Solander, Defero, Creature and the Woods, and Mire Kay at Tin Can Alehouse

9 p.m. Wednesday, March 19

$5

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An interesting night of music with two local acoustic rock performers along with two similar acts from Sweden. One of the visiting bands, Solander, presents a softer side of pop-folk with sparse male vocals reminiscent of Tame Impala. The other Swedes on the bill, Mire Kay, follow the same vein with delicate feminine harmonies over romantic piano playing. Seems these bands will be a great fit for the locals in the lineup. Creature and the Woods is a folky trio comprised of terrifically talented vocalists including Shelbi Bennett of The Midnight Pine, Leanna May Patterson of The Whiskey Circle and Roger Molina. Also playing is one-man band Defero, who also presents stripped down acoustic folk with a tinge of Americana. Overall this is a mellow lineup for those of us lyric lovers who get sucked in by a great set of pipes.

Lydia Loveless and Nena Anderson at Seven Grand

8:30 p.m. Thursday, March 20

$12 – $15

SevenGrandBars.com

At the ripe ol’ age of 23, the wickedly talented Lydia Loveless is garnering rave reviews for her new album, “Somewhere Else,” from everyone including Rolling Stone magazine and the ever-coveted Pitchfork.com. Her country-soaked music manages to appeal to fans of rock and alternative with powerful guitar riffs. But the truly intoxicating part of the songs is Loveless’ vocals with a deep moodiness reminiscent of classic country stars Loretta Lynn and Patsy Cline. In a perfect pairing, San Diego’s own siren Nena Anderson will be opening the show accompanied by guitar virtuoso Adrian Demain. With Loveless’ star on the rise and Anderson’s well-earned local following, this show is sure to sell out. Don’t miss your chance to see these sultry songstresses and toss back some of the killer whiskey Seven Grand is known for.

Roger! and Foreverever at Rosie O’Grady’s

9 p.m. Saturday, March 22

Free

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Celebrating the release of their sophomore effort, “Wishing for Boredom” Roger! will headline this free show. Their music is reminiscent of ‘90s alternative bands like Soul Asylum with added mellow ambient rock sounds that point to The Beatles as an influence. The juxtaposition of the male and female lead vocals adds dynamic character to their debut record and I’m intrigued to see what the new one brings. Oakland band Foreverever will start this show off — also with an indie-pop style.

The Matt Smith Neu Jazz Trio at 98 Bottles

8 p.m. Thursday, March 27

$12 – $15

98BottlesSD.com

I’m admittedly a newbie to the genre of jazz. I’m typically in tune with lyrics first and foremost, but over time listening to instrumental music has become more appealing and watching jazz performers has made me a convert. The Matt Smith Neu Jazz Trio brings a youthful sensibility to the style with fun arrangements and experimentation. 98 Bottles is no stranger to jazz and their swanky back room is a sweet spot to relax with a cocktail while you keep an eye on these up-and-coming gents.