Mission Bay High School has long been known as one of the area’s premier music schools. On May 29, the program, under the direction of music director JP Balmat, will showcase its entire music department, including its star group, the Preservationists, its jazz ensemble, its concert and beginning bands, as well as its choir. Jazz and New Orleans sounds will be the order of the day, but there will be plenty of variety on the program, offering up something for just about any music fan. This show is a wonderful way for the students to give back to the community and for locals to check out what all the fuss is about. If you’ve caught one of these student groups before, you know how good they can be. If you haven’t, be prepared to be impressed.
• THE MAY SHOW: Thursday, May 29 at MISSION BAY HIGH SCHOOL, 2475 Grand Ave. 7 p.m. All ages. $5 www.missionbaymusic.com. The Van Warped Tour started 30 years ago to give pop punk, metal core and like-minded bands exposure, with up to 100 acts across its multiple stages on the day. Three decades later, the event is still a major happening. This year’s show takes place June 25 at Sleep Train Amphitheatre. But first, there will be a competition at the 710 Beach Club on May 31, during which one lucky band will secure an opening spot on the bill. Competition for this show will be fierce. Battling it out on the club stage will be Sunny Rude, Upfull Rising, Tunnel Vision, Elemental Roots and Dante’s Boneyard. Head down and cheer on a favorite or check out some of the area’s prime talent, with each band sure to give their best. • WARPED BATTLE OF THE BANDS: Saturday, May 31 at the 710 BEACH CLUB, 710 Garnet Ave. 9 p.m. 21 and up. www.710bc.com. If there is an instrument that gets little respect, next to the tuba, it has to be the trombone. Due to its low register, it’s seldom thought of as a lead instrument. But on June 6, San Diego’s premiere jazz venue, Dizzy’s, hopes to change that perception with a special show featuring the music of eight trombonists: Scott Kyle, Kevin Esposito, Matt Hall, Jordan Morita, Patrick Escalante, Roy Brown, Matt Waters and Roger Wright, backed by a trio of Matt Smith on drums, Harley Magsino on bass and a pianist to be announced. Kudos to club proprietor Chuck Perrin for his adventurous shows and inspired bookings. It all adds up to a show that will be a major treat for San Diego’s jazz fans.
• BONEFEST 2: Friday, June 6 at DIZZY’S, 4275 Mission Bay Drive. 8 p.m., $15. www.dizzysjazz.com. Guitarist Roddy Radiation performs at the shakedown Bar on June 6. A founding member of UK ska legends The Specials, the guitarist is touring behind new music, but it’s the impact and songs he made during the early 1980s that will have this night’s crowd shaking on the dance floor. Radiation can be heard on dozens of classic tracks, including “Rat Race” and “Concrete Jungle,” each one guaranteed to turn into a crowd sing-a-long. If you enjoy classic ’80s sounds or have a soft spot in your heart for blistering ska tunes, this is an event you won’t want to miss.
• RODDY RADIATION: Friday, June 6 at the SHAKEDOWN BAR, 3048 Midway Drive.10 p.m. $10. 21 and up. www.theshakedownsd.com. Blessed with a sultry voice and stage persona, Mercedes Moore is both one of the hottest blues vocalists in town and one of the busiest. One listen and it’s easy to hear why. Appearing at Tio Leo’s on June 12, Moore excels at gritty R&B, with a crack three-piece backing band honed to perfection through extensive road work, as well as an arsenal of great covers and equally worthy originals. A new EP is imminent, but Moore is someone you’ll want to experience live, where her charming stage presence will win over even the most jaded music fan. • MERCEDES MOORE: Thursday June 12. TIO LEO’S, 5302 Napa St. 9 p.m. 21 and up. Cover TBD. www.tioleos.com.