Musicians will want to checkout Springboard West, a three-day music conference taking place in Ocean Beach Jan. 10-12. Open to the public, workshops on the music biz will be offered, complete with a band boot camp and a brew crawl amongst the added highlights. The event is headquartered at the OB Playhouse, with live music also found at Wintson’s, The Harp, Mother’s Saloon and The Te Mana Café. Fifty artists will perform throughout the three days, including The Frets, Courtney Preis and Ships Have Sailed, with an emphasis on promoting new talent. Whether you want to learn about the business of making music or just want to enjoy fresh sounds, Springboard West will offer up a multitude of opportunities. Springboard West: Thursday to Saturday, Jan. 10 12, at The OB Playhouse, 4944 Newport Ave. springboardwest.com. Anticipation is high for a new quartet making its debut this month, Judy Taylor and the Wild Oats. Appearing at Tio Leo’s on Jan. 15, the band features drummer Sharon Shufelt, guitarist Leah Kelly, trombonist April West, best known for her work with Euphoria Brass Band and award-winning keyboardist Sue Palmer, performing boogie-woogie and swing music.
Judy Taylor and the Wild Oats: Tuesday, Jan. 15 at Tio Leo’s, 5302 Napa St. 7:30 p.m. 21 and up. tioleos.com. Hard rock fans will want to head to Brick by Brick on Jan. 18, for a tribute band bill featuring three all female combos taking on the music of three of the genre’s biggest names. On hand will be New York-based Judas Priestess (Judas Priest) and locals, Too Hot To Handle (UFO) and Cowgirls From Hell (Pantera).
Judas Priestess: Friday, Jan. 18, at Brick by Brick, 1130 Buenos Ave. 8:30 p.m. 21 and up. brickbybrick.com. On Jan. 19, Dizzy’s will host a special tribute concert for the late jazz icon Daniel Jackson who died in 2014. The night will be helmed by bassist Marshall Hawkins, who has performed with a long list of music greats, backed by up-and-coming young musicians from the International Academy of Jazz and the Young Lions Jazz Conservatory.
Daniel Jackson Tribute: Saturday, Jan. 19 at Dizzy’s at Arias Hall, 1717 Morena Blvd. 7 p.m. dizzysjazz.com. Jackson was a mentor to dozens of musicians over his lifetime in music, so it’s likely that some of his musical friends will also join in the celebration as San Diego remembers one of the greatest musicians to ever call the area home.
Daniel Jackson Tribute: Saturday, Jan. 19 at Dizzy’s at Arias Hall, 1717 Morena Blvd. 7 p.m. dizzysjazz.com. Contemporary jazz saxophonist Jessy J stops in at Humphrey’s Backstage Live on Jan. 20 for two shows. Her most recent album, “Live at Yoshi’s,” is the perfect distillation of her career to date, with terrific originals from her six albums to date, mixed in with choice covers such as Sergio Mendes/ Brasil 66 classic “Mas Que Nada.” Backed by a four piece group, J’s playing is ultra-melodic, with plenty of Latin grooves sprinkled throughout her music, such as in her song, “Tropical Rain,” perfect for fans of modern jazz or classic bands such as Steely Dan.
Jessy J: Sunday, Jan. 20 at Humphrey’s Backstage Live, 2241 Shelter Island Drive. 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. humphreysbackstagelive.com. Indie rockers Avenue Army perform at the 710 Beach Club on Jan. 23. The band is performing in advance of their upcoming album, “Holding Steady,” due out Feb. 14. If you are a fan of modern, radio-friendly rock, Avenue Army will fill the bill nicely, with plenty of anthemic sing-along tunes in their set list, including potential future classics, such as recent single “Never Age.” The band is solid live, loud and rockin’ without sacrificing melody, making this show with Pink Spiders, a must for anyone seeking out great new music. Avenue Army: Wednesday, Jan. 23, at the 710 Beach Club, 710 Garnet Ave. 9 p.m. 21 and up. 710bc.com.
