
Singer-songwriter James Lee Stanley has released more than three dozen albums since he first began recording in 1970, penning great story songs and acoustic folk-inspired tunes. But that’s only part of the tale. While he has a devoted fanbase for his music, Stanley has probably been seen by more people via his numerous uncredited appearances as various aliens, including a singing Klingon, on “Star Trek: Deep Space 9.” Currently touring behind a new album, “Had Enough Yet? Songs of Protest, Resistance and Hope,” Stanley remains a witty and riveting performer who has lost none of his songwriting prowess in the ensuing decades. James Lee Stanley: Saturday, June 24 at the Grassroots Oasis, 3130 Moore St. 7:30 p.m. All ages. www.grassrootsoasis.com. Anyone who enjoys the music of The Beatles will enjoy the “Benedetti celebrates McCartney” concert taking place at Dizzy’s on June 16, in honor of the bass-playing Beatle’s 75th birthday two days later. For this performance, acclaimed guitarist Fred Benedetti will be joined by vocalist Julia Picone, multi-instrumentalist/bassist Jeff Pekarek and percussionist James Morton. The night will feature McCartney penned classic such as “Penny Lane” and “Blackbird,” all highlighted by Benedetti’s unique arrangements and virtuoso fretwork. Benedetti Celebrates McCartney: Friday, June 16, at Dizzy’s at Arias Hall, 1717 Morena Blvd. 8 p.m. $15. www.dizzysjazz.com. On June 16, the 710 Beach Club has a solid double bill featuring two up and coming new rock bands, Electric Mud and Bad Moon Born. The latter is an Australian quintet, with sound somewhere between The Black Crowes and Audioslave, but the night’s highlight promises to be Electric Mud. Named after a Muddy Waters album, the band mixes jam band sounds, blues and indie rock for tunes that are a perfect soundtrack for a night on the town. Electric Mud: Friday, June 16 at the 710 Beach Club, 710 Garnet Ave. 9 p.m. 21 and up.$5 www.710bc.com. Legendary guitarist Doyle Wolfgang von Frankenstein, or Doyle for short, will make an appearance at Brick by Brick on June 17. An original member of legendary 1980s horror-punk combo The Misfits, these days Doyle’s music is hard-edged metal, full of bombast and adrenaline, made to play loud, complete with jack hammer riffs. Currently touring behind his latest album, “As We Die,” the night’s focus will be on Doyle’s new music, but longtime fans will find not only the horror imagery but also the intensity of his performances still remain from his Misfits days. Doyle: Saturday, June 17, at Brick by Brick, 1130 Buenos Ave. 7:30 p.m. 21 and up. $23. www.brickbybrick.com Classic rock fans will want to hear Santanaways performing at Tio Leo’s on June 24. Fronted by guitarist and Carlos Santana look-a-like, Benito Meschoulam, the six-piece band performs the music of Santana from his 1960s Woodstock-era classics through to his modern-era favorites. While guitar-heavy favorites such as “Europa” and “She’s Not There,” sound great, it’s their rhythm-heavy takes on evergreens such as “Oye Como Va” and “Black Magic Woman,” that make the band a standout. Nearly five decades after his debut Santana remains one of rock music’s heavy hitters – these gents provide a worthy tribute. Santanaways: Saturday, June 24 at Tio Leo’s, 5302 Napa St. 9 p.m. 21 and up. Cover TBD. www.tioleos.com Although most often billed as a blues band, Blue Largo, who perform at Humphrey’s Backstage Live on June 28, has a much more expansive sound. With blues as the core, the band includes, swing, jazz, boogie and more, for a sound that’s meant to get you off your feet, on the dance floor and having a good time. who performs at Humphrey’s Backstage Live on June 28. The group has three excellent albums to date, but this is a band that’s meant to be experienced live, where their near irresistible dance rhythms can be put to good effect. Blue Largo: Wednesday, June 28 at Humphrey’s Backstage Live, 2241 Shelter Island Drive. 7 p.m. $5. www.humphreysbackstagelive.com.








