On Saturday, Dec. 5, Stone Temple Pilots tribute band Core will be hosting their third annual Toys for Tots benefit at the 710 Beach Club. The bill also includes a performance from Smashing Pumpkins tribute band, The Great Pumpkin, but the biggest draw will be the music of STP. That band has had more ups and downs than just about any combo going, but their catalog of great tunes from “Interstate Love Song” to “Big Bang Baby” ensures that they are cover band favorites, Core doing a particularly good job of re-creating their sound. Both bands will play nothing but their namesakes best-known songs, making this show a must for fans of either band. Don’t forget to bring a toy to donate. Core: Saturday, Dec. 5 at the 710 Beach Club, 710 Garnet Ave. 9 p.m. 21 and up. www.710bc.com. Local jazz fans have two opportunities to catch Mission Bay High School’s Preservationists this holiday season. On Dec. 12, the band, led by the school’s music director JP Balmat, will take part in the annual Pacific Beach Holiday Parade. But first, on Dec. 10, they will perform as part of the school’s annual Winter Concert, held in their auditorium and featuring the schools various ensembles. The set lists will focus on seasonal favorites. Best of all, the funds raised at the show go directly toward keeping this wonderful music program going. Mission Bay High School Winter Concert: Thursday, Dec. 10 at Mission Bay High School, 2475 Grand Ave. 7 p.m. All ages. www.missionbaymusic.com. Of all the musical instruments out there, it’s doubtful that few get less respect than the tuba. But that distinctive sound is the magic in the guitar, drums and tuba trio, Evil Genius. Touring behind their debut album, Bitter Human, the group performs at Dizzy’s on Dec. 6. Jazz fans will find elements of fusion, progressive rock and improv liberally mixed throughout their tunes, built around the virtuoso playing of guitarist Max Kutner, drummer Michael (Bonepocket) Lockwood and effectively working in the role a bassist or soloist might, tuba player Stefan Kac, all adding up to a bold new sound. While it’s unlikely a tuba craze is on the horizon, anyone looking for adventurous music will enjoy Evil Genius. Evil Genius: Sunday, Dec. 6, at Dizzy’s, 4275 Mission Bay Drive. 7 p.m. $15. www.dizzysjazz.com Humphrey’s Backstage Live has recently expanded it’s booking to include national touring acts, with Grammy-winning percussionist Poncho Sanchez performing two shows on Dec. 6. At home with both Latin jazz and salsa music, since Sanchez first album in 1980, he has released dozens of albums of his infectious, rhythmic sounds in addition to working with everyone from Cal Tjader to Tower of Power. This is music that will make you want to hit the dance floor, so bring your dancing shoes for a set of incendiary Latin jams – you won’t be disappointed. Poncho Sanchez: Sunday, Dec. 6, at Humphrey’s Backstage Live, 2241 Shelter Island Dr., Shelter Island. 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. $34. www.humphreysbackstagelive.com Although they were never quite front runners in the 1980s glam metal heyday, there can be no denying Faster Pussycat has managed to keep a strong and vocal fanbase. Performing at Brick by Brick on Dec. 6, they are technically a one hit wonder, with 1990s No. 28 smash “House of Pain.” The band has numerous songs that have gone on to greater acclaim since their original release, including their cover of Carly Simon’s “You’re So Vain” and Aerosmith sounding “Don’t Change That Song.” Faster Pussycat is currently celebrating its 30th anniversary, with the only original member at this point being front man Taime Down, but the group still fires on all cylinders live and the song remains much the same. Faster Pussycat: Sunday Dec. 6, at Brick by Brick, 1130 Buenos Ave. 8 p.m. 21 and up. $18. www.brickbybrick.com On Dec. 13, rock ’n’ roll queen Roni Lee hosts her third annual holiday bash at Tio Leo’s. Best known for penning the Runaways classic “I Wanna Be Where The Boys Are,” Lee has put together an impressive and wildly diverse lineup that includes a tribute to 1940s combo The Andrews Sisters, Sisters of Swing, Doobie Brothers compatriot Lester Abrams (he co-wrote “Minute by Minute”) indie rocker Josie Day with guitarist Eric Miller, Mamas and Papas/Buckinghams singer Laurie Beebe Lewis and many more. The concert benefits the San Diego Christian Serviceman’s Center, making this a great opportunity to do a good deed while enjoying a full evening of entertainment. The event is all ages until 8 p.m. Roni lee’s Holiday Show: Sunday Dec. 13. Tio Leo’s, 5302 Napa St. 5 p.m. 21 and up. Cover TBD. www.tioleos.com