One of the most interesting trends in the world of tribute bands is that of all-female doppelganger combos like Iron Maidens, who perform at Brick by Brick on June 22. Playing only songs by their namesake heavy metal group, the quintet rocks hard, turning in stellar versions of such genre classics as “Run to the Hills” and “Two Minutes to Midnight.” If you like your rock loud, hard and in-your-face, this night’s five-band bill, with comedian Jose Birriantos as master of ceremonies, is just what the doctor ordered. • Iron Maidens perform at 8 pm. on Friday, June 22 at Brick by Brick, 1130 Buenos Ave. 21 and up. $20. www.brickbybrick.com Hard-rock heroes Mower has a softer side, as showcased by its musical alter ego, Slower, which just started a Sunday night residency at the 710 Beach Club. The band plays slower, at times even jazzy versions of Mower’s own classic tunes, but what really gets the party started is its superb cover versions of everyone from Elvis and The Beatles to Wilson Pickett and Harry Belafonte. Mower fans will love this show, but anyone who likes classic rock and pop tunes from the 1950s through the ’70s will find a lot to enjoy from these guys. • Slower performs at 8 p.m. on Sundays through July at the 710 Beach Club, 710 Garnet Ave. 21 and up. www.710bc.com A new reggae trio, The Broken Stems, performs at RT’s Longboard on June 28. Formed by singer/songwriter and guitarist Jesse Gawlik, the band also features female harmony vocals from bass guitarist Lara Stucki. Tight musicianship from all three band members results in a sound that’s as heavy on dynamics as skanking rythms. While there is currently no shortage of reggae groups in the area, Gawlik’s strong tunes make the band an above-average listen. • The Broken Stems perform at 10 p.m. on Thursday, June 28 at RT’s Longboard, 1466 Garnet Ave. 21 and up. www.longboardgrill.com Five-piece cover band Scott Carter & The New Breed appear at Beaumont’s on June 29. Fronted by Carter, the band includes two other lead vocalists in bassist Kevin Smith and keyboardist Billy Meza, giving their mix of soul and rock classics a nice range. The band covers everything from Prince and Michael Jackson to the Steve Miller Band, songs with an emphasis on the beat, making this gig the week’s best option for anyone who is looking for a bit of dance-floor action. • Scott Carter & The New Breeds perform at 9 p.m. on Friday, June 29 at Beaumont’s, 5662 La Jolla Blvd. 21 and up. www.beaumontseatery.com Fronted by one of the best songwriters playing the area today, Dustin Lothspeich, indie pop trio Old Tiger is well worth checking out. Favoring melody and classic-sounding hooks over bombast and speed, the band’s set list is full of songs that are instantly catchy and full of sing-along melodies. Best of all, the musicianship is top-notch quality, with Lothspeich’s sweet, soulful voice perfectly matched to his superb guitar playing. Songs like Old Tiger’s “Get Along” would be top ten hits in a perfect world. • Old Tiger performs at 9 p.m. on Friday, June 29 at The Griffin, 1310 Morena Blvd. 21 and up. www.thegriffinsd.com
