Mission Bay High School’s music program is holding a jazz concert series in the Japanese Friendship Gardens of Balboa Park. Running Feb. 13 through May 21, funds raised by these performances go towards helping the schools acclaimed student groups, the Preservationists and Mambo Orchestra travel to New Orleans and Cuba in 2020. The series kicks off with Euphoria Brass Band, an award-winning combo led by the school’s music director, JP Balmat that melds New Orleans traditional brass band jazz with a bit of funk, for a sound that’s joyful, fun and danceable. Euphoria Brass Band: Thursday, Feb. 13 at the Japanese Friendship Garden, Balboa Park, 2215 Pan American Road E. 7 p.m. $20. All ages. missionbaymusic.com. Anyone who is looking for a romantic night out, with a jazz soundtrack, will want to hear the 12th annual Valentine’s Day Tribute to Pops and Ella, aka Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald, taking place at Dizzy’s on Feb. 14. Vocalist Leonard Patton will be joined by two Grammy nominees; trumpeter Curtis Taylor and singer Sara Gazarek, with Ed Kornhauser (piano), Justin Grinnell (bass) and Duncan Moore (drums). Armstrong and Fitzgerald are two of the greatest artists the jazz genre has ever produced, with a wealth of material that’s second to none. Expect a set that’s big on the hits, with “What A Wonderful World” likely to be the night’s highlight.
A Tribute to Pops and Ella: Friday, Feb. 14 at Dizzy’s at Arias Hall, 1717 Morena Blvd. 8 p.m. $25. All ages. dizzysjazz.com. Legendary guitarist Ross the Boss, aka Ross Friedman, performs at Brick by Brick on Feb. 15. He’s performed with many bands in his four decades plus career, including stints with Shakin’ Street and The Dictators, as well as more recent projects such as the band, Bloody Times and his own recent album, “By Blood Sworn.” This show will focus on Friedman’s hard rock side with the music on hand largely from his time with metal band Manowar. If you’re a fan of punk or metal don’t pass up the chance to catch this show from a true guitar hero.
Ross the Boss: Saturday, Feb. 15 at Brick by Brick, 1130 Buenos Ave. 8:30 p.m. $20. 21 and up. brickbybrick.com. Rock fans will enjoy a special tribute band double bill at the 710 Beach Club on Feb. 15, featuring Aerosmythe (Aerosmith) and Township Rebellion (Rage Against the Machine). Both are great bands, but the nod here goes to Aerosmythe, who will perform what is the greatest hits set from their namesake artist. The band doesn’t try to look like Aerosmith, instead of focusing on dynamic performances of the group’s best-known songs. With evergreens such as “Sweet Emotion,” “Dream On” and “Ragdoll” in their set, you can expect plenty of singing along and air guitar from fans in the audience. Aerosmythe: Saturday, Feb. 15 at the 710 Beach Club, 710 Garnet Ave. 9 p.m. $5. 21 and up. 710bc.com. On Feb. 15 Pechanga Arena will host Art Laboe’s Valentine’s Super Love Jam, a night of soul, R&B and disco. A jukebox worth of stars from the 1970s and 1980s will be on hand, including Midnight Star, Ready for the World (feat. Melvin Riley), Tierra, Evelyn “Champagne” King, Heatwave, Peaches and Herb, Blue Magic, Ray Goodman and Brown aka The Moments and The Floaters. With so many performers, sets will be short, focusing exclusively on their timeless hits. There will likely be many highlights, but the dancing will likely peak with Heatwave’s immortal “Groove Line.”
Valentine’s Super Love Jam: Saturday, Feb. 15 at Pechanga Arena, 3500 Sports Arena Blvd. 7:30 p.m. $38.50 – $125.00. All ages. 1980s-era British synth-rock combo China Crisis stop is at Humphrey’s Backstage Live on Feb. 16. While the group never managed any U.S. hits, they scored five Top 40 smashes in their homeland, securing them cult status around the globe. Touring behind a new compilation album, “Possible Pop Songs Live,” the band still includes singer/synth player Gary Daly and guitarist Eddie Lundon, with new players helping keep the tunes vibrant. The night’s focus will be on classic tunes such as “Wishful Thinking” and “Best Kept Secret,” making this the perfect night out for both die-hard fans and novices to their sound.
China Crisis: Sunday, Feb. 16 at Humphrey’s Backstage Live, 2241 Shelter Island Drive. 6:30 p.m. $28 – $93. 21 and up. humphreysbackstagelive.com.