The second member of the Runaways to perform at Brick by Brick in recent months, Lita Ford appears at the club on Nov. 7, 9 p.m. While the rest of the band’s ex-members went a more pop-edged route, Ford is definitely a metal player, even having scored a hit duet with Ozzy Osbourne, “Close My Eyes Forever” (#8, 1989). Ford took a break from performing for roughly 15 years, making this her comeback tour and her first time back in San Diego in decades. If you’re a fan of Ford’s hard rockin’ tunes like “Kiss me Deadly,” then this show should be celebratory.
Lita Ford: Thursday, Nov. 7, at Brick by Brick, 1130 Buenos Ave. 8 p.m. 21 and up. $25. www.brickbybrick.com Though barely in his early 20s, Armenian pianist Tigran Hamasyan has already won a mantelpiece full of trophies for his keyboard work, including first prize in the prestigious 2006 Thelonius Monk Institute of Jazz Awards. Appearing at Dizzy’s on Nov. 8, what sets Hamasyan apart is that his original jazz compositions are strongly influenced by the Armenian folk tradition, often using its scales and modalities. While he mostly plays his own music, this influence is particularly striking when performing a standard, practically turning the tune inside out and revealing elements in the structure and composition — wonderful stuff. That Hamasyan is also a charismatic performer seems almost a bonus when his music is so compelling on its own.
Tigran Hamasyan: Friday, Nov. 8, at Dizzy’s, 4275 Mission Bay Drive. 8 p.m. $15. www.dizzysjazz.com It’s a testament to the caliber of talent in San Diego that it doesn’t take much searching to find a bona fide resident music legend playing a local club date. Such is the case with Jessie Davis who performs at Humphrey’s Backstage Lounge on Nov. 8, 8 p.m. A well-respected jazz singer and songwriter, he’s been such a mainstay of the area’s music scene since he arrived in 1970 that it’s easy to overlook his many accomplishments, from releasing highly collectable soul singles in the 1960s to performing for presidents in the 1980s. A singer in the classic Lou Rawls style, this performance is the perfect opportunity to take in a show from one of San Diego’s most underrated music treasures.
Jesse Davis: Tuesday, Nov. 12, at Humphrey’s Backstage Live, 2241 Shelter Island Drive, Shelter Island. 7 p.m. $5. www.humphreysbackstagelive.com One of the most picturesque locations in San Diego to take in live music, the Kona Kai Resort now has a Sunday schedule that’s a couple of notches above the competition. Music lovers can enjoy brunch with a wonderful soundtrack beginning at 11 a.m., with artists including Sister Speak and Danielle Lo Presti amongst those scheduled to perform in coming weeks. On Nov. 17, the venue features a performance from guitarist Lorraine Castellanos. Though considered a classical guitarist, Castellanos actually has a much broader range, adding in blues and pop to her sound. Topped with a warm stage presence and marvelous voice, a set from Lorraine Castellanos is the perfect way to kick off a Sunday morning.
Lorraine Castellanos: Sunday, Nov.17, 11 a.m. at the Kona Kai Resort, 1551 Shelter Island Drive, Shelter Island. 11 a.m. www.resortkonakai.com If anything can make you believe in the singer-songwriter genre again, it’s Tolan Shaw. Blessed with both a wonderful warm voice and deft finger-picking styles, as well as excellent songwriting skills, Shaw has emerged over the past year as a serious contender for next big thing. This summer he won the San Diego County Fair Singer-Songwriter contest and recently released his debut self-titled album. Full of Shaw’s soulful tunes like melancholy rocker “Meant To Be,” it’s a terrific introduction to his music. The album is a full-band production, complete with New Orleans brass and Hammond organ, but live he’s at his most evocative in solo mode, his guitar technique as impressive as his tunes.
Tolan Shaw: Tuesday, Nov. 19 at The Griffin, 1310 Morena Blvd. 8 p.m. 21 and up. $5. www.thegriffinsd.com MUST HEAR
The weather may be a little chillier as we head into the holidays, but 710 Beach Club is still the place to go to for sunshine reggae sounds. Each weekend the club books some of the best island sounds the area has to offer. On Nov. 9, the spotlight will be on Eddie Blunt & High Tide, which happens to include two members of local indie rockers Mad Traffic.
Eddie Blunt & High Tide: Saturday, Nov. 9, at the 710 Beach Club, 710 Garnet Ave. 9 p.m. 21 and up. www.710bc.com
