• With a three-decade span of hits, U2 is one of the last true superstar bands. Following closely on the heels of the Beatles for the number of tribute acts in the U.S. devoted to its music, Southern California has several top-notch impersonators — including Joshua Tree — which performs at RT’s Longboard on July 23. While all the grand stadium gestures don’t translate to a small club setting, there’s no denying the band’s music packs a punch. Playing excellent versions of music from “I Will Follow” (1980) to “Get On Your Boots” (2009), Joshua Tree covers all its bases. If you’re a fan of Bono and company, you’ll love every second of this show. Joshua Tree performs at 9 p.m. on Saturday, July 23 at RT’s Longboard, 1466 Garnet Ave. 21 and up. www.longboardgrill.com • While the Rolling Stones are still performing today to at-capacity crowds, it’s been over three decades since the band’s prime. While nothing could ever match the band when it was at the height of its powers, there are numerous bands out there that play the Rolling Stones’ music. But few specialize in recreating the look, sound and feel of the Stones’ 1969-1974 era like the Hollywood Stones. Though they play material up to the early 1980s, the look centers on the Mick Taylor years with a more than credible Mick Jagger impersonator up front. The band goes so far as to assume fake identities like guitarist Keef Riffoff, but it’s the music that counts — and this band nails it with excellent renditions of classics, from “Angie” to “Start Me Up.” The Hollywood Stones perform at 9 p.m. on Friday, July 29 at Tio Leo’s, 5302 Napa St. 21 and up. Cover TBD. www.hollywoodstones.com • On July 30, The 710 Beach Club will host the second annual “80s Big Hair Rock Starz Reunion,” a fundraiser for Marc Anthony Carrasco, whose children died in March. Beginning at 5 p.m., clubgoers will experience a musical time warp with music focused on the 1980s. On hand will be Way Cool Jr. and Julie’s Rubbish, as well as three tribute bands: Blackout (The Scorpions), Back to Black (AC/DC) and Rattz (Ratt). Putting the event several notches above the usual tribute band gathering will be a 10 p.m. jam session featuring members of major label hard-rock heroes like Krokus and MSG. Anyone who likes their rock music loud and classic will find plenty to their liking here. “80s Big Hair Rock Starz Reunion” begins at 5 .m. on Saturday, July 30 at the 710 Beach Club, 710 Garnet Ave. 21 and up. Cover TBD. www.710bc.com • One of the most popular blues bands in town, The Stoney B Blues Band, performs July 31 at Kate Sessions Park — part of the Concerts on the Green series. Guitarist Michael Stone (aka Stoney B) is a fairly recent transplant to San Diego, having been evacuated from his New Orleans base during Hurricane Katrina. San Diego music fans have welcomed him with open arms. His latest CD, “It’s Showtime,” is nominated at this year’s San Diego Music Awards in the category of “Best Blues Album.” Blues fans will find a slew of favorites in the band’s repertoire from Slim Harpo to Sonny Boy Williamson. But just as impressive is the band’s original material like “You Were The One,” which sits comfortably alongside the standards. Stoney B Blues Band performs at 4 p.m. on Sunday, July 31 at Concerts on the Green, Kate Sessions Park. All ages. Free. www.pbconcerts.org • The Turquoise Café Bar Europa continues to book one of the most eclectic schedules of any venue in town. You’ll find just about everything on its schedule: from jazz, blues and belly dancing to flamenco, samba and other world music. Sunday, July 31 features a set from Duo LaRé, featuring Chris Acquavella on mandolin and Nate Jarrell on guitar. The pair has a modern take on acoustic music, mixing classical and folk traditions as heard on their new album, “In Other Words.” Anyone looking for something beyond the usual dance or rock music at most clubs will find this nightspot nothing short of nirvana. Duo LaRé performs at 7 p.m. on Sunday, July 31 at Café-Bar Europa, 873 Turquoise St. 21 and up. No cover. www.theturquoise.com/wordpress.
