A taste of country, AC/DC tribute and roots soul music
One of the leading lights of San Diego’s current country music community, Three Chord Justice, which performs at Tio Leo’s on June 10, plays classic Bakersfield-styled numbers. The band performs its own originals and evergreens like “Act Naturally.” Winner of the 2010 KSON Big Country Showdown, the band is led by singer Liz Grace. But it when it comes to musicianship, this is an all-star combo, with steel guitar player Tom Wolverton and lead player Jeff Houck particularly noteworthy. Whether you’re a fan of country’s classic songs or newer chart hits, Three Chord Justice offers up something for just about everybody. Three Chord Justice performs at 9 p.m. on Friday, June 10 at Tio Leo’s, 5302 Napa St. 21 and up. Cover TBD. myspace.com/ threechordjustice There are a lot of hard rock bands but few have had the staying power of AC/DC. While the band tours steadily, it can’t possibly meet the demand of its fanbase. Enter local quintet Back 2 Black, which appears at the 710 Beach Club on June 10, 9 p.m. Fronted by singer Sammy Salvo, the band focuses on AC/DC’s Brian Johnson-era material, going the extra mile and even dressing the part — down to guitarist Paul Howlie wearing the schoolboy outfit. There won’t be any surprises, but with tunes like “You Shook Me All Night Long” and “Back in Black” in the set list, hard rock fans should be more than pleased with the selections. Back 2 Black performs at 9 p.m. on Friday, June 10 at the 710 Beach Club, 710 Garnet Ave. 21 and up. Cover TBD. www.710bc.com Music has to be just about the hardest business to make it in. Yet each year, countless bands enter the fray, each hoping for a shot at the brass ring. Luckily for up-and-comers, there are a few select events that can place an unknown in front of thousands of listeners. For indie rock fans, it doesn’t get better than Warped Tour, which takes a gaggle of like-minded musicians on a road trip across the country. On June 15, Brick by Brick will host the preliminary trials in a battle of the bands, with the top prize being a coveted spot at the festival, recording time and new gear. While artists had not been named at press time, up to a half-dozen hungry new bands will be on hand, all trying to do their best. Rock aficionados won’t want to miss this show. Warped Tour 2011 Battle of the Bands prelims begins at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, June 15 at Brick by Brick, 1130 Buenos Ave. 21 and up. $10. www.brickbybrick.com Formed less than six months ago, seven-piece reggae and soul band Zig Zag Jones, which appears at RT’s Longboard on June 17, has already made quite a splash. The key to the band’s sound is that splash of soul. With song titles like “Hawaii” and “There’s Love,” you know the basics of the groups sound. However, where most reggae groups dwell on the funk and dub aspect of the music, Zig Zag Jones goes for roots soul music, making for songs with a strong beat and strong choruses. If you are drawn to Island sounds, you’ll want to check these guys out. Zig Zag Jones performs at 10 p.m. on Friday, June 17 at RT’s Longboard, 1466 Garnet Ave. 21 and up. www.reverbnation.com/ zigzagjones Tenor saxophone player Joe Marillo arrived in San Diego in 1974 already a music icon. His resume is lengthy and its range shows just how vital a performer he is. Marillo can be seen in the 1956 movie “Rock, Rock, Rock” playing with Jimmy Cavello and the House Rockers, meanwhile, the last few decades have seen him nurture the musical talents of over 500 students. Jazz fans won’t want to miss a second of his performance with the group Now Time. Anyone who likes good music will find much to enjoy from this certified legend. Now Time with Joe Marillo: 9 p.m. on Friday, June17 at Café-Bar Europa, 873 Turqouise St. 21 and up. No Cover. www.theturquoise.com/wordpress