The Kona Kai Resort’s Acoustic Music Series presents what may be its strongest lineup yet on Sunday, March 29. Highlights for the free, all ages, event, include crooner David Patrone, Todo Mundo frontman Santiago Orozco and cocktail jazz singer Normandie Wilson as well as singer-songwriters Verdell Smith, Jonnae Thompson, Donna Larsen and Ameerah Cook. It’s an all-star line-up, but the day’s highlight may well be Wilson, whose mix of ’60s musical styles, fashion and humorous stage patter have made her a favorite at venues such as the historic Lafayette Hotel, where she is the house pianist. Inspired by the likes of Burt Bacharach, her tunes add extra spice to an already impressive bill. The Bahia Belle’s cruise around Mission Bay is usually soundtracked by DJs or cover bands, but on occasion, such as Digital Lizards of Doom’s March 29 performance, they do venture into indie sounds. Essentially a one-man band fronted by songwriter Gabriel Valentin, his music is a hybrid of electronic sounds, blues and rock, with tunes that sound like an updated Mute records band, crossing Nine Inch Nails with Depeche Mode, though with less bombast. With its incredible views of San Diego’s skylines and great music, The Bahia Belle is one of San Diego’s most unique – and fun – entertainment options. MUST HEAR -Normandie Wilson: 4 p.m. Sunday, March 29, at the Kona Kai Resort, 1551 Shelter Island Drive, Shelter Island. www.resortkonakai.com -Digital Lizards of Doom: 9 p.m. Sunday, March 29, at The Catamaran Hotel, 3999 Mission Blvd. 21 and up $10. www.catamaranresort.com -Wildside: 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 1, at Humphrey’s Backstage Live, 2241 Shelter Island Drive, Shelter Island. $5. www.humphreysbackstagelive.com -Social Club: 8 p.m. Friday, April 3, at Brick by Brick, 1130 Buenos Ave. 21 and up. $12. www.brickbybrick.com -Perla Negra: 8 p.m. Wednesday, April 4, at Dizzy’s, 4275 Mission Bay Drive. $15. www.dizzysjazz.com Anyone looking for dance floor action on Wednesday, April 1 may want to check out Wildside at Humphrey’s Backstage Live. Fans of modern R&B will love the seven-piece band’s eclectic set list that mixes in classics from the likes of Stevie Wonder and Prince with newer gems from Justin Timberlake and Bruno Mars. The band is an excellent live group, one of the few cover bands that have opened for their musical inspirations, in this case, the Dazz Band and The Barkays. If you like your dance tunes on the funky side, Wildside is the perfect choice. On Friday, April 3, Brick by Brick will stage a rock and reggae showcase, featuring four local favorites. Topping the bill will be Reef Bound Soul, with Hoi Polloi, 3 By Design and Social Club. Of the four, the pick goes to Social Club, the only band in the bunch to include both male and female vocals, as well as elements of electronica and dance. The band’s 2013 album, Gamma Rays, is one of the best local pop-rock albums of the past decade, with excellent songs such as “Loosen Up” and “Slow Motion,” backed by an above-average series of videos. There is a kaleidoscope of influences in their sound, with moments that fans of the likes of performers ranging from David Sylvain to Pearl Jam, will appreciate. Anyone who loves Latin jazz will want to check out the band Perla Negra performing at Dizzy’s on April 4. Featuring percussionist Charlie Chavez, with pianist Irving Flores, saxophonist Gabriel Sundy and bassist Eric Toralba, the band is an explosion of sinewy rhythms and explosive beats. A Remo drums sponsored artist, Chavez has become a major component of the Southern California jazz scene.
