Slim Crowbar & The IOUs, which performs at the Tiki House on Friday, June 25 is a new band. Yet this is a trio with a serious pedigree. Comprised of guitarist Joey “Mudbone” Harris (The Beat Farmers, The Mentals), drummer Tom “Slim Crowbar” Essa (Mississippi Mudsharks) and bassist Scottie “Mad Dog” Blinn, the three don’t stray too far from the sound of their previous musical projects. But by joining forces, they deliver an even stronger package. Whether you are a fan of blues, Americana, country or even a bit of ’50s rock ’n’ roll, this is just about the ultimate bar band in the best sense of the term. Slim Crowbar & the IOUs: 9 p.m. on Friday, June 25 at The Tiki House, 1152 Garnet Avenue. Cover TBD. 21 and up. http://www.myspace.com/slimcrowbar The biggest growth in music has come in the tribute-band scene. Clubs that once booked solely original music now fill their schedules with fake versions of real groups. While this development speaks volumes on the state of modern music in general, for music fans it’s a boon — the only chance to see or hear a favorite combo facsimile in an intimate setting. Such is the case with Guns & Roses re-creators Dust & Bones, who appear at the 710 Beach Club on Saturday, June 26. With their namesake band renowned for late starts and no shows, Dust & Bones truly is the next best thing to the real deal. Best of all, they go the extra mile, nailing the look, sound and attitude of G&R. Dust & Bones: 9 p.m., Saturday, June 26 at the 710 Beach Club, 710 Garnet Ave. 21 and up. Cover TBD. http://www.dustnbones.com There are two sides to every band, but in the case of hard rockers Mower, this is more literal than usual. Two bands in one, in addition to hard-edged rock ’n’ roll, the band also performs as Slower, playing jazzy versions of their songs. Indeed, Slower has built its own fanbase. The five-piece group, which appears at the Wavehouse on Friday, July 2, trades in its leather and aggression for suits and down-tempo beats, but this is no gimmick. While lacking the visceral excitement of their other band, Slower’s strong songs and a heartfelt, in-your-face performing style will please music fans of all persuasions. Slower: 8 p.m., Friday, July 2, at the Wavehouse, 3125 Oceanfront Walk. No Cover. 21 and up. http://www.reverbnation.com/slower Mark Stuart and the Bastard Sons, who appear at Tio Leo’s on Saturday, July 3, has simplified its name, dropping the “of Johnny Cash” and promoting Mark Stuart to frontman status. Longtime fans can rest easy however, since that’s really the only change to the band. Indeed, you’ll still find classic country stylings and early rock ’n’ roll energy. The Bastard Sons are heavy into their chosen genre’s roots, but this isn’t a retro outfit by any means. Just a solid combo with a strong foundation. If you like your country tunes gritty, heartfelt and roadhouse tested, this is the band for you. Mark Stuart & The Bastard Sons: 9 p.m., Saturday, July 3 at Tio Leo’s, 5302 Napa St. 21 and up. Cover TBD. www.markstuartmusic.com A staple of the local reggae scene since his arrival to San Diego in 1994, Ishmael Sealy and his band the Peacemakers, who perform at the PB Bar & Grill on Sunday, July 4 continue to produce excellent island rhythm sounds, mixing in elements of soul and rock. A legend in his native Barbados, Sealy was originally part of The Draytons Two, a high school group who scored several hits in his homeland. He’s had several groups since landing stateside, including The Killer Bees and Black Sheep, but it’s with the Peacemakers that he’s hit his stride. There are many reggae groups in town, but few have the commanding presence of Sealy, or the songwriting skills to back it up. Ishmael & The Peacemakers: 6 p.m., Sunday, July 4 at PB Bar & Grill, 860 Garnet Ave. 21 and up. No Cover. www.myspace.com/peacemakerreggae
