Java Joe’s will celebrate 26 years of providing San Diego with great music with a special all-star concert on Dec. 8. On hand will be a who’s who of local talent including J’Adore with Patric Petrie, Jeff Berkley, Nina Francis and Sven Erik Seaholm, with many special guests promised. Owner Joe Flamini has persevered through several locations over the years, before finding the wonderful Old Town location. Here’s hoping there will be at least 26 more years from the man who first gave a stage to the likes of Jewel, Jason Mraz, Steve Poltz and countless other music legends.
Java Joe’s 26th Anniversary Party: Friday, Dec. 8, at Java Joe’s, 2611 Congress St. 8 p.m. $12. javajoessd.com.
Forty years after his passing, it’s safe to say that for many fans, Elvis has not left the building. Indeed, he remains the most covered artist in the world, with hundreds of tribute acts around the globe and continued record sales in the millions. San Diego music fans wanting to hear the King of rock ’n’ roll’s music should check out Grace Band, performing at Tio Leo’s on Dec. 1. This show focuses on Presley’s Las Vegas, jumpsuit wearing years, with a big band, backing singers and an over-the-top performing style, making it a lot of fun visually as well as musically. Topped by a seemingly endless list of hits, this show should please any Elvis fans. Grace Band: Friday, Dec. 1 at Tio Leo’s, 5302 Napa St. 9 p.m. 21 and up. tioleos.com. Named after one of blues-legend Muddy Waters albums, where he ventured into psychedelic rock territory, it’s only natural that Electric Mud mixes blues and hard rock to great effect. Appearing at the 710 Beach Club on Dec. 2, the band is built around the core of brothers Matt (drums) and Marc Hansen (guitar), with an excellent new take on the classic rock sound. The quartet has been in the studio recently recording with Alan Sanderson, but this show should keep their fans happy until it’s release date. Electric Mud: Saturday, Dec. 2 at 710 Beach Club, 710 Garnet Ave. 9 p.m. 21 and up. 710bc.com. San Diego is known for having a wonderful music education available for children, but it’s often forgotten that local colleges also have acclaimed music programs. Such is the case with Mesa College, whose big band will perform at Dizzy’s on Dec. 7. Music fans will hear selections from Thad Jones, Count Basie, Duke Ellington and more, all chosen to showcase the ensemble work of these young musicians.
Mesa College Big Band: Thursday, Dec. 7, at Dizzy’s at Arias Hall, 1717 Morena Blvd. 8 p.m. dizzysjazz.com. Rock royalty comes to Brick By Brick on Dec. 8 with an appearance from singer Graham Bonnet and his band. Bonnet has played with a legion of bands since he first started rocking in 1965, including time with such heavyweights as Rainbow, Alcatrazz and The Micheal Schenker Group. He’s even toured and recorded with San Diego’s own Taz Taylor Group. Currently on the road promoting a new compilation, “Anthology 1968-2017,” look for Bonnet to include songs from throughout his career. Fans of hard rock won’t want to miss a second of this show.
Graham Bonnet: Monday, Dec. 11, at Brick by Brick, 1130 Buenos Ave. 7:30 p.m. 21 and up. brickbybrick.com. On Dec. 13, the OB Farmer’s Market will host a special musical Holiday Drive, collecting unwrapped toys and canned food items to give to others less fortunate on this holiday season. Located at the intersection of Newport Avenue and Bacon Street, many local top musicians will take part, including Alicia Previn, Jeff Berkley and Michael Head.
OB Farmer’s Holiday Drive: Wednesday, Dec. 13 at Ocean Beach Farmers Market, Newport and Bacon Ave. 4 to 7 p.m. All ages. oceanbeachsandiego.com.
with special guests galore throughout the event. Only a block from the beach and OB’s Christmas tree, this event is a great opportunity to do a good deed while taking in some great music. OB Farmer’s Holiday Drive: Wednesday, Dec. 13 at Ocean Beach Farmers Market, Newport and Bacon Ave. 4 to 7 p.m. All ages. oceanbeachsandiego.com.
