It’s been said that some musician’s music is out of this world, but in singer-songwriter Casey Turner’s case, on Sept. 23, it will actually be true. On that date, the former NASA employee will have a special gravity-free release event for his new single, “Waves on the Ocean,” as the song will be played on the International Space Station and added to its music library. While that is a major accomplishment, Turner isn’t resting on his laurels in the meantime, with a Hawaiian tour and a round of beach-area acoustic gigs in town before his song blasts off into space, including a date at the 710 Beach Club on Aug. 12. Turner is an engaging artist, with plenty of radio-friendly tunes and a growing West Coast fan base. With just a bit of luck, this event could indeed propel a deserving performer’s career skyward. Casey Turner: Friday, Aug. 12, at the 710 Beach Club, 710 Garnet Ave. 5 p.m. 21 and up. www.710bc.com. On Aug.13, Dizzy’s will be the site of a special reunion concert from the Powerhouse Quintet. The band features musicians, Bay-area saxophonist Steve Feierabend, Portland trumpeter Bryant Allard, and New York-bassist Bim Strasberg, who began performing jazz 40 years ago in Del Mar before heading off to Boston to work on their musical careers.
Fast forward several decades and the musicians have all moved on with their lives, but this concert brings everyone back together for one more go-round. The trio will be joined by Rob Whitlock on piano and the great Jim Plank on drums, with highlights set to include tracks from a 2002 album release, Reunion, but anyone who enjoys jazz will love every second of heartfelt music from The Powerhouse Quintet. The Powerhouse Quintet: Saturday Aug. 13, at Dizzy’s, 4275 Mission Bay Drive. 8 p.m. $15. www.dizzysjazz.com. The only band from San Diego to ever rate their own edition of tell-all TV show, “Behind the Music,” Ratt have officially long been broken up. However the music lives on with various band members touring in what are essentially tribute bands to their own group. On Aug. 13, it’s Ratt’s bassist Juan Croucier’s turn with a performance at Brick by Brick, the night set to feature a greatest hit’s set, including evergreens, “Round & Round” and “Way Cool, Jr.” While he’s a long way from his arena-filling days, Croucier’s take on the songs is well played with real passion. Juan Croucier: Saturday, Aug. 13, at Brick by Brick, 1130 Buenos Ave. 8 p.m. 21 and up. $20. www.brickbybrick.com. Award-winning world-music group Todo Mundo performs a brunch set at the Kona Kai Resort on Aug. 14. Led by Santiago Orozco, the band has become one of the area’s most popular groups, particularly in outdoor settings where their joyous sound really resonates. Both of their albums have taken home trophies as “Best World Music” at the annual San Diego Music Awards. Todo Mundo: Sunday, Aug. 14 at the Kona Kai Resort, 1551 Shelter Island Drive. 11 a.m. All Ages. No cover. www.resortkonakai.com. San Diego gets a little taste of New Orleans with an appearance on Aug. 14 by zydeco band, the Bayou Brothers, at the annual Concerts on the Green series at Kate Sessions Park. The group plays many of the genre’s best-known tunes, complete with washboard, but kicks up the funk a little for a set that’s full of energy and fun to dance to. The Bayou Brothers: Sunday, Aug. 14 at Concerts on the Green, Kate Sessions Park. 4 p.m. All ages. Free. www.pbconcerts.org
The Bayou Brothers most recent album, High Roller Zydeco, is full of their own tunes and captures their sound well, but it’s live where the instruments interaction really comes together, adding up to a set of music that’s sure to set off an instant party atmosphere from the first note. The Bayou Brothers: Sunday, Aug. 14 at Concerts on the Green, Kate Sessions Park. 4 p.m. All ages. Free. www.pbconcerts.org A Mexican restaurant might seem like the least likely place for a KISS tribute band to set up shop, but on Aug. 20, that will indeed be the case at Tio Leo’s, with a performance from greasepaint doppelgangers, Gods of Thunder. Though the dancefloor is more accustomed to swing dancing, for this show the place will be packed with classic rock fans, ready to rock ‘n’ roll all night.. While the size of the venue makes it impossible to replicate effects such as KISS’s signature pyrotechnics, the band performs an excellent mix of hits from the KISS catalog of songs, from “Beth” to “I Was Made For Lovin You.” Gods of Thunder: Saturday, Aug. 20 at. Tio Leo’s, 5302 Napa St. 9 p.m. 21 and up. Cover TBD. www.tioleos.com