Live Music: Palmer power, Nancarrow, Sara Petite and Fish Out of Water

One of the biggest music stars of the 1970s, drummer Carl Palmer performs at Brick by Brick on April 13. A brilliantly flashy showman, as a member of Emerson, Lake and Palmer and Asia, Palmer has played the biggest venues in the world, so this intimate appearance should not be missed by fans. Palmer and his band will play music instrumental versions of ELP classics, but this is a case where many fans will be waiting for the drums solos as opposed to the songs themselves. If you are a fan of prog rock you’ll likely enjoy this show, but if you’re a fan of percussion, you’ll find every second to be essential listening.

Carl Palmer: Saturday, April 13 at Brick by Brick, 1130 Buenos Ave., 7 p.m. 21 and up. $30. www.brickbybrick.com

Yes, Nancarrow is related to well-respected local television news anchor Loren Nancarrow. In fact, his son, Graham is frontman. The band Nancarrow is a terrific quintet playing a hybrid of country, folk and bluegrass. Still a relatively young band, Nancarrow took the local club scene by storm when it first emerged, earning a “Best Americana” nomination in 2012, less than a year after the band formed. Appearing at the Tiki House on April 17, the band plays honky-tonk country at its best, but also includes choice recast, unexpected covers, such as an excellent update of Pink Floyd’s “Wish You Were Here.”

Nancarrow performs at The Tiki House on April 17, 1152 Garnet Ave. 9 p.m. 21 and up. www.tikipb.com

Another in a long string of bands that have relocated to San Diego to be part of the local music community, Fish Out of Water performs at Café-Bar Europa on April 19. Originally from San Luis Obispo, Fish Out Of Water is the perfect band to kick off the weekend in Pacific Beach. Mixing reggae with funk and bits of acoustic rock, the band delivers a high-energy show that keeps crowds moving on the dance floor. Since 2000, the group has released four albums, but this is a group that needs to be experienced live.

Fish Out of Water: Friday, April 19 at Café-Bar Europa, 873 Turqouise St. 9 p.m. 21 and up. www.theturquoise.com/wordpress

Call it roots music or Americana, country or folk rock with Southern leanings, but there is no doubt Sara Petite is the local queen of the sound. Appearing at The Griffin on April 19, Petite is poised on the verge of a national breakthrough. Petite is touring further afield these days, playing events like a benefit concert for Wings guitarist Henry McCullough held in Dublin, Ireland earlier this month. Her latest album, “Circus Comes to Town,” is an excellent listen, but any chance to see her live with her band, the Sugar Daddies, is just about a guaranteed good time for anyone who want to kick up their heels.

Sara Petite: Friday, April 19 at The Griffin, 1310 Morena Blvd. 9 p.m. 21 and up. $12. www.thegriffinsd.com

Grammy Award-winning multi-instrumentalist Francisco Loyo stops in at Dizzy’s on April 21. Best known as keyboardist, composer, arranger and music director for Latin superstar Louis Miguel Loyo will be performing with his own group at this show, which also features Miguel’s acclaimed percussionist, Tom Aros. Playing with Miguel to tens of thousands around the world is a far cry from his early days as a musician at Disneyland, but he’s also penned or co-penned a slew of Miguel’s biggest hits. Expect a mix of new originals and a few classics from his own songbook. You don’t have to be a fan of Latin music to enjoy Loyo’s well-crafted tunes.