JACQUELINE GRACE
JAN. 12
San Diego doesn’t have a large hip-hop scene, but there are plenty of artists worth investigating.
Earlier this year, Jacqueline Grace released her self titled debut album, and it instantly set her apart from other singer-songwriters.
Mixing hip-hop, pop-rock and dance music, Grace shows that she knows her way around a melody while still maintaining a solid rhythmic structure.
Grace is appearing at Borders’ Gaslamp location on Jan. 12. If your taste in music includes artists such as Gwen Stefani or Janet Jackson you’ll want to give Grace a listen.
PAT GREEN
JAN. 18
Texas-based country singer Pat Green stops in at 4th & B on Jan. 18. One of the hottest performers on the tour circuit at the moment, Green’s “take no prisoners” style of performing never fails to leave audiences breathless. On a continual upward spiral, Green has the distinction of being one of the few artists to ever chart twice with the same song.
In 2006, his “Way Back Texas” charted at No. 48. Earlier this year the song entered the charts again, this time making it all the way to the No. 28 slot. Surprisingly, despite four of his last ten albums, including his most recent “Cannonball,” becoming top ten chart hits, Green isn’t a household name yet. Based on the strength of his packed hit concerts, that will change soon.
SOCIAL DISTORTION
JAN. 18
Formed in 1978, Social Distortion is one of the last of the original Southern California punk bands still going. It’s true that many of the era’s groups have reunited from time to time. However, Social Distortion never gave up on the dream of playing before an audience and continues to be an influential group three decades after their humble beginnings. Their longevity has been rewarded with one of the most fervent followings for an indie band today. Appearing at The House of Blues on Jan. 18, the band continues to be a huge draw in the Southland. This show precedes a new album from the group in early 2008, so expect some new material in the set list. The biggest cheers, however, will be reserved for hits such as “Ball and Chain” and “Bad Luck.”
SUE PALMER
JAN. 19
There are many great piano players in San Diego, but few are as energetic or as much fun as Sue Palmer. Appearing at Dizzy’s on Jan 19, Palmer is rightly considered the local queen of boogie-woogie, with a dazzling performing style and an arsenal of great tunes in her repertoire.
For this show, under the banner “Sophisticated Ladies,” Palmer performs alongside Sharon Shufelt on drums, April West on trombone and Evonna Wascinski on bass, with guest vocalists including Toni Price, Laura Jane, Janell Rock and Deejha Marie.
If you enjoy New Orleans jazz, blues, vintage songs or virtuoso piano playing, this show should not be missed.
HOTEL ST. GEORGE
JAN. 27
For music fans, nothing is more disappointing than watching a favorite band split just as it is hitting its stride. Such was the case with indie rockers Vinyl Radio, who made a quick splash before splitting earlier this year.
Two bands have emerged from the ashes, first The Swedish Models, and now the hotly anticipated Hotel St. George. Led by manic frontman Matt Binder, the group is already working on their debut album. The band performs a free show, sponsored by radio station FM94.9 at the Casbah on Jan. 27.
Time will tell if the band will have the impact that Vinyl Radio had in their short life-span, but early indications are that Hotel St. George may be a contender for “Best New Artist” at the 2008 San Diego Music Awards.
MARIE HADDAD
JAN. 28
Jaded by the singer-songwriter circuit? Then you’ll want to hear pianist Marie Haddad, who performs at Dublin Square on Jan. 28. In a guitar-based scene, simply by playing solo keyboard, Haddad stands out. But she’s also blessed with a wonderful voice and is an excellent writer.
Haddad’s sings primarily ballads exploring relationships with songs that are equal parts Kate Bush, Leonard Cohen and early Elton John.
While each is a captivating listen, some of the fun at her performances is in her choice of quirky covers, which includes pop classics by The Cars and The Cure.