“Songs for Bernadette” a memorial concert for one of San Diego’s most beloved music fans, Bernadette Thorn, will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. on Oct. 21 at Holy Trinity Anglican Church. The beloved photographer, who died last month, was a big supporter of both singer-songwriters and power pop artists in particular, so it’s only natural that a host of her favorites will take part in this free, all ages event. Performers set to appear include Jim Hinton, Dave Humphries, David Fleminger, Steve Rosenbaum, Liz and Kent Abbott, Bill Hartwell, Scott Samuels and Rex Broome with Christina Bulbenko. This concert promises to be a touching tribute to Thorn, one of the folks in the background, who helped create our current, vibrant music scene. Songs For Bernadette: Sunday, Oct. 21 at Holy Trinity Anglican Church, 2051 Sunset Cliffs Blvd. 5 p.m. All ages. Free. A celebration of John Lennon’s birthday month, featuring guitarist Fred Benedetti alongside musical family and friends, takes place at Dizzy’s on Oct. 26. There are plenty of folks out there playing Beatles and related artists covers, but Benedetti is truly something special. The virtuoso acoustic guitarist, rebuilds the songs, using virtuoso playing and wonderful arrangements to enhance the melodies. Bendetti has several recordings of that include his Beatles covers, but his playing is best experienced live where you can see as well as hear his impressive technique. Benedetti Celebrates Lennon: Friday, Oct. 26, at Dizzy’s at Arias Hall, 1717 Morena Blvd. 8 p.m. dizzysjazz.com. Micheal Head isn’t just the man behind the music each Wednesday at the OB Farmer’s Market, he also plays guitar in one of the area’s festival favorites, The Country Rockin’ Rebels, who appear aboard the Bahia Belle on Oct. 26. The band excels at covers of everyone from Johnny Cash to The Doors, but be sure to give a listen to their solid originals, as heard on their latest album, “Ride Rebel Ride.” Songs such as “Too Rock for Country,” have a nice touch of boogie that will appeal to fans of Georgia Satellites, ZZ Top and John Fogerty, and are perfect for dancing. Country Rockin’ Rebels: Friday, Oct. 26 at the Bahia Resort, 998 West Mission Bay Drive. 9:30 p.m. 21 and up. $10. bahiabelle.com. On Oct. 27, hard rock fans will want to head to Brick by Brick to enjoy a tribute band double bill of Blackout (The Scorpions) and Blaze of Jovi (Bon Jovi). Both bands are worthy of tribute, having thrilled fans around the world for decades, but the nod here goes to Blaze of Jovi, who have many hit singles to include in their set. The band reproduces the early ’80s Bon Jovi hair metal look really well, but more importantly turns in great renditions of such favorites as “Blaze of Glory” and “You Give Love A Bad Name.”
Blaze of Jovi: Saturday, Oct. 27 at Brick by Brick, 1130 Buenos Ave. 8:30 p.m. 21 and up. brickbybrick.com. There is still a chance to take in one of Campland on the Bay’s Saturday dance parties, before the weather starts to chill, on Oct. 27. Taking place on their outdoor beachside stage, the night will feature music from Groove Kitty. Fronted by singer Beth Vitas, the band plays a varied mix of dance hits from the 1970s and 1980s, with fun versions of classics, from KC & The Sunshine Band to Whitesnake. The wide range of cover tunes makes the band a living jukebox and a whole lot of fun for music fans.
Groove Kitty: Saturday, Oct. 27 at Campland on the Bay. 7 p.m. All ages. campland.com. San Diego’s current jazz scene is an embarrassment of riches, with amazing shows that would be the envy of other communities, just about every day. One such event, featuring singer Leonard Patton with guitarist Peter Sprague, will take place on Oct. 30 at Tio Leo’s, as part of the venue’s Jazz on Tuesdays series. It’s a great pairing – Patton is a truly gifted vocalist, while Sprague is both internationally acclaimed and one of the lynchpins of our local music community. So far in 2018, Sprague has toured Denmark and performed at Walt Disney Hall with Dianne Reeves, as well as recorded, produced and played on several albums by himself and others. He is a wonderful musical ambassador for both jazz and San Diego. Leonard Patton and Peter Sprague: Tuesday, Oct. 30 at Tio Leo’s, 5302 Napa St. 7 p.m. 21 and up. tioleos.com.