As usual, San Diego’s downtown entertainment scene is practically bursting at the seams with possibilities this month. This month sees a number of rare local appearances from music superstars as well as more intimate performances at smaller venues. With something on tap for literally every musical taste, San Diego’s music scene is quickly becoming second to none. Here are just a few choice examples from this month’s action-packed schedule.
The month opens strong with a rare appearance from guitar virtuoso Jeff Beck at 4th & B on April 6. One of the pioneers of British blues, Beck first became a legend in the early ’60s as guitarist with the Yardbirds, later hitting his stride through solo albums and collaborations such as Beck, Bogert and Appice in the ’70s. One little-known fact is that Stevie Wonder originally penned his hit “Superstition” for Beck, but fans of classic rock or six-string prowess won’t want to miss this show.
San Diego jazz has no greater friend than trumpeter Gilbert Castellanos. An ardent supporter of local music, Castellanos will release his own second album later this spring via Seedling records later this spring. In the meantime, he continues his free Tuesday night jam session at the Onyx Room. The sets have become legendary for the guest stars that sit in, to Castellanos’ own inspired playing. Get there early as the nightspot fills up fast, but for a night of excellent Blue Note-styled jazz, these jam sessions are unbeatable.
The House of Blues is a perennial spot to scope emerging talent, however one of it’s best attributes is the slew of vintage artists that normally would take a miss on our town, but now play here regularly. One such act is ’80s stalwart Rick Springfield, who will appear at the venue on April 21. Still considered a heartthrob, as well as a terrific live act, whether you’re there as a fan of his stint on soap opera “General Hospital” or you want to take part in the sure fire sing-alongs certain to erupt to his hits such as “Jesse’s Girl,” or “I’ve Done Everything For You,” this promises to be a show high on the fun quotient.
Fans of soundtrack music will want to check out Marvin Hamlisch’s appearance at Copley Symphony Hall, with the San Diego Symphony on April 7-8. Perhaps best known for his classic theme from the film The Sting, “The Entertainer,” Hamlisch has carved out a unique career in American pop culture, in which many of his songs are better known than he is. However, that’s an easy blow to take when the hits range from Barbara Streisand’s “The Way We Were,” to Carly Simon’s James Bond vehicle “Nobody Does It Better,” and includes stops at such films as “Sophies Choice” and “Ordinary People.” Easily Americas greatest living film composer, Hamlisch’s pairing with the symphony should prove to be nothing less than spectacular.
While Dizzy’s schedule will take a slight downturn in quantity of shows due to their proximity to Petco Park and the impending Padres baseball season, there will be no let up in the quality of performances. The place of pride on this month’s roster would have to be tenor saxophonist Daniel Jackson’s 69th Birthday Tribute Concert, set to take place on April 15. On hand will be drummer Chuck McPherson as well as bassist Marshall Hawkins, with a slew of special guests promised at this show. If you’re a jazz fan of any stripe, this will be a memorable evening of music.
The Casbah continues its incredibly varied schedule with a full calendar of hot shows this month. Of particular note, indie rockers The Greenhornes will invade the club on April 15. Billed as “the greatest band you’ve never heard of,” that tag will surely change on the strength of this Cincinnati quintet’s current self-titled album. Anyone wanting an evening of blistering rock, or to simply be ahead of the curve when it comes to checking out future music stars, will want to make sure to get tickets early for this concert.
Finally, on April 21, the Casbah will play host to Johnny Cash tribute act, Cash’d Out. Featuring an incredible recreation of both the look and sound of the man in black, the trio performs all the hits including “Walk The Line,” “Ring of Fire,” and more as well as delving into Cash’s back catalog. With all the hoopla surrounding the recent Cash biopic, this group seems to be riding a strong wave, but truth be told, this is a strong act that would impress, no matter what.