SPOTLIGHT
San Diego has many great annual events, but there’s nothing quite like Tiki Oasis, taking place on Aug. 3-7 at the Town & Country Resort. An immersive celebration of all things Tiki, island-themed and tropical, with a glamourous 1950s-1960s vibe, Tiki Oasis’s five days include everything from pool parties to seminars on cocktail making to burlesque shows. Of course, one of the biggest draws is the music and organizers have once again put together a fun and eclectic bill. Among this year’s two dozen performers are ska favorites The Aggrolites (above), rock and roll showman El Vez, surf combo Par Avion, theremin player Thea Triffid, Russian surf rockers Messer Chups, and garage punk sextet The Wyld Gooms. Now in its 21st year, Tiki Oasis remains the ultimate event for any Tiki aficionado or fan of retro-inspired music.
Tiki Oasis: Aug. 3-7 at the Town & Country Resort, 500 Hotel Circle N. $35 & up. tikioasis.com.
RECOMMENDED
Fans of 1970s pop gold won’t want to miss Captain J and the Jive Crew, appearing on July 24 as part of the Concerts on the Green series at Kate Sessions Park. The band’s yacht rock set is sing-a-long fun at its best, with evergreens such as “Sweet Caroline” and “Margaritaville” joining (slightly) deeper cuts such as “Sister Golden Hair” and “Lido Shuffle.” Lead vocalist Troy Tinker does a great job on a far-ranging set of tunes, with the band, particularly drummer/background singer Rodney Elliot, really good at replicating studio productions on these classic songs.
Captain J and the Jive Crew: Sunday, July 24 at Pacific Beach Concerts on the Green, 5115 Soledad Road. 4 p.m. All ages. Free. pbtowncouncil.org.
Hard rock tribute band, Kisstroyer, performs at Humphrey’s Backstage Live on July 26. Playing the best of iconic quartet Kiss’ early material, the band plays their concerts in full costume, complete with makeup, lights, and jeweled instruments. Kisstroyer does faithful versions of classics such as “Detroit Rock City” and “Love Gun,” with strong vocals and a clear passion for what they’re doing. Kiss normally fills stadiums, so the combination of an intimate setting and excellent sound system at Humphrey’s, will make this a special show for both diehard and novice Kiss fans.
Kisstroyer: Wednesday, July 26 at Humphrey’s Backstage Live, 2241 Shelter Island Drive. 8:30 p.m. $5. humphreysbackstagelive.com.
This month’s Fourth Friday Jazz Series concert at the La Jolla Community Center on July 22, will showcase The Peter Sprague Trio, featuring two of San Diego’s most accomplished musical siblings, guitarist Peter and saxophonist Tripp Sprague, alongside bassist Mack Leighton. Making this show a must for jazz fans, the performance will feature selections from Sprague’s recent album, “The Blue Kind of Miles,” consisting of new arrangements of the songs from Miles Davis’ acclaimed 1959 album, “Kind of Blue.” Sprague’s new album is a worthy addition to his musical canon, but you won’t want to pass up this rare opportunity to hear it performed live, where you can see Sprague and company create the magic onstage.
The Peter Sprague Trio: Friday, July 22 at the La Jolla Community Center, 6811 La Jolla Blvd. 8 p.m. All ages. $30. ljcommunitycenter.org.
Touring in support of their new album, “Brightside,” folk rock band The Lumineers stop in at Pechanga Arena on July 27. Fronted by the duo of Wesley Schultz (lead vocals, guitar, piano) and Jeremiah Fraites (drums, backing vocals), the Lumineers walk a fine line between folk, Americana, and indie rock. There is a melancholy tinge to the band’s music that runs from their first hit, 2012’s “Ho Hey,” through to the new album’s title track, with reflective lyrics that take The Lumineers a notch above many of their contemporaries. Gregory Alan Isakov and Daniel Rodriguez will open the night’s concert.
Lumineers: Wednesday, July 27 at Pechanga Arena 3500 Sports Arena Blvd. 7 p.m. $34 and up. pechangaarenasd.com.
It’s hard to beat the combination of sassy R&B/ blues vocalist Whitney Shay and the 14-piece JazzKatz Orchestra, performing at Dizzy’s on July 29, under the direction of Chaz Cabrera. Just back from festival dates in Germany and France, Shay is currently one of the hottest blues singers on the planet, her recent album, “Stand Up,” debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard Blues Chart. Most often, Shay can be heard singing the blues, but here she stretches out with classic jazz and pop songs ranging from, “All That Jazz” to “Fever.” The band is just as hot, Cabrera’s arrangements breathing new life into evergreens, with terrific interplay amongst the musicians. It’s a shame there is no dancing at Dizzy’s!
Whitney Shay & The JazzKatz Orchestra: Friday, July 29 at Dizzy’s at Arias Hall, 1717 Morena Blvd. 8 p.m. $25. dizzysjazz.com.
