SPOTLIGHT
Music icon Frankie Valli (above) and The Four Seasons stop in at Humphrey’s Concerts by the Bay on May 21. At 89 years of age, Valli still puts on a good show, with a top-notch 12-piece backing group and a set list that amounts to a greatest hits performance. Valli’s string of classics spans an incredible seven decades, including such immortal songs as “Grease,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” and “December 1963 (Oh What A Night),” but expect the night’s showstopper to be his 1967 hit, “Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You,” sure to get the audience on its feet shouting the song’s signature line. If you are a Four Seasons fan, this performance from one of rock music’s pioneers should not be missed.
Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons: Sunday, May 21 at Humphrey’s Concerts by the Bay, 2241 Shelter Island Drive. 8 p.m. humphreysconcerts.com.
RECOMMENDED
Jazz fans with an ear for new talent will want to attend the annual Honors Concert taking place on May 17 at Mission Bay High School. Students from the school’s Mambo Orchestra, Symphony Orchestra, Swing Choir, and Jazz Preservationists will be performing their solo and small group repertoire, with the evening helmed by music director JP Balmat. The young musicians are currently on a roll, wrapping up a tour of Japan in April. Meanwhile, earlier this month, they performed at the Music in Parks Festival, held at Knotts Berry Farm, winning first in all their categories and taking home the top overall jazz ensemble, choir, and school trophies.
Mission Bay High School Honors Concert: Wednesday, May 17 at Mission Bay High School, 2475 Grand Ave. 7 p.m. $5. missionbaymusic.com.
The La Jolla Community Center has a free lunchtime concert every first and third Friday of the month. On May 19, the venue will host a performance from acclaimed guitarist Fred Benedetti. He’s one of the busiest musicians in town. He’s also one of the most versatile, playing a variety of stringed instruments, across genres, from flamenco to jazz, with engaging stories about the music between songs. Often seen performing in duos and groups, for this event Benedetti will be in solo mode, giving listeners an opportunity to focus on his inspired musicianship.
Fred Benedetti: Friday, May 19 at the La Jolla Community Center, 6811 La Jolla Blvd. Noon. Free. ljcommunitycenter.org.
The First Friday Music Club will hold a fundraiser at the 710 Beach Club on May 20. Founded by renowned bassist Glen Fisher, the organization raises money to support music education, making this show a great way to give to a worthy cause while enjoying performances from new talent. On hand for this event will be a selection of Fisher’s adult student bands, including Hold My Beer, Fender Junkies, On the Rox, The Openers, Mothers of Intention, and The Eclectic. Fans of classic rock and up-and-coming artists will find much to enjoy in these bands’ short sets.
First Friday Music Club Showcase: Saturday, May 20 at the 710 Beach Club, 710 Garnet Ave. 7 p.m. 710bc.com
On May 21, the stage at Dizzy’s will host an all-star group of musicians led by tenor saxophonist Brian Levy, alongside trumpeter Gilbert Castellanos, pianist Mikan Zlatkovich, drummer Tyler Kreutel, and bassist Sean Hicke. All are among San Diego’s top players, but Castellanos in particular is having a good year. His latest album, “Espérame en el Cielo,” was recently released to acclaim and was one of the big winners at this year’s San Diego Music Awards, taking home both the “Best Jazz Album” and “Album of the Year” trophies.
Brian Levy: Sunday, May 21 at Dizzy’s at Arias Hall, 1717 Morena Blvd. 7:30 p.m. $25. dizzysjazz.com.
The Soul Persuaders have been filling San Diego dance floors for over 30 years. Appearing at Tio Leo’s on May 23, the 11-piece band specializes in horn-drenched funk, rock, Motown, and soul, with a set list meant to get a club crowd up and moving. Featuring vocals from Phil Lenud and Larry Grano, as well as guitarist Jeff Snider, The Soul Persuaders perform note-perfect takes on such difficult tunes as Chicago’s “Make Me Smile” and Paul Simon’s “Late In The Evening,” making for an evening of music that’s appealing to classic rock aficionados as well as dancers.
The Soul Persuaders: Tuesday, May 23 at Tio Leo’s, 6333 Mission Gorge Road. 7 p.m. $15. tioleos.com.