
Mixing a wonderful dining experience with one of the area’s most eclectic booking policies, Café-Bar Europa continues to be a great spot to catch both the area’s burgeoning talent pool and the occasional touring act. Such is the case with Virginia-based singer/songwriter Ginger Vertican, who appears on the venue’s patio on Friday, March 2. With a sweet voice and a delicate picking style, Vertican is the perfect accompaniment to an early evening out. Meanwhile, closing the night beginning at 9 p.m. on the indoor stage is improvisation king Modern Ancients, which will give local music fans a pair of great entertainment options with no cover charge. • Ginger Vertican performs at 5 p.m. on Friday, March 2 at Café-Bar Europa, 873 Turqouise St. 21 and up. No cover. www.theturquoise.com/wordpress Tango enthusiasts won’t want to miss a rare appearance from Argentine singer Maria Volonte on Saturday, March 3 at Tango Del Ray. With a powerful, plaintive voice, Volonte mixes touches of folk and even blues into her music in a mission to bring tango sounds and rhythms into the mainstream. With eight albums to her credit since her 1996 recording debut, Volonte has a wealth of material at her disposal, making her performances diverse and capturing many moods. While participation is not necessary to enjoy the music of this Grammy-nominated artist, the venue is offering free tango lessons an hour before show time. • Maria Volonte performs at 9 p.m. on Saturday, March 3 at Tango Del Rey, 3567 Del Rey St. $12. All ages. www.tangodelrey.com Steeped in the sounds of Led Zeppelin, Hendrix and King Crimson, Superunloader has been one of San Diego’s favorite bands since its inception in 1995. Still featuring original members Jimmy Lewis (guitar), Chris McGreal (bass) and Chad Farran (drums), the group appears on March 9 at The Griffin. Superunloader has released four albums to date, but it’s live where the band has really made its name. Topped by Lewis’ soulful vocals, the three musicians’ originals are in the classic-rock tradition, with both technical proficiency and excellent arrangements that allow the songs to breathe. Anyone looking for a night of great rock ’n’ roll need look no further. • Superunloader performs at 9 p.m. on Friday, March 9 at The Griffin, 1310 Morena Blvd. 21 and up. $8. www.thegriffinsd.com On March 10, Brick by Brick will be the site of a fundraising event for Los Compadres de Escuela Longfellow, an organization dedicated to support the education of children at Henry W. Longfellow Spanish Language Immersion Magnet School. The night will be a celebration of the school, featuring music and dancing, as well as a silent auction — all in the hope of raising money and awareness. The event is open to the public, so anyone wanting to make a difference in local education or just help children with after-school and extracurricular activities can join in the fun. • Los Compadres de Escuela Longfellow takes place at 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 10, at Brick by Brick, 1130 Buenos Ave. 21 and up. $15. www.brickbybrick.com Country music is rarely booked in the beach area, but aficionados can turn to the Pacific Beach/Taylor Branch Library for a Western swing from a five-piece country western band, called the Honky Tonk Kings. Appearing at the PB Library on March 14, the group is fronted by guitarist George Gordon, with its influences ranging from Hank Williams to Steve Earle. Boasting a wide repertoire of originals and covers, the Honky Tonk Kings play with a real passion and it’s contagious. Don’t be surprised if a bit of dancing breaks out between the bookshelves. • Honky Tonk Kings perform at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 14 at the Pacific Beach/Taylor Branch Library, 4275 Cass St. All ages. Free. www.pblibraryfriends.org








