If you like country music, you’ll want to visit Moonshine Beach. The venue specializes in up-and-coming national talent, including Nashville-based singer-guitarist Haeley Vaughn on July 28. Vaughn appeared on “American Idol” in 2010 and although she didn’t win, she did pick up a national following. Though she has yet to release an album, she has penned songs with numerous hit tunesmiths, making for a set that’s full of her own catchy, melodic country-pop songs as well as covers of the likes of Carrie Underwood and The Judds. Best of all, she’s not afraid to recast modern pop, such as Rihanna’s “Love On The Brain,” making for a set that’s both well rounded and yields surprises.
Haeley Vaughn: Friday, July 28 at Moonshine Beach 1165 Garnet Ave., 10 p.m. www.moonshinebeachsd.com. With its panoramic view of San Diego, Kate Sessions Park is already one of San Diego’s scenic jewels. Add in free Sunday afternoon music concerts and it becomes the perfect way and place to wind down a busy weekend. The next two concerts feature country favorites Three Chord Justice (July 30) and New Orleans-inspired band, The Bayou Brothers (Aug. 6). Both concerts promise to be a lot of fun, but the nod here goes to Three Chord Justice, fronted by powerhouse singer Liz Grace. This is classic country full of twangy guitars, shuffle beats and classic covers by the likes of Johnny Cash or left-field tunes such as “These Boots Are Made For Walking.” Swing dancers will find much to admire in this band’s grooves, Three Chord Justice are crowd pleasers across genres.
Three Chord Justice : Sunday, July 30, at Concerts on the Green, Kate Sessions Park. 4 p.m. All ages. www.pbconcerts.com. Rock fans won’t want to miss former Queensryche frontman Geoff Tate’s new band, Operation Mindcrime, when they appear at Brick by Brick on July 27. Named after Queensryche’s third album, Tate’s new group was formed in 2012. Expect the biggest cheers to be for classic tracks such as their 1990 No. 9 hit, “Silent Lucidity,” but anyone who likes their music loud and rocking will enjoy this show which also includes openers, Lucky Bailey’s Dirty Puppets.
Geoff Tate’s Operation Mindcrime: Thursday July 27, at Brick by Brick, 1130 Buenos Ave. 8 p.m. 21 and up. $25. www.brickbybrick.com. Anyone looking for the perfect way to kick off a Saturday night’s fun will want to hear singer-songwriter Angie Keilhauer, appearing at the Wavehouse on July 29. Currently best known as a 2016 contestant on “The Voice,” with a little luck, she’ll soon surpass that accolade. Angie Keilhauer: Saturday, July 29, at the Wavehouse, 3125 Oceanfront Walk. 6 p.m. 21 and up. www.belmontpark.com/restaurants/wavehouse. Party band Liquid Blue performs at Humphrey’s Backstage Live on Aug. 5. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the band is the world’s most traveled band, having played in more than 100 countries since 1996. They have scored chart hits with their own music, but for these club dates, the focus is on the hits, from Bruno Mars to Adele. There have been numerous lineup changes over the years, but if you want great dance music, mixing a truly wide range of classic tunes, you can’t beat Liquid Blue. Liquid Blue: Saturday, Aug. 5, at Humphrey’s Backstage Live, 2241 Shelter Island Drive. 9 p.m. $12. humphreysbackstagelive.com. If you like blues, Tio Leo’s will be the place to be on August 6, when the first round of the BLUSD International Blues Challenge takes place. The ultimate winner of the contest gets sent to compete at the national competition in Memphis (January 16-20, 2018) as well as local bragging rights, while area fans get a great show with top talent. The lineup at press time was still being confirmed, but events like this bring out the best performers, indeed past winners who have then gone on to win at a national level include Sue Palmer, Nathan James and Aunt Kizzy’s Boys. International Blues Challenge: Sunday, Aug. 6 at Tio Leo’s, 5302 Napa St. 1 to 5 p.m. 21 and up. www.tioleos.com