The free, annual Concerts on the Green music series held at Kate Sessions Park will end the season with dance band, The Reflectors, on Sunday, Aug. 13. As great as the music is, what’s made these events a community institution is the incredible scenic location overlooking the city and the sense of camaraderie that emerges from mingling with your neighbors. Concerts On The Green: Sunday, Aug. 13, Kate Sessions Park. 4 p.m. All ages. Free. There are plenty of tribute bands playing the Southern California club scene, but only one five-man combo, the Spice Pistols, pays tribute to two different, completely unrelated bands. In this case, the Spice Girls, and the Sex Pistols. Performing in drag, this tongue-in-cheek show is high in spectacle, with plenty of props and skits to keep the momentum going. Fans of either group will enjoy the band’s renditions of songs such as “Anarchy in the U.K.” and “Say You’ll Be There,” but anyone who loves rock ’n’ roll and has a sense of humor will love their performance.
Spice Pistols: Saturday, Aug.12, at Brick by Brick, 1130 Buenos Ave. 8 p.m. 21 and up. $15. www.brickbybrick.com. Located in the middle of the bustling Bahia Resort, The Tangier Bar is an oasis, not unlike the sort of place Humphrey Bogart might have haunted in a classic retro thriller. It’s an intimate location, great for a quick drink or meeting, but it’s at its best on Friday nights when trumpeter Jason Hanna performs with his combo. Hanna plays a mix of jazz and pop covers, all with classic “Mad Men,” ’60s-styled cool. Hanna performs with a variety of combos around town, but this is the best opportunity to get up close and personal with one of San Diego’s leading musical lights.
Jason Hanna: Fridays, at the Tangier Bar at Bahia Resort, 998 West Mission Bay Drive. 8 p.m. 21 and up. No cover. www.bahiahotel.com. Blues fans won’t want to miss a special afternoon performance from Blue Largo, with special guest, legendary guitarist Kid Ramos, at Tio Leo’s on Aug. 13. Blue Largo is a terrific blues band, but the addition of Ramos will put this show over the top. Anyone who has been a fan of the genre is familiar with Ramos’ work with such storied combos as The James Harman Band as well as his session dates with the likes of Candye Kane, The Torquays, The Blasters and the Fabulous Thunderbirds, to name just a few. With the show’s early start time, this a great way to wrap up the weekend in advance of the Monday morning blues. Blue Largo featuring Kid Ramos: Sunday, Aug. 13 at Tio Leo’s, 5302 Napa St. 4 to 7 p.m. 21 and up. $10. www.tioleos.com. On Aug. 15, Dizzy’s will host an album release event for the Matt Smith Neu Jazz Trio’s latest, “I.Am.Calm.” The trio is led by drummer Matt Smith, alongside pianist Ed Kornhauser and bassist MacKenzie Leighton, with the night set to also include saxophonist Dayna Stephens and trumpeter Curtis Taylor. Being led by a percussionist means there is more attention to the rhythmic detail than in many other groups, but the other players are equally impressive, particularly Kornhauser, whose effortlessly cool performances never cease to impress. The Matt Smith Neu Jazz Trio: Tuesday, Aug. 15, at Dizzy’s at Arias Hall, 1717 Morena Blvd. 8 p.m. $20. www.dizzysjazz.com. Combining reggae with, blues, soul and touches of rock, Sandollar has become a local favorite through live performances full of their energetic, groove filled tunes. Appearing aboard the Bahia Belle on Aug. 18, the band was formed in 2004, releasing three albums to date. Currently signed to Pacific Records, Sandollar could break big on the back of such hook-driven, dance-friendly songs as “San Diego Girl,” but live is where they truly excel. Sandollar’s music is the perfect soundtrack for a San Diego summer night’s activities, with this boat cruise around Mission Bay at the top of the list
Sandollar: Friday, Aug. 18, aboard the Bahia Belle at the Bahia Resort, 998 West Mission Bay Drive. 9 p.m. 21 and up. $10. www.bahiabelle.com.
