Beloved musician Joe Marillo passed away this past March, but friends and fans couldn’t let the occasion of his 84th birthday pass without notice. So on Tuesday, May 24, Dizzy’s will pay tribute to the legendary saxophonist. On hand will be a who’s who of local jazz, including guitarist Peter Sprague, flautist Lori Bell, pianist Ed Kornhauser and drummer Duncan Moore, for a memorial concert that honors all that Marillo gave to the community. Making the show extra-special, there will also be an exhibition of photos of Marillo by Michael Olet.
Joe Marillo Birthday Celebration: Tuesday, May 24 at Dizzy’s, 4275 Mission Bay Drive. 8 p.m. $15. dizzysjazz.com Anyone looking to hit the dance floor this weekend may want to check out R: Tyme, performing May 19 at Humphrey’s Backstage Lounge. The sextet specializes in funky, uptempo songs with a set list that takes in everything from disco classics, such as “Le Freak,” to modern-day favorites like Pharell’s “Happy,” the latter making good use of singer Jessie Atalig’s passing resemblance to the original artist.
R: Tyme: Thursday, May 19 at Humphrey’s Backstage Live, 2241 Shelter Island Drive. 9 p.m. $12. humphreysbackstagelive.com Singer-songwriter Christopher Dale will perform aboard the Bahia Belle Cruise on May 20. A terrific performer, Dale performs really good recast covers of artists ranging from The Ramones to the Cars, with Ozzy Osbourne’s “Crazy Train” transformed into a heartfelt ballad. Even better, though, are his originals, hook-filled, should-be hits such as “Waitress” and “Friend,” full of wry observational lyrics and stories about the human condition. Christopher Dale: Friday, May 20 at the Bahia Resort, 998 West Mission Bay Drive. 9:30 p.m. 21 and up. $10. bahiabelle.com Prolific blues performers, guitarist Robin Henkel and singer Whitney Shay are powerhouses on their own, but when they team up, it’s truly something special. Appearing at the Backyard Kitchen & Tap on May 22, Henkel’s manic guitar playing is perfectly matched to Shay’s sassy vocals for a set that’s just as much fun to watch as it is to listen to. The pair mix in standards, jazz cuts and blues for music that’s a cut above the usual brunch time soundtrack fare found in most restaurants. Robin Henkel & Whitney Shay, Sunday May 22 at the Backyard Kitchen & Tap, 832 Garnet Ave. 11 a.m. No cover. backyardpb.com San Diego has many artists that might qualify as cult artists, but none is quite like Gary Wilson, who performs at Brick by Brick on Friday, May 27. Gary Wilson: Friday, May 27, at Brick by Brick, 1130 Buenos Avenue. 10:30 p.m. 21 and up. $18. brickbybrick.com
Wilson’s music is not everybody’s cup of tea, but anyone who enjoys the quirkier side of songcraft will find a lot to appreciate in the tunes.
Gary Wilson: Friday, May 27, at Brick by Brick, 1130 Buenos Avenue. 10:30 p.m. 21 and up. $18. brickbybrick.com Forty years since his death, Elvis Presley remains as popular as ever, perhaps more so. Since 2001, in the U.K. alone he has scored more than 35 Top 40 hits, including four No. 1 singles and a No. 1 album just last year. It’s a testament to the power of the man’s legend and great songs that hundreds of Elvis tribute acts tour the globe, with one of the better combos, Suspicious Minds, performing at Tio Leo’s on May 29. With a tight backing band, this version of Elvis takes the stage in the post-’68 comeback era, in a faithful reproduction of the King’s final hurrah. Suspicious Minds: Sunday, May 29. Tio Leo’s, 5302 Napa Street. 9 p.m. 21 and up. Cover TBD. tioleos.com
