Mixing indie rock with reggae, Counterpoint Culture rises above the current wave of like-minded bands — but with more melody and rhythm. Appearing at RT’s Longboard on Thursday, March 29, frontman Cam Pappas has a commanding, radio-friendly voice. But it’s guitarist Andrew Krause’s fretwork that truly spices up the group’s music. Song titles like “Irie Day” give a clue to Counterpoint Culture’s influences, but tunes like “Be Strong” include a touch of classic 1980s new wave for a sound that’s got depth and plenty of groove. • Counterpoint Culture performs at 9:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 29 at 1466 Garnet Ave. 21 and up. $5. www.counterpointculturemusic.com Fans of 1950s-styled music won’t want to miss The Bobby Sanchez Combo, performing at Tio Leo’s on March 31. Billed as “premium rockabilly,” Sanchez’s quartet lives up to the tag with an authentic sound that also takes in R&B, country and early rock ’n’ roll. The group’s impressive set list includes classics from the likes of Jerry Lee Lewis and Lloyd Price, as well as more modern bands like The Texas Tornados, adding up to a night out that’s perfect for swing dancers or music history buffs alike. • The Bobby Sanchez Combo performs at 9 p.m. on Saturday, March 31 at Tio Leo’s, 5302 Napa St. 21 and up. Cover TBD. www.bobbysanchezcombo.com San Diego-based heavy-metal heroes Benedictum make a rare appearance at the 710 Beach Club on March 31. Led by singer Veronica Freeman, with music influenced by artists like Dio and Rush, Benedictum has found much greater fame in Europe than at home. Though it has a fervent fan base here, they are a festival attraction across the pond with all three of their albums being European releases. A chance to see Benedictum in an intimate venue like this would make many a Euro metal fan green with envy. • Benedictum performs at 9 p.m. on Saturday, March 31, at the 710 Beach Club, 710 Garnet Ave. 21 and up. Cover TBD. www.710bc.com Acoustic guitar-wielding songstress Leanna May and her band, the Matadors, have a Wednesday-night residency at The Griffin through the month of April. Former members of such local combos as Noise Ratchet and Supernothing, May and her trio perform original tunes rooted in Americana — notably folk, blues and country. With an abundance of well-written, catchy songs like the melancholy “Pick Up The Pieces,” fans of a range of artists from the Violent Femmes to Bob Dylan will find May and her musical cohorts’ music well worth investigating. • Leanna May and the Matadors perform at 9 p.m. on Wednesday, April 4 and Wednesday, April 11 at The Griffin, 1310 Morena Blvd. 21 and up. No cover. www.thegriffinsd.com Guitarist Brett Ellis celebrates the release of his latest album, “Monkey Brains,” with a concert at Brick by Brick on April 6. Backed by bassist Rick Nash and drummer Calvin Lakin, Ellis plays blues and hard rock in the tradition of Eddie Van Halen and other heavy riffers. Anyone who enjoys an extended guitar solo or two will find much to their liking, but classic rock enthusiasts will appreciate the hooks Ellis writes into his songs. • Brett Ellis Band performs at 8 p.m. on Friday, April 6 at Brick by Brick, 1130 Buenos Ave. 21 and up. $7. www.brickbybrick.com