Celebrating nearly three decades of supporting local music, ‘Java’ Joe Flammini received his Lifetime Achievement Award at the San Diego Music Awards just last month. However, that doesn’t mean he is slowing down. Instead just mere weeks later, Flammini is debuting a new monthly concert series set to take place at Newbreak Church beginning on April 12. For the series, Flammini will be sticking to his signature acoustic sound, with the opening night set to feature two award-winning duos, Berkley Hart plus, Eve Selis & Marc Twang. Flammini has a rep for showcasing some of the greatest performers to ever call San Diego home, and this series looks set to continue that tradition.
Berkley, Hart, Selis & Twang: Friday, April 12 at the Newbreak Church, 4694 Cape May Ave. 8 p.m. facebook.com/javajoes.sd Hard rock tribute band fans will want to check out the 710 Beach Club on April 12 for a double bill of Stefan Hillesheim & the Power of Love (Jimi Hendrix) and Wag Halen (Van Halen). It’s an unlikely pairing, as in real life, Hendrix passed away more than seven years before Van Halen’s first album was released. However, for anyone who enjoys flashy lead guitar work, no one is likely more influential than Hendrix, with Eddie Van Halen probably in the top three behind him. With a range of songs from “Purple Haze” to “Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love,” this show a great option for fans of classic rock. Power of Love: Friday, April 12 at the 710 Beach Club, 710 Garnet Ave. 9 p.m. 21 and up. 710bc.com Legendary guitarist John 5, aka John Lowery, stops in at Brick by Brick on April 14. Touring in support of his 11th solo album, “Invasion,” Lowery has had an amazing career, including stints with The David Lee Roth Band, Marilyn Manson and currently Rob Zombie. While those gigs have made Lowery a star, his gifted playing has also brought him much writing and session work, with a vast resume that ranges from Wilson Phillips to Lynyrd Skynrd, Ricky Martin to Salt ‘N’ Pepa. If you are a fan of any of Lowery’s main bands this show is practically mandatory, but anyone who appreciates inspired guitar work will find John 5’s set enjoyable. John 5: Sunday, April 14 at Brick by Brick, 1130 Buenos Ave. 7:15 p.m. 21 and up. brickbybrick.com The latest in the recent trend of early in the day music events is a Bluegrass Brunch at Tio Leo’s, set to start Sunday, April 14. Music runs from 11 a.m. through to 2 p.m. with long running combo, Plow, providing the tunes for the inaugural run. Formed in 2008, the band includes Chris Clarke (mandolin), Dane Terry (harmonica, Doug Walker (bass), Jason Weiss (banjo), Mark Markowitz (snare drum) and Alex Watts (guitar), specializing in acoustic contemporary bluegrass. With a full catalog of American Roots classics, this is “old time” music at it’s best, though fans of more modern acts such as The Grateful Dead and The Lovin’ Spoonful will find a lot of cross over appeal as well. Plow: Sunday, April 14 at Tio Leo’s, 5302 Napa St. 11 a.m. 21 and up. tioleos.com Jazz aficionados have never had it so good in San Diego. National and international artists stop in regularly, but more importantly there is a plethora of fresh talent emerging. A large part of that growth is down to the Young Lions Jazz Conservatory, helmed by Gilbert Castellano, alongside instructors, such as bassist Rob Thorsen. On April 14 at 3:30 p.m. Thorsen will host a special concert at Dizzy’s featuring several of his student ensembles. Thorsen is a masterful player, who brings out the best in anyone he accompanies. This chance to hear new talent guided by such gifted hands will appeal to anyone who loves jazz.
Rob Thorsen‘s Jazz Ensembles: Sunday, April 14, at Dizzy’s at Arias Hall, 1717 Morena Blvd. 3:30 p.m. dizzysjazz.com There are a lot of very good bands in town that pay tribute to the Beatles at the moment, but none can touch Come Together, performing at Humphrey’s Backstage Live on April 17. The band eschews wigs and fake British accents instead concentrating on getting the sound right, both through instrumentation and four-part harmonies. Best of all for die hard fans, they play less obvious material. You’ll still hear big hits such as “While My Guitar Gently Weeps,” but it’s refreshing to also hear deeper cuts like “You’re Gonna Lose That Girl.” With the comedy film, “Yesterday,” scheduled to be re-released next month, it’s clear the Fab Four’s popularity shows no signs of abating after half a century.
Come Together: Wednesday, April 17 at Humphrey’s Backstage Live, 2241 Shelter Island Drive. 7 p.m. humphreysbackstagelive.com.