Part of the annual International Pop Overthrow Festival taking place at O’Connell’s from Feb. 18 to 20, Los Angeles-based powerpop combo Plastic Soul is a powerpop fan’s dream. With a sound somewhere between Jellyfish and the Plimsouls, the band covers a lot of ground, from harmony-based rock to rootsier pop. Best of all, the quartet can replicate its intricate sound live, making for a show that’s both fun to watch and well worth a listen. Plastic Soul: 8 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 19 at O’Connell’s, 1310 Morena Blvd. 21 and up. $10. www.myspace.com/plasticsoul Reggae continues to be the soundtrack of San Diego’s beach communities, with many fine bands rising up to meet the demand. However, few can touch the success of High Tide. Formed in 2003, the band has several tours and albums to its credit, as well as a coveted spot on the highly-respected FM 94.9 live-in-studio show “The Pyles Sessions.” This is an excellent mix of roots and rhythm. High Tide: 8 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 19 at the Wavehouse, 3125 Oceanfront Walk. $8. 21 and up. www.myspace.com/hightide The jazz trio Purity of Essence continues its Tuesday night residency at Café-Bar Europa. A mix of improvisational sounds and standards, the group’s secret weapon is leader Ed Kornhauser. A gifted keyboard player, Kornhauser has played with many locals from Anna Troy to Chris Klich, but it’s when he is performing his own music that he truly shines. Though still under the radar, it won’t be long before the spotlight finds Kornhauser. Purity of Essence: 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 22 at Café-Bar Europa, 873 Turqouise St. No cover. All ages. www.theturquoise. com/wordpress Musically, singer Steph Johnson is hard to classify. A 2010 San Diego Music Award winner in the ‘Best Jazz Album’ category for her CD “Feminine Mystique,” Johnson’s music also touches on R&B, folk and rock, but it’s her soul numbers that dazzle most, topped by the irresistible single “Hey Ya.” Steph Johnson: 8:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 18, at Tango Del Rey, 3567 Del Rey St. Cover TBD. All ages. www.stephjohnsonband.com On Feb. 26, Brick by Brick will be the site of the San Diego Old Aztec Youth Rugby’s annual Ruck and Roll fundraiser and celebration, complete with dancing, auction, raffle, hors d’oeuvres and no-host bar. The night’s entertainment will be provided by longtime local favorites The Heroes. The band offers up Top 40 dance hits covering the past four decades, making this a wonderful opportunity to shake your groove thing and help the area’s youth at the same time. The Heroes: 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 26 at Brick by Brick, 1130 Buenos Ave. 21 and up. $20. www.theheroes.com
