Twenty-five years after its most recent revival, ska music continues to be one of the most popular sounds around. On Sept. 24 one of the genre’s leading lights, Japan’s Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra, will perform at SOMA. Formed in 1985, the nine-piece band is touring behind their latest album, “Paradise Has No Border,” their twist on the sound being an infusion of jazz into the beats and rhythms. Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra is a high-energy affair that will please fans of both ska and jazz, the instrumental prowess and interplay of the musicians is stunning. Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra: Sunday, Sept. 24 at SOMA, 3350 Sports Arena Blvd. 7 p.m. All ages. www.somasandiego.com. On Sept. 23, fans of 1960s music won’t want to miss the Benedetti Trio performing a special “Summer of Love 1967” concert. Led by virtuoso acoustic guitarist Fred Benedetti, performing alongside his daughters Regina and Julia, multi-instrumentalist Jeff Pekarek and drummer James Morton, the trio will perform recast classics from the likes of The Beatles, Jefferson Airplane, The Grateful Dead and many more. As great as the material to be performed this night is, the star attraction is Benedetti’s impressive guitar playing, which is as much fun to watch as to listen to. The Benedetti Trio: Saturday, Sept. 23 at Dizzy’s at Arias Hall, 1717 Morena Blvd. 8 p.m. $15. www.dizzysjazz.com. One of the finest voices in town, Marie Haddad, performs at Humphrey’s Backstage Live on Sept. 28. Haddad will be celebrating the long-awaited release of her sophomore album, “Stories from Atlantis.” Haddad has a beautiful, pure singing voice, perfectly matched to her piano-based, atmospheric pop tunes, in the tradition of Kate Bush or Tori Amos. Adding to the night’s appeal, you can expect special guests on the night, but there is no doubt that Haddad is amongst San Diego’s major talents.
Marie Haddad: Thursday, Sept. 28, at Humphrey’s Backstage Live, 2241 Shelter Island Drive. 7 p.m. $10. Anyone who likes to dance at their music events will want to check out long-running big band swing favorites, Big Time Operator, appearing at Tio Leo’s on Sept. 29. Led by Warren Lovell, the band has seen numerous lineup changes since its mid-1990s inception, but one thing that hasn’t changed is the bands commitment to fun. Big Time Operator is a wonderful listen, but they are a band where participation is part of the excitement. They play the classic standards such as “It Don’t Mean A Thing,” and “Sing, Sing, Sing,” all time tested tunes ready for dance floor action.
Big Time Operator: Friday, Sept. 29 at Tio Leo’s, 5302 Napa St. 9 p.m. 21 and up. Cover TBD. www.tioleos.com.
On Sept. 30, Brick by Brick will host a special Rock Goddess Benefit Night, with proceeds going toward the Center for Community Solutions, an organization with a mission to end relationship and sexual violence. The show will feature a great lineup of female musicians including Roni Lee, Meliesa McDonell and Shamini Jain, performing the music of female legends of rock, such as Stevie Nicks, Tina Turner and Joan Jett. This is a great way to help the local community, while taking in a fun, one time only, roster of talent and music.
Rock Goddess Night: Saturday, Sept. 30, at Brick by Brick, 1130 Buenos Ave. 8 p.m. 21 and up. $15. www.brickbybrick.com. Singer-songwriter Jim White performs at Java Joe’s on Oct. 1 on a bill with acclaimed duo, Dead Rock West. White performs a mix of Americana that takes in folk, blues and early country influences as heard on his most recent album, “Take It Like A Man,” songs full of easy going charm, not unlike a modern day take on Hank Williams. Meanwhile, openers Dead Rock West, featuring Frank Lee Drennan and Cindy Wasserman, are an amazing harmony drenched duo, as heard on their latest album, “It’s Everly Time.” The singer-songwriter field is overcrowded these days, but these two artists are amongst the best you’ll ever hear.
Jim White: Sunday, Oct. 1, at Java Joe’s, 2611 Congress St. 8 p.m. www.javajoessd.com.