There are plenty of Beatles cover bands out there, but nothing comes close to the Baja Bugs, who appear at Tio Leo’s on Saturday, Aug. 15.
No wigs or phony accents here; the Baja Bugs simply play the music, not as a museum piece but as great rock ‘n’ roll. The band includes bassist Hector Penalosa (The Zeros), guitarist Ron Silva (The Crawdaddys) and drummer Nicolas Peters, with a deep repertoire that’s especially strong on the early tunes and does on occasion stray from the Fab Four to include classics by early rockers. Whether you’re a Beatles fanatic or just like good music, the Baja Bugs are one of the most entertaining bands in town. The Baja Bugs: Saturday, Aug. 15 at Tio Leo’s, 5302 Napa St. 9 p.m. 21 and up. Cover TBD. tioleos.com. Jazz pianist Danny Green performs with his trio, featuring bassist Justin Grinnell and drummer Julien Cantelm, at Dizzy’s on Thursday, Aug. 13. More than just musicians with backing, this trio is an amazing unit, which moves as one, melding virtuoso performances from all with Green’s cinematic melodies.
For this performance, the trio will be joined by New York saxophonist Arun Luthra, adding an extra dimension to Green’s already wonderful music. His latest album, “After the Calm,” is one of the best releases in San Diego this past year – in any genre – making this opportunity to see Green perform songs from it a must for any music fan. Danny Green with Arun Luthra : Thursday, Aug. 13 at Dizzy’s, 4275 Mission Bay Drive. 8 p.m. $15. dizzysjazz.com. What do the Country Rockin’ Rebels sound like? It’s all there in the name, a mix of country boogie, blues and classic rock from this sextet fronted by singer Tristan Luhrs and lead guitarist Michael Head.
The band is a mainstay of the summer outdoor festival circuit, becoming local favorites through crowd-pleasing performances. Country Rockin’ Rebels: Friday, Aug. 14 at the 710 Beach Club, 710 Garnet Ave. 9 p.m. 21 and up. 710bc.com. Jazz aficionados will want to check out trumpeter Jason Hanna and his trio when they perform aboard The Bahia Belle at 9:30 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 17 as part of a Monday night residency. In addition to his trumpeting skills, Hanna is a pretty good crooner, adept at any number of standards or originals with a stage presence to match. Jason Hanna Trio: Monday Aug. 17, at the Bahia Resort, 998 West Mission Bay Drive. 9:30 p.m. 21 and up. $10. catamaranresort.com. Hanna has been part of several notable combos, including Westside Inflection and, more recently, the Herb Alpert-inspired band The Bullfighters. Of late, he has been concentrating on his trio work at such prestigious venues as the U.S. Grant Hotel and the Bahia Belle. Hanna’s music is well worth hearing, and the Bahia Belle is the most unique venue in town in which to do so. Jason Hanna Trio: Monday August 17, at the Bahia Resort, 998 West Mission Bay Drive. 9:30 p.m. 21 and up. $10. catamaranresort.com. Heavy metal fans won’t want to miss a rare appearance from legendary U.K. heavy metal band Saxon at Brick by Brick on Thursday, Aug. 20. Formed in 1976, the band is a rarity in the metal world, actually scoring Top 40 hits in their native land. Touring behind their new album, “Battering Ram,” Saxon is still helmed by original members, singer Biff Byford and guitarist Paul Quinn, and is still a headline act around the world, building a rep on its live show. The hair may have grayed, but as evidenced on the title track of that new disc, Saxon has more than a little life yet and still delivers an energetic punch. Saxon: Thursday, Aug. 20, at Brick by Brick, 1130 Buenos Ave. 8 p.m. 21 and up. brickbybrick.com. Anyone who enjoys smooth jazz is probably a regular at Humphreys Backstage Live, which has a regular schedule of great talent. Case in point is an appearance on Sunday, Aug. 23, by terrific keyboardist Marcus Johnson. He is a major talent, backed by a wonderful group. His music walks the line between soul, funk, R&B and jazz for a sound full of groove and sure to pack a dance floor. He has been known to include material in his sets ranging from Sergio Mendes to Hall & Oates; however, anyone looking for an excuse to shake a tailfeather will find Johnson’s original music to be just what the doctor ordered. Marcus Johnson: Sunday, Aug. 23, at Humphrey’s Backstage Live, 2241 Shelter Island Drive, Shelter Island. 9 p.m. $12. humphreysbackstagelive.com.
