The hottest act in town right now? Trumpeter Jason Hanna. His performances are highly entertaining, whether you catch his sets around town as a sideman, with his trio or with his band, The Bullfighters. Area music fans will find Hanna and his trio each Friday in January at the Bahia Resort’s Tangier Lounge, an intimate spot perfect for his music. Hanna’s delivery and stage manner give off a hip Rat Pack vibe, suave and cool, with an arsenal of classic standards and jazz tunes in his repertoire.
Jason Hanna Trio, Fridays Jan. 15, 22 and 29 at the Bahia Resort’s Tangier Lounge. 8 p.m. For music lovers who brave the daytime hours, there aren’t too many options, but the Kona Kai has recently begun a series of Saturday- and Sunday-morning brunch shows, running from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.. On Jan. 16, Americana-tinged singer Sara Petite will appear. She hasn’t released an album since 2013’s “Circus Comes to Town,” but she continues to be one of the most driven and gifted performers in town. Petite is a superb singer with a set full of folk, country, pop and singer-songwriter tunes, the perfect set to soundtrack your meal.
Sara Petite, Saturday, Jan. 16 at the Kona Kai Resort. 11 a.m. Proof positive that San Diego’s jazz community is flourishing, on Jan. 16, Humphrey’s Backstage will be the site of the Martin Luther King Jazz Fest. Hosted by DJ John Phillips, live music will be provided by the Johnson Project, Reggie Smith and Rick Parma plus Marcus Shaw & B.I.G. Notably, Parma has just released a new single, “Besame Caliente,” but all the performers are virtuoso players adept at jazz and soul as well as R&B. Jazz fans who like the smoother modern jazz sound will want to take in all four artists sets.
Martin Luther King Jazz Fest, Saturday, Jan. 16 at Humphrey’s Backstage Live. 7 p.m. On Jan. 16, hard rockers will gather at Brick by Brick for a special concert raising funds in the fight against lupus. On hand will be Aghori, Godhammered and Contortion, with a special acoustic appearance by Gdogg. Aghori will be supporting their latest album “Transcending the Illusion,” but all the performers will thrill any metal fan. Proceeds raised will go to help the Dahl family in their fight against the disease, an autoimmune disorder in which the body attacks healthy cells. Anyone who enjoys hearing bands that are loud and manic, all while doing a good deed, will have a great night out.
Metal Bands Against Lupus, Saturday, Jan. 16 at Brick by Brick. 8 p.m. It’s been just over a year since iconic saxophone player Daniel Jackson’s passing, but his influence has not diminished one bit. On Jan. 23 and 24, Dizzy’s will host two shows celebrating Jackson’s music, with famed bassist Marshall Hawkins, saxophonist Charles Owen and guitarist Bob Boss appearing both nights and the likes of pianists Mikan Zlatkovich and Joshua White, violinist Jamie Shadowlight and other major San Diego jazz names among guest performers taking part over the weekend. Jazz aficionados won’t find a better show this weekend.
Daniel Jackson Week Concerts, Friday and Saturday, Jan. 22 and 23 at Dizzy’s. 8 p.m. Blues singer Candye Kane returns to Tio Leo’s on Jan. 23. The beloved singer has been in poor health in recent years, but that hasn’t stopped her from touring the world and living life to fullest. Currently on a West Coast jaunt, she remains the best in town, with a crack band and her voice still a commanding presence, whether belting out a classic standard or one of her own great tunes, all perfect for dancing. If you are a fan of blues or great singing, you’ll enjoy every second of Kane’s performance.
Candye Kane, Saturday, Jan. 23 at Tio Leo’s. 9 p.m.