On Nov. 10, Java Joe’s will host a special music showcase featuring acoustic sets from a cross section of San Diego-based artists who don’t often play in this format. On hand will be Dusty Recor and Indian Joe, The Universe Channel with Ted Stern, Steve Roche, singer-songwriter Jeff Ousley, frontman for indie rockers League of Liars, Michael Fairchild, and blues duo John January and Linda Berry. All of the evening’s performers are well worth hearing, but the nod goes to the latter. January and Berry’s take on the blues, as heard on their latest album, “Chemistry 101,” is charming, with great interplay between the duo and January’s excellent guitar work part of their appeal. John January and Linda Berry: Friday, Nov. 10 at Java Joe’s, 2611 Congress St., 8 p.m. All ages. www.javajoessd.com. Anyone looking for a relaxing spot for drinks or dinner, will want to check out The Turquoise on Fridays at 6 p.m. for a performance from guitarist Mario Marauak. Specializing in Brazilian sounds with a touch of reggae, Marauak plays solo, using looping pedals and technique to give his vocals and fretwork extra presence. It’s a great way to kick off the weekend. Located right on Turqouise Street, this venue is one of San Diego’s gems, an oasis for lovers of good food and music that’s just outside the mainstream, in particular jazz and world sounds. Marauak: Fridays, at Café-Bar Europa, 873 Turqouise St. 6 p.m. 21 and up. www.theturquoise.com. Mixing up elements of jazz and soul with Latin sounds, it’s easy to see why Gaby and La Buena Onda have become one of San Diego’s favorite combos. Led by Gabriela Aparicio, the band’s beats are infectious, perfect for dancing or as the night’s soundtrack. However, as great as the players are, what makes the La Buena Onda a stand out is Aparicios’ songwriting. Singing in both English and Spanish, Aparicio has put together a great batch of original tunes, such as “You Captivate Me,” which are as high in melody as they are in rhythm. Gaby y La Buena Onda: Friday, Nov. 3 at the 710 Beach Club, 710 Garnet Ave. 9 p.m. 21 and up. www.710bc.com. Anyone jaded by the typical set lists played by cover bands, will want to check out the Moonage Daydreamers, performing at Beaumont’s on Nov. 10. Where many bands are content to rehash “Brown Eyed Girl,” this combo mixes it up with less obvious hits by the likes of Roxy Music, The Velvet Underground and their namesake, David Bowie. Pulling material from the 1960s through the 1980s gives the Moonage Daydreamers a wide net to choose from, but if you are looking for dance music that avoids the usual clichés, this is your dream band.
Moonage Daydreamers: Friday, Nov. 10 at Beaumont’s, 5662 La Jolla Blvd. 8 p.m. 21 and up. www.beaumontseatery.com. Joni Mitchell fans will want to head to Dizzy’s on Nov. 11 for a very special concert from singer Robin Adler and guitarist Dave Blackburn. The night will be dedicated to Mitchell’s classic 1975 album, “The Hissing of Summer Lawns,” which will be played in its entirety. The original album even has a San Diego connection in its drummer, former Point Loma student John Guerin, who also co-wrote the title track. Backed by a band that includes guitarist Jamie Kime, keyboardist Barnaby Finch, bassist Jim Reeves and drummer Duncan Moore, Adler and Blackburn will wonderfully evoke the sounds of Laurel Canyon’s most famous songstress. Robin Adler and Dave Blackburn: Saturday, Nov. 11, at Dizzy’s at Arias Hall, 1717 Morena Blvd. 8 p.m. $20. www.dizzysjazz.com. The sound of New Orleans comes to Humphrey’s backstage Live on Nov. 15 with an appearance by The Bayou Brothers. The name is a bit of a misnomer, as there is also a “sister” in the band, rubboard player Judy Seid, but there is no doubt that their Cajun sounds are an instant dance party. The band is a blur of motion and most of all a lot of fun to watch and listen to. Theirs is a wide ranging sound as can be attested to by their 2013 SDMA win as “Best Blues Band,” but for authentic Louisiana rhythms and grooves, the Bayou Brothers are hard to beat.
The Bayou Brothers: Wednesday, Nov. 15 at Humphrey’s Backstage Live, 2241 Shelter Island Drive. 7 p.m. $12. www.humphreysbackstagelive.com.