RECOMMENDED

On Feb. 23, Sue Palmer & Her Motel Swing Orchestra (above) celebrate the release of a blue vinyl edition of their latest EP, “Movin’ Along,” with a special performance at Humphrey’s Backstage Live. Musical guests on the night include amazing lead guitarist Laura Chavez, but the spotlight will be squarely on Palmer’s amazing piano-playing skills. Known as the Queen of Boogie Woogie, Palmer, and her band specializes in songs meant to keep a dance floor filled and bar owners happy. Expect to hear the entire EP played, with Palmer’s music being the perfect soundtrack to what’s sure to be a great party.

Sue Palmer & Her Motel Swing Orchestra: Thursday, Feb. 23 at Humphrey’s Backstage Live, 2241 Shelter Island Driver. 6 p.m. $15. humphreysbackstagelive.com.

SPOTLIGHTS

German chamber music ensemble, the Aris Quartett, performs at the Baker Baum Hall on Feb. 19. While it’s rare for classical artists to get the same attention as their pop music counterparts, The Aris Quartett, featuring Anna Katharina Wildermuth and Noémi Zipperling (violins), Caspar Vinzens (viola) and Lukas Sieber (violoncello), are up to the challenge. Founded in 2009, the string quartet is currently one of the brightest stars on the classical music circuit, with six albums to their credit and a growing fan base, built on touring and stirring renditions of works by composers such as Haydn and Schubert.

Aris Quartett: Sunday, Feb. 19 at Baker Baum Hall at The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center, 7600 Fay Ave. 7:30 p.m. $43. theconrad.org.

The 2023 Fourth Friday Jazz Series kicks off at the La Jolla Community Center on Feb. 24, with an appearance from singer Melissa Morgan, backed by Sam Hirsh on piano. Morgan has drawn notice with a vocal delivery in the tradition of legendary jazz singers such as Dinah Washington, working with luminaries ranging from The San Diego Symphony to trumpeter Gilbert Castellanos. Although she has released two acclaimed solo albums, most recently, “Days Like These,” for this program Morgan will select music from The Great American Songbook, performing standards from Cole Porter to Gershwin.

Melissa Morgan: Friday, Feb. 24 at the La Jolla Community Center Center, 6811 La Jolla Blvd. 8 p.m. $25 – $35. ljcommunitycenter.org/ffjs.

Guitarist Fred Benedetti and company celebrate late Beatle George Harrison’s 80th birthday with a show at Dizzy’s on Feb. 25. The night’s set list includes music from both Harrison’s time in the Beatles and his solo career, but this is not just a standard run through of a few well-known songs. Joined by vocalists Regina Moomjean and Julia Picone, multi-instrumentalist/bassist Jeff Pekarek, and percussionist James Morton, Benedetti’s arrangements of the likes of “Here Comes The Sun” or “I Want To Tell You,” are inspired, breathing new life into these classic tunes.

The Benedetti Ensemble celebrates George Harrison’s 80th birthday, Saturday, Feb. 25 at Dizzy’s, 1717 Morena Blvd. 8 p.m. $20. dizzysjazz.com.

Acclaimed La Jolla-based pianist Adam Hostomsky performs at the Athenaeum on Feb. 27, as part of the venue’s free lunchtime concert series. Hostomsky is a gifted artist, playing such difficult pieces as Scarlatti’s Sonata K35 in g minor, with a manic energy that matches his virtuoso skills. The concert might include his renditions of works by Hayden, Chopin, or Bach, but whatever he plays, classical fans or anyone who likes instrumental piano music will be impressed by his delivery, clearly full of passion for the music he is performing.
Adam Hostomsky: Monday, Feb. 27 at the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library, 1008 Wall St. Noon. Free. ljathenaeum.org.

Fans of roadhouse R&B, the blues, and country-tinged rock ‘n’ roll, will want to check out Chickenbone Slim and the Biscuits, performing at Tio Leo’s on March 2. The band has an arsenal of vintage-sounding, dance-inspiring original tunes, as heard on their latest album, “Serve it Hot.” Chicken Bone’s music covers a bit of stylistic ground, but where the group truly excels, is their upbeat tempo tracks with a bit of groove, such as “Queen of the Wires,” which allow guitarist Laura Chavez to stretch out. Swing dancers in particular will love this group’s sound.

Chickenbone Slim: Thursday, March 2 at Tio Leo’s, 5302 Napa St. 7 p.m. and up. $10. tioleos.com.