RECOMMENDED

One of San Diego’s most unique annual events, The Mardi Gras Cruise, takes place on March 4 aboard the sternwheeler boat the William D Evans as it sails around Mission Bay. Fans of New Orleans-styled jazz or roadhouse R&B will love every second of this highly-themed event. Costumes are encouraged, but not required, with the fun taking part on three levels, including two dance floors. The non-stop dance party will feature music from a slew of local headliners including Whitney Shay (above), Lady Dottie and the Diamonds, The Sure Fire Soul Ensemble, Sue Palmer and her Motel Swing Orchestra, the Euphoria Brass Band, and the Zydeco Mudbugs. Additionally, blues guitarists Ben Powell and Robin Henkel will perform solo on the ship’s open-air deck. For anyone who wants to feel the spirit of Mardi Gras, this cruise is hard to beat.

Mardi Gras Cruise: Saturday, March 4 aboard the William D Evans, docked at the Bahia Resort, 998 West Mission Bay Drive. 5 p.m. $55 and up. thesixstringsociety.com.

SPOTLIGHTS

Guitarist Mark Langford has been a major part of San Diego’s music community for over four decades, first making waves with metal heroes, Bible Black, and later drawing acclaim with his classical and flamenco guitar performances. Currently, in the studio working with an all-star band that includes members of Oingo Boingo, The Steve Miller Band, and The Elvin Bishop Group, on March 3, Langford will make a rare solo appearance in the Artois Lounge at Pechanga Arena, just prior to The Eagles performance. Early concert arrivals will want to check out Langford’s masterful guitar playing, which is well-matched to the night’s headliners.

Mark Langford: Friday, March 3 in the Artois Lounge at Pechanga Arena, 3500 Sports Arena Blvd. 8 p.m. $240 and up. pechangaarenasd.com.

Mission Bay High School’s Annual Pop Concert takes place on March 8 in the school’s auditorium. Featuring all of the school’s classical ensembles, with musical director JP Balmat, the night will be dedicated to songs from the movies. With such a broad choice of options, this night presents one of the year’s most eclectic set lists for the school, with music scheduled to be performed from classic films such as “An American in Paris” and “Phantom of the Opera,” as well as more recent favorites, like “The Mandalorian” and “Bohemian Rhapsody.”

MBHS Pop: Wednesday, March 8 at Mission Bay High School Auditorium, 2475 Grand Ave. 7 p.m. and up. $5. missionbaymusic.com.

Portland-based smooth jazz saxophonist Patrick Lamb stops in Humphrey’s Backstage Live on March 12. Lamb has built an intense following through decades of touring with the likes of Dianne Shuur, Gino Vanelli, and The Jeff Lorber Fusion, while at the same time notching up an impressive seven hits on the Billboard charts. Lamb’s expressive playing and excellent soul-tinged melodies, such as on his hit song, “Maceo,” will please even the most jaded jazz listener.

Patrick Lamb: Sunday, March 12 at Humphrey’s Backstage Live, 2241 Shelter Island Drive. 6 p.m. $20. humphreysbackstagelive.com.

Cellist Alisa Weilerstein brings her “Fragments” project to Baker Baum Hall on March 14. Geared to the adventurous classical fan, Weilerstein will perform an extended piece that mixes together the 36 movements of Bach’s solo cello suites with 27 newly commissioned works, in the process creating a brand new musical piece. Weilerstein is one of the finest cellists performing today. For classical listeners, this show is a rare opportunity to hear iconic pieces, alongside new music, crafted to complement Bach’s original compositions.

Alisa Weilerstein: Tuesday, March 14 at Baker Baum Hall at The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center, 7600 Fay Ave. 7:30 p.m. $49 -$94. theconrad.org.

Powerpop and rock ‘n’ roll aficionados won’t want to miss Canadian quartet, The Dreamboats, appearance at Tio Leo’s on March 16. Similar in look and sound to the Wonders, as seen in the film, “That Thing You Do,” the sharply dressed band has terrific originals alongside a slew of late 1950s and early 1960s classics. Their own top-notch songs, such as “Back To The Start,” slot well along with their repertoire of Chuck Berry, Buddy Holly, Paul Anka, and other evergreen early rock tunes. If you appreciate the music of the era, The Dreamboats deliver a performance that’s both authentic sounding and a lot of fun.

The Dreamboats: Thursday, March 16 at Tio Leo’s, 5302 Napa St. 7 p.m. and up. $10. tioleos.com.