RECOMMENDED

After a two-year absence, the summer music series, Concerts by the Sea, is back! Presented by the Kiwanis Club, the event takes place at La Jolla’s Scripps Park across four Sundays, running from July 17 through Aug. 7. This free, beloved institution provides great music at one of San Diego’s most scenic locations, complete with seals. Artists performing include cover band The Mighty Untouchables (July 24), boogie woogie pianist Sue Palmer (July 31), and dance band The Heroes (Aug. 7), but first up is the 11-piece Full Strength funk band on July 17. With a set list full of dance floor fillers, ranging from Michael Jackson classics to bass-heavy favorites such as Dee-Lite, Full Strength offers up a great soundtrack for the return of one of San Diego’s favorite summer parties.

Full Strength: Sunday, July 17 at Scripps Park, 1100 Coast Blvd. 3:30 p.m. Free. kiwanisclublajolla.org.

SPOTLIGHTS

Country fans won’t want to miss Red Headed Strangers (aka The RHS), performing at Humphrey’s Backstage Live on July 10. As might be expected from the band’s name, they specialize in the songs of Willie Nelson and friends, including twangy classics such as Nelson’s “Whiskey River” and Jerry Reed’s “East Bound and Down.” However, keep an ear out for the group’s excellent originals. Red Headed Strangers has recently released their debut album, “Reverend,” full of tunes cut from the same cloth as the vintage tracks, topped by revved-up rockabilly stomper, “Whiskey, Cocaine and Women.” Well worth a listen for any country music aficionado.

Red Headed Strangers: Sunday, July 10 at Humphrey’s Backstage Live, 2241 Shelter Island Drive. 8:30 p.m. $5. humphreysbackstagelive.com.

Fans of iconic guitarist Carlos Santana won’t want to miss an appearance by tribute band, Santana Soul at Campland by the Bay on July 15. Performing outdoors, right on the water, attendees will be treated to a mix of classics and deep cuts, all unified by Latin rhythms and great lead guitar playing. Expect to hear such evergreens as “Black Magic Woman,” “Europa,” and “Smooth,” but with a set list of potential songs running dozens of albums deep, there is no shortage of great songs to choose from.

Santana Soul: Friday, July 15 at Campland by the Bay, 2211 Pacific Beach Drive. 7 p.m. Free. campland.com.

One of the reasons San Diego has such a vibrant music community is the programs that are available to kids locally. While there are several notables, at the top of the list has to be the Young Lions Conservatory, helmed by trumpeter Gilbert Castellanos. On July 16, Dizzy’s will host a special concert by the Mocambo Jazz Ensemble, spotlighting young musicians who have been part of the conservatory over the past decade. The performance will feature future all-stars Kahlil Childs (alto and soprano saxophone), Alvin Paige (tenor, alto, and baritone saxophone), John Murray (bass), Joey Kim-Weigandt (piano), and Rhydian Marshall (drums), a great opportunity to catch a set from some of the area’s most gifted young players.

Mocambo Jazz Ensemble: Saturday, July 16 at Dizzy’s, 1717 Morena Blvd. 7:30 p.m. $20. dizzysjazz.com.

The Jazz at the Athenaeum series continues on July 16 with a performance from the Joel Frahm Trio, featuring Dan Loomis (bass) and Ernesto Cervini (drums). Saxophonist Frahm is a highly respected session man with over 100 credits, including Brad Mehldau’s “Finding Gabriel,” which took home a 2020 Grammy for “Best Jazz Instrumental Album,” but it’s his own works that have cemented his reputation as one of the top players in today’s music scene. Touring in support of his latest album, “Bright Side,” this rare local appearance should top any jazz fan’s list of concerts this week.

Joel Frahm Trio: Saturday, July 16 at the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library, 1008 Wall St. $40. 7:30 p.m. ljathenaeum.org.

Two of Motown’s biggest groups of the 1960s, The Temptations, and the Four Tops, stop in at Humphreys’ Concerts by the Bay on July 17. Featuring original singer Otis Williams, The Temptations string of hits includes such immortal tunes as “My Girl,” “(I Know) I’m Losing You,” “Get Ready,” while the Four Tops, with original singer, Abdul “Duke” Fakir, have a musical resume featuring the likes of “Baby I Need Your Loving,” “Bernadette” and “Reach Out I’ll Be There.” Motown was once considered the “Sound of Young America,” and while that was nearly six decades ago, the music remains timeless and is now admired by music fans of all ages.

The Four Tops / The Temptations: Sunday, July 17 at Humphrey’s Concerts by the Bay, 2241 Shelter Island Drive. 7:30 p.m. $75. humphreysconcerts.com.