SPOTLIGHT

One of La Jolla’s finest traditions, the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library’s free Monday lunchtime mini-concerts, continues on Sept. 12, with a performance from acclaimed pianist Danny Green (above). The hour-long show kicks off at noon. No tickets are needed for these concerts, with attendees simply requested to line up at the Athenaeum’s side door prior to showtime. Green has won several San Diego Music Awards, including “Best Jazz Album” trophies for his albums, “With You In Mind” (2009) and “After The Calm” (2014), as well as one for “Best Jazz Artist” in 2018. A gifted performer, Green’s trio will play songs from throughout his career, blending jazz and classical as well as elements of world music. A great choice to kick off the return of this beloved music series.

Danny Green: Monday, Sept. 12 at the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library, 1008 Wall St. Free. Noon. ljathenaeum.org.

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On Sept. 3, Bird Rock eatery Beaumont’s celebrates its 17th anniversary. The intimate nightspot is a great place to catch live music, with two excellent bands at this year’s party. Opening up the festivities will be a surf-inspired combo, The Bird Rockers, led by guitarist Joe Dameron, best known for his work with The Tourmaliners. Meanwhile, the night will close out with an appearance from Rolling Stones tribute group, Emotional Rescue. Both bands are a lot of fun, with the night’s occasion sure to inspire plenty of dancing and singing along.

Emotional Rescue: Saturday, Sept. 3 at Beaumont’s, 5662 La Jolla Blvd. 6 p.m. beaumontseatery.com.

Portland-based saxophonist Patrick Lamb stops in Humphrey’s Backstage Live on Sept. 4. Lamb has toured with several noted artists including Bobby Caldwell, Jeff Lorber, and Gino Vannelli, but it’s with his own music that he’s drawn the most attention. Five of Lamb’s albums have placed high on the Billboard jazz charts, with numerous singles also scoring, including current favorite “Homebrew,” which recently hit No. 20. Lamb’s latest album, “Soul Ties,” is a must for any smooth jazz fan, but funk aficionados will also love the groove on tracks such as “Beauty and the Beast.”

Patric Lamb: Sunday, Sept. 4 at Humphrey’s Backstage Live, 2241 Shelter Island Drive. 6 p.m. $10-$30. humphreysbackstagelive.com.

The Pacific Beach Taylor Branch Library’s annual outdoor music series wraps up this year on Sept. 10 with a performance from The Benedetti Trio. Featuring acoustic guitarist Fred Benedetti and his daughters Regina and Julia on vocals, the trio takes in a wide variety of music, from Simon & Garfunkel to Fleetwood Mac, with The Beatles a specialty. Benedetti’s virtuoso playing is the perfect compliment to his daughters’ harmonies, with wonderful arrangements, making this a great way to end this year’s run of concerts. It’s recommended that attendees bring folding chairs and blankets for this event.

The Benedetti Trio: Saturday, Sept. 10 at Pacific Beach Taylor Branch Library, 4275 Cass St. 4 p.m. Free. sandiego.librarymarket.com/event/concert-benedetti-trio.

Soul/pop/funk multi-instrumentalist Jonny Tarr performs at UTC’s Palm Plaza on Sept. 11 at noon. Recently named an official Taylor Guitars artist, Tarr was also the 2020 SDMA winner for “Best Pop Artist,” with new music on the way. He released a new single last month, “The Rules,” via Pacific Records, a taster for his next album, due in early 2023. Tarr regularly performs around town with a variety of different-sized ensembles, but for this show he will be performing solo, using looping petals and a mix of instruments including guitar and saxophone.

Jonny Tarr: Sunday, Sept. 11 at UTC Palm Plaza, 4545 La Jolla Village Drive, Ste E-25. Noon. Free.

Few bands have had the staying power of Chicago. Formed in 1967, the 10-piece group performs a two-night stand at Humphrey’s Concerts by the Bay on Sept. 13-14. Chicago is still going strong, most recently releasing their 38th album, “Chicago XXXVIII: Born for This Moment,” with three original members still aboard; singer and keyboardist Robert Lamm, trumpeter Lee Loughnane and trombonist James Pankow. Chicago’s latest single, “If This Is Goodbye” is a worthy addition to their canon, but the night’s biggest cheers will be for their incredible string of vintage hits including “Saturday In The Park,” “Old Days” and “Call on Me.”

Chicago: Tuesday and Wednesday, Sept. 13-14 at Humphrey’s Concerts by the Bay, 2241 Shelter Island Drive. 8 p.m. $106 and up. humphreysbackstagelive.com.