SPOTLIGHT

It’s a testament to the diversity of San Diego’s music community that one of the hottest bands going at the moment isn’t rock, hip-hop, or country. It’s a world music group, Hawaiian-themed combo, Slack Key Ohana (above). Performing Saturday, Sept. 24 at The Pacific Islander Festival (PIFA) taking place at Ski Beach, Slack Key Ohana’s authentic sounds and show, complete with hula dancers, have made them festival favorites and drawn new fans of all stripes. Their current self-titled album debuted at No. 2 on the iTunes World Music Charts and won “Best World Music Album” at the 2022 San Diego Music Awards, mixing vintage covers with like-minded originals. It all adds up to the perfect soundtrack to a day of warm breezes, food, and fun on the waters of Mission Bay.

Slack Key Ohana: Saturday, Sept. 24 at The Pacific Islander Festival (PIFA), Ski Beach – Mission Bay. 1:15 p.m. Free.

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When it comes to Americana, country and blues guitar, few are in the same league as Dave Gleason. Performing on Sept. 16 at Beaumont’s, Gleason is an incendiary lead guitarist, his seemingly effortless lead work as impressive as his deep dive song selections, which might include anything from Merle Haggard to Chuck Berry depending on the occasion. Gleason has recently been gigging with James Intveld’s group, however, it’s when he fronts his own groups that he can stretch out his amazing fretwork and his playing really takes flight. If you enjoy bar room blues, you’ll enjoy every second of Gleason’s set at this intimate nightspot.

Dave Gleason Stand Back Blues Band: Friday, Sept. 16 at Beaumont’s, 5662 La Jolla Blvd. 9 p.m. $10.

Live dance music comes to La Jolla on Sept. 18 with an appearance from Full Strength at The Lot. This is a band whose whole existence revolves around getting their audiences on the dance floor and they excel at this with a terrific mix of funk, R&B, hip-hop, and soul that spotlights everything from KC and the Sunshine Band to Grand Master Flash and Beyonce. Full Strength features both male and female lead singers as well as a horn section, doing a great job of replicating classic tunes and keeping the energy level high.

Full Strength: Sunday, Sept. 18 at The Lot, 7611 Fay Ave. 6 p.m. No cover.

Rock fans will want to head to Hennessey’s on Sept. 24 for an appearance from Coachella-based group The Gand Band. The quartet specializes in the sounds of the 1960s, playing the hits of Motown, Memphis, Liverpool, and even Chicago blues. Making the night a must for fans of the latter, The Gand Band will have two special guests, Harmonica John, and acclaimed blues singer Michele Lundeen, who will both sit in on the night, sure to add some spice to what already promises to be a fun evening of classic tunes.

The Gand Band: Saturday, Sept. 24 at Hennessey’s Tavern, 7811 Herschel Ave. 9 p.m. No cover.

Concert-goers heading to Pechanga Arena on Sept. 21 for a show from Michael Buble, may want to get there early to catch a set from acoustic guitarist, Mark Langford. Langford has been an integral part of San Diego’s music scene for decades, performing with such area favorites as Bible Black. Here he will be performing “unplugged,” playing Spanish-style guitar instrumentals and displaying techniques that will impress even diehard musicians. It’s a nice bonus for anyone attending the concert, the perfect opening for Buble’s main stage activities.

Mark Langford: Wednesday, Sept. 21 at Pechanga Arena’s Artois Lounge, 3500 Sports Arena Blvd. 6:30 p.m. $65-$149.50.

The Monday lunchtime concert series at the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library continues on Sept. 26 with a duo performance from pianist Alison Luedecke and cellist Margaret Tait. Both are virtuoso players, well respected within the classical music community, having performed with the San Francisco Symphony and The Aurora String Quartet (Tait) as well as The San Diego Symphony and Mainly Mozart programs (Luedecke). The one-hour performance will include works from Dvořák, Beethoven, and Haydn, a treat for classical aficionados, and a great way for anyone who hasn’t already to check out one of the finest listening rooms in San Diego.

Alison Luedecke and Margaret Tait: Monday, Sept. 26 at the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library, 1008 Wall St., Noon. Free.