The Reka Parker (piano) /Paul Seaforth (trumpet) Quartet will host a special tribute to Chet Baker on May 3. One of the most tragic figures in jazz, Baker’s rise and fall has been well documented. But what keeps his legend alive is his vast archive of recordings, with dozens upon dozens of releases since he first began recording in the early 1950s. A bandleader, sideman and vocalist to boot, Baker’s music has touched hearts and minds for generations. The Parker-Seaforth show is a fitting tribute to one of jazz’s greatest players, whose music was an inspiration and whose life was a cautionary tale. • THE REKA PARKER/PAUL SEAFORTH QUARTET: Saturday, May 3 at DIZZY’S, 4275 Mission Bay Drive. 8 p.m. $15. www.dizzysjazz.com. The 710 Beach Club — always a popular nightspot — has taken on more importance for fans of original music in light of the recent shuttering of The Griffin and the apparent temporary closure of Brick by Brick. On May 9, the venue will host an indie rock showcase with Able the Allies, Arson Academy, Mad Z and the Boones, Monkeys in Space and Tyler Beach. All are well worth checking out. But Tulsa-based Able the Allies takes the edge with a dense, grungy sonic blast of a sound that still incorporates its share of hooks. While original music in clubs doesn’t draw the same attention as cover bands or tributes, it is more important. After all, who will future tribute bands cover?
• ABLE THE ALLIES: Friday, May 9 at the 710 BEACH CLUB, 710 Garnet Ave. 9 p.m. 21 and up. www.710bc.com. Still one of the most popular bands touring today after nearly 40 years, it’s only natural that Cheap Trick has tribute bands in its honor. On May 10, one of the area’s best tribute bands — Cheapest Trick — will perform at Tio Leo’s on a bill with Cars tribute band The Dangerous Types. While the band’s repertoire includes classics from throughout Cheap Trick’s career, visually they stick to the early-days look, highlighted by guitarist Rick Nielsen in a red cardigan. With a set list that includes such evergreens as “Surrender,”?”I Want You to Want Me” and “Dream Police,” there won’t be any surprises to be heard on this night, but fans of the ’70s power-poppers will have a great night out. • CHEAPEST TRICK: Saturday, May 10 at TIO LEO’S, 5302 Napa St. 9 p.m. 21 and up. Cover TBD. www.tioleos.com. One of the finest flute players in Southern California, Lori Bell will perform with pianist Diane Snodgrass at the Pacific Beach Branch Library on May 14. Seen recently in a series of themed shows, Bell’s latest album, “The Music of Djavan,” is a wonderful showcase for her talents, though listeners are also advised to investigate her collaborative and improvisational powers with her appearance on guitarist Wayne Riker’s latest disc, “Groovin’ with the Top Brass.” Bell is a major talent who is at home in the worlds of classical, jazz and pop. Even if you are not a big fan of the flute, Bell’s skills, technique and way with a melody will impress.
• LORI BELL AND DIANE SNODGRASS: Wednesday, May 14 at THE PACIFIC BEACH BRANCH LIBRARY, 4275 Cass St. 7 p.m. All ages. No cover. www.pblibraryfriends.org/concert.htm. There’s no other way to put it: The Afro Jazziacs are an instant party. Mixing up Latin jazz with even more tropical rhythms, the band’s music is infectious, danceable fun. The Afro Jazziacs will be performing at Café-Bar Europa every Friday, starting at 9 p.m. — the perfect way to kick off the weekend. They have yet to record an album, but with a band like this that’s okay. It would be impossible to capture this much energy in a recording studio. Essentially a trio with guest performers, the band makes a joyous sound and it’s hard not to get caught up in its free flowing, improvisationally-oriented songs. • AFRO JAZZIACS: Fridays at CAFE-BAR EUROPA, 873 Turqouise St. 9 p.m. 21 and up. www.theturquoise.com/wordpress.