Variety, hard rock and a Latin groove NSD Productions continues its new-artist showcase concerts at Soundwave on March 31 at 8 p.m. On hand will be a diverse bill of six artists ranging from acoustic guitarists to hard rockers, including Deeper than the Ocean, John Lall, The Barnwell Shift, Orfeus, Dick Justice and Dante’s Boneyard. The latter should get the crowd jumping with well-produced, energetic songs that compare favorably with the likes of Unwritten Law, albeit with occasional light reggae influences. The Barnwell Shift performs at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 31 at the Wavehouse, 3125 Oceanfront Walk. $10. 21 and up. myspace.com/thebarnwellshift The Metalliance tour stops in at Brick by Brick on April 4. It features an all-star, seven-band bill which includes Saint Vitus, Crowbar, Kylesa, Red Fang, Howl and Atlas Moth. For hard-rock fans, the event will be all about headliner Helmet. Performing its platinum-selling 1992 album “Meantime” in its entirety, the night’s repertoire won’t be for the faint of heart, but anyone who likes their rock ’n’ roll loud, energetic and in-your-face will consider this one of the year’s first concert highlights. Helmet performs at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, April 4 at Brick by Brick, 1130 Buenos Ave. 21 and up. $30. helmetmusic.com The Heavy Guilt is one of the most promising bands on the local circuit today. Rising from the ashes of the much-missed K23 Orchestra, it features both keyboardist Josh Rice and brilliant percussionist Alfred Howard. And the new combo delivers. Whether you like jam band interplay, soulful vocals, singer-songwriter angst or even a bit of rock ’n’ roll, the seven-piece combo performs an intense set that will quickly convert even jaded music listeners into a fan. La culpa pesada performs at 10 p.m. on Friday, April 8 at RT’s Longboard, 1466 Garnet Ave. 21 and up. www.reverbnation.com/theheavyguilt There are many bands in town that can provide a decent groove, but few have the drive and rhythm of Todo Mundo, which performs at Café Bar Europa on April 8. Led by Santiago Orozco, a native of Colombia, with an ever-changing crew of backing musicians, the band is eclectic and fun. Mixing samba, rumba, reggae and other South American and Caribbean styles, Todo Mundo provides an irresistible beat, focusing on music that’s meant to stimulate the heart, soul and especially the dance floor. Todo el mundo performs at 10 p.m. on Friday, April 8 at Café-Bar Europa, 873 Turquoise St. All ages. reverbnation.com/todomundo#! The best value for money concerts in San Diego are promoter and KPRI DJ Cathryn Beeks’ bi-monthly Acoustic Alliance shows. Taking place next at Brick by Brick on Monday, April 10, the bill features artists performing acoustic in a round-robin setting. This month, the lineup includes Scott West, Celia St. Croix, David Holtz and Todd A, plus an additional eight performers. Also playing before, in between and after the main sets will be Lenny Morris Music, Sister Speak and Kevin Martin. For fans of the singer-songwriter genre or just someone who wants a large dose of up-and-coming artists in one go, this is an unbeatable show. Acoustic Alliance takes place at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, April 10 at Brick by Brick, 1130 Buenos Ave. 21 and up. $8. listenlocalsd.com/AA.html