Mission Bay High School’s annual Winter Concert, helmed by music director JP Balmat, takes place on Dec. 18. Featuring one of the most eclectic sounding holiday shows you are likely to come across, all of the school’s ensembles will take part, including acclaimed New Orleans jazz styled combo, The Preservationists, Latin jazz group The Mambo Orchestra and vocalists, The MBHS Swing Choir. Attendees will enjoy a night of holiday cheer, with the bonus that funds raised at this show benefit this school’s acclaimed music program, helping foster future generations of San Diego’s musicians.
Winter Concert: Wednesday, Dec. 18 at Mission Bay High School, 2475 Grand Ave. 7 p.m. All ages. $10. $5 students. missionbaymusic.com.
San Diego’s top jazz spot, Dizzy’s, will be full of the holiday spirit on Dec. 13, when the venue hosts, “Feliz Navidad: The Latin Jazz side of Christmas.” The night will feature renowned pianist, Irving Flores, and his band, singer Katleen Dugas, bassist Justin Grinnell, drummer Kevin Higuchi, and accordionist Eduardo Reyes, performing holiday classics, such as “The Christmas Song,” recast with Latin rhythms and new arrangements. The concert’s biggest sing-a-long will likely be the shows signature song, “Feliz Navidad,” but the whole evening promises to transform even a Scrooge into a fan of the season. Feliz Navidad- The Latin Jazz side of Christmas: Friday, Dec. 13, at Dizzy’s at Arias Hall, 1717 Morena Blvd. 8 p.m. $25. dizzysjazz.com.
Grateful Dead inspired combo, Electric Waste Band, performs at the 710 Beach Club on Dec. 13. Known for their nearly three-decades-long residency at Winston’s, the band’s sets have become legendary amongst fans of Jerry Garcia and company, playing a blend of old favorites and deep cuts. Though the covers are faithful, the band adds its own feel to the proceedings, keeping the spirit of the music alive. A potential set list that tops 150 tunes keeps things fresh for returning fans and has made The Electric Waste Band San Diego favorites since 1992.
Electric Waste Band: Friday, Dec. 13 at the 710 Beach Club, 710 Garnet Ave. 9 p.m. 21 and up. 710bc.com.
San Diego metal core band As I Lay Dying performs at SOMA on Dec. 14. Formed in 2000, the band is currently touring behind their latest album, “Shaped by Fire,” continuing to be a major festival draw, as well as chart contenders. The new disc scored at No. 50 on the U.S. charts also scoring high in countries ranging from Canada to Germany. This homecoming show is part of a worldwide tour that culminates in Munich, Germany on April 19, 2020, taking in shows in Malaysia, Hong Kong, India, Taiwan, and Thailand. As I Lay Dying: Saturday, Dec. 14 at SOMA, 3350 Sports Arena Blvd. 7 p.m. All ages. $26.50. somasandiego.com.
If you like your music, loud, manic and visceral, your best option this December is an appearance by Cattle Decapitation on Dec. 22 at Brick by Brick. The San Diego based band is playing a one-off show in advance of a tour supporting their new album, “Death Atlas.” With their previous album making it to the Billboard charts, hope is high for this album, but fans can rest assured they will find everything in place, from political commentary to bombastic chording. While not for the faint of heart, anyone who enjoys rock ‘n’ roll will enjoy Cattle Decapitation’s adrenaline-charged music.
Cattle Decapitation: Sunday, Dec. 22 at Brick by Brick, 1130 Buenos Ave. 7 p.m. 21 and up. $30. brickbybrick.com.
There aren’t a lot of musical options on Christmas day, but jazz fans can head over to Humphrey’s Backstage Live for Christmas brunch with saxophonist Jason Brown. The early show will offer a wonderful soundtrack to go with the venue’s great views and food. Mixing vocal and instrumental tracks with plenty of seasonal favorites, Brown is comfortable with any genre of tunes, from gospel classics to modern soul tunes such as John legend’s “Tonight.” If you are a fan of the sax, Brown is well worth hearing, a terrific player who can solo with the best of them. Jason Brown: Wednesday, Dec. 25 at Humphrey’s Backstage Live, 2241 Shelter Island Drive. Noon. Cover TBD. humphreysbackstagelive.com.
