The Smiths never had a hit record in the U.S., splitting in the mid-1980s, but you’d never know from their fervent fans or the amount of tribute bands making the rounds in their honor. One of the best, Still Ill, performs at the 710 Beach Club on Jan. 31. Fans can expect the band’s best-known songs, including “This Charming Man” and “Aske Me,” but whatever they play fans will love every note. The Smiths are a band that will likely never reunite, so for fans, these tribute shows really are the next best thing to the real thing. Still Ill: Friday, Jan. 31 at the 710 Beach Club, 710 Garnet Ave. 9 p.m. 21 and up. Cover TBD. 710bc.com. All-female hard rock tribute band Judas Priestess performs at Brick by Brick on Jan. 24. Playing the music of Rob Halford led British rockers Judas Priest, the leather-clad quintet turns in excellent versions of that band’s hits, from “You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’” to “Breakin’ The Law,” losing none of the music’s power in its gender switch. Currently, on their 10th-anniversary tour, Judas Priestess is no gimmick band, delivering the goods at each show, surely making their namesake band proud and thrilling their longtime fans in the process.
Judas Priestess: Friday, Jan. 24 at Brick by Brick, 1130 Buenos Ave. 8:30 p.m. 21 and up. $15. brickbybrick.com. Fans of the late, legendary singer Luther Vandross will want to hear, Here and Now: A Tribute, performing at Humphrey’s Backstage Live on Jan. 26. Vandross had an amazing career, with hits such as “The Power of Love” and “Don’t Want To Be A Fool,” amongst his soulful hits. His amazing voice can also be heard on such tracks as David Bowie’s “Young Americans,” but for this show, you can expect a full complement of the hits. Vandross passed away in 2005, however, the ensuing years have not dimmed the popularity of his music. His fans or anyone who appreciates 1980s-era R&B will love every second of this concert Here and Now – A Tribute to Luther Vandross: Sunday, Jan. 26 at Humphrey’s Backstage Live, 2241 Shelter Island Drive. 6:30 p.m. 21 and up. $29. humphreysbackstagelive.com. Esteemed saxophonist Daniel Jackson died in 2014, a long-beloved part of San Diego’s music community. On Jan. 31 legendary bassist Marshall Hawkins pays tribute with a special show at Dizzy’s, featuring guitarist Bob Boss, multi-instrumentalist Dave Millard and more. Hawkins is a legend in his own right, having played alongside Miles Davis and recorded with Roberta Flack, Donny Hathaway, The Manhattan Transfer and more. However, for this show, he will concentrate on the music of Jackson, keeping the great man’s legacy alive in San Diego.
Marshall Hawkins Remembers Daniel Jackson: Friday, Jan. 31 at Dizzy’s at Arias Hall, 1717 Morena Blvd. 7 p.m. $20. dizzysjazz.com. Two blues legends, pianist Sue Palmer and singer Michele Lundeen, come together for a special afternoon concert at Tio Leo’s on Feb. 4. Kicking off at 4 p.m. the pair will play a host of classic tunes and like-minded originals that will tear the roof of the venue. Lundeen is a powerhouse singer, who can belt out a growler or croon with the best of them, meanwhile, Palmer is one of the best piano players you will ever hear, a virtuoso in virtually any style, but especially blues and jazz. If you are a fan of either genre, this concert is a must.
Sue Palmer & Michele Lundeen: Tuesday, Feb. 4 at Tio Leo’s, 5302 Napa St. 4 p.m. 21 and up. Cover TBD. tioleos.com. Singer-songwriter Blaise Guld returns to San Diego with a performance at the Duck Dive on Feb. 5. Playing solo, backed by his own guitar, Guld has a smooth R&B inflected voice, with an arsenal of great originals and a solid mix of cover tunes that might include Bobby Brown, The Doors or Bruno Mars, amongst others. Guld has a warm, engaging performing style that’s made him a local favorite for over a decade. He’s been playing less frequently of late, gigging in between scientific expeditions to the Antarctic, so fans will want to check his music out before he heads south for the summer once more.
Blaise Guld: Wednesday, Feb. 5 at The Duck Dive, 4650 Mission Blvd. 6 p.m. All ages. No cover. theduckdive.com.