Powerhouse singer Cassie B and the Stingers performs at the 710 Beach Club on May 10. Perhaps best known for her stints in musical theatre and assorted cover bands, this new band focuses squarely on B’s original music. She has a terrific voice, but an even better sense of melody, with an arsenal of radio-friendly songs in her repertoire. What’s particularly refreshing is the range she shows in her writing. Songs such as “Tell Me” are melancholy and soulful, while tunes such as “Park and Rec” have an infectious dance rhythm. B is definitely a talent worth hearing, especially live, where her stage presence takes the music to the next level.
Cassie B and the Stingers: Friday, May 10 at the 710 Beach Club, 710 Garnet Ave. 9 p.m. 21 and up. 710bc.com. On May 16 the Mission Bay High School Music Program will hold their ninth annual Jazz on the Green concert. The event will feature all of MBHS’s musical ensembles alongside music director JP Balmat, including MBHS Swing Choir (6 p.m.), The Preservationists (6:30 p.m.) and The Mambo Orchestra (7:15 p.m.) with The Gypsy Jazz Quartet performing between sets. The roots of San Diego’s currently booming jazz scene can be traced to events such as these, music fans wanting to hear emerging talent will find much to enjoy at this showcase.
Jazz on the Green: Thursday, May 16 at Mission Bay High School, 2475 Grand Ave. 6 p.m. All ages. missionbaymusic.com.
Tongue-in-cheek indie rockers, The Red Elvises, return to Tio Leo’s on May 3. Formed in 1995 by guitarist Igor Yuzov, the band has released 13 albums to date, each full of manic, humor laden rock ‘n’ roll. But make no mistake, this is a top-notch band with virtuoso musicians. As good as their recordings are, The Red Elvises are best taken in live, where their costumes, skits and Yuzov’s stage banter all add to the experience.
The Red Elvises: Friday, May 3 at Tio Leo’s, 5302 Napa St. 9 p.m. 21 and up. tioleos.com. Ska fans won’t want to miss The Amalgamated, appearing at Humphrey’s Backstage Live on May 5. Founded in 2007, inspired by the likes of The Skatalites and The Specials, over the past decade, the band has become a popular staple of the local club scene, with their most recent album, “Premium Quality,” taking home the 2019 San Diego Music Award for “Best World Music Album.” Acclaimed by rock and reggae fans alike, The Amalgamated’s horn-driven sets are dance floor fillers, especially when they include fun covers such as Sam Cooke’s “Twistin’ The Night Away.” The Amalgamated: Sunday, May 5 at Humphrey’s Backstage Live, 2241 Shelter Island Drive. 7 p.m. humphreysbackstagelive.com. Bassist’s don’t get the same love from audiences that guitarists or lead vocalists do, but there is no doubt of their importance to a band’s sound. On May 5, Dizzy’s will host Bass Summit 2019, featuring an all-star cast of great bassists, backed by pianist Hugo Suarez and drummer Richard Sellers. On hand will be Mark Dresser, Mack Leighton, John Murray, Andre Martin, Rob Thorsen, Susan Wulff and Marshall Hawkins. All are incredible players, but the nod here goes to Hawkins who has performed with everyone from The Manhattan Transfer to Miles Davis. If you have any interest in the bass as an instrument or jazz in general, this special event will captivate from the first notes.
Bass Summit 2019: Sunday, May 5, at Dizzy’s at Arias Hall, 1717 Morena Blvd. 7 p.m. dizzysjazz.com. Guitarist Phil X and his band, The Drills, stop in at Brick by Brick on May 10. Though not quite a household name just yet, X is well on his way to being one of the most acclaimed guitarists in recent memory. A member of Bon Jovi, X is known as a hard rocker, but as a session player he can be found on recordings by everyone from Kelly Clarkson to Alice Cooper. He hasn’t released a new album with the Drills since 2012, but the band’s mix of originals and choice covers still offers a great night of rock ‘n’ roll.
Phil X and the Drills: Friday, May 10 at Brick by Brick, 1130 Buenos Ave. 8:30 p.m. 21 and up. $20. brickbybrick.com.