Blues fans have much reason to rejoice these days. Clubs are full of such bands, festivals from Gator by the Bay to the Adams Avenue Street Fair spotlight the music and, best of all new artists are emerging as major forces in local music. Appearing at Humphrey’s Backstage Live on March 17, singer Missy Anderson is such a talent. Adding a touch of gospel to her blues, Anderson’s soulful vocals are perfectly matched to guitarist Heine Andersen’s fluid fretwork for performances that are intense and inspired. While the blues standards are interesting enough, her recastings of such tunes as the Beatles’ “Come Together” are excellent and well worth hearing. MUST HEAR Charlie Chavez y su Afrotruko: 8 p.m. Friday, March 13 at Dizzy’s, 4275 Mission Bay Drive. www.dizzysjazz.com. Lucky Ladies Burlesque / Karma Police: Friday, March 13, at the 710 Beach Club, 710 Garnet Ave. 8 and 9:30 p.m. www.710bc.com. Missy Anderson: 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 17 at Humphrey’s Backstage Live, 2241 Shelter Island Drive. www.humphreysbackstagelive.com. The Distractions: 9 p.m. Friday, March 20 at Tio Leo’s, 5302 Napa Street. www.tioleos.com. Punk Rock Karaoke: 8 p.m. Saturday, March 21, at Brick by Brick, 1130 Buenos Ave. www.brickbybrick.com. One of the most gifted and prolific writers to emerge from the 20th century, it’s no wonder there are tribute bands devoted to Elvis Costello. Indeed, it’s surprising there aren’t more. One of the best in the U.S., the Distractions, is based in San Diego. Performing at Tio Leo’s on March 20, the group is led by Ariel Levine. A noted singer-songwriter in his own right, he doesn’t just nail the voice and look, he also somehow manages to channel a bit of Costello’s early manic energy. The Distractions perform a full range of Costello’s tunes, from “Pump It Up” through to “Every Day I Write the Book,” for a show that will please fans of Costello or ’80s rock in general.
Anyone who ever wanted to front a band but was never able to get things together will want to check out Punk Rock Karaoke at Brick by Brick on March 21. As can be ascertained by the event’s title, this is a night dedicated to punk rock classics, with a twist. Instead of singing to some cheesy backing track, in this case wannabe rock stars will front a band consisting of members of such legendary groups as The Dickies, Bad Religion, The Circle Jerks and Social Distortion. With this kind of onstage talent, even if a singer turns out to be less than stellar, it should be a great show.
One of San Diego’s most beloved bands, Private Domain, comes to the Kona Kai on March 21. Led by Paul Shaffer and Jack Butler, the band is an institution, having performed on the local club scene for three decades. They have great originals, such as their 1984 hit, “Absolute Perfection,” but for club gigs like this, classic rock is the music of choice, with standards from Tom Petty, Creedence and Johnny Cash amongst the repertoire. Featuring acclaimed guitarist Jack Butler, formerly of legendary underground group, Glory, Private Domain is near the top of the list that every aficionado of San Diego music history should check out at least once. This show, in the beautiful dockside setting of the Kona Kai, is the perfect place to do so.
Private Domain: 7 p.m. Saturday, March 21 at the Kona Kai Resort, 1551 Shelter Island Drive, Shelter Island. www.resortkonakai.com.
Music fans who love the rhythmic sounds of salsa and Latin jazz won’t want to miss an appearance from Charlie Chavez y su Afrotruko at Dizzy’s on March 13. A native of Mexico, Chavez will be backed by a 13-piece orchestra for what promises to be one of the most uplifting performances at Dizzy’s so far this year. Chavez has toured North America and Europe and/or recorded with a number of top performers, including Lila Downs, Gilbert Castellanos and the B-Side Players, as well as teaching his gift to future generations of musicians. It’s a shame Dizzy’s doesn’t have a dance floor, as it will be just about impossible to stay in your seat for this groove-filled set.
On March 13, The 710 Beach Club will be the site of two wildly different shows in one night. From 8 to 9 p.m., clubgoers will be treated to a classic burlesque show courtesy of the Lucky Ladies Burlesque, complete with song and dance routines from circa the 1940s. The music then fast forwards to the 1990s 30 minutes later, when the club hosts sets from a cover band, Indiana Jonesin and a Radiohead tribute act, Karma Police. There are separate admissions for each event, but if anything shows the healthy diversity of the local music community, its nights like this.