The Nards April 18, 9:30 p.m. Tiki House, 1152 Garnet Ave. From Motown to The Replacements, the fine bar band, “The Nards,” will play a little something for everyone at the Tiki House on April 18. The key is frontman Rick Wilkins, a superb guitarist who normally backs country singer Sara Petite. It’s with The Nards, however, that Wilkins really lets loose with both manic performances and dry wit. Rebelution April 18, Mission Beach Wave House, 3115 Ocean Front Walk Mission Beach Wave House begins its open-air, beachfront summer concert series with Santa Barbara-based reggae band, Rebelution. Part of the fourth annual Alt Games competition, it’s the perfect match of band and venue. Mixing social consciousness with a Jamaican beat, the group’s lone album to date, “Courage to Grow,” set the bar high for any follow-up, being named I-Tunes Editors Choice for “Best Reggae Album” in 2007. Pianist Steven Zuill April 22, 6:30 p.m. The Turquoise, 873 Turquoise St. The toughest gig is not playing to a rowdy concert crowd; it’s playing to diners. A restaurant gig must fit all sorts of pegs: space and volume; it must complement the establishment and please the diverse crowd. Pianist Steven Zuill makes it all look easy, and even adds an interactive element to the proceedings. Budding vocalists are invited to join in the fun; just bring your sheet music. Even without the occasional guest singer, with a selection of standards ranging from jazz to top 40, Zuill is an excellent soundtrack to your dining experience. Scarlet Symphony April 24, 10:30 – 11:15 p.m. 710 Beach Club, 710 Garnet Ave. Delivering high energy rock ’n’ roll that touches on classic Bowie, Stooges and Kinks, Scarlet Symphony offers the perfect antidote for jaded music listeners. The band is currently touring in support of their new album, “Foundation,” full of songs that are equal parts passion and melody. Poised for national recognition, Scarlet Symphony is clearly one of the most exciting bands to emerge from San Diego’s music scene in recent years. The Shake Ups April 29, 8:30 p.m. Brick by Brick, 1130 Buenos Ave. Fans of classic-sounding New Wave and power-pop will want to check out a live performance of The Shake Ups. Based around the husband and wife team of Patrick and Kathie O’Connor, transplants from Indianapolis, the group excels at catchy tunes that seamlessly cross influences like Elvis Costello and The Cars. The Shake Ups have released two albums to date, but the music’s full impact is best experienced live in local clubs, where their time-warped tunes can get the adrenaline running.