A Mexican restaurant, Tio Leo’s, might not seem like the obvious place for a pre-St. Patrick’s Day concert, but such will be the case on March 5, with a special afternoon show from Celtic favorites Skelpin. Led by fiddler Patric Petrie, the band includes percussionist Enrique Platas, guitarist Jimmy Patton and bassist Wesley Forsberg. The group’s members are all headliners in their own right, which makes a show from the band a rare occasion not to be missed. The key to the Skelpin’s success is their mix of manic energy, virtuoso musicianship and folk fusion, all adding up to what will surely be an afternoon of fun.
Skelpin: Sunday, March 5 at Tio Leo’s, 5302 Napa St. 4 to 7 p.m. 21 and up. Cover TBD. www.tioleos.com. Anyone looking for a dose of classic rock will want to hear the Brian Jones Rock ’n’ Roll Revival, performing at the 710 Beach Club on Feb. 24. The quartet excels at bluesy tunes along the lines of the Georgia Satellite’s or early 1970s-era Stones, with a set list full of excellent originals such as “Comin’ Home” and “Daddy I Want to Rock ’n’ Roll.” This is music meant for dancing and partying that fits in well with the songs of their heroes, giving fans of early ’70s rock the opportunity to hear a group with the same spirit and musicianship as long time favorites, but with brand new music of their own. Brian Jones Rock ’n’ Roll Revival: Friday, Feb. 24, at the 710 Beach Club, 710 Garnet Ave. 9 p.m. 21 and up. www.710bc.com. The proof of San Diego’s current musical renaissance is in the fact that so many of the non rock-pop and R&B genres are thriving, with new events springing up to celebrate them. The latest such happening on San Diego’s calendar is the inaugural Flamenco Festival, taking place on Feb. 26 at Tango Del Rey. The night will feature a blend of music and dance, with musicians and dancers direct from Spain, including award-winning dancer Lakshmi Basile, guitarist Pepe del Morao and singer Manuel Tane. This performance promises to be as much about art as it is about music, with much to appeal to both the eyes and ears. Flamenco Festival: Sunday, Feb. 26 at Tango Del Rey, 3567 Del Rey St. $25 – $40. 5:30 p.m. All ages. www.tangodelrey.com. Fans of iconic Eric Clapton-led trio, Cream, will want to check out Extreme Cream, performing at Brick by Brick on March 2. Although technically a tribute band, the sheer musicianship of the three players involved takes things to a whole new level. On hand will be acclaimed drummer Sufi Baker, who is son of original Cream drummer, Ginger Baker, bassist Joey Tafolla and crucially, guitarist Mike Keneally. Without a doubt, Keneally is one of the best guitarists on the planet, as heard in his work with Frank Zappa, Andy Partridge of XTC and Deathklok, to name a few. Expect all the classics, including “Sunshine Of Your Love” and “White Room,” played with a passion that only those who truly love these songs can muster. Extreme Cream: Thursday, March 2, at Brick by Brick, 1130 Buenos Ave. 7:30 p.m. 21 and up. $22. www.brickbybrick.com. Dizzy’s is known for its wonderful schedule of jazz artists, but owner Chuck Perrin does, on occasion, feature deserving acts, you might not get a chance to hear elsewhere. Such is the case with an appearance at the venue on March 5 by the world’s first steampunk orchestra, Prof. Marvill’s Spectacular Aerialists Show Orchestra. The group celebrates music from the late 1800s through to the turn of the last century, as might have soundtracked such vintage TV dramas as “The Wild Wild West.” The orchestra performs original music, mixing rags, marches, tangos and waltzes, in full costume, combining the elements for a show that’s both a visual and audio time warp. Each admission receives a free copy of the group’s latest, self-titled, album. Prof. Marvill’s Spectacular Aerialists Show Orchestra: Sunday, March 5 at Dizzy’s at Arias Hall, 1717 Morena Blvd. 2:30 p.m. $15. www.dizzysjazz.com. The Pacific Beach Library presents the latest in it’s free concert series on March 8, with performance by The Pacific Duo. Comprised of Peggy Goings (piano) and Martha Kennedy (cello), the pair perform a mix of instrumental show tunes from the likes of “My Fair Lady,” classical works from Bach and Debussey, as well as the occasional mid 20th century standard, such as Louis Armstrong’s “What A Wonderful World.” The interplay between the two perfectly matched performers is seamless, each building on the others strengths. Anyone looking for a relaxing listening experience will enjoy this concert.
The Pacific Duo:: Wednesday, March 8 at Pacific Beach Library, 4275 Cass St. 7 p.m. All ages. Free. www.pblibraryfriends.org/concert.htm