She may be based in Austin, Texas today, but legendary rockabilly / country singer Rosie Flores has her roots right here in San Diego. Appearing at Tio Leo’s on Dec. 23, Flores got her start here in 1968 playing with the band Penelope’s Children and later, in the ’70s, with Rosie & The Screamers, before heading off to a solo career that is now 13 albums deep. Making this show a must for anyone who enjoys roots rock, Flores will be joined by The Mentals, which include Beat Farmer guitarist Joey Harris in their ranks. Flores is a national treasure whose music has inspired generations of musicians – rock fans won’t want to miss this rare homecoming show.
Rosie Flores: Friday, Dec. 23 at Tio Leo’s, 5302 Napa St. 9 p.m. 21 and up. $10. www.tioleos.com. Those who follow San Diego’s jazz scene knows what a stellar talent pianist Joshua White is. His concerts usually focus on his own works, but on Dec. 17 he will perform a special set featuring the music of a musical powerhouse of the 1940s and 1950s, composer Mary Lou Williams, who released over 100 albums before her death in 1981. Williams wrote for the likes of Benny Goodman and Duke Ellington, recorded with Dizzy Gillespie and was a compatriot of Thelonious Monk and Charlie Parker, with a wealth of jazz and blues tunes ripe for rediscovery and sure to shine in white’s capable hands. White will be accompanied by bassist Rob Thorsen and drummer Duncan Moore.
Joshua White: Saturday, Dec. 17, at Dizzy’s, 1717 Morena Blvd. 8 p.m. $20. www.dizzysjazz.com. There are few bands that inspire the kind of fan dedication as the Grateful Dead. Though not scoring many actual hit records during their initial five decade run, the bands songs are now considered classics, revered by thousands of performers who have emerged in their wake. One such all star group of musicians, tribute band Easy Wind, will perform at Beaumont’s on Dec. 17.
Featuring bassist Marty Holland from JGB, drummer Frank Lazarro from The Travel Agents, keyboardist Mark Bentley from the Shenanigans, guitarist Larry Flynn from Liquid Dead and Patrick Brown from Super G. Easy Wind plays with the same spirit of the original, making this show a fun evening out for anyone who enjoys classic rock.
Easy Wind: Saturday, Dec. 17 at Beaumont’s, 5662 La Jolla Blvd. 9 p.m. 21 and up. No cover. www.beaumontseatery.com. Anyone wanting a break from the chill of San Diego’s winter (or just an escape from the currently ubiquitous holiday music), may want to head to the 710 Beach Club on Dec. 23 for a dose of sunshine reggae at their free Winter Classic concert. On hand will be a trio of rising stars in the burgeoning local reggae scene, Jahkobeats, Maka Roots and I-Ways.
I-Ways: Friday, Dec. 23 at the 710 Beach Club, 710 Garnet Ave. 9 p.m. 21 and up. No cover. www.710bc.com.
All three are well worth hearing, but the I-Ways in particular have an expansive roots sound that incorporates horns and some of the energy of ska, making them perfect for anyone who enjoys hitting the dance floor. I-Ways: Friday, Dec. 23 at the 710 Beach Club, 710 Garnet Ave. 9 p.m. 21 and up. No cover. www.710bc.com. On Dec. 23, local metal quartet, A Hero Within, host a CD release event for their new EP, “An Anchor to the Abyss: Chapter 2” at Brick by Brick. The night’s bill also includes sets from Sangre, Big Goat and Amaya Lights, but the highlight here will be the playing of the new disc for the headliners growing legion of fans. This isn’t music for the faint of heart, it’s loud, expressive, adrenaline filled rock , with songs like the anthemic “Fall To Pieces,” good enough to take the band to the national level. A Hero Within: Friday, Dec. 23, at Brick by Brick, 1130 Buenos Ave. 8 p.m. 21 and up. $13. www.brickbybrick.com. Appearing at Humphrey’s Backstage Live on Dec. 28, The Rosy Dawn Band are a great way to get the midweek jump on the coming weekends New Year’s festivities. Dawn has performed with several notable bands including the Travel Agents, but here focuses on music meant to get a crowd up and moving. Mixing pop, blues and rock, Dawn sings a crowd pleasing mix of classic tunes that include the likes of Stevie Wonder, Sade or Pat Benatar, perfect for soundtracking a dinner at the venues dockside restaurant or dancing the night away.
The Rosy Dawn Band: Wednesday, Dec. 28 at Humphrey’s Backstage Live, 2241 Shelter Island Drive. 7 p.m. $5. www.humphreysbackstagelive.com.