Tunes about town

Jen Van Tieghem | Downtown News

Kenny Metcalf as Elton (Courtesy Kenny Metcalf) — Kenny Metcalf as Elton (above) will perform with The Early Years Band at House of Blues (Courtesy Kenny Metcalf)

• 3/29 Kenny Metcalf as Elton John and The Early Years Band with Smooth Harbor Yacht Club

Pulling off a tribute to one of the most iconic pop rock musicians of the last several decades can be no easy feat; but Kenny Metcalf and his team flawlessly recreate Sir Elton John’s early performances. From the acute costume details to Metcalf’s mannerisms, they work to visually reflect all things Elton. But perhaps the most vital details are Metcalf’s voice and charisma, which are every bit as mesmerizing as Elton’s. This band truly celebrates the musician and his showmanship. $15+, 9 p.m.

• 4/24 Three of Clubs Tour: Terraplane Sun, Flagship, & Little Daylight

The co-headlining bands of the Three of Clubs Tour are sonically diverse, hail from different parts of the country, and are all poised to do big things. San Diego is lucky enough to host the final night of this tour, which put the bands together for over two-dozen shows. New York’s Little Daylight has an accessible pop charm integrating strong guitar riffs with heavy synth. Flagship, from Charlotte, NC, is an ethereal rock ensemble whose tunes are laced with hypnotizing rhythms and haunting vocals. Don’t be surprised if Venice Beach’s Terraplane Sun become California’s next golden boys with soulful indie rock that is both catchy and classic. $12–$15, 8 p.m.

• 4/27 Eric Hutchinson with Saints of Valory

Hutchinson’s beguiling songs range from soulful pop to romantic ballads. The diverse singer plays guitar and piano to accompany the mood of his music. Singles released from his upcoming album, Pure Fiction, are already garnering high praise. If the toe-tapping number “A Little More” sounds familiar you may have caught it in a fun new Netflix commercial. $17.50, 8 p.m.

The New Kinetics reunite at The Casbah this month (Photo by Paul Ryu and Kara Peterson)

Casbah – CasbahMusic.com

• 4/5 The New Kinetics, Gloosmday, The Frights, and The Nformals

When The New Kinetics disbanded last summer fans of local music wept a collective tear. Lucky for us, they’re back! We happened to get a sneak listen to an unmastered mix of a new TNK song and can’t wait for more. The ferocious garage-rock foursome will celebrate their reunion by sharing the stage with other San Diego favorites. Both The Frights and The Nformals embody youthful enthusiasm with wild stage performances of post-punk anthems. Rounding it out the electric duo of Gloomsday will rock out with their punk-tinged sound. $10, 9 p.m.

• 4/20 Leopold and His Fiction and The Soft White Sixties

If you’re nostalgic for good ol’ rock ‘n’ roll — this one’s for you. The Soft White Sixties groove with soulful R&B soul and powerful rock hooks. Their mostly upbeat tunes are in aural harmony with headliners Leopold and His Fiction whose sound is rooted in blues and folk with country touches along the way. These stripped-down styles are a refreshing departure from the over-produced sounds common in contemporary music. $8, 9 p.m.

98 Bottles — 98BottlesSD.com

• 4/10 Sometimes Julie with The Bigfellas

Sometimes Julie is anchored by a singer-songwriter duo that surrounds themselves with other passionate musicians. This performance should be extra fun as the collective celebrates the release of their debut CD, “Head First.” Their classic rock style, crafted by guitarist Rick Walker, gets a feminine jolt from singer Monica Sorenson who is equally powerful on soft ballads and bolder songs. $10. 8 p.m.

• 4/18 Whitney Shay presents a tribute to Julie London and Barney Kessel

A powerhouse of vocals, Shay will put her own tunes on hold for this event, using her pipes instead to pay homage to Julie London. Shay will perform songs off London’s debut “Julie is Her Name,” which teamed the songstress with Barney Kessel. The sultry Shay has her own guitar virtuoso in Jaime Valle for this one along with bassist Jodie Hill. $12+, 8 p.m.

Humphreys by the Bay — HumphreysConcerts.com

• 4/15 City and Colour

Canadian singer-songwriter Dallas Green, better known by the moniker City and Colour (get it?), manages to consistently exude romance and sentiment without crossing the line into cheesy sappiness. Humphreys’ picturesque setting seems a fitting match for the musician’s poetic lyrics and ethereal melodies. If you’re looking to take a date to a show this month — here’s your best bet. $35+, 7:30 p.m.

• 4/16 Broken Bells with Au Revoir Simone

Fans of this eclectic duo have been chomping at the bit for more music since the release of their self-titled debut in 2010. Vocalist/guitarist James Mercer (beloved front man for The Shins) and multi-instrumentalist Danger Mouse (famed producer of albums by Gnarles Barkley, Beck, The Black Keys, and more) have once again crafted a funky blend of pop and rock, this time with a psychedelic dance vibe blanketing the tunes. Their live performances are known to be visually stimulating as well as aurally satisfying. $36+ 7:30 p.m.

—Jen Van Tieghem is a San Diego native with a healthy obsession for all things local music. She has been covering indie-alternative, folk-rock, and more, sometimes all within one night, around town for over two years. Her bucket list includes playing tambourine on stage with any band that would have her, creating a local music festival called Jenerated Sound, and finding the perfect moscow mule. Email her at [email protected].