Grammy-nominated acoustic guitar duo, Strunz & Farah, will perform two shows at Humphreys Backstage Live on April 1. Formed in 1980, from the ashes of underrated Latin jazz band Caldera, the pair play an instrumental mix of world fusion and flamenco, touring the world and recording with artists ranging from Sting to Rodrigo y Gabriela. However it’s their 19 albums to date that have brought them acclaim, most recently, “Moods and Visions” (2014). If you like new age music, Latin sounds or soundtrack tunes, you will love this performance from two guitar virtuosos.
Strunz & Farah: Saturday April 1, at Humphrey’s Backstage Live, 2241 Shelter Island Drive. 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. $12. www.humphreysbackstagelive.com. Punk Rock Karaoke comes to Brick by Brick on March 25. Lucky audience members will get a chance to come on stage and sing-a-long to a punk rock classic, the twist here being that the backing will be from a live band featuring punk legends Steve Soto (The Adolescents), Stan Lee (The Dickies), Greg Hetson (Circle Jerks) and Darrin Pfeiffer (Goldfinger). The night is full of fun with the band providing backing on an impressive list of tunes, from Motorhead to Green Day, perfect for anyone who’s ever wanted to play rock star for a day.
Punk Rock Karaoke: Saturday, March 25, at Brick by Brick, 1130 Buenos Ave. 8 p.m. 21 and up. $16. www.brickbybrick.com. On March 25, acclaimed pianist Joshua White performs a special themed show, Monk @100, at Dizzy’s. The event is part of a multi-concert series celebrating the music of Thelonius Monk, who would have been 100 this year, with future shows set for May 27 and July 22.
Joshua White: Saturday, March 25, at Dizzy’s at Arias Hall, 1717 Morena Blvd. 8 p.m. $20. www.dizzysjazz.com. Blues fans won’t want to miss a special CD release show for the Casey Hensley Band’s debut album, “Live,” on March 28 at Tio Leo’s. It’s the perfect way to be introduced to this fine band, after all, live is where they excel. Led by fiery singer Casey Hensley, the band is an all-star affair with drummer Evan Caleb Yearsley, saxophonist Jonny Viau, bassist Marcos C. and powerhouse guitarist Laura Chavez. The latter is one of the best guitarists on the planet right now, with an improvisational skill that is mind blowing, yet still full of subtle touches that truly highlight the song being performed.
The Casey Hensley Band: Tuesday March 28 at Tio Leo’s, 5302 Napa St. 9 p.m. 21 and up. $10. www.tioleos.com. The most unique dance club in San Diego, The Bahia Belle is back in post-winter action, with a performance from reggae favorites Twisted Relatives on March 31. Fans will be able to take in island sounds as they cruise around Mission Bay, with the band highlighting tunes from their recent EP. Popular enough to have their own beer created for them by the local Pizza Port brewery, Twisted Relatives has built their following by playing the pure stuff, eschewing rock and pop influences, for reggae songs that stands well with the music of their heroes.
Twisted Relatives: Friday, March 31 at the Bahia Resort, 998 West Mission Bay Drive. 9:30 p.m. 21 and up. $10. www.bahiabelle.com. Anyone who likes their rock ’n’ roll hard and fast will want to hear Spitfire Torpedo, performing at Brick by Brick on March 31. A relatively new local combo based around former members of internationally known bands such as The Dragons, Manual Scan, Rust and Creedle, this is hard hitting stuff with a sound somewhere between classic seventies era Thin Lizzy and Cheap Trick, with the musical muscle to pull it off. Best of all the band’s focus is on their original material, such as the riff driven “She’s Fire” or “Right Back To You,” giving the night’s headliner, Nashville Pussy a real run for their money.
Spitfire Torpedo: Friday, March 31, at Brick by Brick, 1130 Buenos Ave. 8 p.m. 21 and up. $10. www.brickbybrick.com.
