RECOMMENDED<\/p>\n
The 32nd annual San Diego Music Awards take place on April 25 at Humphrey\u2019s Concerts by the Bay. Open to the public, the event celebrates the local music community while also raising funds for the San Diego Music Foundation\u2019s Guitars for Schools program. Awards will be given out in 28 categories, with performers set to include Gilbert Castellanos, Daring Greatly, Jeff Berkley & The Banned, The Inflorescence, Earl Thomas & the Gospel Ambassadors, Anthony Cullins and Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, guitarist Mike Keneally (above). Always a lot of fun, for the area\u2019s musicians and their supporters, this is the party of the year.<\/p>\n
32nd <\/i>a<\/i>nnual San Diego Music Awards: Tuesday, April 25 at Humphrey\u2019s Concerts by the Bay, 2241 Shelter Island Dr<\/i>ive<\/i>. 7 p.m. $40. humphreysconcerts.com<\/a>.<\/i><\/p>\n SPOTLIGHTS<\/p>\n Jazz aficionados won\u2019t want to miss an appearance from the duo of flutist Holly Hoffman and bassist Rob Thorsen on April 17 at Athenaeum as part of the venue’s free Monday lunchtime concert series. While a set of tunes with just flute and bass might seem sparse, both Hoffman and Thorsen are world-renowned for their own projects, with their talents more than capable of keeping things interesting.<\/p>\n Thorsen, in particular, is an amazing improviser, but Hoffman\u2019s lyrical playing is well-matched, bringing out nuances in an eclectic set of songs ranging from Thelonious Monk to Jobim.<\/p>\n Holly Hoffman and Rob Thorsen: Monday, April 17 at the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library, 1008 Wall St. Noon. Free. ljathenaeum.org<\/a>.<\/i><\/p>\n A concert honoring the late San Diego tenor sax player Daniel Jackson will take place on April 23 at Tio Leo\u2019s. The free event, hosted by legendary bassist Dr. Marshall Hawkins, is a testament to the love San Diego has for Jackson, with appearances set from jazz favorites Charlie Owens, Mike Wofford, Joshua White, Bob Boss, and many more. Jackson, who passed away in 2014, was a crucial part of the local jazz community for decades, mentoring generations of musicians. This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the life and works of one of San Diego\u2019s musical pioneers.<\/p>\n A Salute to Daniel Jackson: Sunday, April 23 at Tio Leo\u2019s, 5302 Napa St. 5 p.m. No <\/i>C<\/i>over. tioleos.com<\/a>.<\/i><\/p>\n On April 22, the 710 Beach Club hosts a special San Diego Music Awards showcase. On hand will be six of this year\u2019s rock and indie\/alternative nominees, including The Tourmaliners, King Whisker, Signal for Pilot, Ash Easton, Band of Gringos, and Half Hour Late. All are worthy of their nominations, but be sure to arrive early for surf and rock \u2018n\u2019 roll from concert openers, the Tourmaliners. Led by guitarist Deven Berryhill, the band has been picking up international notice for their album, \u201cSurfidia,\u201d which includes guest appearances from members of Los Straightjackets and Tom Petty\u2019s Heartbreakers. All proceeds raised go to the SDMA\u2019s Guitars In Schools Program.<\/p>\n San Diego Music Awards Showcase: Tuesday, April 22 at the 710 Beach Club, 7600 Fay Ave. 7 p.m. 710bc.com<\/a>.<\/i><\/p>\n This year\u2019s Balboa Park Earth Fair has been canceled, but Donna Larsen, who formerly booked the events Moon Stage, plans to carry on the event\u2019s spirit with a smaller concert set to take place on April 23 at Humphrey\u2019s Backstage Live. Beginning at 10 a.m., seven groups will perform, including Larsen and her band the Messengers, Anthony Cullins, Chloe Lou & the Liddells, Ingenue, Network, Sonjorombe, and Outliers. Though much smaller in scope than Larsen\u2019s efforts previous efforts at Earth Fair, the event\u2019s positive message remains the same. Funds raised will be donated to the T.A.P. Total Altruism Project, to help clean the environment.<\/p>\n Earth Day Celebration: Sunday, April 23 at Humphrey\u2019s Backstage Live, 2241 Shelter Island Dr<\/i>ive<\/i>. 10 a.m. $10. humphreysbackstagelive.com<\/a>.<\/i><\/p>\n Award-winning pianist Danny Green performs at the Wu Tsai QRT.yrd on April 25. Backed by bassist Justin Grinnell and drummer Julien Cantelm, Green\u2019s playing bridges the gap between the jazz and pop worlds, with wonderfully recast song versions in his set, ranging from topflight originals to Great American songbook classics and Lennon-McCartney favorites. What makes a show from Green and company special is the amazing interplay between the musicians, built on years of performing together and practically psychic. Jazz fans will love every note of this show.<\/p>\n