Dizzy’s continues its wonderfully eclectic booking policy on March 31 with a special appearance from French pianist Pierre-Yves Plat. A virtuoso performer, Plat has captivated audiences since his 2005 recording debut with his recast versions of classical and pop favorites, transforming them into boogie, jazz, disco, salsa or ragtime as the song dictates. He has released seven albums to date, all well worth hearing, but its live where Plat’s playing really takes flight. This show is highly recommended for jazz aficionados, but classical fans will enjoy the updated versions of favorites from Chopin, Schubert and Rachmaninov, while pop fans will love the new arrangements of such evergreens as “Sunny” and “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You.” Pierre-Yves Plat: Saturday, March 31, at Dizzy’s at Arias Hall, 1717 Morena Blvd. 8 p.m. dizzysjazz.com. Fans of the “Man In Black,” aka country music legend Johnny Cash, will want to hear Doug Benson, who will perform at Beaumont’s on March 22. Best known as frontman for award-winning tribute band, Cash’d Out, Benson has Cash down vocally, but what makes his shows stand out is that he includes music from throughout his musical heroes’ career, including such late period classics as “Hurt.” Anyone who enjoys roots rock or country will enjoy this show, but die-hard Cash fans will especially love the depth of the set list, with more than 300 songs to choose from in the repertoire.
Doug Benson: Thursday, March 22 at Beaumont’s, 5662 La Jolla Blvd. 7:30 p.m. 21 and up. beaumontseatery.com. Add funk to the latest genre making a comeback at area venues. One of the more interesting such combos to emerge recently is dance band Gruvmatic, who perform at Tio Leo’s on March 23. The 11- piece band delivers a set of crowd-pleasing funk tunes, with a nice selection of deep cuts by the likes of Rick James and Earth, Wind & Fire. The size of the ensemble allows for particular strength in the vocals, evident in such songs as Cheryl Lynn’s “Got To be Real.” If you are looking to hit the dance floor this weekend, GruvMatic will keep you moving all night long.
GruvMatic: Friday, March 23 at Tio Leo’s, 5302 Napa St. 9 p.m. 21 and up. Cover TBD. tioleos.com.
Jazz guitarist Stanley Jordan comes to Humphrey’s Backstage Live on March 24 for two shows (6:30 and 8:30 p.m.). Jordan has performed with legends, including Stanley Clarke and Kenny Rogers, but it’s his own albums, featuring his distinctive guitar technique which involves tapping the strings, which have cemented his legendary player status. Jordan has released 14 albums since he began recording in 1982, but whatever he selects for his set list will thrill attendees. Stanley Jordan: Saturday, March 24, at Humphrey’s Backstage Live, 2241 Shelter Island Drive. 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. humphreysbackstagelive.com. The biggest heavy metal festival in the world is held each year in Wacken, Germany, with people traveling there to take in new hard rock sounds. This year, contests are being held worldwide, including at Brick by Brick on March 30, with select winners getting a coveted spot on the festival bill. “Metal Battle” will feature five bands: Temblad, Sentinel , Monarch, Gus McArthur and Gravespell, all competing for a chance to go to the finals. Wacken Metal Battle: Friday, March 30, at Brick by Brick, 1130 Buenos Ave. 7:30 p.m. 21 and up. brickbybrick.com. Despite having split nearly four decades ago, Led Zeppelin continues to set the standard against which hard rock bands are measured. As such, their fan base remains strong, with tribute acts, such as Dazed and Confused, who appear at the 710 Beach Club on March 30, continuing to pack venues around the world. Dazed and Confused includes favorites from all of Led Zeppelins albums, with an emphasis on uptempo tunes such as “Rock ‘n’ Roll” and “The Song Remains The Same.” While there won’t be any real surprises in the night’s set list, for long time fans of Led Zep, it doesn’t get any better. Dazed and Confused: Friday, March 30, at the 710 Beach Club, 710 Garnet Ave. 9 p.m. 21 and up. www.710bc.com