There are always a lot of fun events surrounding San Diego’s annual Comic-Con week. One of the most notable will take place on July 20 at Brick by Brick, with an appearance by Galactic Empire, a hard rock Star Wars tribute band that performs in full costume. Unlike many costumed tribute acts, Galactic Empire’s music isn’t a parody, but instead performs instrumental reinterpretations of the movies various soundtrack cuts. The band both looks and sounds good, with Darth Vader on lead guitar, Boba Fett on drums and various minions filling out the rest of the band. Science fiction fans will love this show, but it will appeal to most music fans. Even without the costumes, these guys rock. Galactic Empire: Friday, July 20 at Brick by Brick, 1130 Buenos Ave. 8 p.m. 21 and up. brickbybrick.com. There is no doubt that the biggest music event in San Diego of 2018 will be the KAABOO Festival, taking place on Sept. 14-16 at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. Such major talent as Katy Perry, The Foo Fighter and Robert Plant will be among the dozens of performers taking part. On July 13, the Quartyard will host the Discovery Tour, a special concert featuring local artists, with audience members voting on their favorites. It’s an incredible opportunity for any musician, with the winner scoring a spot at this year’s KAABOO festival. Performers will include The Desert Rhythm Project, Lindsay White, Sweet Tooth and Sophia Dion. This is a great chance to help one of your musical favorites get closer to their dreams. KAABOO Discovery Tour: Friday, July 13 at The Quartyard, 1301 Market St. 6 p.m. kaaboodelmar.com. Anyone who enjoys the golden age of surf music, roughly 1959-1964, will love The Tourmaliners, who perform at Tio Leo’s on July 17. The band, which includes top area drummer Jake Najor, plays vintage tracks that were created to fill dance floors, specializing in tunes by the classic artists of the era.
The Tourmaliners: Tuesday, July 17 at Tio Leo’s, 5302 Napa St. 9 p.m. 21 and up. tioleos.com. Saxophonist Ian Bluss performs at Dizzy’s on July 21. One of the area’s top players, he’s put together a great jazz all-star quintet for an evening of what’s billed as “Favorite Songs.” On hand will be vibraphonist Matt DiBiase, bassist Mackenzie Leighton, drummer Julien Cantelm and pianist Danny Green, the latter a three-time San Diego Music Award winner, including the 2018 trophy for “Best Jazz Artist.” This show is a wonderful opportunity to hear the work of five of the major reasons for that musical renaissance.
The Ian Bluss Quintet: Saturday, July 21, at Dizzy’s at Arias Hall, 1717 Morena Blvd. 8 p.m. dizzysjazz.com. Indie rock quintet Car Seat Headrest performs at Soma on July 21. Angst driven tunes rarely come better than front man Will Toledo’s productions, with the band managing to infuse plenty of groove alongside angular guitar rhythms into songs such as “Vincent.” Car Seat Headrest is currently touring behind their recent album, “Twin Fantasy (Face to Face)”, but fans won’t have to worry about too many unfamiliar songs in the set – the band’s latest album is actually a reworked version of their sixth album, “Twin Fantasy,” released in 2010. Car Seat Headrest: Saturday, July 21 at SOMA, 3350 Sports Arena Blvd. 7 p.m. All ages. somasandiego.com One of the area’s most beloved summer traditions, Concerts on the Green at Kate Sessions Park, returns for the 2018 season on July 22. Taking place from 4 to 6:30 p.m., theses all ages, family friendly events are a wonderful way to prepare for the coming work week. The view alone would be a great reason to spend a sunny afternoon at Kate Sessions, but there will also be great music from cover band, The Reflectors, who will play a wide range of ’80s and ’90s hits ranging from Blondie to the Foo Fighters The Reflectors: Sunday, July 22 at Concerts on the Green, Kate Sessions Park. 4 p.m. All ages. Free. pbtowncouncil.org