Smooth jazz keyboardist Keiko Matsui returns to San Diego for a performance at Humphrey’s Backstage Live on Feb. 14. Matsui hasn’t released an album since Soul Quest in 2013, but throughout the dozens of albums released in her four decade-long career, the music has kept its focus. It’s part new age, part lite jazz all built around her haunting, often melancholy, sense of melody. Fans of instrumentals or soundtracks will enjoy Matsui’s performance, but the musicianship, arrangements and hooks on these songs are enough to keep any music fan entranced. Keiko Matsui: Saturday Feb. 14, at Humphrey’s Backstage Live, 2241 Shelter Island Drive, Shelter Island. 7:30 p.m. $34. humphreysbackstagelive.com.
One of Valentine Day’s best options this year will be the tribute to Pops and Ella show at Dizzy’s.
Highlighting the music of Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald, there will be romantic tunes aplenty with a terrific line up of local all-stars, including vocalist Leonard Patton, trumpeter Teagan Taylor, pianist Ed Kornhauser, bassist Justin Grinnell and drummer Duncan Moore. All the biggest songs will be included, such as “All of Me,” “What A Wonderful World” and “St. Louis Blues.” The songs in the set to be performed on this night are evergreens for a reason – they really don’t write them like this anymore. Making the show even more topical, 2015 marks the 100th anniversary of the beginning of Louis Armstrong’s career.
Valentine Tribute to Pops and Ella: Saturday, Feb. 14, at Dizzy’s, 4275 Mission Bay Drive. 8 p.m. $15. dizzysjazz.com.
Reggae aficionados best bet for Valentine’s Day is easily the Devastators performance at the 710 Beach Club on Feb. 14. The Devastators have become a powerhouse in the Southern California reggae scene, with their popularity now extending well beyond the state line. Multiple San Diego Music Awards nominees, the band took home trophies in 2010 and 2012, confirming their popularity amongst local scenesters. Reggae is often called “the sound of Pacific Beach” and this match of band and venue is a great way to spend a Saturday, just a few feet from the water. The Devastators: Saturday, Feb. 14, at the 710 Beach Club, 710 Garnet Ave. 9 p.m. 21 and up. www.710bc.com.
Classic rock fans won’t want to miss the Tom Petty tribute band, Full Moon Fever, appearing at Tio Leo’s on Feb. 20. This not a costumed group, just a really good rock band using their musical skills on a catalog of crowd pleasers now running three decades long. Full Moon Fever does them justice. Indeed, there is no shortage of songs to fill the dance floor, with Petty’s tunes, such as “Running Down A Dream” and “Breakdown,” featuring enough variety and hooks to keep the dance floor jumping. Full Moon Fever: Friday, Feb. 20. Tio Leo’s, 5302 Napa Street. 9 p.m. 21 and up. Cover TBD. tioleos.com.
The Kona Kai’s acoustic music series continues to offer up musical treasures each week. On Feb. 22, the free event will feature a strong line-up of Rhythm Turner, Ves Frank, Veronica Quin, Ezekial Jay and Israel Maldonado. All have their strengths, but Maldonado’s closing set promises to be the day’s highlight. Recently featured in the Old Globe Theatre’s Tribute to Jeff Buckley production, Maldonado is a wonderfully lyrical guitar player. Originally from Tijuana, his music has a strong Latin feel. Performances at this show are only in the 20-minute range meaning artists play their best tunes.?Israel Maldonado: Sunday, Feb. 22, at the Kona Kai Resort, 1551 Shelter Island Drive, Shelter Island. 6 p.m. resortkonakai.com. -Bart Mendoza
