RECOMMENDED
After a seven-year hiatus, singer-songwriter/producer Sven-Erik Seaholm (above) is back with a new album, “Oxford, Comma.” Appearing at Humphrey’s Backstage Live on Nov. 16, Seaholm is a master of pop/rock songcraft with an arsenal of catchy tunes to his credit. He has also been involved in the production of many classic albums by artists ranging from Buddy Blue to Via Satellite, but it’s with his own projects, where he has been known to throw in the sonic kitchen sink, that he truly shines. Making this bill a must for fans of San Diego’s music scene, opening the show will be guitarist Joey Harris of The Beat Farmers and Calamity, featuring fiddle player Patric Petrie.
Sven-Erik Seaholm: Wednesday, Nov. 16 at Humphrey’s Backstage Live, 2241 Shelter Island Drive. 6 p.m. $12. humphreysbackstagelive.com.
SPOTLIGHTS
Few bands in San Diego have achieved the legendary status of The Farmers, appearing at Tio Leo’s on Nov. 15. One of the hardest gigging bands in San Diego, it’s a rare night when they’re not on stage somewhere in the county. Led by guitarist Jerry Raney, the band performs a terrific mix of roadhouse rock ‘n’ roll, meant to keep dance floors filled and happy customers coming back. Whether they’re playing top-notch originals such as “East County Woman,” or covers such as sing-a-long favorite, “Gloria,” a night with The Farmers is always a good time. Surf rockers The Tourmaliners open the night.
The Farmers: Tuesday, Nov. 15 at Tio Leo’s, 6333 Mission Gorge Road. 7 p.m. $15. tioleos.com.
It really is amazing, the caliber of musicians on our local club scene. Such is the case with North County-based keyboardist David Yuter, who stops in at the Waterbar on Nov. 17. A gifted player, Yuter is a first-call session musician, best known for his work with EDM group, Electric Dance Machine, and he also recently joined up with 1970s hitmakers, The Babys. For this gig, Yuter will perform a mix of standards and today’s hits, for a set that will make an excellent soundtrack to a night out.
David Yuter: Thursday, Nov. 17 at Waterbar, 4325 Ocean Blvd., 7 p.m. No cover. waterbarsd.com.
Recasting modern-era hits into vintage-sounding tunes, Postmodern Jukebox comes to Humphrey’s Concerts by the Bay on Nov. 17 with their Life In The Past Lane Tour. Even for casual radio listeners there likely won’t be any unfamiliar tunes in the night’s set, but these updated versions will still yield lots of surprises. Songs by Lady Gaga, Madonna, or Radiohead might be performed, complete with retro garb, as a 1940s big band number, a 1950s jazz lounge standard, or a 1960s girl group classic. Both jazz and modern pop fans will love every second of this show.
Postmodern Jukebox: Thursday, Nov. 17 at Humphrey’s Concerts by The Bay, 2241 Shelter Island Drive. 7:30 p.m. $64. humphreysconcerts.com.
Jazz fans won’t want to miss either of two sets from The Emmet Cohen Trio at the Jai on Nov. 20. Cohen is an amazing player, with his songs full of showstopping runs and passages. The trio format means that everyone onstage has to cover a lot of sonic space, but these players are incredibly in tune with each other, allowing Cohen to showcase his stellar playing. Cohen’s repertoire can vary widely, from originals and jazz standards to holiday songs, but whatever he plays, it’s done with a passion that’s contagious and a lot of fun.
Emmet Cohen Trio: Sunday, Nov. 20 at The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center/The Jai, 7600 Fay Ave. 5 and 7 p.m. $55-$75. theconrad.org.
On Monday, Nov. 21, Chicago-based pianist Susan Merdinger performs as part of The Athenaeum’s Monday lunchtime concert series. Best known for her virtuoso classical recordings, Merdinger has won numerous honors for her work, including for her most recent collection of contemporary piano music, “American Melting Pot.” For this concert, she will include favorites from the likes of Debussy, Brahms, and Beethoven, for an eclectic set that will showcase Merdinger’s impressive talent. Classical aficionados should not pass up this opportunity to hear a free performance from this world-class artist.
Susan Merdinger: Monday, Nov. 21 at the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library, 1008 Wall St. Noon. Free. ljathenaeum.org.
