SHOWCASE
Singer-songwriter Tolan Shaw (above), recently relocated to Nashville, returns to San Diego for a performance at UTC’s Palm Plaza on Nov. 25. Shaw is a major talent who, with his then band, The New Archaic, took home a “Best New Artist” trophy from the 2011 San Diego Music Awards, before setting off on a solo career that has seen him team-up with ’80s rockers, The Bodeans, as well as release string of well-received albums. His latest single is “Meet You,” a heartfelt tribute to his daughter, which wonderfully showcases Shaw’s mix of hooks, melody, and heart, but anywhere you choose to dip into his catalog, you’ll find plenty of gems.
Tolan Shaw: Friday, Nov. 25 at UTC Palm Plaza, 4545 La Jolla Village Drive. Noon. No cover. acousticspottalent.com/venues/westfield-utc-palm-plaza.
SPOTLIGHTS
On Nov. 27, Tio Leo’s will host a Celebration of Life for bluesman Paul Cowie, co-founder of the King Biscuit Blues Band. For their two-decade run, roughly from 1966 to the late 1980s, Cowie and company were one of the hottest blues outfits going, with a plethora of the area’s best players passing through the group. This special show will serve as a King Biscuit reunion, with the likes of Billy Rocca, Eric Lieberman, Jonny Viau, Roger Daschle, and Jeff Moore, among the players scheduled to take part. Blues fans won’t want to miss this opportunity to say goodbye to a local legend.
Paul Cowie Memorial: Sunday, Nov. 27 at Tio Leo’s, 6333 Mission Gorge Road. 1-4 p.m. tioleos.com.
With a signature guitar sound and five decades of hits behind him, it’s easy to see why Carlos Santana is a great choice for a tribute band. One of the best is San Diego’s long-running Viva Santana, led by guitarist Arnie Vilches and singer Thomas Alan Connor. The band plays the full range of Santana’s best-known songs, from 1969’s “Evil Ways” through to more recent fare such as “Smooth,” all highlighted by Vilches’ terrific guitar work. With each show basically a live greatest hits session, Santana fans will enjoy every second of this performance.
Viva Santana: Friday, Nov. 25 at Humphrey’s Backstage Live, 2241 Shelter Island Drive. 8 p.m. $12. humphreysbackstagelive.com.
Rockers, The Voices, return to Beaumont’s on Nov. 26. Emerging from the impressive group of musicians at La Jolla High School in the late 1970s and early 1980s, they were one of the most popular bands on the Southland club scene at the time, releasing a self-titled 1989 album. Over the years, The Voices have continued to play well-received shows, but they haven’t rested on their laurels, with solid new songs, such as the recent single, “Someday.” The combination of the holiday weekend and the hometown show will make this night an exceptionally good party.
The Voices: Saturday, Nov. 26 at Beaumont’s Eatery, 5662 La Jolla Blvd. 9 p.m. $10. beaumontseatery.com.
On Dec. 1, multiple Grammy Award-winning mezzo-soprano, Isabel Leonard, joins acclaimed guitarist Pablo Sáinz-Villegas for a performance at The Baker Baum Concert Hall. The night’s theme is Noche Latina, focusing on the musical traditions of Spain, with a dozen selections set to include compositions from the likes of Bizet, Gardel, and Albeniz. Leonard is one the brightest stars on today’s international opera scene, with roles ranging from “Carmen” to “Marnie.” For opera aficionados, this intimate performance promises to be one of the year’s highlights. The concert includes a prelude lecture at 6:30 p.m.
Isabel Leonard: Thursday, Dec. 1 at The Baker Baum Concert Hall at The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center, 7600 Fay Ave. 7:30 p.m. theconrad.org.
The La Valencia continues to showcase top talent with a performance from saxophonist Brian Pierini on Dec. 1. Performing solo, Pierini uses backing tracks to good effect, ably spotlighting his improv and soloing skills. Instrumental versions of songs in his set might range from Amy Winehouse and Ed Sheeran to Tom Petty, with Pierini’s lyrical playing perfectly suited for these recast tunes. Perini’s music is an excellent soundtrack to an early evening out, sure to be enjoyable for fans of jazz or pop.
Brian Pierini: Thursday, Dec. 1 at The La Valencia, 1132 Prospect St. 6 p.m. No cover. lavalencia.com.
