SPOTLIGHT
Acclaimed Gypsy jazz composer/guitarist Stéphane Wrembel (above) returns to Dizzy’s for a concert on Jan. 26. Touring in advance of his upcoming album, “Django New Orleans,” out May 5, Wremble specializes in the style of iconic guitarist Django Reinhardt. His incredible fretwork can be heard in such films as “Vicki Cristina Barcelona,” and “Midnight In Paris,” or across his 16 albums to date. However, where the magic really happens is onstage, and Wrembel is truly a marvel. Backed by Josh Kaye (guitar), Ari Folman-Cohen (bass), Nick Anderson (drums), and Daisy Castro (violin), his playing is mesmerizing, as he seemingly effortlessly produces thrilling guitar runs and chord patterns that will impress start to finish. While this is a jazz show to be sure, music fans across the board will love every second of Wremble’s performance.
Stéphane Wrembel: Thursday, Jan. 26 at Dizzy’s, 1717 Morena Blvd. 8 p.m. $25. dizzysjazz.com.
RECOMMENDED
San Diego’s legion of Grateful Dead fans won’t want to miss an appearance by tribute band, Easy Wind, who stop in at Beaumont’s on Jan. 20. This isn’t a costumed tribute, instead Easy Wind concentrates on the music’s grooves. The seven-piece combo includes both male and female vocals, with the latter by Rosy Dawn Selwitz, a noted performer in her own right. Easy Wind specializes in the Dead’s 1970s output, making them the ideal band for die-hard fans or newcomers wanting to hear what are arguably some of the era’s greatest rock songs.
Easy Wind: Saturday, Jan. 20 at Beaumont’s Eatery, 5662 La Jolla Blvd. 9 p.m. $10. beaumontseatery.com.
On Jan. 23, two giants of the jazz world, pianists Joshua White and Mike Wofford perform as part of the Athenaeum’s free Monday lunchtime concert series. Each is a star in his own right. White’s amazing lyrical playing has made him an up-and-coming headliner in his own right, one of the best improvisational musicians going today. Meanwhile, Wofford is a long-established legend, having played with a long line of jazz greats (Sarah Vaughn, Ella Fitzgerald) and pop superstars (John Lennon, The Jackson 5). If you’re a fan of jazz or spectacular piano playing, this is an event you won’t want to miss.
Joshua White and Mike Wofford: Monday, Jan. 23 at the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library, 1008 Wall St. Noon. Free. ljathenaeum.org.
One of the great things about The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center is its dedication to programming for younger listeners. On Jan. 28, the venue presents 123 Andres for two shows featuring the Latin GRAMMY Award-winning husband and wife team, Andres and Cristina. This is a fun, interactive event with music from throughout Latin America, perfect for kids through sixth grade, featuring an immersive mix of singing and dancing. A great way to get kids involved in the arts, even jaded parents will find much to enjoy in 123 Andres’ rhythmic sounds and lyrical play.
123 Andrés: Saturday, Jan. 28 at The JAI at The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center, 7600 Fay Ave. 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. $15 – $25. theconrad.org.
Mission Bay High School’s music department holds its annual music fundraiser concert on Jan. 29 at Deft Brewing in Bay Park. If you’ve noticed what a vibrant music scene San Diego has, it can be at least partially attributed to programs like MBHS’, which turns out a wonderful batch of young musicians each year. This afternoon event will feature all the school’s jazz groups, including the Mambo Orchestra, Swing Choir, and Preservationists, as well as their Chamber Orchestra, Concert Choir, and a special MBHS Alumni All-Star Band. This event is a great way to check out the newest jazz talent while helping the very programs that fuel San Diego’s music community.
MBHS Music Fundraiser Concert: Sunday, Jan. 29 at Deft Brewing, 5328 Banks St. Noon to 6 p.m. $10 – $20. missionbaymusic.com/mbhs-music-events/2023/1/29/mbhs-music-fundraiser-concert.
There are plenty of blues musicians in town, but no one comes close to Robin Henkel, who performs at Humphrey’s Backstage Live on Jan. 30. One of the area’s top players over the past four decades, Henkel is adept at numerous blues sub-genres, particularly acoustic styles. As great of a guitarist as Henkel is, what really puts him over the top is his storytelling and especially his manic performing style. When Henkel is in full flight, he’s a wonder to watch, lost in the passion of the music he’s making. One of San Diego’s true musical treasures, blues fans should make it a priority to see Henkel in concert
Robin Henkel: Monday, Jan. 30 at Humphrey’s Backstage Live, 2241 Shelter Island Drive. 6 p.m. $5. humphreysbackstagelive.com.
