SPOTLIGHT
Celebrating the music of Hawaiian jazz vibraphone and marimba player Arthur Lyman, An Evening of Exotica with the Nathan Hubbard Ensemble (above), takes place at Dizzy’s on Feb. 4. Percussionist Hubbard has put together an all-star group, including pianist Ed Kornhauser, bassist Mack Leighton, and drummer Julien Cantelm to perform Lyman’s blend of world rhythms, jazz, and lounge music. The night’s program will include a complete reading of 1958’s classic “Taboo” album, with additional deep cuts from Lyman’s extensive discography. Anyone familiar with his songs will marvel that this production is even possible, but Hubbard and company are among the best players in town, with a real passion for the music. Exotica and Tiki fans in particular will love this performance, but jazz aficionados will also find much to enjoy.
Nathan Hubbard – Tribute to Arthur Lyman: Saturday, Feb. 4 at Dizzy’s, 1717 Morena Blvd. 8 p.m. $20. dizzysjazz.com.
RECOMMENDED
The Essence of Tango, taking place on Feb. 4 at Baker Baum Hall, is a program highlighting the history of tango music. Starting with its beginnings in the early 1900s in Buenos Aires, the night will include classic works from composers such as Gardel, Mores, and Piazzolla. Meanwhile, the evening will also showcase the current state of the music, with the debut of a new composition, courtesy of one of the night’s performers, bassist Andres Martin. Other musicians taking part will include Gregorio González (baritone), Beth Ross Buckley (flute), David Buckley (violin), and Dana Burnett (keyboard), with an additional spotlight on the music’s rhythmic side, featuring dancers Carolina Jaurena and Marcelo Mesa.
The Essence of Tango: Saturday, Feb. 4 at Baker Baum Hall at The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center, 7600 Fay Ave. 7:30 p.m. $35 – $95. theconrad.org.
The duo of guitarist Jim Patton and Enrique Platas perform at the Athenaeum on Feb. 6 as part of their weekly Monday Lunchtime concert series. The pair have played with a number of artists over the years, including a stint with award-winning Celtic-influenced group, Skelpin, but it’s when in duo mode that the pair really excels. Patton’s virtuoso Spanish guitar playing will impress, but Platas is also a wonder to watch, a blur of motion and rhythm. The pair are practically symbiotic in their playing, accenting each other’s performances with the kind of skill that only comes from decades of performing together.
Jimmy Patton and Enrique Platas: Monday, Feb. 6 at the Athenaeum Music and Arts Library, 1008 Wall St. Noon. Free. ljathenaeum.org.
Anyone looking to hit the dance floor this weekend should check out Bobby Detroit, performing at Beaumont’s on Feb. 10. The four-piece combo plays funky blues and soul with an eclectic mix of songs that might include anything from Stevie Wonder’s “I Wish” to Bad Company’s “Movin On,” with some James Brown thrown in for good measure. The band manages a big sound for a four-piece group, with excellent arrangements of the songs. Anyone looking for a nice soundtrack to a Saturday night out will want to check out Bobby Detroit’s music.
Bobby Detroit: Friday, Feb. 10 at Beaumont’s, 5662 La Jolla Blvd. 9 p.m. $10. beaumontseatery.com.
For R&B fans, The Valentine Super Love Jam, taking place at Pechanga Arena on Feb. 11, lives up to the “super” part of its name. On hand will be a seven-artist bill set to include soul icons, The Isley Brothers, as well as the 1980s-1990s hitmakers Ginuwine, Blackstreet, Color Me Badd, The Jets, Deniece Williams, and Atlantic Starr. All are well worth hearing, but the top pick goes to The Isleys, who have been releasing great music since 1957, most recently, 2022’s hit album, “Make Me Say It Again, Girl.” With a slew of classics ranging from “Twist & Shout” to “It’s Your Thing” to “This Old Heart of Mine” in their repertoire, wherever they dip into their catalog for the night’s setlist is sure to turn up gold.
Valentine’s Super Love Jam: Saturday, Feb. 11 at Pechanga Arena, 3500 Sports Arena Blvd. 7:30 p.m. $45.50-$150. pechangaarenasd.com.
Blues singer Earl Thomas performs at Humphrey’s Backstage Live on Feb. 12, alongside Sister Leola for a Gospel Brunch. Thomas’ recent return to live performance after a lengthy sabbatical finds the gifted vocalist in full flight, backed by a five-piece band, with three backing singers, including Sister Leola. It’s a terrific show, full of traditional songs such as “Will the Circle be Unbroken,” spiritually uplifting, and a lot of fun. Even more so than in his blues shows, Thomas’s storytelling talent really shines in this setting.
Earl Thomas and Sister Leola Gospel Brunch: Sunday, Feb. 12 at Humphrey’s Backstage Live, 2241 Shelter Island Drive. Noon. $40. humphreysbackstagelive.com.
