SPOTLIGHT

One of the brightest stars on the modern jazz scene, Samara Joy (above), performs two shows at the Jai on March 19. Winner of two 2023 Grammy’s including “Best New Artist” and “Best Jazz Vocal Album,” for her latest recording, “Linger Awhile,” Joy’s concerts are in the tradition of the likes of Sarah Vaughn, classic tunes with piano, bass, and drums, designed to showcase her heartfelt vocals. Though only 22, joy has lived a life immersed in music, with gospel roots, and it shows. While “Linger Awhile” is worthy of its accolades, Joy is at her best life, making these two concerts a must for local jazz aficionados.

Samara Joy: Sunday, March 19 at The Jai, at The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center, 7600 Fay Ave. 3 and 8 p.m. $43. theconrad.org.

RECOMMENDED

Timed for St. Patrick’s Day, award-winning Irish folk fusion group, Skelpin, makes a rare appearance at Humphrey’s Backstage Live on March 17. Each member of Skelpin is a headliner in their own right, including the duo of Enrique Platas (drums) and Jimmy Patton (flamenco guitar), Wesley Forsberg (bass), Tim Foley (uilleann pipes), and Patric Petrie (fiddle). All are virtuoso musicians, with Petrie’s stage presence making her one of the area’s most popular violinists. It’s been more than a decade since Skelpin has released new music, but they’ve lost none of their fire in the ensuing time, always giving a rousing performance.

Skelpin: Friday, March 17 at Humphrey’s Backstage Live, 2241 Shelter Island Drive. 5 p.m. $5. humphreysbackstagelive.com.

San Diego has an incredibly vibrant jazz community with new events popping up regularly. The latest is the Sunday Night Jazz series, held at Tio Leo’s. On March 26, the venue hosts a special set from vocalist Rose Mallett, with pianist Ed Kornhauser, bassist Rob Thorsen, and drummer Richard Sellers, and opener, vocalist Dennis Gittens. For fans of jazz, it doesn’t get much better than this, with Mallett’s vocals perfectly matched to Kornhauser’s lyrical piano playing and Thorsen’s emotive bass work. Mallet is a wonder on such classics as “Summertime” and “Besame Mucho,” making this a great show for fans of the American Songbook and other tunes of the era.

Sunday Night Jazz: Thursday, March 26 at Tio Leo’s, 5302 Napa St. 5 p.m. tioleos.com.

For a retro music act in town, nothing beats Courtly Noyse, whose songs go back to the 14th through 16th centuries. Performing as part of the Athenaeum’s weekly Monday lunchtime concert series on March 27, Courtly Noyse goes the extra mile, both in its music, as well as its presentation. They not only play both instrumental and vocal songs, accurately using reproductions of period piece instruments, but for that extra touch of authenticity, they also perform in full Renaissance costumes, intertwining their performance with stories about the material performed and a bit of humor. A concert from Courtly Noyse is both a musical history lesson and a lot of fun.

Courtly Noyse: Monday, March 27 at the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library, 1008 Wall St. Noon. Free. ljathenaeum.org.

The Hawaiian-themed duo, Slack Key Ohana, stops in at Duke’s on March 28. Nominated this year for a San Diego Music Award (Best World Music) for their album, “Live at Tiki Oasis,” Slack Key Ohana has taken Southern California by storm with its mix of authentic Hawaiian folk tunes and new, like-minded originals. Popular festival favorites with their full combo, for this intimate gig they’ll play in stripped-down duo mode, with guitar and ukulele, offering the perfect island soundtrack for Duke’s patrons.

Slack Key Ohana: Tuesday, March 28 at Duke’s, 1216 Prospect St. 4 p.m. No cover. ljathenaeum.org.

Guitarist Richard Galiguis can be heard at the La Valencia on March 30. Perhaps best known as lead guitarist in the much-missed television variety show, Tonight in San Diego’s house band, The Mondaze, Galiguis, performs instrumental music, playing his lead work over backing tracks to wonderful effect. Though he performs solo, Galguis is as captivating to watch as a band, with an impressive range of tunes in his set list, from Eric Clapton to Tears For Fears, all topped by his superb playing. Fans of singer-songwriters will enjoy Galguis’s set, but guitarists in particular will love Galguis’s playing.

Richard Galiguis: Thursday, March 30 at the La Valencia, 1132 Prospect St. 5:30 p.m. No cover. lavalencia.com.