SPOTLIGHT
On April 28, acclaimed guitarist Peter Sprague (above) will celebrate the music of The Beatles as part of the Fourth Friday Jazz series taking place at the La Jolla Community Center. As heard on his latest SDMA nominated album, “Plays The Beatles: Day Tripper,” Sprague has recast the best of Lennon and McCartney’s tunes to both highlight the melodies and showcase his own virtuoso playing. It all adds up to a wonderful listen, particularly in a live setting where Sprague’s inspired playing can be seen as well as heard. Backed by multi-instrumentalist Tripp Sprague and bassist Mackenzie Leighton at this performance, even the most jaded Beatles fan will enjoy Sprague’s updated versions of these timeless songs,
Peter Sprague Plays The Beatles: Friday, April 28 at the La Jolla Community Center, 6811 La Jolla Blvd. 8 p.m. $25-$35. ljcommunitycenter.org.
RECOMMENDED
Los Angeles-based Motley Crue doppelgangers, Motley 2, stop in at the 710 Beach Club on April 29. Beyond playing solid versions of classic rock tunes, the group goes the extra mile, dressing like the originals circa 1984, complete with wigs and replica instruments. Diehard Motley Crue fans will appreciate the occasional deep dive into their catalog, but more casual listeners can rest assured that Motley 2 delivers the hits, from “Looks That Kill” to “Home Sweet Home.”
Motley 2: Saturday, April 29 at the 710 Beach Club, 710 Garnet Ave. 9 p.m. 710bc.com.
On April 30, vocalist Allison Adams Tucker presents her annual International Jazz Day concert at Tio Leo’s. Tucker, who will perform with her Women in Jazz Quartet, which includes Melonie Grinnell (piano), Kya Karine (bass), and Joannah Sy (drums), is on a roll at the moment. Nominated for a 2023 San Diego Music Award in the category of “Best Jazz Artist,” she is currently promoting her latest album, “Retro Trilogy,” in advance of a U.K. tour that kicks off on Aug. 1. Tucker is a standout talent in San Diego’s burgeoning music scene, this free show is a great way to see what all the fuss is about.
Women In Jazz Quartet: Sunday, April 30 at Tio Leo’s, 6333 Mission Gorge Road. 5 p.m. No cover. tioleos.com.
Although contemporary jazz pianist Burt Brion can most often be seen in solo mode around town, on April 30 at his Humphrey’s Backstage Live performance, he will be backed by a full band. Brion has several albums to his credit, most recently 2016’s “The Secret’s Out,” spotlighting original tunes as well as choice covers from his repertoire, which includes songs from the likes of Earth, Wind & Fire, Grover Washington, and Bruno Mars. At the heart of Brion’s music is an R&B groove, making his shows such as this one, both a terrific listening experience as well as perfect for dancing.
Burt Brion: Sunday, April 30 at Humphrey’s Backstage Live, 2241 Shelter Island Drive. 6 p.m. $20. humphreysbackstagelive.com.
The Athenaeum’s Acoustic Evenings concert series wraps up this season’s performances on May 5 with music from guitarist Fred Benedetti, bluegrass-inspired group MohaviSoul, and Americana trio Trails and Rails. It’s a great bill, start to finish, with Trails and Rails Western and cowboy songs being a nice contrast to Benedetti’s wonderful jazz and Spanish guitar instrumentals. Meanwhile, MohaviSoul’s spirited rhythms and harmonies will make attendees wish the Athenaeum had a dance floor. This show is an excellent cross-section of San Diego’s music community, in one of San Diego’s finest listening rooms.
Acoustic Evenings: Friday, May 5 at the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library, 1008 Wall St. 7:30 p.m. $5-$20 ljathenaeum.org.
Young music fans who are interested in volunteering at the Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center will want to attend a free special event taking place on May 9 at the Wu Tsai QRT.yrd. Entertainment is to be provided by the 11-piece funk-pop band, Supercool!, but the concert itself will also double as a social training/interest session for high schoolers and university students who might want to be a part of the performing arts center’s upcoming projects. This is a wonderful opportunity to be a part of one of San Diego’s premier music venues.
Supercool!: Tuesday, May 9 at The Wu Tsai QRT.yrd, The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center, 7600 Fay Ave. 5 p.m. Free. theconrad.org.
