SPOTLIGHT

Grammy-winning Mexican duo Rodrigo y Gabriela (above) stop in at Humphrey’s Concerts by the Bay for a two-night stand on May 26 and 27. Few instrumental acoustic duo’s could play a venue like Humphrey’s for one night, let alone two, but Rodrigo y Gabriela’s fanbase for their mix of flamenco, jazz and rock continues to grow on an international level. Currently touring behind their new album, “In Between Thoughts… A New World,” the pair’s performances on signature nylon stringed guitars are passionate, manic, and inspired, with a compelling percussive element to their playing. Any of their seven studio albums to date are well worth hearing, but a chance to experience their music live, in a beautiful setting like Humphrey’s shouldn’t be passed up. Opening the shows will be the group, The Krooked Kings.

Rodrigo y Gabriela: Friday and Saturday, May 26 and May 27 at Humphrey’s Concerts by the Bay, 2241 Shelter Island Drive. 7:30 p.m. $66.50. humphreysconcerts.com.

RECOMMENDED

Anyone who enjoys music from the great American songbook will want to hear pianist Joshua White, who performs as part of the Fourth Friday Jazz Series at the La Jolla Community Center on May 26. White is one of San Diego’s most gifted performers, known for his amazing improvisational skills. For this show, however, he will focus on the songcraft of composer Harold Arlen. While Arlen’s name may not be a household word, his songs have become standards, including “Stormy Weather,” “Get Happy,” “That Old Black Magic,” “Over the Rainbow,” and other “Wizard of Oz” favorites such as, “Ding-Dong! The Witch Is Dead.” Jazz aficionados will find much to enjoy in White’s updated renditions of these immortal tunes.

Joshua White: Friday, May 26 at the La Jolla Community Center, 6811 La Jolla Blvd. 7 p.m. $35. ljcommunitycenter.org.

When it comes to mixing adrenaline and melody, few have made the impact of punk pioneers, The Ramones. Formed in New York, circa 1974, the band’s many hits have led to the formation of tribute bands over the years, but none nail the sound and the image quite as well as San Diego-based quartet, Hey! Ho! Let’s Go!, who appear at Campland on the Bay on May 26. You’ll hear all of the band’s best known tunes, from “Sheena Is A Punk Rocker” to “Rockaway Beach,” but the biggest impression will be how much the band’s frontman looks and sounds like Ramones singer, Joey Ramone. With The Ramones now long gone, Hey! Ho! Let’s Go! truly is the next best thing.

Hey! Ho! Let’s Go: Friday, May 26 at Campland on the Bay. 7 p.m. No cover. campland.com.

Classic rock fans won’t want to miss an appearance from tribute band, Fleetwood Max on June 2 at Humphrey’s Backstage Live. While Fleetwood Max doesn’t go the doppelganger route, the six-piece group specializes in their namesakes’ biggest Top 40 hits from their most successful 1970s era. Expect to hear such evergreens as “Go Your Own Way” and “Don’t Stop,” while they also dig deeper into Fleetwood Mac’s six-decade-long career to include pre-Buckingham/Nicks FM radio staples, including blues rocker, “Oh Well.” This show promises to be like listening to Fleetwood Mac’s greatest hits compilation, live.

Fleetwood Max: Friday, June 2 at Humphrey’s Backstage Live, 2241 Shelter Island Drive. 8 p.m. $15. humphreysbackstagelive.com.

Nobody does down-and-dirty barroom rhythm and blues better than Lady Dottie & The Diamonds, who appear at Beaumont’s Eatery on June 2. The long-running combo features powerhouse singer Dorothy Mae “Lady Dottie” Whitsett helming a band with a fluid lineup, but no matter who is onstage each night, they always provide a soundtrack of music made to fill dancefloors, with plenty of grit and groove. The Diamonds set list includes songs by the likes of Etta James, Muddy Waters, and Chuck Berry, topped by a long list of choice originals, such as “I Ain’t Mad At Ya.”

Lady Dottie & The Diamonds: Friday, June 2 at Beaumont’s Eatery, 5662 La Jolla Blvd. 9 p.m. $10. beaumontseatery.com.

Tio Leo’s is debuting a new music series, Cabaret Nights, set to take place on select Monday evenings, from 6-8 p.m. Kicking things off on June 5 will be keyboardist Taryn Donath, performing as a duo alongside drummer Matthew Taylor. Donath is the winner of the “Best Blues Artist” category at the 2022 San Diego Music Awards and it’s easy to see why. While accurately categorized, her sound also takes in ’60s soul, jazz, funk, jump/swing, and Latin rhythms. Donath is an incredible improviser, and her rapport with Taylor is practically psychic, making for a big, danceable sound from just two players.

Taryn Donath: Monday, June 5 at Tio Leo’s, 6333 Mission Gorge Road. 7 p.m. No cover. tioleos.com.