SPOTLIGHT

There are plenty of bands in San Diego with well-known folks in them, but when it comes to star power, nobody comes close to The Shenanigans (above). Performing at Humphrey’s Backstage Live on Aug. 14, this is a fun nine-piece group that specializes in rock and roll, R&B, and other barroom dance floor fillers, from Elvis to The Beatles. But what really sets The Shenanigans apart is its roster, featuring a who’s who of local players, including a bonafide music legend, drummer Jack Pinney (Iron Butterfly, Glory, The Jacks), guitarist/singer and radio icon, DJ Jim McInnes, worldwide powerpop favorite, rhythm guitarist Mark DeCerbo (Four Eyes) and session veteran, saxophonist Chris Klich. You’ll want to bring along your dancing shoes for this one. And maybe your autograph book.

The Shenanigans: Sunday, Aug. 14 at Humphrey’s Backstage Live, 2241 Shelter Island Drive. 8:30 p.m. $5. humphreysbackstagelive.com.

RECOMMENDED

Long-running dance band favorites, The Heroes, perform at Scripps Park on Aug. 7. The closing show of the Concerts by the Sea summer series, The Heroes are the perfect group for a Sunday afternoon in the park, with a set list that spans decades. The seven-piece combo includes everything from big band swing tunes to modern funk hits, the common denominator being that they’re all crowd pleasers, such as “What A Wonderful World” and “Happy.” Dancing and singing along is encouraged at what is sure to be a fun send-off to the 2022 series.
The Heroes: Sunday, Aug. 7 at Scripps Park, 1100 Coast Blvd. 3:30 p.m. Free. kiwanisclublajolla.org.

When it comes to songwriters of the last 100 years, few have stood the test of time like Smokey Robinson. Performing at Humphrey’s Concerts by the Bay on Aug. 11, the Motown legend has been releasing music since 1958, in the process giving the world such oft-covered classics as “You’ve Really Got A Hold On Me,” “Tracks of My Tears” and “Cruisin’.” Still going strong at 82, Robinson puts on a wonderful, hit-filled show, full of songs that remain relevant more than six decades after they first hit the airwaves.

Smokey Robinson: Thursday, Aug. 11 at Humphrey’s Concerts by the Bay, 2241 Shelter Island Drive. 8 p.m. $149. humphreysbackstagelive.com.

A capella group, The Harvard Din & Tonics stop in at the Athenaeum on Aug. 12. The dapper combo, which performs in white tie and tails, was founded in 1979, quickly becoming Harvard University’s signature jazz a cappella group. The Dins largely perform jazz standards of the 1920s through the 1940s, with forays into other genres such as rock ‘n’ roll, disco, and folk. It’s an entertaining mix of tunes that might include evergreens such as George Shearing’s “Lullaby of Birdland” or more current fare such as A-ha’s “Take On Me.” With impressive vocal arrangements and a sense of humor evident throughout, The Dins will appeal to both jazz listeners as well as adventurous pop listeners.

The Harvard Din & Tonics: Friday, Aug. 12 at the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library, 1008 Wall St. $25. 7:30 p.m. ljathenaeum.org.

You’ll want to get to Beaumont’s early on Aug. 13 to catch a set from the Moonage Daydreamers. The venue’s intimate setting is a great place to see a live band, with good food, and a nice dance floor. On the 13th, anyone looking for a change-up from the deluge of classic rock tribute bands will find the Moonage Daydreamers set list a breath of fresh air. Songs range from Roxy Music, the Talking Heads, and Elvis Costello to David Bowie and The Pretenders, with plenty of deep cuts among the gems they perform.

The Moonage Daydreamers: Saturday, Aug. 13 at Beaumont’s, 5662 La Jolla Blvd. $10. 9 p.m. beaumontseatery.com.

Jazz fans won’t want to miss The Lori Bell (flute) / Mikan Zlatkovich (piano) Quartet, featuring Antar Martin (bass) and Duncan Moore (drums), performing at Dizzy’s on Aug. 13. “We’re playing music by Freddie Hubbard, Herbie Hancock, Benny Golson, Cedar Walton and more,” Bell noted. Upcoming projects for Bell include a recording of Joe Henderson tunes set for next year, but in the meantime, this performance of jazz classics, setting Bell’s melodic flute against the rhythms and counter melodies of Zlatkovich’s piano, will make a great soundtrack to another fun night out at Dizzy’s.

The Lori Bell / Mikan Zlatkovich Quartet: Saturday, Aug. 13 at Dizzy’s at Arias Hall, 1717 Morena Blvd. 8 p.m. $20. dizzysjazz.com.