SPOTLIGHT
Acclaimed pianist Gustavo Romero (above) returns to the Athenaeum on June 12, as part of the venue’s 23rd annual Summer Concert Series. A native of San Diego, Romero has been performing as part of the series for over two decades, one of San Diego’s most beloved musical traditions. For this run of four afternoon concerts, Romero is performing Beethoven Piano Sonatas, with June 12 devoted to sonatas nos. 6, 17, and 29. For music aficionados of either Beethoven’s works or inspired piano playing, this opportunity to take in a performance from Romero should not be missed.
Gustavo Romero: Sunday, June 12 at the Athenaeum, 1008 Wall St. 4 p.m. All ages. $50-$55. ljathenaeum.org.
RECOMMENDED
In honor of Paul McCartney’s 80th birthday, Dizzy’s is hosting a night of the bassist’s classic songs, featuring acclaimed guitarist Fred Benedetti. Backed by a combo including vocalist Regina Moomjean, multi-instrumentalist-bassist Jeff Pekarek, and percussionist James Morton, you’ll hear the virtuoso guitar arrangements of Fab Four classics and solo hits alike, from “Blackbird” to “Band on the Run.” With 60-plus years of classics to choose from, Benedetti and company will impress Beatles fans with their fun, fresh takes on iconic songs.
Benedetti Celebrates McCartney: Friday, June 10 at Dizzy’s at Arias Hall, 1717 Morena Blvd. 8 p.m. $20. dizzysjazz.com.
Hands down, nobody plays gritty roadhouse R&B like Lady Dottie & The Diamonds. They have recordings, all well worth hearing, however, this is a group you want to experience live. Keyboard driven, with Lady Dottie providing scorching, sassy vocals, whether the band is serving up classics such as “Have Love Will Travel,” or originals like “Mad At Ya,” the vibe is funky and dance floor-filling. The latter part is key.
Lady Dottie & The Diamonds: Friday, June 10 at Beaumont’s, 5662 La Jolla Blvd. 9 p.m. 21 and up. $10. beaumontseatery.com.
Fans heading to Andrea Bocelli’s concert on June 15 at Pechanga Arena may want to get there a bit early for a performance from acoustic guitarist Mark Langford. Performing solo in Pechanga’s Artois Lounge, Langford is a world-class player, mixing classical and flamenco music with a playing style that has won Langford acclaim worldwide. Indeed, this is his second Pechanga appearance, this year, by special request. Langford is currently working on a new album, which keeping in mind his current career trajectory, should see him on the main stages before too long.
Mark Langford: Wednesday, June 15 at Pechanga Arena / Artois Lounge, 3500 Sports Arena Blvd. 7:30 p.m. pechangaarenasd.com.
Jazz returns to La Jolla Community Center on June 17, with a special concert from The J. Riley Cain Jazz Trio. Featuring noted pianist/singer and former San Diegan John Cain, alongside Grant Clarkson (bass) and Marly Waak (drums), the trio’s latest album, “Live From Level 5,” is a treat for fans of New Orleans styled jazz, but all of Cain’s releases are worthy additions to any discerning music fans collection. Now a resident of the Big Easy, Cain returns with a soundtrack full of blues, jazz, and bossa nova, for a set that’s sure to bring a smile to his fans old and new.
The J. Riley Cain Jazz Trio: Friday, June 17 at the La Jolla Community Center, 6811 La Jolla Blvd. 6:30 p.m. All ages. ljcommunitycenter.org.
Eighties new wave hitmaker Howard Jones performs at Humphrey’s Concerts by the Bay on June 23. Notably, for ticket holders, the concert date, originally set for July 25, has been moved forward. Touring in advance of his upcoming album, “Dialogue,” expect a few new tunes and lots of old favorites, including “Like to Get to Know You Well” and “Things Can Only Get Better.” Making this concert a must-see for fans of ’80s music, opening the concert will be Midge Ure, former frontman for both Ultravox and Visage, best known for such hits as “Vienna” and “Fade to Grey.”
Howard Jones: Thursday, June 23 at Humphrey’s Concerts by the Bay, 2241 Shelter Island Drive, Shelter Island. 7 p.m. $50. humphreysconcerts.com.
