Jazz flugelhornist Dimitri Matheny brings his tribute to The Great American Songbook to Dizzy’s on Nov. 29, 8 p.m. The one time protégé of Art Farmer will be performing works by the likes of George Gershwin, Richard Rodgers, Cole Porter, Hoagy Carmichael and Duke Ellington, backed by an all-star group consisting of pianist Nick Manson, bassist Justin Grinnell and drummer Duncan Moore. Matheny has released nine albums since his 1995 debut, each building on the one before, but live is where Matheny and band can stretch put and show off their considerable chops. If you are a fan of songcraft, this evening, featuring some of the greatest tunes ever written wonderfully recast by Matheny, promises to be magic.
Dimitry Matheny: Friday, Nov. 29, at Dizzy’s, 4275 Mission Bay Drive. 8 p.m. $20. www.dizzysjazz.com Neon Cough is definitely a pop rock trio, but that only scratches the surface. A kaleidoscope of influences, including electronica, powerpop and other musical forms high in melody, Neon Cough has crafted a unique, quirky, space-age sound. All three of the band’s albums are essential listens and full of should-be classics like “World of Tomorrow,” with great post-modern sounds like a cross between XTC and OMD. Appearing at The Griffin on Nov. 22, if pop is your thing, Neon Cough is one of the best combos going locally at the moment and a must to see live. Neon Cough: Friday, Nov. 22 at The Griffin, 1310 Morena Blvd. 9 p.m. 21 and up. $8. www.thegriffinsd.com Classic rock will be the order of the day at the Kona Kai Resort on Nov. 22 when Arnie and Friends perform in the lounge. Led by guitarist Arnie Vilches, like many cover bands, the set list will include everything from Santana to Toto. Unlike most cover bands, however, this one’s namesake has actually spent time in bands alongside the likes of Mark Farner of Grand Funk Railroad and Bobby Kimball of Toto. If you’re a fan of rock ’n’ roll, 1970s to ’90s vintage, this free show promises to be one of the week’s highlights.
Arnie Vilches: Friday, Nov. 22, noon at the Kona Kai Resort, 1551 Shelter Island Drive, Shelter Island. www.resortkonakai.com There are a lot of contenders for San Diego’s top all-time bands, but near the top of the list would be roots rockers The Farmers and their many variations and offshoots. Led by guitarist Jerry Raney, a mainstay of the San Diego music scene since his 1964 recording debut with the Roosters, The Farmers have always delivered a blistering show that mixes elements of rock and country, with a good dose of humor. That the band also includes such local legends as bassist Chris Sullivan (The Penetrators, etc.) and Joel Kmak (The Hitmakers, etc.) shows the caliber of musicianship on hand, but the important thing here is that this is a road-tested band that knows how to keep an audience on the dance floor and show it a good time. The Farmers: Saturday, Nov. 23 at Humphreys Backstage Live, 2241 Shelter Island Drive, Shelter Island. 5 p.m. $12. www.humphreysbackstagelive.com The 2013 Bass Summit takes place at Dizzy’s on Nov. 24. Jazz aficionados as well as anyone who enjoys the sterling bottom-end fretwork will want to attend this concert. On hand will be a dream bill featuring Marshall Hawkins, who has performed with the likes of Miles Davis and Roberta Flack. Also taking the stage will be Rob Thorsen, one of the anchors of the local jazz scene. If you’ve been a fan of San Diego’s jazz scene for very long, you’ve likely caught one of his sets or one of his spots alongside such luminaries as Gilbert Castellanos and Steph Johnson. Other bassists taking part in the show include Jory Herman, Barry Green, Katie Thiroux and Bert Tureztky, with pianist Joshua White and drummer Duncan Moore rounding out this impressive bill.
2013 Bass Summit: Sunday, Nov. 24, at Dizzy’s, 4275 Mission Bay Drive. 7 p.m. $15. www.dizzysjazz.com Though Brick by Brick is perhaps better known for its hard rockin’ or tribute shows, fans of acoustic music or singer-songwriters will want to check out a six-artist show taking place on Dec. 4, 8 p.m. On hand will be Shyla Day, Mason James, Ever J, Jaimie Goodwick, Astra Kelly and Suzanne Harper. It’s a particularly strong bill, but the last two names will particularly impress. Kelly is now six albums into her career, which has seen her become one of the leading six-string strummers in town, with five SDMA nominations to her credit. Meanwhile, Harper is one of the fastest-rising stars in pretty big field with an appearance in the recent Last Waltz tribute concert and a second-place showing at the 2013 San Diego County Fair Singer Songwriter contest. Astra Kelly, et al: Wednesday, Dec. 4, at Brick by Brick, 1130 Buenos Ave. 8 p.m. 21 and up. $5. www.brickbybrick.com