Manic performances, a steady beat and an Iraqi thrash-metal band
The Tiki House is a great place to catch live music, but the experience is especially true when it’s the right group — that is, someone who combines blues, rock and soul to good effect. Such is the case with the Amanda Waggener Band. Playing a mix of covers and originals, Waggener is a manic performer, stalking the stage and delivering a show, complete with Joplinesque shouts and wails. While you won’t hear anything too challenging, with covers ranging from “Superstitious” to “You Oughta Know,” this is a solid band bent on having a good time and taking their audience with them. The Amanda Waggener Band performs at 9 p.m. on Saturday, May 27 at The Tiki House, 1152 Garnet Ave. Cover TBD. 21 and up. www.myspace.com/kylesorrellmusic One of the most popular bands in San Diego, Psydecar, which performs at RT’s Longboard on May 27, mixes world music, funk and reggae, and is custom-made to keep people on the dance floor. Led by frontman and trumpeter Tim Pacheco, who has also spent time in such groups as Wise Monkey Orchestra and Black Market Disciples, the music of Psydecar is about rhythm and beat, with occasional jazzy flourishes from the horns. Taken all together, it’s a sound that should be irresistible to just about any music fan in the beach communities. The band has two albums to date, the most recent being “On A Wing,” but this is a band that needs to be experienced live for full effect. Psydecar performs at 9 p.m. on Saturday, May 27 at RT’s Longboard, 1466 Garnet Ave. 21 and up. Cover TBD www.psydecar.com It’s said that music is universal and proof positive of this can be seen when Iraqi thrash-metal group Acrassicauda takes the stage at Brick by Brick on May 29. Formed in 2001, the band suffered oppression in its homeland before relocating to the U.S. The band’s experiences living in a time of turmoil can be heard in its music, notably its 2010 debut album “Only The Dead See The End of War,” and as seen in the documentary “Heavy Metal Baghdad.” Artists in the U.S. can complain about the occasional bad gig, but what this quartet has survived shows the dedication it has for its music. Best of all, the band has the chops to back it all up. If you’re a fan of hard rock, this is a show you’ll want to investigate. Acrassicauda performs at 8 p.m. on Sunday, May 29 at Brick by Brick, 1130 Buenos Avenue. 8 p.m. 21 and up. $10. www.my space.com/wwwacrassicaudas5com Indie dance fans won’t want to miss a rare appearance from Los Angeles-based LA Riots, who appear at a special daytime concert at the Wavehouse on May 29. Comprised of Daniel LeDisko and DJ-producer Jon Pegnato, the pair have quickly become re-mixers of choice for the likes of the Ting Tings, Weezer and Kylie Minogue. On their own, they excel at a hybrid of techno, funk and electronic, providing pure dance music for the masses. For anyone who likes the techno beat, there won’t be a better show this month. LA Riots performs at 11 a.m. on Sunday, May 29 at the Wavehouse, 3125 Oceanfront Walk. $10. 21 and up. www.myspace .com/lariotsofficial While most weekend nightlife tends toward the boisterous side, anyone looking for a little entertainment that’s a little more refined should head to Café Bar Europa on Saturday nights to catch a set from the DFA Trio. Featuring Crag Dawson, Kevin Freeby and Ignacia Arrango, the trio excels at Latin jazz, salsa and Brazilian music, with a touch of funk to keep things lively. Whether you’d like to dance or simply check out some jazzy tunes over drinks, these performances are the perfect antidote for a hectic workweek. DFA Trio performs at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 3 at Café-Bar Europa, 873 Turqouise St. All ages. Cover TBD. www.theturquoise.com/wordpress