Country and rock crooner Sara Petite performs at Humphreys Backstage Live on Oct. 5. Backed by an excellent band, Petite is the real deal, blessed with an evocative voice and a lineup of great originals as well as choice covers of songs by the likes of Johnny Cash. Sara has several albums out, all worthy acquisitions for those who like country music with an authentic twang, as opposed to modern radio gloss. However, it’s live where she really excels. Driven by that crack band featuring guitarist Rick Wilkins, there are few who can put fire and brimstone into their vocal delivery quite like Sara Petite. • SARA PETITE: Saturday, Oct. 4, at HUMPHREYS BACKSTAGE LIVE, 2241 Shelter Island Drive. 9 p.m. www.humphreysbackstagelive.com. On Oct. 5, The Kona Kai Resort will host a special acoustic San Diego Music Awards Showcase, and it promises to be spectacular. From 3 to 9 p.m., some of San Diego’s best-known artists will perform 20 minute sets — and the lineup is great. On hand will be an all-star group of musicians, every one a 2014 San Diego Music Award nominee, including Gayle Skidmore, Patric Petrie, Cody Lovaas, Sister Speak, Blaise Guld, Sue Palmer, Tomcat Courtney, Rebecca Jade, The Lyrical Groove and many more. If you can’t make the awards show the next night, this is a great alternative. But either way, there will be no other occasion this year to take in so much wonderful talent in one sitting.
• SDMA ACOUSTIC SHOWCASE: Sunday, Oct. 5 at the KONA KAI RESORT, 1551 Shelter Island Drive. 3 p.m. www.resortkonakai.com. More than 40 years after their split, its clear there will never be another group like The Beatles. With an unsurpassed song catalog, it’s easy to see why tribute and theme shows in their honor are so popular. One of the best on the annual calendar is Fred Benedetti’s birthday tribute to John Lennon, held at Dizzy’s on Oct. 11. Benedetti will perform tunes from throughout Lennon’s career, including solo works, for a show that’s bound to thrill Beatles fans. Whether you’re a fan of terrific guitar playing or the best songs written in the last century, this show promises to be inspiring and a great time.
• FRED BENEDETTI: Saturday, Oct. 11 at DIZZY’S, 4275 Mission Bay Drive. 8 p.m. $15. www.dizzysjazz.com. They don’t play as often as they did, which makes Superunloader’s show at the 710 Beach Club an absolute must for its fans. Fronted by Jimmy Lewis, who can be seen more often in solo mode these days, the local rockers formed in 1996, quickly becoming one of the beach area’s biggest draws. Although the trio hasn’t released new music since 2007, its fan base remains strong, with its occasional performances turning into a giant party. There’s a reason why some bands have staying power, and it’s clear that Superunloader was one of the best to emerge from the mid-1990s San Diego scene.
• SUPERUNLOADER: Saturday, Oct. 11 at the 710 BEACH CLUB, 710 Garnet Ave. 9 p.m. 21 and up. $5 www.710bc.com. Nominated for a 2014 San Diego Music Award, The Falling Doves are the latest band from Chris Leyva and it is easily his best. Taking a page from the New York Dolls, early rock and new wave, Leyva has crafted a group that is more than just backing musicians, but are instead an integral part of a sound. Longtime listeners will be impressed by the maturity to be found on its new self-titled album, while the Nagle-inspired artwork gives a clear indication of the prime era it is influenced by. Performing at Brick by Brick on Oct. 11, Leyva has been working double time for years to get his music heard. With Falling Doves, he’s found the right mix of musicians and songs to make that happen. • FALLING DOVES: Saturday, Oct. 11, at BRICK BY BRICK, 1130 Buenos Ave. 8 p.m. 21 and up. $10. www.brickbybrick.com.