Jazz and bossa nova combine in the music of Pan Am. The quartet has a twice-a-week residency at Café-Bar Europa, performing on Mondays (6 p.m.) and Thursdays (7 p.m.). The band eschews the bass, preferring to allow nylon-stringed acoustic guitar and percussion to hold down the bottom end. The frontline of acoustic and electric guitar, as well as saxophone, all play lead at times, giving the band substantial range. The music does, indeed, have a Brazilian flair, but Pan Am will appeal to anyone who enjoys jazz, singer songwriters or soul. Pan Am: Mondays (6 p.m.) and Thursdays (7 p.m.) at Café-Bar Europa, 873 Turqouise St. 21 and up. www.theturquoise.com/word-press Fans of reggae, rock or blues will want to check out the Broken Stems, appearing at the 710 Beach Club on Aug. 16, 9 p.m. The trio’s musicianship is solid, with soulful singer Jesse Gawlik’s lead guitar playing a particular highlight. However, what makes the band stand out is the mix of dynamic arrangements and vocal interplay from bassist Lara Stucki and drummer Mike Cascio. On such tracks as “Anti-Bots,” this helps the band achieve a much bigger sound than the average three-piece combo. The band’s funkier moments will be sure to keep the dance floor occupied, but with songs like “I Am The Night,” this is also a band well worth just sitting and listening to as well. Broken Stems: Friday, Aug. 16 at the 710 Beach Club, 710 Garnet Ave. 9 p.m. 21 and up. www.710bc.com The Bayou Brothers’ latest album is titled “Music for the Feet,” and rarely has there been a more apt title for a CD. With a sound straight from the Louisiana bayou, the band plays a wonderful brand of zydeco that’s just about irresistible when it comes to dancing. Performing on Aug. 21, 9 p.m. at Tio Leo’s, the band has become local favorites at summertime outdoor festivals throughout the county, but dancers know the best time to catch them is at an indoor gig like this Tio Leo’s gig, with a real dance floor — and air conditioning.
The Bayou Brothers: Wednesday, Aug. 21. Tio Leo’s, 5302 Napa St. 9 p.m. 21 and up. Cover TBD. www.tioleos.com The San Diego music community lost another music icon on Aug. 7 with the passing of saxophonist Gary LeFebvre. Although best known for his jazz work, he also performed live with such diverse performers as the Supremes, Mrs. Miller and Tony Bennett. On Aug. 23, members of the local jazz community will come together for a special tribute concert at Dizzy’s, 8 p.m. The night will feature music from another jazz legend, Joe Marillo, with all-star accompaniment from bassist Bob Magnusson, drummer Jim Plank and pianist Joshua White. LeFebvre was a highly respected member of the local jazz scene, so you can expect a few special guests to sit in, at what will be a stirring memorial for this great musician.
Gary LeFebvre Tribute: Friday, Aug. 23 at Dizzy’s, 4275 Mission Bay Drive. 8 p.m. $15. www.dizzysjazz.com There’s not a lot of bands that could perform “Rapper’s Delight” by the Sugarhill Gang as well as “Crazy” by Patsy Cline, but the Fabulous Ultratones are a rare breed — their set lists can include everything from folk and world music to bag band swing. Performing at a free beach party at the Kona Kai Resort on Aug. 25, 2 p.m., where the eight-piece band scores points is in its modern era repertoire, which includes the latest from the likes of Robin Thicke, Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga. With the Fabulous Ultratones, the saying “something for just about everybody” isn’t just bluster, it’s fact. Pool Party Weekend: Sunday, Aug. 25, 2 p.m., at the Kona Kai Resort, 1551 Shelter Island Drive, Shelter Island. www.resort-konakai.com
