Rock fans looking for a bargain might be hard pressed to top the appearance this week of New York rockers Semi Precious Weapons at The Griffin on March 7. Though perhaps best known for its association with Lady Gaga, the band has a diehard following that has followed it through label changes and member turnovers. Currently touring in advance of its third album, “Aviation,” the band’s fans will find everything in place — a mix of rock, glam and electro pop influences, with the latter particularly evident on the new disc. Modern radio fans will enjoy every second, but the night’s ticket price of 91 cents makes the show a must for any rock fan on a budget.
• SEMI PRECIOUS WEAPONS performs at 9 p.m. on Friday, March 7 at THE GRIFFIN, 1310 Morena Blvd. 21 and up. 91 cents. www.thegriffinsd.com. Pianist Sue Palmer appears at the Kona Kai’s Vessel’s Lounge on March 12. A beloved member of the San Diego arts community, Palmer is also one of the city’s musical treasures. A multiple San Diego Music Award winner known as the “Queen of Boogie Woogie,” that tag actually only touches on her talents. Indeed, she is a virtuoso performer, able to thrill in just about any genre. Her most recent album, “Party Favorites,” finds her playing cool versions of classic tunes, including jazzy cuts like “The Pink Panther” and evergreens like “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore,” definitely the soundtrack to a good time. • Sue Palmer performs at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, March 12 at the Kona Kai Resort, 1551 Shelter Island Drive, www.resortkonakai.com. The primary reason big bands broke up was that it was difficult to coordinate, pay and transport so many musicians and their gear. When everything is taken into consideration, it’s a miracle anything other than a quartet has ever taken the stage. That said, when you hear a great band like the Big Daddy Orchestra, it’s clear all that hard work is worth it — at least to the listener. Appearing at Tio Leo’s on March 14, BDO plays all the favorites of yesteryear, perfect for swing dancing or just enjoying the dazzling musicianship. The band goes all out with a zoot-suited frontman and bandstands for a sonic trip into the past. One listen will give a real appreciation for how much work this band puts into its craft. • BIG DADDY ORCHESTRA performs at 9 p.m. on Friday, March 14 at TIO LEO’S, 5302 Napa St. 21 and up. Cover TBD. www.tioleos.com. One of the staunchest supporters of jazz this city has ever seen, through his acclaimed venue Dizzy’s, Chuck Perrin has enriched the lives of San Diegans. A great music promoter, Perrin is also a respected musician, releasing acclaimed albums since 1968. These days, performances have become less frequent. But on March 15, Perrin returns to the Dizzy’s stage with an all-star ensemble that includes saxophone legend Daniel Jackson, bassist Rob Thorsen, percussionist Patrick Armenta and singers Arnessa Rickett & Carmelia Bell. Dubbed “Back to the Beginning,” Perrin will perform new music and favorites from his album, “Beat.itude,” for an evening of music that’s sure to be both adventurous and fun.
• CHUCK PERRIN performs at 8 p.m. on Saturday, March 15 at DIZZY’S, 4275 Mission Bay Drive. $15. www.dizzysjazz.com. Alt-country music fans need to hear Sara Petite. The gifted artist performs at Humphreys Backstage Live on March 15. She’s the real deal. Backed by a top-notch band, Petite has been making headway on a national level recently. Her album “Circus Comes to Town” impressing crowds from here to Nashville. Petite’s music goes back to the roots of what’s dubbed country these days, taking in folk music, blues and a dash of rock ’n’ roll for a sound that’s closer in spirit to early Loretta Lynn or Buck Owens than anything on radio today. If you’re looking for a place to kick up your heels a little this weekend, this show fits the bill. • SARA PETITE performs at 9 p.m. on Saturday, March 15 at HUMPHREYS BACKSTAGE LIVE, 2241 Shelter Island Drive. $12. www.humphreysbackstagelive.com.