Petunia and The Vipers are coming to San Diego and roots music will never be the same. Appearing at Tio Leo’s on April 26, the band is as comfortable with a Spanish ballad, New Orleans shuffle or French love songs as it is with its rockabilly sounds. This five-piece band sets a new standard when it comes to intensity and passion. Fans of Tom Waits or Danny Elfman will find much to admire in this band’s songs, but anyone who enjoys good Americana will love this band. The night’s bill also includes the superb Roy Rapid and his Rhythm Rock Trio, making this a great night of vintage sounds in modern settings. Petunia and The Vipers perform at 9 p.m. on Friday, April 26 at Tio Leo’s, 5302 Napa St. 21 and up. Cover TBD. www.tioleos.com The worlds of jazz, soul and rock ’n’ roll come together at Dizzy’s on May 2 with a special concert by jazz pianist Jaeryoung Lee, who will present an evening of music dubbed the “Elvis-Stevie Smackdown.” Performing jazzy versions of songs by Presley and Stevie Wonder, Lee will be backed by bassist Danny Weller, drummer Kevin Koch and vocalist Matt Falkner. A unique interactive aspect of the show is that audience members will be encouraged to vote on who wins the competition —- the Tupelo Flash or the Motown Wonder. If you’re a fan of either artist or jazz in general, this is a show that promises to be fun. Jaeryoung Lee performs at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 2 at Dizzy’s, 4275 Mission Bay Drive. $15. www.dizzysjazz.com Fans of jangly guitars, pop tunes and wistful harmonies won’t want to miss Yellow Red Sparks, performing at the Griffin on May 2. The show is a kickoff for a two-week, nationwide tour. Currently supporting its new self-titled album, the three-piece group’s songs are basic, but its shared male and female vocals adds a rustic charm. A recent highlight is its version of Bob Dylan’s “Positively Fourth Street,” and that may be the closest touchstone on this group’s sound. Anyone who enjoyed Dylan’s basement sessions will find this trio’s music appealing. Yellow Red Sparks perform at 9 p.m. on Thursday, May 2 at The Griffin, 1310 Morena Blvd. 21 and up. $8. www.thegriffinsd.com Though Killing Joke never sold a lot of records, it is one of the most influential bands of the 1980s. Performing at Brick by Brick on May 2, its dense, gloomy, bass-driven sound has become a major influence on today’s post-modern rockers. Those they have influenced range from Nirvana, whose “Come As You Are” is a dead ringer for an early Killing Joke tune, to the Foo Fighters. Currently touring behind a new retrospective album, “The Singles Collection 1979-2012,” the band is playing stronger than ever. Its most recent album is 2012’s “MMXII,” so expect a few new tunes in the mix, but the biggest cheers will be for anything from their classic self-titled 1980 debut. Killing Joke performs at 8 p.m. on Saturday, May 4 at Brick by Brick, 1130 Buenos Ave. 21 and up. $22. www.brickbybrick.com The Pacific Beach Library continues its monthly, free music series with a performance by Besos de Coco. The trio features guitarist Lorraine Castellanos, contrabassist Evona Wascinski and tap dancer Claudia Gomez Vorce, playing a mix of originals and classic tunes like “September in the Rain.” The trio’s sound is oft-described as Latin influenced, and that is true to a point. The group’s expansive sound also includes elements of folk, classical and pop. Between the wonderful musicianship and having a tap dancer as percussionist, this is a combo that’s a feast for the eyes, as well as the ears. Besos de Coco performs at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 8 at the Pacific Beach/Taylor Branch Library, 4275 Cass St. All ages. Free. www.pblibraryfriends.org/-concert.htm
