Rather than pay tribute to a specific artist, ’90s Rock Show celebrates an entire decade. On Sept. 14, visitors to Campland on the Bay will be treated to a jukebox worth of hits on their outdoor stage from this Orange County-based, six-piece band. The show will include versions of tunes from the likes of Weezer, Blink 182, Green Day, Pearl Jam, REM and more, with a set list full of evergreens such as “Losing My Religion” and “Welcome to Paradise.” You can expect this concert to be a giant sing-a-along.
’90s Rock Show: Saturday, Sept. 14 at Campland on the Bay. 8 p.m. All ages. No cover. campland.com. Powerpop comes to Tio Leo’s on Sept. 15 with the debut of Big Stir Night. Planned as a regular event featuring like-minded bands from around the world, the debut will include performances from Sweden’s jangle pop rockers, In Deed, and Orange County-based quintet, The Armoires. Both are solid melodic combos, but the latter in particular is becoming a force to be reckoned with. Led by keyboardist Christina Bulbenko and guitarist Rex Broome, the band is the anchor for their Big Stir music label, not only releasing tunes by numerous bands, but publishing a genre devoted magazine and booking events such as this throughout Southern California. Anyone who enjoys their rock ‘n’ roll with plenty of harmony and hooks will find much to enjoy in these bands and this music series.
The Armoires: Sunday, Sept. 15 at Tio Leo’s, 5302 Napa St. 5-8 p.m. 21 and up. $10. tioleos.com. While British quartet The Smiths never had any U.S. chart success during their mid-1980s existence, there is no doubt that their legend has grown over the ensuing decades. The band’s frontman, Morrissey, returns to San Diego next month for a solo show at Pechanga Arena. But in the meantime, fans can hear his original band’s best-known songs via Still Ill, who perform at the 710 Beach Club on Sept. 7. Still Ill does occasionally dig into the catalog for deep cuts, but casual fans can rest assured, The Smiths singles generally make up the bulk of their show.
Still Ill: Saturday, Sept. 7, at the 710 Beach Club, 710 Garnet Ave. 9 p.m. 21 and up. $5. 710bc.com. Acclaimed woodwind master Charles Owens performs with his Quartet at Dizzy’s on Sept. 7. Though best known as a jazz player, the 80-year-old USD alumni has had a storied career, performing with many musical legends in his nearly seven-decades-long career. Highlights include touring and recording with Buddy Rich, Mongo Santamaria and Frank Zappa as well as session work, including Barbara Streisand’s original “A Star is Born” soundtrack. Owens continues to produce vital music, making this show a must for jazz fans, but also appealing to more general listeners.
Charles Owens Quartet: Saturday, Sept. 7 at Dizzy’s at Arias Hall, 1717 Morena Blvd. 8 p.m. $20. dizzysjazz.com. Austin-based synthpop artist, Mr. Kitty, aka Forrest Avery Carney, appears at Brick by Brick on Sept. 12. Performing since 2003, Carney has a wide range of influences, sure to appeal to fans of new wave or artists such as Depeche Mode and Peter Murphy. While beats are important here, Carney’s tunes have strong melodies resulting in songs that are just as catchy as they are rhythmic. Currently touring behind his new album, “Ephemeral,” fans of electronica or EDM will find songs such as “My Weak Side” to be irresistible dance floor fillers. Mr. Kitty: Thursday, Sept. 12 at Brick by Brick, 1130 Buenos Ave. 8 p.m. 21 and up. $13. brickbybrick.com. When it comes to classic rock, few bands define the genre as well as the Doobie Brothers. Performing on Sept. 17 at Humphrey’s Concerts by the Bay, the band was amongst the biggest hitmakers of the 1970s, with a string of Top 40 favorites, including “Long Train Running” and “Black Water.” Four decades later, the band is seemingly just as popular as ever, their songs still in regular radio rotation and cover band favorites. No Michael McDonald this tour, so expect the band to stick to their earlier guitar-oriented hits.
Doobie Brothers: Tuesday, Sept. 17, at Humphrey’s Concerts by the Bay, 2241 Shelter Island Drive. 7 p.m. All ages. $105. humphreysbackstagelive.com.
