Two of San Diego’s biggest musical talents, guitarist Peter Sprague and singer Leonard Patton, will join forces for a special, free, afternoon concert at the Pacific Beach Library on Feb. 24. Though both performers are considered to be jazz artists, their music transcends genre, with soul and pop well represented in the mix. The pair have released numerous solo albums, but for this performance the duo will perform a variety of tunes from Bob Marley to The Beatles, all highlighted by Sprague’s wonderful arrangements and virtuoso playing. Peter Sprague and Leonard Patton: Sunday, Feb. 24 at Pacific Beach Library, 4275 Cass St. 2 p.m. pblibraryfriends.org. After five decades, one of the lynchpins of San Diego’s music community, bassist and teacher Bob Magnusson, has retired from performance. On Feb. 24, his musical friends are hosting a special afternoon celebration in his honor at Dizzy’s. Magnasson has had an impact far beyond San Diego, not only through his students but also through recording with the likes of Chick Corea, Madonna and 10,000 Maniacs amongst many more. The free event will start with a social hour before a group of the area’s top musicians perform including fellow bassists Mackenzie Leighton, Rob Thorsen and Sean Hicke, as well as keyboardist Ed Kornhauser, drummer Duncan Moore, guitarist Peter Sprague and saxophonist Tripp Sprague. Celebrating Bob Magnusson: Sunday, Feb. 24, at Dizzy’s at Arias Hall, 1717 Morena Blvd. 4 p.m. dizzysjazz.com. Rockin’ quartet Electric Mud will perform at the 710 Beach Club for two consecutive Thursdays, Feb. 21 and Feb. 28. Nominated for “Best Rock Album” at the 2019 San Diego Music Awards for their album, “Highway Refugees,” the band excels in bluesy rock with an occasional folk edge. The new album is as radio friendly a collection of rock tunes as you’ll come across, with songs like “The Face” full of melody and energy. Following a recent successful bout of East Coast touring, Electric Mud is at the top of their game. This is a band that’s ready for the next level. Electric Mud: Feb. 21 & 28 at the 710 Beach Club, 710 Garnet Ave. 9 p.m. 21 and up. 710bc.com. Legendary guitarist Jake E Lee and his band, Red Dragon Cartel, stop in at Brick by Brick on Feb. 26, topping an excellent bill that includes Murder of Five and The Taz Taylor Band. A former San Diegan, Lee performed with local bands such as Teaser and Mickey Ratt, before embarking on a major label career that has seen him perform on such hit albums as Ozzy Osbourne’s “Bark At The Moon” and “Ultimate Sin.” Currently touring behind his latest release, “Patina,” remains an incendiary player setting a high bar for players following in his wake.
Jake E Lee’s Red Dragon Cartel: Tuesday, Feb. 26, at Brick by Brick, 1130 Buenos Ave. 8:30 p.m. 21 and up. $20. brickbybrick.com. Mission Bay High School’s music program will host their annual Pops Concert in their auditorium on March 6. Performing will be the school’s concert band, orchestra and choir, under the direction of JP Balmat, with the “Pop” in the shows title referring to a night of modern soundtrack classics set to include the “Phantom of The Opera,” “Black Panther” and “Little Shop of Horrors.” The night will also include a few Top 40 gems by Stevie Wonder and Abba, the latter celebrating the film “Mama Mia.” MBHS Pops Concert: Wednesday, March 6 at Mission Bay High School, 2475 Grand Ave. 7 p.m. All ages. missionbaymusic.com. Indie rock / Americana quintet Sometimes Julie perform at Humphrey’s Backstage Live on Feb. 28. Led by the song writing team of guitarist Rick Walker and singer Monica Sorenson, the band has released three CDs since they formed in 2013, all full of originals such as “Head First” that display their devotion to top level songcraft. A fun group live, the pair have an excellent studio chemistry that translates into well crafted live performances.
Sometimes Julie: Thursday, Feb. 28, at Humphrey’s Backstage Live, 2241 Shelter Island Drive. 7 p.m. humphreysbackstagelive.com.
