Acclaimed guitarist Fred Benedetti applies his talents to the music of George Harrison with a special tribute concert at Dizzy’s on Feb. 9. Featuring vocalists Regina Moomjean and Julia Picone, alongside bassist Jeff Pekarek and percussionist James Morton, the night will take in music from throughout Harrison’s career, including The Beatles, Traveling Wilburys and solo hits. The recent reissue of “The White Album” scored high on the charts, showing the public’s appetite for Harrison’s songs such as “While My Guitar Gently Weeps,” hasn’t abated in the nearly 50 years since The Beatles split. The Benedetti Trio: Saturday, Feb. 9, at Dizzy’s at Arias Hall, 1717 Morena Blvd. 8 p.m. dizzysjazz.com. Acoustic guitar duo Strunz and Farah stop in at Humphrey’s Backstage Live for two shows on Feb. 14. Currently touring behind their new album, the aptly titled, “Tales of Two Guitars,” Jorge Strunz and Ardeshir Farah, first teamed up in 1979, going on to release 19 albums together and working with the likes of Sting and Ruben Blades along the way. Mixing jazz, world music, pop and Latin sounds, Strunz and Farah have built a devoted following for their instrumental music, a perfect soundtrack for this scenic waterfront venue. Strunz & Farah: Thursday, Feb. 14, at Humphrey’s Backstage Live, 2241 Shelter Island Drive. 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. humphreysbackstagelive.com. Guitarist Roni Lee performs at Humphrey’s Backstage Live on Feb. 13. Lee has been performing around the Southland for several decades, one of the pioneers of the modern rock scene. Originally a member of seminal punk band, Venus and the Razor Blades, she co-wrote a song for legendary rockers, The Runaways, “I Wanna Be Where The Boys Are,” and has more recently been establishing herself as a touring force across Europe. Lee is an amazing player and born stadium rocker, currently touring in support of her recent album, “All Dressed Up,” she is the closest thing San Diego has to Joan Jett-styled rock ‘n’ roll. Roni Lee: Wednesday, Feb. 13 at Humphrey’s Backstage Live, 2241 Shelter Island Drive. 7 p.m. humphreysbackstagelive.com Soma may be best known for its metal and punk shows, but they do include other formats. On Feb. 15, two of hip-hop’s biggest stars at the turn of the century, Ja Rule and Ashanti, perform at the venue. Though Ja Rule’s recent releases have not troubled the charts, his first six albums, circa 1999–2004, were all top-10 smashes, establishing himself as a major music force. Meanwhile, singer Ashanti also scored heavily in the same time frame, including a No. 1 smash hit in 2001 alongside Ja Rule, “Always On Time.” Fans of modern hip-hop won’t want to miss this team up by two of the genre’s biggest stars of the past decade. Ja Rule & Ashanti: Friday, Feb. 15 at SOMA, 3350 Sports Arena Blvd. 8 p.m. All ages. somasandiego.com. Garage rock doesn’t come much better than the debut, self-titled album by the Hiroshima Mockingbirds. Appearing at the 710 Beach Club on Feb. 16, the band is an explosive force live, with a set list full of originals that hit the mark. These are classic “singles” styled tracks, packed with energy, melody and power chords, as heard on songs such as “Radio Free,” and album opener “Shot.” Hiroshima Mockingbirds: Saturday, Feb. 16 at the 710 Beach Club, 710 Garnet Ave. 9 p.m. 21 and up. 710bc.com. Swing dancers won’t want to miss an impressive double bill at Tio Leo’s on Feb. 16, consisting of Los Angeles-based group, The Rhythm Shakers and San Diego’s own Sleepwalkers. The latter is well known for their cumbia laden sets, but The Rhythm Shakers, featuring singer Marlene Perez, are also impressive with plenty of songs in their set custom built for dancing. Their latest album, “Panic,” is well worth hearing, but be sure to check them out live, where their energy drives their rock-a-billy and blues tunes. The Rhythm Shakers are a band that will have your toes tapping from the first song. The Rhythm Shakers: Saturday, Feb. 16 at Tio Leo’s, 5302 Napa St. 9 p.m. 21 and up. tioleos.com.
