Stephanie Quayle comes to Moonshine Beach for a two-night stand on March 22–23. Recently named one of CMT’s “Next Women Of Country” Class of 2019, Quayle is currently touring behind her new single, “If I Was A Cowboy.” Well on her way to national stardom, she’s already made her Grand Ol’ Opry debut and has a set list full of modern country tunes, that are as radio friendly as it gets. Quayle has a touch of soul in her vocals giving tunes such as “Selfish” a nice melodic edge. From the attention her new single is getting it’s clear she’ll be headlining much bigger stages soon.
Stephanie Quayle: Friday-Saturday, March 22-23 at Moonshine Beach, 1165 Garnet Ave., 9 p.m. moonshinebeachsd.com. Fresh off her win for “Best Blues” at this year’s San Diego Music Awards, singer Casey Hensley performs at Humphreys backstage Live on March 25. Hensley is a powerhouse vocalist, with a voice that can go zero to 60 in a heartbeat. She can croon with the best of them, but her forte is rockin’ blues shouters, perfect for filling dance floors. Hensley is currently in the studio finishing up her sophomore album, but live is where the magic happens and where Hensley, as well as her backing band, really let loose.
Casey Hensley: Monday, March 25, Humphrey’s Backstage Live, 2241 Shelter Island Drive. 7 p.m. humphreysbackstagelive.com. Anyone looking for a mid-week pick me up will want to check out Israel Maldonado on March 27 at the Duck Dive. Singing in both Spanish and English, playing his signature nylon stringed guitar, Maldonado’s Latin-tinged tunes are compelling and engaging, while his picking style, especially when backed by his looping pedals is inspired. With a repertoire that includes Latin standards such as “Samba Pa Ti” and pop hits like “How Deep Is Your Love,” Maldonado offers up something for just about every musical taste.
Israel Maldonado: Wednesday, March 27 at The Duck Dive, 4650 Mission Blvd. 7 p.m. All ages. theduckdive.com. Mission Bay High School’s acclaimed student band, The Preservationists, alongside music director JP Balmat, will travel to Japan in April for a series of performances. In order to help students with expenses, a concert featuring jazz bassist Rob Thorsen will take place on March 28 at the Japanese Friendship Garden in Balboa Park. Thorsen is one of the lynchpins of San Diego’s music community, a gifted teacher, composer and artist, playing with a who’s who of top-tier talent from Steph Johnson to Gilbert Castellanos.
Rob Thorsen: Thursday, March 28 at Inamori Pavilion, Japanese Friendship Garden, 2215 Pan American Road E., Balboa Park. 7 p.m. moonshinebeachsd.com. For heavy metal fans there is no bigger annual event then the Wacken Open Air Festival in Wacken, Germany. Now in its 29th edition, this year’s sold out festival takes place Aug. 1-3, and has an opportunity for new talent, with a world-wide battle of the bands selecting the winner. On March 30, Brick by Brick will feature round one, with a lineup that includes Beekeeper, Convent, Manic, Nightshadow, Killing Tyranny and Vuture. Anyone who enjoys their rock ‘n’ roll loud, fast and manic, will want to check out this gathering of new talent and help move their favorite band closer to a chance at the festival stardom.
Wacken Battle of the Bands: Saturday, March 30, at Brick by Brick, 1130 Buenos Ave. 8 p.m. 21 and up. brickbybrick.com. One of the biggest music names of the 1960s folk boom, Noel Paul Stookey, performs a special afternoon concert at Dizzy’s on March 31. As part of Peter, Paul & Mary, Stookey scored a dozen Top 40 hits, including such classics as “Leaving On A Jet Plane” and “Puff the Magic Dragon,” while his solo career has seen him pen the evergreen “Wedding Song.” At 81, Stookey is still going strong, releasing his latest album, “Something Special,” just a few months ago and continuing to tour regularly. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear a true music legend. Noel Paul Stookey: Sunday, March 31, at Dizzy’s at Arias Hall, 1717 Morena Blvd. 3 p.m. dizzysjazz.com.
