Just when it seems like every possible musical gimmick has been done, along comes Metalachi, a combo that combines heavy metal with mariachi music. Metalachi includes costuming and traditional Mexican instruments like guitarron to perform recast versions of such classics as Ozzy Osbourne’s “Crazy Train” and Guns & Roses’ “Sweet Child of Mine.” The group is a lot of irreverent fun. Though this is a gimmick band, the inventive arrangements and skillful playing keep things interesting. • Metalachi performs at 8 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 17 at Brick by Brick, 1130 Buenos Ave. 21 and up. $12. www.brickbybrick.com Pioneers of the Los Angeles punk-rock scene, The Dickies were always about more than fast, aggressive songs, infusing a huge amount of humor and fun into their manic set lists. Whether cranking out speeded-up, irreverent versions of “Nights in White Satin” or originals like “Stukas over Disneyland,” the band excels at music that often sounds like the theme songs to the Saturday morning cartoons of alternate universes. After 30 years of playing the world’s stages, the band’s membership may have changed from time to time, but the band remains a benchmark for high-energy, high-quality punk rock. • The Dickies perform at 9 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 18 at The Griffin, 1310 Morena Blvd. 21 and up. $18. www.thegriffinsd.com The ukulele revival continues unabated. Fans of the four-stringed instrument will want to check out Sarah Maisel, who performs at Café-Bar Europa on Mondays. Accompanied by guitarist Kice Simko, Maisel performs a mix of originals and standards ranging from “A Foggy Day In London Town” to James Taylor’s evergreen “Carolina On My Mind,” all beautifully arranged for her plaintive voice. If you think an instrument that’s one step up from a child’s toy has musical limitations, Miasel will prove you wrong.??• Sarah Maisel performs at 7 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 20 and 27 at Café-Bar Europa, 873 Turqouise St. 21 and up. No cover. www.theturquoise.com/wordpress Rockabilly fans won’t want to miss The Tin Stars with Lil Esther, appearing at Tio Leo’s on Aug. 24. Based in Holland, Lil Esther is proof-positive of the universal nature of good music, with both band and singer turning out great tunes that slot in perfectly next to those of their vintage idols. Perfect for swing dancing, Lil Esther’s music will appeal to anyone who enjoys the classic twang and strum of 1950s rock ’n’ roll. • The Tin Stars with Lil Esther: 9 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 24 at Tio Leo’s, 5302 Napa St. 21 and up. Cover TBD. www.tioleos.com On Aug. 25, the 710 Beach Club will be the site of a time warp, taking San Diego’s hard-rock fans back to the 1980s with “Big Hair Rock Star Revival.” A total of six acts will take part, including OFU, a tribute to UFO; and Back 2 Black, a tribute to AC/DC. The highlight of the evening, however, will be the reunion of two vintage bands, Roxauf and Snakebyte, both playing for the first time in decades. If you are a fan of classic rock, this is the show for you. The temples may be graying, the waistline expanding, but the song remains the same. • “Big Hair Rock Star Revival” begins at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 25 at the 710 Beach Club, 710 Garnet Ave. 21 and up. www.710bc.com