If there were an award for the longest-running group in San Diego, surely the Mission Bay High School Preservationists would be contenders. True, school age means a continual turnover, but generations of San Diegans have grown up enjoying the group’s music at events held around the city throughout the school year.
Led by director JP Balmat, the current edition of the Preservationists next performs on Oct. 3 at Pacific BeachFest. Make an effort to stop by and catch a few tunes from this jazz ensemble; you won’t be disappointed. It’s a testament to their talent that the band members will be regulars at the weekly Gilbert Castellanos-curated Young Lions concert series in Balboa Park at the Museum of Contemporary Art’s Panama 66, which runs through November. The Preservationists: Saturday, Oct. 3 at Pacific BeachFest, on the Boardwalk, between Thomas and Felspar. 4 p.m. All ages. No cover. missionbaymusic.com. Blues and jazz fans already know what a treasure Whitney Shay is. She can croon a torch song or belt out a blues shouter with the best of them, matched by a brassy stageside manner that charms and engages. Appearing at the Kona Kai Resort on Sept. 24, Shay will soundtrack one of the resort’s special craft beer nights, pairing dishes from chef Roy with the libations.
The music takes place on the Vessels Lounge patio, with a great view of marina, making for the week’s best date night. Whitney Shay: Thursday, Sept. 24 at the Kona Kai Resort, 1551 Shelter Island Drive, Shelter Island. 6 p.m. No cover. resortkonakai.com. On Sept. 26, Brick by Brick presents an inspired bill of ’60s-influenced music, featuring Jason Hanna & The Bullfighters, The Rosalyns and the Diddley Daddies.
All three groups are worth catching, the latter two being terrific garage rockers, but it’s trumpeter Jason Hanna and company who will most impress, with fresh takes on Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass classics such as “A Taste of Honey,” with full instrumentation, including vibes. Jason Hanna & The Bullfighters: Saturday, Sept. 26, at Brick by Brick, 1130 Buenos Ave. 8 p.m. 21 and up. $13. brickbybrick.com. Mixing elements of ’50s-era rockabilly, soul and R&B, Rip Carson and the Valiants, appearing at Tio Leo’s on Sept. 30, are the perfect antidote for the midweek blues. While dancing shoes aren’t required, dancing will be hard to resist – Carson’s energetic sound is perfect for swing dancers or just tapping toes. Rip Carson and The Valiants: Wednesday, Sept. 30 at Tio Leo’s, 5302 Napa St. 9 p.m. 21 and up. Cover TBD. tioleos.com. Running concurrent with Pacific BeachFest will be the Revolt Summer Surf Series Pro Am, kicking off at 8 a.m. Located on the south side of the Crystal Pier at the end of Garnet, music will begin at noon, with sets from Coastal Frequency, William Colton and the Mark Langford Band. The latter is particularly noteworthy, featuring Langford’s stellar fretwork. Originally the guitarist in rockers Bible Black, Langford is known today for his specialty of acoustic Spanish guitar, though for this show he will plug in for a classic rock sound. The Mark Langford Band, Saturday Oct. 3 at the RSSS Pro Am, Crystal Pier. 2 p.m. All ages. No cover. R&B dance band Detroit Underground, featuring singer Stellita, perform at Humphrey’s Backstage Live on Oct. 2. Long considered one of the top party bands in town, they are nominated in the category of Best Cover or Tribute Band at the 2015 San Diego Music Awards. Complete with horns and a deep set list that includes favorites from the likes of Earth, Wind & Fire, Rick James and even some Motown, Detroit Underground will have you groovin’ on the dance floor in no time at all. Detroit Underground: Friday, Oct. 2, at Humphrey’s Backstage Live, 2241 Shelter Island Drive, Shelter Island. 9 p.m. $12. humphreysbackstagelive.com.
