One of the most acclaimed music programs in San Diego, at Mission Bay High School, ends the year on Dec. 16 at Gelson’s Market with a special Christmas-themed performance from the school’s Swing Choir. Conducted by MBHS music director, JP Balmat, the music, featuring a host of evergreen tunes, such as “Winter Wonderland,” will take place from 4 to 4:45 p.m., offering a brief respite from the madness of the holiday shopping season, while also showcasing the wonderful talent being fostered at Mission Bay. Mission Bay High School Swing Choir: Saturday, Dec. 16, at Gelson’s Market, 730 Turquoise St. 4 to 4:45 p.m. Jazz fans who want a dose of holiday spirit will want to check out The Brad Steinwehe Jazz Orchestra as they present “A Big Band Christmas” at Dizzy’s on Dec. 19. Trumpeter Steinwehe has released numerous albums since his late-1980s recording debut at SDSU, having since played with a host of artists, in varied styles, from smooth jazz with saxophonist Bradley Leighton to 1920s Tin Pan Alley tunes with troubadour Gregory Page. However, it’s as leader of this big band that he truly lets loose, with the musical interplay of the various instruments part of the fun.
The Brad Steinwehe Jazz Orchestra: Tuesday, Dec. 19, at Dizzy’s at Arias Hall, 1717 Morena Blvd. 8 p.m. dizzysjazz.com. Tio Leo’s is hosting a new monthly series, San Diego Live. Next taking place on Dec. 20, the event will showcase a featured band playing two sets, with acoustic performers playing before and at intermission. This month’s group will be Fuzzy Rankins and the Blues Band, one of the area’s top acts, who will be representing San Diego in the International Blues Challenge taking place in Memphis on Jan. 17. With additional sets from John January and Linda Berry, Matthew Phillips, The Dave Humphries Trio, Tennessee Tina – and more – this show is a great way to take in a variety of the area’s top talent in one go, with the show’s early start and end time a big plus for a mid-week show.
San Diego Live: Wednesday Dec. 20 at Tio Leo’s, 5302 Napa St. 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. 21 and up. tioleos.com. Plenty of bands have a touch of spectacle in their performances, but few can compare to a concert by hard rock combo Green Jelly. Appearing at Brick by Brick on Dec. 22, the band is touring in advance of their upcoming album, “Garbage Band Kids,” their sixth since their 1981 debut, but their premise remains the same: a manic performance full of costumes, puppets and props giving their shows the appearance of a live cartoon with a heavy metal soundtrack. While fans will welcome the new material, expect the night’s biggest cheers to be for the band’s 1992 hit, “Three Little Pigs.”
Green Jelly: Friday, Dec. 22, at Brick by Brick, 1130 Buenos Ave. 8 p.m. 21 and up. $22. brickbybrick.com. Featuring three members of the Turner Family, indie rock quartet Rhythm & The Method perform at the 710 Beach Club on Dec. 22. The band excels at socially conscious music with a message, mixing in blues and late 1960s psychedelic rock influences. The band’s originals are all worth hearing, with the band wearing their influences on their sleeves, via their choice of covers from the likes of the Beatles and the Stones. The band includes lead singer and drummer Rhythm Turner, rhythm guitarist Papa Shawn Turner and lead guitarist Evan Turner, with bassist Laura Payne; all solid musicians, but Rhythm in particular is a standout, with a soulful voice and inspired drum, as well as guitar playing. Rhythm & The Method: Friday, Dec. 22, at the 710 Beach Club, 710 Garnet Ave. 9 p.m. 21 and up. 710bc.com. There are usually no entertainment options on Christmas day, but this year early risers can enjoy music from singer Stellita with their brunch at Humphrey’s Backstage Live. Stellita performs with various combos around town including Detroit Underground, but here takes the stage in duo format. Whichever combo you hear her in, Stellita never fails to impress, her soaring soulful voice is perfect for terrific versions of jazz and R&B classics, ranging from classic Motown to Sade. With its mix of dockside scenery and Stellita’s crowd pleasing soundtrack, this brunch is a great way to kick off the week heading into New Years. Stellita: Monday, Dec. 25, at Humphrey’s Backstage Live, 2241 Shelter Island Drive. 10 a.m. humphreysbackstagelive.com.