Moonshine Beach has established itself as one of San Diego’s premier locations to hear country music, but a new weekly showcase, Summer Sundays, shows the nightspot branching out a little. Every Sunday evening through Sept. 2, Moonshine Beach will feature tribute or cover bands, with Boombox Heroes set for June 17. Their theme song is a recast version of Foreigner’s “Jukebox Hero” and it’s an apt description of this fun band’s repertoire, which covers everything from “Don’t’ Stop Believin’” to “Uptown Fun.”
Boombox Heroes: Sunday, June 17 at Moonshine Beach, 1165 Garnet Ave., 9 p.m. moonshinebeachsd.com. Guitarist Israel Maldonado performs at the Duck Dive on June 20. A gifted player, Maldonado plays a mix of Latin-tinged tunes, hook-filled originals and classic covers by the likes of Santana and Bob Marley. But Maldonado is no mere background music, his is world-class playing befitting a concert stage. Maldonado plays with various size combos and in different formats, but it’s at solo shows such as these where his pure talent stands out. Israel Maldonado: Wednesday, June 20 at The Duck Dive, 4650 Mission Blvd. 7 p.m. All ages. theduckdive.com. Music fans that only know Robin Henkel through his acoustic blues performances will want to check out his appearance with a backing band at Dizzy’s on June 22. Billed as “with horns,” Henkel will be joined by a full band, complete with three-piece horn section for a night of inspired blues and jazz originals that swing. Henkel’s virtuoso guitar playing and slide work will be at the forefront, but the band is given the opportunity to shine as well, with ace work from bassist Jodie Hill. Robin Henkel with Horns: Friday, June 22 at Dizzy’s at Arias Hall, 1717 Morena Blvd. 8 p.m. dizzysjazz.com. Monthly music showcase San Diego Live returns to Tio Leo’s on June 20 for a show topped by The Farmers. Led by guitarist Jerry Raney, the band, in various incarnations, has been delivering hard-driving barroom rock ‘n’ roll for decades, with no signs of slowing down. It’s an all-star line-up with Joel Kmak (drums) and Chris Sullivan (bass) rounding out the band and a set list of road-tested tunes meant to keep the dance floor hopping. These guys have been at the top of the San Diego music scene for decades, and even took home the 2018 trophy for “Best Rock Band” at this year’s San Diego Music Awards.
The Farmer’s: Wednesday, June 20 at Tio Leo’s, 5302 Napa St. 7 p.m. 21 and up. Cover TBD. tioleos.com. Humphrey’s Backstage Live continues its great run of jazz shows with two performances from British band, Acoustic Alchemy. The band still features guitarist Greg Carmichael, who has been with the band since the release of their first album, “Red Dust and Spanish Lace” (1987). No new music has been issued since 2011, but all the elements that initially brought them into the spotlight are still in place, perfect for anyone who enjoys virtuoso guitar work and smooth jazz rhythms. Acoustic Alchemy: Sunday, June 24 at Humphrey’s Backstage Live, 2241 Shelter Island Drive. 6:30 & 8:30 p.m. humphreysbackstagelive.com. Hard rock singer Ronnie James Dio passed away in 2010, however his music continues to resonate with fans in a major way. He will be touring via hologram later this year, but in the meantime, a group of his former backing musicians, Dio Disciples, will be performing at Brick by Brick on June 27. The quintet was originally formed to exclusively play music from throughout Dio’s career, which included stints with Black Sabbath and Rainbow. Though they are now working on an album of original music, their focus at concerts remains on vintage rock classics. Dio Disciples: Wednesday, June 27 at Brick by Brick, 1130 Buenos Ave. 8 p.m. 21 and up. brickbybrick.com.
