Hernandez and James
Dec. 9
Although there has long been a blues scene in San Diego, it’s only recently that it has begun to make an impact on a national level. A large part of that can be attributed to the team of Ben Hernandez and Nathan James, who perform at Dizzy’s, Second Avenue and J Street, on Dec. 9. The acoustic duo has captured the attention of blues lovers with terrific originals, winning first place in the 2007 International Blues Challenge held in Memphis. This show is a CD release event for their latest album, “Hollerin’,” and takes place on the eve of a short tour of Taiwan. It’s clear from their upward career trajectory that they may currently be hometown heroes, but the rest of the music world is catching on fast.
Etta James Dec. 14
Best known for her 1961 hit, “At Last,” there are few blues acts that can equal the legendary status of Etta James, who performs at 4th & B, 345 B St., on Dec. 14. Inducted into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame in 1993, James’ brassy vocals have cast a shadow over the music world for the past five decades. While her best known work is decades old, she continues to record excellent new music, including her most recent album, 2006’s “All the Way.” A thrilling live performer, this show will mix her hits with newer material for a performance that promises to be nothing short of incendiary.
Melissa Vaughn Dec. 15
Anyone looking for softer sounds would do well to investigate Melissa Vaughn, who appears at Borders Books and Music, 668 6th Ave., on Dec. 15. With tunes that nestle somewhere between Norah Jones and Carole King, Vaughn’s piano-based music will resonate with the romantically inclined. Matching a plaintive voice with a keen sense of melody, Vaughn should easily break out of the overcrowded local singer-songwriter scene. This stop at the bookstore’s café should just be a stop on the way to something bigger.
The Egyptian Lover
Dec. 20
Hip-hop fans will be in for a special treat on Dec. 20 when ’80s favorite The Egyptian Lover performs at the Kava Lounge, 2812 Kettner Blvd. The intimate venue will be a great setting to catch turntable hits such as 1984’s “Egypt, Egypt” and “Girls,” but make sure to get there early. This show will be a guranteed sell out.
Dirty Sweet
Dec. 21 and 22
There are few acts that could pack The Casbah, 2501 Kettner Blvd., on a single night, let alone two, but Dirty Sweet is not your average rock band. Appearing at the club Dec. 21 and 22, the quintet takes classic rock sounds and infuses them with their own brand of swagger. Winners of both “Best Rock Band” and “Best Rock Album” at the 2007 San Diego Music Awards, the group’s 2006 CD “Of Monarchs and Beggars” will make even the most jaded rock fan tap their feet and smile. However, to take in Dirty Sweet’s music full force, they have to be experienced live. These two shows, before what will likely be a fervent crowd, should convince anyone that the future of rock ‘n’ roll is in good hands with these lads.
KC and The Sunshine Band Dec. 29
It’s true that much of the music that graced the airwaves during the 1970’s has dated, but KC and The Sunshine Band are timeless. Appearing at 4th & B on Dec. 29, the 15-piece band’s mix of funk, R&B and disco remains as dance-worthy as ever. The group has recently released a new disc, “Yummy,” but the emphasis will be on their crowd-pleasing favorites. Rest assured that with hits including “Get Down Tonight,” “That’s The Way (I Like It)” and “Shake Your Booty,” the urge to shake your groove thing will be irresistible.
Tell Mama Dec. 31
New Year’s eve will have no shortage of possibilities for music fans, but one of the best will be Tell Mama at Patrick’s II, 428 F St. Based around the stellar guitar playing of Heine Anderson, formerly with Earl Thomas and Candye Kane, and his wife Missy, the band excels at soul, funk and blues, the perfect party music for ending the year.