Helmed by frontman Matt Molarius and guitarist Jason Cardenas, indie rock quartet Transfer is perennially on the road. Just back from a U.K. road trip with Killers frontman Brandon Flowers, playing such legendary venues as Brixton Academy, the group is already heading out again. They kick off another tour of the U.S. and Canada at the Wavehouse on Nov. 20. Three-time San Diego Music Award winners, most recently a 2010 trophy for their album “Future Selves,” the band’s atmospheric rock sound is catching on thanks to their road work. There is lots of great music coming out of San Diego at the moment, but few bands currently show the promise of breaking nationwide like these four musicians. Transfer: Saturday, Nov. 20 at the Wave House, 3125 Oceanfront Walk. $13. 8 p.m. 21 and up. www.myspace.com/transferband An off/on duo since the mid-1970s, saxophonist Phillip Johnston and pianist Joel Forrester are best known as the co-leaders of jazz group The Microscopic Septet, who provided NPR program “Fresh Air” with its theme song. On Nov. 21, the pair stop in at Tango Del Rey to promote a new album, “Friday The 13th: The Micros Play Monk,” an album devoted to the music of pianist Thelonius Monk. A West Coast appearance from these performers is a rare event which jazz aficionados won’t want to miss. Philip Johnston and Joel Forrester: Sunday, Nov. 21 at Tango Del Rey, 3567 Del Rey St. Cover TBD. 8 p.m. All ages. http://www.myspace.com/phillipjohnston88 The Gone ‘til November tour, featuring Seattle rapper JFK, Phoenix- based trio The Insects and Colorado hip-hop collective Black Mask, stops in at Access Music on Nov. 21. Top of the bill, JFK, better known as Ninjaface of duo Grayskul, recently released a solo album, “Building Wings On The Way Down,” which includes an impressive recasting of the Pharcyde’s “Passin Me,” but this is a solid bill all around. If you are a hip-hop fan, this show is easily one of the month’s highlights. JFK aka Ninjaface: Sunday, Nov. 21, 2 p.m., at Access Music, 1537 Garnet Ave. Free. All ages. www.myspace.com/jfkakaninjaface
