There are many world music groups based in Southern California, but few can get a crowd going like Skelpin, which performs at Hennessey’s tonight, March 4. Although considered to be a Celtic group, this five-piece combo, led by fiery fiddler Patric Petrie and manic multi-instrumentalist Tim Foley, adds up to much more. Indeed, taking a mix of music that includes Celtic influences as well as Flamenco guitar, traditional folk and even occasional pop overtones, Skelpin has come up with a unique sound that’s both rousing and melodic as heck. With a growing fan base across the U.S. and successful forays into the Far East, Skelpin’s music looks poised to explode on an international level. Skelpin: Tonight, March 4, 9 p.m. at Hennessey’s, 4605 Mission Blvd. 21 and up. Cover TBD. www.myspace.com/skelpin While original hip-hop appears at times to be all but invisible in San Diego, for aficionados in the know there is a thriving underground scene that’s both exciting and vital. Case in point is the five-act showcase at Brick by Brick tonight. Topped by East Coast-based A&E Feat. Masta Ace & Edo G, the bill also includes locals Mr. Brady of San Diego Music Award winners Deep Rooted, trio Broken Dreams and Bread & Butter, as well as Los Angeles rap duo Zoolay. The evenings soundtrack will be provided by D.J.s Steven Flex, J. Blow, Pound & Timeless. Mr. Brady is a particular stand out, with a new album just out, Left Overs Volume 2, but if you are a fan of cutting edge hip-hop, this show shouldn’t be passed up. A&E Feat. Masta Ace & Edo G: Tonight, March 4, 8:30 p.m. at Brick by Brick, 1130 Buenos Ave. 21 and up. $15. www.brickbybrick.com Blues shouter Candye Kane may have had major cancer surgery less than two years ago, but you wouldn’t know it from her schedule. Already one of America’s hardest working musicians, since her recovery, Kane has redoubled her efforts on a seemingly never ending tour. Currently promoting her newest album “Superhero,” the next few months see her returning to Holland, Norway, Lithuania and Canada, as well as several trips around the U.S. In the meantime, Kane is filling what little down time she has been performing with Skip Heller’s Jazz Trio, who appear at Tango Del Rey tomorrow, March 5. The new setting for her powerhouse voice will thrill long time fans, but anyone who likes classic, Blue Note-styled tunes, won’t want to miss this performance. Candye Kane with the Skip Heller Jazz Trio: Friday, March 5, 8 p.m. at Tango Del Rey, 3567 Del Rey St. $10-$15. All ages. www.myspace.com/candyekane Mixing originals with an eclectic batch of covers, Big Fat Soul, which performs at RT’s Longboard on March 6, provide the perfect musical accompaniment for a Saturday night. The band is all about groove, whether on renditions of chestnuts such as “Ain’t No Sunshine” or reggae-inflected versions of new wave favorites like Elvis Costello’s “Watching The Detectives.” Varying the standard rock quartet line-up with the addition of keyboard and trombone, Big Fat Soul is able to venture into more varied material than the average bar band, resulting in a band whose music you’ll want to check out more than once. Big Fat Soul: Saturday, March 6, 10 p.m., RT’s Longboard, 1466 Garnet Ave. 21 and up.. www.myspace.com/bigfatsoul Inhabiting a space somewhere between Green Day and the Cramps, Crashing Marbles, who stage a CD release show at the 710 Beach Club on March 13, attack their version of rock ‘n’ roll with fervor. The night’s cover charge includes a complimentary copy of the band’s new album, “Pocket,” which shows the band to be adept at both turning out pop-edged punk with shout along choruses, and creating monster riffs and hooks. Crashing Marbles: Friday, March 13, 9 p.m. at 710 Beach Club, 710 Garnet Ave. 21 and up. $10. www.myspace.com/thecrashingmarbles.