Swing fans won’t want to miss Swedish sensation Gunhild Carling appearing at Tio Leo’s for two dates, on Jan. 3 (8 p.m.) and Jan. 6 (1 p.m.), her only two Southern California dates on this tour While Carling is a terrific singer and horn player, in truth she is more of an all around entertainer, in the classic sense of the phrase. In concert Carling pulls out all the stops, with a show that includes dancing, witty banter and even features her playing three trumpets at the same time. The good time playing is matched by virtuoso musicianship all adding up to a show thats both entertaining and sure to keep the dance floor packed.
Gunhild Carling : Thursday, Jan. 3 (8 p.m.) and Sunday, Jan. 6 (1 p.m.) at Tio Leo’s, 5302 Napa St. 21 and up. tioleos.com There are plenty of good tribute bands, but the truly special ones not only sound like the real thing, they match the look as well. Such is the case with Santanaways, who perform at Tio Leo’s on Dec. 29. The key to the band is guitarist Benito Meschoulam, who not only plays guitar with the same technique as Carlos Santana, but could pass as his twin. The bands set includes all the hits from “Black Magic Woman” to “Smooth,” with a few deep cuts in the mix for die hard fans. Fans of classic or Latin rock will love Santanaways.
Santanaways: Saturday, Dec. 29 at Tio Leo’s, 5302 Napa St. 9 p.m.21 and up. tioleos.com Nashville based country artist Jerry Jacobs performs at Moonshine Beach on New Years Eve. Jacobs will soundtrack the party with a mix of cover tunes and original music that walks the line between modern country and rock/pop. Jacobs recently scored a hit on the Itunes chart with the title track from his latest album, “Carolina Tonight,” but that’s just the tip of the ice berg with Jacobs when it comes to radio friendly tunes. Songs such as “Read Between The Limes” are as catchy as they come, with melodies you’ll be humming along to in seconds.
Jerry Jacobs: Monday, Dec. 31 at Moonshine Beach, 165 Garnet Ave., 8 p.m. moonshinebeachsd.com. One of the more scenic New Years Eve parties will be at the Kona Kai Resort, with music from long time area favorties, Modern Day Moonshine. The trio plays a blend of blues, rock and funk as well as a touch of reggae, but where they really excel is on thier soul inflected original songs such as “All I Need,” which hits all the touchstones of classic seventies tunes, right down to the falsetto vocals. Modern Day Moonshine’s music has cross genre appeal and will make an excellent soundtrack for ringing in the New Year. Modern Day Moonshine: Monday, Dec. 31 at The Kona Kai, 1551 Shelter Island Drive, 9:30 p.m. resortkonakai.com. Powerhouse blues vocalist Casey Hensley performs at Humphrey’s Backstage Live on Jan. 1. Backed by a top flight band, Hensley can croon or shout as the song dictates and, as heard on her recent debut live album, can really work a crowd. Already a festival favorite stateside, Hensley is fast drawing International attention. Her pending second album, this time a studio effort, should help establish her as a major talent. If you like to swing dance or just enjoy a night of rockin’ tunes, Hensley’s music is a great way to kick off 2019. Casey Hensley: Tuesday, Jan. 1 at Humphrey’s Backstage Live, 2241 Shelter Island Drive. 7 p.m. humphreysbackstagelive.com. Flautist Lori Bell performs a special afternoon concert, featuring music from her album “Brooklyn Dreams,” at Dizzy’s on Jan. 6. Released in 2016, “Brooklyn Dreams” received international acclaim, and was cited in numerous year end “Best Of” lists, including those of Downbeat Magazine and The Huffington Post. The accolades are well deserved, these are wonderfully well crafted instrumental tunes with plenty of melody and moods in thier structure. Backed by a band that includes pianist Joshua White, bassist Rob Thorsen and drummer Duncan Moore, jazz or soundtrack fans will love every second of Bell’s performance.
Lori Bell: Sunday, Jan. 6, at Dizzy’s at Arias Hall, 1717 Morena Blvd. 3 p.m. dizzysjazz.com.