Superunloader, which performs at the Tiki House on Aug. 20, is considered an alternative rock and blues trio, and is sometimes called a jam band — but they are so much more. Band members cite early influences such as Rush, Jimi Hendrix and King Crimson, putting their emphasis on the musiciality and lyrics, but fans of Yes and Zappa will also applaud the endless guitar and bass runs, temp shifts and mood changes. At times, it sounds like all three instruments are soloing, yet they all fit seamlessly. The band is at home with acoustic sets, but where they truly shine is with its full electric sound, such as this Tiki House show. The band has released four albums to date. Impressive as they are, this is a band that has to be experienced live to get the full effect. Superunloader: 9 p.m., Friday, Aug. 20 at The Tiki House, 1152 Garnet Avenue. Cover TBD. 21 and up. www.myspace.com/ Steph Johnson, who performs at Tango Del Ray on Aug. 20, is one of the most gifted musicians to call San Diego home. Her latest album, “Mysterious Feminine,” has been nominated for a 2010 San Diego Music Award in the category of Best Jazz Album, but her songs hit a wide spectrum of influences. Musically difficult to pigeonhole, her songs touch on R&B, soul, pop, jazz and blues — all for a smooth, danceable sound. Her best cut is likely “Hiya Hiya,” a classic-sounding soul tune with one of the best matches of chorus to groove since the 1970s heyday of Gamble and Huff. But Johnson is an engaging performer no matter what type of tune she or her excellent band might play. Steph Johnson: 7:30 p.m., Friday, Aug. 20 at Tango Del Rey, 3567 Del Rey St. All ages. Cover TBD. www.myspace.com/stephjohnsonband Anyone who misses good old rock ’n’ roll — that is, great, driving songs without the glitter, hype and bombast — should be sure to check out Dirty Sweet, which performs at Soundwave on Aug. 21. Mixing up blues, Americana influences and classic rock in equal doses, Dirty Sweet delivers like few others with a set that’s rarely less-than-inspired. Touring behind its latest album “American Spiritual,” the band will appeal to fans of the Black Crowes or Southern rock in general, but this is an excellent band whose music stands on its own and deserves a much wider audience. Dirty Sweet : 8 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 21 at Soundwave, 3125 Oceanfront Walk. $12. 21 and up. www.myspace.com/dirtysweetmusic Hailing from New York, rockabilly/swing quintet Izzy & The Kesstronics, which appears at O’Connell’s on Aug. 22, technically falls under the retro tag, but this is no mere fond look at the ’50s. In town to play a wedding, the band is performing this one-off show with a lineup that boasts the lead guitar work of Grizzly Izzy Zaidman, best known for his work with Wayne Hancock. The band’s blistering, manic tunes, are custom-made for the dance floor, but anyone who enjoys vintage-era music with a touch of punk energy won’t want to miss a second of their set. Izzy & The Kesstronics: 9 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 22 at O’Connell’s, 1310 Morena Blvd. 21 and up. Cover TBD. www.myspace.com/izzyandthekesstronics Though record stores are allegedly on the way out — at least in San Diego — some are still thriving, with at least eight doing business in the area. While it might be easier to get a tune over the Internet, nothing can replace the thrill of unexpected musical discoveries, the meeting of like-minded fans in person or, especially, the in-store performances. For hip-hop fans, the top spot is still Access Music in Pacific Beach, which hosts performers from all over the U.S. for short promo sets. Among them is St. Paul, Minn.-based Kristoff Krane, who appears on Sept. 1. Krane’s sound is an interesting combination of hip-hop and rap, mixed with more traditional jazz, pop and soul singing, as well as dialogue samples, that plays like a cross between Big Audio Dynamite and Stereo MC’s. Currently in the midst of a tour that stops in later that night at the Kava Lounge, whether you are a fan of new artists or simply a music fan on a budget, this set from Krane is worth checking out. Kristoff Krane: 5 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 1 at Access Music, 1537 Garnet Ave. All Ages. No cover. www.myspace.com/kristoffkrane