Thrash metal rockers Flotsam and Jetsam perform at Brick by Brick on Dec. 17. Formed in Arizona circa 1981, the band hasn’t released a new album since 2012, but for their legion of fans, the draw is on their loud, abrasive early works such as Doomsday for the Deceiver.
It’s been more than 30 years since the band first hit club stages, but they’ve lost none of their manic attack. This is no pop-edged glam band but instead a loud, fast-driving band that doesn’t know the word “subtle.” Anyone looking for an adrenaline charged night out need look no further. Flotsam and Jetsam: Thursday, Dec. 17 at Brick by Brick, 1130 Buenos Ave. 8 p.m. 21 and up. www.brickbybrick.com One of the most beloved musicians in San Diego history, Joey Harris, performs at Tio Leo’s on Dec. 19. He’s been a Beat Farmer and even backed the likes of John Stewart, but Harris is at his best when he’s the sole frontman, with a slew of terrific songs to back him up. This performance is billed as an “and friends” show, meaning audience members can expect a Who’s Who of local rockers to stop by and join in the fun. Harris never delivers less than 200 percent, making this show the perfect pre-Christmas pick-me-up. Joey Harris: Saturday, Dec. 19 at Tio Leo’s, 5302 Napa St. 9 p.m. Ages 21 and up. Cover is TBD. www.tioleos.com. Jazz fans won’t want to miss a special show at Dizzy’s on December 27, featuring pianist Paul Keeling, touring behind a new release, “Instant Lights,” and bassist Rob Thorsen. The pair will perform an evening of interactive, dynamic and open-ended improvisational exploration. Though both are master virtuoso musicians, Thorsen has been a lynchpin of the local music community as both teacher and performer. You can see him onstage most often with chanteuse Steph Johnson, but he’s also performed with everyone from Charles McPherson to Mike Wofford, known as one of the finest bassists to ever call San Diego home. Paul Keeling & Rob Thorsen: Saturday, Dec. 27, at Dizzy’s, 4275 Mission Bay Drive. 8 p.m. www.dizzysjazz.com. R&B seems to be taking San Diego clubs by storm in recent months, as a new generation discovers the sweet sounds of soul and the dance beats of rhythm and blues. One excellent spot to take in old school sounds is Humphrey’s Backstage Live, where Debora Galan will perform on Dec. 30. Galan has a superb voice, perfect for standards or Motown, as well as songs by the likes of Gloria Gaynor, Patrice Rushen and Earth, Wind & Fire, all tunes meant to keep Humphrey’s dance floor packed. Whether you go for dancing or listening, Galan is a real talent, well worth checking out – all you need to hear is her rendition of “At Last” to know she is the real deal. Debora Galan: Wednesday, Dec. 30 at Humphrey’s Backstage Live, 2241 Shelter Island Drive. 7 p.m. humphreysbackstagelive.com. Anyone looking for a classy good time on New Year’s eve may want to head to the Kona Kai Resort. It’s the biggest party night of the year, and the Resort is bringing in one of the town’s best and longest running musical jukeboxes, classic rock favorites, Fish & The Seaweeds. Led by guitarist Mark Fisher, they’re a terrific combo that’s adept at everything from The Beatles to Santana, set to perform the perfect soundtrack to a night at the scenic resort, with dancing just feet from the water and spectacular views from their round bar. Fish & The Seaweeds: Thursday, Dec. 31 at the Kona Kai Resort, 1551 Shelter Island Drive. 9 p.m. www.resortkonakai.com. It’s been said that reggae is the sound of San Diego’s beach area, so it’s only natural that the 710 Beach Club host a two-band event on New Year’s eve. Music fans will get sets from multiple San Diego Music Award winners The Devastators as well as up-and-comers SM Familia for a full night of reggae, dub and the occasional touch of funk. The bands have released numerous albums well worth hearing, but it’s when they play live that they truly excel, transforming any location into an instant party, all adding up to this show being a great way to ring in 2016. The Devastators: Thursday, Dec. 31 at the 710 Beach Club, 710 Garnet Ave. 9 p.m. 21 and up. www.710bc.com.
