Thankfully, there are quite a few good music programs in city schools, but nothing quite compares with that of Mission Bay High School. Under the direction of JP Balmat, the school’s program has seen its students touring and recording on a national level, with a trip to New Orleans and expansion of their choir and orchestra programs set for 2016. Of course, such programs need help with funding – so on Saturday, April 25, the school will host its annual fundraising event, Jazz on the Green. Starting at noon, listeners will be treated to performances from the Euphoria Brass Band, the MBHS Preservationists and Abstrack (a MBHS alumni jazz ensemble), with a closing set from the MBHS Jazz Ensemble. If you’re a music fan, this concert is a wonderful opportunity to take in great sounds while also helping make music education possible in our community. Peter Sprague
• Themed concert nights seem to be all the rage of late. Rarely less than interesting, when it’s the right mix of subject and performer, the evening can be magic. Such will be the case on April 23 at Dizzy’s, when guitarist Peter Sprague performs a special tribute concert dedicated to the music of Stevie Wonder. Sprague will be joined by keyboardist Geoffrey Keezer, vocalists Gillian Margot and Leonard Patton, drummer Duncan Moore and bassist Justin Grinnell, ensuring sterling musicianship, but with a possible set list that includes such standards as “My Cherie Amour,” “You Are The Sunshine of My Life” and “Sir Duke,” there is no way this show will be anything less than spectacular. Sunny Rude
• Reggae continues to be a major draw in PB and there is no doubt that Sunny Rude is one of the reasons. Appearing at the 710 Beach Club on April 24, the band’s mix of reggae and rock has won them a legion of fans, packing venues anywhere within a few miles of the ocean’s waves. The band hasn’t released an album since 2011’s “Rudimentary,” but no matter; it’s live where the excitement takes place – if you are into reggae, this four-piece combo is well worth spending a Friday night with. MUST HEAR THIS WEEK
-Jazz on the Green: noon Saturday, April 25 at Mission Bay High School, 2475 Grand Ave. All ages. $10. $5 students, children.
-Peter Sprague: 8 p.m. Thursday, April 23, at Dizzy’s, 4275 Mission Bay Drive. $20. www.dizzysjazz.com.
-Sunny Rude: 9 p.m. Friday, April 24, at the 710 Beach Club, 710 Garnet Ave. 21 and up. $5. www.710bc.com.
-Children of the Grave: 8 p.m. Saturday, April 25, at Brick by Brick, 1130 Buenos Ave. 21 and up. $10.
www.brickbybrick.com.
-City Lights: 9 p.m. Wednesday, April 30, at Humphrey’s Backstage Live, 2241 Shelter Island Drive, Shelter Island. $12.
www.humphreysbackstagelive.com. -The Sleepwalkers: 9 p.m. Tuesday, May 5, at Tio Leo’s, 5302 Napa St. 21 and up. Cover TBD. www.tioleos.com. Children of the Grave
• Classic rock aficionados won’t want to miss an appearance from Black Sabbath tribute band Children of the Grave, appearing at Brick by Brick on April 25. The band specializes in Sabbath’s mid-1970s era, with all their best known songs, from “Iron Man” to “Paranoid,” in the set.
The bands “Ozzy” sounds great, though he doesn’t look like Mr. Osbourne, but the other three band mates could pass as the real thing. Also on the bill is Rush tribute band, Y.Y. Zed, as well as a band making its debut, Time Machine. City Lights
• R&B or smooth jazz fans will want to check out City Lights, featuring guitarist Gilbert Ardilla, performing at Humphrey’s Backstage Live on April 30. The five-piece band’s music is perfect for a romantic evening out, with both male and female vocals on hits from the likes of Sade, Whitney Houston and Stevie Wonder as part of their set.
With the gorgeous waterfront scenery, City Lights, performance should please anyone on a date night or anyone who simply wants to dance the night away. • No, Cinco de Mayo is not Mexican Independence Day, but as a marketing excuse to party in May, it’s second to none. One of the best events this year will be at Tio Leo’s, with a performance from South Bay quartet, the Sleepwalkers. The band plays a wonderful mix of Mexican and American tunes, ranging from bluesy rock to cumbias, with a sound not unlike a less traditional Los Lobos. The Sleepwalker music is fun, adrenaline charged and very danceable, making this a wonderful alternative to the overcrowded bar scene on this day in nearby Old Town.