Sprung Monkey, one of San Diego’s best rock bands, is heading out on a two-week tour beginning Feb. 29, but local fans can catch a rare warm-up show on Feb. 18 at Brick by Brick. Formed in 1991, the band has appeared in projects as diverse as TV’s “Buffy The Vampire Slayer” and the action-sports film “Gravity: Bikes.” Though the band hasn’t released new music in years, it retains a fervent fan base drawn by intense manic performances and hits like “Get ‘Em Out Of Here.” • Sprung Monkey performs at 8 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 18, at Brick by Brick, 1130 Buenos Ave. 21 and up. $12. www.brickbybrick.com While there are tribute bands feting just about every act out there, there are few acts whose music is as hard to recreate as that of Rush. The Canadian rockers have been known for their virtuoso performances since their 1968 debut, with drummer Neil Peart being the particular standout. While Rush has long since outgrown clubs, on Feb. 24, the 710 Beach Club hosts Rush’d, possibly the next best thing to the superstar group. Whether you’re a fan of the band or just love technical proficiency in musicianship, this should be an impressive show. • Rush’d performs at 9 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 24 at the 710 Beach Club, 710 Garnet Ave. 21 and up. Cover TBD. www.710bc.com The Nards may be just about the perfect bar band. Performing on Feb. 25 at The Tiki House, the band is fronted by guitarist Rick Wilkins, best known for his work with such notables as Sara Petite and the Outriders. The band has a slew of originals that mix elements of punk, country, rock and all the basics. But it’s their encyclopedic range of covers that makes them such crowd pleasers. Equally comfortable with Pink Floyd’s “Breathe” or the Steve Miller Band’s “Joker,” the band is clearly having fun on stage — and it’s contagious. • The Nards perform at 9 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 25 at The Tiki House, 1152 Garnet Ave. Cover TBD. 21 and up. www.myspace.com/thenardsrock Chris Leyva’s latest recording, “1957,” takes him back to the roots of rock ’n’ roll. An all-covers project, songs include such evergreens as “Johnny B Goode,” “Twist & Shout” and “Money” with Leyva ably backed by a four-piece group. On Feb. 25, Leyva performs during a special CD-release show at The Griffin. While these tunes have been played a million times before, Leyva and his crew play them with a passion that shows why they have remained favorites through the decades. • Chris Leyva performs at 9 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 25 at The Griffin, 1310 Morena Blvd. 21 and up. $5. www.thegriffinsd.com Music may not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of the PB Farmers Market, but the event hosts worthy performers each week. On Feb. 28, the Mission Bay High School-based student group The Preservationists will perform. As the name implies, the award-winning combo is devoted to the sounds of early jazz, under the guidance of MBHS musical director JP Balmat, with a penchant for Dixieland. With its mix of sunshine, food and music, The PB Farmers Market is a feast for the eyes, ears and tastebuds. • The Preservationists perform from 2 to 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 28 at the PB Farmers Market, 901 Garnet Ave. All ages. No cost. www.missionbaymusic.com