For music fans who want to get up-close-and-personal with their favorite local bands, there is probably no better location in San Diego than the Tiki House. With the music in the corner next to and — in some cases — on the pool table, a happening night can be hot, sweaty and crowded — exactly the right ingredients for tasty rock ’n’ roll. On Aug. 18, the bar hosts a set from classic rock cover band The Celebrities. Built around longtime local hero-guitarist Rick Harchol (The Voices, Outlaw Blood), the band plays evergreens like “Hot Legs” or more recent entries in the genre like “Are You Gonna Be My Girl” with real passion. Whether you’re reliving past glories or discovering this music for the first time, The Celebrities nail the sound and energy every time. The Celebrities perform at 9 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 18 at The Tiki House, 1152 Garnet Ave. Cover TBD. 21 and up. www.myspace.com/thecelebrities-band More than just a cover band, playing San Diego events from weddings to street fairs for the last 30 years, The Mar Dels have become a beloved local institution. Versatility is the key, and these seasoned vets, led by keyboardist Doug Allen, can just about do it all. The band’s specialty is 1950s and 1960s standards, but it also specializes with special sets of everything from instrumentals — like “One Step Beyond,” new wave with “Rock Lobster” or modern hits by Alicia Keys or No Doubt — and a lot of cool stuff in between. The phrase “something for just about everybody” is a cliché these days, but in the case of The Mar Dels, it’s absolutely true. The Mar Dels perform at 8 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 19, at Tango Del Rey, 3567 Del Rey St. $10. All ages. www.mardels.com With a set list that includes both The Meters’ “Sissy Strut” and the Sugarhill Gang’s “Rappers Delight,” it’s clear that the seven-piece Kingfish Turner Band’s biggest concern is filling the dance floor. What makes it work is the use of less-obvious songs by the likes of Boz Scaggs or Lou Rawls, tracks that are heavy on a 1970s groove. Appearing at Tio Leo’s on Aug. 20, The Kingfish Turner Band is the perfect night out for soul aficionados. Kingfish Turner Band performs at 9 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 20 at Tio Leo’s, 5302 Napa St. 21 and up. Cover TBD. www.urban-gypsys.com/kingfish.html Café-Bar Europa continues to expand its eclectic booking with the appearance of blues band Bad Habit on Aug. 20. Fans of modern blues will find much to their liking, particularly with the band’s deep knowledge of recent-era blues tunes, which have the four-piece band performing songs by the likes of Johnny Lang and Lou Ann Barton. However, what sets them apart is a wealth of original material that stands up against the covers in their set list. Bad Habit performs at 9 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 20 at Café-Bar Europa, 873 Turqouise St. 21 and up. www.theturquoise.com/wordpress www.thebadhabitband.com Containing one of the finest rhythm sections in San Diego, bassist Thomas Ward and drummer David Klowden, it would be hard for the Amandas to not be great. The six-piece band appears at Beaumont’s on Aug. 27, playing classic soul and R&B tunes like “You’re No Good” and recast rockers like “Sunshine of Your Love.” Featuring sultry singer and namesake Amanda Suter, the band has a retro vibe, but it really doesn’t matter what kind of music you like or what era you prefer. Anyone who likes good tunes, custom-made for dancing, needs look no further. The Amandas perform at 9 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 27 at Beaumont’s, 5662 La Jolla Blvd. www.beaumontseatery.com
