The hottest band in San Diego right now just may be The Sleepwalkers. Appearing at Tio Leo’s on Feb. 24, their mix of rock-a-billy, roots rock and Mexican cumbia, continues to draw big crowds and, more importantly, get them dancing from the first notes. This band is great live, with a terrific frontman in Johnny Valenzuela and incendiary guitar playing from Ritchie Orduño, matched by a rock solid rhythm section of drummer Bob Osuna and bassist Paul Denton. Making the night a must for rock-a-billy fans, the band will be joined by Johnny Ramos, Jaalene De Leon and Kid Ramos, formerly of the Fabulous Thunderbirds.
The Sleepwalkers: Saturday, Feb. 24 at Tio Leo’s, 5302 Napa St. 8 p.m. 21 and up. Cover TBD. It’s no secret that a lot of major talent has emerged from Java Joe’s. A multitude of local and international household names got their start at the beloved nightspot, with their open mic nights a popular way to try out new material for veterans and newbies alike. The venue’s current open mic takes place Tuesday evenings and is hosted by singer-songwriter Bobo Czarnowski, who holds the night together with songs and humor, giving the event the feel of a homespun variety show. You never know who might take the stage, or what new talent you might discover at a Java Joe’s concert.
Java Joe’s Open Mic: Tuesdays, at Java Joe’s, 2611 Congress St. 6:30 p.m. javajoessd.com. There is nothing quite like the music made by musicians who are family. Such is the case with the Benedetti Trio, who perform at Dizzy’s on Feb. 25 in their annual “George Harrison’s Birthday Celebration” show. Based around the virtuoso guitar work of Fred Benedetti, alongside his singing daughters, Regina Moomjean and Julia Picone, the interplay between the musicians is warm and engaging, with the vocal harmonies a particular highlight. The night’s playlist will include the best of Harrison’s solo work as well as his songs from the Beatles.
The Benedetti Trio: Sunday, Feb. 25, at Dizzy’s at Arias Hall, 1717 Morena Blvd. 8 p.m. dizzysjazz.com. Award-winning vocal group, The San Diego Chorus of Sweet Adelines, performs at the Pacific Beach Library on Feb. 25. Part of an international group of women singers, founded in 1945, the a capella ensemble specializes in four-part harmonies, barbershop quartet arrangements and vintage tunes from the pre rock ’n’ roll era, making this a concert with crossover appeal.
San Diego Chorus of Sweet Adelines: Sunday, Feb. 25, at Pacific Beach Library, 4275 Cass St. 2 p.m. All ages. Free. pblibraryfriends.org. On Feb. 24, the 710 Beach Club will hold a fundraiser for the Feeding the Homeless organization called “Punk Goes ’90s Pop.” “We asked five punk/pop punk bands to stretch their boundaries and cover two ’90s pop songs; think Christina, Britney, boy bands,” said show organizer Rosina Guerra. The night will feature performances from Alive & Well, Nights Like Thieves, Punk Yacht Club, Hard To Hit and The Rough. Who is performing what tune is a closely guarded secret, but you can expect loud, manic rock ’n’ roll with the added bonus of your attendance helping others less fortunate than ourselves. Punk Goes ’90s Pop: Saturday, Feb. 24, at the 710 Beach Club, 710 Garnet Ave. 7 p.m. 21 and up. 710bc.com. Although considered a smooth jazz artist, Keiko Matsui’s music is much more expansive than that. Appearing at Humphrey’s Backstage Live on March 3, for two shows, Matsui has recorded dozens of instrumental albums since she made her debut in 1980, across genres, from new age to blues. Keiko Matsui: Saturday, March 3, at Humphrey’s Backstage Live, 2241 Shelter Island Drive. 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. humphreysbackstagelive.com.
The unifying factor in her music is an unerring melodic sense, as heard on her latest album, “Journey to the Heart.” Matsui’s most recent songs have a classic pop edge, with tunes such as “Moving On,” an instant earworm, deserving of airplay beyond jazz radio. Keiko Matsui: Saturday, March 3, at Humphrey’s Backstage Live, 2241 Shelter Island Drive. 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. humphreysbackstagelive.com.
