By Jen Van Tieghem

98 Bottles – 2400 Kettner Blvd., Little Italy

Feb. 14 – The Benedetti Trio

Guitarist Fred Benedetti and his songbird daughters Regina and Julia have a special lineup of music just for Valentine’s Day. The trio’s “Love Through The Ages” show promises a musical journey of love songs old and new. The family band is known to do theme shows featuring the music of The Beatles, Simon and Garfunkel, various folk icons and more. Expect to hear more than a few surprising favorites at this romantic event. 8 p.m. $12 online, $15 at door (plus $10 food/drink minimum per person).

Feb. 27 – Rob Thorsen Trio

Led by bass virtuoso Rob Thorsen, on this occasion this trio will present unique arrangements of John Coltrane songs. Thorsen will be joined by young pianist Kiefer Shackleford and drummer Fernando Gomez. Each of the musicians is well known in the local jazz world (and beyond). This talented trio combined with their legendary subject should make for a winning combination of classic and creative tunes. 8 p.m. $12 online, $15 at door (plus $10 food/drink minimum per person).

Belly Up Tavern – 143 South Cedros Ave., Solana Beach 

Feb. 21 – The Rugburns | Tim Flannery | Bushwalla | The Mastersons

Steve Poltz’s sixth annual 50th birthday party boasts a star-studded lineup of indie rock, folk and pop artists. Poltz’s own band The Rugburns — a local rock mainstay in the 1990s — will headline with their fun rock tunes. Former Padres player and coach Tim Flannery’s band will bring their laid back numbers. Master collaborator Bushwalla (nee Billy Galewood) adds interesting elements of funk, hip-hop, folk and more. And rounding out the night is Texas duo The Mastersons with charming folk ditties. Ticket includes a copy of Steve Poltz’s “Belly Up Live” album. 9 p.m. $25 online, $27 day of show, $44 reserved seating.

Feb. 23 – David Cook | Paul Cannon Band

Best known as the season seven winner of “American Idol,” David Cook has continued his pop-rock career since taking home that title. His latest single “Wait for Me” features Cook’s signature combination of tender moments and soaring lines. He’ll be joined for this one by local folk-pop group Paul Cannon Band. The happy-go-lucky vibes of Cannon’s music along with catchy choruses make this an easy-to-like opener for the show. 8 p.m. $23 online, $25 day of show, $41 reserved seating.

Casbah – 2501 Kettner Blvd., Midtown/Little Italy

Feb. 16 – The Midnight Pine | Rio Peligroso | Listening to Rocks

Each year local couple Sara and Roger Morrison celebrate their anniversary at the rock club that played host to their nuptials. Once again their lineup for the occasion features stellar local bands including Roger’s own Listening to Rocks and country-rockers Rio Peligroso. But its headliners The Midnight Pine that will really suck you in — with ethereal vocals and melodies plus dreamy percussion, gentle guitar strumming and hypnotic violin. Give “Mother of Amends” a spin for a sultry sample. 9:30 p.m. $5 at door.

Feb. 21 – Wild Child | Desert Noises | Goodnight, Texas

Standing out in a rich local music scene is no easy feat, but Austin, Texas-based Wild Child has done just that. The indie-pop outfit is led by the pristine vocals of Kelsey Wilson; while her tone would easily lend itself to jazz or big band, it’s a unique match for classic rock elements along with the bonus of strings and piano. Check out “Living Tree” for a taste of all these bits and how well they work together. For this tour stop they’ll be joined by psychedelic rockers Desert Noises and old-folk-meets-new-Americana mainstays Goodnight, Texas. 9:30 p.m. $12 online, $14 at door.

Croce’s Park West — 2760 Fifth Ave., Bankers Hill

Feb. 12 and 15 – Todo Mundo

Fans have two chances to catch Todo Mundo at Croce’s this month. The band that borrows from reggae, Latin and numerous other genres took home the award for Best World Music band at last year’s San Diego Music Awards and have won several other awards in past years. Their energetic style and messages of peace and unity continue to grow their audience locally and abroad. 7 p.m. on the 12th, 6 p.m. on the 15th. $5 – 7.

Feb. 14 – Gilbert and Lorraine Castellanos

Each of the Castellanos is known in the local music world for their individual skills — Gilbert, with his wealth of contributions to the jazz scene as trumpeter and composer, and his wife Lorraine, who makes up one third of the eclectic group Besos de Coco lending her talents on guitar and vocals.

It is a rare treat to see the couple perform together — and what better day for it? Just make sure you get reservations! You can also catch Besos here on Feb. 22 and Gilbert with his group The Park on Feb. 28. 7 p.m. $7.

—Reach Jen Van Tieghem at [email protected].