By Jen Van Tieghem
98 Bottles – 2400 Kettner Blvd., Little Italy
Nov. 8 – The One and Onlys
A new band to the local scene, The One and Onlys, formed in 2013 as a duo and grew to a five-piece. The group has developed a sound rooted in rock and blues with heavy guitar riffs and groovy rhythms. Singer Lauren Leigh adds to the soulful quality of the music with deep and dreamy vocals. We think their tune, “Bonnie’s Goodbye,” could be the theme for the next James Bond flick — and that’s a good thing. 8 p.m. $8 online, $11 door (plus $10 food/drink min per person).
Nov. 21 – Fred Benedetti Trio and Jeff Pekarek
Classical guitarist Fred Benedetti and his daughters have an incredible repertoire of music, often performing sets of a specific artist’s music or themed shows. On this occasion their show is dedicated to the folk roots of Americana music and they’ll be joined by multi-instrumentalist Jeff Pekarek. Selections for the evening include standby folk legends: Bob Dylan, Joan Baez and Neil Young, plus selections from contemporary folk-inspired acts: Mumford and Sons, The Civil Wars and more. 8 p.m. $12 online, $15 door (plus $10 food/drink min per person).
Casbah – 2501 Kettner Blvd., Midtown/Little Italy
Nov. 19 – Flaggs, Shake Before Us, Soft Lions, Shady Francos
Alt-rockers Flaggs will release their long-awaited debut EP, “Beach in her Hair,” with this showcase of local talent. Led by sultry siren Lindsay Matheson, the band takes a post-punk attitude and combines it with a heavy dose of pop catchiness. Check out one of their upcoming singles, “Crash and Burn,” for a taste. They’ve also stacked the deck for the show with North County mod rock mainstays Shake Before Us, pop indie darlings Soft Lions, and garage punkers Shady Francos on the bill. 9 p.m. $6.
Nov. 20 – Jesse LaMonaca and The Dime Novels, Grampadrew and The Gut Strings
It’s a good thing Casbah’s got a big stage — Jesse LaMonaca and his band are a big outfit with a big sound. With an ever-so-slight twang, LaMonaca belts out his tender tunes like “If You Call” and soaring anthems like “Maggie” with equal ease. Along the same lines, Grampadrew and The Gut Strings have an old school country vibe. Wear your boots to this one and prepare to stomp. 9 p.m. $6.
House of Blues – 1055 Fifth Ave., Downtown
Nov. 11 – Nick and Knight
Known for their stints as boy band heartthrobs, Nick Carter (Backstreet Boys) and Jordan Knight (New Kids on the Block) have joined forces for an album and tour. The two singer-songwriters decided to collaborate after their bands toured together in 2011 and 2012. The resulting sound blends pop, R&B and dance genres. Give their fun-loving single, “One More Time,” a spin for a sample. Expect young fans and those channeling their inner tween to sell this one out. 7:30 p.m. $50+.
Nov. 23 – Capital Cities, Sneaky Sound System, Night Terrors of 1927
Electro-pop duo Capital Cities have been inescapable since their hit “Safe and Sound” flooded airwaves a couple years ago. The band spent this summer on the festival circuit and supporting none other than Katy Perry; now they’re in the midst of their own headlining tour. Check out their upbeat number, “Love Away,” for a bit of their fun buoyant style and try to keep your toes from tapping. Known for high-energy performances, the band is sure to get fans moving at this all-ages show. 7:30 p.m. $39+.
Tin Can Alehouse – 1863 Fifth Ave., Bankers Hill
Nov. 7 – The Heart Beat Trail, The Uncertainties, Arms Away
This show kicks off the weekend with a celebration of The Heart Beat Trail’s new album, “So Long, Carcosa.” The record highlights the dark and raspy vocals of singer guitarist Berkeley Austin and his partner in pipes Lia Dearborn, who presents a sweeter vocal range. For the release, they’re pulling all kinds of tricks out of their hat with guests that appeared on the album, and more. 9 p.m. Price $8.
Nov. 28 – Speaker in Reverse
Another release show! While some folks will be fighting one another at the mall on Black Friday, we’ll be drinking craft beer and hearing new tunes. Speaker in Reverse is releasing two tracks digitally, which all attendees of the show will get for free (via download cards given at the door). Their sound combines ambient rock with indie pop. Singer Itai Faierman’s trippy vocals match the dreamy keyboard melodies of the music. 9 p.m. Price TBD.
—Reach Jen Van Tieghem at jen@sdcnn.com
