by
Spotlight
SAN DIEGO Gilbert Castellanos, a musician and educator, is largely responsible for San Diego’s thriving jazz culture in the United States. He promotes and performs at events through his Young Lions Jazz Conservatory. In addition to his success as an award-winning trumpeter, Castellanos will command the 20-piece Jacobs Jazz Orchestra on August 24 at Dizzy’s. The orchestra, which is made up of conservatory students, will perform a number of standards, showcasing some of the best players in San Diego. Castellanos’ big band arrangements will appeal to jazz connoisseurs, but music lovers in general will appreciate the chance to hear some of the region’s best up-and-coming musicians.
Jacobs Jazz Orchestra and Gilbert Castellanos: August 24 at Dizzy’s at Arias Hall, 1717 Morena Blvd. 7 p.m. $20.dizzysjazz.com.
Recommended
On Friday, the La Jolla Community Center will host a special concert featuring flautist Holly Hofmann and bassist Rob Thorsen. Thorsen is among the most prolific musicians in the area, and both of these performers have outstanding musical backgrounds. The two will play pieces composed for flute and bass at this free lunchtime concert, but what really sets this performance apart is that Thorsen makes his flautist debut in a duet with Hofmann, adding another instrument to his repertoire. Music lovers won’t want to pass up this opportunity to see one of San Diego’s most cherished jazz musicians perform live for the first time.
Holly Hofmann and Rob Thorsen: La Jolla Community Center, 6811 La Jolla Blvd., Friday at noon. ljcommunitycenter.org is free.
On August 22, singer-songwriter Keni Yarbro will play in the hotel’s lounge as part of his Friday night residency. Yarbro is essentially a local institution, gaining popularity with a diverse range of cover songs, including those by Stevie Wonder, Jack Johnson, and the Mamas and Papas, all of which are supported by his soulful voice. Yarbro’s tiny lounge events are the ideal accompaniment to a fantastic evening out because of his captivating performance and laid-back stage presence.
Keni Yarbro will perform on August 22 at 6 p.m. at The La Valencia, 1132 Prospect St. Cover.lavalencia.com is not there.
Although TV singing competitions are often criticized, there is no denying that programs like The Voice have highlighted a wealth of exceptional talent. Nathan Chester, who will perform with his group, Old Souls Motown Revival, on August 23 at the Epstein Family Amphitheater, is the most recent to go on a nationwide tour. Chester is an old school vocalist, as evidenced by the name of his ensemble. He draws inspiration from artists such as Jackie Wilson, Marvin Gaye, and Al Green in terms of vocal delivery and, most importantly, stage presence. It doesn’t get much better than Chester’s passionate performance set to a selection of the greatest classics from the 1960s and 1970s if you enjoy vintage soul and R&B.
The Epstein Family Amphitheater, located at 9500 Gilman Drive, will host Nathan Chester and the Old Souls Motown Revival on August 23. 7:30 p.m. $25 to $40.UCSD’s amphitheater.
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On August 26, Canadian rock icon Burton Cummings will play at Humphreys Concerts by the Bay. Famous for being the voice of the Guess Who, Cummings’ popular songs from 1969 to 1975 have endured, with songs like “American Woman,” “These Eyes,” and “Undu” becoming classics. Cummings is currently on tour with his fantastic new album, A Few Good Moments, which features songs like the recently released single, Blackjack Fever, that blend in nicely with the old favorites in what is essentially a best hits collection. With powerful voice and an excellent backup band, Cummings is still putting on a fantastic show at the age of 77.
Humphreys Concerts by the Bay, 2241 Shelter Island Drive, will host Burton Cummings on August 26. 7:30 p.m. Hiphreysconcerts.com, $89.
The Shenanigans, a nine-piece all-star combo, will be playing at Humphreys Backstage Live on August 28. Fans of blues and classic rock will want to see them. With a lineup that includes veteran DJ Jim McInnes, former Iron Butterfly drummer Jack Pinney, saxophonist Chris Klich (who has recorded with artists like Candye Kane and Gregory Page), and guitarist Mark DeCerbo (previously of Rockola and Four Eyes), the use of the term “all-star” is not taken lightly here. Built around ancient favorites like Land of a Thousand Dances and blues songs that fill the dance floor, Shenanigans performances are always immediate parties with a focus on having a good time.
Humphreys Backstage Live, 2241 Shelter Island Drive, will host The Shenanigans on August 28. 6 p.m. Humphreys Backstage Live is $5.
