Rising reggae stars, a national ska favorite, an iconic punk act and a showcase night with four of the region’s hottest indie bands highlight a packed week of music in San Diego.
Here’s our weekly rundown of ten great shows worth getting out of the house:
Doah’s Daydream
Rising reggae stars Doah’s Daydream take the stage at Winston’s on Jan. 10. Led by singer Doah, the band considers themselves pioneers of the “island grunge” sound, mixing reggae with rock and pop elements, as heard on their recent singles such as “Girls Girl.” Doah’s Daydream make radio friendly recordings, but where they really excel is onstage. Doah is a captivating performer with stage presence in front of a tight band that knows their way around a song hook. Already making the move from clubs to festival stages, Doah’s Daydream is a band to watch out for.
- Doah’s Daydream: Saturday, Jan. 10 at Winston’s, 1921 Bacon St., 8 p.m. $10.
The Toasters
Ska fans won’t want to miss a rare matinee appearance from New York-based favorites, The Toasters, on Jan. 11 at The Holding Company. Founded in 1981, the band still features frontman Robert “Bucket” Hingley, and though they haven’t released a new album since 2007s “One More Bullet,” they remain a formidable touring act. While the band never crossed over to mainstream radio, for ska enthusiasts who admire the likes of second-wave ska groups driven by keyboards and horns, like The Specials and The Selector, it doesn’t get much better than a Toasters stage show. Also on the day’s bill will be The Iron Roses and Mustard Plug.
- The Toasters: Sunday, Jan. 11 at The Holding Company, 5046 Newport Ave., 1:30 p.m. $25.
Almost Monday
Rescheduled from last month, indie pop trio Almost Monday performs at Music Box on Jan. 14. Founded in 2015, Almost Monday is one of San Diego’s most recent success stories, scoring an impressive seven hits on the Billboard charts to date, including their most recent single, “Lost,” from their upcoming, yet-to-be-named album. Featuring lead vocalist and guitarist Dawson Daugherty, bassist Luke Fabry, and lead guitarist Cole Clisby, the band excels at writing tunes, such as “Sunburn,” that are instant earworms. Fans of artists such as Maroon 5 will find much to enjoy at this show.
- Wednesday, Jan. 14 at Music Box, 1337 India St., 8 p.m. $30.
War
Legendary soul band War performs at The Magnolia on Jan. 10. War was one of the 1970s biggest hitmakers, scoring over a dozen chart hits during the decade with a string of classic songs including “Lowrider,” “Cisco Kid,” and “Slippin’ Into Darkness.” Still featuring original member and former San Diegan Lonnie Jordan on vocals and keyboards, the current lineup features excellent musicians, and the fun they seem to be having onstage is contagious. The night’s biggest sing-along is sure to be the ever topical, “Why Can’t We Be Friends,” but War’s current show features a “best of” set list sure to please even casual fans.
- Saturday, Jan. 10 at The Magnolia, 210 E Main St., 7 p.m. $82 & up.
Vurv, The Film Company, Witness and Go Scarlet
Four of San Diego’s hottest new indie bands join forces for a show at The Soda Bar on Jan. 9. On hand will be Vurv, The Film Company, Witness, and Go Scarlet. All are well worth hearing, and all except Witness have new music just out, with all-female quartet Vurv celebrating the release of their debut album, What Is A Girl? As heard on their latest single, “Buzz Song,” Vurv delivers a terrific mix of post-punk tinged rock ‘n’ roll with a bit of garage rock melody and powerpop in the mix. Fans of San Diego’s burgeoning local music scene won’t want to miss this lineup of hot new talent.
- Friday, Jan. 9 at Soda Bar, 3615 El Cajon Blvd., 7 p.m. $13.
Beatles A-Z
Acclaimed guitarist Wayne Riker brings his one-man “Beatles A-Z” show to the Moxie Theatre on Jan. 10. Honored with the Lifetime Achievement trophy at the 2017 San Diego Music Awards, Riker is considered one of the area’s top guitarists, with numerous instructional books to his credit and even a long-running column in Guitar Player magazine. For this show, he’s put together what is essentially a medley of Beatles songs, in alphabetical order. Each song is given a different stylistic treatment, making this a fun show for guitar enthusiasts and Beatles fans alike.
- Saturday, Jan. 10 at Moxie Theatre, 6663 El Cajon Blvd., 7 p.m. $20..
Painkillers
Blues guitarist Tommy Castro and his band the Painkillers play the Belly Up on Jan. 10. Currently touring behind his new album, “Closer to the Bone,” Castro has had an illustrious career since his days in the late 1980s as guitarist with Bay Area favorites The Dynatones. He built a following through relentless touring, and collaborating with a string of noted musicians. Most recently, he teamed up with former Elvin Bishop Band guitarist and San Diego resident Johnny Vernazza for a track on the latter’s recent Christmas album. Fans of blues with a soulful edge, ala the likes of BB King, will love every second of Castro’s performance. Local combo, Black Market III, opens the show.
- Tommy Castro & The Painkillers: Saturday, Jan. 10 at The Belly Up Tavern, 143 S. Cedros Ave., 8 p.m. $35 and up.
Adolescents
Still going strong after nearly 45 years, Orange County combo Adolescents are making a tour stop at The Casbah on Jan. 10. The band’s current run of shows have focused on songs from their latest album, “Ceasar Salad Days,” with the new tunes such as “OC Confidential” slotting in well with crowd favorites such as anthemic punk rock classic “Amoeba.” The night will also feature sets from the bands Stretcher Case and Owl Be Damned. Attendees will want to get to the show early to catch a set from the latter opener, whose songs like “Barcodes” are hard-driving, loud, visceral rock at its best.
- Saturday, Jan. 10 at The Casbah, 2501 Kettner Blvd., 8:30 p.m. $32.
Swingin’ Bananas
Trumpeter Jason Hanna and his band the Swingin’ Bananas have a weekly Wednesday night residency in The Riviera Supper Club’s retro-styled Turquoise Room. Hanna is a versatile musician with a repertoire that might include anything from Sinatra’s 1950s Rat Pack standards, such as “Fly Me to the Moon,” and Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass’s 1960s classics like “A Taste of Honey,” to left field choices like David Bowie’s “The Man Who Sold the World.” The perfect match of venue and artist, Hanna’s vintage tunes are a great soundtrack to a night out.
- Jason Hanna & The Swingin’ Bananas: Wednesday, Jan. 14 at The Riviera Supper Club, 7777 University Ave., 7 p.m. No cover.
Black Flag
Iconic punk band Black Flag returns to San Diego for a show on Jan. 15 at the House of Blues. Formed in 1976, the band currently features founding guitarist Greg Ginn as the sole original member, joined by newcomers Max Zanelly (lead vocals), David Rodriguez (bass), and Bryce Weston (drums). The band is playing in advance of an upcoming, as yet untitled new album, but the band’s legion of die-hard fans will be happy to know Black Flag will be playing two sets built around their seminal punk rock classics such as “Six Pack,” “Jealous Again,” and even their inspired cover of garage punk standard, “Louie Louie.”Black Flag:
- Thursday, Jan. 15 at the House of Blues, 1055 10th Ave. $16 and up.
