Spotlight
SAN DIEGO – San Diego has one of the best jazz scenes in the U.S. and a good part of the credit goes to musician/educator Gilbert Castellanos, both through promoting and performing at events through his Young Lions Jazz Conservatory. Castellanos has won acclaim as an award-winning trumpeter, but on Aug. 24 at Dizzy’s, he also takes on the role of conductor of the 20-piece Jacobs Jazz Orchestra. Comprised of students from the conservatory, the orchestra will play a set of standards, showcasing some of San Diego’s brightest musicians. Jazz fans will love Castellanos’ big band arrangements, but music fans in general will enjoy an opportunity to hear some of the area’s top emerging talent.
Gilbert Castellanos and the Jacobs Jazz Orchestra: Aug. 24 at Dizzy’s at Arias Hall, 1717 Morena Blvd. 7 p.m. $20. dizzysjazz.com.
Recommended
Flautist Holly Hofmann and bassist Rob Thorsen join forces for a special concert at the La Jolla Community Center on Friday. Both of these artists’ musical resumes are impressive, with Thorsen in particular one of the most prolific musicians in town. For this free lunchtime concert, the pair will perform works written for flute and bass, but what makes this show one for the history books is that Thorsen also debuts as a flautist for a duet with Hofmann, adding yet another instrument to his arsenal. Music fans won’t want to miss this chance to catch a “first” from one of San Diego’s most beloved jazz artists.
Holly Hofmann and Rob Thorsen: noon, Friday at the La Jolla Community Center, 6811 La Jolla Blvd. Free. ljcommunitycenter.org.
• Singer-songwriter Keni Yarbro performs at the La Valencia on Aug. 22, as part of his Friday night residency in the hotel’s lounge. Yarbro is practically an institution locally, building a following with an eclectic mix of cover tunes ranging from Jack Johnson to Stevie Wonder to the Mamas and Papas, all anchored by his soulful vocals. Yarbro is an engaging performer, with a relaxed stage presence that makes his intimate lounge shows the perfect soundtrack to a great evening out.
Keni Yarbro: Aug. 22 at The La Valencia, 1132 Prospect St., 6 p.m. No cover. lavalencia.com.
• TV singing contests get a lot of flak, but there can be no doubt that shows such as “The Voice” have put the spotlight on a lot of great talent. The latest to embark on a national tour is Nathan Chester, who performs with his group, Old Souls Motown Revival, on Aug. 23 at the Epstein Family Amphitheater. As can be ascertained by his group’s name, Chester is an old school singer, taking his cues from the likes of Jackie Wilson, Marvin Gaye and Al Green, both in vocal delivery and especially, stage presence. If you’re a fan of classic soul and R&B, it doesn’t get much better than Chester’s heartfelt delivery matched to a set of the 1960s and 1970s’ biggest hits.
Nathan Chester and the Old Souls Motown Revival: Aug. 23, at the Epstein Family Amphitheater, 9500 Gilman Drive. 7:30 p.m. $25-$40. amphitheater.ucsd.edu.
• Canadian rock legend Burton Cummings performs at Humphreys Concerts by the Bay on Aug. 26. Best known as the voice of the Guess Who, Cummings’ string of hits from 1969-1975 has stood the test of time, with songs such as “American Woman,” “These Eyes,” and “Undun,” having long since become standards. Cummings is touring behind his excellent new album, “A Few Good Moments,” with songs such as the new single, “Blackjack Fever,” slotting in well with the vintage classics in what is otherwise a greatest hits set. At 77, Cummings is still delivering a terrific show with strong vocals and a superb backing group.
Burton Cummings: Aug. 26, at Humphreys Concerts by the Bay, 2241 Shelter Island Drive. 7:30 p.m. $89. humphreysconcerts.com.
• Blues and classic rock fans will want to hear nine-piece all-star combo, the Shenanigans, performing at Humphreys Backstage Live on Aug. 28. The use of “all-star” is not taken lightly here, as the group includes legendary DJ Jim McInnes, former Iron Butterfly drummer Jack Pinney, saxophonist Chris Klich, who has recorded with the likes of Gregory Page and Candye Kane, and guitarist Mark DeCerbo, formerly of Rockola and Four Eyes. The Shenanigans shows are always instant parties, with an emphasis on fun, built around dance floor-filling blues tunes and old favorites such as “Land of a Thousand Dances.”
The Shenanigans: Aug. 28 at Humphreys Backstage Live, 2241 Shelter Island Drive. 6 p.m. $5. humphreysbackstagelive.com.
