Spotlight
SAN DIEGO – Few current performers have excited the music scene like soulful singer-songwriter Benson Boone, who appears at Pechanga Arena on Sept. 27.
Debuting out of the box in 2021 with the multi-platinum hit, “Ghost Town,” Boone has gone from American Idol contestant, to opening for the likes of Taylor Swift and Imagine Dragons, to international superstar in an impressively short time.
Currently touring behind his latest album, “American Heart,” and the hit single, “Mystical Magical,” at this concert, fans will hear the bulk of Boone’s recordings to date, with plenty of his signature acrobatic dance moves included to work the crowd into a frenzy.
You can catch Benson Boone on Saturday, Sept. 27 at Pechanga Arena, 3350 Sports Arena Blvd., 8 p.m. $90 and up.
Recommended
Blues guitarist Anthony Cullins stops in at Beaumont’s Eatery on Sept. 27. A multiple San Diego Music Award winner, including 2025 Artist of the Year, Cullins has built a solid following throughout California with a brand of blues that touches on R&B and relentless touring.
Cullins can often be heard backing musical friends such as Earl Thomas and Casey Hensley, but as good as those performances can be, it’s at his shows where he can let loose on his original material that he excels. In a sea of local guitarists, Cullins is a standout. And he has the awards to prove it. You can see for yourself on Saturday, Sept. 27 at 9 p.m., Beaumont’s Eatery, 5662 La Jolla Blvd. $10.
PBMS Fundraiser
On Sept. 28, the San Diego Mission Bay Boat & Ski Club will hold an afternoon fundraiser for the Pacific Beach Middle School Music Association.
Performing at the event will be several student bands, including the MBHS Jazz Combo, Eternal Sparks, and the PBMS Wave Riders.
San Diego has one of the best music scenes in the country, and programs like the ones provided by PBMS are a big part of the reason why, helping produce the next generation of artists across genres. This outdoor concert will be a great chance to check out some of the area’s rising talent while also helping to keep music education in the community. Catch it on Sunday, Sept. 28 at Mission Beach Boat & Ski Club, 2606 N Mission Bay Drive. 2 p.m. $12.
State of The Conrad
The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center will be giving music fans an opportunity to learn about the venue when they hold a free program on Sept. 29, the 2025 State of The Conrad.
While there will be live music at the event provided by the Community Music Center’s Mariachi Juvenil and 2025 Cliburn Competition Silver Medalist pianist Vitaly Starikov, the evening will focus on a presentation from The Conrad’s leaders, as well as offering a preview of their upcoming season of performances.
If you’ve never attended a concert at The Conrad, this evening will be a wonderful introduction to one of San Diego’s finest music halls. The event is scheduled for Monday, Sept. 29 at The Baker Baum Concert Hall at 7600 Fay Ave., 7 p.m. Free with RSVP.
Pato Banton
Reggae fans will want to head to The Holding Company on Oct. 3 for a set from British reggae favorite Pato Banton.
Banton has scored several hits over the years, including a 1994 U.K. No. 1 with “Baby Come Back,” where he was joined by members of UB40.
Meanwhile, his best-known recording in the U.S. has a San Diego connection. In 1987, he added vocals to Private Domain’s song, “Absolute Perfection,” with the results ending up in that year’s cult classic film, “Back to the Beach.” With four decades of tunes to choose from, Banton’s setlist is difficult to predict, but anyone who enjoys reggae will love every second of his show.
Pato Banton will play The Holding Company on Saturday, Oct. 3 at 5046 Newport Ave, 7:30 p.m. $30.
Air Supply
Celebrating 50 years of soft pop rock hits, Australian duo Air Supply returns to Humphreys Concerts by the Bay on Oct. 5.
Formed in 1976, and still led by the duo of Russell Hitchcock and Graham Russell, the group hasn’t released new music since 2015, but it’s their timeless love songs circa the 1980s that keeps Air Supply a major touring act.
Audience members can expect a crowd-pleasing “best of” show covering their entire career, with the night’s biggest sing-along sure to be for their hits, “All Out of Love,” and “Lost in Love.”
Air Supply: Sunday, Oct. 5, at Humphreys Concerts by the Bay, 2241 Shelter Island Drive. 7:30 p.m. $114.
