Spotlight
The La Jolla Art & Wine Festival returns to Girard Avenue for two days in the sun, Oct. 11-12, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
While art and wine are the main focus of the event, music is also a big part of the weekend. Boasting one of the most eclectic entertainment lineups of any local street fair, highlights include award-winning Hawaiian-themed combo Slack Key Ohana, performances from the San Diego Opera, the Rosin Box Project, and singer-songwriter Josh Weinstein.
Free, all ages, and pet friendly, whether you attend the LJAF for the visual or culinary aspects, the day’s soundtrack is just about unbeatable. More information about the event can be found at ljawf..com.
Recommended
Jazz fans won’t want to miss the Mackenzie Leighton Trio, featuring Ed Kornhauser on piano and Tyler Kreutel on drums, appearing October 12 from 5-7 p.m at Tio Leo’s, 6333 Mission Gorge Road.
For fans of 1960s/Blue Note style jazz, it doesn’t get much better than this, with Leighton’s most recent album, “I Remember,” among the best local jazz albums of the past few years.
All are great musicians, but the band’s secret weapon is multiple SDMA-winning pianist Kornhauser, one of the best improvisers in town and a headliner in his own right.
Sunday Night Jazz at Tio Leo’s, 6333 Mission Gorge Road.
Bill Murray
The traveling musical party that is Bill Murray & His Blood Brothers stops in at The Sound on Oct. 16.
Basically a gathering of friends playing a wide range of covers by the likes of Dylan, The Kinks, and Prince, the band’s sense of fun is infectious. Murray takes lead vocals and plays percussion, with the excellent nine-piece group also featuring acclaimed guitarist Jimmy Vivino, best known for his work with Conan O’Brien.
While the night’s set will include lots of good-natured banter, Murray plays it straight, delivering solid vocal performances that may surprise longtime fans used to his appearances as a humorous lounge singer.
Bill Murray & His Blood Brothers: Thursday, Oct. 16 at The Sound, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., 8 p.m. $93. thesoundsd.com.
Dizzy’s
Celebrating what would have been John Lennon’s 85th birthday on Oct. 17, virtuoso guitarist Fred Benedetti will perform a special show at Dizzy’s covering the late Beatle’s entire career.
Joined by vocalists Regina Moomjean and Julia Picone, alongside multi-instrumentalist and bassist Jeff Pekarek and percussionist James Morton, Benedetti’s arrangements of such classics as “Strawberry Fields Forever” and “Come Together” are an impressive showcase of his prowess on a broad range of stringed instruments, from ukulele to baritone guitar.
The evening’s standout song will likely be the Benedetti group’s virtually a cappella, harmony-infused version of “Because,” but fans of either Lennon’s Fab Four tunes or solo works will love every second of this show.
Fred Benedetti: Friday, Oct. 17 at Dizzy’s at Arias Hall, 1717 Morena Blvd. 7:30 p.m. $20. dizzysjazz.com.
Pinback
Local indie rock darlings Pinback host a homecoming show at Humphreys Concert by the Bay on October 17. Though the band hasn’t released a new album since 2012’s “Information Retrieved,” they remain a formidable force live.
Still led by the duo of Rob Crow and Zach Smith, recent performances have included full airings of their 2004 album “Summer in Abaddon,” featuring their best-known songs such as “Fortress” and “Non Photo Blue,” making these shows both a must for long-time fans and a great introduction to Pinback’s music for new listeners.
Pinback: Friday, Oct. 17 at Humphreys Concerts by the Bay, 2241 Shelter Island Drive. 7:30 p.m. $62. humphreysconcerts.com.
Humphreys Backstage Live
On Oct. 20, Humphreys Backstage Live will host a birthday event for the late singer Jesse Davis, who passed away in late 2024.
A beloved part of San Diego’s music community for more than 50 years, Davis was a legend on the classic soul circuit worldwide, and an institution at venues throughout the Southland, perhaps best known to a generation of youngsters through his work on the hit “Benji” programs of the 1970s.
For this show, Davis will be honored by an all-star group of musical friends, including former bandmates Robert Lanuza Jr., Robby Breen, and Tony Davis, as well as guest singers Dave Scott, Cedric Peery, Stellita Marie, Janice Edwards, Andy Anderson, and Elliott Lawrence.
Jesse Davis Birthday Celebration: Monday, Oct. 20 at Humphreys Backstage Live, 2241 Shelter Island Drive. 6 p.m. $10. humphreysbackstagelive.com.
