Bands returning to the scene, sons following in their fathers’ footsteps and a classic pop star all hit San Diego venues starting Friday. Here’s a look at what’s coming up.
The Styletones
Back after a lengthy hiatus, funk and soul big band The Styletones play two sets at Lou Lou’s on Friday. Delivering tight, horn drenched, original music inspired by the likes of James Brown, Otis Redding and Curtis Mayfield, the eight-piece band is comprised of San Diego music vets, all headliners in their own right, including singer Whitney Shay, noted producer and keyboardist Ben Moore, top session drummer Jake Najor and guitarist Ian Owen. Anyone who appreciates the aforementioned genres will love The Styletones; it’s always an instant party the moment they hit the stage.
• The Styletones: Friday, Feb. 6 at Lou Lou’s, 2223 El Cajon Blvd., 8 and 10 p.m. No cover.
Say She She
Brooklyn-based discodelic band Say She She comes to Music Box on Friday. Currently touring behind their latest album, “Cut & Rewind,” the group takes its inspiration from such disco-era giants as Chic, adding modern studio twists, but keeping the danceability and strong sense of melody intact. Their latest single, “Make It Known,” is a terrific original tune, channeling the best of guitarist/producer Niles Rodgers best funk grooves. with a ’70s Motown production style, adding yet another irresistible earworm to Say She She’s growing body of work.
• Say She She: Friday, Feb. 6, at Music Box, 1337 India St., 9 p.m. $37.
Cruz Roots
Music is a family legacy when it comes to the up-and-coming combo, Cruz Roots. Performing on Saturday as part of The Harp’s weekly “Reggae Saturdaze” concert series, the band is fronted by Elijah Cruz, son of the late guitarist Jerome Cruz, best known as a founding member of legendary reggae band Big Mountain. Cruz is doing his father proud, with a slew of superb originals in his sets, mixed in with interesting covers such as his version of Frank Sinatra’s standard, “Fly Me to the Moon.” As good as his band is, it’s Cruz’s commanding vocals that give Cruz Roots an edge, adding a touch of melancholy soul to the island sounds.
• Cruz Roots: Saturday, Feb. 7, at The Harp, 4935 Newport Ave., 6 p.m.
Nathan Hubbard
Acclaimed vibraphonist and percussionist Nathan Hubbard brings his latest album recreation, Arthur Lyman’s 1958 exotica classic “Bwana A,” to Dizzy’s on Saturday. Considered by many to be the King of Lounge Music, Lyman recorded a series of popular faux-Polynesian styled albums in the late 1950s and early 1960s that take in an amazing range of rhythms, touches of jazz, chanted lyrics, and even animal and bird calls. Such a work would seem to be near impossible to replicate, but as seen in previous such performances by Hubbard, he is more than up to the task. For this show, Hubbard will be joined by John Opferkuch (piano, glockenspiel), and Laurel Grinnell (drums). It’s only February, but for exotica fans, this could be the show of the year.
• Nathan Hubbard and The Green Mansions: Saturday, Feb. 7 at Dizzy’s at Arias Hall, 1717 Morena Blvd., 8 p.m., ticket price TBD
Jerry Raney
No doubt about it, Jerry Raney is a force of nature! Best known today as a guitarist in legendary combo, The Beat Farmers, Raney has been playing to local audiences since roughly 1964, running through a string of bands that have included the likes of The Redcoats and Glory, and he’s still going strong. On Sunday, Raney and musical cohort, Evans Kontopuls, will play a free lunchtime acoustic show at The Downtown Café. Irreverent and fun, the duo offers up something for just about every musical taste with a set of rock, blues and folk standards covering everything from Chuck Berry and Dylan to The Byrds to The Beatles.
• Jerry Raney and Evans Kontopuls: Sunday, Feb. 8, at The Downtown Cafe, 182 E Main St. Noon. No cover.
Micky Dolenz
Iconic 1960s era hitmaker, Micky Dolenz of The Monkees, opens up his latest tour at The Belly Up on Feb. 12. Dolenz and The Monkees were no strangers to San Diego, filming their TV show’s 1966 debut episode in part at the Hotel Del Coronado, renaming Del Mar to “Clarksville” for a promotional train trip, and even taping commercials for Kool Aid at Belmont Park in 1970. Now 80 and the last remaining Monkee, Dolenz is still in fine voice, with a show that mixes his band’s biggest hits, from “(I’m Not Your) Steppin’ Stone” to “Pleasant Valley Sunday,” with deep cuts. Fans shouldn’t pass up this opportunity to see one of the 1960s ’ biggest hitmakers in the relatively intimate confines of the Belly Up.
• Micky Dolenz: Thursday, Feb. 12 at The Belly Up Tavern, 143 S. Cedros Ave. 8 p.m. $99 and up.
The Wailin’ Jennys
Canadian folk trio The Wailin’ Jennys stop in at The Sound on Feb. 11. Featuring Ruth Moody (banjo), Nicky Mehta (guitar), and Heather Masse (bass), as heard on American Public Media program, “A Prairie Home Companion,” the group performs traditional folk music, topped by warm vocal harmonies. As wonderful as the Wailin’ Jennys’ instrumentation is, the show’s highpoints will easily be the moments sung a capella. The band hasn’t released an album since 2017’s “Fifteen,” but whatever they choose to include at this concert will surely thrill their legion of listeners.
• The Wailin’ Jennys: Wednesday, Feb. 11 at The Sound, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., 8 p.m. $76.
Brit pop
Aficionados of 90s era Brit-pop with a sense of humor won’t want to miss a three “tribute” band bill at The Casbah on Feb. 11. Openers Oasiz will play it straight with a set of tunes sure to include “Live Forever” and “Champagne Supernova,” with headliners Pants: A Bad Cover Version of Pulp turning in a slightly tongue-in-cheek approximation of Pulp’s tunes. Best of all, holding court in the night’s middle spot will be the amazing Stones ‘n’ Roses, which sees the group’s four musicians attired as Guns ‘n’ Roses, but performing mashups of songs by The Stone Roses, along with bits of whatever tunes frontman Adam Gimbel thinks might add to the musical mayhem. Fast-paced, inspired fun.
• Pants: A Bad Cover Version of Pulp: Wednesday, Feb. 11, at The Casbah, 2501 Kettner Blvd. 8:30 p.m.
Abba Tribute
While Abba has been a worldwide phenomenon since their early 1970s debut in Sweden, it was the 2008 film, Mamma Mia, that cemented their songs into the mainstream public’s psyche. With such crossover popularity, it’s only natural that numerous bands are honoring their legacy, and on Feb. 10, one of the best, MANIA: The ABBA Tribute, will perform at The Magnolia. While Abba released a new, very well-received album in 2021 after a hiatus of 40 years, fans can expect this evening’s show to be built around a selection of Abba’s early hits, with the biggest sing-along sure to be on the set-closing “Dancing Queen.”
• MANIA: The ABBA Tribute: Tuesday, Feb. 10 at The Magnolia, 210 E Main St. 6:30 p.m. $36.
Chickenbone Slim
Roots rockers Chickenbone Slim and The Biscuits return to Tio Leo’s on Feb. 12. Led by guitarist and singer Larry Teves, and featuring 2024 Blues Awards’ Lead Guitarist of the Year, Laura Chavez, the quartet excels at playing bluesy barroom dance floor fillers. Eschewing the usual genre covers, the key to the band’s worldwide success is Teve’s top-notch originals such as “Tougher Than That” and “She’s on Fire,” which all sound like lost vintage classics. If you are a fan of the likes of groups such as The Fabulous Thunderbirds, you’ll love Chickenbone Slim and The Biscuits.
• Chickenbone Slim and The Biscuits: Thursday, Feb. 12 at Tio Leo’s, 6333 Mission Gorge Road. 7 p.m. $10.
