Elevated cover bands, cross-border groundbreakers, and celebrations of life: Top concerts this week ...Middle East

It’s shaping up to be a real week for cover bands — but these are no ordinary cover bands. They’re so elevated they’re entirely new music experiences, whether they’re the children of famous artists performing their family’s songs, recreating entire concerts, or improvising new ways to inhabit old tunes. Music lovers are in for a real treat, but that’s true for just about every week around here.

The Dark Star Orchestra

There are tribute bands, and then there is the Dark Star Orchestra, stopping in at The Sound on Jan. 31. Performing the music of the Grateful Dead, the group was founded in 1997, with their shows featuring a unique twist on the tribute band theme.

Instead of just playing a selection of songs from the Dead’s repertoire, Dark Star Orchestra recreates an entire concert from the almost 2,500 shows they played during their 30-year run as the kings of improvisational rock. Dark Star Orchestra goes the extra mile, incorporating the same gear and effects used at those legendary performances, giving fans a night out that is more than a mere tribute show; it’s a curated and recreated concert experience.

Celebration of Life

San Diego’s music scene suffered a major tragedy earlier this month with the loss of keyboardist Max Zape in a house fire. On Feb. 1, Humphreys Backstage Live will hold a special early-afternoon Celebration of Life for the beloved local musician, with funds raised going to help with funeral expenses. The afternoon is set to feature many of his musical friends, at press time set to include acclaimed guitarist Patrick Yandall.

Zape had played with numerous bands over the years, most recently making a splash with award-winning jazz/rock combo Hemisphere, but wherever he took the stage, he impressed audiences with his talent and his easy-going, good-natured sense of humor.

Athenaeum

One of the finest pianists in San Diego, Joshua White, performs with his trio at the Athenaeum on Feb. 2 as part of the venue’s free weekly Lunchtime Mini-Concert Series. Recent performances have included programs devoted to the Great American Songbook, but where White truly takes flight is in his improvisations, which are second to none.

White recently released a new album, “Flora and Fauna: 9 Preludes for Solo Piano,” which is a wonderful listen, but his live performances are where the magic happens. If you haven’t heard this gifted performer yet, this free concert at one of San Diego’s finest listening rooms is a must.

Joss Stone

Touring in advance of a new, as yet untitled, album, powerhouse soul singer Joss Stone comes to The Balboa Theatre on Feb. 3. As heard on her latest single, “No Thankyou,” Stone has kept her soul influences while moving into the world of disco, using 1970s-inspired dance rhythms for her upcoming project.

Longtime fans can expect to hear all of Stone’s biggest hits at this show, including “You Had Me” and “Right to Be Wrong,” plus a selection of choice covers, with recent performances including the likes of disco era hits, “It’s Raining Men” and “Lady Marmalade.”

Joss Stone: Tuesday, Feb. 3 at The Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Ave., 7:30 p.m. $67.

Stayin’ Alive

Bee Gees tribute band Stayin’ Alive comes to The Magnolia on Jan. 30. The Bee Gees were a rare band, managing three distinct periods of hit-making between the release of their debut album in 1965 and their final music made in 2001. Stayin’ Alive turns in excellent renditions of these well-known tunes, touching on not only the Brothers Gibbs hits, such as “You Should Be Dancing,” “Lonely Days,” and “This Is Where I Came In,” but also on the songs of their younger brother Andy Gibb, including “I Just Want To Be Your Everything,” as well as playing material they wrote for others, highlighted by tracks like Samantha Sangs’ disco favorite, “Emotion.”

If you’re a Bee Gees fan, this show is practically mandatory, but even casual listeners will enjoy Stayin’ Alive’s well-paced set. With such a large cross-section of classic tunes, it’s hard to go wrong.

Dizzy’s

Aficionados of Latin rhythms, especially salsa music, won’t want to miss Charlie Chavez y su Afrotruko Orchestra, who take the stage at Dizzy’s on Jan. 30. Chavez has worked with a long list of music legends, from jazz greats such as Charles McPherson and Gary Burton to groundbreaking Mexican rock band Maldita Vecindad.

However, it’s with his own group, Afrotruko, that he’s made the biggest impression in San Diego. Chavez is at the forefront of the area’s Latin music community, leading his 12-piece orchestra through set lists of iconic salsa tunes, both entertaining generations of listeners and helping keep the genre alive. It’s a shame Dizzy’s doesn’t have a dance floor for this show.

Brick by Brick

On Jan. 31, Brick by Brick will hold a Celebration of Life for bassist Frank Mercurio, who died this past November. A mainstay of San Diego’s music scene for decades, Mercurio played locally with a slew of hard-rocking combos, including SX-10, The Abuse, and Psychic Zoo, eventually touring with hip-hop giants Cypress Hill, appearing on their 2000 album “Live at the Fillmore.”

The night will feature sets from his friends in Thought Experiment, Authentic Sellout, Wet, and 2025 SDMA Rock Album of the Year winners, Fuzz Huzzi, a worthy tribute to a beloved member of San Diego’s music community.

The Casbah

Still featuring indie rock multi-instrumentalists Pall Jenkins and Tobias Nathaniel, The Black Heart Procession returns to The Casbah for a show on February 01, kicking off a three-week U.S. tour.

Recently back from a lengthy hiatus, the band hasn’t released a new album since 2009, with this road trip meant to showcase the re-release of their contemplative1998 debut album, “1.” The Black Heart Procession’s renewed activity has sparked hope amongst fans of a new album in the near future, but whatever they play at this sure-to-sell-out show will thrill their legion of die-hard listeners.

Music Box

Reggae fans will want to head to Music Box on Feb. 4 for the Bob Marley Earthstrong Tribute Celebration, featuring rising reggae stars Josh David Barrett, Kosine with The $20 Dolla Holla, and ShakaMon. The show is a great showcase for young reggae artists, with Barrett’s set sure to be the highlight.

Recently seen performing with Judah Tribe, Barrett is also a former lead singer of the iconic Wailers Band, featuring on their 2018 album, “One Voice,” before going solo. Currently touring in support of his recent single, “Got to Learn,” with its message of unity, Barrett is doing a fine job of continuing Marley’s musical and spiritual legacy.

Sons of Cream

Sons of Cream, who perform at The Belly Up on Feb. 4, live up to their perfectly descriptive name. Featuring guitarist Rob Johnson, bassist Malcolm Bruce, and drummer Kofi Baker (the latter two being sons of Cream legends Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker), the trio plays a terrific set of Cream standards such as “Badge,” “Sunshine of Your Love,” and “White Room.”

All three musicians rate virtuoso status, with Johnson doing an excellent job of recreating Cream guitarist Eric Clapton’s signature parts. The Sons of Cream are truly the next best thing to the real deal.

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