Our man sergeant. Tiki has surveyed the musical landscape and selected seven upcoming concerts in San Diego – five local acts and two tours – for your musical enjoyment and edification.
Whether your tastes run towards Brazilian pop, country, acoustic blues, classic jazz or surf reggae, you’ll find something to satisfy your audio cravings.
David Shyde
“Each project is a harmonious blend of melody and form, where my musical intuition meets a keen eye for design,” says singer-guitarist David Shydewho combines Brazilian Bossa Nova with rock and blues, all with a nod to his background career in design. Born in Brazil, he grew up immersed in the rich musical and colorful traditions of that country. In addition to his own music, he was also absorbed by the sharp artistry of Buddy Guy, Mr. BIG, ACDC, Metallica, Joe Satriani and Led Zeppelin. With a sound that could be described as “What if John Mayer came from Brazil?” he sings blues and rock, while retaining a great appreciation for Brazilian samba and Bossa Nova.
- Where: University Club, 750 B Street, 34th Floor, San Diego
- When: Thursday January 22, 2026, 5:00 PM
- Ages: All ages
- More information
Kristi Krause
San Diego resident Kristi Krause is a singer-songwriter who regularly performs across the city as part of the Acoustic Spot lineup of nightclub talent. Her background includes country rock bands and performing in Nashville, adding depth to her sound. A former one American Idol participant, she has also performed concerts in Hawaii and Nashville, with her solo shows covering a variety of genres including pop, soft country, jazz and rock. Her songs are described as dreamy pop/soul music, incorporating elements of jazz and blues, with upbeat covers and original tunes that showcase her strong vocals and versatility.
- Where: LandShark Bar & Grill, 435 Sixth Avenue, San Diego
- When: Friday January 23, 2026, 6:00 PM
- Ages: All ages
- More information
Billy F. Gibbons and the BFG Band
Co-founder of ZZ Top Billy F Gibbons has expanded in recent years to tackle projects slightly outside his usual safe comfort zone. Solo albums such as in a perfect world (Afro-Cuban), The big bad bluesAnd Hardware shows his versatility beyond the trio that made him famous. His current group, the BFG Band, is known for their blend of blues rock, Gibbons’ signature guitar tone and growling vocals, signature beard and style (often with African headgear), and expanding ZZ Top’s sound into Afro-Cuban, blues, and hard rock, all with an emphasis on “Tone, Taste, and Tenacity.” They are already known for delivering raw, authentic rock ‘n’ roll, rooted in the blues but with diverse global influences, showcasing Gibbons’ inventive guitar work and unique sonic textures.
- Where: Belly Up Tavern, 143 S. Cedros Avenue, Solana Beach
- When: Friday January 23, 2026, 7:30 PM
- Ages: 21+
- Buy tickets
Elephant
Tim Wu, better known as Elephantis a Los Angeles-based Asian-American EDM DJ, producer and songwriter known for his melodic, pop-infused dance music. Early success came from remixing popular artists like Lorde and Clean Bandit, before gaining critical acclaim and earning substantial streaming numbers for EPs like I am the Elephant (2016) and Glass mansion (2018). His lyrics transparently address personal struggles such as addiction, making him a notable figure in electronic music that bridges genres and personal stories. Songs like “High Water” delve deeper into mental health, depression and his experience with opioid withdrawal, offering a candid look at his journey. He has performed at major festivals (Lollapalooza, EDC) and had residencies in Las Vegas.
- Where: Bloom Nightclub, 919 Fourth Avenue, San Diego
- When: Saturday January 24, 2026, 10:00 PM
- Ages: 21+
- Buy tickets
Robin Henkel
Singer-guitarist Robin Henkel is a self-proclaimed bluesman, a revisionist and an expert in performing the country music of the Delta. Born in San Diego, he plays both bottleneck slide and lap steel guitar, preferring the use of very dated axes that appear to be on their last legs. Although the multiple San Diego Music Award winner for Best Blues cites the acoustic music of the Mississippi Delta of the 1930s and 1940s as his primary muse, he is also a devoted student of country swing, funk, fusion, bop and Americana. His performances often include stories and anecdotes about the history of the blues and the unique vintage instruments he plays. This University Heights show, taking place at the Lafayette Hotel, will feature Henkel backed by dual saxophonists with a trumpet-guitar-bass-and-drums-horn band.
- Where: Lou Lou’s Jungle Room, 2225 El Cajon Boulevard, San Diego
- When: Sunday January 25, 2026, 7:00 PM
- Ages: 21+
- Buy tickets
Lori Bell duo
Although best known for her flute playing, jazz composer Lori Bell actually started her musical career as a guitarist. A versatile musician, she can navigate the intricate harmonies of bebop, explore the sensual rhythms of Brazilian music or flirt with the edges of more modern jazz. Moreover, she is well versed in classical music and has played many classical recitals. Bell and guitarist Ron Satterfield will perform in the second-floor community room of the Rancho Bernardo Library. The program is called ‘The American Jazz Story’, which spotlights Ellington, Miles Davis and the Global Roots of Jazz. This concert is part of the Friends of the RB Library’s 26th annual chamber concert series. There are no costs associated with the concert; however, cash donations are encouraged. Reservations are not required, but seating capacity is controlled by fire regulations. The concert series is supported by sponsors, a grant from the RB Community Foundation and donations from visitors.
- Where: Rancho Bernardo Library, 17110 Bernardo Center Drive, San Diego
- When: Tuesday January 27, 2026, 6:00 PM
- Ages: 18+
- Free show, donations encouraged
Skyler Lutes
Based in Ocean Beach, multi-instrumentalist Skyler Lutes has played with several local outfits, including island rockers the Makua Rothman Band, punk noisemakers Defamation League, Riverside-based Everything Said and Voice participant Eagles. Inspired by San Diego’s surf culture, he released an acoustic EP in 2013, A thousand hourswhile building his home studio and recording there with locals Through the roots and Chris Leyva’s Falling pigeons. His reggae-influenced release was released in 2016 After the rain album, followed by a European tour with Falling Doves. His 2020 album Blue was a track-for-track rearrangement of the Weezer album of the same name. In August 2021, Lutes won a San Diego Music Award for Best Local Recording, for his song “Rewind.” The Ocean Beach show is fronted by local alt-rockers Saint Lunawhose 2024 self-titled debut came with top-streaming singles like “Rare Sight” and “Revolver.”
- Where: The Holding Company, 5046 Newport Avenue, San Diego
- When: Wednesday January 28, 2026, 7:30 PM
- Ages: 21+
- Costs: $10
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