There are some incredible shows in San Diego tonight, so you're going to want to start your weekend on a Thursday. At Humphreys, powerfully strong Brandi Carlile plays the headlining spot, while instrumental classical guitar powerhouse Rodrigo y Gabriela play their amazing blend of flamenco, metal, and rock at the Belly Up. Casbah welcomes North Carolinian alt-country -- or as I like to call them, twang-rockers -- American Aquarium take the stage, and legendary rapper DJ Quik brings the classic jams to the Observatory North Park. For country lovers, Chris Stapleton has seen a meteoric rise in his career and he headlines Mattress Firm Amphitheatre tonight. Parking and ride-sharing to the venue has been a bit dicey this season, so be sure to get there uber-early and be ready to wait your turn out of the lot.
Thursday, Aug. 16:
- Brandi Carlile, Darlingside @ Humphreys Concerts by the Bay
- Rodrigo y Gabriela, Robert Ellis @ Belly Up
- American Aquarium, Jaime Wyatt @ Casbah
- DJ Quik, Hypnotic, G-Rooted @ The Observatory North Park
- Chris Stapleton, Marty Stuart, Brent Cobb @ Mattress Firm Amphitheatre
- DJ Ratty @ Bar Pink
- Sneaks, Blac Rabbit, Jazmin LaBrie @ Soda Bar
- Us the Duo, Justin Nozuka @ House of Blues
- Funk Manifesto, the Amalgamated @ Pour House
- Dhatura, Mortar, Kanok @ The Che Cafe
- Dap-Kings DJs Gabriel Roth & Cochemea Gastelum @ Whistle Stop
- Cam @ Harrah's SoCal Resort
- Amigo Rock, Mane One, Pokkey, Nastea, Eskimo Bros TEC + Loki @ Space
- Be Like Max, Spazik, the Abortz @ Tower Bar
- Lorraine Castellanos Quartet @ Panama 66
- Solace @ U-31
- Summer Beach Party with The Mar Dels @ Bahia Hotel (6-9 p.m.)
- Robert Allen Shepherd @ Crossroads, House of Blues
- Bayou Brothers @ Humphreys Backstage Live
- Hollow Stage, Manic, the Shellshocks, Vuture @ Brick by Brick
- Mark Winkler & Cheryl Bentyne in "Eastern Standard Time" @ Martini's Above Fourth
- Jimmy Ruelas @ Seven Grand
- January Berry Band @ De Oro Mine Co
- Jaron Yancey, Hollow Stage @ Bancroft Bar
- Open Jam Session @ Winston's (6-9 p.m.)
- Boostive, TV Broken, 3rd Eye Open @ Winston's
- No Limits with DJMysonKing @ The Office
- Jerry Jacobs @ Moonshine Flats
- Summer Thursdays with Boombox Heroes @ Moonshine Beach
- PB&J presents DJs Brian Rose & Kyle Hapgood @ El Dorado
- Curtis Peoples @ Tin Roof
- Thursday Evening Swing @ Queen Bee's
- Open Jam with Jeff Ousley @ Navajo Live
- Flora Cash, Cardinal Moon @ Music Box
- Mercedes Moore @ Tio Leo's
- DJ Yodah @ Henry's Pub
Rosemary Bystrak is the publicist for the Casbah and writes about the San Diego music scene, events and general musings about life in San Diego on San Diego: Dialed In. Follow her updates on Twitter or contact her directly.
