I know I'm getting older because 10- and 20-year anniversaries are happening for records and artists from my formative years and it feels like no time has passed. Such is the circle of life, I guess. This week, Santana is in town and tonight, you can see Rob Thomas at Humphreys, which is funny because 20 years ago, they were playing "Smooth" together on tours all over the world -- and according to Billboard, the song is still the No. 2 song of all time. I suspect on a solo tour, Rob will explore his entire career of music but I assume he won't leave you disappointed and will include the hits, too. Meanwhile, it's a family affair for Bailen, a band of siblings, who make their debut at the Casbah. Indie-pop songstress Kate Toupin strikes out on her own at Soda Bar, the Widows rock a free show at Bar Pink, and local surf-jazz twins the Mattson 2 have outgrown the Casbah and set their sights on the Belly Up (read the SoundDiego review of their new album here).
Thursday, June 20:
- Rob Thomas, Abby Anderson @ Humphreys Concerts by the Bay
- Eric B & Rakim, Jaz-O @ House of Blues
- Bailen, Hailey Knox @ Casbah
- Katie Toupin, Havelin @ Soda Bar
- The Widows, Blaha @ Bar Pink (9:30 p.m.)
- The Mattson 2, Montalban Quintet, Puerto @ Belly Up
- Belly Up World Music Festival @ Coors Light Rock On Stage, San Diego County Fair
- Tribute to Aretha Franklin and Friends @ Showcase Stage, San Diego County Fair
- Banda Machos @ Ballast Point Paddock Stage
- Awakeners, Mezzoa, Call of the Wild @ Space
- Chocolate: Afro House & Forward Thinking House Music @ Blonde
- Stephanie Brown & the Surrealistics, Sci-Fi Country @ Pour House
- The Stilettos @ Crossroads, House of Blues (FREE)
- Come Together @ Humphreys Backstage Live
- Trains Across the Sea @ Riviera Supper Club & Turquoise Room
- Late Bloomer, No Win, Machine Politik @ Tower Bar
- Outfit Machine: Leon Canoe, Lefties, etc. @ Che Cafe
- Le Sabetour, Dandelion Massacre, Se Vende @ Himmelberg's
- Garrett Clayton, Ashley Argota, Desi Dennis-Dylan in "It Takes Three" @ Martini's Above Fourth
- Seven Grand Seven Year Anniversary Party with Jimmy Ruelas, Dude Cervantes @ Seven Grand
- Kid Wilderness @ De Oro Mine Co
- Open Jam Session @ Winston's (6-9 p.m.)
- DJ Ratty @ Rosie O'Grady's
- Lost Monarchs, Cherry Road, Sweet Myths @ Winston's
- Electric Relaxation @ Manhattan Bar
- Dave Gleason @ Grand Ole BBQ & Asado
- Dig Deeper with DJ Qure @ The Office
- Thizzday with DJs Mr Hek @ El Dorado
- Synthwave Vol. 2: Dysphemic, Velocity 128, Helixhand, Mike Mackie @ Kava Lounge
- Open Jam with Jeff Ousley @ Navajo Live
- Mercedes Moore @ Tio Leo's
- Deborah Shepherd & Hickory Wind Band @ Renegade
- DJ Colombo @ Park & Rec
- Bang Bang Anniversary with Claptone @ Bang Bang
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.
