So many stellar shows tonight, it's hard to even know where to start, so instead of hyping the big ones, let's give a shout out to the Whistle Stop for the night. Tonight, you can catch Gabriel Sundy and his progressive jazz act Nexus 4000, and since he's been working at sea for the past few years, it's not a show we can catch often. For our roots-rock lovers out there, Dave Alvin of the Blasters returns to the Belly Up, Blackfoot Gypsies bring their rootsy Americana sound from Nashville to the Casbah, and Soda Bar has a night of sweet folk sounds by Jack Symes. Lots of great stuff all the way down the list and I just might kick off a streak through the weekend because why not?
Wednesday, Aug. 21:
- Nexus 4000, Montalban Quintet @ Whistle Stop
- Dave Alvin & Jimmie Dale Gilmore with the Guilty Ones, Taylor Scott Band @ Belly Up
- Blackfoot Gypsies, Jonny Wagon & the Tennessee Sons @ Casbah
- Jack Symes, Swimming in Circles, Gregory Ackerman @ Soda Bar
- One Night of Queen performed by Gary Mullen & the Works @ Humphreys Concerts by the Bay
- Miss Erika Davies @ Seven Grand
- Death Cab for Karaoke @ The Office
- The Smokes with DJ Meow Mix @ Bar Pink
- Heavy Metal Bingo @ Bar Pink (free, 7-9 p.m.)
- Charlie Arbelaez @ Plaza Bar, Westgate Hotel
- Synergy Series III: In Step @ The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center
- The Gold Souls @ The Holding Company
- The Jazz Pocket Swing @ Tio Leo's
- Clay Colton @ Wildwood Crossing
- Rock & Roll Karaoke @ Grand Ole BBQ & Asado
- Snail Mail, Choir Boy @ Music Box
- Subversion: Goth, darkwave, industrial, new wave @ Til-Two Club
- Reggae en Tu Barrio with Karlos Paez @ Border X Brewing
- Boss Jazz with Jason Hanna & Friends @ Riviera Supper Club & Turquoise Room
- Gilbert Castellanos' Young Lions Series & Jazz Jam @ Panama 66
- Dance Klassique with Joe Pea, Ryan Bauer, Gomez @ Blonde
- Open Mic Night @ Pour House
- Club Kingston Presents: Judah Eskener Safari & the Originators, DJ Carlos Culture @ Winston's
- Patrick "Bluefrog" Ellis @ Crossroads, House of Blues (FREE)
- The Hump Wednesday with Ukeim @ U-31
- Open Mic with Jefferson Jay @ Winston's (6-9 p.m.)
- Bayou Brothers @ Humphreys Backstage Live
- Wu-Tang Wednesday with Mister Hek and friends @ El Dorado
- Open Mic/Open Jam @ 710 Beach Club
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.