thursday, oct. 15
Jon Reep
Maybe you remember Jon as the fifth season winner on NBC’s Last Comic Standing or have seen him on Comedy Central’s Premium Blend or the half-hour special Comedy Central Presents: Jon Reep. If it’s not from his stand-up performances then you probably know Jon from Dodge’s popular ad campaign as the “Hemi guy”. Now based in Los Angeles, Jon is one of the hardest working comics in America, performing on television, in films and selling out clubs and theaters across the country.
The American Comedy Company, 818B Sixth Ave. in San Diego, 8 p.m., tickets $18, 619-795-3858, americancomedyco.com
friday, oct. 16
America
Founding members, Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell met in London in the late 1960s and quickly harmonized their way to the top of the charts on the strength of their signature song “A Horse With No Name”. Forty years later, these friends are still making music together, touring the world and thrilling audiences with their timeless sound.
Humphreys Concerts by the Bay, 2241 Shelter Island Dr. in San Diego, 7:30 p.m., tickets $61, 800-745-3000, humphreysconcerts.com
saturday, oct. 17
Mike Epps
Mike Epps is an American stand-up comedian, actor, film producer, writer and rapper. Epps is best known for playing Day Day Jones in Next Friday and its sequel, Friday After Next. He also appeared in The Hangover as Black Doug and was the voice of Boog in Open Season 2.
Pala Events Center, Pala Casino Spa Resort, 11154 Hwy. 76 in Pala, 7:30 p.m., tickets from $45, 877-946-7252, palacasino.com
sunday, oct. 18
The Hit Men
A group of amazing performers, superb musicians, superior vocalists, great arrangers and creative composers, The Hit Men are hit makers of the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s … performing and/or recording members of mega-star acts including Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, Tommy James & The Shondells, The Critters, Carly Simon, Jim Croce, Cat Stevens, Barry Manilow, Elton John and Kiki Dee.
Sycuan Casino, 5485 Casino Way in El Cajon, 7p.m., tickets from $40, 1-800-2-SYCUAN, sycuan.com
monday, oct. 19
Steph Johnson and Rob Thorsen
Recently nominated for the 2011 Best Jazz Artist by the San Diego Music Awards, winner of the 2010 SDMA Best Jazz Album, Steph Johnson is that rare panoramic talent that captures your attention from the first note. Rob Thorsen moved to San Diego in 1990 where he quickly became one of the area’s most in demand bassists. In addition to leading his own trio/quartet he has worked with many notable artists including Louie Bellson, Russell Malone, Charles McPherson, Curtis Fuller, Mundell Lowe, Hubert Laws, Jackie Ryan and many others.
Croce’s Park West, 2760 Fifth Ave. in San Diego, 6 p.m., 619-233-4355, crocesparkwest.com
tuesday, oct. 20
New Politics
Catch this Danish rock band from Copenhagen, formed in 2009. It currently consists of David Boyd, Søren Hansen and Louis Vecchio. The band’s sound has been described as a blend of “punk, pop and electronically induced dance rock.” With co-headliners Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness and special guests The Griswolds.
House of Blues San Diego, 1055 Fifth Ave. in San Diego, 6 p.m., tickets $25, 619-299-2583, houseofblues.com
wednesday, oct. 21
OZ
This is certainly not the 1939 movie version. It’s a wild, imaginative and stunning new musical adaptation of L. Frank Baum’s iconic American folktale, The Wizard of Oz. Orphan Dorothy Gale has lived most of her life on a tiny farm with her aunt and uncle. When devastating winds of change upend her entire existence, she is forced to form new friendships and fight for all that is dear to her in a strange world on the brink of war. This exciting new adaptation illuminates this American classic’s darker corners and brings to light its romance, humor and adventure with a thrilling new score.
Lamb’s Players Theatre, 1142 Orange Ave. in Coronado, 2 and 7:30 p.m., tickets from $24, 619-437-6000, lambsplayers.org
