Pinback, George Clinton, fifth-generation mariachis, and a farewell show: Top concerts this week

2026 started strong in our local music scene and it’s not slowing down yet — check out horn-driven fun, a Carpenters tribute, George Clinton, the return of local indie darlings Pinback, and much more. Here’s our weekly rundown of shows you won’t want to miss:

Brian Jones Rock ‘n’ Roll Revival

The Rolling Stones-inspired combo the Brian Jones Rock ‘n’ Roll Revival plays Humphreys Backstage Live on Jan. 16.

Led by singer and guitarist Brian Jones, the band specializes in songs by Jagger-Richards, from “Street Fighting Man” to “Miss You,” eschewing any tribute band trappings, but giving spot on readings of the Stones best songs. The band also stretches their boundaries a bit by also including tunes by Jimi Hendrix, but fans will be most impressed by the Rock ‘n’ Revival’s renditions of songs by the Stones’ influences, including blues standards by Elmore James and Chuck Berry.

• Brian Jones Rock ‘n’ Roll Revival: Friday, Jan. 16 at Humphreys Backstage Live, 2241 Shelter Island Drive, 5 p.m. $5.

The Shenanigans

Blues aficionados have one last chance to catch a set from local supergroup The Shenanigans, who perform their farewell show on Jan. 17 at the Aquarius Bar & Grille.

A true all-star project, the group includes legendary radio man Jim McInnes, guitarists Mark DeCerbo (Rockola) and Tom Meksto, saxophonist Chris Klich (Tobacco Road), drummer Jack Pinney (Iron Butterfly), bassist John Gunderson (Claude Coma & The IV’s), trumpeter Joe Dyke (El Dorado Slim), keyboardist Mark Bentley (Michele Lundeen), and trombonist Paul Kater.

Since it is the beloved band’s last gig, fans can expect a lot of special guests to join in at this special outdoor matinee concert, with Joey Harris of The Beat Farmers and Richard Livoni of The Blitz Brothers among those already set to take part.

• The Shenanigans: Saturday, Jan. 17 at the Aquarius Bar & Grille, 1548 Quivira Way. Noon.

Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán

One of the world’s longest-running groups, Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán returns to San Diego for a performance at the Civic Theatre on Jan. 17.

Founded in 1897, the fourteen-piece group is now in its 129th year and its fifth generation of musicians, touring with a show that also incorporates folklorico.

Legends in most of the Spanish-speaking world, in the U.S., Mariachi Vargas De Tecalitlan are perhaps best known for their work with Linda Ronstadt, including on her 1987 Grammy-winning album, “Canciones de Mi Padre.” For anyone who enjoys mariachi music, a concert from this pioneering combo is as good as it gets.

Also appearing will be Mariachi Garibaldi from Southwestern College.

• Mariachi Vargas De Tecalitlan: Saturday, Jan. 17, at The Civic Theatre, 3rd & B St., 8 p.m.

Tribute to The Carpenters

Anyone who appreciates the soft rock sound of the super-famous 1970s-era brother-sister duo The Carpenters will want to hear Top of the World: A Tribute to The Carpenters, who appear at The Sound on Jan. 17.

The band does a good job of recreating the original arrangements; however, where this production excels is in the singing. The Carpenters’ lush backing vocals are faithfully reproduced, but best of all, lead vocalist Debbie Taylor actually sounds a lot like Karen Carpenter. Attendees can expect a hit-filled show, full of melancholy favorites such as “Rainy Days and Mondays” and “Goodbye to Love.”

• Top of the World A Tribute to The Carpenters: Saturday, Jan. 17, at The Sound, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., 8 p.m.

George Clinton

Iconic R&B pioneer George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic stop in at the Music Box on Jan. 18.

Clinton has had an amazing career, starting off as a songwriter for Motown in the mid-1960s and later, with Parliament Funkadelic, helping build the foundations of funk and hip-hop. The night will feature songs from throughout his career, including solo material such as the much-sampled “Atomic Dog,” but the night’s biggest sing-along will be for Parliament’s 1976 single, “Give Up the Funk (Tear the Roof Off the Sucker)” with its “we want the funk” chorus.

• George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic: Sunday, Jan. 18, at the Music Box, 1337 India St., 8 p.m. $80.

Shaun Cassidy

After a four-decade hiatus from music, acting, and life as a (former) teen idol, Shaun Cassidy once again takes the stage at The Magnolia on Jan. 18. Perhaps best known for his role as Joe Hardy in the late 1970s TV mystery series, “The Hardy Boys,” Cassidy had a concurrent music career, scoring a No. 1 hit in 1976 with a cover version of The Crystals 1963 classic, “Da Do Ron Ron.” Cassidy’s current set list includes new music, including his latest release, “Last Song,” but fans can rest assured that all of Cassidy’s charting singles will be included in the concert.

Shaun Cassidy: Sunday, Jan. 18, at The Magnolia, 210 E Main St., 8 p.m.

Tomcat Courtney

Blues guitarist and local legend Tomcat Courtney passed away in 2021, but his memory still looms large in San Diego’s music community.

On Jan. 19, Winston’s will host a birthday celebration for what would have been Courtney’s 97th birthday, with a lineup that features Billy Watson, Tom’s Kids featuring Tony Tomlinson, and Chickenbone Slim and The Biscuits.

In addition to being a great musician in his own right, Courtney was hugely influential locally, mentoring several generations of blues musicians. This now-annual event is a great way to pay tribute to a true San Diego music legend.

Tomcat Courtney’s 97th Birthday Party: Monday, Jan. 19, at Winston’s, 1921 Bacon St., 4 p.m. $25.

Pinback

Armistead Burwell Smith IV and Rob Crow bring their indie rock band, Pinback, to The Casbah for a three-night stand, Jan. 20-22. Formed in 1998, Pinback hasn’t released a new album since 2012’s “Information Retrieved.” However, as can be ascertained from their three shows, the band’s popularity hasn’t diminished in the slightest. Pinback’s best-known song is likely their 2004 single, “Fortress,” but whatever they choose to include in their sets at these shows will have their die-hard fans hanging on every note.

Pinback: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, Jan. 20-22, at The Casbah, 2501 Kettner Blvd., 8:30 p.m. $20.

Tommy Stinson

Few musicians have had as strong a career arc as guitarist Tommy Stinson, who performs at the Whistle Stop on Jan. 21.

A member of influential Minneapolis rockers The Replacements during the 1980s, Stinson followed that up with his own group, Bash & Pop, and then stints in Soul Asylum and Guns N ‘ Roses.

Recent set lists feature primarily Bash & Pop tunes, as well as an occasional cover such as The Psychedelic Furs’ “Love My Way.” Fans are advised to arrive early. The intimate setting of the Whistle Stop is a far cry from Stinson’s stadium performances.

Tommy Stinson: Wednesday, Jan. 21 at the Whistle Stop, 2236 Fern St., 8 p.m. $23.

Lou Lou’s

Swing dancers will want to head to Lou Lou’s on Jan. 22 for either of two sets from award-winning vocalist Mercedes Moore and her band.

Moore is a powerhouse singer, winner of the 2024 San Diego Music Award for “Best Jazz Singer,” but also a favorite of the local blues scene, covering everyone from Little Richard to Etta James.

If you don’t know how to swing dance and would like to hit the dance floor, be sure to arrive early, as Moore herself will be providing dance lessons at 8:15 p.m. before the first show. With no cover for these performances, beyond the music, it’s also a great opportunity for anyone who hasn’t checked out the historic, refurbished, and glamorous Lafayette Hotel.

Mercedes Moore: Thursday, Jan. 22, at Lou Lou’s, 2223 El Cajon Blvd., 7 and 9 p.m. No cover.