2026 is off to a great start for San Diego music fans! There are dozens of concert options each week, here are a few of our favorites taking place at area venues this month.
January 21- Tommy Stinson / Whistle Stop, South Park
What a career Tommy Stinson has had! To name just four of the bands he’s been a part of: The Replacements, Bash & Pop, Soul Asylum, Guns & Roses. Recent setlists feature plenty of tunes from his Bash & Pop days, mixed with newer originals and the occasional choice cover. And the show is even right across from Vinyl Junkies for pre-show record browsing.
January 23 – Trade Roots Reggae 40th Anniversary / The Holding Company, Ocean Beach
A celebration of local institution, Trade Roots, supporters of all things reggae. Live performances from Earl Cunningham and Willow Wilson. An opportunity to say thanks to the Trade Roots crowd for helping nurture San Diego’s now burgeoning reggae community.
January 28 – Foghat / Belly Up Tavern, Solana Beach
Still featuring original drummer Roger Earl, the mighty Foghat returns to San Diego for crowd-pleasing greatest hits set sure to include such classics as “Fool For The City,” “Drivin’ Wheel” and of course, “Slow Ride.” Get to this one early to catch a set from legendary local rock trio, The Blitz Brothers, featuring 2020 SDMA Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, Richard Livoni.
January 29 – DK Harrell / The Center Theater, Escondido
Rising talent, blues guitarist DK Harrell is the real deal. Tons of charisma, an arsenal of songs that sound like long lost classics, and a soulful guitar tone with a bit of grit. It’s a great combination. If you’re a fan of the blues, this show should be at the top of your list this month.
February 06 – The Styletones / Lou Lou’s, North Park
The return of an excellent classic soul / R&B combo, now with Whitney Shay on vocals. Two shows, 8 and 10 p.m. No cover!
February 07 – Nathan Hubbard & The Green Mansions play Arthur Lyman’s “Bwana A” / Dizzy’s, Bay Park
Acclaimed percussionist Nathan Hubbard and friends once again attempt the near impossible, this time out recreating Arthur Lyman’s 1959 album, Bwana A, in its entirety. Hubbard’s past album recreations have been stunning. Fans of exotica or lounge sounds won’t want to miss this performance.
February 08 – Raney & Evans / Downtown Café, El Cajon
Just two of San Diego’s finest musicians, Evans Kontopuls and Jerry Raney (The Beat Farmers!) playing acoustic guitars, entertaining a lunchtime crowd with an excellent mix of tunes by the likes of Dylan, The Beatles and Elvis Presley. Noon til 3 p.m., great food and no cover!
February 12 – Micky Dolenz / Belly Up Tavern, Solana Beach
Monkees fans unite! This evening’s show will be the opening of Micky Dolenz’s 60 Years of The Monkees tour and while the tour setlist has yet to be disclosed, sure to be included are such timeless hits as “I’m A Believer,” “Last Train to Clarksville,” and “Pleasant Valley Sunday.” At 80 years old, Dolenz is still putting on a terrific show. Don’t miss this one!
February 13 – Valentines Super Love Jam ’26 / Pechanga Arena, Midway District
A pre-Valentines Day Super Love Jam! Featuring a jukebox full of hitmakers from the 1970’s, 1980’s and 1990’s. On hand will be Blackstreet, Baby Bash, Frankie J, MC Magic, Rose Royce, OG Mary Jane Girls (Maxi and Cheri), The Floaters and Heatwave, the latter sure to be an early highlight on the night with such favorites as “Boogie Nights,” “Always and Forever,” and “Heatwave.”
February 14 – Squirrel Nut Zippers / Music Box, Little Italy
Swing / jazz / blues Americana combo Squirrel Nut Zippers haven’t released an album since 2020’s Lost Songs of Doc Souchon but whatever they play will have their fans up on their feet, digging terrific sounds first popularized in the first half of the 20th century. Gregory Page opens the show.
February 15 – OB Mardi Gras / Winston’s, Ocean Beach
The beads will be optional but the fun will be mandatory at this matinee Mardi Gras party, 3 – 7 p.m. complete with an excellent lineup that features The Farmers, The Sleepwalkers, Ass Pocket Whiskey Fellas and The Chunky Hustle Brass Band. The dance floor is going to be packed for this one, get there early.
