One of the most successful song writers in the world, Jack Tempchin’s name may not instantly ring a bell, but his music sure does. Appearing at AMSDConcerts on June 11, 7:30 p.m., Tempchin is responsible for penning such classic rock standards as Johnny Rivers “Slow Dancin,” Glen Frey’s “Smuggler’s Blues”.and numerous Eagles tunes including “Peaceful Easy Feeling” and co-write, “Already Gone.” A master showman, Tempchin’s concerts are a wonderful mix of hits, new tunes and storytelling that always feels like a conversation among old friends.
Jack Tempchin: Wednesday, June 11, at Acoustic Music San Diego, 4650 Mansfield St. 7: 30 p.m. All ages. $20-$45. amsdconcerts.com.
Loud, Brash & Fun SistersAtomic Pink
Lestat’s may be a coffeehouse but don’t look for acoustic guitars when Atomic Pink hits the stage on June 15. Loud, brash and fun, the El Paso, Texas-based trio play the poppier edge of hard rock. Comprised of sisters Samantha (bass), Sarah (drums)and Susan Adame (guitar), despite their youthful appearance, the three are veterans of the Texas music scene, having formed the band in 2004. Oddly, despite touring, the band doesn’t appear to have released any music to date, but fans of the Donnas and Ratt will find much to admire in Atomic Pink’s guitar riffs.
Atomic Pink: Wednesday, June 15 at Lestats, 3343 Adams Ave. 9 p.m. All ages. Cover TBD. reverbnation.com/atomicpink.
Greasy Rockabilly, Raunchy Rock & RollAndy Rasmussen
If you’re an aficionado of Americana, a blending of sounds that might have taken place somewhere between 1952 and 1966, Action Andy & The Hightones, who perform at Eleven on June 18, 10 p.m., are the band for you. According to frontman “Action” Andy Rasmussen, the group specializes in “greasy rockabilly and raunchy rock & roll, high-lonesome country, tear in yer beer blues and shot of psychedelic honkadelia.” That’s a lot to take in, but the Hightones are all seasoned professionals, including bassist Tom Ward (Nashville Ramblers, The Fairmounts), guitarist Xavier Anaya (The Trebels, The Baja Bugs)and drummer Skid Roper (Mojo Nixon, The Evasions). It all adds up to the perfect soundtrack to any barroom.
Action Andy & the Hightones: Saturday, June 18, at Eleven, 3519 El Cajon Blvd. 10 p.m. 21 and up. Cover TBD. elevensandiego.com.
Shake a Tail Feather for AndreAndre Williams
If Andre Williams, who performs at the Soda Bar on June 23, 8 p.m., had only penned the R&B standard, “Shake A Tail Feather,” his place in music history would be secure. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg in a five-decade career. That he went on to record with Motown and Chess, produce Ike Turner, write for Funkadelic and much more, is a testament to his musical genius. Still going strong at 75, Williams’ most recent recording is 2010’s, “That’s All I Need,” a worthy addition to his canon that shows his music just as vital and primal as ever. One of the last connections to the early days of the modern music era still touring and recording, Williams’ show is mandatory for fans of either music history or tunes with a good backbeat and solid groove.
Andre Williams: Thursday, June 23, The Soda Bar, 3615 El Cajon Blvd. 8 p.m. 21 and up. $12. myspace.com/68691228.
High on Melody, Energy and HooksMaren Parusel
On June 23, Bar Pink will be the site of a CD release party for Maren Parusel’s debut album, “Artificial Gardens.” Parusel is picking up national buzz the old-fashioned way, through relentless touring, working hard at honing her band and more impressively her songs. Parusel’s tunes fall into the indie pop rock category, eschewing the typical two-guitar bass and drums lineup in exchange for for “whatever fits the song best” instrumentation. The result is a batch of tunes high on melody, energy and hooks. Just the right ingredients to take Parusel and her music to the next level. This show is the kickoff to a national tour that will keep her on the road for three weeks.
Maren Parusel: Thursday, June 23, at Bar Pink, 3829 30th St. 10 p.m. 21 and up. Cover TBD. myspace.com/marenparusel.
