Son of Kane, Lady Dottie, Mikan Zlatkovich, Johnny Deadly Trio, Just In Case

2022 San Diego Music Awards Best New Artist nominee Son of Kane is fronted by Evan Yearsley, who spent a decade playing drums behind his mom, the late local blues hero Candye Kane. Having also played on her records and written songs with her, his own band has released singles such as “Cry For You” and “Creepy Love.” The OB bill includes rising blues guitarist Anthony Cullins, aka The Fallbrook Kid.

Lady Dottie & the Diamonds at Golden Island Dec 1

Originally a gospel singer, Dorothy Mae “Lady Dottie” Whitsett’s career includes performing with Kool and the Gang and Clarence Carter. Since moving from Atlanta to San Diego in 1984, her band (including former members of GoGoGo Airheart) has won multiple San Diego Music Awards for Best Blues and Best Blues Album. Her Mira Mesa set will include classic blues and jazz covers.

Mikan Zlatkovich at Book & Records Dec 1

Born a musical jazz piano prodigy in Kosovo, in the former Yugoslavia, Mikan Zlatkovich started his professional jazz career as a teenager. Citing Ahmad Jamal as a major inspiration, his credits include gigs with Tony Scott, Clifford Jordan, Chet Baker, Ernie Wilkins, Anthony Wilson, Willie Jones III, and Charles McPherson. He’ll perform a career-spanning set in Bankers Hill.

Johnny Deadly Trio at Bogey’s Pub & Grill Dec 2

With influences based in American roots, surf, dark blues, jazz, and wild rockabilly, Johnny Deadly Trio features Aidan Norcross, Eddie Montoya, and Bryan Gyselbrecht. They’ve become a regular presence on local stages such as Pine Valley House, Patrick’s Gaslamp Pub, Hennessey’s, Henry’s, and the Princess Pub. Their Miramar set comes at the end of a west coast tour.

Just In Case at the Casbah Dec 4

Originally based in southern New Jersey, punk rockers Just in Case released their self-titled full-length in 2008. They recently dropped a new EP, Roll With the Punches. The Little Italy bill includes North Park-based indie punk band Hardly Human and Covid-era queercore newcomers LoudMouth, who dropped a self-titled EP in August.