Daring Greatly and Anthony Cullins at the Belly Up Jan 11

Daring Greatly relocated from Calgary, AB Canada to San Diego in 2015. Nominated Best Rock Artist at the 2022 San Diego Music Awards, they won a 2023 SDMA Song of the Year trophy for the track “Never A Goodbye.” Co-headliner Anthony Cullins, aka the Fallbrook Kid, was still attending high school in Oceanside while playing blues rock gigs at House of Blues, Pala Mesa Resort, Valley Fort Steak House, Temecula Music Festival, and Fallbrook Brewery.

Uncle Joe’s Big Ol’ DriveR and the Dragons at the Casbah Jan 12 and 13

The Casbah 35-year celebration continues with a two-night double-header featuring the reunited Dragons and the regrouped Uncle Joe’s Big Ol’ Driver. The Dragons were together for around thirteen years, releasing six albums, while Uncle Joe’s Big Ol’ Driver put out several 7-inches between 1992 and 1995, as well as a self-titled full-length. The Friday, January 12 show will be opened by Poison Hearts A.C., while Saturday’s concert will include Alvino & the Dwells.

Cowboy Jack Johnson at Carlsbad Brewing Company Jan 14

Cowboy Jack Johnson covers country music classics, with a setlist culled from his stints fronting local tribute acts such as The Hank Show (which included authentic Hank Williams costumes made by the same tailor who made Williams’ outfits) and Band in Black, featuring Johnny Cash covers. Johnson will be performing on an outdoor stage at the brewery as part of the Carlsbad Marathon.

The Beat Farmers and Cadillac Hearse at the Casbah Jan 14

Alt-country rockers The Beat Farmers enjoyed a cult following throughout the 1980s and early 1990s before the premature death of lead singer and drummer Dan McLain, aka Country Dick Montana. Several surviving members will reunite behind Joey Harris (of the Mentals) for a co-headlining bill with Cadillac Hearse. The Little Italy bill also includes Americana roots rockers Sleepwalkers.

Jamie Shadowlight Fundraiser at Music Box Jan 14

Little Italy will host a benefit to raise funds for local violin icon Jamie Shadowlight, who was diagnosed with stage 4 cervical cancer about six months ago. Science/spirituality teacher and rocker Shamini Jain will debut a new album called Kaliyuga Blues; other performers slated to appear include Baraka drum and dance center founder (and 2023 San Diego Music Hall of Fame inductee) Monette Marino and Runaways songwriter Roni Lee.