The revamped S.B. Bowl leads by example this summer by providing a little something for all musical palates, including the 12th Annual Mariachi Festival and Gwen Stefani. Other venues that may have slipped past your radar but come highly recommended are SOhO, Jensen Guitar’s Mainstage, Velvet Jones, the Chumash Casino, and Muddy Waters. Whatever your preference and whichever your poison, don’t let this summer pass you by without reaping the benefits of living in this sunny musical cosmos.
Paulina Rubio
The Latin-pop sensation and international superstar will dance and sing her heart out. Thu., June 21, 8pm. Samala Showroom, Chumash Casino, 3400 E. Highway 246, Santa Ynez. Visit chumashcasino.com.
S.B. Songwriter Showcase with Kenny Edwards and Fiona Kernaghan
Critically acclaimed local talents take the stage for a night of original pop-driven, guitar-based tracks. Thu., June 21, 7pm. Jensen Guitar Mainstage, 2905 De la Vina St. Visit myspace.com/sbsongwritershowcase.
Norah Jones and the Handsome Band, with M. Ward
M. Ward opens up a night of singer/songwriters and music that frequents relationships, coffee shops, the radio, and our lives. Fri., June 22, 7pm. S.B. Bowl, 1122 N. Milpas St. Call 962-7411.
Too $hort
In the game for almost 25 years now, this pioneer of West Coast hip-hop will deliver only his best tracks with his trademark style. Fri., June 22, 9pm. Velvet Jones, 423 State St. Call 965-8676.
Solstice Celebration
Dancing Drum and Matthew McAvene tie in culture and rhythms for an after party celebrating one of the best, and sunniest, days of the year. Sat., June 23, 9pm. SOhO, 1221 State St. Call 962-7776.
The Aggrolites
Los Angeles funky favorites jive into town with their positive rhythms and reggae rock. Sat., June 23, 9pm. Velvet Jones, 423 State St. Call 965-8676.
Toubab Krewe & Underground Orchestra
Just back from a trip to West Africa, these incredible musicians fuse classic American rock with the rhythms and sounds heard during their travels. Sun., June 24, 8:30pm. SOhO, 1221 State St. Call 962-7776.
Goo Goo Dolls
Rock staple the Goo Goo Dolls bring beautiful, chart-topping pop-rock for all generations; with opening band Lifehouse and singer/songwriter Colbie Caillat. Mon., June 25, 6:15pm. S.B. Bowl, 1122 N. Milpas St. Call 962-7411.
Jesse Colin Young & Celtic Mambo
Legendary lead singer of the peace-driven rock band The Youngbloods tours with his 15th solo release. Tue., June 26, 8pm. SOhO, 1221 State St. Call 962-7776.
Gwen Stefani, with Lady Sovereign
The fanciful lead singer of No Doubt sets out on her own tour; with opener British solo rap artist Lady Sovereign. Tue., June 26 and Wed., June 27, 7pm. S.B. Bowl, 1122 N. Milpas St. Call 962-7411.
Benise
The S.B. favorites and nuevo flamenco masters kick off the Concerts in the Park series with an evening of Latin riffs and hip-shaking grooves. The series continues every Thursday through August 23. For a complete lineup, visit santabarbaraca.gov. Thu., June 28, 6pm. Chase Palm Park, 236 E. Cabrillo Blvd. Visit benise.com.
S.B. Surfrider Benefit
The Itals bring the meaning of their name to life in sound and message through unprocessed, pure reggae rhythms and music. Thu., June 28, 9pm. SOhO, 1221 State St. Call 962-7776.
The Aimless Never Miss, Ruben Diaz, Avenue of Giants, and Pantalone
Experimental indie rock at its finest, with heavy claps and lovely vocals, starts off with rustic cowboy renditions and sweet sing-alongs. Wed., June 27, 8pm. Muddy Waters, 508 E. Haley St. Visit myspace.com/805showsaredumb.
Which One’s Pink, with John Stack
Get comfortably numb with the All Access Award-winning Pink Floyd tribute band. Sat., June 30, 9pm. SOhO, 1221 State St. Call 962-7776.
Anthony Ybarra Trio
For Alameda Park’s Concerts in the Park series, the flamenco stylings of the Anthony Ybarra Trio kick off things. Concerts take place every Sunday afternoon through July 22, and a complete lineup can be found at santabarbaraca.gov. Sun., July 1, 3pm. Alameda Park, 1400 Santa Barbara St. Visit ybarramusic.com.
Creedence Clearwater Revisited
The band’s original rhythm section validates its Grammy with heavy, classic rock favorites. Thu., July 5, 8pm. Samala Showroom, Chumash Casino, 3400 E. Highway 246, Santa Ynez. Visit chumashcasino.com
Retrodemon, StompRocket, and Gringo Verde
‘Tis the night for local hardcore metal fans to make their way downtown for the loudest, fiercest show they’ll catch this summer. Fri., July 6, 9pm. Velvet Jones, 423 State St. Call 965-8676.
Yung Berg
This good-looking fellow will hypnotize the women with his smooth single “Sexy Lady” and will impress the men of the audience with his major hip-hop and R&B skills. Sat., July 7, 9pm. Velvet Jones, 423 State St. Call 965-8676.
No Use for a Name
Off-label Fat Wreck Chords hails this staple in the pop-punk jukebox that has proven to be a force with which to be reckoned. Tue., July 10, 9pm. Velvet Jones, 423 State St. Call 965-8676.
Justin & the Furniture, with Watercolor Paintings
Singer/songwriters take the stage for heart-warming music that will surely make you fall in love. Wed., July 11, 8pm. Muddy Waters, 508 E. Haley St. Visit myspace.com/805showsaredumb.
Cary Brothers
Along with Vega 4 and Mother Mother, the Cary Brothers’ lineup features a devil’s brew of folk, British new wave, transnational, and chart-toping rock ‘n’ roll. Wed., July 11, 8pm. SOhO, 1221 State St. Call 962-7776.
Forro in the Dark and Culver City Dub Collective
If you’ve never experienced Brazilian pop music, these groups promise hours of nonstop dancing, sweating, and fun. Thu., July 12, 8pm. SOhO, 1221 State St. Call 962-7776.
Incubus, with Simon Dawes
A soulful mix of nu-rock and funk is perfect for a hot summer night. Enjoy these California natives with special guest Simon Dawes. Thu., July 12, 7pm. S.B. Bowl, 1122 N. Milpas St. Call 962-7411.
Lynyrd Skynyrd
Classic rock favorites bring it to the Chumash Casino. Thu., July 12, 8pm. Samala Showroom, Chumash Casino, 3400 E. Highway 246, Santa Ynez. Visit chumashcasino.com.
Hollywood U2 and Highway 61 Revisited
L.A.-based U2 tribute band, fronted by Joe Hier, joins with Bob Dylan cover band Highway 61 Revisited for a night of musical reminiscing. Sat., July 14, 9pm. SOhO, 1221 State St. Call 962-7776.
Snow Patrol, with Hot Hot Heat
Songwriting perfection mixed with music mastery is the makeup of this pop-tastic band that rolls into town with the boys of Hot Hot Heat. Tue., July 17, 6:30pm. S.B. Bowl, 1122 N. Milpas St. Call 962-7411.
S.B. Songwriter Showcase with Rebecca Troon, Pat Milliken, and Joe Cicero
The sixth concert of the Jensen Mainstage series features original folk music, incorporating an array of instruments to show some of the brightest local talent. Thu., July 19, 7pm. Jensen Guitar Mainstage, 2905 De la Vina St. Visit myspace.com/sbsongwritershowcase.
The Beatnuts
These hip-hop kings of Queens, New York, flavor their in-your-face music and performances with East Coast Latin tradition. Sat., July 21, 9pm. Velvet Jones, 423 State St. Call 965-8676.
Soul Majestic & Special Guest
This group’s combination of drums and dedication to authenticity has made it one of the best reggae acts in years. Sat., July 21, 9pm. SOhO, 1221 State St. Call 962-7776.
The Founding Mothers CD Release Party
Dance along to this longtime local folk-rock band’s latest release, Constitution. Sun., July 22, 7:30pm. SOhO, 1221 State St. Call 962-7776.
Sara Gazarek
Jazz master and a sucker for pop, this vixen will hypnotize you with her translucent vocals. Mon., July 23, 8pm. SOhO, 1221 State St. Call 962-7776.
Zepparella
These lovely ladies celebrate the timeless sounds of Led Zeppelin in an original, must-see show. Thu., July 26, 9pm. Velvet Jones, 423 State St. Call 965-8676.
Devin the Dude
Quirky rap artist and native Texan will give it to you straight on everyday living with a flawless underground sound. Fri., July 27, 9pm. Velvet Jones, 423 State St. Call 965-8676.
Huey Lewis
Huey Lewis-the man who created an anthem for the workday and sang about wanting a new drug-will revive the party and remind us why he is still a household name. Thu., Aug. 2, 8pm. Samala Showroom, Chumash Casino, 3400 E. Highway 246, Santa Ynez. Visit chumashcasino.com.
12th Annual Santa Barbara Mariachi Festival
The festival features all the radio classics and new favorites, such as Mariachi Cobre, Omar Arreola, Mariachi Imperial, Mariachi Divas, and Mariachi Chula Vista. Sat., Aug. 4, 6pm. S.B. Bowl, 1122 N. Milpas St. Call 962-7411.
Slightly Stoopid and G. Love & Special Sauce, with Ozomatli
Enjoy a full night of reggae-infused funk and hip-hop with a little bit of Latin culture and charisma at Santa Barbara’s most breathtaking venue. Sun., Aug. 5, 5pm. S.B. Bowl, 1122 N. Milpas St. Call 962-7411.
S.B. Songwriter Showcase with Cinder & Kate, Jeff Bisch, and Robert Postel
Featuring local talents in a night of original, soulful music. Thu., Aug. 9, 7pm. Jensen Guitar Mainstage, 2905 De la Vina St. Visit myspace.com/sbsongwritershowcase.
Temptations & Tops
Motown masters unite for one mega show of flawless vocals and all of our golden radio favorites. Thu., Aug. 9, 8pm. Samala Showroom, Chumash Casino, 3400 E. Highway 246, Santa Ynez. Visit chumashcasino.com.
Timmy Curran, Todd Hannigan,and Escalera
Singer/songwriter and pro surfer takes front and center in a night of smooth sounds inspired by life and the ocean. Tue., Aug. 21, 8pm. SOhO, 1221 State St. Call 962-7776.
Beastie Boys
The in-your-face trio is back to its antics with old-school hip-hop rhythms, charged lyrics, and an energetic evening of fun. Thu., Aug. 23, 6pm. S.B. Bowl, 1122 N. Milpas St. Call 962-7411.
Crowded House
After a break of almost 11 years, the Aussie rockers are reunited and ready to play all your favorites along with music from their new album, Time on Earth. Sat., Aug. 25, 6pm. S.B. Bowl, 1122 N. Milpas St. Call 962-7411.
The Duo-Tones
Musical pioneers Paul Johnson and Gil Orr showcase their signature surf-instro style in a guitars-only night of smooth eclectic sounds. Tue., Aug. 28, 8pm. SOhO, 1221 State St. Call 962-7776.
Heart
The barracuda babes will play their chart-topping, record-breaking repertoire that will make you dance and shout. Thu., Aug. 30, 8pm. Samala Showroom, Chumash Casino, 3400 E. Highway 246, Santa Ynez. Visit chumashcasino.com.