Eight concerts to see this week in San Diego

Whether your tastes run to electro-rock, heavy metal, island pop, or serious folk, you'll find something to satisfy your audio appetite.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 1:31pm

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Our music writer has surveyed the upcoming San Diego concert scene and selected seven shows - five local acts and two touring artists - that cover a wide range of musical genres from post-rock to heavy metal to Hawaiian-influenced pop. The lineup also includes a third anniversary celebration of the popular Songwriter Sanctuary series.

Why it matters

San Diego's diverse music scene offers something for every listener, from established local acts to touring artists across a spectrum of styles. This roundup highlights the breadth of live music options available in the city this week, catering to a range of musical tastes.

The details

The concerts include performances by The Album Leaf, a post-rock/ambient band led by Jimmy LaValle; local heavy metal group Nukem; the third anniversary celebration of the Songwriter Sanctuary series featuring Eve Selis, Omo Cloud, and Lisa Sanders; a tribute to the music of Leon Redbone by Gregory Page; folk/pop artist Tom Chapin; soulful singer Joss Stone; Hawaiian-influenced artist Ben Benavente; and American Idol alum Kai Kalama.

  • The Album Leaf is performing on Thursday, January 29, 2026 at 7:30 pm.
  • Nukem is performing on an unspecified date.
  • The Songwriter Sanctuary third anniversary celebration is on an unspecified date.
  • Gregory Page's Leon Redbone tribute is on an unspecified date.
  • Tom Chapin is performing on an unspecified date.

The players

The Album Leaf

An American post-rock, ambient, and electronic music band led by Jimmy LaValle. The band has won Best Electronic at the 2008 and 2009 San Diego Music Awards.

Nukem

A local heavy metal band formed in 2012 by guitarist/vocalist Steve Brogden and bassist Don Lauder, with drummer Norm Leggio and former Cage guitarist Dave Garcia.

Songwriter Sanctuary

A monthly concert series known for its intimate listening room atmosphere and in-the-round format, featuring singer-songwriters Eve Selis, Omo Cloud, and Lisa Sanders.

Gregory Page

A singer-songwriter who is performing a tribute to the music of Leon Redbone. Page has performed internationally and opened for artists like Bob Dylan, Leon Russell, and Jason Mraz.

Tom Chapin

A veteran folk musician with a career spanning six decades, three Grammy awards, and over 20 solo albums. He is known for his storytelling songs, ballads, and classic folk covers.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

San Diego's diverse music scene offers a wide range of live concert options this week, catering to fans of genres from post-rock to heavy metal to Hawaiian-influenced pop. The lineup highlights both established local acts and touring artists, providing something for every music lover in the city.