Hot covers, cool jazz, new genres: Top shows this week

Next-level cover bands, nineties indie folk-pop darlings, and the possible birth of a brand-new genre in the San Diego music scene this week.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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San Diego's music scene is heating up this week with a diverse lineup of shows, including a tribute to Beatles legend George Harrison, reggae-infused beach rock, a Latin jazz-inspired jam band, a birthday celebration for legendary singer-songwriter Steve Poltz, an Eagles tribute band, and more.

Why it matters

San Diego has a vibrant and eclectic music scene, with artists spanning multiple genres and styles. This week's lineup showcases the breadth and creativity of the local music community, offering something for every music fan, from classic rock covers to cutting-edge genre-blending.

The details

The week kicks off with acclaimed guitarist Fred Benedetti's tribute to George Harrison at Dizzy's on Feb. 21, where he'll perform stunning new arrangements of Beatles classics. Beach rock and reggae favorites Safety Orange take the stage at The Holding Company on the same night. On Feb. 24, the big band The Cometeers will bring their infectious Latin-influenced jam sound to Winston's. Legendary singer-songwriter Steve Poltz returns to the Belly Up Tavern on Feb. 21-22 for a two-night birthday celebration, while the Eagles tribute band Hotel California performs at the Balboa Theatre on Feb. 22. Soulful singer Whitney Shay will perform at Panama 66 on Feb. 22, and pianist Danny Green will take the stage at Tio Leo's as part of their Sunday Night Jazz series. The week culminates with the San Diego Music Awards Nominees Announcement Party on Feb. 23 and a performance by the noir-inspired punk rock band The Strangulators at the Casbah on Feb. 25.

  • Fred Benedetti's tribute to George Harrison is on Saturday, Feb. 21.
  • Safety Orange performs at The Holding Company on Saturday, Feb. 21.
  • The Cometeers play at Winston's on Tuesday, Feb. 24.
  • Steve Poltz's two-night birthday celebration is on Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 21-22.
  • Hotel California performs at the Balboa Theatre on Sunday, Feb. 22.
  • Whitney Shay performs at Panama 66 on Sunday, Feb. 22.
  • Danny Green plays at Tio Leo's on Sunday, Feb. 22.
  • The SDMA Nominees Announcement Party is on Monday, Feb. 23.
  • The Strangulators perform at the Casbah on Wednesday, Feb. 25.

The players

Fred Benedetti

An acclaimed guitarist who is performing a tribute to George Harrison at Dizzy's.

Safety Orange

A beach rock and reggae band that is performing at The Holding Company.

The Cometeers

A Latin jazz-inspired jam band that is playing at Winston's.

Steve Poltz

A legendary singer-songwriter who is celebrating his birthday with a two-night show at the Belly Up Tavern.

Hotel California

An Eagles tribute band that is performing at the Balboa Theatre.

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What they’re saying

“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 and vibrant music scene is on full display this week, with a range of artists and genres catering to every music fan's taste. From classic rock tributes to cutting-edge genre-blending, this week's lineup showcases the creativity and talent that makes the city's music community so special.