It’s a really big weekend for live music in the Bay Area. Here are three shows worth considering:
New Edition
Get ready to sing along to such memorable hits as “Candy Girl,” “Cool It Now” and “Mr. Telephone Man” when this classic R&B act — featuring Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins, Bobby Brown, Ronnie DeVoe, Ralph Tresvant and Johnny Gill — bring the Culture Tour to Oakland Arena on March 18. Jodeci and Charlie Wilson are also on the bill. Details: Show time is 8 p.m. and tickets start at $59, ticketmaster.com.
Al Di Meola
Whether performing electric or acoustic, this celebrated guitarist is nothing short of a marvel to behold. Di Meola — whose multifaced career includes performing with Chick Corea, Stanley Clarke and Lenny White in the amazing fusion group Return to Forever — visits Yoshi’s in Oakland for four shows in two nights. Show times are 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. March 19 and 7 and 9 p.m. March 20. Tickets are $49-$80, yoshis.com.
Chris Potter
The sensational saxophonist is set to perform four nights at SFJAZZ Center in San Francisco. He’ll lead a 19-piece big band, featuring vocalist Gretchen Parlato, in the premiere of an evening-length song cycle during 7:30 p.m. sets on March 17 and 18. Then he’s performing with an all-star trio “plus one” — featuring bassist Dave Holland, keyboardist Craig Taborn and drummer Eric Harland — at 7:30 p.m. March 19 and 7 p.m. March 20. Tickets are $30-$95, sfjazz.org.
Source: www.mercurynews.com