Saturday

04-19-2025 Vol 1935

Upcoming Musical Events Featuring Em Beihold, Orianthi, and Mackenzie Leighton

Excitement is building for a series of upcoming musical events, showcasing a blend of genres and talent that highlights both emerging artists and established musicians.

One of the most anticipated performances is Em Beihold’s Super Small Semi Secret Piano Tour.

Beihold, a talented singer-songwriter and UC San Diego alum, has made a name for herself with her heartfelt and introspective music.

Recognized for her academic achievements in addition to her musical talent, Beihold earned the Chancellor’s Scholar-Athlete Award in 2019 for her fencing accomplishments at UCSD.

Songwriters like Beihold explore impactful themes, with her chart-topping hit “Numb Little Bug” addressing the numbing effects of antidepressants, while “12345” draws inspiration from techniques used to manage anxiety attacks.

Another notable song, “Roller Coasters Make Me Sad,” tackles the pressures of living up to expectations, both internally and externally.

At just 26, Beihold has generalized anxiety disorder, a subject that resonates with many young artists today.

With growing discourse around mental health issues in the music industry, Beihold joins the ranks of artists like Billie Eilish, Doja Cat, Ariana Grande, and Halsey, who openly share their struggles through their work.

Having graduated in 2020 with a major in communications and a minor in business from UCSD, Beihold has showcased her musical talent at prominent venues, including a recent performance at the Epstein Family Amphitheater in San Diego.

Drawing inspiration from artists such as Regina Spektor and Fiona Apple, Beihold’s unique voice and sound have carved out a distinct space for her in the contemporary music scene.

Fans can catch Beihold’s performance at Lou Lou’s Jungle Room at the Lafayette Hotel on Wednesday at 7 p.m., with tickets priced at $30 for attendees aged 21 and older.

Another noteworthy performance this weekend is by guitarist, singer, and songwriter Orianthi, who will be taking the stage with The Blitz Brothers.

Originally from Australia, Orianthi has been a fixture in the Los Angeles music scene since 2005 and has collaborated with a wide array of artists, including Carrie Underwood, Alice Cooper, and Michael Bolton.

Orianthi’s career took an unexpected turn when she was poised to be the lead guitarist for Michael Jackson’s anticipated 50-concert residency at London’s O2 Arena, which was tragically canceled due to Jackson’s untimely death.

With seven solo albums to her credit, Orianthi is set to release a new album titled “Some Kind of Feeling” this year.

Additionally, she is working on an exciting power-trio album inspired by the Jimi Hendrix Band of Gypsys, which will feature drummer Cindy Blackman Santana and bassist Rhonda Smith.

Orianthi’s current shows have become a fan favorite as she concludes with her interpretation of Hendrix’s classic “Voodoo Child (Slight Return),” a rendition that has garnered over 10 million views on YouTube.

Fans can catch Orianthi this Sunday at Belly Up in Solana Beach at 8 p.m., with tickets priced from $35 to $62, also for attendees aged 21 and older.

Finally, a special tribute celebrating the legendary bassist and composer Charles Mingus will take place this Friday night, led by prominent San Diego bassist Mackenzie Leighton.

Director of the jazz ensemble at Cal State San Marcos, Leighton is known for collaborating with renowned musicians and has assembled a talented group for this tribute.

The ensemble will feature skilled San Diego saxophonists Brian Levy and Christopher Hollyday, pianist Ed Kornhauser, and drummer Tyler Kreutel.

Jazz enthusiasts can attend this highly anticipated performance at Dizzy’s at Arias Hall on Friday at 8 p.m.

As the local music scene continues to thrive, these upcoming events are set to showcase an impressive array of talent, proving to be unmissable experiences for fans of all genres.

image source from:https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2025/04/17/the-three-san-diego-concerts-music-fans-will-want-to-check-out-this-week/

Abigail Harper