Summer arts preview: Top 10 pop music concert picks

With apologies to woodchucks everywhere: How many San Diego summer concerts can a concertgoer go to if a San Diego concertgoer can go to an unlimited number of summer concerts? That question is easier to ask than to answer. There are so many options here this summer that the most intrepid concertgoer could clone themselves and still not get to all of them. Here, in chronological order, are 10 - concerts, not clones - at the top of our list.

Mount Kimbie, with Ash Koosha and Tirza

Best known in this country for their collaborations with James Blake, the English electronic music duo Mount Kimbie has kept a low profile in recent years. Yet, with only two albums to their credit, Dominic Maker and Kai Campos still have few peers when it comes to creating moody sonic landscapes that are both disorienting and strangely beguiling. 9 p.m., Wednesday. The Music Box, 1337 India St, downtown. $19-$22 (must be 18 or older to attend). (619) 795-1337 or musicboxsd.com.

Chris Potter Quartet

One of the most skilled and resourceful tenor saxophonists in jazz, Chris Potter has held his own collaborating with Herbie Hancock, Pat Metheny and other legends. He plays with robust intensity and an intriguing air of mystery. Potter’s touring band, which is featured on his terrific new ECM Records album, “The Dreamer is the Dream,” is just as good. 7:30 p.m., June 7. La Jolla Athenaeum, 1009 Wall St., La Jolla. $21 and $26. (858) 454-5872 or ljathenaeum.org.

TajMo: The Taj Mahal & Keb’ Mo’ Band

What do you get when two blues and American roots-music greats from two generations team up to record and tour? Something worth celebrating, as Keb’ Mo’ and Taj Mahal’s delightful new album, “TajMo,” readly attests. Their joint concert here could be even better. 7 p.m., June 11. Humphreys Concerts by the Bay, 2241 Shelter Island Drive, Point Loma. $60. (800) 745-3000 or ticketmaster.com.

King Crimson

Formed in 1968 by guitarist Robert Fripp, this pioneering art-rock band now has eight members, four of whom are drummers. Its shape-shifting music - which inspired everyone from Jimi Hendrix to Nirvana’s Kurt Cobain and the band Tool - remains as potent and uncompromising as ever. 7:30 p.m., June 19. Humphreys Concerts by the Bay, 2241 Shelter Island Drive, Point Loma. $115. (800) 745-3000 or ticketmaster.com.

Aldous Harding

Considering how whisper-soft her music can be, a bar may not be the ideal setting for this young New Zealand troubadour and her quietly haunting songs. Hopefully, the audience will be suitably hushed when she performs. 8:30 p.m., June 23. $10 (21 or older). Soda Bar, 3615 El Cajon Blvd., City Heights. $13-$15 (21 and up). (619) 255-7224 or sodabarmusic.com.

Buddy Guy

At 80, this vital Chicago blues guitar master and singer sounds as fiery as ever, as his 2016 concert here with longtime admirer and fellow six-string great Jeff Beck demonstrated. On a good night, Guy can delight. At his best, he’s transcendent. 8 p.m., July 23. Belly Up Tavern, 143 South Cedros Ave., Solana Beach. $88 (general admission), $154 (reserved seating); 21 or older. (858) 481-8140 or bellyup.com.

Metallica, with Avenged Sevenfold

The Rolling Stones and Paul McCartney have performed memorable concerts at Petco Park. But it’s unlikely either of them shook the rafters of this towering stadium with the skull-rattling force the mighty Metallica will put forth. 6 p.m., Aug. 6. Petco Park, 100 Park Blvd. downtown. $55.50 $155.50. (800) 745-3000 or ticketmaster.com.

Royal Blood

How hard can a drummer and singing bassist rock? Royal Blood, the English duo of Mike Kerr and Ben Thatcher, leave no doubt they can play with the same ferocity as a band two or three times as large. 8 p.m., Aug. 18. $28 Observatory North Park, 2891 University Ave., North Park. $28 (18 or older). (619) 239-8836 or ticketweb.com.

Regina Carter

This electrifying violinist shines whether playing jazz, classical, African music or reinventing a Jimi Hendrix classic. Better yet, Regina Carter brings a deep sense of joy to every mesmerizing note she plays. 8 p.m., Aug. 19. SummerFest, Conrad Prebys Concert Hall, UC San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla. $35-$75. (858) 459-3728 or ljms.com.

Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue and St. Paul & The Broken Bones

The Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre can seat more than 4,000. But it’s hard to imagine that most of the people attending this dance-happy double-bill won’t be on their feet for most of the evening to the music of two brassy bands that celebrate vibrant American music traditions with infectious verve. 7 p.m., Aug. 27. Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre at SDSU, 5500 Campanile Drive. $19.50-$45. (800) 745-3000 or ticketmaster.com.

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george.varga@sduniontribune.com