Nina Francis

Nina Francis has one goal when she performs tonight at Little Italy’s 98 Bottles — and, no, taking one down and passing it around isn’t one of them.

“This show marks the beginning of my post-grad plans to establish myself as a regular in San Diego’s local music scene,” said Francis, 22. She graduated this year from USC, where she earned a degree in popular music with an emphasis on singing and songwriting.

Judging by her arresting debut EP, the three-song “Nina Francis,” this San Diego native should have little difficulty achieving her goal. (Ticket information about her 98 Bottles concert appears at the conclusion of this article.)

Guitar great Peter Sprague has mentored her since she was a sophomore at the Bishop’s School, whose jazz ensemble recorded an album in 2008 at Sprague’s North County studio. He will accompany Francis tonight at 98 Bottles. Her band will also feature Sprague’s saxophone-playing brother, Tripp, and three recent USC music grads — guitarist Max Wagner, violinist Nora Germain and singer Nick Belcher.

"I met Nina when she came to record with the Bishop's School students and her singing really stood out in the midst of the chaos that is a high school big band," Sprague recalled. "Then I found out she wrote her own songs and we've done a few concerts together. Her dedication to her craft has really impressed me and I look forward to doing more music with her."

Francis’ influences range from The Beatles to Eva Cassidy. During her time at USC’s Thornton School of Music, she was mentored by Glen Ballard. The veteran producer and songwriter has worked with Michael Jackson, Alanis Morissette, the Dave Matthews Band, San Diego’s P.O.D. and many more.

Ballard produced “London in the Rain,” which Francis co-wrote with Wagner and recorded with Wagner and Bishop’s School alum Michael Armstrong. It’s an impressive chamber-pop love ballad that briefly pays mid-song homage to Beach Boys’ mastermind Brian Wilson.

“I have been to London,” Francis said, smiling. “It never stopped raining! And I did fall in love.” - U-T San Diego