San Diego has always had a thriving hard-rock scene. National breakouts have ranged from Ratt to As I Lay Dying. Two of the most popular current chart contenders — Cage and Benedictum — join forces on July 8 at Brick by Brick. In addition to both groups having a fervent local following, they are both much more popular in Europe, where they routinely play large festivals. Cage is one of the longest-running bands in the area after forming in 1992. It will perform in support of its new DVD, “Rise to Power,” showing it hasn’t lost any of its fire in the ensuing years. Meanwhile, Benedictum is performing in support of its new album, “Dominion,” before heading to Europe this fall. If you like music loud and heavy, this ones for you. Earplugs advised. Cage/Benedictum perform at 8 p.m. on Friday, July 8 at Brick by Brick, 1130 Buenos Ave. 21 and up. $10. www.cageheavymetal.com Sene Africa performs West African music from Senegal. Comprised of guitarist and vocalist Ibrahima Ba and Kora player Amadou Fall, Sene Africa appears at Café Bar Europa on Sunday, July 10 with a guest percussionist to enhance its songs. While its sound certainly falls into the world music category, this isn’t music just for those who like exotic instrumentation. Anyone who enjoys up-tempo, rhythm-heavy tunes will enjoy this duo. Sene Africa performs at 7 p.m. on Sunday, July 10 at Café-Bar Europa, 873 Turquoise St. All ages. No cover. www.theturquoise.com/wordpress Guitar aficionados will want to visit Costa Brava — and not just for the great tapas. On Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, the Spanish restaurant also hosts world-class flamenco guitarists at 7 p.m. Holding down the Wednesday night residency is Edward Fishwick, perhaps best known for his work with the Albaicin Trio. A virtuoso performer, Fishwick’s dedication to his craft is evident from the first notes he plays. Letting the strings of the guitar take the melody, it’s easy to overlook the instrumental nature of this music. With the mix of Spain’s native foods and sounds, this is just about the perfect match of venue and artists. Edward Fishwick performs at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, July 13 and Wednesday, July 20 at Costa Brava, 1653 Garnet Ave. No cover. www.costabravasd.com. There are few local groups quite as versatile as The Sensations, who appear at Tio Leo’s on July 16. The night’s set will focus on danceable rock and soul. However, the five-piece combo can provide everything from a classical guitar and violin pairing to a set of Beatles hits, a jazz rendition of “Autumn Leaves” and Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Call Me The Breeze.” This is truly a band that offers something for just about everybody. The Sensations perform at 9 p.m. on Saturday, July 16 at Tio Leo’s, 5302 Napa St. 21 and up. Cover TBD. www.sensationsband.com Lots of reggae-inspired bands call San Diego home, but not many are as prolific as Stone Senses, which performs at the Typhoon Saloon on July 20. The six-piece band first hit local stages in 2004, racking up three albums, two EPs and more than 500 shows since. All the hard work adds up to a strong performing style and one of the deeper repertoires of a local reggae group. The band lists ‘rock’ in its influences, but it’s the soul-inflected numbers like “No More Babylon” that set Stone Senses apart, landing its music somewhere between Jimmy Cliff’s late-period commercial sounds and The English Beat’s world music blend. Stone Senses performs a 10 p.m. on Wednesday, July 20 at the Typhoon Saloon, 1165 Garnet Ave. 21 and up. No cover. www.typhoonsaloon.com