Griffin is a brand-new nightclub that has opened at the former location of O’Connell’s. Completely revamped, the venue is already taking on a more proactive booking policy than the previous location, with themed nights (blues, 1980’s, comedy, karaoke), DJ sets and bands ranging from up-and-coming rockers to seasoned tribute acts. On Sept. 3, the club hosts San Diego’s premier funk and soul band the Styletones. Fronted by the ultra-dynamic Steve Harris, the band’s sole purpose is to get an audience up and moving. If you haven’t checked out Griffin yet, this night of dance-floor action is the perfect excuse. The Styletones perform at 8 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 3 at Griffin, 1310 Morena Blvd., 21 and up. $15 adv. www.myspace.com There are many fine jazz musicians in San Diego, but most of them seem to be centered in the vocals/piano/guitar nexus. There are a few renowned horn players, but woodwinds are a true rarity. This is part of what makes the Joseph Howell Jazz Quartet so special. Appearing at Café-Bar Europa on Sept. 5, clarinet player Howell is a master of both classical and jazz sounds, inspired by the likes of Artie Shaw and Sidney Bechet. Though Howell’s music is by no means retro, it will strike a chord with anyone who has a few Blue Note albums in their collection. The Joseph Howell Jazz Quartet performs Monday, Sept. 5 at Café-Bar Europa, 873 Turquoise St. 21 and up. No cover. www.theturquoise.com/wordpress Formed in 2005, Devastating Karate just might be one of Southern California’s best-kept secrets — though not for long. The Venice-based country punk band stops in at RT’s Longboard on Sept. 9. Similar in sound to the Rugburns, minus the manic Poltz edge, or a stripped-down Cracker, Devastating Karate’s mix of country laments, like “Don’t Serve You Anymore” and twangy rockers like “Arrested” are the perfect soundtrack music for a Saturday night. With five releases to its credit, the band has been picking up steam of late. Check out its music in the upcoming Christian Slater film “Rites of Passage.” Devastating Karate performs at 10 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 9 at RT’s Longboard, 1466 Garnet Ave. 21 and up. www.myspace.com/devastatingkarate Interestingly, while there are plenty of cover bands in town, very few actually play modern music. An exception to that is Rising Star, which performs at Tio Leo’s on Sept. 9. An excellent Top-40 band, this is the group you want to see for tunes full of beats and rhythm, with a set list full of songs by the likes of Cee-Lo, Rhianna, Akon and Lady Gaga. Expect the music to be bass heavy and the dance floor to be packed. Rising Star performs at 9 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 9 at Tio Leo’s, 5302 Napa St. 21 and up. Cover TBD. www.risingstarband.net Orange County-based singer-songwriter Erik Macek hosts a CD-release show at the 710 Beach Club on Sept. 10. Playing acoustic blues and pop not too far from the sounds of Jason Mraz or Dave Matthews, Macek has a way with a song hook. Tunes like “Home” catch his sound at its best — light but full of charm. Though some of his music is a bit similar sounding, there is no denying his songs are about as catchy as it gets. Erick Macek performs at 9 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 10 at the 710 Beach Club, 710 Garnet Ave. 21 and up. Cover TBD. www.myspace.com/macek