In a city full of outsize musical personalities, Jefferson Jay is one who truly stands out. A serial overachiever, Jay is prolific to a fault. A gifted performer in the tradition of Frank Zappa or Syd Barrett, Jay hosts has own gigs, guest spots and music releases. But since last Thanksgiving, he has been posting three videos a day on YouTube: an original song, a cover and a clip he shot of another performer. On Friday, Nov. 11, Jay will release his fifth album, “Gift to Be Alive,” with a CD-release show at The Griffin. While Jay has certainly made an impact with his own projects, his biggest contribution to San Diego has been as a promoter of other artists. He has staged various music series at numerous venues around San Diego, including La Jolla’s Athenaeum, but where he’s really made his name is as a host of open-mic nights around town. Having hosted events at eight venues over the last nine years, he’s started up a new one at The Reunion, 2205 Mendocino Ave. in Point Loma, on Wednesday nights from 8 to 11 p.m. “I love to give people an opportunity to perform, to pump them up and make them feel great when they do it,” said Jay. “Everybody has something special to offer and I like giving them a place where that can happen.” With his hosting skills and a large group of musical friends, he said the show can have a variety-show feel at times — a big change from his previous open-mic nights. “This one is only acoustic,” he said. “Due to neighborly considerations, we will not be accommodating all the fine bands and heavy-metal guitarists for whom volume is a big part of their sound,” he said. “As fun as that is, this is a cozy room and a cozy part of town, so we won’t be making a giant ruckus. Just a reasonable-size, acoustic ruckus.” Aside from the acoustic-only guidelines, Jay said he’s open to all styles of music. “I am looking for kind people with something to share, friendly people who can contribute to a community of musicians,” he said. Further, participants need not worry about being critiqued negatively, either, he said. “I am not a judge,” Jay said. “There is no Simon Cowell at my shows — ever.” In addition to weekly hosting, he also performs a song or two as the occasion dictates. “I’ve seen hosts who put themselves at the prime spot and milk their moment every week,” he said. “I like making the performers the stars. I have my Jefferson Jay Band for when I want to be in the spotlight.” He said there is a bit of synchronicity with the venue’s name. “I love that the place is called The Reunion,” Jay said. “It couldn’t be more fitting. I’ve been out of the open mic loop for a little bit right now, so it is a reunion indeed for a lot of my friends from the old days, who are finally getting to hang out again.” Jay has been a big part of San Diego’s music scene for over a decade, but he said slowing down is not an option. “Honestly, I don’t take this life for granted,” he said. “I think there is a lot that people need to do to make the world the kind of place we can leave to our children and grandchildren proudly. I take that kind of stuff seriously and music is my medium of choice most of the time.” Past endeavors include radio broadcasting and acting, but music is clearly where his heart is. “Music is what my friends and I do, but to me, the point is the message: ‘Why are we here?’ ‘What matters?’” he asked. “Love and treating each other right, that’s what matters. That’s why I do music. That, and it’s fun.” Jefferson Jay hosts at 8 p.m. on Wednesdays at The Reunion, 2205 Mendocino Ave. No cover. 21 and up. www.jeffersonjay.com