San Diego music fans have a lot of options when it comes to events, but one of the best-kept secrets is the free “Listen Local” event that takes place every Thursday at Winston’s Beach Club from 5 to 8 p.m. Now in its third year, the show is emceed by promoter and musician Cathryn Beeks, host of KPRI-FM’s “Homegrown Hour” and features an eclectic mix of acoustic artists and bands. Upcoming performers include The Mighty Sun and singer-songwriter Bianca Paras (today, Jan. 5), Two Worlds Connect (Jan. 12), Julian Temple (Jan. 19) and 90’s Vow (Jan. 26). Since her arrival in San Diego in 1999, Beeks has worked tirelessly to promote local music, with showcases at several venues around San Diego — including the House of Blues. However, she said this particular music series is her favorite. “I think that Winston’s is one of the great San Diego stages,” Beeks said. “No matter what, there’s always a handful of people in the bar just hanging out. It’s a cool, comfortable place and one of the venues where a lot of my ‘Listen Local’ regulars come, the people that really support the area’s music community.” Beeks said she recognizes 5 p.m. is an early start time for a club show and that listeners’ post-work transit can certainly be an issue for local music lovers. “We are booking a lot of Ocean Beach residents in the first two spots,” Beeks said. “The traffic is pretty crazy at that time of day getting into OB, so it can be rough in the earlier part of the show.” While Beeks’ radio show trends towards original singer-songwriter and rock artists, the night is open to all genres. “Winston’s is cool because we can have any kind of music,” Beeks said. “It ranges from thrash metal to softer music, though things are never quite that extreme. “It used to be just an acoustic showcase, but we’ve since welcomed all styles,” she said. “Luckily, our soundman can handle all the different setups.” Anyone interested in performing can contact Beeks directly via the “Listen Local” website. “It’s easy to sign up,” she said. “Just send me an email with a link to your music and you’re in. It’s that easy.” Beeks doesn’t generally perform at her own events, despite a wealth of material and a wonderful voice. To date, she’s released three discs: “Songs for Sale” (2003), plus a pair of additional albums with her now-defunct backing group, The Ordeal; “Desert Music” (2008) and “Mood Swings” (2009). Meanwhile, Beeks has been part of numerous groups, including JunkQueen (1998), The Joans (2000), 8-ball Rack (2001), The Ghandi Method (2003), The Downtown Money Wasters (2004), Not Your Mom (2007) and the Groove Kitties (2011). With the disbanding of the Groove Kitties recently, Beeks is taking a breather from performing, though she plans to have a new band hitting area clubs next year. “Matt Silvia, formerly of The Ordeal, and I are starting to write some songs again,” Beeks said. “Whether it’s The Ordeal or some other project involving San Diego all-stars, I just don’t know yet.” In the meantime, she said she’ll continue bringing live music to lucky San Diegans. Pressed for a favorite thing about the Winston’s showcase series, Beeks is quick to mention the warm, friendly vibe. “I’ve gotten to know so many people in that neighborhood,” she said. “The bartender is my best friend.” She relates a recent incident she feels demonstrates what a special place Winston’s is. “At our Christmas show, the owner was in, and I guess he was taken with all of the Christmas songs everyone was performing,” Beeks said. “He ended up buying the whole bar a round.” • Listen Local Showcase: 5 p.m. on Thursdays at Winston’s Beach Club, 1921 Bacon St. No cover. 21 and up. www.listenlocalsd.com.