Soul songstress Tori Roze and her group, The Hot Mess, will appear at the 710 Beach Club on Jan. 23, 9 p.m. Currently promoting her most recent album, the eight-song “Turbulence,” Roze is at the forefront of a new wave of soul stylists that has emerged in San Diego’s club scene over the past few years. Danceable, horn accented and hook-filled, Roze’s music is a groove-filled delight that, at its best, such as in the song “Little Black Ballerina,” does a wonderful job of evoking its 1970s influences while still keeping a modern edge. The album closes with a cover of Amy Winehouse’s “Do Me Good,” but Roze’s original material is what will draw you in. A fiery, passionate live performer, Roze and her band make music that’s both good for the soul and the dancefloor.
Tori Roze & the Hot Mess: Thursday, Jan. 23, at the 710 Beach Club, 710 Garnet Ave. 9 p.m. 21 and up. www.710bc.com Though Dizzy’s is known as San Diego’s premier jazz venue, it actually has an inclusive booking policy that also has seen world music, folk and occasionally, pop take its stage. On Jan. 24, 8 p.m. the Mosaic Quartet, an art-pop combo combining elements of classical music with rock, will perform at the Mission Bay nightspot. Though all the band’s members are multi-instrumentalists, the music is based around the twin pianos of Jonathan Belanger and Chetan Tierra, alongside bassist Melissa Creider and drummer Patrick Knightly. Belanger’s heartfelt vocals are key to the band’s sound, perfectly matched to its epic tunes. The Mosaic Quartet’s music is uniquely its own, but will appeal to fans of Mike Oldfield, Coldplay or Muse, with standout songs like “Superhero” equal parts craft and melody. Mosaic Quartet: Friday, Jan. 24 at Dizzy’s, 4275 Mission Bay Drive. 8 p.m. $15. www.dizzysjazz.com Zydeco fans don’t have to wait until this year’s Gator by the Bay festival to get their dose of rockin’ rhythms. On Jan. 28, 9 p.m., Theo and the Zydeco Patrol will perform its brand of blues, Southwest Louisiana Cajun and Zydeco at Tio Leo’s. No mere world music recital, this is music custom made to fill a dance floor, with an infectious beat and unbeatable spirit. The band has released five acclaimed albums to date, but this is a band that you ultimately want to experience rather than just listen to.
Theo and the Zydeco Patrol: Tuesday, Jan. 28 at Tio Leo’s, 5302 Napa St. 9 p.m. 21 and up. Cover TBD. www.tioleos.com Texas-based quartet Cosmic Wolf performs at Brick by Brick on Jan. 30, 8 p.m. Formed in 2012, though it has yet to release its first album, the group is already endorsed by Fender, with a major round of touring underway. Playing a combo of classic rock, angst-driven grunge and blues, with plenty of ringing guitar fretwork, as heard on such tracks as “Light It Up,” the group sounds radio-friendly and commercial as heck. If you like rock music in the same vein as Soundgarden or Faith No More, these guys are worth checking out. Cosmic Wolf: Thursday, Jan. 30, at Brick by Brick, 1130 Buenos Ave. 8 p.m. 21 and up. $5. www.brickbybrick.com Although Billy Joel hasn’t released any music in two decades, his catalog continues to be one of the strongest in music. Joel rarely tours anymore, but fans hungry to hear hits such as “Big Shot” to “Just the way You Are,” have a worthy local substitute in Joel tribute band, 52nd Street. Appearing at Humphrey’s Backstage Lounge on Feb. 5, 7 p.m., the band performs terrific versions of all the best-known songs, with an emphasis on the vocals. If you’re a pop fan, this show from 52nd Street at intimate Humphreys Backstage Live, truly is the next best thing to having Billy himself play in your living room.
52nd Street: Wednesday, Feb. 5 at Humphreys Backstage Live, 2241 Shelter Island Drive, Shelter Island. 7 p.m. $5. www.humphreysbackstagelive.com San Diego has become quite a jazz town over the past few decades, with a slew of great musicians calling our city home. While there are indeed many fine world-class players residing here, only one — Daniel Jackson — has an annual week celebrated in his honor. On Jan. 24, Dizzy’s kicks off the 2014 Daniel Jackson Week festivities, with a performance from the beloved tenor saxophonist alongside more musical heavyweights. For this concert, he will be joined by two additional jazz legends, bassist Marshall Hawkins and trombonist George Bohanon, ably backed by drummer Roy McCurdy, clarinetist Evan Christopher, guitarist Bob Boss and special guests. This show will thrill jazz fans, but anyone who enjoys top playing will find this to be a master class in musicianship.
Daniel Jackson: Saturday, Jan. 25 at Dizzy’s, 4275 Mission Bay Drive. 8 p.m. $20. www.dizzysjazz.com