Few musicians have the visibility of musician/promoter Chris Leyva and his organization, The Black Cherry Group. A combination label, talent agency, booker and public relations machine, Black Cherry has begun hosting new talent nights at The Griffin, as is the case on Jan. 17. On hand will be R&B funksters the James Douglas Band and blues rockers Sweet Beautiful Chaos, as well singer-songwriters Margot Smokes and Kimmi Bitter. Anyone looking for the next big thing may want to check out this —Douglas in particular puts on an excellent show with hard-hitting originals and smokin’ version of Stevie Wonder’s “Superstitious” for those who make it to the encore. • The James Douglas Band performs at 9 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 17 at The Griffin, 1310 Morena Blvd. 21 and up. www.thegriffinsd.com Besides classical, there is no music better suited for film and television soundtracks than jazz, a fact set to be celebrated at Dizzy’s on Jan. 19 at a special concert, “Jazz Stories From Hollywood.” On hand will be a stellar lineup of pianist Reka Parker, drummer Bob Daniels, bassist Jeff Blanco and guitarist Dwight Love, with special guests trumpeter Derek Cannon and tenor saxophonist Joe Marillo. Mixing up a set list of classics and less known but no less worthy material, this concert will be a must for fans of jazz, instrumental music or the cinema. • “Jazz Stories from Hollywood” takes place at 8 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 19 at Dizzy’s, 4275 Mission Bay Drive. $15. www.dizzysjazz.com Singer-songwriter Kayla Hope performs at the Tiki House on Jan. 24. Blessed with a sunny personality, Hope has plenty of solid originals, but also brings new life to her cover tunes. Indeed, her acoustic version of Sublime’s “Santeria” may just top the original, trading it’s bombast for subtlety and warmth. The Tiki House is just about as intimate a venue as you can have and still manage to squeeze musicians in the corner (or on the pool table). In other words, it’s an ideal spot for a bit of fun and good tunes. With an artist as good as Hope, the night should turn into a massive sing-a-along, from an artist you’ll want to see again and again. • Kayla Hope: Thursday, Jan. 24 at The Tiki House, 1152 Garnet Avenue. No cover. 9 p.m. 21 and up. www.tikipb.com He’s been a local icon for more than three decades, but Joey Harris isn’t slowing down one bit. Performing Jan. 25 at Tio Leo’s, Harris is best known for his stint in the Beat Farmers, though he has played with numerous acts, including punk band Fingers and Kingston Trio tunesmith John Stewart. These days, Harris hits the stage with his current combo The Mentals, but longtime fans will be pleased to note he still includes his classic songs like “The Girl I Almost Married” in his sets. Harris’s roots and garage rock are always perfect for filling the dance floor and good times galore. • Joey Harris & The Mentals perform at 9 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 25 at Tio Leo’s, 5302 Napa St. 21 and up. Cover TBD. www.tioleos.com German neo-classical metal guitarist Uli Jon Roth appears at Brick by Brick on Jan. 27. Fans have the option of attending either just the show or a full day of workshops and sound checks. Either way, you’ll hear spectacular fretwork from one of the most revered players on the planet. From his days with heavy-metal kings the Scorpions through his more recent solo classical work, Roth has proven himself one of the benchmarks against which other guitarists are measured. Hard-rock fans won’t want to miss this performance, but anyone who enjoys death-defying guitar playing will love every second of Roth’s set. • Uli Jon Roth performs at 7 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 27 at Brick by Brick, 1130 Buenos Ave. 21 and up. $20. www.brickbybrick.com