Reggae legend hits up 4th & B One of the most influential reggae artists of all time, Lee “Scratch” Perry, performs at 4th & B on Dec. 9 at 8 p.m. Perry been a mainstay of reggae music for more than five decades, producing not only dozens of albums of his own work, but also significant recordings for the likes of Bob Marley, Junior Murvin and the Heptones. Now in his 70s, Perry hasn’t slowed down a bit, releasing 12 albums in the last four years, in addition to collaborations with the likes of Moby. If you are a fan of island sounds or world music, you shouldn’t pass up this chance to catch a set form one of reggae’s founding fathers. Lee Scratch Perry: Friday Dec. 9 at 4th & B, 345 B St. 8 p.m. 21 and up. $30. www.4thandbevents.com Holiday favorites at Dizzy’s Dizzy’s continues to be one of the area’s best places to catch jazz, specializing in performances you won’t see elsewhere. Such is the case with Jingle Bell Jazz, a holiday presentation taking place at Dizzy’s on Dec. 18 at 6 p.m. Music will be provided by the Mesa College Big Band under the direction of James Romeo, professor and musical director at the school, as well as San Diego symphony member. While there will be few musical surprises in the set list of seasonal favorites, you can expect intricate arrangements and rhythms from this mix of Mesa College’s top music students and seasoned veterans. This show is the perfect way to kick off the week before Christmas in festive style. Jingle Bell Jazz: Sunday, Dec. 11 at Dizzy’s, 200 Harbor Drive. 6 p.m. All ages. $15. www.dizzysjazz.com Jazz icon to play Croce’s Local jazz icon Daniel Jackson appears at Croce’s on Dec. 18 at 11:30 a.m. Jackson’s saxophone and piano have been part of San Diego’s musical landscape since the 1950s, with several generations of locals being mentored by him, including the likes of trumpeter Gilbert Castellanos and A.J. Croce. Jackson has worked with a multitude of big names, including a touring stint with Ray Charles, but largely performs in solo mode today. If you haven’t experienced Jackson’s musical magic yet, this mix of Croce’s great food and Jackson’s great music is the perfect opportunity to do so. Daniel Jackson: Sunday, Dec. 18 at Croce’s Jazz Bar, 802 Fifth Ave. 11:30 a.m. 21 and up. www.croces.com Rocking out at Anthology One of the lynchpins of the 1960s and 1970s British rock scene, guitarist Dave Mason, who appears at Anthology on Dec. 28 and 29, may not be quite a household name, but he’s worked with just about everyone of note. A founding member of Traffic, Mason penned the bands mega hit “Feelin’ Alright,” since covered by everyone from Tom Jones to Paul Weller. His own biggest recording was 1977’s “We Just Disagree,” but he’s also on tracks by Jimi Hendrix, The Rolling Stones, Fleetwood Mac and many more. He’s only released one album in the last 24 years. With a set list full of radio staples, however, Mason’s show should still be a real crowd pleaser. Dave Mason: Wednesday and Thursday, Dec. 28 and 29 at Anthology, 1337 India St. 7:30 p.m. 21 and up. $19-$79. www.anthologysd.com Van Roth rocks weekly at The Stage Classic rock aficionados will want to check out Van Roth, a Van Halen tribute band performing at the Stage every Thursday, 8:30 p.m., in December. Specializing in the quartet’s early years, when manic singer David Lee Roth fronted the band, Van Roth gets the music right with a set full of favorites such as “Ain’t Talkin’ ’Bout Love” and “Runnin’ with the Devil.” However, what really sells the whole thing is the musicians’ attempt to get the look and feel of the group, from a Roth doppelganger singing to repros of the famous Eddie Van Halen axes. Van Roth ignores the Sammy Hagar era of Van Halen, but with all the best songs on the group’s first four albums anyway, no one’s complaining. Van Roth: Thursdays at The Stage, 762 Fifth Avenue. 8:30 p.m. 21 and up. www.stagesaloon.com MUST HEAR There are many great Christmas traditions in San Diego, but for music fans, nothing is quite as fun as the annual rock ’n’ roll blast of Exile on Kettner Blvd. Held each year at the Casbah on Christmas Eve, the free event revolves around the music of the Rolling Stones, with former Dragons front man Mario Escovedo and musical friends performing a mix of classic tracks. This is no tribute band, but rather a gathering of San Diego’s best musicians, having a good time playing the songs of one of their favorite groups. Part of the excitement of this show is never knowing who might join in. Past events have had everyone from Steve Poltz to El Vez pop up for a tune or two. The focus is on the 1970s, with tunes such as “Tumbling Dice” and “Happy,” but with more than two hours of material to run through, there will be plenty on offer to please any Stones or rock fan. Exile on Kettner Blvd.: Saturday, Dec. 24 at The Casbah, 2501 Kettner Blvd. 9 p.m. 21 and up. Free. www.casbahmusic.com