Velika, Jesse Sykes, Sparklehorse and Jazz Bop are our picks of the performers this week.

VELIKA, Pressure Point, Brighton, July 14: This three-piece Brighton-based band is less than a year old and has already collected a following during various gigs around Brighton, Mid Sussex and London. Their music is upfront, catchy rock with big guitars and hip-hop rhythms and they aim to release their debut EP by the end of the year. Starts 8pm, tickets £4/£3. Call 01273 702333.

JESSE SYKES AND THE SWEET HEARAFTER, Hanbury Ballroom, Brighton, July 17: After last year's packed Prince Albert gig, the honey-voiced country singer from Seattle will this time treat a bigger crowd at the larger Kemp Town venue. Compared to Cowboy Junkies and Mazzy Star, this romantic group tell tales of dislocation, reconciliation, folk wisdom and mystery. Starts 7.30pm, tickets £7.50. Call 01273 325440.

SPARKLEHORSE, Concorde 2, Brighton, July 14: While on tour a few years ago, Mark Linkous, lead singer of this eccentric band from Virginia, had a near-death experience when he accidentally overdosed on a mix of prescription drugs and alcohol, and had to perform gigs in a wheelchair for several months. This has given spooky beauty to the guitar-soaked sound which has won them friends like Tom Waits and PJ Harvey. Starts 8pm, tickets £12.50. Call 01273 772770.

JAZZ BOP, Concorde 2, Brighton, July 17: It's something of a Russ Dewbury fortnight as the king of the Brighton Jazz Bop has two appointments across town - as well as Irakake at the Dome on July 19 there is this mini Jazz Bop two days before. Introducing DJ Marky who although only 28, is already a veritable superstar DJ in his homeland Brazil, the live act is London Elektricity, a seven-piece crew fusing funk and jazz. Jazz Bop starts 8pm, £11. 01273 772770.