NIGHTLIFE NOTES
for December 2001
by Jonathan King

Dewey Redman Quartet
December 1—A night of jazz featuring legendary sax player Dewey Redman at the Colony Cafe in Woodstock. Blues, bop, and free jazz all exist in the extensive repertoire of this versatile tenor sax innovator who also is a master of the Musette, a small North African bagpipe. 8 PM. $15 advance/$18 door. 679-5342.

Alternating Currents Concert Series
December 4—The Alternating Currents Concert Series, curated by Stephan Moore, continues with new tape works and electro-acoustic improvisations from musicians at Bard College, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and SUNY-Albany. This performance, based at the Pauline Oliveros Foundation’s Gallery at Deep Listening Space in Kingston will feature electronic musicians Joseph Reinsel (RPI) and Bob Gluck (SUNY-Albany) using their self-designed performance systems. 75 Broadway, Kingston. 8 PM. $8. www.deeplistening.org. 339-6858.

Alan Chartock and the Berkshire Ramblers
December 8—A night of down-home music with ALan Chartock, the “Me” of WAMC’s political talk show “Me and Mario,” and his smoking ramblers. Who said that politics and finger picking don’t mix? A Berkshire hootenanny at the Rosedale Cafe. 9PM. $8. 658-9048.

Mercury Rev
December 12 — As they tour the world to promote their new album All Is Dream catch Ear Whacks feature alumni (September) in their last stateside appearance before heading off to Japan. With special guest Nikki Sudden at Irving Plaza in NYC. 8 PM. $17.50 advance/$19 door. www.ticketmaster.com. 454-3388.

Chronogram Holiday Party
December 12—Come out for a magazine mixer and meet the people who craft Chronogram. Celebrating eight years of making the planet a safer, smarter and generally more cultured place. Featuring free food and live music at the West Strand Grill in Kingston. 6 PM. 334-8600.

King Crimson
December 13, 14—Robert Fripp leads the latest incarnation of the progressive rock band he formed in the ’70s as they revel in heavy discordant soundscapes, bombastic jazz influenced compositions and generally astounding musicianship at the Beacon Theater in New York City. www.ticketmaster.com. 454-3388.

Dee Snider
December 15—I wanna rock! And so can you at a night of Twisted Sister classics with the front-man from one of the biggest big hair bands of the ’80s. The Chance in Poughkeepsie. $20. 471-1966.

Hudson Valley Philharmonic
December 15—Holiday Pops. Conducted by Randall Craig Fleischer, the Hudson Valley Philharmonic will be performing a program of traditional carols, classical holiday music and gospel with over 150 performers including Ulster Choral Society, Bethel Mass Choir, Martin Luther King Community Choir, Klocken Ringers and surprise guests. At Quimby Theater, SUNY/Ulster in Stone Ridge. 8 PM. $24.50/$22.50/$20.50. 473-2072.

A Winter Solstice Concert with Happy and Artie Traum
December 15—Legendary folk singers Happy and Artie Traum will be performing with special guests, including Molly Mason, Jay Ungar and John Sebastian in a Winter Solstice Concert at the Kleinert/James Arts Center in Woodstock. 8 PM. $20. 679-2079.

Ozzy Osbourne
December 18 — If you like your rock music loud, bloody, and weird come out for a little Christmas fear with the Merry Mayhem Tour featuring Ozzy, with special guests Rob Zombie and Mudvayne at the Pepsi Arena in Albany. www.ticketmaster.com. 454-3388.

Murali Coryell with Tony Levin and Jerry Marotta
December 22—Local blues guitarist/vocalist Murali Coryell performs with an all-star rhythm section of bassist Tony Levin (Peter Gabriel, King Crimson) and drummer Jerry Marotta (Peter Gabriel, Eric Clapton) at The Colony Cafe in Woodstock. 9 PM. 679-5342.

Towne Crier New Year’s Eve Party with Debbie Davies Blues Band, Todd Charles, and Von Em
December 31—The Towne Crier in Pawling has made New Year’s a tradition as they have held this party every year since their opening in 1972, which includes a four-course dinner, bottle of champagne, and an open bar. $150/person. Or just see the show for $60/person, which includes a champagne toast. Dinner/7 PM. Show/10 PM. 855-1300.